Conversation with Goldie Reed

Thank you for agreeing to have a conversation with me. How is your ministry going, and what is it basically?

My primary ministry is evangelizing, and it is going great by God's grace.

For those who don’t know you, how do you carry out your evangelism? How is the Lord using you?

My ministry overall is reaching out, encouraging, empowering broken relationships, broken homes and communities.

I read your book, and I was like WOW. Why did you write it? What were you hoping for?

The book was written to encourage the down trodden and burden bound souls to be inspired to believe again, and LIVE. My hope or rather my expectation is for people to leave behind the grave clothes of being victimized and to take a hold of life and all that God has in CHRIST more abundantly.

(Available on Amazon as Paperback and ebook)

I noticed you did not hold back. You poured out everything. Were you ever concerned about people judging you?

No, there will always be haters having their own opinions but often truth is hidden by the fear of rejection. But God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, of love and of a sound mind (in other words...BOLDNESS)

There are some sensitive things in your book I would like to discuss. The first being drug addiction. Some people say “just say no”, and that people who cant quit are lazy. What do you say about that?

Often people who have never been through my particular set of circumstances can't easily identify with my choices at that time, but who among us hasn't had a struggle with making the right decisions in some area? No one is exempt from mistakes turning into habits, or turning into lifestyles, whether it be the woman who never had a father so she makes a lifestyle out of sleeping with men until she finds him, or the boy who was raped by his father and years later becomes a full blown christian homosexual. I guess the adage is true HURT PEOPLE, HURT PEOPLE, but FREE PEOPLE, FREE PEOPLE!

“Christian homosexual” – could you explain what you mean by that. Many in the Christiancommunity would object to such a statement,as they would say being a“homosexual” and being a “Christian” are not mutually compatible

Christian homosexual is an oxymoron I use to describe the confusion left in the soul of a person reeling in sexual confusion, whose identity is askew with society and liberal Christianity's proclamation that "you can live how you want and God accepts us as we are" being their mantra of the day. It is to that train of this Generations thought that I speak

I can already see some reactions to your statement. Lol. You relapsed multiple times. Sometimes you were doing good, then you fell. How did you pick yourself up and keep going?

It is GOD who makes the crooked path straight. He put a promise in my spirit that spoke light although my heart was dark through hurt. GOD watched over me to perform his Word concerning me, so it wasn't that I picked myself back up, it was, is and will forever be His Spirit. HE doesn't know failure, the CHRIST in me CANT STAY DOWN!

But there was something YOU had to do. God is no respecter of persons. So if other Christians can't seem to work out sobriety and you can, there must be something YOU are doing that they aren't. Otherwise it would seem God favored you and not them. Or did he?

God has favored my life, the word says He will show mercy on who He will show mercy and He will show compassion on whom He will show compassion. That being said, everyone has an opportunity to accept the yoke destroying power that JESUS bled, died, and rose to give us access to appropriate. The ability to overcome is in the appropriation of the blood, The Word, and obedience to the Word. I got in the Word until the Word got into me.I have learned trials that come, test the Word I carry, and when I pass that test my obedience is fulfilled. Then and only then do I walk in freedom

Thank you for elaborating on that. What about people who tried to use your falls to judge or condemn you?

They who are without sin, go ahead throw your stones. I HEAR ALL OF MY CRITICS, I'LL ANSWER THEM NONE!

Lol! Welcome to the club of dusting off irrelevant critics/haters There are closet drug users in the pulpit, some claiming to have completely overcome miraculously yet secretly using (for example the late Zachery Tims). How would you speak on such a situation?

These situations are tough because there is a demand of the lime light that causes the participant to strive to attain an impossible standard of perfection. It is easy to be a public success but a private failure - we must therefore broken privately to stand publicly. Pastor Tims' passing is a tragedy we can all do well to learn from. My condolences to his family and I empathize with those who are silently wrestling and bleeding while leading.

You also mention in your book how you were repeatedly molested and raped. For someone reading this who is a victim, what would you say to them? You obviously survived, so there is hope. How do they experience hope and healing?

To the person who is being molested, raped and/or abused, (YOUR ARE NOT THE REASON, IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT) the rest of your life can take a new turn. Seek help through a counselor, church or friend. Most of all get out of that abuse relationship, and forgive your attacker. Becoming free starts with forgiveness; staying free means forgiving and sharing our testimony to help others just like you. The word of GOD says we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the words of our testimony.

We don’t often address this, but what about the perpetrator? As someone who has been a victim, what would you say to someone who is a closet rapist or molester?

More often than not, hurt people hurt people. Someone who was a victim in turn becomes a victimizer. I understand the shame of being stripped of my innocence and the apathetic heart of victimizing others from my hurt. To those of you who have these closet sins (or rather closet hurts) Jesus is waiting to take your tragedy and turn it into His treasure as only He can..Jesus loves you with a loyal love. He is waiting for you to lay your heavy burdens down so He can give you a free heart and a sober uncompromising mind. Repeat this out loud: "Father forgive my sins, I lift up my shame and guilt to you, and ask you to change my heart, help me to know you as I never have. I believe you died to wash away my sins, and you rose to set me free. So by faith I ask you to set me free in Jesus name".

Amen indeed. That was powerful, and I pray readers will make this prayer right now.The third thing I want us to address is prostitution. You admit to being a street walker back in the day. Did you ever feel shame or disgust while doing it, and how were you able to continue?

Yes I felt ashamed, that lifestyle fueled my addiction. I turned how I felt off by numbing my soul, and slid deeper into my depression and hurt.

What motivated you in continuing to do it all those years?

Hurt and disappointment are a very toxic concoction.

Someone seeing you now will go WOW, because you are so anointed and motivated for the Lord, and so opposite of that person in your past. How did you go through the process to get to here?

The greater the call the greater the challenge, trials and opposition. God took me through heart breaking things that caused me to cry out to Him, and as I submitted to His will He broke mine. I grew stronger through reading His Word, praying, and applying what the word says. This gradually changed me, as my life and surroundings began to reflect my holy heart condition.

You’re happily married now. Congratulations! Do you ever get affected by your past memories of things you did?

Wounds heal and close but scars are constant reminders of past wounds. It is just as important for balance and grounding to remember where we came from as it is to testify about where God has brought me to.

Forgiving oneself can be so hard. Have you completely forgiven yourself? How do you process it?

I have forgiven myself, and yet it is not as easy to escape the distant aroma of yesterhurt!

You never gave up on hoping to be in a loving marriage. The several failures did not stop you. What would you say to someone in a broken marriage, or has given up on finding someone?

Wait on GOD! God wants us to ask Him for a mate. We must wait on HIM. I was going into my fourth year of celibacy when GOD brought my husband back to me, YES we remarried after being divorced for 10 years due to drugs and prison.

Wow! That's a miracle in itself! I'm going to segue into domestic violence. It can unfortunately prove fatal sometimes. As someone who understands the fear and paralysis that keeps victims bound, what words do you have for someone who has been slapped or beaten by her partner?

Let me be clear I DO NOT condone domestic violence! It is unhealthy staying in that environment. Much prayer is needed to discern right actions to take, such as christian marital/couple counseling or departure. No one answer is the be all end all to domestic violence response.

We know domestic abuse does not have to be physical only. It could be verbal or emotional. When does one know they are being abused, and when should they leave?

Warning comes before destruction. Everyone can feel emotional words that sting mentally. I have left a relationship at the first glimpse of name calling. While I don't suggest you (the reader) to take my response as their best answer, I do suggest counseling and prayer to discern right decision.

How can a person leave if they have no income or resources? How did YOU come up with a plan to leave in the face of fear and a lack of resources?

I was fed up and just left, I caught the bus to another city and looked for a shelter and progressed from there. If they have no income they can search for a battered women shelter in their city.

When you look back at your journey – the dysfunction, the pain, the failures – what is the story or purpose or lesson you draw from it?

We grow from faith to faith to glory to glory, my glory is just getting started.

Hallelujah!!! Your life is a clear evidence that God is able to make something beautiful out of brokenness and failure. Can you share some words of encouragement for someone who has surrendered to the mess and chaos in their life?

There is hope, no matter how pathetic your situation is. After being molested, beaten, a drug addict prostitute/user for at least 5 to 7 years of my life, God saved me and uses me to testify on what He has delivered me from and how far He has bought me. I am living proof that God has not abandoned you. I encourage you to seek God until He reigns righteousness on you.

Any final words for our readers?

Dear reader, God specializes in turning chaos into crafted treasures. Christ died for your sins but rose for your salvation, I pray that you will be encouraged by me sharing my past hurt, addiction and transformation....Know that I am praying for you and I encourage you to step out on faith and let God give you freedom...God Bless

How can people connect with you if they have questions for you, or need to ask or share something with you?

I fellowship with Victory Outreach. My ministry name is SAY NO YO COMMUNITY OUTREACH (contact me on how to join or support on Facebook or Twitter)

Thank you having a Conversation with me

Thank you for the opportunity to share my heart. And thanks to my friends, family and critics. It is my hope you will take the God of my testimony and make Him KING in your heart. Thank you be Blessed

Conversation with Septimius the Great

Who is Septimius the Great? Why that name? Below is my conversation with the artist, covering his 3 time invitation to be a participant in America's Got Talent, and using that platform to transition into being a recording and performing artist touring the country.

Where do we start? I think lets just get right into it. What year were you on America’s Got Talent?

September 2015

Why did you opt for AGT and not American Idol?

AGT actually called me from my youtube music videos (which had hundreds of thousands of views) and invited me to come as a VIP auditioner and I accepted for the last 3 yrs.

Hold up. You’ve participated in AGT for 3 years? 2013, 2014, 2015?

2013 – Got called to VIP audition in NYC, went straight to the celebrity judge round for TV, got x'd but didn't make the edits for the TV airing.

2014 – Got called to VIP audition in Baltimore, MD, had to do 3 mini auditions before the celebrity judge round but didn't make it.

2015 -  Got called to VIP audition in NYC, went straight to the celebrity judge round for TV, got x'd and it aired in September 2015 (video on my website)

How was it like getting to be on it?

It was a great experience, fun and eye-opening to learn about reality TV. Plus I always enjoy meeting and chatting with Nick Cannon.

It must have been nice meeting him. What was most interesting about meeting him?

2013 – Funny and loved my costume

2014 – Remembered me and we laughed and I gave him my number for future business meeting hopefully (video clip is on my website)
2015 – Loved my costume again

I hear some of these reality shows have insane contracts they have you sign. How was AGT’s?

AGT is just like the rest – they are very strict but provide you with one of biggest avenues and national platforms to showcase your talent. But they do and will own you if you place in top 10 from 1- 5 years.

Who did you meet in the whole process?

I met Nick Cannon, Howard Stern, Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandel for the 2^nd time, but met Mel B for the first time.

Out of all the celebrity judges, who were you the most excited to meet, and why?

Heidi Klum because she and I have that Fashion connection

What did you learn from the process?

Just how reality TV is mainly for ratings, though they also try to discover unique talent.

Getting the ax is never easy because it basically is someone rejecting you. How did you feel about it, and how did you bounce back to continue the grind?

It was not a disappointment to me because my mindset was to get on TV but not really to win. It was simply a vehicle to expose my talent to a national audience, and make some business connections.

Let’s go back to the beginning. What was your dream as a child, and how did you embark on music?

I never dreamed of doing music as a child, I was intrigued by business and loved animals. But after entering the arts as a model, then being a fashion cooridinator and later an event producer, I embarked on being an entertainer, which landed me into becoming a music artist and entertainer in 2010.

Ah! So you’ve been an artist in music since 2010. How would you look back on your 6 years in the game?

Its been both a disappointing yet rewarding experience. Disappointing in the sense of meeting people who have good and bad intentions and really cant help my type of brand. Rewarding because I have accomplished so much in a short period of time so far.

You have a CD out. How would you describe your music?

My 1^st project is geared around being a Roman Emperor of Music (Septimius The Great) with an urban dance/edm sound which infuses edm/dance, hip hop, house and mixing collaborations of R&B, Opera and Rock.

(Available on iTunes)

Hey, how did you come up with your name, and where are you from?

The name was derived from my research in discovering a Black King or Ruler, and I discovered Septimius Severus - 1^st Black Roman Emperor from Africa. So I then created Septimius The Great

What was the creative process behind your CD?

I create from the idea of the story I want to tell, then finding a beat for it that I like, and then create the story lyrically with high energy beats.

You know what my favorite song is. LOL!! What is yours?

"I am Fashion" is my baby.... because it crosses all genres of music, crosses all industry from music to fashion, crosses purpose from music to self-esteem and feeling good.

I saw the clip of you signing to a record label. Congratulations. What label are you signed to and what do you like about your label?

It's a small independent label – M.A.M records out of Baltimore, MD – I don't like being with a label unless they are able to help me financially to achieve my goals of getting to the next level.

In your opinion, what’s the plus in being with a label, as opposed to being an independent artist maintaining complete creative autonomy and answering to no one?

My label allows me to be me which is rare but not being with a label makes the road harder and long to achieve the goal. But it's a more peaceful journey to do it on your own.

I see you on twitter with your active itinerary. Where’s your next performance and project?

7/17 – Richmond, VA

8/8 – Baltimore, MD

8/20 – NYC

9/17 - NYC

10/6 – Baja, Mexico

Who’s your dream artist to work with and why?

I would love to work with Will.I.Am, Pitbull, Cee-Low, Lady Gaga or even P.Diddy.

What should we be looking out for from you in the near future?

I have 3 new single releases to come out is September, January, March and then album June 2018.

So are you taking a break in 2017?

Hell no !!! I now have a better formula for my success with a new album coming out and several single releases. All in motion right now

As you probably know, I’m a born again Christian. What belief system do you subscribe to?

Christian as well, very spiritual but not much into religion – if that makes sense

I think it does. It means you’re not into the whole institution of church and attending church. You’re more into a relationship with God. Did you have a bad church experience to make you come to this conclusion?

No bad experience just realized that church is more a business these days, and my lack of time. I have just as good of a direct connection with God through Jesus on my own, as I have being in a church

Alright, if you say so. So what would you say to young artists trying to chase their dreams and try out for TV shows like AGT and The Voice?

Don't focus on winning but focus on doing your best and get better each round you get thru. Listen to your coach but stay true to yourself.

Some people focus more on the fame than the artistry or craft. What is your opinion on that?

It's important to do this not for fame (not to compensate for esteem issues, respect, neglect, etc) but to be creative, create and get people to like what you do and have an appreciation for it as well

Any last words from you brother?

The Septimius Group, LLC is my brand and watch out for the next couple of years to be Quadruple Threat in Music, Fashion, TV/Film and Education.

Wow! Quadruple threat. That’s what’s up! And the take home lesson here is, never ever give up on your dreams, and pursue every opportunity you get. Life is not going to roll a red carpet out for you to achieve your dreams. You have to go out and press to achieve it.
Thank you Septimius for the conversation. You can connect with him on these social media networks:

Website - http://www.septimiusthegreat.com/index.html
Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/septimiusmusic
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Septimius-The-Great/137821669574184
Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/user/blkmodelboi
InstaGram - http://instagram.com/septimiusthegreat 

Conversation with Evans Ogboi

Below is the Conversation I had with MOBO Award winning artist, Evans Ogboi, whose new music video "Shout Hallelujah" was released today.

How time flies. How would you say the last few years have been to you?

Glorious! I must say. The Lord is truly faithful to His word.

Who would you say you are, and what you say you do?

I am a music minister, a songwriter, music producer, gospel recording artiste and music director for RCCG Living Faith Connections, London.

You’ve come a long way. And we know we can credit the Grace of God to your success. What else would you attribute to your success?

I'm so grateful to God for my parents who not only released me but supported me in my pursuit.  I also thank God for destiny helpers. Men and women sent by God into my life to mentor and help me through the different stages of my life.

You are now based in London full time, right? Was your ambition to always relocate there, considering you had a thriving business venture back Nigeria?

 Well, not really. I believe so much in the will of God for our lives. Interestingly, my dad advised I relocated from Nigeria once I told him I wanted to do music full-time. He stressed his desire for me to do this professionally. Obviously, he believed the music industry abroad was better and more structured. I didn't know things would work out this way. I came schooling and then got employed. Looking back, I can tell you, God is a master planner. 

In your opinion, can a young successful man in Nigeria be limited in the height of success unless they relocate to the Western world?

 Ooo not at all! You can succeed anywhere when you remain connected to the Source. I know so many successful people in Nigeria and I mean that in every sense of it. Success is a lot of things though. I believe finding your life's purpose and passionately pursuing it, striving always to be in God's perfect will for your life is what brings fulfilment.

So you arrive in London……how did you figure out your niche, and invest yourself in it? I’m sure you’re aware of the fable of Johnny arriving in London and getting devoured by it. Speak on how you placed boundaries on yourself to achieve your goal

Well, it was clear what I came here to do. I came over to study music production and audio engineering at SAE institute London. SAE is one of the biggest creative media institutes in the world. By the help of the Holy Spirit, I continued to be extremely focused. I would listen and learn. I began to ask a lot of questions and did a lot of research. I began to pray and take small steps as I was led. It's amazing how things are still unfolding. The key remains, maintaining a relationship with the Holy Spirit. He knows where you are trying to get to. He designed your life's journey. It's a lot easier when we ask Him.

Lets talk about you winning the MOBO Awards. What project did you win that for, and what category?

I wrote a song for my church originally for a conference but we eventually added that song to an album project which we titled "Beyond the Norm". That's the song that got the nomination. We finally won. Living Faith Connections choir. Best Gospel Act 2014 MOBO awards.

So did you do the red carpet. Did you see any artists you had admired?

Emmm, we didn't make the red carpet as we were held up in traffic. Thank God we arrived in good time to join the ceremony.

What?? You missed out on doing the red carpet at the MOBO awards? That must have been a disappointment. But hey, you ARE a MOBO award winner, so who needs red carpet trivia?

LoL…. Yeah.. yeah..

How does it feel being an the exclusive class of individuals who has won a MOBO?

Hnmmm…. It's humbling. I didn't set out to win any award, that was never the goal. However, the bible tells us that if we seek the Kingdom of God first, every other thing will be added. This is my experience and it feels really humbling and encouraging seeing every other thing being added. God's word is true.

What was it like when you won the category you were nominated for, and had to walk up to receive your award from Mel B (Scary Spice)?

WoW! What a night it was. My pastors were around and we sat at our table having a great time. Next thing we hear was the announcement for the gospel category and I think I went blank for a few seconds after I heard our name announced as the winner. We couldn't believe it. We ran up the stage to receive the award. I was truly overwhelmed. I knew it could only be God.

Some would call that a mountaintop experience. How do you prevent yourself from believing the hype, and staying true to your authentic self? 

Well, when you know where you are coming from, I think that humbles you. Truth is, I get really humbled seeing God do great things in me and through me. It's really humbling.

Growing up back home in Nigeria, how did you become so versed in being a musician and instrumentalist? Church involvement no doubt, but it’s a lot more than that. Talk about your journey in becoming a musician

Well, I started out as a child playing drums back in Church of God mission Benin City Nigeria. I played a couple of years and then moved on to keyboard. I'm self taught so I reproduced what I heard in my spirit. Glory be to God. I started playing professionally in 2002 when I moved to Lagos. I started directing music for ministries and started producing artistes as well. All by the help of the Holy Spirit. Halelluya.

                                                                                                                    

How many solo CDs have you released? When did you release your debut CD?

I currently have 2 CDs out. I released my debut titled "Miracle" in 2007 and then my most recent album was released in 2014 titled "Songs From My heart".

Purchase music from iTunes

Purchase music from iTunes

How many singles have you released from your latest cd?

Two, so far. The third is coming really soon.

This new single “Hallelujah”, it is a traditional praise song sung in African worship services. You took it, and flipped it into a modern praise jam. What was it about this song that made you want to flip it the way you did?

Excellent question sir. I was out on a missionary trip to Northern Nigeria with a team I use to direct music for. Since I had the keyboard in my hotel room, I would have times where I would worship with it and play around sometimes. One day, here came this super idea. I began to program the different parts as I heard the sounds in my heart. Thank God it was a workstation. Long story short, I developed the concept over the coming years and that's how it came together. A beautiful piece. 

Hmm, how long have you directed music…..?

Well, I'll say for about 13 years professionally.

I binge listen to your new cd sometimes, and I hear Kirk Franklin’s style resonating. He must have influenced you (who hasn’t he influenced?). Any other influences that help define the sound you have now?

Yes! Kirk is a legend! As a male gospel artiste, I have been influenced by a lot of other male gospel artistes. I love traditional gospel so people like Pastor John P.kee, Hezekiah Walker, Fred Hammond, Pastor Donnie Mcclurkin, Malvin Sapp and a lot of other amazing artistes really helped me. I would learn all their new stuff. I'm either teaching it to the choir somewhere or learning a solo. This not only helped me find my sound but it also helped my worship experience growing up. Praise God!

You are a happily married man, your spouse being an artist herself. Have you two collaborated together?

Ooo yes we have. Purist is an amazing writer as well. We wrote a song together titled "Pray" which is on Purist's EP. We have a video for that as well which has been prayed severally on turning point. You can also find it on youtube.

Purchase Purist music on iTunes

As two people in the music business, how do you keep centered in your relationship? Any conscious commitments you do that readers can learn from to do as well in their relationships?

I believe when it's meant to be, there's really no struggle. We love what we do and its so easy as we enjoy every bit of it. Purist is involved with all my projects, she travels with me everywhere I'm invited to minister and I do the same when she's invited. It's such a unique blend. To God be the glory.

So what should we expect from you this year?

I'm set to release the official video for "Shout Halleluya" (released today) and I'm so excited about this song. Watch out for that. I'll also be releasing some other videos later in the year. Purist is also working on a new album project which I'm producing. Watch out…. this one's fresh. We can't wait to share it with you all.

To the young man or woman dreaming of achieving success, what would you tell them to commit to?

Any last words to share with the readers?

Keep the dream alive. It's so easy to get discouraged and quit. Anybody can do that. Be excellent on every level. Don't wait for the BIG break. Determine to be productive where you are. Never despise the days of small beginnings. Develop and maintain a close relationship with the Holy Spirit. He will guide you and show you your life's path. With Jesus on your side, you will always win.