WOMEN'S+FRONTLINE+MAGAZINE+ISSUE+WOMEN'S+FRONTLINE+MAGAZINE+APRIL+2017

WOMEN'S
FRONTLINE
MAGAZINE
APRIL
2017
HAVE YOU
HEARD?
A BROKEN
WOMAN
TRIBUTE
JARENA LEE
1783-1864
LIN
JOHNSON
INSPIRING RESILIENT COMMITTED

12 BREAKTHROUGH FROM CRAZY FAITH
BY LOUISE DES BORDES
16 A BROKEN WOMAN
BY HILDAH LUNDING
22 INTERVIEW WITH LIN JOHNSON
36 WOMEN AS VESSELS OF GOD
BY PEARL DUA
40 TRIBUTE TO JARENA LEE
BY HILDAH LUNDING
44 JOURNEY TO SEFL-DISCOVERY
DR. COZETTE WHITE
48 INSPIRED RESILIENT COMMITTED
BY MARY EISENACHER
52 DOES INTEGRITY MATTER
DR. MARILYN PORTER

IN THIS ISSUE
W O M E N ' S F R O N T L I N E
M A G A Z I N E
56 THE PERFECTED WOMEN'S SERIES
LOUISE DES BORDES
62 COMMITTED TO PURPOSE
DR YOLANDA SHERMAN
64 MARY PRIDDY'S BLOG
66 COMMITTED TO CONSISTENCY
BY DEBORAH AKINES
70 BOOK REVIEW BY ANGELA EDWARDS ''
''MAKE IT HAPPEN''
73 BEHIND THE MASK
BY DR YOLANDA SHERMAN

WELCOME TO OUR
APRIL EDITION.
Finally, the dark days are over and spring is here! I
love birds and the way they express their joy of a
new season. They sing as they begin their day and
it is a wonderful sound that cheers me up and
reminds me of just how lovely life is. I welcome
the month of April with such gladness in my heart,
as I look around me and see the sunshine through
the clouds, the flowers begin to spring up and as I
hear the sound of laughter in the distance.
The road of Life is a beautiful thing, as we travel
through it. Sometimes there are mountains to
climb and valleys to conquer along the way,
Mountain climbers wear the proper gear in order
to climb and make it to the top. To climb the
mountain, one must have strength, endurance and
be able to sacrifice their time. Sometimes, the
climber is overwhelmed by the climb, due to the
terrain, unstable weather and inadequate
equipment.
And so it is with life. Our strength comes from the
Lord, who renews us, so that we are able to climb
higher mountains by preparing our spirit, body and
soul to explore GREATER heights.
I sincerely hope you embrace the new season in
your life so that you can discern what your next
move will be.
I welcome our readers on another journey through
our April magazine. Be inspired and excited about
your life as you read through these amazing
stories!
22
ON THE
COVER
FOUNDER & PUBLISHER
HILDAH LUNDING

A P R I L 2 0 1 7
WOMEN'S
FRONTLINE
MAGAZINE
C E L E B R A T I N G T H E
S P I R I T W I T H I N
WWW.WOMENSFRONTLINEMAGAZINE.COM
HAVE YOU
HEARD?
8

WOM
FRONT
TH
OF
M A G A

EN'S
LINE
Z I N E
APRIL
E MONTH
EASTER

HAVE YOU HEARD?
T H E S T O R Y O F E A S T E R
by HILDAH LUNDING
Can you imagine how it must have
been on that day when the women
who visited Jesus tomb found it
empty!
Picture this!
Prior to this, Jesus had been dragged
to the cross with a crown of thorns
on his head. As he made his way to
the cross, a lot of people must have
gathered to witness this 'man' they
obviously thought was deranged and
a fraud!
Imagine the whispers, as he
struggled and suffered his way to the
cross, engulfed in pain from the
thorns stuck in his head.
I imagine a crowd gathered to
witness this sight. I picture them
whispering, saying things such as...
''have you heard, he says he is the
King of the Jews! ..''.Look at him,
now! Have you heard that that he
equals himself to God! ''
The mockery and the slander must
have followed him all the way, to the
cross, until he finally took his last
breath and said, ''IT IS FINISHED!
At this point, it didn't matter what
everyone was whispering. What
really mattered was for him to finish
his assignment here on earth.
Slowly, life in Jerusalem started to
get back to normal, after the Passover
celebration and the Sabbath.
The week before had been so
dramatic.
First Jesus was recieved with a
triumphant entry into Jersualem but
the people who had celebrated him
were now shouting.. ''crucify him,
crucify him!''

The people had demanded that an
innocent man be put to death. Why?
Thy just didn't get it.
They even shouted louder,
defeaning the cries of those who
truly loved him.
How could this be?
There were women that loved Jesus,
but stood helplessly and watched
him suffer. The crowd must have
been too intense. All they could do
was stand by and hope that Jesus
would 'save himself.'
They must have been laden with
grief as they saw him, and their
hearts were filled with love and
compassion for what he had one for
them.
They woke up early Sunday
morning and visited the place where
they had laid him to rest.
Everything had happened so
quickly; Their beloved wise friend
Jesus, whom they loved, was no
longer with them. The women
continued to serve him, even in
death. They wanted prepare him for
burial, so they took it upon
themselves to visit his tomb.
We know through the scriptures that
these women came from different
backgrounds, but each one of them
had had an encounter with Jesus.
Reading from all four accounts of
the gospels, we can conclude that
there were more than two women
who went to his tomb.
Mary Magdalene was one of them.
Jesus had delivered Mary Magdalene
from seven demons.
The other Mary, the sister of Lazarus,
was one of Jesus' closest friends, and
who had received his kindness and
forgiveness.
These women had served him, and
had followed him. Thye knew him.
Why did Jesus first appear to
women?
Could it be that he first appeared to
women to instill full dignity to them
as credible witnesses of the gospel?
Afterall, it is the women that went
and told the men that Jesus of
Nazareth had risen.
How awesome is that!
Mary Magdalene was given
authority (by Jesus) to go and share
her witness of an empty tomb and to
spread the word----that Jesus had
risen. I guess the first evangelist was
a woman!
Easter is a wonderful reminder that
we serve a living God! As the world
celebrates his death and
resurrection this Easter, have
courage to be a credible witness of
the gospel.
I conclude with this:
Have you heard the story of Easter?
Then spread the word!

DAVID & POLLY
WOMEN'S
FRONTLINE
MAGAZINE
UPCOMING
A D V E R T I S E
W I T H U S
womensfrontline@gmail.
com
MAY
2017
HALLO
READERS
DR. COZETTE
M. WHITE
SURRENDER PERSISTENT
LOYALTY
A U G U S T 1 4 , 2 0 1 9
W E S L E Y C H A P E L
3 3 5 2 M A R I O N D R I V E

Louise is passionate Student of the Word and seeks to have that guide
her everyday life. As the founder of Eve Redefined Ministries, she
delights in creating platforms where the Truths of scripture can be
made alive in new, liberating and redemptive ways to young women in
Ghana and across Africa .
Contact Louise at Ldbordes@everedined.com
B Y L O U I S E D E S B O R D E S
THE
PERFECTED
WOMEN'S
SERIES

THE PERFECTED
WOMEN'S SERIES
BREAKTHROUGH
FROM CRAZY
FAITH
She picked up the brown fabric
she’d washed over a thousand times
and wrapped it carefully around her
body. Folding it twice around her
waist and tying it across her
shoulder. She’d never felt so
nervous.
TODAY, THINGS WOULD
BE DIFFERENT,
SHE THOUGHT.
She’d been feeling more anxious
than usual. For three days now. She
hadn’t understood why until she
heard the news. Then it all made
sense.
push past her doubts. She’d said
those words over a thousand timesand
nothing had ever changed.
Instead, she was always left crushed
and broken like a lone vessel washed
ashore from the vengeful wrath of
wicked waves. She had no reason to
hope again.
YET TODAY, THE SUN
SEEMED TO SHINE
BRIGHTER THAN IT
HAD IN DAYS..
As the wind brushed against her
cheek, she shut her eyes and inhaled
deeply, letting out a deep sigh. This
time, things would be different..
This time, things would change, she
re-affirmed. Though she had no
reason to be hopeful, she would
WOMEN'S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE

THE ATMOSPHERE
WAS TENSE AND THE
AIR WAS THICK
She set off on her 3 mile journey.
She’d wrapped her grey scarf around
her head for fear of being
recognized. She didn’t want to risk it
this time, the last time she was there
she’d been flogged and almost
stoned to death.
The cruel nature of humanity was
something she had been used to
most of her life, and for some reason
or another, she had the grace to
persevere. She didn’t want to think
too much about that right now. The
past was the past.
TODAY, HEAVEN WOULD
SMILE AT HER.
The main streets were empty and the
crowd had gathered in the district
close to the sea..A sharp pain
sheeted through her stomach with a
terrible intensity. She felt weak and
nervous. Fear gripped her as she
knew what could be coming next.
NOT NOW, PLEASE,
SHE THOUGHT.
I'M TOO CLOSE...
today, she whispered as her lips
trembled. Ignoring the pain, she held
on to her brown cloth and walked
briskly towards the crowd. Her rich
dark hair which hid underneath her
headscarf lay plastered on her face
now, drenched from sweat.
Her stomach heaved and a wave of
nausea threatened to knock her
unconscious as she pushed through
the desperate crowd.
She was tossed left and right as she
continued to shove her body towards
the direction they were fighting
through.
She couldn’t see much because of
the sea of bodies pushing passed
her, but she could sense that he was
near now.
CRUSHED BETWEEN
THE VIOLENT CROWD,
SHE LET HERSELF
BE SWAYED FORWARD.
Please. Spare me from this pain

And then she saw it in a flash. A
glimpse of His robe. So close..
"IF I CAN JUST TOUCH
THE HEM OF HIS GARMENT,
I WILL BE HEALED.''
she said to herself.
And with her last strength, she
hurled herself in His direction and
as she fell to the ground she
stretched out her hand and caught
a piece of His robe as He glided
through the crowd..
And we all know how the story
ends..
years of living with her disease!
Another poignant depiction of crazy
faith.
In the next post we'll get into the
lessons we can learn from this
timeless biblical figure. . .
Have a blessed week
Perfected Woman!
Leaving you with this verse:
And He said to her, "...your faith has
made you well. Go in peace. Your
suffering is over." - Mark 5:34 NLT
The Woman With the Issue of Blood
( Mark 5:25-34, Matthew 9:20-22,
Luke 8: 43-48) was healed after 12
THE
PERFECTED WOMEN'S
SERIES
BREAKTHROUGHS
FROM CRAZY FAITH
WOMEN'S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE

BY HILDAH LUNDING
A BROKEN
WOMAN

T H E L O R D I S C L O S E T O T H E
B R O K E N H E A R T E D A N D S A V E S
T H O S E W H O A R E C R U S H E D I N
S P I R I T .
( N A S B ) P S A L M 3 4 : 1 8
Brokenness is a state of mind
that leaves us crushed and gasping
for air as we face life's challenges.
With brokenness comes
unhappiness, uncertianity, doubt,
fear and disbelief.
Psalm 34:18 describes the
brokenhearted and crushed person.
Brokenness comes in many forms
such as broken realtionships,
broken promises, broken families
that cause grief and misery.
Today, we will address the broken
women who have been thrown
down by the winds and adversities
of life and are crying for a way out.
It happens to the very best of us. At
some point on this journey in life,
life breaks us. Jesus himself was
broken when he suffered and was
nailed to the Cross.
When this happens, we ask
ourselves. ''Why is this happening
to me?'' What have I done to
deserve this?'
God loves the broken women,
even those that have chosen a
destractive path. He wants to
restore us back to him because
His Grace is sufficient- for HIS
strength is made perfect in
weakness.
Brokenness is both good and
bad. Bad when its God's
judgement and good when it
leads us back to him.
I remember a time where so
many things in my home were
broken. In one week, I
experienced my car breaking
down, our washing machine
packed up and my computer
broke down!
There is such misery when
something is broken! Let alone
when a woman is broken, she
becomes a shadow of herself. I
have seen so many broken
women, crushed in spirit by the
winds of adversity. The
strongest women are those that
realise that they are broken, i.e
going through a process that
will end at some point. As we
look into the stories of broken
women in the bible, we learn
that
WOMEN'S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE

WOMEN HAVE TO KNOW WHO THEY
ARE. KNOWING WHO YOU ARE AND
YOUR SELF-WORTH IS KEY. FALL IN
LOVE WITH YOU AGAIN
only God can restore us and mend
our brokenness.
Hagar was an Egyptian girl who was a
slave to Abram’s wife Sarah.
After God had appeared to Abram
and promised him a son, many years
went by and he and Sarah still had
no chid. In her impatience and
desperation, Sarah took matters into
her own hands and gave her maid
Hagar to her husband, saying, “Go,
sleep with my slave; perhaps I can
build a family through her”. Abram
did as he was told, and Hagar, being
young and fertile, became pregnant.
Although Sarah had initiated the
whole thing, seeing her servant girl
pregnant, sparked her to be jealous
of her. Sarah became hostile
towards Hagar and this led to Hagar
running away into the desert.
These where two broken women
whose lives had intertwined.
Hagar was broken because, as a slave
woman, she had to do as she was
told. I can only imagine how she felt
having to open up for a man she had
no intimate relationship with.
Sarah was also a broken woman. She
probably felt shame and
hopelessness of not being able to
give the man she loved a child.
(Well so she thought at that time).
Everyone wants to find their purpose
in life, It is daunting when we are
broken and unable to make sense of
life.
We feel so helpless and life as we
know it, begins to fall apart.
It is only through God's Grace that
one can be made whole. A lot of
women are walking around wearing
masks, pretending to be something
that they are not, to cover up their
brokenness.
People with no discernment only
look at the outside appearance and
and judge you from that. So, a lot of
women disguise themselves with
outside beauty, but deep inside they
are broken and torn. Pay attention to
detail! God looks at the heart and
sees trhrough the masks and wants
to trade your brokenness for his
beauty.
Women have to know who they are.
Knowing who you are and your selfworth
is key. Fall in love with YOU
again. Believe that you deserve to be
whole, you deserve better, you
deserve to be loved and cherished as
a woman.

A BROKEN
WOMAN
B Y H I L D A H L U N D I N G
We were made in the image of God
and that is where our identity is
found. Your worth is not found in
what qualifications you have or
what job you hold, or if you are
married or not. It is found and
mirrored in Christ Jesus.
God loves a broken woman
because, in her brokenness, she
will discover her tue identity, her
calling and her worth. A person
who has never been broken is a
danger to themselves and to God's
people. Pharoah and
Nebuchadnezzar were such people.
Brokenness is a process we l all go
through at some point in our life.
Like a diamond, we go through
incredible pressure, cleansing, and
refining. We cannot run away from
brokenness, but we can be still and
know that he is God. the Author and
Finisher of everything that is
broken.
The Pharisees apprehended a
woman who was who was caught in
adultery and were ready to stone
WOMEN'S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE
her., but what Jesus did for her was
truly amazing.
Jesus changed her destiny. He can
change yours too.
Whatever you find yourself in, he
has set you free. Whatever you’re
battling with, he wants to deliver
you. Whatever you’re judged of, he
has released you. He turns your sin,
shame and guilt into beauty as he
moulds you into his image. He
makes everything beautiful in its
time.
What an assurance we have,
knowing that we are not alone in
what we are going through. His
hand guides us through the process
and makes sure that we come out,
refined, refreshed, rejuvenated,
recharged, restored and
supercharged to use our voice to
impact our world.
Arise broken woman. Nations await
you. Go forth knowing that You are
worthy of being ''a broken woman.''

INTERVIEW WITH
LIN JOHNSON
BY HILDAH lUNDING
Women's Frontline Magazine is honored to present
profiles of women who are working on the
Frontlines to impact their world with the wonderful
gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Meet Lin Johnson, who is the face that is gracing our
cover this month. I first got acquainted with Lin
through her inspirational stories she has written for
the magazine.
She is first and foremost, the mother of three
beautiful children, the sister of three wonderful
siblings and the daughter of an amazing woman.
She is also the creator and founder of Lin’s Lesson, a
ministry devoted to inspiring, empowering and
motivating the people of God, with a host of other
very necessary and exciting components under its
umbrella.
She is a speaker, writer, mentor and radio show host.
Most importantly, a woman of God.

SPEAKER
WRITER
MENTOR
RADIO
SHOW HOST
WOMEN'S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE

WFM
Who is Lin Johnson?
Well, Hildah, I am many things to many people. I am a church girl who
has grown into a woman, who has experienced the happenings of life!
I am both demure and audacious. I am wise yet Naïve. I am a God
chaser.
WFM
How would you describe yourself ?
LIN
Wow!!! I’m not exactly sure why it often feels weird to “describe”
myself (smile)! Well, I am soft spoken, kind-hearted and a purposeful
woman, God loving and God fearing. I am a woman of character and
integrity, true to my walk. I am forthcoming, faithful and a loyal person.
A good friend and sister keeper. I am an encourager and prayer warrior.
I am flawed and imperfect.
WFM
Can you tell us more about the foundation of Lin Johnson?
What makes you who you are?
LIN
I am the middle daughter of a divorced single mother, who raised and
reared her children in the church. God is my foundation. That
foundation makes me who I am. Growing up, I would often feel like I
was missing out on things and life being a “PK” (preachers kid). I
thought we were being punished!! However, being a PK didn’t stop life
from happening to me and I began to truly appreciate and value the
foundation and upbringing I had. It was rich and God knew I would
need it. I wouldn’t want it any other way. It helped me to make the
choice to be a champion.

WOMEN'S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE
''I am
forthcoming,
faithful and a
loyal person. A
good friend and
sister keeper. I am
an encourager and
prayer warrior. I
am flawed and
imperfect.''

WFM
What has been one of the most challenging phase in your life and how
did you get through it?
I don’t know what’s more challenging than child birth?!! I got through
with lots of meds!! No really, I think divorce was one of the most
challenging phases in my life. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. It is
literally the death of life as you know it. It is the death of an identity.
And with death, you must mourn the loss of it. I was married for many,
many years.
Who I was became who he was. It was a dysfunctional relationship that
became a tumultuous marriage. I desired to be a wife and mother after
God’s own heart. I made every move and every decision I thought I
could per that desire. Did you know that you could very well do the right
thing the wrong way? I became so consumed with wanting it to be right,
work right and look right that my marriage soon became my god and I
left God out of it.
So many things began to happen, things that I never could have
imagined. I never knew I would experience the level of hurt, confusion or
abuse that I did. Not me, the church girl with the good upbringing. I was
a Sunday school teacher, on the praise and worship team and didn’t miss
a church service. Yet, I was going home suffering in silence. My saving
grace was the foundation that I had. Everybody doesn’t have or didn’t
get that. And guess what?!
Not having the same foundation as I had does not keep you from
getting through whatever challenges you face. I had to get real with me.
With Lin. I needed strength. That strength came through prayer and the
prayers of others when I couldn’t pray for myself. I had to get to and get
through the fear of being “just like my mom”, a divorced woman with
children. I had to get over the embarrassment I created in my own mind.
Divorce isn’t something that you did in the church.

L I N J O H N S O N
' ' I n e e d e d t o f i n d a
s a f e p l a c e , t o b e
h o n e s t , a n d w e a k . I
n e e d e d t o b e i n t h e
p r e s e n c e o f p e o p l e
w h o w o u l d
e m p a t h i s e w i t h m y
s i t u a t i o n b u t
w o u l d n ’ t p e t m y
v i c t i m m i n d s e t . I
h a d t o t a k e
r e s p o n s i b i l i t y i n
p r u n i n g t h e d e a d
t h i n g s t h a t w e r e
l i v i n g i n m y l i f e . ' '
I might as well had gone on to
hell with tar paper panties on
but I had to get pass the
judgement of others, but most
of all my own. I had to decide
that I wasn’t a failure and that I
deserved to be happy and live
happy. That started with me
getting real with God. I had to
ask for His forgiveness for
leaving my first love.....Him. I
had to repent for putting Him
on the back burner instead of
keeping Him at the head. Then,
I began to look around me to
see what baggage I needed to
do away with, that included
people, places and things.
I needed to find a safe place to
be honest and weak. I needed
to be in the presence of people
who would empathize with my
situation but wouldn’t pet my victim
mindset. I had to take responsibility
in pruning the dead things that were
living in my life.
See, once I began to talk to God
about ME, not him, my eyesight
changed to insight. Once I stopped
crying about “him” needing to be
fixed I started mending the broken
pieces in me, and true healing
began and so did the work of
healing.
WOMEN'S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE

To be resilient
means to
withstand and
recover!

I am so grateful for my First Lady/Pastor, who before she took her
rest, changed my life with two simple words, GET UP. I had to learn
again who I was, who God created me to be and that I was worthy.
Being honest with my situation, seeking the RIGHT counsel and
building a tribe of people around me, who would pray with and for
me, cried with me, laughed with me, kept my kids when I just needed
a day with the blinds closed, that wouldn’t accept me being
anything other than who I am and depending on God and that He
would make a way. That’s how I got through it and get through the
trials of life.
WFM
We are honoured to have you on the Front Cover of our magazine this
month. Tell us why you chose to talk about these three significant
things in your life:
Inspiring, Resilient and Committed.
Would you walk us through all three and explain to our readers why
these three words are so significant in your life.
LIN
Absolutely! You know, when you first asked me what three words I
would choose, I was at a loss.
I said ok, Lord, I don’t know. I even reached out to someone close to
me to brainstorm. I believe that these three words not only embody
who I have become, but also, who I am yet to become.
RESILIENT
To be resilient means to withstand and recover!
Simply put, to GET UP! The Bible tells us that we are persecuted but
not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed. That’s good news!
No matter what you are facing in life, no matter what the
circumstance or situation is, I don’t care if everything your shadow
touches seems to die, you can withstand and recover. God never
said not one time, that this life would be easy but He did promise He
would never leave nor forsake us. The promise is ours but the
process belongs to Him. The tree doesn’t stop standing because the
wind blows or the storms come. It may sway, shake a little and even
lose some branches but it moves right back into position.
WOMEN'S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE

W
ur
ap
''COMMITTMENT
SPEAKS ''YES''
OVER AND
OVER''
So be encouraged in knowing, we have storms to go through, trails to
face, but we must stay in position. Some of the storms we face are by the
doings of our own hands. We must pay for those things but we don’t have
to die because of them. God is willing and waiting to help you recover all.
Committed means to be dedicated to something and/or someone. We
must first be committed to God then to ourselves. We must learn to stick
things out. The right things. Many times I’ve committed to something and
then quit. I quit because I didn’t feel like it. Or I quit because it was just too
hard. Or I quit because I didn’t have my mind completely focused on
bringing it full circle but true commitment is courage to change.
Commitment speaks ‘YES’ over and over. There is no room for ‘NO’.
Commitment is loyalty. It means being faithful. God is faithful to us.
Second Timothy tells us that when we are faithless, He remains faithful to
us. It means to knowingly and willingly sacrifice for the greater, for
ourselves and for others. Jesus was committed to the assignment of the
cross, so must we be committed to the will and plan of God.

WFM
You are on the Front Cover of our magazine this month and you have
chosen
I am
to
inspired
talk about
by
three
the testimony,
significant
act,
things
will and
in your
most
life:
of all, the heart
Inspiring,
of others.
Resilient
It is my
and
endeavor
Committed.
to be inspiring. Not for the sake of lime
Would
light
you
or
walk
my name
us through
being called
all three
but
and
to encourage
explain to our
strength,
readers
evoke
why these
three
change
words
in
are
perception
so significant
and perspective
in your life.
and empower people to act.
We don’t always realize what we have in us. Whether it is a gift or
LINtalent, strength or wisdom, or simply sheer will and often, it takes
Absolutely! the inspiration You know, of or when from you someone first asked else me to help what us three recognize, words I would
choose, cultivate I was and at a use loss. those things. Not telling your story or testimony
I said could ok, Lord, very I well don’t be know. keeping I even someone reached else out from to someone getting through. close to me to
brainstorm. Lives are I believe tied to the that fruit these of your three lips. words Get not inspired only embody and be inspiring. who I have
become, but also, who I am yet to become.
WFM
RESILIENT
What is the mindset that differentiates a victim from a victor? Can
you describe the differences in their actions or daily activity?
ith the LINcity horizon as your view,
ban living offers small studio
artments to elite penthouses.
I’ve seen and worked with people who have been abused, had to
go without, downtrodden and come from some of the most horrific
backgrounds live like champions. I have also seen people from
walks of life with great advantages and opportunities act like
victims. I have discovered that it is not the circumstance or
situation but it is the attitude and mindset that sets them apart.
Daniel was in the Lion’s den! Talk about dire situations. Job’s entire
life and family was destroyed.
He was hanging on for dear life himself. However, their attitude
reflected their confidence in God. Knowing that God could deliver.
That’s the mindset of the victor. Victors see challenges as an
opportunity to overcome adversity; victims see it as evidence of
life being against them. A victor stands in their power while a
victim sits in their circumstance. A victor learns from a mistake, a
victim never sees their mistake. A renewed mind says I can do
better, a made-up mind says I am better. It all begins in the mind. It
is imperative to be intentional about our attitudes and mindsets.
WOMEN'S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE

The wrong one can keep us bound to an outdated identity.
WFM
What is the significance of the gospel in your life? Can you share
how vital the Word of God is concerning the life of a believer?
LIN
The Word of God is LIFE to me. Without His word, we are simply
living in dead bodies. The gospel teaches me who I am, it gives me
value and significance. Through the Word, I am empowered and I am
powerful. I couldn’t live without it. I was a habitual church goer. It
was all I knew to do. However, I didn’t know what God’s word meant
for me or how to apply it to my life. I had to get to know God for
myself. I couldn’t depend on the scriptures my Dad quoted or just
the prayers my Mother prayed. When I began to seek God, to
discover who He was to me, my life became a witness to His word.
As believers, the Word of God is the most vital lifeline for us.
We learn to walk in the power of the God. Through the word, we
become aware of our choices nd authority over the things in our
life. When I am feeling heavy with the stressors of being asingle
working mom, when the bills are due or you’re just in need of peace,
we find the answer in the Bible.
The instructions are there. It
doesn’t always change the
situation but it changes the
mindset towards it. Even as
believers we must sometimes
take a refresher course in what
God has already done. And
remember that He can still do all
things.
NEWCASTLE
WOMEN'S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE

WFM
What message would you like to put
across to our readers today?
LIN
Listen, God loves you. He is
concerned about what concerns
you. You matter to Him. You can’t
stop life from doing what life does
and maybe this is hard for you to
believe because you aren't satisfied
with the life you're living today but
be encouraged, your present
circumstances don't determine your
future.
We all have a measure of faith, how
you use it is up to you. When we
learn who we are in God and
intentionally apply it to our lives,
that is where spirituality meets
practicality.
God wants to heal, deliver you, love
on you and be a friend to you. It’s
imperative the we participate in the
relationship. Try Him at His word.
Have faith that you can do all things
through Him. Don’t let your
situation cause you to lower your
expectation of God.
Pursue it all.
Lin Johnson can be reached at
linjohnsonspeaks@yahoo.com
Facebook: Lin’s Lessons Official
Periscope: @LinJohnson
PROJECT PROPOSAL

REFRESHING

april 2017
L I F E S T Y L E
WOMEN'S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE

WOMEN AS VESSELS
OF GOD
BY PEARL DUA
Greetings, favoured woman!
The Lord is with you! Luke 1:28
(NLT)
Mary was going about her
normal duties, engaged to be
married to Joseph when
suddenly her life began to
change dramatically. She had
found favour with the Lord and
had been chosen to be the
mother of Jesus, the son of God.
How awesome is that?
From the beginning of time, God
had great plans for women. He
created man and woman in His
own image and tasked them to
be fruitful and multiply and to
govern the earth. Women have
since played an important role
in the world and in the body of
Christ. Can you imagine a
church without women?
All women are special to God
and we all have a role to play.
Mary said,
“O how my soul praises the
Lord. How my spirit rejoices in
God my Saviour! For he took
notice of his lowly servant girl,
and from now on all
generations will call me
blessed.”
Luke 1:47-49.
Why was Mary chosen as a
vessel? Was it by her good
works?
The bible says in
Ephesians 2:8-10 says that
“For it is by grace you have been
saved through faith – and this is
not from yourselves, it is a gift
of God – not by works, so that no
one can boast.”
Indeed it is not by our works so
we cannot boast.
Every woman can be a vessel for
God. God chose Mary and has
also chosen you. We have been
chosen to serve God in many
ways. Some have been chosen
as teachers, others apostles,
prophets and workers of
miracle. Others have the gift of
healing and some are able to
help others.
Some have administrative gifts,
and others serve God by
cleaning the house of God, by
singing, ushering people, as
encouragers, counsellors and so
on.
The important thing is that
whatever we have been called
to do, we do it well. When God
calls you, He will also qualify
you. The Holy Spirit is there to
guide you all the way. When
God gives you an assignment,

Women as vessels of God
When God called me into the
women’s ministry, I didn’t even
know God that well.
As Mary did, I asked, how shall it
be?
God provided men and women
of God to support me every step
of the way. He also provided
encouragers. Looking back now,
I realised God had been
preparing me long before I gave
my life to Him. I had been
involved with many circular
womens’ groups in the past and
had held leadership positions in
these groups. My training
ground didn’t start in the House
of God but it has come in useful
in the House of God. I was not
selected because I was
righteous.
God qualified me and I therefore
do not take it for granted.
What kind of vessels are we
supposed to be?
As much as we will not serve
water in a dirty cup, we cannot
also continue providing God
with a dirty vessel. We cannot
continue to offer God, a life
filled with iniquity. Since the
blood of Jesus has cleansed us,
we must endeavour to remain
clean.
Colossians 3:12 says that
“Therefore, as God’s chosen
people, holy and dearly loved,
clothe yourselves with
compassion, kindness, humility,
gentleness and patience. Bear
with each other and forgive
whatever grievances you may
have against one another.
Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
And over all these virtues put on
love, which binds them all
together in perfect unity.”
As women, our role is very
crucial in the church. When you
look at the body of Christ,
women are in the majority and
the body has to work together to
achieve God’s purpose. Let us
play our roles not as unto men
but as unto God.
Let us encourage each other
along the way.
S M I L E ! A N D T H E
W O R L D W I L L S M L E
B A C K A T Y O U . . .

TRIBUTE TO
A WOMAN
PIONEER
by Hildah Lunding
JARENA LEE
1783-1864
I came across the profile of a
remarkable woman called Jarena
Lee, who was a pioneer for female
preachers. She lived in the 19th
century from 1783-1864 and was
of African-American descent.
At the age of seven, she was sent to
work as a live-in servant. It is at
this place that she had her first
encounter with the Holy Spirit. The
lady of the house had asked her to
do something for her and when she
asked if she had done it, she said
''yes'', but it was not true.
She writes,
''At this awful point, in my early
history, the Spirit of God moved in
power through my conscience, and
told me I was a wretched sinner. On
this account, so great was the
impression, and so strong were the
feelings of guilt, that I promised in
my heart that I would not tell
another lie.''
In 1804, she attended a sermon in
the Prebyterian church, but came
out feeling drained..
'' in some measure, the weight of
my sins, and sinful nature begun to
weigh me down''. But not knowing
how to run immediately to the Lord
for help, I was driven by Satan, in
the course of a few days, and
tempted to destroy myself. As she
sat by the water brook, she felt like
'' drowning would be an easy
death.''
As she struggled with the voice
that was prompting her to drown
herself, she later felt as though
that someone had diverted her
thoughts. She called it, ''the unseen
arm of God'' that saved her from
committing suicide.

Still struggling with her consciousness,
she later attended a sermon by Richard
Allen, the Founder of the African
Methodist Church (AME), which was the
beginning of her being transformed.
She clearly states, that her mind was
terribly vexed by disturbing thoughts
and that she struggled with finding
peace of mind..
In her biography, she names a Pyschian
and faithful ''follower of the Lamb''
called William Scott who visited her
due to her mental state.
'' in the course of our conversation, he
inquired if the Lord had justified my
soul. I answered yes. He then asked me
if he had sanctified me. I answered no;
and that I did not know what that was.
He then undertook to instruct me
further in the knowledge of the Lord
respecting this blessing.
He told me the progress of the soul from
a state of darkness, or of nature, was
three-fold; or consisted in three
degrees, as follows: First, conviction for
sin. Second, justification from sin.
Third, the entire sanctification of the
soul to God. I thought this description
was beautiful, and immediately
believed in it. He then inquired if I
would promise to pray for this in my
secret devotions. I told him yes.''
In her writings,
She says...Glory be to God for his
STRUGGLING
WITH HER
CONSCIOUS
WOMEN'S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE
redeeming power, which saved me from
the violence of my own hands, from the
malice of Satan, and from eternal death;
for had I have killed myself, a great
ransom could not have delivered me; for
it is written - 'No murder hath eternal
life abiding in him'. How appropriately
can I sing -
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He to rescue me from danger,
Intersposed his precious blood'.
Later she wrote...''to my utter surprise
there seemed to sound a voice which I
thought I distinctly heard, and most
certainly understand, which said to me,
"Go preach the Gospel!" I immediately
replied aloud, "No one will believe me."
Again I listened, and again the same
voice seemed to say - "Preach the
Gospel; I will put words in your mouth,
and you will turn your enemies to
become your friends.
At first I supposed that Satan had
spoken to me, for I had read that he
could transform himself into an angel of
light for the purpose of deception.
Immediately I went into a secret place,
and called upon the Lord to know if he
had called me to preach, and whether I
was deceived or not; when there
appeared to my view the form and
figure of a pulpit, with a Bible lying
thereon, the back of which was
presented to me as plainly as if it had
been a literal fact.''

JARENA ASKS FOR
PERMISSION TO
PREACH
Although she had heard the voice
of God commissioning her to preach
the Gospel, she was hesitant at first,
due to the fact that the church was
dominated by men.
But the calling on her was so strong
that she approached the Reverend
Richard Allen and revealed to him
her call to preach. Allen told Lee
that he could not grant her
permission to preach because he
was required to uphold the A.M.E.
Church’s ban against female
ministers.
Jarena later married Joseph Lee and
had two children. Unfortunately, her
husband died after 7years of
marriage and after this, her desire to
preach the gospel was even
stronger. She got her first break to
preach in 1819.
Whilst listening to a guest speaker
preach at a conference, the guest
speaker was suddenly at a loss for
words. Jarena jumped at the
opportunity and started to preach,
picking up from where the guest
speaker had been stuck. The
Reverend Richard Allen was so
impressed with her that he now
granted her permission to preach.
She wrote,
''O how careful ought we to be, lest,
through our by-laws of church
government and discipline, we bring
into disrepute even the word of life.
For as unseemly as it may appear
nowadays for a woman to preach, it
should be remembered that nothing
is impossible with God. And why
should it be thought impossible,
heterodox, or improper for a woman
to preach? seeing the Saviour died
for the woman as well as for the
man.
If the man may preach because the
Saviour died for him, why not the
woman? seeing he died for her also.
Is he not a whole Saviour, instead of
a half one? as those who hold it
wrong for a woman to preach would
seem to make it appear.
Did not Mary first preach the risen
Saviour, and is not the doctrine of
the resurrection the very climax of
Christianity - hangs not all our hope
on this, as argued by St Paul? Then
did not Mary, a woman, preach the
gospel? for she preached the
resurrection of the crucified son of
God.''

Jarena later recorded that she had
"travelled two thousand three
hundred and twenty-five miles,
and preached one hundred and
seventy-eight sermons" to mixed
gatherings of blacks and whites.
I can imagine how dangerous this
was, considering that it was during
the era of the slave trade.
She must have known without a
shadow of a doubt, that God was
with her. She had gained her
confidence and was determined to
preach the gospel at any cost.
Jarena was also active in the
abolitionist movement and joined
the American Antislavery Society
in 1839.
Jarena later wrote her
autobiography titled ''The Life and
Religious Experience of Jarena
Lee.''
Her cause of death is unknown but
the cemetery where she is buried
indicates that she died in 1855.
Other sources list her death
between 1855-1864.
Her diary records one camp
meeting where slaves had walked
20 miles and more to hear her
preach.
References
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davidhenson/2012/02/jarena-lee-the-pioneeringfemale-preacher-you-never-heard-about/
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davidhenson/2012/02/jarena-lee-the-pioneeringfemale-preacher-you-never-heard-about/
http://www.pbs.org/godinamerica/people/jarena-lee.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jarena_Lee
WOMEN'S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE

JOURNEY TO
SELF-DISCOVERY
Dr. Cozette M. White inspires individuals to live in
purpose, embrace passion and achieve personal
greatness through a balance in work and life.
A leading authority on personal finances and
business strategies. White is the Founder and CEO
of My Financial Home Enterprises, a financial
management firm helping organizations and
entrepreneurs develop solutions that fuel business
growth and transform products into accelerating
profits. Her advice has been called upon by ABC and
FOX television stations. She’s been featured on the
radio, Black Enterprise, Women of Wealth
Magazine, Upscale Magazine, The Huffington Post
and countless newspapers across the country.
Women of Wealth dubbed White, “Wealth
Builders Extraordinaire.” In addition, White is the
recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement
Award under Barack Obama.
BY COZETTE WHITE
Learn more at http://www.MyFinancialHome.com
The purpose of life is to find our true selves. From the
time of birth our parents and society conditions us in such a way
that we believe we are just bodies, whose purpose is to get an
education, get a good paying job, marry the person of our dreams,
beget children, buy a house, a car and furniture, and spend the rest
of our time in recreation. That whole self-repeating process does
not seem to have a real purpose or real
meaning.
Y O L A N D A S H E R M A N

''The change may be
the end of a very
important relationship,
loss of a loved one
through death or the
loss of a well-paying
job. ''
At some point a big change
happens, one that makes a person
question everything they
Accepted up to that point. The
change may be the end of a very
important relationship, loss of a
loved one through death or the
loss of a well-paying job. During
the heartbreak, a person is forced
to stop and think deeply for the
first time.
The person is forced to take a
close look at the belief system
that they inherited from the
parents, whether it has proven to
be useful or not. If he is a loving
God, and one worships as taught,
then why all this suffering within
the self and in everyone around?
The person questions the current
lifestyle that is based on long
working hours, consumerism and
materialism, yet offers nothing
that satisfies an unidentified need
deep within.
The person takes a fresh look at
the career path taken, possibly
one chosen by the parents, or one
chosen based on what was
popular at school. If the work
offers money but no joy, and no
satisfaction, new decisions are
made for the way forward.
Relationships are questioned too,
if the person has been sold the
happy-ever-after story yet that
happiness is illusive. There is deep
analysis of the self, of the
childhood that created the
present, and the mistakes made.
The person questions life itself.
Who am I? What am I? Is there a
purpose to all this?
A point is reached where the
person starts to get answers from
within. At first they doubt the still
voice. Eventually the person
understands that all the answers
are found within the self. Then
comes the discovery that within
the self is found the power for
living - the true self. discovered.
WOMEN'S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE

JOURNEY TO SELF-DISCOVERY
BY COZETTE WHITE
That is when the person discovers:
That the purpose of life is to
discover the self, that higher self that
lies within waiting to be discovered.
That the belief system that they
were taught to accept as a child is
not aligned with who they are.
That healthy relationships begin
with unconditional love for the self.
How to love the self and how to be
self-sufficient emotionally instead of
relying on
others.
The service to be rendered that
brings joy.
People to be excluded because they
are disempowering or they are takers
who never give.
That the purpose of life is to
discover the self, that higher self that
lies within waiting to be
That the belief system that they were
taught to accept as a child is not
aligned with who they are.
That healthy relationships begin
with unconditional love for the self.
How to love the self and how to be
self-sufficient emotionally instead of
relying on others.
The service to be rendered that
brings joy.
People to be excluded because they
are disempowering or they are takers
who never give.
The effects of self-discovery include
happiness, fulfilment, clarity and
even enlightenment! This, however,
does not make life easier. There will
be fear, confusion,
misunderstanding, and doubt. After
all certain people have to be kicked
out for good and that decision is not
easy. But with a newly-found
knowledge of the self and inner
power, the journey of life can be
made with determination and peace.
During my quest of self-discovery, I
began journaling the things I wanted
to manifest into my life and things I
needed to get rid of to enhance what
God had already gifted me with. In
my book, Attracting The Best, I share
positive affirmations on wealth,
prosperity, and abundance that will
allow you to rethink, re-shift and
reprogram how you think and feel
about yourself.

A WIFE OF NOBLE CHARACTER
WHO CAN FIND?
SHE IS WORTH FAR MORE
THAN RUBIES.MORE THAN
RUBIES.
P R O V E R B S 3 1 : 9
WOMEN'S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE

W O M E N ' S F R O N T L I N E M A G A Z I N E
INSPIRING RESILIENT
COMMITTED
Inspiration is something that all of us need. Without
it, I can’t seem to move. With divine inspiration, I get
thrust forward with a grace that propels me to make
decisions in line with God’s Word. I’m sure of what He
has called me to do. There is no question! There is a
wonderful grace where others line up, too. There is a
smoothness. Confusion is not a part of it.
I don’t have to get lots of opinions from others. I am
sure that God is pleased. I’m convinced that if I continue
to listen for God’s inspiration, I’ll find it every day of my
life.
Now before you think I’m some spiritual giant, you must
know that God can speak to all wholisten. He inspires in
so many diverse ways. Like yourself, I continue to desire
to tap into the immense ways He has of making
communication quick and clear. Clarity is something
necessary. I don’t desire to be wishy-washy or moving
my opinion back and forth from “Yes!” to “No!”
Sometimes it takes a while to get a clear message,
because He knows He has to prepare my heart early for
changes.
M A R Y E I S E N A C H E R

SO WITH DIVINE INSPIRATION
THAT HAS BEEN MODELED AND
EXPERIENCED, A BELIEVER WILL
HAVE AN ADVENTUROUS LIFE
THAT IS FULL OF NEW AND
EXCITING EXPLOITS
I always look forward to the
testimonies that come in when a
believer gets sold out for God and
leads the disciplined life of a Christfollower.
I often find myself ministering to
those who are about to go through
another transition. One telling sign is
that I can see that the grace begins to
lift off of whatever they are doing.
That’s when the resiliency comes in
to endure to the end of an
assignment and have your exit be
graceful. I can’t say that has always
happened to me.
Many times, I had no words, no
recourse, as well as ultimatums that
disagreed with what God was
prompting me to do. I’ve
left hastily, under cover of night, not
agreeing - but acquiescing, etc., etc.
The best of scenarios are those times
when all parties were in agreement.
Oh, and one more – I’ve left in the car
shouting, “Thank You, Jesus, I’m
released!” So maybe that was a little
rabbit trail that I just went on.
Forgive me, please!
of the enemy. Seeing and hearing
ahead of time to ward off attacks is
common place. Strong, spirited, and
robust describes this believer. They
have been through the battles.
Learning from their mistakes, they
did not give up.
Falling down became an exercise in
getting back up again. All the enemy
did was cause them to get tougher.
And, they know that others are
needed sometimes to hold their arms
up when the going gets tough. But,
they know that God has been faithful
before and He will do it again.
They have the eagle perspective,
because they know how to soar high
with God and look down upon the
battle with new eyes. And, they are
single-eyed toward Him! He is
constantly their defense. I love to
hang around with these kinds of Holy
Spirit-led people.
They are full of stories about the
giants they have faced.
The resilient believer is a hardy
believer who is resistant to the wiles
WOMEN'S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE

W O M E N ' S F R O N T L I N E M A G A Z I N E
And, they encourage me to
stay above the fray of the
enemies chatter. Heavenly
visions and righteous armor
carry them on the path to
answering their call.
One thing for sure, I have tried
desperately to stay committed
to Christ in every
circumstance. It’s that
commitment that God loves so
much, in conjunction with
thankfulness. It’s really hardto
stay committed without
thankfulness. Otherwise, we
fall into despair and
complaining. And, God does
not like complaining. You
don’t get much response or
breakthrough when you stay in
that state.
The joy within my heart that
has built up over the years –
because the Lord is so faithful
to me and all believers,
including you – cannot be
expressed to the degree of
deepness. It’s like a very deep
well that if you throw in a
stone, you can’t hear it hit
bottom. And, no one can take
that joy away from you. It is
settled in your heart for all
eternity.
When I see a committed saint, I
am in awe of their loyalty and
steadfast mindset. Although
they may not be comfortable
in their setting where the Lord
has placed them, they ontinue
to not just survive - but
flourish. I have a tendency to
like variety in my life. These
dear ones help me stay
grounded in the Word and
obedient to whatever orders
from headquarters that I have
received.
My righteous God has much for
you to do for Him. He desires
to have you “Inspiring,
Resilient, and Committed” to
worshipping Him first; then out
of quality time with Him, you
will be prompted and
challenged to be used for His
glory. Don’t wait for that time!
Carve it out! Put it on your
calendar! Let others know you
have a very important
appointment that cannot be
cancelled! You will be met with
open, loving arms and given
more than you could ever think
or imagine!
M A R Y E I S E N A C H E R

where you are planted
Bloom
WOMEN'S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE

y Dr. Marilyn Porter
DOES INTERGRITY
MATTER
BY MARILYN PORTER
Question:
“As a Christian in today’s society, how do you maintain your
integrity? Especially when lies are often rewarded and cheating is
rarely frowned upon.”
Does Integrity Matter?
I didn’t have to go far to find a response to this question – I had it
in my archives! I am often asked about honesty and integrity amid
all of the notable deception. Here is an article I wrote a few years
ago that gives a great insight on the simplicity of operating in
integrity.
5 Simple Steps to Integrity
Unless you are one of those people that enjoy offending or
hurting others – living a life that is free of “little white lies” and/or
exaggerations can be a struggle. It requires a great deal of
courage – the ability to do that which is frightening or extremely
uncomfortable. .

Living among emotionally charged humans
with the intension to live in full on
integrity can be gut-wrenching, however; it
can be done. It may not be the easiest task
(at least not in the beginning), but with
consistent practice you can be a person
clothed in integrity – the quality of being
honest and having strong moral principles;
moral uprightness.
Righteousness (right standing) is
synonymous with integrity and it is an
absolute must for those who intend to
live in integrity, free of drama, and
have consistent success in any area of
their lives. Without integrity failure is
eminent; marriages, friendships,
business partnerships and
relationships of every sort will fold
when the participants are do not
engage in consistent and authentic
integrity.
So, how do we as mere humans
become courageous enough to live
lives of integrity?
There is that word again,
courageous – the late Dr. Maya
Angelou said,
“Courage is the most important of all
the virtues for without it you cannot
consistently carry out the others
– and so we know that courage is in
the formula of integrity.
Here are 5 steps that can be taken
to get to a life of integrity:
Be more concerned with pleasing
God, that people. People pleasers
struggle with integrity because
innately they want to be liked, loved
and respected by the people they
please.
Be honest with yourself. People who
live in perpetual denial of their own
lives and circumstances find it nearly
impossible to be in integrity with
others.
Be prepared to end relationships that
REQUIRE you to be out of integrity.
There are some people who want to
hear lies and deception and simply
will not accept your acts of integrity.
Be as free with giving your love and
you are in giving the truth – truth
without love is brutality. You may
have to extend a little extra love to
those who are no accustomed to your
new way, however, don’t ever
apologize for operating in integrity.
BE COURAGEOUS! Remain in right
standing, even when you fear the
WOMEN'S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE

DOES INTERGRITY MATTER
Dr. M.E. Porter – affectionately known as The
Soul Shifter – is a woman who wears many hats
and occupies many spaces. She has a larger than
life spirit that engulfs a room when she enters.
She is the mother of 3 beautiful daughters – one
currently serving in the U.S. Army. She is a
minister of the Gospel, a spiritual life coach and
adviser who uses her God given gifts to INpower
all those around her. Dr. Porter has been
successful in expanding her reach globally. Dr.
Porter is a woman unashamed to walk in her
spiritually infused gifts – and is able to
translate those gifts into the secular markets
with ease. For ability to sustain herself as a
marketplace minister, she is a highly sought out
writer – having written her own autobiography,
co-authored 5 anthologies and penned several
forewords, she is a Huffington Post contributor -
where she shares her gift in GPS for The Soul, as
well as writing a monthly advice column for
“Women’s Frontline Magazine” – an
international publication. No matter the
modality; preacher, speaker, coach, mentor,
writer, or spiritual advisor – M.E. Porter makes
one big bold promise, “I will always speak to
your soul.”
When we operate out of integrity
we force the people in our lives; to
like, love and respect a person that
we are not. By misrepresenting
ourselves, we lie to others and we
are often are left to nurse the
wounds that are inflicted
emotionally and mentally when we
are exposed; because without a
doubt the real self will show up. So,
allow me to offer you this
possibility; the people that matter
the most, will like or love the
people that we really are. And those
that don’t like or love us, may at
least respect us for being a people
of strong integrity.
accepting of imperfection than we
openly admit. Without the stigmas
and judgments attached to our
flaws – which we foolishly create
ourselves – we are more apt to
accept one another than to reject
each other. Nobody, I repeat,
nobody likes to be the fool and
when we act out integrity we
remove the other person’s
opportunity to engage with us in
truth. You may be pleasantly
surprised at what people can and
will accept if we would just give
them option to choose to be in
integrity with us and not be fooled
with lies and misrepresentations.
Human beings are much more

DO NOT GO
WHERE THE PATH
MAY LEAD, GO
INSTEAD WHERE
THERE IS NO PATH
& LEAVE A TRAIL.
R A L P H W A L D O E M E R S O N
WOMEN'S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE

THE PERFECTED WOMAN SERIES
by
Louise Des Bordes
I invite you to partake in
this beautiful story of
forgiveness and
redemption, as we
revisit the story of the
criminal whom Jesus had
compassion for at the
Cross. As we delve into
this fictional narrative
built around the Truth of
Scripture, take your
time, read, reflect, and
stay in for the lesson at
the end..If you’re in a
rush, bookmark this
read- and come back
when you can fully
engage and fully reflect.
Enjoy....

very fast towards him and
approaching
knew that it was time. Jesus, the
he
criminal- to die and be an end
hopeless
people’s sorrows.
to
they had caged
why
Like an animal.
him.
this over with
get
done quickly.
and
instantly, an
almost
woman sprung
older
From the lens of a criminal…
Two others, both criminals,
were led out to be executed
with him –
Luke 23:32 NLT
He heard the guard’s footsteps,
approaching very fast towards him
and he knew that it was time. Jesus,
the one they called the ‘King of the
Jews’, was near. It was time for them
to be crucified. It was time for him- a
hopeless criminal- to die and be an
end to people’s sorrows.
There was no reason left to live. At
least he would die next to Jesus. He
deserved to die- he thought to
himself- He was no good. His heart
was dark. He’d done so much evil.
That’s why they had caged him. Like
an animal. He had no remorse. He
just wanted to get this over with and
done quickly.
From the lens of a criminal…
As he was hurled out of the cage,
almost instantly, an older woman
sprung before him and spat on his
face,
Two others, both criminals, were led out to
be executed with him – Luke 23:32 NLT
“Die in hell!” she yelled, “You
deserve the worst for what you did
to my daughters!”
He heard the guard’s footsteps,
“Apochoreo!” (Depart!) The guard
howled back at her, flinging her
aside back towards the crowd.
they called the ‘King of the Jews’,
one
near. It was time for them to be
was
crucified. It was time for him- a
“Oh, he’ll get what he deserves”
the guard sneered; looking at the
criminal with a glare so dark it
sent chills down her spine.
He pulled the criminal closer to
himself; twisting his right arm with
so much force it sent him kneeling to
the ground,
There was no
left to live.
reason
least he would
At
“Oh you’ll pay. You’ll pay for every
single person you hurt and everyone
you murdered. You’ll visit two hells
today. Hell from me, and hell when
you die! Look at the one they call the
‘King of the Jews!’”, he snarled with
clenched teeth, wrenching the
criminal’s head in the direction of
Jesus who laid, beat up under the
cross,
next to Jesus.
die deserved to die-
He
thought to
he He was no
himself-
His heart was
good.
He’d done so
dark.
much evil. That’s
“LOOK AT HIM!” he growled,
“Not even he can save you!”
Several hours later…
had no remorse.
He
just wanted to
He
It was about 11am and death could
not come more slowly. He felt like he
was already in hell, the excruciating
pain he felt in his arms and feet were
proof of that.
he was hurled
As
of the cage,
out
He could feel his body tear apart as
he hung on that cross, and every now
and then he would yell “Katara!” (I
am cursed!).
him and spat
before
his face,
on
The guards snickered from below
and seemed to be more interested in
mocking Jesus who hung right
beside him. The other criminal
seemed worse than the guards. He
couldn’t stop yelling, cursing and
taunting Jesus. How could that guy
talk so much in such pain?
in hell!” she
“Die “You
yelled,
the worst
deserve
what you did to
for
my daughters!”
WOMEN'S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE

he could no longer
When
the noise, he turned
stand
head towards that
his
and roared,.
criminal
went down his spine
Chills
he locked eyes with the
as
of God. They had
Son
him. His body
disfigured
eyes, a kind of
His
that only a King-
certainty
Messiah- a Savior, could
a
have.
that moment, the
For
had a glimmer of
criminal
hope. Maybe there was a
beyond this
light
darkness.
looked away from Jesus in
He
and searched within
shame,
in him. He was
found
Still, he wrestled
hopeless.
himself; he would utter
with
was in his heart. He
what
so, he blurted out at the
And
with tears in his
Messiah,
and a wave of remorse
eyes
took him by surprise:
that
stared at him, with a
Jesus
so deep he could
love
THE PERFECTED WOMAN SERIESS
couldn’t stop yelling,
He
and taunting
cursing
How could that guy
Jesus.
so much in such pain?
talk
heart. No- he thought,
his
was no good to be
there
“Don’t you fear God, even
“ D O N ’ T Y O U F E A R G O D ,
Ewhen V E N W Hyou E N Y Ohave U H A Vbeen
E B E E N
Ssentenced E N T E N C E D T O to D I E die? ? W E We
D E S E R V E T O D I E F O R O U R
deserve to die for our
C R I M E S B U T T H I S M A N H A S N ’ T
Dcrimes O N E A N Ybut T H I N G
this
W R Oman
N G ! ”
– L U K E 2 3 : 4 0 - 4 1 N L T
hasn’t done anything
wrong!” – Luke 23:40-41
not die without trying,
would
would do it. He would ask
he
Jesus for a second chance.
that moment, Jesus,
At
had been quiet all this
who
while, turned towards him.
“Jesus, remember me
when you come into
your Kingdom.”
– Luke 23:42 NLT
“Jesus, remember me
when you come into your
Kingdom.” – Luke 23:42
completely torn apart.
was
there was a peace in
Yet
“I assure you, today,
you will be with me
in paradise.”
– Luke 23:43 NLT
barely gaze back, and said,

HE TREMBLED FROM THE
WEIGHT OF THOSE
WORDS. THIS WAS
EVERYTHING HE HAD
BEEN LONGING FOR. HE
WAS FORGIVEN. HE WAS
SET FREE. AS HE TURNED
AWAY FROM THE
MESSIAH, A WAVE OF
PEACE OVERTOOK HIM
AS HE TOOK HIS FINAL
BREATH…
*Sigh. Let’s pause
and ponder on
this for just a
minute.
WOMEN'S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE

PERFECTED WOMEN'S SERIES
This story is so meaningful to us
because, in effect, this is our story.
The story of Love and Grace.
Several of us know it, we’ve
memorized it. We know how to
quote it back to our Sunday school
kids. Yet, when it comes to issues
of identity, we so often fall short of
what we say we believe. We flirt
with our faults, embrace our
weaknesses, fall in love with our
transgressions and make love to
our insecurities. We wear blankets
of pride, and call it ‘selfconfidence’,
hoping that people
wouldn’t see the shame that lies
deep within us. Yet His Word
clearly says that,
What we embrace, we identify as
being part of our identity. So when
we dwell comfortably in sin, what
Jesus nailed to the cross, we
directly embrace things that are
dead. But were we ever called, to
be Zombie Christians?
When those charges were
cancelled they were cancelled
forever, never to be reversed- and
our identities changed. Isn’t it so
humbling to know that even when
we fall short, the verdict on our
lives is still- ‘not guilty’?
Doesn’t that make us want to seek
and love our Father even more?
As we delve deep into the Word
together for the next 8 months,
let’s begin by establishing this
Truth: As believers, we have a
relationship with the Father, and
continue to have a relationship
with the Father not because of our
‘good works’ or ‘faultless walk’ or
‘great gifts’, but rather because
when He sees us, He will always
see Jesus.
-worries begin to rise and you’re
overwhelmed with feelings of
unworthiness and seas of
insecurity threaten to drown you.
- When chronic guilt, selfcondemnation,
anxiety and
depression threaten to engulf you,
be encouraged. Be reminded; those
feelings? He nailed them.
- When your struggles with lust
torment you and cause you to
question your own worth or
salvation, be encouraged, be
reminded. Your secret sins don’t
define you; He nailed them

- When thoughts of not loving, or
serving, or seeking Him hard
enough creep in and threaten to
paralyze you, allow Him lead
you, a step at a time. Let Him
remind you that your works
never qualified you- the Cross
did. Be reminded, be encouraged.
- When pride, arrogance, and a
veiled disregard for others affect
your interactions with the world,
because you can’t help but be the
center of attention, hold on, let’s
walk together for these next few
months and walk through what it
means to be clothed in humility…
- When you fall, and fail, and
backtrack, and deviate… don’t be
afraid to come back and pick up
where you left off. He dealt with
our rebellion; there is nothing
new under the sun. He’s ready to
receive us back with open arms
When you stare at yourself in the
mirror, remember the Cross. Let
that define your worth. Let that
be the catalyst for your desire to
seek Him wholly and earnestly.
In His eyes, you are perfect: Holy,
beautiful and pure. Righteous,
unique and precious. Fleeking
out of control, with the perfect
pigmentation of melanin- not too
much or too little. To Him, you’re
a marvelous masterpiece.
Painstakingly crafted to reveal
everything He’s ever wanted to
reflect on. He can barely get
enough of us. Not because of
anything we ever did- but
because of what happened on
that Cross. Those transgressions,
insecurities, and weaknesses?
Dealt with. #Henailedthem.
For the next two weeks, let’s
engage in this little exercise
together; we’ll call it the
#henailedit exercise.
Write down as many sentences
as you can think of, of everything
about you that Jesus nailed to
the cross. Make it as personal as
possible. You could write it on a
piece of paper, a personal
notebook, your phone, your war
room etc.
You can do it in-between school,
work, meals, laundry, wherever-
Just make sure to write “He
nailed it” after every sentence,
and let that be a constant
reminder of Who you are in His
Eyes.
WOMEN'S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE

COMMITTED
TO PURPOSE
BY YOLANDA
SHERMAN
There are times in life that
requires us to remain focused on our
future goals. We must have a
mindset to finish strong no matter
the opposition that comes our way. I
know you are thinking about the
level of commitment it takes to
accomplish your God Given Purpose.
According to the dictionary it is the
state or quality of being dedicated to
a cause, activity, etc. If you want to
be successful in life one must find
themselves dedicated and willing to
work hard for the end results. There
are many ways to prove you are
committed to work, family, ministry,
or business.
Y O L A N D A S H E R M A N

Lets take a close look at your
commitment at work and what it
requires one to give excellent
customer service, time
management , and dependability.
Your family has to depend on you
to be there and support through
every area of their life , especially
your spouse and children. The
main thing that helped me to stay
committed to the things discussed
is my relationship with God. He is
the very air I breathe I must spend
time daily in prayer, meditation,
and worship.
My commitment to God helps me
to maintain a productive life and
reach unmeasurable goals. I have
learned in life anything that is
worth obtaining has a level of
commitment. Are you willing to
dedicate yourself to things you
believe and never give up. Always
remind yourself that you must
keep pushing to the maximum and
refuse to see limitations in your
life. Just like a marathon runner
that keeps preparing for the big
race to get to the finish line and
that requires a lot of sacrificing.
Your commitment to God requires
a tremendous amount of
sacrificing. The scripture John
14:15 states” If you love Me, you
will keep My commandments “.
Anytime you are in a relationship
the love you have for that person
requires a certain level of
commitment. God love us so much
that He committed to us even unto
death. We must be committed to
one another with the love of God. I
want to encourage you to stay
committed to your God Given
Purpose. You will fulfill your
purpose if you remain committed.
As Founder and Executive Director of Break Free Release Ministries
(founded in 2007), Yolanda Sherman has inspired many to embrace
spiritual change and live a more fulfilling life, free from bondage.
Yolanda was ordained in January 2009 as a licensed minister. Yolanda is
a graduate of the Grace Bible Institute where she became a Certified
Christian Counselor. Yolanda attended the College of Biblical Studies in
Houston, Texas. She also received a bachelor's in 2012 in Christian
Counseling from International Kingdom Christian Counseling and Bible
Seminary.
Yolanda has recently completed a Masters Degree in Christian
Counseling from Juliana King University, ( an affiliate of University of
Family Bible Institute College and Seminary) in 2016. In the summer of
2017, she will receive her doctorate in Christian Counseling.
WOMEN'S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE

REVELATION
OF
LOVE
BLOG
MARY
PRIDDY
From years of learning to
take care of herself and defend
herself, she has built up walls.
From years of being told she was
never good enough, and other
harsh words, she has learned to
keep people at a distance because
they will sooner or later turn on her.
From years of never belonging she
has learned to not even try to
belong because she will not be
accepted anyway.
From years of the meaning of love
being distorted and only
conditional, she has never been
able to accept love from others, and
not dare love herself.
She has given up the fight, not that
she wants to die, but just tired so
tired of the same harsh treatment
day in and day out and so she is
numb to it all and just goes daily
through the motions of life not
feeling, not caring, just being…
Then one night as she was praying
with tears and the only word she
could say was Jesus..
She felt this warmth all around her
and this light within that has
flickered away began to get
brighter.
And all at once she heard the
sweetest voice so loving and gently
say: “You are mine. I am yours. You
are my beautiful one, you are my
sweet Precious one.

I am just me:) I am a mother,
daughter, granddaughter,
sister, and friend but most
importantly I am a
Redeemed child of the King.
I love people and i mean I
truly love people and so
being used by God to
encourage and spread is
Hope and His Love by
writing is so humbling and
life fulfilling.
You are favored and adored among
the Saints that surround you so. If
only you could see how much you
are loved and then you would no
longer feel so alone, outcast.
The harsh words are not of me…
Give me those words, give me those
harsh names, and I will take them
and put them into the furnace of
deceit.
I call you by your name which is
Love, Adored, Revived, Redeemed,
and Restored. You are more
precious to me than the finest gold
and more beautiful than the rarest
ruby. Allow my love in to heal you
and restore your hope, your faith.
I will not hurt you and I will never
leave you. Allow me to show you
what unconditional love is and I will
teach you how to love and be loved.
I am yours and you are mine!”
From that day on baby steps to her
new identity, her new life, where
WOMEN'S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE
she loves others and is able to
recieve their love. Her walls of
protection are now Bridges of
redemption.
All of this because she was loved
first by the one who is love! She was
shown that she can spread her
wings and be free because her
confidence is growing and her
attitude is no longer the victim but
now victorious.
She has learned that others can love
with out expecting anything in
return and that everyone doesnt
leave but there are those who will
stay no matter what.
All because she cried out in
desperstion and God gave her a
sweet Revelation of Love.
MP

COMMITTED TO
CONSISTENCY
B Y D E B O R A H A K I N E S
Deborah Akines, is an employee of ComEd, and Exelon Company, where
she been employed since February 2000. Deborah works in Human
Resources as an HR Executive Administrative Coordinator. Prior to moving
into HR, Deborah previously worked in the Supply and Real Estate &
Facilities organizations. She is also a supportive member of the EAARA,
Exelon African American Resource Association, and a member of other
Corp network groups like NEW, Network of Exelon Women and others.
She is a member of the Apostolic Faith Church, where her pastor is Bishop
Horace E. Smith.
Deborah has been a member since February 2000. She is also a licensed
minister. Deborah serves in various capacities in what she considers
Servant Leadership roles. She is committed to serving and helping others
to grow and develop in their roles in ministry, and in their walk with
Christ.
Deborah is currently pursuing her degree in Technical Management with a
concentration in Human Resource. She is the mother of three adult
children, Anthony, Arielle and Armani, and
two grandchildren.

I recently read the Navy Seals’
Creed and was moved by how
although designed for those who
serve in the Navy, and used as a
statement of their commitment and
validation of their purpose, I found
it inspiring as it spoke of the
resilient commitment made by
many Christians.
Their creed spoke of
how in war/uncertainty, that there
was within each of them a warrior,
who when needed was ready to do
combat and not only to meet the
challenge, but possessed a desire to
succeed.
WOMEN'S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE
The Christian life, inspiring? Yes. The
intentional plan of the Creator
creating, forming and growing each
of us into who He has ordained us to
be, in and of itself can leave those
who have seen his work and plans
unfold, in awe and amazement.
Ephesians 2:10 says,
“For we are his workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus unto good
works, which God hath before
ordained that we should walk in
them.”

Our lives are a
planned reflection of
God’s grace and
glory
We were designed for Him, and
our lives were designed to bring
him glory. Well, you might say
that your life has not been so
inspiring, not to mention has
brought God glory. Well, I would
beg to differ. Have you ever read
the Bible? Have you read all the
amazing stories of those who
stood in the face of adversity and
fear and overcame?
Have you read how David, a king,
yet a man, failed himself and
God, and how when he repented
for his sins, he moved past it and
fought battles and wrote psalms/
songs and prayers unto God like
no one else had ever done?
Have you read the life of a person
you know and saw how they went
from obscurity to being an
overcomer? Yes, that is aweinspiring!
The Bible speaks of us being
epistles, read of men
(2 Corinthians 3:2). And to live
an awe-inspiring life takes
courage and resilience! You have
to have a Navel Seals’
mentality….”I will not fail”. You
have to determine that you will
not give up; that quitting is not
an option.
I have three adult children, two
of whom are finishing college at
this time. One is finishing with a
PhD in Latino Studies, and the
other in Computer Science; on the
Dean’s List and in the Honor
Society, while I, their mother,
have struggled from class to class
with being disciplined to
complete my under-grad.
I raised them as a single mother,
and as much as possible tried to
ensure that they were prepared
to go on to higher education. I put
my education on hold and/or took
classes via a community college
when I felt compelled to do at
least one class at a time. I did well
and I too was on the honor roll.

COMMITTED TO
CONSISTENCY
BY DEBORAH AKINES
As the children grew and got closer
to finishing their degrees, I decided
that as a full-time working woman,
that maybe it was time for me to
pick back up my education, and I did
at the university level. Well, I had
not been as disciplined as I needed
to be and experienced the results of
it. I felt ashamed and
disappointed…for about 10 minutes,
and then questioned what I needed
to do next to move on and finish
strong.
I repented before God, as I knew I
had the capacity to do the work, yet
lacked the discipline to get it done. I
then forgave myself and committed
to work with an attitude and spirit of
excellence.
I say all this to say that we may
make mistakes, bad judgments or
even be flat out wrong, yet we have
to find the strength to repent,
forgive ourselves and then get up
and gear up so that we can move up.
for there lies within each of us a
desire to win and to succeed!
Finally I would like to add what the
Message Bible version of Ephesians
2:10 says, (vs 7-10),
Now God has us where he wants us,
with all the time in this world and
the next to shower grace and
kindness upon us in Christ Jesus.
Saving is all his idea, and all his
work. All we do is trust him enough
to let him do it.
It’s God’s gift from start to finish. We
don’t play the major role. If we did,
we’d probably go around bragging
that we’d done the whole thing! No,
we neither make nor save ourselves.
God does both the making and
saving.
He creates each of us by Christ Jesus
to join him in the work he does, the
good work he has gotten ready for us
to do, work we had better be doing.
Forest Gump said that “Life is like a
box of chocolates; you never know
what you’re going to get.”, and there
is some truth in that, yet we must
remain committed to consistency.
We must learn how to face the
adversity and continue to move
forward. Remember, ‘don’t give up’,
WOMEN'S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE
Don’t only think Inspiring Resilient
Committed, BE Inspiring! BE
Resilient! BE Committed!
#BeBlesseed

''Pearls & BOOKmarx''
TITLE - Make It Happen: Moving Towards Your Best U!
A Journey Towards Wholeness
AUTHOR - Felicia C. Lucas
FOREWORD BY - Cherri Walston
RETAIL - $19.99 on Amazon.com

Make It Happen immediately draws you in to Author Felicia Lucas world. She
makes it very clear that she questioned whether or not her story would
''matter''. This reader believes everyone has a story that matters, as our
testimony is for others. With the Holy Spirit guiding her hands and her heart
to pen her life-changing story, she gives it to the reader straight. Make It
Happen is not your typical autobiography. All throughout the book, Author
Felicia encourages the reader to dust off and interact with the Holy Bible.
She offers up websites that are beneficial to EVERYONE;S spiritual growth -
whether babe-in- Christ or ''easoned'' and she provides segments for
keeping it real…with yourself.
This reader was especially fond of Author Felicia's ''Real Deal Talk''
breakouts. It is in those moments that she made herself available to be
connected with on a more intimate level. She bears her soul, all for the
betterment and growth of the reader. It is not easy to be transparent in a
world where people (in general) tend to '';judge-first- never-ask- questionslater''.
This reader applauds Author Felicia's bold stance to share her
testimony while encouraging others to do thesame. In essence, she asks
time and again: Will YOU take a moment to STOP…and think about it?
If you are one who is in need of direction - one that will lead YOU onto the
path of wholeness -
Make It Happen is a must-read. This reader believes each of us can capture
something ''Just for us'' from the pages of this book.
Spiritual growth? Yes!
Emotional healing? Yes!
Physical fortitude? Yes!
Professional stamina? Yes!
Author Felicia writes, '';Being whole in all areas of your life is essential to
living out your divine purpose. If any areas are out of balance, it will affect
other areas of your life… Your intimacy relationship with God will bring you
closer to obtaining victory in each area of your life. God will help you to
keep things in balance as you draw closer to him.''
WOMEN'S FRONTLINE MAGAZINE

What Others Are Saying:
Gwen Evans | Amazon Review | September 17, 2016
''I love this book! I'm only half way through and I find myself constantly
referring back to something she has written, especially to the
affirmations! I love her realness; that's what we need and that's what
she's given; herself. I would highly recommend this book.''
ER | Amazon Review | November 10, 2016
''This book has inspired me so much. It has helped me in all aspects of
my life, in my relationship, in my career, and my spirituality. If you want
to be inspired and move towards the best you, you should definitely get
this book!''
So, there you have it! Don't just take this reader's word for it. As you can
see, Make It Happen is truly LIFE-CHANGING! Grab your copy TODAY by
visiting Amazon.com (don't forget to return to leave your review)! You
are sure to be blessed immensely by the magnitude of truths,
encouraging words, and various sermonettes helping us enjoy this thing
we call ''LIFE''!
Contact the Author:
On the Web - www.felicialucas.com
Facebook - Author Felicia Lucas
Twitter - @MoveToYourBestU

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