Homelessness in AmericaHomelessness in AmericaHomelessness in America

Every Home Has A Story: The Ultimate Home Giveaway Campaign

Turning Tragedy Into Triumph: Story of A Domestic Violence

Survivor

EmEmPOWERPOWERPOWEReded M A G A Z I N EM A G A Z I N EM A G A Z I N E

35 Ways to Help The Homeless

EmPOWERed Exclusive with Actress Irma P. Hall

Our EmPOWERing Editorial Staff

Lisa M. Baldwin, Editorial Director and Founder

Ceanti Aldridge, Managing Editor and Contributor

Our EmPOWERing Contributors

Dawniel Patterson Winningham

Kelly Ramsey

Elizabeth Goins-Turner

BrowSan

Jackie Brown

Jahnel Aska-Profit

Doyle Winn Jr.

Alton Eugene

Elva Crawford Brown

Visit us at www.empoweredcompanies.com

Email us at info@empoweredcompanies.com

We welcome your feedback!

On the Cover:

Homelessness in America

As The State of Homelessness in America

2012 reveals, “There is much work left to do

to end homelessness in America.”

Turning Tragedy

into Triumph:

A Domestic Violence Survivor’s

Story

Exclusive

Interview with

Actress Irma P.

Hall

In This Issue:

Life EmPOWERment”

Health and Fitness

OGTFO!

Beauty and Style

Summer Body Work!

Spiritual EmPOWERment:

Soul Food—articles with content that will nourish and feed the soul

“Speak” A Poem

Grave vs. The Law Bible Study

Literary EMPOWERment

Reaching for the Stars

Causes

“Every Home Has A Story: The Ultimate Home Giveaway”

Spotlight! Special Light Shone on Community Activism, Entrepreneurs, Musicians, etc.

Musician:

BrownSan South African Artist

Entrepreneur of the Month:

JB’s Cupcakes

Entertainment

From A Single Man’s Perspective

Contents

WMF Volunteers Needed!

If you are looking for an opportunity to give back or impact your community, “Every Home Has A

Story: The Ultimate Home Giveaway” Campaign is a tremendous undertaking that will take the

efforts of the community. We have a number of opportunities for you to volunteer your skills

through this initiative.

Direct Mail CampaignDirect Mail Campaign

Fundraising ActivitiesFundraising Activities

Social Media MarketingSocial Media Marketing

Selection CommitteeSelection Committee

Home Remodel or Décor Trade or Skills Home Remodel or Décor Trade or Skills

Please visit our website: www.thewonderfullymadefoundation.com . Click on the “Volunteer” tab to

download the volunteer form and be sure to follow up by contacting the WMF office.

Office phone: (405) 778-6870

Email: info@wonderfullymadefoundation.com

Volunteers/Interns for stage film productions and film and audio production

assistance.

Interns in graphic design.

Volunteers to will support our teen dating violence initiative.

Volunteers/Interns in marketing, journalism, page layout, and graphic design.

Article Writers.

Other Volunteer/Intern Opportunities

Write the book YOU have been

dreaming of!

Girl! Power DREAMS

REACH for the Stars

By Dawniel Patterson Winningham

So you DREAM of writing your very own

book? Even if this is not your “DREAM,”

you must admit, the thought may have

crossed your mind on more than one

occasion. The New York Times says that 8

in 10 Americans have thoughts of writing

their own book. So whether you dream of

writing the next Science Fiction book or

you plan on giving Stephen King a run for

his money writing thrillers, you must ask

yourself this one question and answer

honestly; “Do I have what it takes to move

writing a book from the dreams column

onto the done checklist?”

What to write?

To be honest when it comes down to what you will write about you have several options. There are many genres of books

available and you will first have to decide what the story is that you want to tell the world. The obvious choice is to do your

own life story. Many people go this path because they feel that their story is impactful and will bless someone else who may

be going through the same thing.

Many of us, (me included), may not be willing to share that much of ourselves, or may not feel that our life story is anything

that others would even care about. Then what? Are you in a career that is hard to break into? Then maybe you would want

to write about that. Are there special life skills that you have that by writing them in a book, others would benefit? Then that

may be your choice. Are you creative and spend all day daydreaming of future worlds, filled with aliens and strange animals.

Then Sci-Fi may be the way to go for you. What you decide to write is a testament to who you are and what you love. If you

choose something that you are not hugely passionate about, or that you are not very familiar with, will only lead to writer’s

block down the line.

How to write?

Getting started is not as simple as it may seem. Do you have the skill set needed to write a book? Is writing something that

comes natural to you? If not you may want to consider taking a creative writing class. Many of them are available for free

online. There are also group writing classes available at most neighborhood colleges where you will not only be challenged

to write, but you will have a supportive group of individuals readily willing and able to give you feedback on the work you

produce. There are also many books available, as well as articles on the internet, that can help you when it comes to putting

together the book of your dreams.

When to write?

Contrary to many beliefs true writing takes discipline. In the midst of the hectic lives that many of us lead, carving out the time to be

creative, or sometimes to just get one word on paper between dinner and the kid’s homework can be a challenge. Many writers take

what is called a hiatus (time away from everything) in order to get their writing done. Some writers, (like myself), write in the wee hours

of the morning when the house is the most quiet and I can gather my thoughts without interruptions. It’s about 4:30am as I write this

article (*wink).

Your best bet is to identify times when you know your family is most dormant and when demands on your time are the least and to get

started. You may have random thoughts throughout the day that may help your craft, make it a habit of jotting down those notes until

you can get back to them later. Failure to do so may mean those thoughts may be lost forever, caught up in the madness of everyday life.

My book is finished, what now?

There are many options available to you to get your work out into the world once it is finished. Everything from traditional publishing

contracts to pay to publish companies, and even the option of publishing your book yourself exists in this modern day world. There are

even people like myself, publishing consultants, who can help you make the best decision for you and your book, depending on what you

have written. But do me and yourself a huge favor! Don’t put the cart before the horse, finish your book and it is SURE that you will be

able to take on your next challenge…navigating the world of publishing. Stay tuned for my next article…Publishing Options, What

works best for YOU!

Until then, cheers to you and the book you are writing. May it be the next great American Novel!

So what are you waiting for? GET WRITING!

Dawniel Patterson-Winningham is a successful corporate performance

coach and Assistant Vice President at a Fortune 100 Firm. She is also

private life coach (DreamScapes Coaching), specializing in helping

people achieve the dream of leaving their 9 - 5 and becoming

entrepreneurs and providing pro-bono coaching to non-profit entities

looking to expand their reach to assist others. She currently writes an

empowerment monthly column for 10 magazines. She is CEO of her

own publishing company (Twin Power Publishing), in which she not

only publishes her own books, but also coaches aspiring authors on

completing their own self published titles. She is the mother of 3,

including twins, and currently resides in Katy, TX; a suburb of

Houston. Her books are available on Amazon.com for purchase and

also available for download on most e-readers. Her newest book

Living the GODpossible Life, is available everywhere

www.yourgirlpower.com

yourgirlpower@hotmail.com.

Facebook.com/authordawnielpattersonwinningham

Twitter.com @yourgirlpower

REACH FOR THE STARS

© Dawn Hudson | Dreamstime.com

Photo Credit Melissa Bliss/

Shabbychicimages.com

Homelessness in AmericaHomelessness in AmericaHomelessness in America Iformation from a report done by National Alliance to End Homelessness

“Over the course of a year, the odds of experiencing homelessness for a person in the general US population

are 1 in 194; for a person discharged from prison or jail, the odds are 1 in 13; for a person living doubled-up

(living with friends, family or other nonrelatives for economic reasons), the odds are 1 in 12; and for a person

who has aged out of foster care, the odds are 1 in 11.

Of the approximate 636,000 individuals who are homeless [on a given night] in America, nearly 4 in 10 are

unsheltered (living in the streets, cars, abandoned buildings, or other places not intended for human habitation).

Although the national homeless population decreased, the homeless population increased in 24 of 50 states

plus the District of Columbia. About 69% of the homeless population is located in the 100 most populated

metropolitan areas. Oklahoma is ranked at 42 for it’s homelessness rate. Florida is 1 of 2 states that account for

13 of the 24 total metro areas where the rates of homelessness are higher than the national rate. Tampa-St.

Petersburg-Clearwater, FL is the metro area with the highest rate of homelessness in the US.

The average real income of the working poor increased slightly from $9,300 in 2009 to about $9,400 in 2010.

However, there’s not a single county in the nation where a family with an average annual income of $9,400

can afford fair market rent for a one-bedroom unit. The number of poor households which pay more than 50%

of their income on rent increased 22% from 2007 to 2010. Nationally, 1 out of every 45 housing units had a

foreclosure in 2010, a more than 100% increase from 2007.

As The State of Homelessness in America 2012 reveals, there is much work left to do to end homelessness in

America.”

Issues of Homelessness

Chronic Homelessness

Chronic homelessness is defined as long-term or repeated homelessness, often coupled with a disability.

Families

About 250,000 people in families are homeless. Rapid re-housing and prevention are two strategies to avert and end their

homelessness.

Veterans

The Administration has recently committed to ending homelessness for the 76,000 homeless veterans in the U.S.

Youth

About 50,000 youth in the U.S. sleep on the street for six months or more. Homeless youth face unique developmental

challenges and vulnerability.

Rural Homelessness

About 7 percent of the homeless population lives in rural areas. Access to resources tends to be more limited in rural or

mostly rural areas.

Domestic Violence

About 13 percent of homeless families report that they left their last residence due to violence or abuse.

Mental/Physical Health

Stable housing and supportive services are critical to help people experiencing homelessness move toward recovery.

Re-Entry

Discharge planning is a key element of preventing homelessness for people re-entering the community.

At the Wonderfully Made Foundation Homeless Home, it is our desire that no one should have to go with

out one of life’s greatest necessitates; a home. So we have listed here the five of the thirty ways to help

the homeless according “Just Give,” the online charitable giving website. We believe we can put an end

to this epidemic if we all do our part.

35 Ways to Help the Homeless 35 Ways to Help the Homeless 35 Ways to Help the Homeless According to www.JustGive.org

1. Understand who the homeless are - Help dispel the stereotypes about the homeless.

Learn about the different reasons for homelessness, and remember, every situation is unique.

2. Educate yourself about the homeless - A homeless person may be someone who lost

their job, a runaway child, or someone with a mental illness. One of the first steps in helping

people is to see them as individuals and to find out what they need. Notice them; talk to them.

Most are starved for attention.

3. Respect the homeless as individuals - Give the homeless people the same courtesy and

respect you would accord your friends, your family, your employer. Treat them as you would

wish to be treated if you needed assistance.

4. Respond with kindness - We can make quite a difference in the lives of the homeless

when we respond to them, rather than ignore or dismiss them. Try a kind word and a smile.

5. Develop lists of shelters - Carry a card that lists local shelters so you can hand them out

to the homeless. You can find shelters in your phone book.

Grace Rescue Mission

(Men)

405-232-5756

2205 Exchange Ave

Oklahoma City, OK 73108

Salvation Army Men Shelter

(Men)

405-246-1080

2205 Exchange Ave

Oklahoma City, OK 73108

Salvation Army Family Lodge

(405)264-11334

501 S Harvey

Oklahoma City, OK 73101

Look for more ways to help in the September

issue of EmPOWERed Magazine

Jesus House

(drugs, mental disabilities)

405-232-7164

1335 West Sheridan Ave

Oklahoma City, OK 73106

City Rescue Mission

(Men and Women)

405-232-2709

800 West California Ave

Oklahoma City, OK 73106

Wonderfully Made Foundation

(Women and children)

405-778-6870

933 NE 32nd St.

Oklahoma City, OK 73105

Listed below are six of the nine homeless shelters in Oklahoma City.

Turning into

Elizabeth Goins-Turner is a wife, mother, grandmother, sister & friend to many

across the United States. She is also a playwright who has written & produced

numerous productions including “My Brotha-My Sista,” “Let Not Your Heart Be

Troubled,” “Every Eye That’s Closed Ain’t Sleep,” & “Past & Present-A Stitch in

Time.” Some of her productions have toured in places like Florida, Mississippi,

North Carolina and Indiana. She is also a poet with a book set to release

November 2012 titled, “No Longer A Victim Because I Am Still Standing.”

Elizabeth is hoping to have book signings in various locations throughout the

USA & overseas.

TriumphTriumphTriumph

A Domest ic V io lence Surv ivor ’ s Story

Elizabeth Goins-Turner is the founder of the “Not Looking

Back Foundation for Domestic Violence Awareness,” which

was created on March 2, 2011. This foundation was

established because Elizabeth was a victim of domestic

violence. Experiencing an obscene form of domestic

violence, she immediately pulled herself out of the situation

for help. Elizabeth decided that she wants to help men and

women escape this type of abuse.

As a domestic violence survivor, she feels that she can help

prevent this form of abuse towards men & women around

the country. On March 22, 2011 the foundation hosted an

event that assisted Family Services in Winston-Salem, NC

with some much needed items. On October 22, 2011 the

foundation was assisted by Avon District #1352 in Jackson-

ville, FL with a very successful toiletry drive. Enough items

were collected to service over 100 victims, both men &

women. April 20-22, 2012 she hosted an awareness

conference. She is currently working on a grand opening for

the foundation’s first shelter located in North Carolina.

Elizabeth’s dream is to open shelters nationwide in order to

help those who need to be helped.

The rate of domestic violence has increased over the years.

Teenagers and preteens feel as if it is ok to create violence

nowadays. The stories being told on the news today about

domestic violence should make anyone want to get up and

help change society.

With contributions and donations towards this foundation &

others like it, “The Not Looking Back Foundation for

Domestic Violence Awareness” will grow and be able to

touch the lives of many. “If I can save one life, then I’ve

done what God wanted me to do,” says Mrs. Turner. Her

most recent vision was to start an Outreach Ministry which

she calls the L. G. Turner Outreach Ministry which will

feed, clothe, educate, inspire, motivate and transition needy

people to a better life of independency. The Outreach

Ministry will be based out of Winston-Salem, North

Carolina which is her hometown. “So many have said that I

wouldn’t make it in this world & I wouldn’t amount to

anything, but yet I stand. I had a gun pointed at my head, the

trigger pulled 3 times & it jammed. I was beat & left for

dead. I’ve had my share of struggles. Now, it’s time for me

to LIVE! With God’s guidance I will make it to the TOP.”

Often when we look at a child, we can see them grow-

ing, from an infant to a toddler, slowly taking grasp

of the world around them. Children are learning the

rules of society, how do set and understand boundaries

and how to relate with others from watching the adults

in their lives. Have you ever identified with a parent

when their child has a tantrum in the middle of the

store aisle? Of course, you have. We understand the

struggle that the parent is experiencing.

The child is growing up, and changing, and his needs

are changing as well. As the parent watches this

metamorphosis of the sweet infant to the screaming

toddler, they are experiencing changes as well. This is

where the stages of parenthood become evident, and

clarity of the developmental stages of children are best

understood. Parenting is a process by which parents

and children grow and develop, each influencing the

other throughout their lives. Parents move through a

series of six stages from pregnancy, when they prepare

for parenthood and the birth of their child, to the time

when their child leaves home to enter the adult world

(Galinsky, 1981). Parents evaluate their progress as

the child moves through each of these stages.

Expectations for their child's behavior and develop-

ment are measured against the child's actual behavior

and development; a parent's self-image may shift as he

or she moves through the different stages of

parenthood. This information is based on Galinsky's

interviews with over 200 couples (Galinsky, 1981).

For better or for worse, being a parent changes an indi-

vidual forever.

Galinsky identifies six parental stages as:

Image-making stage: Pregnancy

Nurturing stage: Birth to 18-24 Months or Autonomy

Authoritative stage: Two to four or five years

Interpretive Stage: Preschool Years through Adolescence

Interdependent Stage: During adolescence

Departure Stage

with a Purpose

O ne of the greatest challenges facing families today is parenting children in a chaotic

world. This section will share with you research on parenting and raising children in

the 21st century. From cradle to college, parents will learn valuable lessons from the

children in their homes and community. Come join us in the journey, as we unfold

the skillful art of parenting with purpose.

P a r e n t i n g

Join us next month for continued discussion of the Stages of Parenthood. We will describe in depth each stage

and how developmental stages of children affect our parenting.

About Kelly Ramsey

Kelly began her work with children and families as an early

childhood teacher in 1984. She has a B.S. in Family Studies and

Gerontology, a M.S. in Education and is currently pursuing her

doctoral degree. For over two decades she has had opportunities to

work with children and families as a classroom teacher, center

director, parent educator, mentor, coach and college instructor. Her

experiences working with and on behalf of infants and toddlers

includes facilitating parenting groups, setting up infant, toddler and

preschool environments in both center based and family child care

home settings. As a child care center director, Kelly trained staff

on positive interaction with children and taught child development,

focused on developmentally appropriate practice for infants,

toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children at the college level.

A lifelong learner, Kelly believes that creating a home and school

environment that promotes self-discovery and personal reflection

are key to building strong families. She enjoys sharing her

experiences in a variety of settings and has been an advocate for

children as a board member of organizations that support families

and children. She is an experienced presenter and workshop leader

in the areas of early childhood classroom management, relationship

development, parenting and adult/child interaction.

Kelly’s has a passion for helping parents understand their

developing child as they grow and learn from the world around

them. As the owner of Developing People, Inc., she creates

learning opportunities for adults that evoke passion and creates

new paths for learning. She enjoys sharing in the discovery with

the learner, facilitating the exchange of ideas and providing

resources to enhance the learning experience. Kelly resides in

Oklahoma City with her husband and two young children.

By Kelly Ramsey

Graduate students in Oklahoma City University’s Red Earth MFA program gave a creative writing

workshop for residents of the Wonderfully Made shelter last week. It was the first collaboration between

the Red Earth MFA and Wonderfully Made, but there are plans to make it an annual event.

The shelter, located in the northeast part of Oklahoma

City, is a home for homeless women and their children.

Jeanetta Mish, Red Earth MFA interim director, said the

purpose of the workshop was to help residents use

creative writing as a means of self-expression and

reflection.

“Some people find writing a therapeutic exercise, espe-

cially when life gets difficult,” Mish said. “We hope we

can help the residents learn how to use writing as a

creative outlet for expression of their lives and

experiences and also as a way to improve writing skills that are necessary for everyday purposes such as

job applications.”

The creative writing students who volunteered are participating

in the Red Earth MFA pedagogy coursework. The students

prepared for their visit by choosing their writing prompts and

activities, and then took their projects to the Wonderfully Made

shelter. While there, the students learned about the shelter and

its various programs from its director, Lisa Baldwin Miller.

The creative writing students were divided into two teams —

one to work with the children and the other with the adults. The

program views these workshops as both training for its students

in teaching writing and also as community service. Current

plans are to include a community service workshop or event

during most residency periods.

The Red Earth MFA is a low-residency, two-year degree program. It includes five residencies — one

each summer and each winter plus another at the end of the program — for approximately 10 days each.

Between residencies, students study long-distance with faculty members who are all practicing creative

writers. For more information about the program call (405) 208-5127 or visit www.okcu.edu/english/

redearthmfa.

Oklahoma City University News

Press Release

Creative Writing Students Teach at Shelter

7/23/2012

OCUOCUOCU atat WMFWMFWMF

Artist of the MonthArtist of the MonthArtist of the Month

South African Artist BrownSanSouth African Artist BrownSan

Praise the name of the living God

I am Kwagala Stephen aka BrownSan. I was born in 1985 in Mulaga Hospital in Uganda, Africa. I went through

misery and agony while growing up . I never got a chance to grow up with my biological dad. In February of last

year, we went to the hospital for a DNA test and the results showed that he wasn’t actually my biological father. I

thank God for the new family of Mr. Donald and Mrs. Tina Scott that He brought in my life. They have been a

great help in my life, including taking me back to school, paying my house rent, and helping me with food. I have

a ministry called San Scott Charity Ministry which takes care of orphans. We oohelp them with education, food,

and health services so that they too can have a better future. San Scott charity does outreach ministries in different

places around Uganda spreading the gospel of loving one another. Our ministry comes from the book of Jeremiah

1:27. We are humbly requesting any one who can support these children to please contact us at

sanscottharity@gmail.com or at +256-752291220 You can also write to us at P.O box 24423 Kampala, Uganda

Thank you in advance.

Praise Across The WorldPraise Across The World

I grew up in the small town of Forrest City, Arkan-

sas. I am the youngest of five children. My fami-

ly was not rich with money, but we were sur-

rounded by a wealth of love and stability. Home

cooked meals and home made desserts were the

norm in my house. Both my grandmother and my

mom could take the simplest ingredients and turn them into

the best meal or dessert you had ever tasted. J.B.’sJ.B.’sJ.B.’s

CupcakesCupcakesCupcakes

For example: a simple flour dough, butter, sugar,

milk ,and nutmeg were the makings of a delicious

dessert called butter roll. These items were staples

in my home. We never knew what mama would

decide to bake, but you knew whatever it was

would really be good.

As a young girl, one of my most favorite past

times was to “play cook;” you know, mud pies,

mud cakes, sand cornbread, and grass for greens.

As I got older, I progressed to the Easy Bake

Oven. Wow, I was baking real cakes now (LOL).

Though the Easy Bake Oven provided a means to

bake real pastries, it never provided the means for

me to create that pink frosted cupcake like the one

pictured on the package of my grandma’s

Godchaux Powdered Sugar.

Fast forward 40 plus years, I still enjoy baking.

I still remember the picture of the pink frosted

cupcake on the box of grandma’s powdered sugar.

My mom’s baking mantle appears to have fallen

on me. In creating J. B.’s Cupcakes, my initial

desire was really just to supplement/create an

extra stream of income for our family. However,

I realize there is potential for my business to

really grow into something much larger than I

was thinking. I used to only bake for the

Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays–that is until

just this past Easter. I volunteered to bring the

cake to our office party. I thought cupcakes would

be beautiful tasty treats and a welcome change

from the normal sheet cake. When I started to

frost the cupcakes for the party, a desire to make

them more special welled up inside of me. I found

myself inspired by all the fresh new things that

come with Spring. I started looking through

magazines for decorating ideas. Before I knew it,

I was piping frosting, little birdies and flowers.

Soon after that, the idea of expanding to different

flavor combinations as well as color combinations

fell into my spirit. I now have several themes for

my cupcakes and new flavor ideas as well. That

one act of volunteering was the catalyst that

placed me on the path of starting my own cupcake

business. Not only am I enjoying baking

cupcakes, but I am able to tap into a world of cre-

ativity that I hadn’t realized was there.

Whenever I can visualize a cupcake, I know I can

create it.

Jackie Brown

J.B .’s Cupcakes

Entrepreneur of the MonthEntrepreneur of the MonthEntrepreneur of the Month

Summer Body Summer Body

Work Work Part 1Part 1

Do you absolutely love summer time, but loathe showing your skin? Well,

it’s too hot to stay hidden under layers of clothing. I get many questions

about skin conditions on the body. So, let’s start with the hardest question

to face: Thighs and Cellulite! Know this--you are not alone! Many people

have some degree of cellulite. You can fight it and reduce the appearance

with three easy steps.

1. Exercise

Working out burns fat and builds

muscle. Cellulite is fat deposits under

the skin. No one can decrease their fat

cells, but you can decrease the amount

being stored. So, work out and

decrease the storage amount. Make

sure to check with your physician the

right exercise plan for you.

By Jahnel Aska-Profit

Licensed Esthetician

Summer is still here and you deserve to show some skin with confidence. Make

sure you read next month issue of Summer Body Work part 2. Your other body

parts need attention too: back acne, rough skin, neck & chest…stay tuned.

2. Spa Treatments

There are several spa treatments to

choose from for reducing the

appearance of cellulite. However,

my favorite seems to show the most

results. The least expensive is the

cellulite wrap. The area being

treated is massaged with a mineral

and detox gel then wrapped for

about 20 minutes. This boosts your

circulation in that area which

temporarily plumps and smoothes

out the skin. This is a good service

to try in between your exercise

routine.

If permanency is what you seek,

then you would love radiofrequency

at a medical spa. This procedure

actually helps burn the fat stored

under the skin and boosts your

collagen. Your skin is not only

smoother but also tighter in

appearance. And unlike lasers,

radiofrequency is safe for women of

color. Bye, bye cellulite!

3. Bronzing

If budgets are tight, the next best thing

is to hydrate and glow! Use a bronzing

moisturizer, or a lotion with

self-tanning. The properties in these

creams deflect the cellulite in the sun

and give the appearance of smoother

skin. This can give you more

confidence and a gorgeous look to your

thighs. Try Carol’s Daughter Gelee de

EmPOWERed ExclusiveEmPOWERed Exclusive Interview With Actress

Irma P. Hall, lovingly and reverently known as “Big Mama” of Soul Food. The film

was a box office hit which prompted the television spin-off, Soul Food: The Series.

Ms. Hall has appeared in numerous films including; Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns,

Ladykillers, and Collateral and she has appeared in television shows since the 1970s.

She is best known for playing matriarchal roles in films. Empowered Magazine’s

Editorial Director, Lisa Baldwin sat down for an intimate conversation with Ms. Hall.

Lisa Baldwin: Mrs. Hall you portray a lot

of motherly roles. Can you tell

Empowered readers what it means to be a

mother.

Ms. Hall: It’s a daunting task, that should

be enjoyed every day. You mustn’t miss

any aspect of your child’s development as

the moment can’t be recaptured. You are

your child’s very first teacher.

Lisa Baldwin: Who or what prepared you

for the big-screen?

Ms. Hall: My parents, they instilled in me

to do my personal best. They never told

me to be better than anyone, but always

strive for MY personal excellence.

Editorial Director, Lisa Baldwin and Ms.

Irma P. Hall

Irma P. Hall

Lisa Baldwin: Why acting as a career?

Ms. Hall: I have taught as a teacher

for over 27 years in Dallas Public

Schools. I believe acting is teaching,

but in a different way. The many lives

that you can mold and direct by each

role you take on. One of the reasons I

loved playing motherly roles was to

allow my audiences to travel with me

and never forget the roles I have

played.

Lisa Baldwin: Mission accomplished,

I absolutely loved you in Soul Food, so endearing!!!

Lisa Baldwin: Anything else you want to say, so you can get on to your next

set location?

Ms. Hall: You don’t have to give birth

to be a mother, and what a blessing for

me to be blessed with 2 children and

the promotion of becoming

grandmother, and my next promotion

of great-grandmother. Cherish

everyday as if it were your last!!!

Because each day fills your soul (with)

food to grow on!!!

Breaking down

THINK L IKE A MAN

found the movie entertaining, but not

very informative being that I am a man.

On the other hand, I sensed women

were buzzing in their seats like they just discov-

ered the wheel!

What is the big deal ladies? You all act like this

movie is the Bible of relationships. Is it saying

something you didn’t already know? I think it is

just becoming apparent that we have some seri-

ous problems with some marriages and relation-

ships.

Still I enjoyed the movie and if it enlightens

women to the ways of men and helps men and

women I am all for it. BUT if it doesn’t help,

then I agree with the male characters in the mov-

ie; Steve Harvey was giving way too much in-

formation to the “enemy,” and this will probably

be used against us [men] in later battles!!

Key points:

1. The 90 day rule...I hope your dating a square

if you’re not and your man has any game he'll

probably still be dealing with his ex while you

count down the 90 days. Yes, men are capable

of this, even if he really likes you, his needs may

drive him to seek entertainment elsewhere!!!

2. Corporate woman and minimum wage

brother...This relationship most likely won't

work, different interests and goals will keep the

two apart, and most strong men will definitely

not get involved in this relationship.

3. The L word...If you are waiting around for

your man to say I LOVE YOU, you are living in

a fairy tale, I could literally say I love you to

five or six different women in one year if i think

it would work in my favor. The L word is just a

word, how does he treat you? Does he treat you

in a loving way? Is he genuinely concerned

about your well being? Hmmm.................

4. Waiting for him to open your door...What is

this?? A lovely young lady played the old “open

the car door” game with me once. I left her

standing on the curb of the Chinese restaurant on

Lincoln Blvd. till she called me on my cell and

we worked it out. Don't lose the war playing this

game in this day and time. It's a old custom and

these are modern times, I know Ill get a lot of

flack about this but that's just my opinion.

I

By Doyle Winn Jr.

From A Single Man’s Perspect ive

OGTFOOGTFOOGTFO If we were friends on Facebook, you might notice many

of my posts on getting healthier ending with the phrase

“OGTFO,” and you might wonder what it means.

OGTFO is an acronym I came up with after talking with

a friend of mine about getting serious about losing

weight. (I'm really into acronyms) It stands for

"Operation: Get The Fat Off" and it a motivational tool I

use as I embark on this journey toward a healthier life.

OGTFO helps me stay focused. It is a part of my plan

to lose weight, workout, get lean and strong, develop

healthier eating habits, and become an overall more

healthy and happy person. Though OGTFO only men-

tions getting the “Fat Off,” my goal is holistic wellness;

mind, body, and soul.

I began this journey in March of this year and as of July

30th I am 35 pounds down! For me this is nothing short

of a mira-

cle. I have

always

been the

one who

talked a

good game.

I could get

really hype

and even

get you hyped about ”doing it for real this time!” BUT I

never had any “follow through.” My mother always told

me that once truly I made up my mind I could do any-

thing and turns out, she was right!. One day, after years

of talk, it clicked: “I want to get fit.”

What I am finding on this journey is that it is definitely a

tough journey. Having to actually deny myself certain

foods and push myself to get up and workout aren't easy

things to do after years of never disciplining myself to do

so. Now, at 26 years of age, I am the most active I have

been since I was a young girl and I am really enjoying it.

I have realized that I don't always have to eat every

"treat" I come across. It's ok for me to deny my cravings

sometimes, actually, it is necessary if I want to reach my

goals.. I do have the power and self control to

say no to junk foods! I won't die from turning it away

and if you are in that same place neither will you! You

can eat better and you can workout. You just have to put

to rest all those old excuse you let hold you back and

trust me, I had many myself.

In four months, I can see my body changing and it keeps

me excited. It has not been easy. It is a difficult process.

BUT worth it! I don't always give OGTFO my full com-

mitment. Some days I do better than others, but I am

learning and everyday I am striving to make better

choices and stay focused. A little effort and small

changes really do go a long way. When I mess up, I

refuse to get discouraged to the point of quitting like I

used to because I know that I have the rest of my life to

get this thing right. (Although I refuse to take that long)

The "small" changes I've made have given me big results

so that encourages me to keep it pushing until I

accomplish all my goals in journey process. My body

really wants to be healthy and I think I deserve to be

healthy and be confident in my physical appearance.

Becoming healthier and stronger in my physical body

also encourages me to do better in other areas of my life.

I refuse to be physically fit, but my spiritual life be all

jacked up. If I can discipline myself to eat better than I

can discipline my self to reach and achieve all my other

goals! Finally, I am truly serious about fitness and good

health holistically. I have decided to be a good steward of

this temple, the talents, and visions God has given me

and if you are ready to make that decision or if you have

already began, be sure to check back every month for tips

and tools to help you as we continue this journey togeth-

er! It is time for you to become a healthier, happier,

FINER you!

By Ceanti Aldridge

Each month I will give some simple tips that I have learned that can us you

reach your fitness goals. Some will be ones I have come up with along my

journey, other will be some I get from other people. I am in no way an ex-

pert! You know the old saying, “Check with your doctor before beginning

any exercise program?” Well, please do that!

Ceanti’s Simple Tips

Simple Tip #1 Simple Tip #1 Simple Tip #1 --- Pray!Pray!Pray!

Simple Tip #2 Simple Tip #2 Simple Tip #2 --- Make YOUR Mind Up!Make YOUR Mind Up!Make YOUR Mind Up!

Simple Tip #3 Simple Tip #3 Simple Tip #3 --- Do Your Workout!Do Your Workout!Do Your Workout!

BEST TIP EVER!! Getting Fit is a difficult process, especially after

years of being undisciplined. Why would you leave this to your on

strength? Ask God to help you! Use His strength! God is like, the

Ultimate Accountability Partner! Ask Him to teach you what to do

and to help you stay motivated. He will do it. He loves you and

wants you to be your best you! We ask Him for everything else.

Don’t leave your health and fitness out. It’s too important!

You can have everyone else in the world pushing and encouraging

you, telling you you can do it, BUT until you decide you are worth

being fit and healthy, and you decide that you want it bad enough,

you will never do it! If you are like me you have been talking about

it long enough. You’ve read enough books and articles and you’ve

gotten enough information from Dr. Oz and The Doctors. It IS time

to get started, but it is your choice. So what is it going to be?

Don’t let people talk you into getting a gym membership you

KNOW you won’t be faithful to. Don’t agree to run a 10k this

weekend if you know you haven’t even walked a block in years.

Don’t do anything you know you have no desire to see through!

Find a routine you can stick with and activities you enjoy so you’re

not so easily discouraged and wanting to quit all the time. Fitness is

for life! This isn’t about pleasing people, it’s about you getting

healthier You can work up to the 10k!! Whatever you do, do it

wholeheartedly, push yourself to go further than you think you can,

and be faithful, Don't try to take the easy way out though. To see

results you will have to work for it. Be dedicated and you will see

results!!! But I firmly believe you should enjoy your workout even

when you hate it.

For more health and fitness information check back with us next month! Also, be sure to

check out my blog for weekly tips like these and to keep up with my progress –

www.ceantip2p.blogspot.com.

Sins Entrance and Effect on Mankind

Adam sinned in the Garden. His act of disobe-

dience brought sin into the world and made

everyone after him sinners. Even though the

law was not yet given, sin and its effects

reigned over mankind and ultimately brought

death to all men, even though they had not

sinned according to the likeness of Adam.

Since the law was not given until Moses, sin

was not imputed during the time from Adam

to Moses, however again the wages of sin,

which is death, was still in effect. (Romans

5:12-14; Romans 5:19-21)

The Law's Entrance and Effect on Us

The Law came into effect through Moses. God gave him the commandments. These commandments were not so that we could live

right, but were to reveal our sinfulness. The law was our tutor until Christ came on the scene. He is the fulfillment of the law. The

law always revealed sin for what it was and strengthened its power over people. (1 Corinthians 15:56) It will always produce

rebellion. It’s not by the works of the law that we are justified. It is by the grace of God through Jesus Christ. The Law is good. It’s

Holy. It’s right, but it never can justify nor give power to a person to overcome sin. (I Timothy 1:9-11 -Who the Law is for, Romans

7:7-25 –Paul describing what it was like to live as a slave to sin through the law).

Our Deliverance

Through faith in Christ we are justified and made righteous. ONLY through Him. We cannot make ourselves righteous through our

own good works of legalistic observances of the scriptures and commandments.

We are the righteousness of God IN CHRIST. We are now to live our lives by faith in the Son of God and by His grace. His Spirit.

His way. In Him. By Him. Through Him. His grace frees us from sin and empowers us to walk in the way of God, having dominion

over sin. Grace empowers us to live for God. (Romans 6:14, Titus 2:11-14, Romans 3:24, Romans 7:6, 2 Corinthians 3:4-18—

Explains the contrast between the "letter" (law) and the current ministry of the Holy Spirit., Colossians 2:14)

Our Problem

We begin to pervert the grace of God and the life He called us to in the Spirit to nothing more than a legalistic observance of

Christian practices that we think makes us right in His sight if we follow them. Don’t misunderstand, there IS a way to walk before

God as His children, but the idea that God loves us less or thinks less of us is silly. The enemy desires to use genuine spiritual

practices of fasting, worship, or other acts of service and devotion to God against us, to pervert them into nothing more than a list of

things to accomplish before God accepts us. God accepts us fully in Christ. PERIOD.

Main Obligation Now -LOVE!

Love Love Love! God makes things very simple for us.

1 John 3:22-23 “And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleas-

ing in His sight. And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as

He gave us commandment.”

Very simple! This is the will of God! Believe in Jesus and love each other! The entire Christian life (ministry and all) comes from

this. Love fulfills the Law (Romans 13:8, Galatians 5:14, James 2:8, Mark 12:28-34)

Grace vs. The Law by Alton Eugene

Speak to my storm Lord and make it ceaseSpeak to my storm Lord and make it cease

A calm, deep into my spirit I need you to releaseA calm, deep into my spirit I need you to release

This storm has birthed such a major disaster This storm has birthed such a major disaster

But if you speak it has to obey you masterBut if you speak it has to obey you master

Speak to my currents, winds and the roaring Speak to my currents, winds and the roaring

waveswaves

For when you speak everything behavesFor when you speak everything behaves

Speak to my lightning that strikes the blows to my Speak to my lightning that strikes the blows to my

heartheart

Speak healing to where I’ve been shattered and Speak healing to where I’ve been shattered and

torn aparttorn apart

Speak quietness to my booming thunderSpeak quietness to my booming thunder

I know you’re able for you are an awesome won-I know you’re able for you are an awesome won-

derder

Speak sunshine into my down pouring rainSpeak sunshine into my down pouring rain

So that I may see clearly how to navigate through So that I may see clearly how to navigate through

my painmy pain

Speak Lord and roll back my dark cloudSpeak Lord and roll back my dark cloud

My enemy that seeks to destroy me, no longer let it My enemy that seeks to destroy me, no longer let it

be allowedbe allowed

Speak life to my character that my enemy has as-Speak life to my character that my enemy has as-

sassinated sassinated

Speak relief to the hurt deep within that’s been Speak relief to the hurt deep within that’s been

permeated permeated

Speak freedom to the things that have me boundSpeak freedom to the things that have me bound

Speak stability to my shaky groundSpeak stability to my shaky ground

Speak clarity to my wandering directionSpeak clarity to my wandering direction

Speak forgiveness to my transgression Speak forgiveness to my transgression

Speak your gentle peace into my distressSpeak your gentle peace into my distress

Speak comfort to my valley of lonelinessSpeak comfort to my valley of loneliness

Speak to my mountain; make it move out of my Speak to my mountain; make it move out of my

wayway

Just one word Lord is all you have to sayJust one word Lord is all you have to say

Speak recovery to the things I put my hands on Speak recovery to the things I put my hands on

and made a big mess and made a big mess

Speak restoration to my brokennessSpeak restoration to my brokenness

Speak to the issues that I just can’t faceSpeak to the issues that I just can’t face

Speak favor, mercy and amazing graceSpeak favor, mercy and amazing grace

Speak words of wisdom to the depths of my thirsty Speak words of wisdom to the depths of my thirsty

soulsoul

Speak to the circumstances far beyond my controlSpeak to the circumstances far beyond my control

Speak volumes of strength to where I am weakSpeak volumes of strength to where I am weak

Please dear Lord, I need you to speak, speak, Please dear Lord, I need you to speak, speak,

speakspeak

SPEAKSPEAKSPEAK

© Elva Crawford Brown© Elva Crawford Brown© Elva Crawford Brown

November, 2010November, 2010November, 2010

EmEmPOWERPOWERPOWEReded M A G A Z I N EM A G A Z I N EM A G A Z I N E

Be About I t !Be About I t !

Left: Commissioner Johnson, Senator Johnson, Representative Pittman, and EmPOWERed Magazine Founder Lisa Baldwin

Photo Credit: Patricia Smith