How Jill and Talita were inspired to visualize their future...
When I (Jill) was younger, I lived on a dead end street in the Southeast side of Washington, D.C. The difference between me and some of the other kids in the neighborhood was that my mother regularly took us to places that were far “off the block.” For instance, on the way to Marshall Hall, an amusement park in Maryland, we would see homes, grass and other aesthetics that we did not have in our neighborhood. In addition, my mother belonged to a social club called "The Foxy Nine". This group held events. A memorable location was cookouts at Tuesday’s Ponderosa. Tuesday, an African-American woman had lots of land with horses, something that was not seen in my neighborhood. This was no petting zoo trip, but a place where the families of the Foxy Nine club connected. As a result of seeing this side of life, I had absolutely no desire to move out of the apartment with my mom and siblings to a vacant apartment on the same street. Sometimes I would go with my mother to these Foxy Nine Meetings. What this group did for my family was the inspiration for me to start QueenBe… I believe these experiences were the catalyst for visions needed to see myself out… These were seeds that lead me to want out…
When Talita (Dr. J) was younger she was (and still is) good friends with James Brown’s (the sports commentator) family. Once James Brown knew of her desires to be a physician, from that day forward he referred to her as Dr. Jordan. She was a teen when she mentioned her desires to be a doctor to Brown, she was four when she said it at a pre-school graduation ceremony for me to hear. Being around someone who sends a “can do” energy your way is life altering. In addition, Talita had opportunity to travel with him and his daughter as well as visit his home. One day she came home from Brown's house and said mom, I know how I want to live. I asked her, what was different about James Brown when compared to others with nice homes. She said … James Brown has money and a great attitude, not arrogant like some others. At the time we lived in a home with no kitchen – it was a HUD home purchase that we won in a bid. That visit she learned the difference between wanting to get rich and wanting to BE rich. Being rich shows humility, love and a generous spirit long before anyone sees your money! She needed to know that money was not going to change her good heart and she saw it firsthand. She did not want to have to compromise her Christian values. James Brown planted the seed mostly by just Being. I remember how amazed she was that James Brown loved cream of wheat -- I believe she saw cream of wheat as a “poor man’s food.” Lol!!! The longing he had for that bowl of cream of wheat was talked about around my house for years. He was Being and she was looking. She saw and she visualized… Mom she said that day, “I know how I want to live.” She was fourteen!
If you recently attended Women's Bible Study and God did something awesome for you, click the blog link to the right and share your story with us.
A Revolution, Not A Riot
Every Wednesday, Join Jill as she continues to take women on a spiritual journey of discovering the true essence and beauty of just "being" Authentically "YOU". Come out and learn how to set boundaries, to esteem whom God has made us to “BE” and to begin a revolutionary change within ourselves without starting a riot.
Join us each Wednesday at 7:30pm at both Soul Factory locations:
The Soul Factory - MD 7702 Marlboro Pike, Forestville, MD 20747
The Soul Factory - GA 5567 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
SheMergency Forum
Thank you for attending our "SheMergency: The Conversations Men Are Having Behind Closed Doors" meeting recently held at the Soul Factory Theatre (Forestville, MD).
Have you lost your "She"?
For those who missed this rejuvenating session, stay tuned for our 2011 continuation of "SheMergency".
Becoming an “Authentic Woman" begins with distinguishing your "real self" from the self that was created by guilt, shame, blame and fear. Jill Cloud
THE "AUTHENTIC WOMAN" Workshop
Because AUTHENTICITY is my core value, our discussion time together will be no less than meaningful. If you are someone who is ready for the change that accompanies AUTHENTICITY, this will be the best investment you have made in a long time. As the once single parent of a Pediatrician who is now a resident at one of the most prestigious Children's Hospital in the United States, I know how to use words to bring about fulfillment and destiny. I have no greater pleasure in this life than to share wisdom with those of you who have similar desires for fulfillment.
From the previous workshop sessions, we covered topics that specifically addressed "how" you can become the Authentic Woman you desire to be. I have created a discussion blog for those who attended the previous workshop. Feel free to log in by clicking the "queenbe blog link. Again, it will be my pleasure to hear your views and share with you a customized solution to moving you towards destiny and fulfillment.
To access the Authentic Woman - "Discover Your Values" Blog, click the QueenBe Blog link.
FREEDOM'S JOURNEY FOR "PASTOR'S WIVES"
Many years ago I shared with a Pastor’s wife what I was going through. After sharing my story I stated that “my husband (a pastor) was being unfair.” Her response was that “saying this meant that I was saying that God is unfair.” My response, I did not say that life or God was unfair, but a person. This was my first attempt to talk to someone who I thought would not drive me back into silence. I never spoke with her about my real feelings again. It was clear that we differed in philosophy on this issue. Nevertheless, I held to the real truth about the situation. In time, when my husband matured in that area, he admitted his own selfishness. In the meantime, I was able to grow and stay in the flow of love because I remained true to myself. Most of all, I “talked it out” even if it was with my journal at first.
How many of us are forced to walk in falsehood rather than the truth simply by the nature of our position. While honoring your position, you must not forget about yourself. What do you do when you need to talk? How do you plan to keep deep rooted bitterness from settling in without overriding your true feelings? This Queen Be feature was constructed precisely for you! I call it Freedom’s Journey.
How does this work?
- You will be identified by number and not name so that you might remain anonymous. No part of what you share should contain real names.
What you will receive?
- Spiritual and physical lungs free from the toxins of harbored bitterness
- Getting past anger by doing more than “fixing your face.”
- Tools for healthy communication.
- The capacity to enter a revolution without starting a riot.
- Prayer, feedback and understanding.
Log in the blog room NOW to access discussion topics!!
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