Words Have Power

Life and death are in the power of the tongue, according to Proverbs. We will either succeed because of our words, or we will fail miserably. Don't forget that whether words are spoken or even if they are written, they are words and they can create or destroy.

Celebrating Christian Authors

There are a lot of authors who write well. However, the special ones are those who can include a wonderful message in their writing. To me, writing without a message is just entertainment. I prefer television if I want entertainment only. I like hidden and blatant messages in books. I like to read things that can change my life, help me grow and more.

This month, I'd like to salute some of the authors whose books I've read, loved, learned from and changed with. The first and my favorite is Beth Moore. Lately she's been featured on Life Today with the Robinsons and she's dynamic. Secondly, I'd like to acknowledge Joyce Meyer who is equally anointed and dynamic.

Now, some of the others may not be as well known, but they are just as excellent. I've been watching Alton Gansky, Joyce Anthony and Marvin Wilson, Michelle Sutton, Lacresha Hayes and Lynn Austin, and many others. Their books are good and their messages are powerful. Some of them are hidden, some blatant, but always there. Support your local Christian authors because they are the lifeline of our beliefs, bringing us the things we need to excel in our walk.

An Alert! Children's Book for Dealing with Breast Cancer

I found out about this book, MY ONE BOOBED MAMMA, today and I wanted to call everyone's attention to it. If you have breast cancer or know someone who does with children, this book is necessary. I've requested a review copy and will get more information to you.

From what I'm told, the book will be available for sale through all the major book retailers by November 17, 2008. Keep this book and the author, Jeanette Patindol, in prayer and hope that it can help children deal with this travesty in the body of their moms.

Writing Powerful Words

Words can be powerless, meaningless, scribblings on a piece of paper. They can be things spoken in haste and for nothing. I started the blog for the opposite. I started this blog for the power of words.

My mother and I spoke on the phone. She said that the power of words are found in the heart of the person who is speaking them, whether it's God's Word or ours. Remember to make your words count.

Jim Copeland ~ Author, Motivational Speaker, Role Model

Today, I happily feature a man who has proven himself to be a real man of God and an inspiration to young men. Welcome Jim Copeland to our blog.

Mr. Copeland, tell us a bit more about you?

My name is Jimmy H. Copeland III. My father is a retired Lt. Colonel and practicing psychologist in Virginia. My mother is a practicing social worker in Virginia. I'm married to Tiffany, who is a Independent Beauty Consultant and Freelance photographer. I have two girls, Essence and Trinity and a little one on the way. I received my Bachelor and Masters degree at Texas A&M University-Commerce. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Communications and my Master’s Degree in Secondary Higher Education. I also obtained my certification in Special Education in the state of Texas. I am certified to teach Early Childhood through 12th grade. I consider myself blessed and fortunate to have an opportunity to encourage others wherever I go in life.

What was you inspiration behind Life is a Game?

While working in the prison system, I noticed how inmates and staff become desensitized to the violence all around them. It’s a normal day to see someone stabbed to death or to see 6 people kick a person in the head, arms, and torso repeatedly for 5-6 minutes at a time. Its normal for a person to run at the drop of a dime, to assist a staff member being assaulted 100 yards away. It is also normal to hear the ground shake underneath your feet because grenades are going off around you and shots of an M-16 shotgun are rattling your ear. In my job, it is easy to be plagued by fear. You have to be positive yet aware of your surroundings. My goal is to inspire people to take back control of their lives. You can use fear to make you stronger or fear can destroy your life. God has blessed me with a gift of exhortation. I love to encourage people and exhort people in achieving God’s best in their lives. I woke up one morning last fall, and started typing. It was like a flood being released within me. Thoughts and ideas came to my mind and I wrote them down as fast as I could.

What do you hope to accomplish with this book?

I pray people are exhorted and motivated to get up and be all that they can be. I hope that this book gets them on their feet in pursuit of their passions in life. My goal is for people to be encouraged and sharpen the tools (gifts and talents) that are within them. I long for people to stop looking down in their lives at all the problems and situations that surround them. We all will have problems and situations. The question is what are we going to do about them. Somethings in life we can’t change. However, we can reduce our anxieties and worry by not focusing on the things we can’t change but on the things we can. Our choices dictate our world. What choice will we make in life? I hope people regardless of where they are and what they are doing are motivated to make good choices that don’t simply help themselves but impact generations to come.

How did prayer play into the book?

I believe that God answers prayer. I also believe that God can use people to do his will. All He asks for is a willing vessel and obedient spirit. God laid this book on my heart, and I sought God on what to do and how to do it. To be honest, when I finished writing the book, I sought to simply print it out, self publish and give it away. I just wanted people to be blessed. A question was posed on why don’t I get it published, so I sent the manuscript out on the internet to publishing companies to see what happened. Living Waters Publishing Company liked the manuscript and agreed to work with me. It gave me joy to know that I was backed by a company who lifted me up in prayer and was equally dedicated to my vision and cause.

Do you have any other works in the making? Tell us about them.

Currently the book Life is a Game is almost finished with its revision. I pray that this revision touches even more lives and encourages people to maximize the passions of their life. The revision expounds on Life is a Game by exploring the different aspects of through segments called Winning Life’s Battles and Living Victoriously. Winning Life’s Battles explores the battles that we face in life and how to be victorious. It allows us to look at what kind of person we are and what is needed to be a champion. Living Victoriously will catapult the reader into I can and I will, versus I might, maybe, and I’ll try.This will all be in the revision.

I am also working on a piece called, Where’s the Love? It is a letter to the church. The design is not to condemn or judge, but for believers to do a self check. The Bible says to judge yourself. Sometimes in life we get so caught up in the world that we lose track of who we are really serving. The question is posed, "Do we really love God." I believe this book will be a dynamic life changer which will cause believers to get back to the basics within their faith and hopefully out of the snares of traditionalism and religion.

Take a moment to speak to our readers from the heart.

I appreciate your support and investment. My goal is to inspire you to be successful in all your endeavors. This book is for everyone, however, I have a special message for young people, teenagers and pre-teens alike. I do understand how hard it is to find yourself. I know how it feels to be forgotten. I know how it feels to be alone, and trying to fit in. Through my trials and transitions, I found that the harder I tried to fit in, the more I lost myself. When I say losing myself, I mean I lost my identity. I was so busy trying to fit in that I became more like them for acceptance and less like me. I slowly began to see through negative and positive choices that all I need is within me, and all I have to do is to be myself. Being who God created me to be is all that is necessary for me to have joy and peace in my life. There is nothing wrong with being an individual. All great men and women in the past had to stand alone for a season. After standing alone, people gravitated to them. People gravitate to strong people because they have something that they need. You have what they need, so be that trendsetter and strong person.

Give us some contact and purchasing information.

The book is available at Books-a-Million, Borders, Target.com, Amazon.com, and Powell's.
I would encourage the reader to purchase it from the publishing company because it is cheaper there. At this time it is on sale for $8.95. I really want readers to get the book in their hands so they can be motivated and encouraged. The publisher’s website is www.livingwaterspc.com and their store site is http://store.livingwaterspc.com

Please feel free to learn more about me at www.jimcopeland.org.

Jimmy H. Copeland III, M. Ed.DOJ-Federal Bureau of Prisons
FCC Beaumont-USP
Special Learning Needs Coordinator
Assistant Team Leader Crisis Support Team
SCR Crisis Support Team

Inspirational Interview with Sabriena Williams

I was very happy about this interview with Sabriena Williams, author of the upcoming book, Wait on the Lord, I Say Wait. She's a true inspiration to women and to Christians.

1) What inspired your latest work?

The inspiration behind Wait on the Lord, I Say Wait was my hasty decision to choose a mate for myself without waiting for God to send me the man he ordained for my life. In 2004, I was going through a period of loneliness and depression. I was struggling with low self-esteem and didn't know who I was in God. I had a strong desire to be married and fulfill my fleshy desire of being a bride. I thought that if I had a man, I would be complete. I thought the feelings of loneliness would subside, but it didn't. It got terribly worse. I took God's Word in Proverbs 18:22 lightly. "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord"

In my search, I found someone who did not have the ability to make me whole. The lesson I learned was Jesus is the only man that can complete you. I was trying to cover some emotional wounds. I was trying to appear normal. I was trying to beat my biological clock. I was in a mode of wanting to please the flesh. As a result of me being disobedient to God, my marriage lasted only 8 months and the experience was really painful.

2) How do you expect this book to speak to the Christian population?

This book will speak loud and clear to the Christian community. This book deals with church issues, family issues, work issues and of course relationship issues. There is not one christian that won't be able to relate. I really would like the single christian woman to know that even though the spirit of loneliness and depression may try to suffocate her mind into believing that God had not heard her prayers for a mate, He has. Women have to realize that singleness is not a curse. It is a time to spend time with Christ and prepare for the ministry of marriage. This book will show the walk of faith. As a Christian, you have to be ready for a uphill faith walk.

3) Tell us about your writing process. What was the most difficult and what was the easiest?

I am a self-taught writer. I have been writing since grade school. As a child, I enjoyed writing short stories, plays and poetry. I'm not a classroom writer. I never took any creative writing classes or anything. My weakest areas are grammar, punctuation and all that technical writing stuff. Thank God for professional editors.

God gives me a clear vision when writing so the easiest for me is developing the characters, though it isn't always that easy to do. I can see each character come alive right before my eyes. This was my very first book published that included characters and I am very excited about that.

4) What role did prayer play in your writing?

I prayed through each and every chapter of the book. There were many times when I wanted to give up. I was struggling with developing the characters, but God continued to remind me that he was with me every step of the way. I also had praying friends and family that offered tremendous support. I'm now asking God to make provisions for this book to be placed in major bookstores all around this world. The word and vision God imparted into me for this book will be a blessing for all.
5) Is there a Christian witness in your book? If so, is it obvious or hidden?

There is definitely a witness in this book. She tries to live a godly life and share her love for Jesus with others on a daily basis. Throughout the book, she holds on to faith and prayer. In this book, you will see God move.

6) Tell our readers about the beauty of saving themselves for marriage.

The beauty of saving yourself for a God ordained marriage is the assurance that God will bless it. God gave marraige as a gift to Adam and Eve. They were created perfect for each other. Marriage is instituted by God. Anything that God creates has a purpose. The beauty of waiting for God to bless you is all the time you can devote to God basking in his marvelous glory.

As single Christian women, we have to position ourselves to be found. We have to get our spirtitual houses in order. We can't expect God to send us anything we aren't ready for. We have to let go of jealousy, cut the cord on selffishness, divorce pity and shame, release depression, bury that lust spirit, evict our past and press forward to the destined place God has ordained just for us. God hears your prayers and wants to bless you, but you must be ready. My advice to all is Wait on the Lord.

To purchase this book pre-release, please visit http://store.livingwaterspc.com

Email Ms. Williams at aninspirationaltouch@yahoo.com

Everyone is talking about Barbara Walters

Everyone has been talking about Barbara Walters and her new book. However, I have to say that it was entirely too long. In a time when people have two jobs and families, books that are long like that are better put in two volumes just for the convenience of the readers. Some love it and wish it was long, and some do not. I am one of those who do not.

"Where is God, Grandfather" by Candy O'Donnell

The children's book of this month is one that has been newly released by Living Waters Publishing Company.

Children, like adults, have questions about God's existence and how they can find Him. This book shows children how to relate to God in everyday life. Candy O'Donnell shows great promise as a new author. Illustrated by Rosemarie Gillen, each illustration adds to the overall effect of the book.

I highly recommend this cute little read for your adorable tykes.

Title: Where is God, Grandfather
Author: Candy O'Donnell
Illustrator: Rosemarie Gillen
Publisher: Living Waters Publishing Company
ISBN: 978-0-9814532-1-7
Purchase now at http://store.livingwaterspc.com

Marilyn C. Morris, Powerful Book on Lupus

Marilyn Morris deals with the sensitive and all too common illness, lupus. Definitely, this book is for anyone with that diagnosis, who suspects that could be the problem, or who has family wrestling with this disease.

Get your copy today at www.amazon.com and support those who have and will get this debilitating illness.

Title: Diagnosis: Lupus

Author: Marilyn Celeste Morris
Availability: Available anywhere books are sold!

Looking for New Talent to Read?

Recently, I was introducing to some really great websites for finding the books everyone is talking about. I've been addicted, spending more than three hours surfing and chatting. Here are the sites and networks to see:

GoodReads ~ www.goodreads.com

Shelfari ~ www.shelfari.com

WPM ~ www.wpm.weebly.com

LibraryThing ~ www.librarything.com

I'm finding that my favorite reads are never on Amazon.com's top picks. They are always down in the hundreds, even thousands. Still, I'll never stop being a Jane Austen fan.

Author of Note ~ Janet Elaine Smith

Janet Elaine Smith, bestselling and award-winning author, has proven herself as a true literary genius. With titles such as Dunnottar, Bank Roll, House Call to the Past, and Monday Knight, Smith is on her way to literary stardom, right up there with Mary Higgins Clark, Danielle Steel, and Jan Coffey.

Learn more about this wonderful author at www.janetelainesmith.com. It is a website you'll want to make as a favorite and return again and again!

Sitting down with Carol Jones, author of "Dare to Dream"

We are pleased to have Carol Jones here with us today. Ms. Jones is the author of Dare to Dream, published by Living Waters Publishing Company.

1. Ms. Jones, tell us a bit about yourself and why you became a writer.

Hi Kim, I'm a single mother of three sons-Jasmyn, Ryan and Langdon. Ryan was killed March 17, 2007. I have two grandchildren and am currently employed as a flight attendant. One day on my way home from work-when I was in one of my praise and worship modes-it came into my spirit to write a book. With encouragement from my sisters-I said yes God and sit down at the computer one day and begin to type. At a later time God spoke into my spirit-you should always be prepared to write because "you are a writer." The book project begin in June 2005 and was completed in November 2007.

2. What was your inspiration behind Dare to Dream?

Dare to Dream has definitely been a faith walk-being I knew absolutely nothing about writing a book. As a child I often dreamed because God gave the ability to each one of us to dream, but many are caught up and lost in how to make their dreams come true. Those people are the silent dreamers who don't dream out loud-only in secrecy. Through the word of God and in building a relationship with Him-not only is He bringing all my dreams into fruition-He goes a step further to tell me He will give me new dreams with new meanings,as He takes me into a new journey from glory to glory. God has made me fearsome and I am no longer afraid to dream and believe they will all come true through the knowledge of the word of God. He is no respecter of persons and what He has done for me, He will do for others as well.

3. When will your book hit bookstores?

July 29, 2008

4. Are there any other books on the horizon?

Yes, I am writing two books at this time. One is about the life and death of my son-Ryan. The other one is what God is inspiring me to write-another testimonial.

5. How does your family feel about you being a published author?

They feel it is great and they are very proud of me and what God is doing in my life. My two sons are very proud of me and my accomplishments. There was some doubt I would finish Dare to Dream after the death of my Ryan, but my sons encouraged me to write on a daily basis as well as others.

6. Has writing a book made a difference in your life?

Yes it has. In writing this book and through the word of God- I have also found purpose in Him-that I am a true writer fulfilloing one of the purposes He has for me in this lifetime.

7. Please share anything else you'd like the readers to know about you.

I am a child of God and I have come to truly realize this journey is not about me-it's all about Him-my Lord, God and Savior.

A Chance to Win More Than 27 Books

After the recent storms in Arkansas, and the loss suffered by Lacresha Hayes and her church family, Joyce Anthony decided to collect books from various authors and sell chances to win it at $1 each, with all the funds going to Lacresha Hayes and her church family. Please see the list of books below and the link to send your money to for the opportunity to win these books:


1. It Had to Be Us by Harry and Elizabeth Lawrence http://www.bettyjotucker.com/

2. Susan Sarandon: A True Maverick by Betty Jo Tucker http://www.bettyjotucker.com/

3. Confessions of a Movie Addict by Betty Jo Tucker http://www.bettyjotucker.com/

4. Death By Candlelight by Billie A. Williams http://www.billiewilliams.com/

5. Knapsack Secrets by Billie A. Williams http://www.billiewilliams.com/

6. Storm by Joyce A. Anthony http://joyceanthony.tripod.com

7. Conduct Unbecoming by Nina M.Osier http://www.geocities.com/nina_osier/

8. Redemption by Judith Rochelle http://www.judithrochelle.com/

9. Shepherd’s Pie by J. D. Webb http://www.jdwebb.com/

10. Heal and Forgive: Forgiveness in the Face of Abuse by Nancy Richards www.healandforgive.net

11. Cherry Blossoms in Twilight: Memories of a Japanese Girl by Yaeko Sugama Weldon and Linda E. Austin http://www.moonbridgebooks.com/

12. I Romanced the Stone by Marvin D. Wilson http://inspiritandtruths.blogspot.com/

13. Different Roads by Joyce Sterling Scarbrough http://www.authorsden.com/joycelscarbrough1

14. True Blue Forever by Joyce Sterling Scarbrough http://www.authorsden.com/joycelscarbrough1

15. Gentle Journey by Elaine Lyons Bach http://www.shoutlife.com/profile_view.cfm?uid=39176

16. Angel’s Dance by Lynn C. Johnston http://www.lynncjohnston.com/

17. Bank Roll: A Max Stryker Mystery by Janet Elaine Smith http://www.janetelainesmith.com/

18. Dakota Printer by Janet Elaine Smith http://www.janetelainesmith.com/

19. The Rape of Innocence by Lacresha Hayes www.authorsden.com/visit/viewwork.asp?id=22774&AuthorID=73926, http://learntofeelpretty.blogspot.com

20. Becoming by Lacresha Hayes www.authorsden.com/visit/viewwork.asp?id=22774&AuthorID=73926, http://lacreshahayesfanclub.weebly.com

21. The Feeling Soul: A Roadmap to Healing and Living by Mark Linden O’Meara http://www.healingresources.org/

22. Crazy Thoughts of an Online Romance by Epstein LaRue http://www.epsteinlarue.com/

23. Arpetta Honor by Annette Snyder http://annettesnyder.atspace.com/

24. The Kahills of Willow Walk by S. K. Hamilton http://www.skhamilton.com/

25. Beyond Dancing by Anita Bloom Ornoff http://beyonddancing.tripod.com/

26. One Frog Sang by Shirley Parenteau http://www.shirleyparenteau.com/

27. Curley and Q and Me, Too Baby Album by Marcia Trimble illustrated by Kim Spanaugle http://www.clearblogs.com/kimsponaugle

One lucky winner will get a box that includes all the books on this list!!! In addition, there will be numerous additional drawings for a copy of one of the books, so the chances of winning a prize are numerous.

To enter the drawing, you can do one of two things:
a. Go to http://paypal.com and buy as many chances as you wish, using the email address : lacresha.hayes@gmail.com. Every one dollar donation gets you one entry in the drawing.

or

b. Contact Joyce Anthony at rainbow@velocity.net and I will send you information on where you can send a check or money order for your chances.

The drawing will be held on July 1, 2008 and winners will be notified by email by July 5, 2008.

Managing Your Emotions by Joyce Meyer

I just finished reading Managing Your Emotions by Joyce Meyer for the second time. This book is the epitome of empowerment for women and men. If you get the chance to read anything this month, make it Managing Your Emotions.

280 pages, 5th printing, Copyright 1997, ISBN 1577940261, Harrison House Publishers

Joyce Meyer reveals powerful truths from God's Word that will help you learn to manage all of your emotions in the right direction. She challenges readers not to allow their feelings to determine their destiny, but manage them for a joyful, victorious life.

April Robins, children's author extraordinaire!

April Robins is one of the greatest authors I've had the pleasure to research on the web. What made me choose her as my "Author of the Month" pick is how detailed her website, http://www.robinfalls.com/, is and the drawings and paintings. It is very family-oriented and wholesome. I just love her spirit and her writings. If you are in the market for new children's books soon, then definitely stop by and give this great woman's site a spin. I think you'll be more inclined to purchase from her. She's a literary jewel. Godspeed, April Robins.

Lacresha Hayes, A Minister with a Message

As promised, today we have the pleasure of having Lacresha Hayes here on the blog with us. It was an honor for me to do this interview with her. It was difficult to find something new to ask about with all the detailed questions she's already covered on her blog tour. However, I came up with a few.

Q: Lacresha, so much has been said about you already. You're growing quite a sizable online following simply with your message. How does that make you feel?

A: Honestly, it feels good to be recognized, but I don't want the recognition to replace the message. I sincerely do this more for those who write me secretly with their pains than any others. I know how it feels to hurt silently and alone. I don't want any woman I can reach to go through that. So, it feels good, but I refuse to get caught up in it.

Q: Have you seen a spike in your book sales since your tour?

A: Yes! Book sales have risen sharply. I have book clubs and a few independent bookstores calling on me as we speak.

Q: What made you join RAINN?

A: Well, I researched them and learned all I could. They are really in the business of helping women heal, not just for money or recognition either. They are the largest organization of its kind. I also support other sexual abuse and domestic violence organizations, but RAINN provides various material that makes it easier to get the word out. I work with Katherine Hull and she's a jewel, truly sincere.

Q: Most people have avoided this question, and I know it's a sensitive topic still, but tell me more about when you stabbed your husband. Do you feel like this was a culmination of pain?

A: Actually, it was. I was a different person back then, a true product of my environment. I was afraid all the time. I never felt safe. I never felt secure. I felt as if I was all I had in the world. I was tired of being battered and mistreated so he got the full measure of what had been going on most of my life. I hate what I did to my ex-husband. I regret it all the time. Thankfully, he forgave me. Still, I don't condone violence of any kind. Some women have tried to make me out to be some kind of champion for standing up and fighting for myself, but a real champion would have walked away and never looked back. To me, that's a champion.

Q: You mention about sexual promiscuity and legal battles in your book, at least very briefly. Can you tell us more about that?

A: I didn't think anyone would ever get around to asking me about that. Normally, sexually abused victims do one of two things: they are very loose or they hate sex altogether. There are a lot of factors that go in with that, but these are the basic two things that happen when someone is repeatedly abused. For me, I was so tired of the tearing and ripping and pain, I felt that giving it away was easier than having it taken from me. So, I created a habit of saying yes. Most of the sex I've had in my life can be attributed to something I didn't want to do, but did anyway, either for love or for safety. It took years for me to get over that.

The legal battles have been something I've not discussed much, but I am in the process of writing a book about them entitled Justified. Still, I can touch on some of it. When I was a teenager, I was very rebellious (like that's something new). I ran away from home all the time. I had the most wonderful probation officer at the time named Mr. Ripley. Anyway, I was sent away to a girl's home. That was the beginning. I ran away, skipped school, stole petty items like food, lipstick and deodorant. But, the older I got, the more the issues escalated. I got into trouble when my grandmother died. No one had the money to bury her and her funeral was put off twice. So, when her Social Security checks showed up, I cashed them and paid for her funeral expenses. I didn't think it would get me into trouble since I didn't spend any of it, save maybe $8. But, it did. So, I had officially become a felon for theft of property. By age 21, I'd been in trouble repeatedly for fighting and other smaller misdemeanors. Then, there was the lack of self-control with my first checkbook. I didn't write things down like I should have. I didn't balance things like I should have. That brought on hot check charges. It was an ugly childhood and young adulthood for me. It seemed like as soon as I got one thing straightened out, three others would get messed up again. It took years for me to break that cycle too. In fact, it took God because I stayed in and out of trouble until I got saved. But, the things you do before salvation still has to be paid for afterwards, for the most part.

Q: Sounds like you grew up in poverty.

A: I did. My grandmother was illiterate. She could barely sign her name. I was really smart, but we were on welfare. Part of the reason the abuse lasted so long in my case was that the abuser was one of the only people who supported our family when we ran out of money, which was all the time. I was raised the majority of my life on $162 a month and food stamps. It created this insatiable hunger in me to succeed, but I had no one around me to teach me the right way to go about it until I joined church and began to meet the right people.

Q: Do you think that your criminal and abuse history has hindered you in any way?

A: Of course, they both have immensely. It's hard to maintain a relationship when you do trust and altogether hate men, as I did in my past. Yet, I felt that I needed a man for my son's stability. Nothing was further from the truth, but it took me down a horrible path. Always the issues of my past made me sabotage the good relationships and hang on too long to the bad ones. My criminal history affects me even to this day. Some people think I shouldn't be so open about it, but it is a part of nothing but my testimony now. It was something I've done and that I have to answer for even now. It hinders my movement. Sometimes, it hinders my financial progress, but by the same token, it has taught me accountability. It has shown me the millions of people that are often forgotten about that need God and need hope too.

Q: You have an interesting theory about your criminal recovery and today's jail system. Please share it with us.

A: Well, I feel like I recovered because I was never thrown in the prison system. You tell me. How can putting you in a community of criminals teach you how not to be a criminal? That doesn't even make common sense. LOL! You are taking me off the streets so I won't hurt society and have thus created a new society of felons: drug dealers, murders, thieves, robbers, rapists, tax evaders, traffickers, pimps, prostitutes, embezzlers and more. The guards talk down to them and treat them in sub-human fashions. Their only friends are gang members and other law-breakers. You put a person there for three or four years. Then you wonder why they are back within a few months. How silly is that?

I'm not an expert at anything, but I know a little about human nature. I changed because I had pastors who believed in me. I had people who sat down and taught me how to write grants, start businesses, make money the legal way. I had people who instead of calling me out of my name and treating me like a dog, loved me. LOVE always has been and always will be the answer. When I met Rachelle Rheams, my life changed. She went to church. She prayed. She was successful and single. She was what I imagined life could have been like, but was unsure it existed. I saw something that I could have and my life changed permanently. No jail system on earth could do that.

Q: Last question, Lacresha. I could do this all evening, but I won't. Do you believe your honesty about yourself has or will hurt you more than help you? I am almost afraid to put it on my blog because I know some people can be judgmental.

A: Honestly, Kim, we both know that there are about six people who are going to be jumping for joy at the opportunity to twist this interview. I don't care what they think or what they do. I didn't get as far as I have because I was easily deterred. I've gotten here on faith alone. Running a business, some people ask questions, and it's within their rights to do. They have a choice about where they'll spend their money. I don't begrudge anyone of their choices. They are free to make them, as I'm free to make mine. But, several people have thought they could deter me. Some speak against what I do everyday, but they are entitled also to their opinions. I believe that what God has appointed to be for me will be mine.

I'm not sure if you knew this, but I started Living Waters with $100 and no stable income. My doctor had given me only months to live, partly because I couldn't afford my medicine. God promised He'd work a miracle and He did. People have been saying it won't work since, but it continues to work because it's not a natural thing. It's a God-thing. It works because I love. It works because I put everything I am into it. Recently, I stepped down as President of the company and gave it wholly to my husband who loves and cares and puts his whole self into it. I've since started Christian Consulting Company. It, too, will work.

So, in answer to that question, I don't care if some people decide they'd rather not deal with me. I don't hold that against them. I already know there are plenty who will no matter how many crazy forums are started, no matter who dislikes me. I love people. I choose to love. That won't change over gossip, lies or anything else. I've been wrong and I don't judge those who are wrong right now. Integrity builds a solid foundation and for the first time in my life, I can say that the last years of my life have been full of integrity.

As you can see, this interview was a very in-depth and very emotional interview. I know that this is only the beginning for this woman. She is a light to all people. I didn't expect the candid answers I got. No one tells it like it is anymore. Most people are more concerned with being politically correct. I salute you, Lacresha. Godspeed to you!

A Group for Women

For the past three months, our group, Women Who Win by Wailing, has been growing. We are a prayer group that focuses on healing emotionally and physically. We pray three days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Sometimes we pray from 15 minutes up to an hour and a half. It's all live, on the phone.

We do what we do for the sake of the Kingdom of God. Our goal is to impact the lives of women so that they can go out and do the same. You can say we pay it forward. If you're interested in being a part of our support circle, please email me at writevictoriously@gmail.com.

Our group leaders are:

Daisy Weeks
Carla Philips
Lacresha Hayes
Erica Newton
Yolanda Traylor

We'd be delighted to help you in any way possible.

Promote the Message

Inspiration come from many things, the least of which is children. When I look at my son and then this world, it sometimes terrifies me to know that old fashioned ideas and ways are dying out. Will he grow up and actually take to his chosen's father before marrying her? Will she have a father? Things are changing so quickly. What does this have to do with books?

Books preserve history. They teach lessons that are sometimes hard to explain otherwise. Books teach values, strengthens character and much more.

Please come along on my journey with me to promote the messages that our children need today.