An Interesting Truth About Prayer
It’s always interesting to share about prayer; so many great men and women of God have offered great insights from God’s Word concerning prayer and its purpose. I’ve heard numerous explanations of what prayer is, such as: communication with God, the way we bring Heaven to Earth, the Master’s key, a way of accessing God’s heart, and many other things that are completely accurate! I’d rather not repeat or list the vast definitions of prayer or even try to give some new deep sounding definition of prayer; but, know that, no matter how many definitions of prayer you have, the most important thing we MUST know about prayer, is that it’s SIMPLE!
Once we understand the simplicity of prayer, we can make the shift to making prayer our lifestyle. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that prayer is a complicated thing, or that it’s so deep that you spend more time figuring out what to pray than you do actually praying. Here’s truth number one about prayer: it’s simple and the Word of God clearly defines what prayer is—once you understand even the littlest truth about prayer, you can accomplish so much with prayer; the key is to be certain about what you know about prayer—for example, here’s a Biblical truth regarding prayer:
"And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." -Isaiah 65:24 (KJV)
To sum this verse: God knows our needs before we ask, in fact, He often wants to answer them more than we want to pray them. As previously stated, prayer is simple, so don’t get caught up in feeling like it’s burdensome—just pray! If you are reading this, and you don’t believe in Jesus, know that, eventually, there’ll come a time when you’ll face situations that are outside of your control; at that moment, when you’re ready to lay hold of a power and provision that is able to reconcile the issues in your life, that are without your reach, you can start by calling upon the name of Jesus Christ, who is also God, asking Him for forgiveness of your sins and to fill you with His Spirit. Then will you be fully ready to engage the area of prayer.
Now before I share this interesting truth that I’ve learned about prayer, I want to address a few things: One, prayer can be thought of various ways—I personally think of prayer in a number of ways. There are also various types of prayers, such as prophetic prayer, declarative prayer, intercession, spiritual warfare prayers, etc. Additionally, many people have come to me in the past with an odd concern regarding their prayer life: they usually tell me they have a problem praying or feel awkward in their personal prayer time because they always pray about the same things or don’t know what to pray about. If you’re in that position, the good news is that this interesting truth about prayer will help you with that.
All right, here’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for; here’s how the Lord Jesus has begun to expand my understanding of what prayer is! (Drum Roll please! :P) It’s true that prayer is a way of encountering God, a way of communication, and a way of accessing God’s presence and provision, but of recent I’ve started to understand that PRAYER IS A PLACE. This revelation has been especially beneficial for my personal prayer life. Prayer is a place. It’s the place that you run to when you want to meet with God. When you want Almighty God, who created the Universe and everything in it, to take a moment and pay attention to you, you must run to prayer.
Prayer is a place of mutual agreement, where the believer meets with God and God with the believer. Amos 3:3 says “can two walk together except they be agreed?” When we journey to our place of prayer to meet with God, the implication is that we have humbled ourselves and are ready to agree with God and with what He already wants to do in our lives and in the life of those around us. Going into prayer, makes the statement, “I CHOOSE to no longer be prideful, believing that I have enough power and control to take care of my own life.” (Anyways that was a bit of a side note☺.)
Prayer is a place. I think of Jacob in Genesis 28, where Jacob encountered God in a dream. After his encounter with God, he set a stone as a memorial and named the place Bethel—House of God. Now, let me go off on a tangent for a brief moment to tie this in so it makes sense for our lives. According to 1 John 5:14, when we pray according to God’s will, He hears us and if we know He hears us, then we can be certain that we have whatever we ask for. What this means is we must pray in the will of God. Jesus also says in John 16:23-24, that, when we ask God the Father for anything IN THE NAME OF JESUS, meaning, according to Jesus’ character and nature, we will receive whatever we ask for.
So, how can you know the will of God, to pray it? The answer is: through the Word of God. We have to pray the Word of God, because God’s Word is also His will. Simply, the Will of God is what brings God pleasure, His desires, and His wants; these are all made known by and through His Word. Sounds simple enough, right? Even we as humans, convey our wants and our desires through words. The importance of talking about this is because 1 John 5:14 says, when we ask according to His will, we will automatically get what we have asked; His will is found in His Word, which we must pray to Him in our place of prayer.
What does this all mean? It means God has spoken/will speak His Word to you, that you may know His will, in order for you to pray it, so that He can do what you’ve asked Him—what He wills. Remember, when we pray according to His will, He will automatically answer (1 John 5:14). Now, personally, I pray over the same things in my personal prayer time; one of the reasons I pray the same things over and over again is because God’s Word and Will do not change. Hebrews 13:8 tells us that Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever more. God’s Word and His will do not change.
Oluwatobi Oke is a young entrepreneur from the University of Maryland College Park who is the CEO of Good Lord Clothing. He's the Vice President of Bethel Campus Fellowship and attends Hope Christian Church In Beltsville Md. He shares the Gospel through rap music and considers himself a worshipper rather than a rapper. Not to mention he plays the Congo's.
MABINTY "LADY B" B.
MaBinty Bangura20 University of Maryland, College Park Student/ World Changer
[Q]: How would you describe your style? [A]: I feel like I go through phases with my style, at the moment now I consider myself a Minimal Monotone Master meaning I like to wear different shades of the same solid colors, but even when I’m not coordinating my colors I still usually like clothes with clean lines, classic silhouettes and neutral pallet. I guess my style is feminine with and unexpected edge.
[Q]: How has your style change once you started pursuing Christ? [A]: As I grew in my Christian walk and started to think of modesty as a lifestyle rather than a “Dress Code” I saw how the Holy Spirit really guided me to change alter my style a bit. Our actions say a lot about who we are and getting dressed is an action so what we wear says a lot about who we are. Motives and intentions are big thing. We dress to express our interest and describe out being. Now MODESTY. Being Christian doesn’t mean that our style has to suffer!! There are ways to be fly and still be modest in our clothing.
[Q]: What is your typical outfit? [A]: Slim Pants and an oversized top or jacket. My top and bottoms are usually the same color, or similar colors. I like to add one bold piece like a popping color or print shoe, jacket, hat, or necklace.
[Q]: What are some things you take into consideration when shopping for clothes and getting dressed?
[A]: In life, even outside of dressing, whenever I’m debating whether or not to do something I ask myself “what are my intentions or motives?” So when it comes to getting dressed I ask my self questions like: Why do I want to wear this? Is it to secure a husband? Make someone jealous? Make me fit in with a certain crowd? Etc. If the answers steer in a way that is negative then I usually wont wear the item because my intentions are not pure.
[Q]: Where do you typically go shopping? THRIFT STORE! Most of my pieces come from vintage, consignment and thrift stores around the DMV area. Value Village is cool and all but I find the most legit things at smaller thrifts and vintage stores like on U Street and even some random ones in the College Park/ Beltsville area. I also love love LOVE Marshall’s and TJ Maxx, HM and Zara of course, and some Virgos lounge and AQ AQ are definitely my favorite stores.
[Q]: What fashion statements are you fond of?
[A]: Fashions statements I’m fond of are coordinates and monotones. If you have seen me recently you also know I’m typically wearing white. White is sure a clean color.
Wanna see more from Mabinty?
Follow her on Instagram @LadyBangura
LIZ O.
Elizabeth Oyeneyin
24
Bowie, MD Representing Ondo, Nigeria
Student, Director/Dancer/Choreographer @ Light So Shine Dance Ministry, Makeup artist @ Shades of Radiance Makeup Services By Liz
1. How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as old fashioned. Some of my outfits are modern, but overall I have an attraction for all things vintage or vintage inspired. My favorite fashion eras are the 1940s and 1950s. When I am not dressing old fashioned, I am experimenting with past and present trends that catch my attention. I love dressing up! I personally don’t think I know how to dress casual. It’s just not my niche. Although I love furs, pearls, and cocktail jewelry, I believe that simplicity is timeless.
2. How has your style change once you started pursuing Christ?
Honestly, my style hasn’t changed much after I began pursuing Christ wholeheartedly. I am instinctively old fashioned so my closet has always been appropriate. The one thing that has changed is that I have a renewed confidence in my own fashion sense. Before Christ, I always struggled with confidence in my own style. I knew I had a different sense of style, so sometimes I would attempt to change my style in order to fit in with the crowd. Although, these were failed attempts, I could not get rid of the “otherness” that I continued to feel. Pursuing Jesus has made me feel whole. I now have confidence in Him, confident in whom God has created me to be and confidence in my personal sense of style.
Sunday's Best
3. What is your typical outfit?
My typical outfit would include a pair of high waist trousers or “A” line skirt with high heels.
Typicial Outfit
4. What are some things you take into consideration when shopping for clothes and getting dressed?
When shopping I consider quality, longevity and versatility. I believe that it is better to have a closet filled with basics that you can build on and interchange versus having a closet filled with complicated pieces that you can only wear a few ways. When getting dressed, I usually just ask the Holy Spirit. This may sound insane to some people but it’s true. The Holy Spirit is my bestie, so when I am getting dressed I ask Him for inspiration or to remind about things that recently inspired me. I get a response almost immediately. So rather than going through the grueling process of trying on different options, I end up with a picture of an outfit in my mind. After visualizing this outfit, I wear it. A lot of my “outfit planning” takes place in my head. Best way to avoid a messy room! Haha!
Night on The Town
5: What fashion statements are you fond of?
"It’s always better to over-dress than to under-dress”
I was literally raised up by this rule.
Wanna know more about Liz or see more stylish outfits?
Visit her instagram @Old_Fashioner
JUM THE SAYAIN
“When You said “Seek my face,” my heart said, “Your face, I will seek.”
—Psalms 27:8
Hey, my name is Jummy (a.k.a. Jummy Blazington/Jumster/Jum the Sayain)
My life is pretty interesting: my past is pretty jacked up; my future plans aren't really there; and presently, I’m just drifting like a leaf in autumn. That was corny, I know, but take a listen:
I’m not supposed to be alive. My mom literally walked off the abortion table while she was pregnant with me. Out of the fear of me being labeled a bastard, her family members urged her to do away with the pregnancy before it was too late. But God is tight. He had her push through and keep me. Not too long after I was born, my mom played the Visa Lottery and won. Heh! What are the odds of my mother, the youngest of seven, the only one of her siblings without a spouse, to win the Visa Lottery, which would permit her and me to come to America.
As a youngster in America, I was quickly exposed to a lot of yuck. From the influence of family friends, and just life, I became a habitual liar, later on a thief, and soon after, a porn-addict. I had my first sexual encounter with a female at about the age of 6 or 7. It was with a babysitter, during a game of house. The second encounter probably came a few weeks after at daycare; the third, only a few days after. So before I actually knew what sex was, I had gotten relatively close to it three times. This cultivated a sex drive, likely, way before the appointed or publicly accepted time.
In the latter years of primary school, I began to have self-esteem issues. There wasn't a friend I had that I didn't end up fighting with, physically or verbally. I was always around those considered "popular", but I was never one of them. And although I was cool with the females I liked, I didn't have the confidence or really just the belief that I could talk to them. I saw myself as an ugly, short, dark-skinned, weird, and not well dressed boy. I know. I sucked right?
I believe three lusts followed after my three sexual encounters as a child. A lust for the female body, lust for sex, and a lust to be known. All three of these lusts were temporarily satisfied through porn and molestation of some of the younger females I was allowed to be around without adult supervision. At the age of 11, I got introduced to internet porn and masturbation, and man did that take my life away. Watching porn and masturbating allowed for me to escape reality and be with females who didn't know me. Although, they revealed their every being to me, and allowed me to simulate having sex with them, I still wasn't satisfied. I had to get it. But I was in a tough situation; I didn't know how to get it, aside from the females who I could easily take advantage of. So, I did just that. Most of them didn't know what I was doing, they didn't know I was defiling the pure bodies and intoxicating their minds. But I didn't know much better. I knew it was wrong, I just couldn't help it.
So when I got into high school, those situations had stopped, but the desire for a female sex-partner didn't. I got into high school, and quickly developed the mindset that "If I look like a badass, and talk like one, chicks will dig me." And I walked with this mindset from the summer of my ninth grade year probably up until the end of my junior year. And I think it worked, to a tee. I surely became more liked among females (the looks had started coming in), but I still wasn't getting what I wanted, so pornography remained a faithful partner.
I started dating a younger girl at the end of my sophomore year, she was an incoming freshmen. She wasn't going to give it up to me, plus her close cousin was one of my closer friends. But I developed the belief that I was in control in the relationship, and she'd do almost anything I wanted, apart from sex. My taste in the relationship quickly turned sour, I wasn't satisfied and just was tired of it. I broke up with her, and left with scars. Later on that year, I began dating a female, who I thought I truly loved. We were very much alike, in our tastes of music, fashion, and people (three aspects of life I love dearly), and she provided a same-aged partner who was willing to experiment with me. But this “love” I had for her, quickly revealed to be infatuation tattooed with lust of what she gave me.
The relationship ended in an interesting fashion: we graduated high school all lovey-dovey, but by July our talks were stale and more unfruitful than ever. We broke up on the morning of July 7th, 2012. Two hours after the heart aching break up, a man and his wife provided me with a prophecy that encouraged me beyond measures, all for simply holding the door for him and his wife. He said "You see this boy; he's gonna be something great in life. I can see it!" Talk about turning a frown upside down. I left the library practically cheesing over those words. And God would have it that later on that night; my church's Youthfest Conference was taking place. By the time that event was over, I found myself crying and confessing a love to Jesus that I never knew I had.
It was that night I chose to begin seeking God. It was that very night that my heart awakened to seek His face. From then on, a love that SURPASSES ALL knowledge has governed my life and a peace that PASSES ALL understanding has been with me. I've been delivered from pornography, lying, bitterness, self-hatred, malice, depression, immaturity, and many other things...yet I'm still being delivered from much (cause y'know I'm still a wreck, but God's got it!).
I know who I am: I am Jummy O. A young son of God, who is crazy loaded [with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3) and everything pertaining to life and Godliness (2 Peter 1:3)], I am more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37)...All of this through Christ. I am goofy, loving, powerful, attractive, intelligent, and inspiring. But I can go on and on about me (as I’ve done here), but you probably won’t get the fullness of where I’m coming from until you experience this truth: "Jesus Christ loves you so much that He died for you. He took all your ugliness, all your yuck, just so you could become presentable to God."
So in the midst of all my rambling, I encourage you to say "Yes" to God, even if you have already, say it one more time and allow His suffocating love to overtake you. Thank you and May God bless you real good.
With that glorious love,
-Jum the Sayain.
LIGHT SO SHINE
Liz: My name is Elizabeth Oyeneyin, but most people know me as “Liz.” I am the director of Light So Shine Dance Ministry. Light So Shine is a prophetic dance ministry that uses dance as a form of worship expression and communication to/from God.
Abby: My name is Abisola Akinkuowo. Many people know me by "Abby". One thing to know about is that I plan to impact those who govern our society. Yeah that's right! I'm bringing The kingdom of God into the business/political world.
Esther: My name is Esther Akinseye. I am a junior at Morgan State, studying industrial engineering.
When did you start using this gift? Was it natural or you had training? When did you start using it to glorify God?
Abby: I started dancing in elementary school for talent show and just for fun. I would watch Beyonce videos and just mimic every dance step. Later on I joined dance teams and was in a dance company. There I received training in ballet, Jazz, hip hip, and modern dance. But in February 2012 I gave my life to Christ at the BCF National conference and there I knew the call of God over my life. That call is to be a prophetic dancer. From that day with the help of the Holy Spirit I built up my knowledge of worship and dance worship to be exact. Only the Holy Spirit can teach you. That was something I learned along the way, that although I have a dance background, they mean little to nothing in prophetic dance. All of those dance styles may seem like many but if I were to dance based of my dance experience I would limit what God wants to do with my body through dance.
Esther: I started using my gift in 2008. It came very natural to me. I was always able to dance, however not with a kingdom mindset.
Liz: I began dancing in church around the age of 7. Since that time I have received formal training both in high school and college. Although, I was trained in dance and had the opportunity to dance in church, my heart was very far from God. I also had to opportunity to be a member and even captain on a variety of dance teams and companies but it wasn’t until April 2011, that I truly understood what it meant to surrender my heart to Jesus. It was at this moment when the “church girl” dance performer left and the dancer who longed for God’s heart through dance ministration was birthed. God gave me this gift and passion for dance but it was not until I received Jesus, that I was made aware of my pre-destined identity as a prophetic dance worshipper. A lot of people think that they can serve two masters in regards to dance but the truth is, they cannot. If one does not give their whole heart to God, God will not receive their body as a living sacrifice. Whether you’re singing, dancing, writing, painting, or playing an instrument, whatever you do as your form of worship to God,must be done in spirit and in truth. There’s no other way.
Any past or future projects?
Liz: My focus is the expansion of Light So Shine Dance Ministry. When God gave me the vision for this ministry, He made it clear that it would reach nations. Everything is happening in its time.
Anything you desire to use your gift for in the future?
Liz: Light So Shine Dance Ministry will be an international prophetic dance ministry that will go into nations to heal, deliver, and set people free from all types of sickness, diseases, and spiritual captivity.
Abby: I want to use my gift to connect with young girls and hopefully create my own non-profit organization that is centered around mentoring young girls. Not only will they learn how to dance they will learn how to use their bodies to worship God and the goal is to raise up young girls who are bold for Christ and will boldly come before the throne of Grace!
Esther: I desire to use my gift to minister to different groups of people. With there ages ranging from 15-30. I would like the Lord to use me to minister freedom and liberty to different souls.
Is there any fellow artist you look up to?
Liz: I look up to all the dancers in Light So Shine Dance Ministry. Although I am the director of the ministry, I learn from each member of the ministry. They inspire me in more ways than they know. I am honored that they have accepted for me to lead them.
Esther: Nope. I am honestly not hip to dancing ministers
Abby: The only person right now is Liz, my mentor. Unfortunately, there aren't many in the dance ministry for one reason or the other. But I can say that I truly look up to Liz because her passion to bring the Glory of God down every time we minister. She has a genuine heart for worship and its evident every time I watch her minister or minister with her. And it's really an honor ministering with her. She started Light So Shine and really set a standard for dance worship. It's not about the music, or even he dance movements but it's about the Spirit of God behind it all. Without the Spirit of God we would just be performing and that a definition that she taught me. She said "there's a huge difference between performing and ministering. Performing is selfish but ministering is a selfless sacrifice. Your allowing people to encounter God and not yourself". I hold unto the importance of ministering and thank God for having such a wise person to look up to and minister with.
Wanna know more about the dancers from Light So Shine?
Follow the dancers @Old_Fashioner (Liz), @YourAuntyAbby (Abby) & @God_Gift (Esther).
TAIWO & KEHINDE
Kehinde Adewunmi (Kenny) & Taiwo Adewunmi (Tai)
21 year olds
Currently residing in Philadelphia, PA
Students/Interns
How would you describe your style?
Taiwo: When it comes to fashion, I would say my style varies. Sometimes I’m a minimalist; I don’t wear a lot of jewelry or loud colors. I personally believe simplicity is elegant. My wardrobe consists of many neutrals, beige, maroon, and black. Other times my outfits are classic chic, I would add a splash of color on my simple colors. Overall, I prefer to dress conservatively. I usually throw a leather jacket, blazer or trench coat over chinos and cargo pants. I let my clothes accentuate my loud personality.
Kenny: I wish I could just describe my style in one word, but I can’t. My style consists of bright colors, dark colors, professional, patterns and cultural. I enjoy wearing bright colors that makes me stand out in a crowd. I also have my Black & White streaks, where I only wear black and white for a few days. I also love my professional side. As a business major, I am use to wearing business casual, appropriate and professional more times out of the week. My outfit usually depends on how I feel that day or the occasion. I am not a big fan of jeans because of how they fit, I only own three. Size is an important part of your wardrobe and a lot of jeans were made for taller, slimmer females. I always ask myself what makes me comfortable. I would rather be cute and comfortable than super fly and uncomfortable. Another thing to consider is how other people feel around me. I don’t want others to feel uncomfortable because they are trying to avoid looking at a certain part of my outfit or body. It’s not really about “what’s in”, I actually prefer to wear what no one else is wearing. Overall, my style is unpredictable, it changes daily. I can’t even keep up with myself!
GOING TO CLASS
How has your style change once you started pursuing Christ?
Taiwo: Prior to pursuing Christ, I always purchased clothes that made me stand out or something that was unique (believing no one else had it). I wanted to be noticed when I walked into a room, but since I started pursuing Christ, I realized that the way I dress is not about whom I am, but whose I am. Living a Christ-centered life means that Jesus is also at the center of the way you present yourself. I've been more laid-back when it comes to my style. I've realized that my worth is not determined by the clothes that I have on. There is no need for me to try to be noticed because the light of God shines through me effortlessly.
Kenny: I used to take more risks with my attire. I tried wearing what was in style and that didn’t always work out too well. I now enjoy what complements my body, shape and size. I also care more about being comfortable than being “In”. It’s really not that easy. When I spot something I think is cute and try it on, I’m usually disappointed about how it fits. I admire some outfits from a distance because they’re not for me. However, they still look stunning on someone else. A part of change is letting your old self go. Not just old habits and selfish ways, but how you speak, dress and carry yourself. That is something we have to come in terms with and I have accepted that.
SUNDAY'S BEST
What is your typical outfit?
Taiwo: A typical outfit for a college girl on-the-move like me would honestly be sweat pants, hoodie, and sneakers. On the days where I have more time to get myself together, you’ll most likely see me with solid colors (black or white) top and bottoms and oxford shoes. The only jewelry I usually have on are studs, and I carry a wallet or small clutch on me. I like to keep it clean, and classy.
Kenny: My typical outfit? I actually just scrolled through all of my pics, just to see. I would say that my typical outfit consists of a t-shirt or button up shirt, with leggings, chinos or MAYBE jeans and my leather jacket from Buffalo Exchange, trench coat or a cardigan. Very simple actually, but I love wearing layers. If you ever see me without layers, it’s because it’s really hot outside. I can wear anything and throw a blazer or coat on top and it changes everything.
TYPICAL OUTFIT
What are some things you take into consideration when shopping for clothes and getting dressed?
Taiwo: When shopping for clothes, I can pretty much go into any store to find something appealing. I personally don’t believe it’s where I shop, but how I assemble my clothes that matters. One thing I take into consideration is how garments fit on my body. I like my clothes to be comfortable and cozy. In addition, I take the cost into consideration. I always ask myself, do I really want this or nah? Most of the time, the answer is “I don’t need this” but one day it might come in handy.
Kenny: I mentioned this in my other answers, but I can elaborate. The number one thing I consider is being comfortable. I don’t want to attend events worrying about a button popping off, a strap falling off, or if something see through. Then, I want people to feel comfortable around me. I don’t want people to feel forced to look away because of the way I’m dressed or forced to look at a certain part of my body. One thing I believe everyone takes into consideration is the price. I always ask “Is this worth it?” or “how many times am I really going to wear this?” and “what do already I own that goes with this?”
Where do you typically go shopping?
Taiwo: I shop everywhere everyone else shops. I don’t have a specific place when it comes to my style. Some of my favorite places would be Zara, H&M, and the fabulous Buffalo Exchange. In these stores, I’m able to find clothes that are comfortable, cozy, and worth it!
Kenny: I can walk into any mall, store or boutique and find something I like that fits well. My usual stores are the regular stores like H&M, Zara and thrift stores. But I absolutely LOVE Buffalo Exchange. They have new items daily and I can always find brands for lower prices. I don’t have to worry about anyone else wearing my outfit, that’s rare. My favorite location is the one in Philadelphia. It’s much bigger than the others and the employees are really nice. I love the DC and NY locations also. In regards to fashion statements, I guess just be comfortable and happy. “Cool, calm and collected”
Want to know more about Taiwo & Kenny or get further fashion inspiration from them?
Follow them @VisitingEarth_ & @MemoirsofTai
ASUSEYI
"Pastor. I'm going to need more than two minutes for this testimony."
My name is Asuseyi Daniyan. I graduated from Morgan State University in May 2013 with a Bachelors in Physical Education with a concentration in physical therapy. During my senior year, I really had tons of obstacles to deal with such as financial aid, maxed out loans, dropped classes, finding an internship, being told I can't graduate because of one class and so much more. I thank God for getting me through those obstacles, but my main testimony comes from the job search afterwards.
May 18, 2013
I aspire to become a physical therapist one day, so I was basically looking for a rehab tech job. From the time I graduated last year until now, I have been searching for work. I have been to interview after interview, but I received nothing. It got to the point when I started to wonder if this is what I supposed to be doing. I started to compare myself to others. (Big mistake) My good sister Nicole said it best "Everyone has their own season". I felt so defeated that I was just thinking of settling for something easier to obtain.
The crazy thing is that the day before I got the call about the job, I was telling my brother that I don't even care about physical therapy that much. I was really just tired of the rejection. But the next day, I got the call that I got the job and that I will have the choice to switch to full time within a couple of weeks. My father told me a while back that we pray for the best for you, so when you get rejected that means that the job is not the best for you and I truly see the fulfillment of the prayer. This job has better hours and better pay than the ones I have been rejected from. This trial really increased my faith. From now on whatever I have as my number one on my list is what I will pursue, I will pray and I won't settle. I just love the way God works.
DEBBIE
Name: Deborah T. Location:Largo, Maryland Age: 23 Occupation: Release of Information Specialist
How would you describe your style?
I'd have to say that when it comes to fashion, I'm pretty simple. I don't like going out of my comfort zone and being too bold, so I'd describe my style as simply clean and chic.
How has your style change once you started pursuing Christ.
Before I started pursuing Christ and a relationship with Him, I pretty much dressed to show off my body. I loved the idea of wearing the shortest, most revealing outfit just to seek someone else's attention in a negative way. However, now it's completely changed. I've realized how important it is to wear things that are pleasing to God and dress in a way where I honor myself and God without having to expose my body.
SUNDAY'S BEST
What is your typical outfit?
Simplicity is everything to me. A typical outfit would really all depend on where I'm going. A pair of pants, heels, top, a big bag, & accessories would be my typical outfit. It's rare that you'll ever catch me in jeans.
TYPICAL OUTFIT
What are some things you take into consideration when shopping for clothes and getting dressed?
I take into consideration when buying and wearing clothes: comfortability, body type and most importantly, confidence. If what I'm wearing looks and feels good, I will exude a certain level of confidence. The last thing I want to do is cause negative attention to myself by wearing something that will be tempting or cause someone to look at me sexually simply because of how I'm dressed. I have to make sure that what I'm wearing flatters my body type without over doing it and still maintaining my sense of style. For me it's all about looking and feeling good while still dressing beautifully and modestly.
NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN
What fashion statements are you fond of?
Statements I'm fond of are watches, purses, and heels. They're my fav!
Want to know more about Debbie or get further fashion inspiration from her?
Follow her @AfrikanBeauty
KACHI
My name is Onyedikachi Nathan Ude. Everyone calls me Kachi. Others, ‘Kachkeys’.
I was born in Takoma Park Maryland in 1995, moved to Nigeria from 1999 to 2001, schooled in PG county up to 2004, and finished my middle & high school education in Columbia, Maryland.
I am an 18 year old freshman, currently pursuing my Bachelors in Biology (its gunna change) at Howard University. Music is my passion. Piano is my tool.
2. When did you start using this gift? Was it natural or you had training? When did you start using it to glorify God?
It’s pretty funny actually…My parents forced me to take piano lessons when I was 8. I hated that thing forreal. I think my brother was better than me at the moment lol. After that, I didn’t touch a keyboard until I was 11. Through some misfortunate events, people at my church noticed I could play, and they put me on. That’s where it all began. I was inspired…Started picking up things here and there from the musicians and began playing by ear pretty easily. I started to glorify God with this gift, when I gave my life to Him…Lol simple as that. He gave me the talent; I might as well use it for Him, and get better at it.
3. Anything you desire to use your gift for in the future?
Well, im trynna be great! I mean who doesn’t? I desire to use my gifts in the gospel industry…move up the food chain and play for the gospel/CCM greats of today. Lol Musicians know they’re getting somewhere when they on 104.1.
4. Is there any fellow artist you look up to?
I have a whole list…especially local artists/musicians. One cat I really inspire to play like is Joshua Davies. You may be familiar with his work with Brandon Camphor and Oneway. Been meeting up with him lately and gaining some knowledge from his end. Another one is William McMillan from Baltimore, and Robert Glasper.
5. Any past or future projects?
Everyone reading this, if you’re a musician, lyricists, singer, or have any God-given gift to check out the Call Forward Movement (www.callingusforward.com) it’s a movement that will change the DMV area and the nation. Our vision is to gather forerunners of a worship movement that includes true worship to God, through sincere obedience to Jesus, and total surrender to our calling. It is pretty dope. I am blessed to be apart.
ALEXIS
Name: Alexis Harris (Ms. Positivity) Location: Laurel, Maryland or DMV Age: 21 Occupation: Student-Athlete
How would you describe your style?
When I think of style, I think of displaying a certain attitude through clothes, so my style displays who I am as a person! My style encompasses bold, timeless, vibrant, and colorful pieces!
How has your style change once you started pursuing Christ.
Once I started pursuing Christ, I wish I could say that my clothes immediately changed with my fresh new start, but that’s not my testimony. My change of style happened over time. When I was in the world, I had the belief that less is more. I thought the less clothes I wore meant the more beautiful I would be. As I continued to pursue Christ, my mind was transformed and with that, I began to pick items that would reflect that same transformation. It is important to note that I didn’t lose my fashion sense, it was simply refined.
SUNDAY'S BEST
What is your typical outfit?
Well my wardrobe is very versatile, so I can go from sweatpants and Jordans to a dress and Jessica Simpson pumps. This versatility allows me to dress according to what I have going on that day or simply based on how I am feeling. On campus, you will most likely see me in jeans and a cute blouse, while if I’m on the go in the city, I may take the same jeans and dress them up with a pair of comfortable heels instead.
TYPICAL OUTFIT
What are some things you take into consideration when shopping for clothes and getting dressed?
As a Christian woman, I have to make conscious intentional steps when shopping and getting dressed. I love seeing new trends; however, I can’t always style myself based on the current trends because they aren’t always fashioned for Christian women. With this in mind, three things I consider when searching for trendy pieces that will still be pleasing to God are:
1. The Store Personally, I believe you don’t even have to walk into some stores for you to know what kind of clothes will be offered, so I try to stay away from stores I know will have predominantly clothes that are far too tight and revealing.
2. Where am I going? Well if I’m going to church, I wont be wearing the same thing I’d wear for a night out with my sisters in Christ. I live by the rule; there is a time and place for everything, so there is no difference in picking an outfit according to the occasion.
3. The ONE question every girl has asked in her lifetime… Does this look right?
Ask someone you trust like a Sister in Christ or even a parent before going out if you simply aren’t sure if you should be wearing a certain outfit. These people act as fail safe’s just in case your judgment is a little off one day. You may not always like their response, but these people genuinely want to see growth in every area of your life.
NIGHT ON THE TOWN
Where do you typically go shopping?
Where does Alexis Shop? Hmmm…. Good question. Well first, I am predominantly an online shopper because personally, I don’t like the selection nor prices I often times find in stores. My go to online stores are Asos.com, Zara.com, AqAq.com, and polyvore.com. However, I have fallen in love with thrift stores across the Nation.
Want to know more about Alexis or get further fashion inspiration from her?
Follow her on Instagram @MsPositivityy or on twitter @Positivity_101