tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71128062945905981602024-02-07T17:38:08.014-08:00.Promo Inc Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03427222061688830822noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112806294590598160.post-81084003820825179342020-12-03T01:51:00.002-08:002020-12-03T01:51:34.710-08:00Conversation with Face by Francois<p>I became acquainted with Just'n Francois (he was specific in correcting me when I forgot to slip in the apostrophe in his name) on one of the social media platforms. I was impressed at how he seemed to be building his business and brand, so I invited him to have a Conversation.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5KZmz-LGtRjCob40cSTCWTNEWlYj8DSSCxMEhpv7myWxAp_8hAwpO4WonPiImz6oYYoirjV4MyLlyBzdrpr3wvWom7KC5fXmPHe8iqxpXeoNMTadBvPL5LpSPEYaCjVJCrN1A3nuBAQ/s1080/Justn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5KZmz-LGtRjCob40cSTCWTNEWlYj8DSSCxMEhpv7myWxAp_8hAwpO4WonPiImz6oYYoirjV4MyLlyBzdrpr3wvWom7KC5fXmPHe8iqxpXeoNMTadBvPL5LpSPEYaCjVJCrN1A3nuBAQ/s320/Justn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>This should be an interesting conversation. Can
you introduce yourself to the readers please? </i><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">My name is Just'n Francois, Owner and Creator of Face by
Francois. I am 36 year old entrepreneur from New Orleans, Louisiana. I am currently
residing in Richmond, Virginia.</span></b></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>So I became interested in having this
conversation when I found out you have a cosmetic product. How did this journey
begin? </i><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">That's funny you ask, because everywhere I go people would
stop and tend to ask what I used on my face and compliment me on how smooth and
clear my skin was. So I woke up one day when I had some free time and decided
to order some containers and design my labels. Once they arrived I said to
myself it’s time to begin this journey. I created my website, and here we are.</span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>How did you learn how to make cosmetic
products?</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calisto MT", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #38761d;">I created the products using
my own knowledge from being a holistic person and knowing about herbs and
essential oils. This helped me design and create a product that is organic
and natural without any chemicals while helping to promote healthy skin </span></i></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calisto MT", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i></i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMI-1FZe8LetiLbV6YmSWg1WHzxwrghokX-gdrS5i-4vqDjdJpBoR2YUTW8CuwSN5LaP_NhGrB7lVbF0ZAt4XxQMkRHL9ZH9Nkk664qOEEZE0SYeJ5KzUPIF8jHSIr6oGrR4XnaK7NCj4/s1080/Face1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMI-1FZe8LetiLbV6YmSWg1WHzxwrghokX-gdrS5i-4vqDjdJpBoR2YUTW8CuwSN5LaP_NhGrB7lVbF0ZAt4XxQMkRHL9ZH9Nkk664qOEEZE0SYeJ5KzUPIF8jHSIr6oGrR4XnaK7NCj4/s320/Face1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></i></b></div><b><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLKwSfkeHSTgRpVntGiILyoZmB_jmZ1Bqdw5Czx6Vn4p8lL6vkZ8nrFzjNz0BxIBCDRF9Ufkma14c6qSnu9jsSNcOkfaTkc3NATUXOIcEZidNHxMnJrWB9TwYfRkldDm50eJ8-uR0FN0/s1080/Face2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLKwSfkeHSTgRpVntGiILyoZmB_jmZ1Bqdw5Czx6Vn4p8lL6vkZ8nrFzjNz0BxIBCDRF9Ufkma14c6qSnu9jsSNcOkfaTkc3NATUXOIcEZidNHxMnJrWB9TwYfRkldDm50eJ8-uR0FN0/s320/Face2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></i></b><b style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>Just so I understand. How involved are you in
the creative process?</i></span></b></p></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Everything about the company the products the designs are
all me. I came up with the concept and the designs. I am very involved. I make
the products, I ship and answer emails, and manage the social media. It is a one
man army for now…..as I seem to have been most of my life.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>Can you please enlighten us on your cosmetic
products? </i><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">My products are all natural and organic. We have a three-step
skin care process. We start with the flawless facial scrub which can be used
daily as a daily facial scrub or it can be used as a deep scrub to really get
the layers of dead skin off the surface as well as penetrate the extracts into
the skin for moisture so the skin isn't dried out. The next step is the Toner
which has many essential nutrients to help promote a brighter and more even
skin tone. It also contains antibacterial properties to assist with getting rid
of acne. The final step is the all-natural SPF moisturizing oil which assist
with anti-aging and protects against UV rays.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>What makes your products stand out in a
marketplace of a plethora of products? </i><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">I am very proud of my products as there are no other
products that are organic and natural and provide the results my products do.
Just the SPF Moisturizing oil is enough to get you hooked, as there is no need
to have both an SPF and Moisturizer in one bottle. I have also received great
feedback from my customers regarding the products.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>Honestly, I have to admit that I’m impressed by
the packaging and presentation of it. It looks well branded. How did you
navigate the process to have such a well packaged product? </i><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">I was obsessed with the emerald green and gold colors as to
me they felt regal and gave off a certain energy. This is just the beginning. I
will be upgrading the product packaging as business grows and make it more
appealing than it already is. I'm pretty new to the industry but I'm 36, and I
have had my fair share of department store shopping, so I know what appeals to
me to certain products.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>As a young entrepreneur, what struggles did you
face in embarking on this journey? </i><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">The only struggle I had was getting started because I am
such a procrastinator. I wait until the last minute to get things done, and it
takes a lot to stay focused because I have so many ideas about so many
different things that it hard for me to focus all of my energy on one specific
thing.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>What influences did you have that helped you
curate your passion and dream? </i><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">The Egyptian Queen Cleopatra is my inspiration. She feels
like such a Nubian goddess, and that is an inspiration in creating my products
for women. She is the inspiration behind my line as she was known for her
beauty. I would like my clients to have the same feeling when they use my line.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>Did you/Do you have any people you look up to
in your industry?</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calisto MT", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">My cousin <a href="https://www.instagram.com/soapdyva/" target="_blank">Celeste</a> has been a major part of my influence, while a friend of mine Ian who has his own skin care line gave me the drive and motivation to do my
own. I love my people and the fact that there’s no competitiveness; only love
and growth as enjoy seeing each other thrive and create. I was happy they gave
me encouraging words to begin my journey.</span></i></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>Where do you see yourself going with your
company?</i></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">To be honest I would like to see my brand excel and be in
stores, but I also don't mind being an independent black owned business to
service the community. I feel there is less stress with just being an independent
E-com company as opposed to being on a larger scale. Even though I am not
against being in department stores, grocery stores and beauty supply stores.
The future of a lot of businesses seem to be directed towards being more online
and E-com sales.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>Let’s take a detour and learn something
personal about you. Besides building your business, what else are you
passionate about? </i><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">I am an accountant by day when I am not focusing on my
business. Growing up I wanted to be a performer. My nickname in school was
Hollywood. I used to write it on my papers and on everything. I loved Whitney Houston
and I am still so upset I wasn't able to meet her before her passing. I may get
into making clothing and fashion in the near future.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>Oh! You were are a singer? So I guess you are
focused on being an entrepreneur now, or is singing still a future option?</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Calisto MT", serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">I used to love to sing, dance
and perform but I had an anxiety and nervousness problem when it was time to
perform by myself. I left that back in 98 when I went through some experiences
in my life that caused me to not want to pursue music or dancing, but that’s
another conversation for a another day. </span></i></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>2020 has been a challenging year for
businesses. How have you made necessary adjustments to be ahead of the curb in
dealing with the pandemic challenges? </i><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">I just made the necessary preparations by paying up
everything for a few years. So fortunately, I don’t have to worry about some of
my financial concerns. I am also trying to work at getting an established
clientele who will continue to support my brand and get the name out there.
Even if things go bad I can always take orders without the website as I try to
build relationships with my customers. I like to hear the needs and requests of
my family, as I like to call them. I am also looking to the future to create new
and innovative products such as lip balms, lotions and soaps. This could
possibly be coming soon to Face by Francois.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>For that person who has a dream and passion,
but somehow is waiting for everything to line up before taking a step, what
would you say to them? </i><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;">I would say to them just get you a vision board and write
down your ideas so that when you are ready to begin the process it’s as easy as
one two three. I did everything in one day because I already had the vision and
even though I didn't write anything down myself because of how my brain
operates I was able to get all my ideas together and bring them to life. Just
stick to what it is you see for yourself; create a brand and remember that your
brand is a representation of you. And be sure to be mindful of what you are
putting out there and be open minded to ideas and constructive criticism.</span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>How do readers learn more about your products,
and have an experience of it?</i></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>The website to learn more about the products is <a href="https://www.facebyfrancois.com/" target="_blank">Face by Francois</a>. It is also on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Face-by-Francois-105919944653504" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/facebyfrancois/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> </i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><br /><p><br /></p>Promo Inc Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03427222061688830822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112806294590598160.post-1229646829852689552020-11-20T02:27:00.002-08:002020-11-26T02:20:50.498-08:00Conversation with Dwain Lynch<p>Dwain Lynch is a man who has gone through some hard and trying times. He had a life of being in and out of jail since the age of 12, and struggled with being addicted to heroin and cocaine. Overall, he spent 25 years of his life incarcerated. Today, he is a successful Man of God, who has written about his journey and overcoming his trials in his autobiography.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjX6hI2Nb3AVNUF4he4xn86MMy8i1t-dwvB5pitxa2v2763egezKDIR4eIgVNMX5cdubLV9WiNGcYsNbXLy201imqPnR6BhUKXPUPd5dcdpvaw5vuWm8B4wAHdfcbDR_FQzwAO4J0qKg/s500/Dwain1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjX6hI2Nb3AVNUF4he4xn86MMy8i1t-dwvB5pitxa2v2763egezKDIR4eIgVNMX5cdubLV9WiNGcYsNbXLy201imqPnR6BhUKXPUPd5dcdpvaw5vuWm8B4wAHdfcbDR_FQzwAO4J0qKg/s320/Dwain1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Trailer to his book</i></b></div></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZZqgx386Q5I" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Finally my brother, we get to have this
conversation.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">It is an honor Sir. Thank you for having me.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">What is the title of the book you wrote, and
why did you write this book?</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">The title of my book is “Transformed” God Changed My Suit.
I wrote this book for two reasons. One was because the mother of my church at
the time pulled me to the side one Sunday and told me that she had a dream the
previous night and that I needed to write a book about my life. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">The second reason was that as I looked at the events in my
life, I realized that I am only here because God placed his Grace on me and I
believe that my story can help others. Sometimes people look at their lives and
they think that their lives are out of control. I felt that my life is a
testament that life can change regardless of who we are or what we have done.</span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Let’s go back to the beginning. So how would
you describe your upbringing?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Well I was raised by a single mother. I was a good student
starting out but I was abused by my mom a lot as a child. I didn’t meet my
father until I was 11 years old. That encounter damaged me more than the abuse
and by the time I was 12, I was sent to a Juvenile Detention Center. By that
time I was a withdrawn introvert with anger issues from the abuse and the
abandonment of my father.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a name="_Hlk56694983"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">What do you mean by being
abused by your mom? Verbal, physical, worse?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk56694983;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">I was physically abused by my mom. I got beatings with
extension cords, I was locked in closets or red pepper was put on my tongue if
I told a lie. I endured this until I was 11 years old when I first went to
jail.</span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">These days, there seems to be some reputation
in claiming to be hardcore and having street credibility. What do you say to
that?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Well what I say to that is, Street cred is an illusion.
It’s a lie. I never wanted street cred. I literally never wanted to be seen as
a gangster or a thug. I just wanted to get some money in my pocket to do the
things that I wanted to do. What I can tell you is that claiming street cred
has claimed a ton of lives for nothing. Some get a ton of time for nothing. And
the rest are playing a role for nothing. </span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Give us a snapshot of what a day in your life
was like back then? <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Running the streets hustling and selling drugs was fun for
me. We sold drugs and most times I also had a job. We hustled and stacked
money. We went to Go-Go’s, movies, shopped and dated girls and avoided the
police. Hustling was fun from my point of view.</span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">How did you end up being incarcerated?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">I had been getting incarcerated since I was eleven years
old. After I met my father for the first time in my life, the way it played out
angered me and I turned to crime because my mother was struggling to raise me by
herself. So the summer after I met my father I<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>became a burglar to make money. By my 12<sup>th</sup> birthday I was
locked up in a juvenile facility.</span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>What was the first day in jail like?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">My first day incarcerated was a game changer for me. It
actually set the tone for the rest of my stay. The next morning at breakfast a
guy walked up next to me and took my milk off the table and just walked away. At
that moment I had to make a decision. Either let him take that milk and make
the rest of my stay a living hell or fight for that milk. I decided to fight for that
milk. I won that fight!</span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">How long was your sentence, and how did you
survive in there?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">My first sentence was a 2 year commitment to Cedar Knolls.
My last sentence was 8 ½ years to Life in Lorton Reformatory. At the end of the
day I ended up doing over 25 years in and out of prison and I survived those
years by minding my own business, giving the same respect that I received and
making it clear that I was not going for anything. I was respected because I
gave respect. That’s how I survived.</span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">As a child I’m sure you had secret hopes and
dreams. When you ended up in jail, what did you think about your life and your
future?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">As a child I could draw real well. I wanted to be an
architect and drive a TR7 sports car but I never got a chance to finish school
or go to college.</span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">People have faced hopelessness and felt like
there was nothing worth living for. I have, and I attempted suicide 3 times.
I’m curious…….did you ever come to a place of hopelessness? And what kept your
head up from going down the route of depression and worse?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">I reached that point myself when I was addicted to heroin
and cocaine. I was losing my family and headed back to jail. I was diagnosed
with Bi-Polar disorder and I made numerous attempts at ending my life. At some
point I was sitting in my car and I wanted to end my life and at that instance
my pastor at the time called me and asked me what I was doing. I took that as
God telling me that killing myself was not the answer. That was my last attempt
at taking my life. </span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a name="_Hlk56695276"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Wow. You were addicted to
heroin and cocaine. That’s tough man. I was a meth addict, so I know how much
work I have to put into keeping my mind on the straight and narrow. How has it
been staying clean and sober?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk56695276;"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Believe
me it was tough in the beginning. Things were going on in my life that threatened
my sobriety but I stayed in the word and I had good people in my corner. My
wife, my daughter, my Pastor. I kept God in front no matter what came and I am
happy to say that it has been 16 years of clean time. Praise God.</span></i></b></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk56695276;"><a name="_Hlk56695381"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">That's awesome man. Congratulations!<br />You had a moment of being suicidal too. Most
times people think it is weak minded people that get suicidal. What would you
say about that?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk56695276;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk56695381;"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">People say that it takes a weak person to
commit suicide. Actually, it takes a tired person. I wanted to die because the heroin and coke addiction had total control of me. I felt that I could not live
without it but I didn’t want to continue using. I was sick and tired of my
addiction but for some reason I just couldn’t stop. I felt that if I couldn't stop
I would rather die. So, the reality is. People don't want to commit suicide
because they are weak; they want to commit suicide because they are frustrated and tired.
That’s how I see it…..</span></i></b></span></span></span></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk56695381;"></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk56695276;"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">So how did things lead to you getting released?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">I was released for the last time after things had gotten so
bad that my wife chained and padlocked the door and told me that I couldn’t
come home. I was arrested that weekend and spent a year back in prison. In that
year I made a pact with God that that would be my last stay in anyone’s jail.
In that year I rededicated my life to God and I haven’t looked back. God has
been blessing me ever since.</span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Your first day out of prison…….what was that
like?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">My first day out of prison was fulfilling. I was headed
home with a new mindset and God in my corner. I saw my wife on the bus that day
and we rode home together and have been together ever since.</span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I’ve known a few people who got out of jail,
and the journey to being settled in society was a nightmare. How did you
navigate your way to getting settled and established?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">I admit that life for me was rough starting out but I immediately
grabbed hold of seeking God and prayer and before I knew it God was making a
way and opening doors. I had to humble myself and I took the first job I was
offered. Today I am so grateful for where God has brought me from.</span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">That's awesome man. What do you do now, and what would you say your
purpose and passion is? What mark do you hope to make in life.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">I pray and I study the word. I seek the Holy Spirit's
guidance for everything that I do. I believe that my purpose in life is to show
others that it really doesn’t matter where you have been and what you have
done, God has set in place a way out of every situation. It is called His
Grace.</span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Yes sir! And to that young kat running the streets and all,
what would you say him without sounding like you are preaching. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">To that kat running the streets, I would let him know that what he is learning out
there is nonsense. The streets lead to one of two places. Jail or death. It’s
that simple. It took me close to 30 years to understand and receive that. And
the only way out of that life is God and his grace.</span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">What about the person who thinks committing his
life to God is denying him some fun in life, or pleasure at living? <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">To that person I would say that perspective is everything.
It all depends on how we see things. When I was getting high, partying,
hustling or whatever. It was fun for the most part. But I was killing myself. I
was hurting my family, and I was able to eventually see that it wasn’t fun. Giving my life
to God was the smartest decision I ever made and I am still enjoying my life. I
have been given a new life and that new life is available to everyone. Just
believe and receive it.</span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Hallelujah! That is the gospel message of a new life in Christ.<br />You’re happily married. Can you tell us about
your beautiful family?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">My wife and daughter are the reasons I am here today. God
graced me with them to help me when I couldn’t help myself. They have stood by
me through this transition and I praise God for them. I have found strength in
the love they have for me and it has helped me to stay strong through all that
I have been through. They have been a blessing. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Thank you Sir for the opportunity to share this. God bless
you!</span></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">(Okay folks. Please go to <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Transformed-God-Changed-Suit-Testimony-ebook/dp/B01E4AEYG2" target="_blank">Amazon</a> and get a copy of his
book. The holidays is around the corner. Please get it as a gift, especially to
someone that needs to be inspired and encouraged by Dwain’s story)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>Connect with Dwain on Social Media:</i></b> <a href="https://www.dwainlynch.com/" target="_blank">Website</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Transformed4Him" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNBM7vBimzywy2QM9pNA37A" target="_blank">YouTube</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/poochi.66/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/dwainlynch1" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></p><br /><p></p>Promo Inc Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03427222061688830822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112806294590598160.post-20350406068619719022020-11-04T21:11:00.002-08:002020-11-04T21:12:25.665-08:00Conversation with a modern day Dr. Strange<p>In this edition of Conversations, I decided to interview a friend of mine who just happens to be more like Dr. Strange from the Marvel Universe. This conversation is me as a Christian looking into his world, and him talking about his journey.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQ0ATjM6u_rgvooJQoPhEQuBnd6j1i0EjRreUkBQ34kGlB21sW5rGRzA5e6Tg0lw8HWd_HVmbqe0F0rTEaJS2-BSYcuqkIW2cA4Lq1f9RWeRCvdICZmyaOcG0M_Nxa0Em9Q_EYP0wWq0/s1080/raymont.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQ0ATjM6u_rgvooJQoPhEQuBnd6j1i0EjRreUkBQ34kGlB21sW5rGRzA5e6Tg0lw8HWd_HVmbqe0F0rTEaJS2-BSYcuqkIW2cA4Lq1f9RWeRCvdICZmyaOcG0M_Nxa0Em9Q_EYP0wWq0/s320/raymont.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i>I know the title sounds fantastical, but
hey we are in a sensational world. So how would you describe yourself?</i></b></span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: yellow;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>I am a teacher, artist, martial artist, minister, mystic, father
and grandfather. I am a person who has spent the majority of my life seeking
something greater; something greater within myself to allow me to be a more
effective as a teacher, artist, martial artist, mystic, father and
grandfather and leader.</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i>I have a personal relationship with you
so I know the answer to some of the questions I’m going to ask. What would you say
your religious views are?</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: yellow;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>My religious path/spiritual path is New Thought, specifically
Religious Science aka The Science of Mind and Spirit. I was a fundamentalist
Baptist for many years before leaving it.</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>I noticed your title as “Rev Dr”. Can you
explain that please?</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: yellow;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>When I was in the process of leaving Christianity, I went to a school
and seminary to study Interfaith and Holistic theology and after several years
received my first (of 4) doctoral degree and then ordained several different
times. Currently awaiting my ordination panel within Centers for Spiritual
Living which is the New Thought organization I serve as a Senior Minister in
MD.</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><a name="_Hlk55395198"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>4 Doctoral
degrees? Wow. You worked hard on those, so it is worth celebrating. Do you mind
sharing what they are in, how long did it take to acquire?</i></b></span></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>The full list is: Associates in Illustration/Graphic design,
Associates in Interpreting (ASL), BA in art education, BScD in Metaphysical
theology, MFA in Theatre pedagogy, MScD in Metaphysical theology, and Doctor of
Divinity in Christian Theology/ MScD in Metaphysical Theology/ PhD in Life
Coaching/ and PhD in Holistic Theology took about 20 years? Give or take…</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Wow. I'm doing one PhD degree and it is requiring a lot out of me.<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">So you were a Christian of the Baptist denomination, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">what made you unsubscribe to that theology?</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: yellow;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>I was a Fundamentalist
Baptist/Evangelical Christian from around 1974 to 2000. After moving to
Richmond VA with the person I was supposed to be marrying, I started to attend
the MCC church there. My views of Christianity, which had been waning for
years, really started a major deconstruction. Attending a “Gay” church and having
a few friends in Richmond say things to their kids like, “We love Mr. Ray but
his being Gay is a sin and so we don’t accept or condone that part of him,”
made me return to the seeking I had done back in the late 80s and 90s. I read stuff
about Christian Mysticism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shamanism, Transcendentalism, etc.
and eventually circled back to New Thought. I decided to dive in and read as
much as I could and after moving to DC in 2003, started to attend a Unity
church and then the Centers for Spiritual Learning (CSL) in Falls Church VA and after that started an active
path to ministry within that organization. So the major things that ushered in
my exodus from Christianity was the anti-gay rhetoric and the dogma that was
taught in a way that was counter to the love of Jesus. It was
not in alignment with who I wanted to be. Funny thing is that New Thought is
considered a Christian teaching. It is a metaphysical approach deeply rooted in
Christian mysticism. My path also has some other influences per the founder’s
studies.</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">CSL is considered Christian teaching? Good to know. <br /></span><a name="_Hlk55395388"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">If your
sexuality hadn’t been an issue Christianity, would you have stayed or still
left?</span></a></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><b><i><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Probably not, there were other things
like rampant hypocrisy of ministers, a dogma that was not empowering and was
more condemnation of people (not just LGBTQ, if you don’t tithe enough, you
don’t volunteer enough, if you wear clothes like this or that, if you listen to
anything that is not Christian music and only certain artists, etc.) Also
turned off by my having been kicked out of many Bible study classes (sometimes
physically escorted out of the church) for asking questions the teacher did not
want to answer, could not answer, or just didn’t like.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i>That sounds like it would have been a traumatic experience. It is unfortunate you had to go through that.<br />To a layman, how would you describe your
spiritual views?</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: yellow;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>God, not as a person or a being but as all that is, is all there
is. And because it is all there is, it is what we are. Which means we are made
not just in the image and likeness but made by, of, with and as the very stuff
that God is. Voltaire said, “God is a circle whose circumference is no where
and whose center is everywhere.” So the center of God is right were each of us
is, always. I also tell people to think of a chocolate cake. If you take a
slice out of the cake, is that slice all of the chocolate cake? No, but is all
of that slice chocolate cake? Yes!</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>Is there any “benefit” to subscribing to
your belief system as opposed to just walking down to the next church down the
street around the corner?</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: yellow;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>The belief system I practice is an applicable practice that builds
up the individual to awaken to their divine power and magnificence. It is not
about fearing a devil or a God who judges because of sin. It is, if anything,
about taking the passage where Yeshua said, I have done these miracles and so
can you and even greater.” It is about developing the mind in such a way that
we know the truth and are set free by it. So is there a benefit? Yes. Radical
inclusion and acceptance where you are welcomed and celebrated for who and what
you are as a divine individualized expression of Spirit! You will not hear a
sermon or message about being born in sin and deserving to die or burning for
all eternity in lakes of fire.</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><b><i><a name="_Hlk55395928"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Not being accepted or validated for
existing is the one thing people despise about fundamental religion. <br /></span></a><a name="_Hlk55395928"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Yeshua. Hmm, who is Yeshua to you? A wise man, a prophet, more?</span></a></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>Yeshua, enlightened master teacher who
walked the path and pointed the way for others to walk it as well.</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i>I jokingly refer to you as Dr Strange,
but do you see any parallels with him?</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i>I love several superheroes as archetypes that have influenced my
life. Dr. Strange is one of them. Parallels would be pain, fear, suffering,
that led him to seeking out the Ancient One and then reading books and
practicing in order to learn and develop his abilities. In many ways it was my
pain, fear, suffering, that lead me to a different path and the books that I
read that gave me greater insights and awareness to live and thrive whereas I
once only survived.</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>In the Marvel Universe, he is the
sorcerer supreme, who casts spells and incantations. How does that fit into
your views and beliefs?</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i>As a man thinketh in his heart, so he is… in the path I practice,
we know that thought precedes action so thinking and being excellent stewards
of our thinking and feeling is greatly encouraged. And add to this, you have
the power of life and death in your tongue… and we also believe that our words
have power. So add it all together, how I think, feel, speak, and act combine
to create and manifest an experience in my life. I create that experience and
if I want a different experience then I must change the thoughts, words,
feelings, and deeds.</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">When you break it down like that, it does
seem like individual perception of things. </span><a name="_Hlk55396207" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">What do you
think about the concept of evil? Like some individuals such as child rapists or
sadists and serial killers who seem to be inherently “bad”. How do you explain
such?</a></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>Humans have free will. Some are born
with certain traits just like some are born with blue or brown eyes, that make
them prone to certain behaviors, the pyromaniac has a love of fire that may be
nature or may be part of nurture, either way there are other factors that
support them in their choosing to harm others. I don’t refer to people as good
or bad since that is a value judgement. Some express life in more or less
healthy ways. Serial killers due to various factors choose the less healthy.
Having watched several documentaries about the making of a serial killer, it is
clear that certain environmental things pushed them into those heinous crimes.
If there were more support in schools, churches, homes, communities, etc. much
of that behavior could me healed before it even devolved.</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">As a doctoral student in forensic psychology, I know that the nature/nurture debate of the school of psychology regarding deviant behaviors is almost age old. lol.<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Some e</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">astern cultures endorse astral projection
and transcendental mediation that enables feats akin to ESP (Extra Sensory
Perception). Would you say all these are in the vein of your spiritual view?</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: yellow;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>They are not things we teach or promote but if a person chose to do
so on their own, there is nothing that “forbids” or cautions against it. The
idea is each person has free will to practice and study as they see fit. Some
love The Course in Miracles teachings and find it in alignment with New Thought
and some do not. Some read the Bible in a metaphysical manner and some do not.
Some do chakra work and Reiki and some do not. In this way New Thought is
rather eclectic. In some ways it is life being a chef. There are certain
standards to what it means to be an Iron Chef for example but the Iron Chef
themselves may focus on certain cuisine in their own restaurants and lives.
Some are Italian food chefs, some Thai, others Mediterranean and others Indian,
… each using different spices and ingredients but still following certain
standards of practice per se.</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>Have you indulged in any of these feats?
If yes, what was it like?</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: yellow;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>Years ago I practiced lucid dreaming, several meditation
techniques, mudras, mantras, etc. and have episodes of clairvoyance, telepathy,
clairaudience, .. it was exhilarating
and scary because of the circumstances of my life at the time.</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>In retrospect, how has your life and
well-being been enhanced by your beliefs and practices?</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: yellow;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>I no longer suffer as I once did. I am very comfortable being who I
am and living as I live. I used to live in fear all the time! Fear of being
outed, fear of failing, fear of losing family members, fear of rejection,
abandonment, and of death. I am happier now than I ever thought possible. I am
doing what I love. Not to the degree that I want but it is growing. I was in
many ways one of the Walking Dead… I was people pleasing, codependent, porn
addicted, closeted, self-hating, self-loathing, a suicidally reckless person and
that person died several years ago. For the first time in my 54 years I love
myself, engage in radical self-care, am healthy and well mentally, spiritually,
relationally, financially, emotionally, and physically. Even amid the grief of
my mothers recent passing and my family’s betrayal and the distance with some
of my sons. Even amid all of that, which years ago would have tormented me, I
am well, thriving, and alive!</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">My condolences to your mother's passing.<br /></span><a name="_Hlk55396449"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">That’s a laundry
list of issues you have overcome brother. We both know of people who have gone
through such, and ended up self-loathing and committing suicide. What would you
say to someone who may be going through some of what you went through, and is
at the brink of attempting suicide?</span></a></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><b><i><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Give yourself the opportunity to see the light at the end of the
tunnel. Often we are sitting in the dark and see no way out, but when we give
ourselves the possibility of there maybe being help, or a way that is better,
the first step is made. Then seek support systems, like the alcoholic has AA,
seek someone who is there to help. A trusted friend, therapist, minister, …
someone who can listen without judgement and is willing and able to help find
the necessary answers to what caused the depression and suicidal ideations and
or attempts. Basically, it is giving yourself the opportunity when you feel
hopeless to be willing to have someone reintroduce hope into our</span><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> lives. And then the real work begins
because then it is about structuring our lives in ways that offer continual
support, self-care, self-love, self-awareness, and the audacity to Thrive!</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you for those words of encouragement.<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">What exactly is a daily practice for you
that help to enhance your well-being?</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: yellow;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Each day I do something for each of those areas I mentioned
previously: Physical, Mental, Emotional, Spiritual, Financial, Relational.<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">When I wake up I journal my dreams and later meditation on what my
subconscious was offering me. I meditate and read first thing in the morning. I
do martial arts and workout. I pray throughout the day. I chat with close
friends and family, Tracy (my sister of choice) and I chat over dinner. Each
week I spend time with my oldest son, daughter in law, and three grandkids. I
do some creative things daily, like draw or digital sketches. I write and am
working on my third book. Later in the day I meditate again, I do Reiki before
bed. I walk and or ride my bike. Spend time in nature. Watch movies and
metaphysically analyze them for the spiritual lessons. I eat and drink higher
vibrational stuff as often as possible. I used to indulge in lots of comfort
eating and sugar and fat and went up to 300+ lbs as a result. That is all under
control now and I make more effective choices without needing to eat my
emotions. I spend time in contemplation.</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>Speaking of books, you have published a couple:</i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMRYOT_OuF64qhQcrp6lT-CxKdFQhEGcUPIkvWkFGmXdmzvFa3rbDjzn_fEYPvuKi_XLKKygyo5SrNBKjVwhuWZzOqrIK_Crl7YH5OMZaIar1acPLtdLd-XLQ326Fx1-Zqm8C8DJx9Io/s500/Book1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMRYOT_OuF64qhQcrp6lT-CxKdFQhEGcUPIkvWkFGmXdmzvFa3rbDjzn_fEYPvuKi_XLKKygyo5SrNBKjVwhuWZzOqrIK_Crl7YH5OMZaIar1acPLtdLd-XLQ326Fx1-Zqm8C8DJx9Io/s320/Book1.jpg" /></a> <br />Available on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Moving-Mountains-Rev-Raymont-Anderson-ebook/dp/B07957K7SS/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=raymont+anderson&qid=1604532442&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a> or <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moving-mountains-rev-dr-raymont-l-anderson/1111177527?ean=9781468597851" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GxjyGLbGtsPV2OEWq05hv5DTJWR91XZgjt37Njpw3uvSfupJfT1LR4qMlDru2kN1u1P-fLop6oR4AwzS5v4LqjO1P2cG43NdpYVYDnutKqTweRrO6U-8g5Uj0Q35eZDjIHomr2cRj0U/s499/Book2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GxjyGLbGtsPV2OEWq05hv5DTJWR91XZgjt37Njpw3uvSfupJfT1LR4qMlDru2kN1u1P-fLop6oR4AwzS5v4LqjO1P2cG43NdpYVYDnutKqTweRrO6U-8g5Uj0Q35eZDjIHomr2cRj0U/s320/Book2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Available on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Visual-Music-Interpreting-American-Language/dp/1434372529/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=raymont+anderson&qid=1604532442&sr=8-3" target="_blank">Amazon</a> or <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/visual-music-rev-dr-raymont-l-anderson/1101748708?ean=9781434372529" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>Do you actively proselytize? And what
would you say to people who believe that you should keep your beliefs to
yourself and not attempt to influence them?</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: yellow;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>No I do not. Each person has their own path. If people want to know
I will answer questions and share.</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>What’s your belief about life after
death? Heaven, hell, God, the devil and all that?</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: yellow;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>God cannot die so we cannot die. We change form. “What the
caterpillar calls death, the butterfly calls life.” Heaven nor hell are places
but rather are states of consciousness, many who are very alive are in hell.
God is all there is and there can be nothing other than or counter to it so
there is no devil. Metaphysically the devil is the choice to belief what is not
true about ourselves and our divinity. It is any lie that convinces us we are
separate from Spirit and anything / anyone else.</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>Some people say religion is the scourge
of the earth. That it has brought more discrimination, wars, deaths and pains
than anything else. What would you say to that?</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: yellow;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>Fundamental Religion based in Colonization has done just that. The
essence of what religion is and is supposed to be is about freedom not
enslavement. Any religion that separates, casts down, victimizes, traumatizes,
abuses power, is a religion led and promoted by men who desire to be and stay
in power.</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>We just experienced a pandemic, and a lot
of people were rattled to their core. How would you align that with your
spiritual views?</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: yellow;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>How would I align what with that? Them being rattled to the core?
People feel what they feel and what they feel is valid. If you feel fear,
anger, sadness, etc. all are valid feelings. The key thing is, what are you
choosing to do while feeling it. If a snake bites you, you can kill the snake
knowing it cannot bit you or anyone else again, however they most important
thing is, what do you do with the poison in your body now? How are you
navigating the sadness, anger, fear? Remaining a prisoner to it is not healthy.
How do you take care of yourself even while feeling all that you feel to your
core? New Thought is about putting into daily practice those things that
elevate consciousness and the quality of living for the individual and the
collective. New Thought as a liberation theology is the answer to all forms of
oppression.</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>What impact do you hope to make on the
earth, and what would you like people to remember you as/by?</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: yellow;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Impact has already been made in the lives of the thousands of
students I have taught since 1983. The countless people in audiences when I
performed. The young men that became my sons and the influence they have in the
world. The people I have prayed and meditated with. Those who have watched
videos on my YouTube channel of my Sunday messages, prayers, meditations, etc. The
marriages I officiated. The Deaf people I interpreted for. The communities
where I was guest minister and where I now serve as Senior Minister. The people
who bought my artwork and hang it in their homes and offices.<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I want to be known for and remembered as a man who is fun, funny,
loving, compassionate, caring, empathic, wise, thoughtful and though-provoking.
A man who walks the walk and has made the world a better place.</span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>You mentioned your YouTube channel. I'll take the liberty of posting your social media info on here:</i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><a href="https://www.raymontanderson.com/" target="_blank">Website</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/raymontanderson/" target="_blank">Instagram 1</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/martialmagus/" target="_blank">Instagram 2</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/raymontanderson" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/raymontanderson" target="_blank">YouTube</a>, <a href="https://goodmenproject.com/author/raymont-anderson/" target="_blank">Blog</a></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><a href="https://cslgreaterbaltimore.org/" target="_blank">CSL Website</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cslgreaterbaltimore/" target="_blank">CSL Instagram</a></i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i>Any last words to our readers?</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-background-themecolor: background1;"><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>Namaste and blessings!
Thank you for reading! </i></b></span><span style="background: yellow; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">😊</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><br /></p>Promo Inc Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03427222061688830822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112806294590598160.post-54379665700290518702020-11-04T04:33:00.005-08:002020-11-04T04:38:05.296-08:00Conversation with Pastor Daniel Osagie Erhabor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This edition of Conversations is with a pastor and author. I remember attending a program of his, and he was so forthcoming with practical information on some basic truths, I knew I had to interview him. And fortunately he agreed to it.</div>
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<i><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_i48o5fiqtxtm"></a></i><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>It is great to have this
conversation with you. Can you please introduce yourself to the readers? </i><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
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<i><span style="color: blue;"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I am Pastor Daniel Osagie Erhabor, Pastor of Love Foundation
Christian Center</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;"><i>You are currently a pastor.
What ministry do you pastor, and how long have you pastored it? </i></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><i><span style="color: blue;">Our ministry is
called Love Foundation International. The local church [located in Lanham,
Maryland] is called </span><a href="https://www.lovefoundationusa.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Love Foundation Christian Center.</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> We have a few branches
around the </span><br /><span style="color: blue;">world; but, I have been pastoring this particular ministry since
1991. That is almost 30 years. However, I have been pastoring before that - I started
pastoring when I was barely 18. </span><br /><br />(Love Foundation Christian Center is also on social media: </i></span></b><b style="text-indent: 0in;"><i><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/164291608200" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, </span></i></b><b style="text-indent: 0in;"><i><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovefoundationusa/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and </span></i></b><b style="text-indent: 0in;"><i><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3OCh0FwfUD_idL0bRpZkPA" target="_blank">YouTube </a>) </span> </span></i></b></div>
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<b style="text-indent: 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Wow! You started pretty early I see<span style="color: blue;">. </span></i></span></b><i style="text-indent: 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Did
you always know you wanted to be a pastor? And how did you come to know this? </span></i></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><i><span style="color: blue;">Well, I didn’t
always know I was going to be a pastor. I got born again around the age of 13, was filled with the Holy Spirit at 14, and a few years later, at 16, I started pastoring. And because of my mom’s
record of how I was born, I knew I had a divine purpose but I didn’t know what
it was. That was when I began to understand that I had a
purpose to minister. </span></i></span></b><b style="text-indent: 0in;"><i><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">I didn’t think pastoring was
primarily what I was going to do, but eventually I saw myself being called into
that ministry and I have been pastoring ever since. </span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="text-indent: 0in;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />You have a beautiful church. How was it starting your
church?</span></i></div>
</h1>
<h1 style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>Well
that is interesting, because I have had to start various congregations,
probably up to 5 at different times. This particular one that I am pastoring
now started after my wife and I relocated here to the U.S. But, we
started the ministry in Africa in 1991. That ministry was started by myself and
a couple of friends. I had graduated from the university and I knew I was
called to pastor at that time so I started a church. Before then, I had
pastored under other ministries; planted other churches and campus fellowships.
So that became my primary call--starting ministries, starting churches. So,
even though I am pastoring here in the U.S., I have also been involved with
starting and planting other churches in other countries that are pastored by other
pastors. </i></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><br /></i></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span><i>What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?</i></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div>
</h1><div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Well, there are always many challenges with starting a
church. One is to make sure you are in the right place at the right time. That
requires spending time to pray and to listen to the Holy Spirit. That’s how you
overcome that challenge. The second thing is to make sure you are able to reach
and gather people to hear God’s Word. And, one way you overcome that is to be
consistent in evangelism and soul winning and discipleship. And then of course
there are challenges of finances, making sure you have enough resources to
build the church; and that you will also overcome by believing God and
practicing the principle of sowing and reaping. Now, these are some of the
major challenges that every pastor faces; and we have had to face the same and
we have overcome them. And we are still overcoming the ones we face now by the
Word of God and listening and following the leadership of the Holy Spirit.</span></i></b> </span></div>
<br /><div><b><i>What would you say your vision is, and what influence are you hoping to make in the marketplace?</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span lang="EN">The vision of this ministry, which is also a projection of my
vision, is to reach out to every people group--all nations--with the gospel of
the love of God, as revealed in Christ Jesus; and build up disciples that are
mature, that are like Jesus Christ. We believe that there are a lot of pastors,
teachers, and preachers out there; but, not so many of them are bringing
Christians to Christ-like maturity. So, one of the areas we are focused on is
not only to reach out, but also to reach out to as many people as possible--all
over the world; and once they have been reached, to bring them up to maturity
by teaching, by preaching, and by discipling them until they become an exact
measure of Jesus Christ. </span>So, we have two parts to the vision: reaching
out to new people and growing those who have already been reached out to until
they become mature disciples of Jesus Christ.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-left: 0in; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;"><span lang="EN"><b><i>When did you know you had a message of great
value, and that you had to publish it? </i></b></span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Right from the start, one of the
things that began this ministry was a vision I had where I saw a great wild
wind of fire, coming from the heavens and touching the earth. And, from there
it began to spring out with touches of light all over the world. And, I think
that was one of the things that started the vision for me to start a ministry
to reach the world internationally. And after that vision, I have never been
the same again. My desire has been to reach out to every nation, every city,
and to bring the light, which is the light of God’s Word to people. So, that is
where the vision started and that is what I have been doing ever since the
beginning of this ministry. </span></i></b></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN"><b><i>I
remember attending your church conference and hearing you speak. You mentioned
how faith has to speak: it has to speak to the mountains. Yet, it seems we are
constantly asking God to move mountains instead. Please speak on this. </i></b></span></div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Whew, that is a whole message--like 3 hours; but, I am just
going to make it short. [Laughs out loud] Now, this is unfortunately the trend
that even many, even faith teachers or people who prefer to teach on faith,
seem to go in. They tend to tell the believer to beg God in prayer, to move
mountains, to heal the sick, to change situations. Even though this looks good;
this is not what the New Testament teaches about faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, it is understandable to see that in
the Old Testament, they did not have power over sickness, over disease, and all
those things. But, in the New Covenant, every born again Christian has power to
move mountains, power to cast out devils, power to heal the sick. And, we ought
not to be asking God to do what God has empowered us to do. Believers are not
beggars; and beggars are not believers. </span></i></b></span></div><br /></div><div><b><i>You said a whole mouthful right there to digest on, Pastor.</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Each
year we wait on the Lord to know what direction we should go as a church. God
usually gives us specific instructions on what our themes will be for that
year. So, for different years, we have had different themes. This year, for
example, God said to us it is a year to shine, as light. Our theme is taken
from Isaiah 60; where, from verse 1, the Scripture says, ‘Arise, Shine, for
your light has come. The glory of the Lord is risen upon you.’ Then in verse 2,
He said, ‘Darkness shall cover the earth and gross darkness the people. But,
the glory of the Lord will rise upon you.’ So, what we have been endeavoring to
teach, actually from the end of last year, is that it is time for Christians to
arise and shine in darkness; that we have power over darkness; and that
darkness includes ignorance of the Word, sickness, disease, and poverty. And,
that the truth, which is the light of God’s Word, can trump darkness and
overcome darkness every time. </span></i></b></span></div><div><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div><div><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b><i>You recently published a book (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Identity-Believer-Christians-Personal-Book-ebook/dp/B07Z5FM44B/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_2?dchild=1&keywords=The+identity+of+the+believer+-+Daniel+Osagie+Erhabor&qid=1604490250&sr=8-2-fkmr2" target="_blank">The Identity of the Believer</a>). How did you come about publishing this book?</i></b></span></div><div><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b><i>(Available on Amazon. Click on title to access).</i></b></span></div><div><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div><div><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">My new
book, “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Identity-Believer-Christians-Personal-Book-ebook/dp/B07Z5FM44B/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_2?dchild=1&keywords=The+identity+of+the+believer+-+Daniel+Osagie+Erhabor&qid=1604490250&sr=8-2-fkmr2" target="_blank">The Identity of the Believer,”</a> is one of the first materials God put in
my heart to write--probably about 20 years ago. I have been meaning to write
it, but never got the time to focus on writing enough to write that. I have
written a couple of other books before, but I have been wanting to write “The
Identity of the Believer.” So, yes, last year, I began to work again on that
book after my wife, Pastor Bridget, had given me a lot of push to start writing
again. And, I eventually yielded after she released her own book. I was like,
‘Wow, I need to catch up.’ So, I started writing again. And, I believe the book
was inspired to show people exactly who we are in Christ. Of course, you cannot
exhaust that teaching but it at least gives us a pointer to who we are in
Christ Jesus. It was published by TBN, the Trinity Broadcasting Network. They
did a good work in helping to edit and to publish it on their site and market
it on their network. So, I believe that people are being blessed by that
material; and all the glory be to God</span></i></b></span></div><div><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div><div><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_vbjrbMANcVggpNBGSMKSK9_t3weFg47Hc6d2oNkwyHkPhfFM_ahWTdcuyGDuYOL269398ukoYhSxavOppRl9-fYzOTCYuS6GlMCfSFgZShV1rhYtL0CeP4JE6idKBmDF1egJ35NrWQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="265" data-original-width="172" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8_vbjrbMANcVggpNBGSMKSK9_t3weFg47Hc6d2oNkwyHkPhfFM_ahWTdcuyGDuYOL269398ukoYhSxavOppRl9-fYzOTCYuS6GlMCfSFgZShV1rhYtL0CeP4JE6idKBmDF1egJ35NrWQ/" width="156" /></a></div><br /></span></i></b><b><i>There
are multiple authors publishing books. Would you please enlighten our readers
to why this book would be a life changing read and affect how they operate
their faith?</i></b></span></div><div><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">There are many books that have been written about the
authority of the believer; but, not many I have seen, have been written about
the identity of the believer. However, your authority is dependent on your
identity. So, many Christians do not understand who they are and they are not
able to operate in their authority. There are also many teachings that seem to
undermine the identity of the believer. But, as we understand what the New
Testament says a believer is, it takes us to a new level of operation. Which
means, we begin to see ourselves different from what most people see themselves
as out there. So, the focus of this book is to bring light to who we are in
Christ and to what the New Testament teaches as our identity. I think one of
the very major things that Adam lost in the garden, in Genesis, Chapter 3, was
his identity. And that is why his authority also followed. So, this is supposed
to restore people's understanding of the identity of a Christian, and I think
it is an exciting topic. </span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN"><b><i>Hmm. Understanding your authority is hinged on understanding your identity as a Christian. Interesting!<span style="color: #2b00fe;"> </span></i></b></span><b style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 0in;"><i>Sometimes, even though we know how God is a
miracle working God, we develop temporary amnesia, or we allow circumstances to
dampen our memory of what God has done. Would you mind sharing a definitive
moment of God’s intervention in your life that helped define your faith? </i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 0in;"><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Well,
my faith has grown from faith to faith, like the Bible says--from grace to grace.
I would not say that there were certain, definitive moments where my faith grew
because the Bible tells us in the book of Romans, Chapter 10, verse 17 that
faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. So, experiences really
don’t develop faith. What develops faith is the Word. So, what I have done,
after I got born again, is to give myself a commitment to study the Word. I
read the Bible everyday. I try to ask the Holy Spirit to teach me and my
understanding is increasing everyday. If there is any definitive moment that
has changed my faith is the day I got filled with the Holy Spirit. Before then, my understanding of Scripture
was not very clear, and things were mystified for me when I read the Scripture.
But, after I got filled with the Holy Spirit, I discovered I had a teacher
inside of me and when I have a question, I just ask the Holy Spirit. When I am
slipping away, like you said, and I forget, the Holy Spirit reminds me. I also
pray in tongues everyday; that’s one of the things I do to help stimulate my
faith. So, praying in the spirit and studying the Word are the two most
important things that have help build my faith and remind me of what the Word
of God says about faith</span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 0in;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 0in;"><b><i>With this pandemic that has happened, it has
affected a lot of ministries. How did your church adapt to the change? What new
frontiers of influence did you navigate into?</i></b></span><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 0in;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN"><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span lang="EN">I think that is a good question. Of course, the pandemic is
not news to anybody living on this planet at this time, and many churches have
been affected. We have been affected; but, I must say that it has become a
positive influence for us. Since the pandemic started, just like most churches,
we are forced to depend almost completely on the media to reach out. So, we
have become more inspired in our media ministry. </span>We are seeing the greater
potential in reaching a global audience through media. For example, for one of
the programs we had, our Communion Service, we have had over 100,000 views. So,
it is interesting to see that we are able to reach beyond our local community
much more effectively because we have a little more focus on being effective
using our media.<span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Now, we do still
believe that it is most important for people to come together like Jesus commanded,
and that we should not neglect the assembly [of ourselves]. But, I think one of
the things it will do for us, even going forward after the whole thing is
cleared up, is that we will be more effective in our media outreach. </span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 0in;"><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 0in;"><i>For people who are philanthropic to support,
are there any projects your church is involved in that they can support? And
how do they support? </i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 0in;"><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span lang="EN">Thank you for that question. Yes, we are a church that has a
global vision and actually we are already beginning to make a global impact.
Here in the United States, even though the pandemic is out there, people are
worried about how the crisis will affect the recession. </span><span lang="EN">Not for us;
we are taking steps forward. We are actually in the process of purchasing a
property--a large expanse of land for which we are intending to build a
permanent site; and we will have places where we can better serve our
community, like a school to teach children to grow up in the fear of God; a
pantry; and above all, a place where we can teach the unadulterated gospel and
build disciples for the Kingdom. </span><span lang="EN">But, all around the world, we
have other projects that we are helping to sponsor from here. We have a program
in Europe where we are helping people who are transiting. We have what we call the Love Foundation
purse that we use to support them. There are no good churches in many of these
places; and, they are actually suffering spiritually. So what we are doing is
planting churches in almost every country in Europe. We try to plant at least
one a year. And that is a major project, especially a spiritual project.<br /></span><span lang="EN">We also have a project going on
in Africa, where we have a thriving church; and of course one of the needs of
African countries is finances to help build things like orphanages and help
people who are in financial challenge. The church is doing a lot of that. We
have a building project going on in Africa as well. We have purchased the land;
the building is already in the roofing phase so that we can accommodate the
church, the ministry, and the schools we expect to function and reach
throughout the entire continent. </span><span lang="EN">We are also supporting other
countries, like in India, we have some outreaches there. So, there is a lot
going on in this ministry at this time. </span><span lang="EN">And the louder question you
asked: ‘How can you help?’ You can go to our website, LoveFoundation.org; there
is a partnership page there where you can give. Or you can come into the
office; or can give by mail as well. The most common way to give, of course, is
using electronic media. So, go to the website and become a partner. You can
give weekly, quarterly, daily, monthly, whatever you are led to sow; we are
more than happy to receive it for the work of the Kingdom. </span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span lang="EN"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">(Click on</span> <a href="https://www.lovefoundationusa.org/give-1" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">"Become a Love Foundation Partner"</span></a><span style="color: #0000ee;">)</span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 0in;"><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 0in;"><i>I met your beautiful wife when I visited. Can
you tell us more about her, and any passion projects she may be involved in </i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 0in;"><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span lang="EN"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Well, my wife, Pastor Bridget Erhabor, is a beautiful wife,
like you said. We have been married nearly 26 years. As a minister also, she
has grown up to be a co-pastor with me and we travel together for most of our
mission trips. Right now, one of the things I know she is really engaged with
is her writing. She wrote a new book as well, just before mine was released,
called </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/True-Love-More-than-Affair-ebook/dp/B07RH68VHH/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=True+love+-+Bridget+Erhabor&qid=1604492232&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">“True Love”</span> </a> <span style="color: #2b00fe;">(click on the title to access book on Amazon)</span> <span style="color: #2b00fe;">and she started some outreaches in the media where she is
addressing some of the topics she wrote about in the book. One of the major
areas she addresses is marriages: where marriages are failing and walking in
love--both in marriages and in relationships outside marriages. She is also
writing additional books and she is focused on getting the message of this
ministry-- which has to do with love, especially in the area of relationships--
out to the rest of the world.</span><br /></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #2b00fe;">Many people don’t really know it,
but we have 8 children; and, none are adopted--all, naturally born. But, we
thank God for that, of course. We have a lovely family, and everybody is busy
with the church. Basically, they are like co-laborers with my wife and I. We
need all hands on deck to do what we are doing; so, we have people working with
our media, sound system, building committee; and all our children are very,
very, very committed to the work that we are doing here. Again, they are
growing up to be independent adults as well. So, as they grow, we know they may
decide to branch into other areas of the ministry. But right now, their main
focus is to help my wife and I to do what God has called us to do in this
ministry. </span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 0in;"><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 0in;"><i>I don’t like putting people on the spot to
make predictions about the future, so I won’t do that. However, as a Man of God
and a leader, what do you perceive our new normal will be post-pandemic? </i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 0in;"><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span lang="EN">Well, just like the scripture says. There is nothing that is
happening now that is new; if you read
the Scriptures, you are reading tomorrow’s news. You don’t need a prophet to
prophecy or a seer to see. You just need to read the Bible. One of the things
the Bible says will happen in the last days is a pandemic. He said, ‘...there
will be pestilence…’ and that is another word for sickness and disease that is
widespread. So, I wasn’t surprised; unfortunately, many people were. </span><span lang="EN">The Bible also tells us some
other things that will happen--that, as the world is getting darker--people are
turning away from Christ, the church is going to be getting brighter. So, if
you ask what will happen, I will tell you: the world is going to get worse.
People are going to come against the church, and they are going to feel that
the church is too religious and too fanatic. But, in the body of Christ, there
is going to be a revival. The anointing of God is going to come upon the church,
bigger and more powerful than ever before because we are in the last days; and
God said He would pour out His Spirit upon all flesh. And, we need the power to
conclude the work of God in these days. That’s what the Bible says; and that is
what I am expecting according to the Word of God.</span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 0in;"><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 0in;"><i>People have experienced major losses and are
in the process of picking up the pieces and figuring their lives out. What
words of encouragement do you have for our readers in this time of recovery? </i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 0in;"><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span lang="EN">Well, the Word of God is usually our encouragement. The Bible
tells us that God is our source; God is our provider; God is our protection;
and, no matter where we might find ourselves, if we will put God as number one,
the Bible says everything we need will be added to us. He will protect us; He
will provide for us. So, my first advice would be to serve God as number one--even if you’ve lost a job,
you’ve lost a loved one, or things are looking bleak. God is able to bring
everyone that trusts in Him out of every negative situation and actually make
it better. </span><span lang="EN">Set your faith right. Be in
church. Sow your seed, which is part of faith. And do what God says, and you
will come out much better than when you got in. That’s what I would say. </span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span lang="EN"><br /></span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span lang="EN">Well, thank you for having a conversation with us. And we celebrate you and your family.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span lang="EN"><br /></span></span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><span lang="EN">Thank you for the opportunity and privilege.</span></span></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYn8uBNnSMLcd4lDRKCudsJabHknm3cdqvXYgYPy4l28miB1brWEjykkgCzZ7IqYAuYGoHuexG7ySHfUracbwvqCxNSBXHAYCPZRu239ZP65r4OMDw66VIH_AujqVCLLRDp_CHnWPtZJM/s1600/Denise+Bio+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1173" data-original-width="1600" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYn8uBNnSMLcd4lDRKCudsJabHknm3cdqvXYgYPy4l28miB1brWEjykkgCzZ7IqYAuYGoHuexG7ySHfUracbwvqCxNSBXHAYCPZRu239ZP65r4OMDw66VIH_AujqVCLLRDp_CHnWPtZJM/s320/Denise+Bio+Pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>Conversation
with Denise<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></b></i></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>Lets
start off with having you introduce yourself to our readers? Who would you say
Denise is?</b></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="color: blue;">I am a wife, a mother, a sister, the
daughter of a Pastor, a teacher, a preacher, an intercessor, an advocate, and a
friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But at the very core of my soul,
I am a worshipper.</span><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: purple; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>(Dr Strothers leading worship)</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: purple; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>(Dr Strothers preaching)</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></i></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Going back to the
beginning of things, I remember when you were taking a jazz class because you
wanted to expand your musicality. What makes music so integral to who are?<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="color: blue;">Growing up in the church, gospel music
has always been my favorite music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even
as a little girl I remember singing a gospel song in the talent contest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I was in the second grade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I taught two of my friends the background so
that they could sing with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The song
was Lord, Plant My Feet On Higher Ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Today, I love contemporary praise and worship music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a cassette tape with all of Aretha
Franklin’s song both gospel and R&B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I would grab a brush for my microphone and practice almost every
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still know every lyric to every
one of those songs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I played that
cassette tape until it popped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Hmm. It would be interesting hearing you perform an Aretha song. lol.</i></span></b></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->As
a younger version of yourself, when you had your musical dreams, is it what you’re
doing now, or was it completely different?<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>It was
completely different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to be the
next CeCe Winans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the time I didn’t
understand the press and the drive it would take to produce on that level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I did it today it would be totally
different because I know who I am, and I have a better understanding of how to
work productively.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->You
made your debut CD years ago. I’m sure it was hard work with finding/writing
the songs, the studio time, the launch and all. In hindsight, do you think you
would do anything different with the process?<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Song title: Psalm 19 (A jazzy ballad)</i></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Yes, I
would do things differently with the process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The majority of the songs were written for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only wrote two of the songs and they were
the ones that I feel I executed well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The ones written for me did not fit my style.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think that is very important.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: purple; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Song title: Never been loved like this (written by Dr Strothers)</i></span></b></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->Would
you say you have had Sophomore Slump? Hahaha. I’m sure you intend to release
more music. What would you say has been the one hold up to it?<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="color: blue;">I
wouldn’t necessarily call it a Sophomore slump.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I just hadn’t focused on it yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My focus was on completing my bachelors and my life took off in a
different direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The entire
recording process is tedious, life consuming, and requires the support of others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t think that I could successfully
manage both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, I can focus on music
with my whole heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m ready for what
it takes to press it through in prayer and in my spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m taking voice lessons, writing new songs,
and studying what my favorite artists are producing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m really amazed what today’s praise and
worship leaders have been able to produce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->How
do you view the current music industry landscape? Make a CD vs make a single?
And digital streaming, and music videos not generating revenue if the account
isn’t monetized? So much new digital age issues.<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="color: blue;">I
think it’s awesome especially for the Indie Artist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t remember the last time I bought a
CD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was distributing my CD to
radio stations it was an enormous amount of work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, all I would need to do is Dropbox
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are so many platforms out
there that will allow you to receive payments for your music and videos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->What
do you see your future new music being? What genre would you go with, and would
it be artistically driven or ministry driven? Are the 2 mutually exclusive or
not, in your opinion.<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="color: blue;">I
would definitely do contemporary praise and worship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to sing songs that would bring people
into the presence of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, it has to
be artistically as well as ministry-driven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You have to be yourself though, and not try to imitate or compare
yourself to anyone else.</span><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->Dr.
Denise! Congratulations again on completing the journey. How does it feel when
you see that title to your name? I know it has to be more than just being proud
of the work invested.<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">Of
course, it feels great!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really enjoyed
the journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I discovered things about
myself that I didn’t know prior to going back to school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I discovered that I could write well, and it
was important to me that anything that I turned in was done well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I finished my doctorate with a 4.0.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If anyone told me before going back to school
that I could do that, I wouldn’t have believed them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of the Biblical principles that I learned
over the years, God graced me to implement them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Principles like excellence, timeliness,
consistency, work, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I first
started at Howard University in 1982, I had no clue how to operate in these
principles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needless to say, I didn’t do
well then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I majored in Electrical
Engineering as a freshman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I struggled
for three years until it became clear to me that I didn’t want to be an
electrical engineer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I had to do it
all over again, I would have switched my major to music. I just didn’t have the
counsel or support needed to steer me in the right direction.</span><o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->Speaking
of work invested, when you started your doctoral journey, what were the things
that you had to struggle and deal with?<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">I did not
score well in the English section of the ACT entrance exam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my first semester, I was in a remedial
English class with young students who read on a Jr. High School level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this was the best thing for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My English Professor was a great teacher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She thought it was essential to have us focus
on the basics, and she drilled us over and over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time the semester was over, I was
assisting other students with their work and it increased my writing ability
tremendously.</span><o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->I
don’t want to assume, so I’ll ask – why did you decide to become a doctor? What
hope and expectation do you have of it?<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">I chose
the doctorate program at Howard University School of Divinity because of the
Church and Community track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had done extensive
research in the area of sex trafficking while working on my B.S. and MDIV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The idea of the church operating outside of
its four walls appealed to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most
churches do excellent ministry, but the altar calls are empty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can’t wait for the hurting, and
brokenhearted to come to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The church
has to be involved in combatting this deadly enemy called Human
Trafficking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Children are being
brutalized every day, and it’s happening right here in every city in America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, I believe that the only way sex
trafficking can be eradicated is if the church is at the forefront of this
issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is a God of justice and it is
clear in the word of God that He absolutely hates injustice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has already given to the church his
commission to go into all the world ministering to those that are bruised,
brokenhearted, and in captivity.</span><o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">But,
truthfully, all of the work in sex trafficking could have been done without a
doctorate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having these credentials is
crucial for a woman operating in leadership especially in the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I’m sitting at the table with community
leaders, my credentials give me an opportunity to voice my opinion. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People want to know what I have to say or
really what does the church have to say about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A woman in church leadership today has to
have thick skin because she is subject to being dishonored by her own brothers
and sisters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have found that those outside
of the church are more accepting of women in leadership roles like Senior
Pastor or Elder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is still a male
dominated society and most men prefer to hear from other men especially on a
subject like sex trafficking, pornography, and solicitation.</span><o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>You raise an important point. Time and time again, we see pastors caught with their "pants down" - pornography and solicitation is indulged in by church members, so the church has to come out of the shadows to address sex trafficking. In regards to having the academic credentials so your voice has weight, you hit the nail on the head right there! There's a bunch of noisemakers around every corner these days. We need experts speaking.</b></i></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->You’re
a wife, mother, minister, entrepreneur, etc. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet you were able to create time to attend
school and get a doctorate degree. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
would you tell that “not so younger” professional toying with the idea of going
back to school, yet thinking it is not possible?<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">Of
course, it’s possible as long as they are willing to do the work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most people will consult their bank accounts before
they consult God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prayed about it and
heard God say yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What God authorizes he
will make provision for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is
money out there through grants, scholarships, and loans but it will have to be
sought out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How bad do you want it will
always be the question on the table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
will have to answer that question with a plan to get them to the finish line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has already done his part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, there are many universities who have
created their curriculum for the working adult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Classes are scheduled only one day a week, and credit is given for work
and life experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Your
dissertation was about sex trafficking. Please do tell more about it.<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>My dissertation
was titled Christian Men Speak Up for Sexually Exploited Women and Children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I interviewed over 200 men in the Washington
DC Metro area asking them of their opinion on sex trafficking in their
city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The survey results showed that most men
are aware that the sexual exploitation of women and children is a major
problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The project’s
goal was to advise Christian men of their crucial role in changing cultural attitudes
surrounding the sexual exploitation of women and children by addressing those
who drive the demand for sex trafficking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is a lot of information on how to help young women and men to
prevent themselves from being trafficked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is a lot of information on the characteristics of a trafficker or
pimp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, there is almost no
information on those who purchase the sex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These are the real culprits of sex trafficking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are driving the demand for it and go
through great lengths to remain anonymous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Those that create the demand for sex traffickers to supply them with
children and young girls for sex is the root cause of the issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>Sex
Trafficking is a morality issue as well as a justice issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our culture today is inundated with
immorality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe this is why the
church and specifically Christian men have to be involved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The church in past times have remained silent
but we cannot afford to do so in this hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although more and more churches are responding to the issues of sexual
exploitation, the response must be one that is making a difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The task will be
mobilizing men from going from awareness to action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When one gentleman was approached on taking
the Christian Men Speak Up survey, his response was that his wife was well
informed about sex trafficking and should be the one responding since she is a woman implying that
he did not need to be informed since he is male.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is not an uncommon response since most
men would typically think this is an issue better handled by women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since research shows that it is mostly men
creating the demand for the trafficking of women and children, this has further
been additionally challenging because the anti-sex trafficking movement has
been primarily driven by female feminists, when most men prefer to listen to
other men. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Solicitation is a crime in
every State in the US except Nevada.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
are advocates who are fighting for the focus of the law to be on “the demand”
or the behavior of the sex buyers and not on the women who are being forced or
coerced into prostitution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Trafficking
Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) is the originating and foundational
text of the United States anti-trafficking legislation that established
trafficking in persons as a federal crime.<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">Christian
Men Speak Up for Sexually Exploited Women and Children explores
why
Christian men in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area should promote justice by
equipping other men to protect rather than sexually exploit women and
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also explores Biblical
truth about Christian men being involved in justice for the sexually exploited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Principles exemplified in the Bible declares
that God hates injustice and raises up prophets to speak to crimes such as
contemporary sex trafficking.</span><o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>Wow! You broke that down! You definitely are an authority in this area to inform and educate us. I applaud you.</b></i></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->What
does the Average Joe need to know to not stay stuck in the mindset that sex
trafficking is a problem out there that “those people” in that distant place
deal with?<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">It is an
issue that is right here in our country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Atlanta is the number one city with the highest rate of sex trafficking
victims.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two major
cities on the East Coast, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore City, have adjacent affluent
suburban counties within miles of Baltimore and Montgomery Counties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are popular routes for sex
trafficking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although there is little
statistical data to produce the number of sex trafficking cases in the
Baltimore and Montgomery Counties, domestic minor sex trafficking has been
charged in nearly every county along the DC-Baltimore Corridor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a significant amount of trafficking
that occurs in the Washington D.C. and Baltimore City jurisdictions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both counties have substantial amounts of
trafficking of domestic minors and adults through business operations such as
Asian massage parlors.</span><o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->You
are very involved in your activist and support work on this. Is there a link
you can share for people to support? And in what ways would you appreciate
support from willing supporters?<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>There
is one organization that I highly recommend.
They are out on the streets everyday searching for trafficking
victims. <a href="http://www.courtneyshouse.org/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.courtneyshouse.org/" target="_blank">Courtney’s House</a> <span style="background: white;">was founded in
2008 by Tina Frundt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A survivor of
domestic sex trafficking herself, Tina is relentless in her fight to protect
children from sexual exploitation and the devastation that comes from it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Courtney’s House is the only anti-trafficking
organization that is led by an African American.</span></b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">I would
appreciate support by being invited to come in and train congregations, institutions and organizations on the
awareness of sex trafficking.</span><o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->Would
it be fair to say I see a book being birthed out of you some time, and
hopefully soon?<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">Yes, I am
turning my dissertation into a training manual for churches to become Hope
Centers for men who exploit women and children.</span><o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->Lets
segue to your family life. Who is your family made of?<br /><o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">My
husband and I have been married for 27 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We were friends for 10 years before we got married.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can really say that I married my best
friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have two biological children (Kristian
and Andrew) and several children that we have opened our home and hearts to
live with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are always kids in
our house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My son’s goddaughter has
become the light of our house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kyla is
three years old and we love her as if she were our very own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is funny and bossy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She and her mother both live with us and have
become our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of us is involved in music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kristian graduated
from Howard with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is a phenomenal vocalist and praise
leader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Andrew plays several instruments
and has an ear for producing music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
now runs his own studio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband is
also a musician and a studio engineer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prayer
is a significant foundation of our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God has blessed us tremendously and we believe the reason is so that we
can help others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am blessed to support
an orphanage in India which one day soon I plan to visit to meet <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sanke.sasikumar.98" target="_blank">Pastor Sanke Kumar</a>
and all the children he ministers to on a daily basis.</span><span style="color: blue; mso-spacerun: yes;"> (To support Pastor Sanke, here's his PayPal email - </span></b></i></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>saicharentenalin@hotmail.com</i></b></span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><b><span style="color: blue; mso-spacerun: yes;">)</span></b></i><br />
<i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><b><span style="color: blue; mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></b></i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><b><span style="color: purple; mso-spacerun: yes;">Kristian Lauren leading worship</span></b></i></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MJDzBNVOUbE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MJDzBNVOUbE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">(Andrew is a producer - <a href="https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC0QQhVW4VRYPQgAsiSmCFKQ" target="_blank">Beats by Snow on YouTube</a>)</span></b></i></div>
</div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]-->How
have you guys been maintaining, and carrying on with a semblance of normalcy
with this whole pandemic mandatory stay-at-home?<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">We are
keeping ourselves busy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keith and
Kristian are working from home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m busy
creating music videos with the praise team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Since we are unable to meet weekly, we still want praise and worship to
go forth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m also teaching the Adult
Sunday school class online.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Leadership Team meets via Zoom every Wednesday night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have the prayer calls and all other
meetings that we attend online.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We might
be busier than we were before the pandemic.</span><o:p></o:p></b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: purple;">Dr Strothers teaching Adult Sunday School</span></b></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">18.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->We
all seem to be discovering new project ventures because we’ve been forced to
heavily rely on all the benefits of new media transmission. What new passion
project, or passion indulgence have you discovered?<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">Since we
are producing music videos of the praise team, I have been learning Final Cut
Pro X which is a video editing software.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I want to make sure our videos are done excellently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am doing voice lessons one day a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am also recording songs to get myself back
in the habit.</span><o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>That's awesome. That means you are going to come out of this quarantine with some new skills, content and material to launch you out in making an IMPACT!</b></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">19.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Without
getting political or even controversial (hahaha) what is your perspective on
what we dealing with, and what encouragement and hope do you have for people
overwhelmed with it all?<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">I can’t
say COVID 19 is a plague from God as many tend to do when it’s something that
can’t be explained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do believe that
through this pandemic God is speaking to His church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think that God wants his people to wake up,
get back to foundational behaviors like prayer and fasting, and intensify
them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we come through this pandemic,
I believe the church will not be the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We will not go back to being slack, and so busy with activities that are
nonproductive towards the fulfillment of his purpose and mission. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think that there has been a changing of the
guards during this season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is
raising up new leaders that will keep his commandments and not forsake his ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These will be leaders who will not care about
one’s color, pedigree, or sexual orientation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They will stand in the marketplace next to the Muslim and Buddhist and
represent Jesus Christ well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will
minister to those in prison, the prostitute, the beggars, and the homeless
inviting them to come and sit with them at the King’s table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We must be about our Father’s business because
time is winding up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will be many
families that will need the church like never before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of those who have lost loved ones and
have experienced the trauma of this virus will need hope that only God can
give.</span><o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">Right
now, all we can do is obey the laws of the land and fervently pray for a
solution and end to come soon.</span><o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>A big AMEN to that!!</b></i></span></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">20.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->As
an accomplished Reverend Doctor, it would only be appropriate for you to share
some sage parting words for the readers.<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">I want
people to know how much God loves them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He is a present help even during this time of suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus taught us how to suffer and how to
overcome difficult situations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Weeping
may endure for a night, but joy is coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He told us to count it all joy even while we are weeping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that this is not easy when so many
around us are mourning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But joy is
different from being happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can be sad
but still have the joy of the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joy
comes from God and is based upon what I know and believe about what God has
promised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I choose to believe in God’s
faithfulness to do what He has promised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We cannot lose our Joy or what we believe about God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This time of suffering is temporary and not
worthy to be compared to the glory of God that will be seen in us and through
those of us who will endure to the end.</span><o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">21.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->How
do we connect with you on social media?<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>Denise Strothers
on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/denise.strothers" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ddstrothers/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE2qjdXURw1k4sMJkY6GJZg" target="_blank">YouTube</a><o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">Follow and Subscribe</span><o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">22.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Thank
you for agreeing to being a guest<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">Thank you!</span><o:p></o:p></b></i></span></span></div>
<br />Promo Inc Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03427222061688830822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112806294590598160.post-43303712184562352072019-06-23T14:19:00.002-07:002019-06-23T16:38:30.265-07:00Conversation with Pastor H Lee Joyner Jr<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14pt;">In this edition of Conversation, I'm actually having it with my pastor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i><b>Where do we start? We stay in touch almost every day , so it
almost feels mechanical to dial it back and be “professional”. Lol. Okay, lets
do this.</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /><b><i>
For folks reading this and being introduced to you, who would you say you are?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>I’m a son, brother, husband,
father, musician, photographer and pastor who is loved by and in love with
Jesus</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>When you were a teenager/young man, what was your
ambition or dream?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>My ambition was to be a R-n-B,
Gospel or Jazz musician and producer.</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>Looking back now, the trajectory of that young man's dream
to where you are now, would you say it was destiny, the result of prayers of
your father and mother, your own coming to yourself moment, a combination of
all?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Not to sound super spiritual, but
when I compare the dreams of my youth against my current reality I can truly
say that I am where I am and who I am by God’s grace. I chalk it all up to
God’s<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>sovereignty and providence. The
means by which God orchestrated my life has been all the above, my ambition,
gifts, parental guidance, great teachers and the wife of my youth. BUT, God
gets all the glory.</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>Speaking of your father and mother, you are a “pk”
(pastor’s kid). We all know of that alleged syndrome of being a PK. Were you
affected by it?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>By the time my parents were
involved in pastoral ministry I was well into my teen years. I would assign
most of my foolishness to self discovery as opposed to simply being a PK. I
would also add that being a PK didn’t make my journey any easier because of the
magnifying glass I/we lived under as well as unrealistic expectations.</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b><i>In your riotous stage of living it up, what were you
searching for?</i></b></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>I was searching for me, what my
identity was separate from my parents'. My father was the pastor, not me. I
wanted no parts of that, therefore I had no idea who I was as a person. My
whole life/identity had been wrapped up, tied up and tangled up in church life.</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>You just said a mouthful right there! Just like you were
in rebellion to search for your identity separate from what was overwhelmingly
trying to define you, there are people where the culture, society, family,
nationality, race, religion, etc has tried to define them, and they rebel……but
unfortunately are consumed in their rebellious search……<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>How far did you go in attempting to live it up?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Drug usage, profanity and being promiscuous
were my strongholds. It was through God’s grace working in my life over a long period of
time that I was able overcome.</b></span></i><span style="font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /><b><i>
Did you have a Prodigal Son moment of coming to yourself, or were you just
organically transitioned onto the straight and narrow path?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>I never<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>had the "Apostle Paul being knocked off his
beast" moment. My experience was what I now identify as living under the “wrath
of God”. Having that constant gnawing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in
my soul that there has to be more to life than what I was experiencing. I was
very dissatisfied with everything. Now I know that God was wooing me through my
restlessness. <o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>As far as the straight and narrow
path, I grew up in a christian home and had always been familiar with it, and had
appreciated it for<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the structure it gave. But being
captured by God’s grace unlocked the meaning, beauty and glory to being on the straight
and narrow path.</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>How long have you been a pastor now?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>I’ve been in pastoral ministry for
20 years and a Lead Pastor for five years.</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>You are a man with a carnal nature; how did you process
and handle the memories of the fun times of the good old days in the beginning
of your transition onto the straight and narrow path? (I know we Christians
like to masquerade around like the world never had any fun, and when we changed
lanes, it was all glory and khumbaya)</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>To be brutally forthwith, I
thoroughly enjoyed almost every moment of my sinful and youthful lifestyle
while I was in it. Two things have to be considered though:</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>1.) My sin-filled
days were mostly my youthful days. Much of the buffoonery I participated in as
a young man, simply had no place in nor value to the mature man I was becoming. </b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>2.) God caused much of what was back there to betray me thereby removing any
angst in me to re-live that life.<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Now, every day I go to war with
the sin that is in my life due the brokenness of humanity. Part of this is that
in my flesh lives no good thing. The other part is warring against the gateways
I knowingly and unknowingly opened.<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;">I am thankful and have great appreciation for Apostle Paul’s words in Romans 7:24-25a - </span><span style="color: red;">“Wretched man that I am! Who will
deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus
Christ our Lord!”</span></b></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>I know this next question is going to almost sound self
indulgent, but what makes you different from the next passionate and anointed
pastor down the street?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>I have no idea. Someone else
would need to answer this question, sorry.<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>I’m a man who has placed his
highest affection upon Him who has infinite strength, infinite beauty ,
infinite joy and infinite love. My highest goal is to glorify God, walk in His
joy and lead others into His joy. I am biblically formed. I understand the
gospel, the beauty of the cross and the practical working of God’s grace in our
lives. <o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><span style="color: blue;">The summary of the ministry of
which I’m a steward can be found in 2 Corinthians 1:24 (ESV) where Paul
says, </span><span style="color: red;">“Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your
joy, for you stand firm in your faith.”</span></b><span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>When you initially became my pastor, we once had a moment
of conflict. Hahaha! I know I can be obstinate and opinionated. How did you
over look that in still ministering to me?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>I didn’t overlook it. I knew the
very first moment you walked in the door that you were assigned to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/impactdmvchurch/" target="_blank">Impact DMV Church</a> by our Sovereign Savior. Our conflict gave me clarity early on how you could be
reached and cared for. PLUS I love you brother and that’s what love looks like.</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>Recently, I went through a relapse in depression and
isolated myself. I maintained the façade of everything being fine, but I was
isolating. Somehow you were inconveniently and annoyingly consistent in
reaching out to me, until you pierced the façade I had thrown up. What made you
committed in your persistence? You are not superhuman after all, but flesh and
blood.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>1.) I love deeply those whom God
loves deeply, YOU! </b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>2.) By God’s grace I knew/know that God placed you with
Impact DMV because your best chance of you being conformed to the image of His
Son Jesus Christ is with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>3.) There
was no way what you were saying to me about “being fine” was true. You had been
too faithful and exuberant in God’s work to shrink back and be okay with it. I
knew something was wrong.</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>In light of this, what would you say to passionate
Christians who are reaching out in ministry, but the person they are reaching
out to isn’t very welcoming of their advances?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>If “God” has placed someone in your
life to care for, encourage or to simply love on, unless God removes his grace
to do so, NEVER GIVE UP ON THEM. There are way too many throw-way wounded<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>saints. True love NEVER fails.<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><span style="color: blue;">Also, we have to be careful
because God’s timing is everything. Many times church folks (we), out of our
zeal, try to move people where we think they should be sooner than God is ready
to take them there.</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;">That push frequently
results is what we call “church hurts”. That constant pressure to “do”</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;">without an overarching theme of what Christ
has“done” results in shame and guilt in those we’re trying to help, and
frustration in us. That is the perfect storm for a "church hurt." This is why 2
Corinthians 1:24 (ESV) is so important to me, </span><span style="color: red;">“Not that we lord it
over your faith, but we work with you for your joy…”. </span></b><span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>I have been transparent with you. I know no other way of
existence but being authentic in my living, both in the good, bad and ugly
(sometimes to my detriment. Hahaha!). Why haven’t you been like traditional
pastors and hopped onto something I unveil to you, and combat me with the word?
I wont lie, sometimes I tried to bait you into a fight – keeping it real.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>None of the acting out is ever the
“real”. The issue is always simply believing the gospel. The double impartation
of the gospel is this: He takes are filth and gives us His righteousness now , and we are made complete in Him. We have His shalom.<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>My job as a pastor is to help you
think rightly about and see God clearly. Apostle Paul says in Colossians 1:21
that our alienation (which the gospel remedies) from God leads to rebellious
thoughts that result in evil deeds. Too often we pastors start with the evil
deeds as though moral behavior is the goal. Reconciliation to the Father is the
goal… that is always going to be what drives me.</b></span></i><span style="font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>Overall, what would you advice pastors in today’s world
having to minister to people dealing with 21<sup>st</sup> Century issues?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Make the gospel paramount and not
cultural issues! Know the gospel, believe the gospel for yourself, preach the
gospel with authority and see God’s people through the eye of the gospel.</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>Where do you see yourself in 5 and 10 years?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Over the next 10 years “my goal”
is to transition Impact DMV Church from a pattern of growth to a pattern of
multiplication. We want to plant healthy gospel centered churches throughout
the DMV and beyond for the praise and exhortation of God’s name ONLY! The
implications of this are massive and will definitely require God’s grace and
guidance in equipping leaders for this work.</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>Before I forget, how were you able to “give up” on your
music career? I see you sometimes in church hopping on the keyboard during
certain worship songs. So yeah, the bite of the music bug is in your system.
How did you give up on it without feeling a sense of loss? Or is there some sense
of loss?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>I LOVE music and it will always
play a part in my life and ministry. In terms of perspective though, I see
music as a gift God used to keep me grounded in church till He captured my
heart. Yes, I sing and play every now and then but it is no longer my primary
ministry and I do not begrudge the transition from music to teaching/preaching.</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>I cant have an interview of you and not ask about your
family. Care to make your boast in the family God has blessed you with?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>I’m blessed to be married to the wife
of my youth, Carmen Joyner, for 30 years! She is the mother of all my
biological children; Demetrea Loren, Henry Lee-Michael III, and Caleb Isaiah.
All actively involved at Impact DMV Church.<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>I also have a goddaughter, Shana
Morrison, who has been a daughter to me since she was 8 years old. She and her
husband John and my two beautiful grandchildren now reside in South Carolina
and are actively involved in worship ministry at their church.<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Last but not least, I am also
blessed to have my parents and mentors, Bishop Henry and Carolyn Joyner,
actively involved in the ministry!</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>Alright Pastor, we did this thing. Any parting words for
the readers?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>I would like to thank you my
brother for this opportunity to introduce myself the your audience as well as
the wonderful questions asked!</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Connect with Pastor H Lee Joyner Jr on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1397415541&epa=SEARCH_BOX" target="_blank">FACEBOOK</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria math" , serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Connect with Impact DMV Church on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/impactdmvchurch/" target="_blank">FACEBOOK</a> & <a href="https://www.instagram.com/impactdmvchurch/" target="_blank">INSTAGRAM</a>. Send your questions or concerns, and come visit us.</b></span></div>
<br />Promo Inc Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03427222061688830822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112806294590598160.post-6748609575401515032018-12-12T12:06:00.000-08:002018-12-15T07:42:55.387-08:00Conversation with Dr A Michael Black<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In this edition of Conversation, my guest is Dr A Michael Black, the Dean and Site Director of Lancaster Bible College, in the Greenbelt, MD campus location</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLXykhUZxRniCZBpzWgeNNjzU7XOXN_zmTg5ekq1xHK1VN9iQbnU66hWjwZZcHdw6wcjcTzPeU4RedgKSk21yuZLjdP5Jtls6iU7SXkiTxNWT3IgF2U9XxtClSD4nzY5FgyxC4GxW58I/s1600/Dr+Black.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="238" data-original-width="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLXykhUZxRniCZBpzWgeNNjzU7XOXN_zmTg5ekq1xHK1VN9iQbnU66hWjwZZcHdw6wcjcTzPeU4RedgKSk21yuZLjdP5Jtls6iU7SXkiTxNWT3IgF2U9XxtClSD4nzY5FgyxC4GxW58I/s1600/Dr+Black.png" /></a></div>
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<b style="color: #363636; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>From the brief biography on the campus website, you do
have an extensive time in ministry. Was being in ministry always an aspiration
of yours?</i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">I felt a call on my life
as a boy, but could not articulate it. I
pursued becoming an accountant and ended up selling shoes and life
insurance. After a short time pursuing
my own interest, God placed the burden on my heart that I felt as boy to preach
the gospel. I answered the call and
rededicated my life back to Christ Jesus and started preparation for ministry.</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>So you had a moment of
“going out there” to do your own thing. How would you say you came back to
yourself and answered the call on your life?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Like I said earlier, I had decided to be a salesman for an
insurance company. Incidentally, some of my coworkers were believers, and would
share the word with me, reminding me of what I already knew. One fateful day,
as I was getting ready for work, I began rehearsing my life in my mind. I
weighed in where I was, and where I should be, and it felt really empty. Alone
in my apartment, I felt convicted, and got on my knees and rededicated my life
back to Christ</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>That's great! So how did you eventually transition into the call to ministry? Was it an elaborate
moment of epiphany, or as simple as a knowing awareness of what to do?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">As stated, I recognized
a call on my life to minister as a boy.
It was not an elaborate moment of epiphany, but a burden I could not
escape. After acknowledging the call to
my pastor, John D. Bussey (<a href="http://www.bethesdaweb.org/our-history/" target="_blank">Bethesda Baptist Church</a>), God used my pastor to give me the next steps.</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>In a brief overview, especially for someone who may be in
a similar situation, could you please share how your pastor guided you?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>He asked me to elaborate on how I felt the call was on
my life, and the only way I could explain it to him was it felt like a burden
in me that kept calling me. So he asked us to set aside some time to pray about it. I
think it was approximately 6 months. And during this time, I was actively
functioning in service in the church. After the allotted time, we met up to see
where my heart was. At this point, he suggested I further my education in the
call, and be trained. I searched out the various options before me, and I
chose Washington Bible College. Eventually my pastor offered an opportunity for
me to preach on a Sunday. I initially turned it down because I felt I wasn’t ready,
and he didn’t pressure me. When I finally felt I was ready, I informed him, and
he gave me a platform to preach.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>That sounds very encouraging. I pray most pastors would respond similarly, and be nurturing to individuals who feel called into the ministry.</i></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>So after earning your Bachelor of Arts degree, you pursued a
Masters’ degree. What would you say was the zeal behind furthering your
education, and how would you empathize that to the young man/woman reading this
and rationalizing that a first degree is good enough?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">I must tell you that after six months into my Bachelor of
Arts Degree at Washington Bible College, I felt like there was so much more
knowledge to obtain. Therefore,
furthering my education was not in question. It was a thirst for more knowledge and
a desire to be equipped to minister the Word effectively. I always encourage young people to continue
beyond the first degree. In today’s
world a first degree is equivalent a high school diploma, in my opinion.</span></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>You are right, Dr Black, a first degree seems pretty commonplace today. </i></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>In your academic pursuit, when did you know you had
attained the degrees you needed? Is there a sense of knowing that one comes to when one has achieved their academic goal?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">I have not attained the
degrees I want. However, I do have what
is needed to serve in ministry. With
that said, I desire to have a PH.D, ED.D or D.MIN. The education process never
ends. I believe in continual education
even if you are not able to pursue a degree. </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>Continual education! </i></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>How many degrees do you have, and what would you list as
your accomplishment academically speaking, if you don’t mind me asking?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">I have two earned degrees along with doctoral studies and
one honorary doctoral degree.</span></span></i></b></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>You have been in pastoral ministry in several churches.
How would you explain the balance between getting a theological degree versus
being a passionate and charismatic leader who speaks a language that seems to
resonate with the people to create a following?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">There once was a saying, “get the learning with the
burning.” I don’t want an oral surgeon
working on my mouth who has not demonstrated the discipline of learning the
skill. Therefore, it is imperative that leaders prepare themselves. I believe every preacher should
have scholarship in their preaching.</span></span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span lang="EN" style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You have 35 years in pastoral ministry, and have probably
seen and experienced a lot. How different is it being a pastor now dealing with
“new world” or modern day issues that we are all still trying to grasp our
minds around and understand?</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>Are you actively pastoring a church now?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">The world and its issues today are not different from the
Garden of Eden. What I mean is that the
same sins and issues of life that existed since the biblical days are still
prevalent. The world is just doing it
faster because of the modern technology.
</span><span style="color: #363636;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">I believe pastors are called to give meaning, purpose,
and direction to the total human journey.
I believe the pastors of the New Testament had the same call on their
lives.</span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">I do not pastor currently. Since becoming Dean and Site Director at
<a href="https://www.lbc.edu/locations/greenbelt.html" target="_blank">Lancaster Bible College and Capital Seminary and Graduate School</a> two years ago,
I have served two churches while the pastor was on Sabbatical leave.</span></span></i></b></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>What words of wisdom would you share to the young
graduate, excited to go out and dive into ministry?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">A graduate should be excited to launch out into
ministry. Along with the excitement,
seek God’s guidance and allow God to use you as His instrument. Sometimes we lose focus and depend upon our
skills and knowledge rather than God.</span><span style="color: #363636;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>I’ve mentioned young enthusiasts, but we both know LBC is
especially flexible for older professionals who are interested in pursuing
undergraduate and graduate degrees. Can you please elaborate to readers who may
think that opportunity has passed, how LBC can make their academic hopes a
reality?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">As stated earlier, I believe in continual
education. More and more adults are
seeking career changes, pursing education after retirement and answering the
call to prepare for ministry. LBC
provides opportunity for adults to make academic hopes a reality by </span></i></b><b><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">catering to an adult population at several of our
campuses. The average age at our
Washington DC campus in Greenbelt, Maryland is 47. </span></i></b></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>Not taking into consideration that you are the Dean, why
should someone explore LBC as a place for their academic pursuits?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">A student will experience academic excellence and support
of faculty and staff. LBC|Capital offers
the highest standard of Christ-Centered higher education that is recognized
nationally. This is an interesting fact,
LBC tied for first place in the <a href="https://www.lbc.edu/blog/lbc-ties-for-1st-place-in-wsj-rankings-for-right-choice-category-with-stanford-university.html" target="_blank">“Right Choice” category in The Wall StreetJournal’s College Rankings in 2019</a>—meaning that when the media outlet surveyed
our students, they agreed that LBC|Capital was the right choice for them and
they’d choose LBC if they had to start over again.</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>Wow! That's very impressive and worth applauding! I definitely can attest that LBC has been very compatible with my adult life.</i></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>Are you open to outreach opportunities of orientation in
the community regarding LBC? Who should potential entities reach out to in
exploring this?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">I am open to outreach opportunities in the
community. It is a strong belief that we
should not only provide a solid education, but we should also touch the
community with the Good News of the gospel.
I will be happy to talk with any entity about opportunities</span></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. </span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>You are a family man, married for 34 years. What words of
wisdom would you provide to a potential student, trying to come to terms with
juggling the pressures of marriage, a professional career or ministry, and
considering attending LBC?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">I would encourage one to involve the family in the
decision of attending school; particularly making sure everyone is supporting this important educational pursuit.
It is also important that one prioritizes tasks and remains focused on the
major tasks.</span><span style="color: #363636;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>Yes sir! That point cannot be overstated! Lord help me! Lol.</i></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>You have 3 children you’re obviously proud of. How did
you avoid the “Pastor’s Kids” syndrome that seems to plague some families with
parent’s in ministry?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">Kenneth, I cannot say that I avoided the “PK”
syndrome. My children are not perfect,
but they love the Lord with their heart, soul and mind. I am proud of them. I wish I had done more with them.</span></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>I'm sure your kids would say you did a very good job raising them.<br />What do you see yourself doing 5 or more years from now?
Are there any goals you see yourself pursuing?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">I see myself still serving LBC Capital in the next five
years. I want to be the best servant for
Jesus wherever He places me.</span><span style="color: #363636;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>Amen to that, Dr Black, amen to that indeed. </i></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>It has been a pleasure having this “brief” conversation with you. Do you have any parting sage words for the readers?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"></span></div>
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<b><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">Be Steadfast, Immovable, always abounding in the work of
the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians
15:58)</span></span></i></b><b style="color: #363636;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Thank you sir, it was an honor.</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">Likewise, Kenneth. Thank you </span></span></i></b></div>
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<br />Promo Inc Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03427222061688830822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112806294590598160.post-16725642508688056022018-06-27T16:41:00.000-07:002018-06-27T17:48:43.398-07:00Conversation with a Parent whose 12 yr Old Committed Suicide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwsrc4XzMSX64Y_oLKG67inrJ3IkYmbjskuuuj4aC8DC-NdXz47VE4X26KIhlCTZrZlZaTzaWwfiKhvUWmd922pUpUnCYr9P9oeeLvYfrLez8BwWxt53gFIHo5LELvq8KQrjhqq9v0ZwD/s1600/20180627_142758.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="880" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwsrc4XzMSX64Y_oLKG67inrJ3IkYmbjskuuuj4aC8DC-NdXz47VE4X26KIhlCTZrZlZaTzaWwfiKhvUWmd922pUpUnCYr9P9oeeLvYfrLez8BwWxt53gFIHo5LELvq8KQrjhqq9v0ZwD/s320/20180627_142758.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is one of those conversations that must be had. It isn't an easy one, but a necessary one. I hope it has a much needed impact and influence<br />
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i>Please tell the readers about your son JJ. From your perspective back then, what would you say you thought his life was like? </i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">My son was in the 7<sup>th</sup> grade. He was an honors student his whole life and part of the gate program. He was heavily involved in school leadership and activities. He was an avid video gamer and played youth soccer and baseball. Most importantly he was a kind soul. JJ would often give his own money to the homeless, volunteer to help someone if needed and always was the person who put a smile on your face if he saw you were down. We never saw any signs of depression or being possibly suicidal.</span></i></b><span style="color: #26282a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i>Sounds like a regular kid. How old was he?</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /><b><i><span style="color: red;">JJ was 12 years old when he took his life. He was 3 weeks away from his 13</span></i></b></span><b><i><span style="color: red;"><sup style="text-indent: -0.25in;">th</sup><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> birthday.</span></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i>I know every parent considers their child a good kid and a kind soul. If it were possible, do you think there was an aspect of your kid you saw through rose colored lenses? (And I apologize if I sound like I’m implying you’re painting your kid as an angel, and he may not be)</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><br /></span><span style="color: #26282a;"><br /></span><span style="color: #26282a;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><b><i>Honestly no. When he was born his nickname was Angel and he carried that through his life and now in heaven. When he was in the 4<sup>th</sup> or 5<sup>th</sup> grade he actually talked a girl from taking her own life. She spoke at his memorial and stated that he had saved her and she only wished he would have come to her so she could have done the same</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><br /><b><i>Wow. That's sadly ironic.<br />C</i></b></span><span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i>an you please describe how you found out he had committed suicide.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">My wife, our 7 month old and our 16 year old son were at his Freshman baseball orientation. After orientation we stopped to pick up some food for the family to take home. While we were there our 16 year old son got a text from one of JJ’s friends that he told her he was going to take his own life. We called home and asked my mother to check on him but his door was locked, and he didn’t answer. We rushed home and I kicked the door in to find our son hanging from his door with a video game cord around his neck unresponsive. My wife performed CPR for what seemed like 15 minutes before paramedics came. When they came they got his heart beating but he was already brain dead. We spent 3 days in the intensive care until we were finally able to donate his organs and let him rest in peace.</span></i></b><span style="color: #26282a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i>Wow. So he had shared his intention with his friends, and unfortunately none of them informed anyone?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: red;">He shared his intention with 1 friend 2 days before and at the time he took his life. By the time she came to us that day it was already too late. We actually are very close to his friend and their family now. Problem is these kids are more worried about their friend being mad at them for saying something than losing them forever. This is one of the issues we are working so hard to change.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i>Do you know why he did it?</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">He did not leave a note. The only thing he told his friend was school and stuff but he had no known problems at school and was a straight A student and we don't know what stuff he was referring to.</span></i></b><span style="color: #26282a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #26282a;"><br /></span><span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i>When you had called home to contact your mom about JJ and his door was locked, and you had to rush home….how long was the drive home? Was there a feeling of impending dread in your stomach, like something wasn’t right, or did you try to stay optimistic and hopeful?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: red;">We were only 5 minutes away from home. My wife said that when she hit the driveway she had a horrible feeling in her stomach, for me it was more surreal until she yelled for me to break down the door then reality set in.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i>In hindsight, what signs do you see that you missed? </i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Through much research and training following his passing we did notice he was becoming increasingly angry or agitated. At the time we chalked it up to hormones or just being a teenager but obviously it was so much more. He also had once said you would be better off without me. We also learned that he had told his friend he was thinking about killing himself 2 days before he did but they never reached out to anyone.</span></i></b><span style="color: #26282a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><br /><b><i>You raise some valuable points. “Idle comments” of kids may not be so idle. And kids should be encouraged to share any warning signals or concerns sooner than later.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i>I am a multiple suicide attempt survivor, and only once did I share with someone what I planned on doing. How do you think you would have reacted if JJ had pulled you aside to tell you he was being suicidal?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I wouldn’t have known what to do. Our school district and the state of California in general were very behind and still are behind in suicide prevention awareness. Obviously I would have done all that I could to save him but before becoming a suicide prevention nonprofit we wouldn’t have known as parents where to turn.</span></i></b><span style="color: #26282a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i>I can’t imagine what it is like to lose a son in such a way, and at such a tender age. Please describe how you processed such a loss.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I think we are still processing his loss. It’s been 2 years and honestly it still seems like yesterday that he passed away. I think we are dealing with his loss but focusing our attention on helping others and preventing further tragedy the best we can. However we still break down and cry often especially after telling his story and speaking to groups of people.</span></i></b><span style="color: #26282a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i>How did each of your family members handle the grief?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><i>My wife cries a lot. She also goes to counseling. Being the co-founder with me in our journey she focuses her attention on the kids and parents we speak to and often checks in on JJs friends to see how they are doing.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><i>My mother and grandmother blamed themselves since they were home with him at the time. They often ask what they could have done more. They also go to counseling.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><i>My now 18 year old son puts his time and energy into sports. Him and JJ were the closest sharing a room and spending a lot of time together. He wonders why JJ didn’t tell him. He also gets counseling.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Our 8 year old daughter has become increasingly depressed. She spent 2 weeks this year being treated after stating she also wanted to die. It’s been hard but she gets regular counseling and seems to be ok now.</span></i></b><span style="color: #26282a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i>I’m sorry to hear that. This is a sensitive question to ask, so please bear with me. Does it seem like your 8 year old is suicidal, since she has stated it, and is going through depression? And as a parent who has lost a kid to this already, how do you treat her normally, yet not ignore the obvious?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: red;">She is definitely depressed but I wouldn’t classify her as suicidal. After we took her in and she was kept for 3 days the doctors told us that the way she was expressing her sadness was that she wanted to be with her brother but because of her age didn’t fully understand that you cannot come back from suicide that it is permanent. We definitely watch her closely and talk more openly as a family about how we are feeling and it seems to help her. But with all our kids the idea that one of them might also take their lives has us on high alert all the time. Its something we can’t ignore now no matter how hard we may want to try.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i>Obviously you may not know the answer to this, but how do you think JJ figured out how to take his life? I'm an adult, and I know it wasnt easy trying to find the most effective way to commit suicide.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">The internet. We found several searches on his tablet that were about suicide. You can find anything online now a days. </span></i></b><span style="color: #26282a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><i>Of course, the internet. Sigh!</i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i>Please tell us about the foundation you created in JJ's memory</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">JJ’s Hello Foundation is a youth mental health and suicide prevention foundation. We are a registered nonprofit tax id 81-2811004. We have several programs including the “Can you hear me cards”, a monthly suicide survivors support group, an 8<sup>th</sup> grade leadership award. We also speak in the community at schools or to parents and students about the dangers of depression and suicidal thoughts. Our goal is to end suicide and to promote positive youth mental health. Our slogan is Starting the conversation of youth mental health.</span></i></b><span style="color: #26282a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i>Lately, the suicide rates have been getting higher and higher, and the ages getting younger and younger. I read about a 10 year old hanging himself. How has your foundation been able to have an impact?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I think our biggest impact has been raising awareness. Most families choose to stay silent whether its due to shame or the stigmas surround mental health issues while our family has not. By speaking openly and honestly about our tragedy we open people’s eyes.</span></i></b><span style="color: #26282a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i>What tell tale signs should parents be on the look out for regarding their kids?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span class="yiv2984954128m-2835949260996657105color15"><span lang="EN" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><b><i>Learn to recognize the warning signs of suicide:</i></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span class="yiv2984954128m-2835949260996657105color15"><span lang="EN" style="color: red; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><b><i>Sense of hopelessness about the future; Drastic changes in behavior or personality; Uncharacteristic impulsiveness, recklessness or risk-taking; Expressions of rage, uncontrolled anger, aggressive behavior; Preoccupation with death, dying, or suicide through writing, talking or artwork; Giving away prized possessions; Loss of interest in personal appearance; Increased use of alcohol or drugs; Withdrawal from friends, family and/or society; Extreme anxiety or agitation, inability to sleep, or sleeping all the time; A recent severe stressor, such as real or anticipated loss of a relationship, unplanned pregnancy, the victim of bullying or family conflict; A previous suicide attempt or exposure to another's suicidal behavior; Verbal signs such: "I'm so tired, I don't feel like I can take this any longer", "I don't want to be a bother anymore", "I want you to know something, in case something happens to me"</i></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i>Very great signs you point out. And how should parents respond if they suspect their children may be suicidal? In your opinion, what ways would be wrong and detrimental, and what would be more proactive ways to respond?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: red;">A parent should have an open dialogue about it. Ask them directly. If they are then treat the matter respectfully. Explain to them that feeling depressed sad can be normal but sadness to the point of suicide they may need additional help. Ask them what got them to this point and if it would be ok to talk to someone else a professional about how they are feeling. Some teens may refuse help and at that point as a parent you must do whatever it takes to get them that help even if it means calling an authority to take them in. Any mention of suicide is serious and no matter what cannot be ignored.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i>How do you think the conversation about mental health awareness, and addressing repressed pain can be brought up with a young child?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I think just like with adults having an open and honest conversation with them is the best way to address it. Kids want to know that their feelings are validated and by having an honest conversation you are showing them that they don’t need to be ashamed of their feelings.</span></i></b><span style="color: #26282a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i>As an adult, how do you address mental health issues you may experience?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Before this happened I would have kept those feelings bottled up. But I understand now talking about them is the best way to address them. There are so many people going through the same things and feeling the same things and so many people willing to help.</span></i></b><span style="color: #26282a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i>It is unfortunate, but in 2018, some people still see going to therapy or seeing a counselor and talking about bottled up feelings as less than masculine, or being “soft”. How would you respond to such critics?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: red;">I would point out the countless celebrities and sports athletes that have come out recently and talked openly about getting help. <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2018/03/06/everything-was-spinning-kevin-love-opens-up-about-his-in-game-panic-attack/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.7b3620bada26" target="_blank"> Kevin Love,</a> <a href="https://www.popsugar.com/fitness/Steph-Curry-Mental-Health-44747147" target="_blank">Steph Curry</a> and countless others are beginning the conversation to show even the strongest of us feel down or have anxiety or are suicidal at some point. Its ok to not be ok.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i>How can readers support your foundation?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">They can support our foundation in many ways. Readers can visit our website <a href="http://www.hellofund.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #196ad4;">www.hellofund.org</span></a>, follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HelloFund/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/JJsHelloFund" target="_blank">twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jjshellofoundation/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPbh5rewGNq9cxLdKqPh-TA" target="_blank">YouTube</a>. They can donate on our website, order “Can you hear me cards”. Ultimately the best way to support us through word of mouth. By telling people about what we do we cannot only continue to raise funding but save lives which is the most important.</span></i></b><span style="color: #26282a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i>Obviously, this suicide scourge that's sweeping through our society transcends belief systems, culture and religion. Are you open to being invited by organizations that transcend culture and religion?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Absolutely we are open to all walks and faiths. If they are willing to listen we are as well.</span></i></b><span style="color: #26282a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i>Any parting words to share with the readers?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I would like to make sure everyone reading this understands that suicide does not discriminate. Suicide and depression effect all walks of life, all races, all faiths, all economic groups. The only way to truly end suicide is to create an open, honest world where we stand next to someone different from us and are willing to ask them how they are doing and do what it takes to help them if needed. Our foundation works tirelessly each day to put an end to youth suicide., but we do need everyone’s help. We run completely on funding from the public. We have no corporate sponsors. We do not pay anyone associated with our foundation everyone including my wife are 100% volunteer. All money donated to the foundation goes back in the communities we serve to end suicide.</span></i></b><span style="color: #26282a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b><span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i>Thank you for your time, efforts, and for sharing the memory of JJ with us</i></b></span></div>
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Promo Inc Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03427222061688830822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112806294590598160.post-73887512018790434442018-04-27T04:10:00.000-07:002018-04-27T04:10:15.024-07:00Conversation with Bishop Carrington<br />
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">On this edition of Conversations, I'm having it with an Author and Musician, who more importantly happens to be a Bishop.....my bishop. J Charles Carrington, Jr is someone I have come to respect over the years, and have the opportunity to call a friend. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QfclSVJSsP7e1IHDpm5DnWFjGdL_9ZAhScYGGcMevbh5vkCZ3aJdye-BBjps1SO-5ut1UQzFxQYLgG_WLTUdIhyphenhyphene-ZWWgBFr-99yrLMVbb3c_eJywy-Gjk_Kcg-6eGTiUJBWPspzPJQ/s1600/Carrington.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QfclSVJSsP7e1IHDpm5DnWFjGdL_9ZAhScYGGcMevbh5vkCZ3aJdye-BBjps1SO-5ut1UQzFxQYLgG_WLTUdIhyphenhyphene-ZWWgBFr-99yrLMVbb3c_eJywy-Gjk_Kcg-6eGTiUJBWPspzPJQ/s320/Carrington.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="color: #26282a; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>My
Bishop! This is going to be a fun conversation, and I’m going to attempt to
keep this very professional and serious. Lol, yeah right.</i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>
So can you introduce yourself to the readers and tell us a little about
yourself?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Well,
first of all I am indeed honored that you thought of me. I count it a privilege
to discuss with your sphere of influence.<br />
I am a Servant of the LORD, the most blessed husband of Pastor Althea
Carrington, father of 3 wonderful adult children, the eldest son of 2 wonderful
parents, oldest of 4 blood siblings and 6 total, and I am a lover of people,
preacher of righteousness and available for God’s use.</span></i></b><span style="color: #26282a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i>LOL!
You broke that thing down to the basics! Alright Bishop, I see this is going to
be a good chat.<br />
So you are the Pastor of <a href="http://www.lbcbaltimore.org/index.html" target="_blank">Life Builders Church</a>, and the Senior Pastor and
Presiding Bishop of <a href="http://www.fullgospelcf.com/index.html" target="_blank">The Full Gospel Christian Fellowship</a>. What’s the difference
between your church and the fellowship?</i></b><span style="color: #26282a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><i><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Life
Builders Church is the local ministry that I have been blessed to pastor since
1986. We started out as Zion Temple Fellowship Church and changed the name at
our 20th year to establish the brand of People Builders.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.fullgospelcf.com/index.html" target="_blank">Full Gospel Christian Fellowship</a> is the national fellowship organization of Bishops,
Pastors, Para-Church and Ministry Leaders that I cover nationwide.</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>“Para-church”.
I just learned a new word expression. Ha!<br />
So Dominion Church was part of the ministry under your covering? How did you
get “to cover” Dominion Church?<br />
(Dominion Church is a church I had joined and was a part of back in ’96)</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><i><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Wow.
. .When Pastor Kermit Wheeler was the Senior Pastor, he sought me out as his
covering. We were best friends and grew up in the same Ministry under the leadership of <a href="http://www.unitedchurchjc.org/our-founder.html" target="_blank">Chief Apostle Monroe Saunders</a>. Pastor Kermit saw the need to have
a source of direct accountability and covering for both he and the ministry of
Dominion Church. </span></span></i></b></span><b style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i><span style="color: red;">I
sought to serve Pastor Wheeler, his family and the Dominion Church family
faithfully because of my love for the Wheeler family and the bond of love that
developed between myself and the Dominion Church family</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>Wow,
I do miss the late Pastor Wheeler! Going over to his crib and chowing down on
the “seafood-fest” he was known for, and sleeping over, and talking late into
the night till I wore the poor man out into a slumber! Fun memories.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>Coming
back from my flashback, Dominion Church has now morphed into <a href="https://www.facebook.com/impactdmvchurch/" target="_blank">Impact DMV Church</a>.
How did that come about? Can you enlighten us on the birth of Impact DMV, a
church I have now officially joined/returned to, thanks to your “friendly insistence”.
Lol</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><i><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
Joyner family as well as the former Christ Church of Rockville family have been
dear to me for well over 25 years. </span></span></i></b></span><b><i><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Christ
Church became a part of the Full Gospel family. I asked <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1397415541" target="_blank">Dr. Lee Joyner</a> to
assist with Dominion Church as my relationship with Dominion Church began to be
a heavy load that I could not effectively carry alone after the untimely death
of Pastor Wheeler. </span></span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
am sure that you can imagine how difficult it was having to commute from
Baltimore after ministering at Life Builders, to minister at Dominion Church,
support Pastor Wheeler's family and the Dominion Church family through the grieving
process; all while grieving myself.</span></span></i></b></div>
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would like to think that GOD'S awesome providence led to the merger and joining
of two great ministries into one powerful ministry</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">.</span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(Video intro of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/impactdmvchurch/" target="_blank">Impact DMV Church</a> by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1397415541" target="_blank">Dr Lee Joyner</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>That’s
awesome indeed. You typically hear of churches breaking off to go start a new
ministry. You never really hear of two different ministries merging. Definitely
a God thing, and though I’m just getting to know The Joyner family, I’m
impressed with their openness and heart.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>Okay,
now that we have all the framework to our relationship out of the way, lets dig
into you! I remember one of the first times I heard you minister, not only
did you preach, but you also sang. So you are a musician? Do you write music?
Any chance of sharing it with the world?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><i><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Man, you are determined not to allow me stay "In-Cog-Negro"</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
wrote my first song when I was 5 years old. I have written over two hundred
songs. There are some projects on the horizon, the near horizon. </span></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i><span style="color: red;">I
am a blessed part of a musically inclined family. We were the foundation of a musical group called The Refreshing. We released our first recording in 1986. I
either wrote or collaborated with my brothers to write many of the songs on
that project.</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">(Music by The Refreshing)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>Hold
up! Let’s digest that for a minute. First song at 5? What was the title, and
what was it about? Candy, cartoons, or something more “heartfelt” (as heartfelt as
a 5 yr old can get. Lol)</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">LOL...The name of the song was "Dumbo Is A Flying Elephant". I need to revisit and update it and contact The Disney Company.</span></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My 10% please for inspiring this idea, thank you (hahaha). </span><span style="color: #26282a; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
guess you must be some sort of musical prodigy. Well, we are definitely looking to the near horizon for your musical projects.</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>I
do know you are a writer. How many books have you written?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">To
date I have written 5 books</span></i></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>5
books? That’s awesome. Okay, lets do a quick overview of each:</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="background: white;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Plain Talk On The Revelation:-</span><span style="color: red;">This book is a
"plain-talk" commentary on The Revelation. It does not employ heavy
theological terms nor out dated opines. It simply explains, to any reader,
what this book is detailing</span></span><span style="color: red; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">A 40 Day Devotional:-</span><span style="color: red;"> It is simply a change agent, designed to
help the reader mature and deepen their relationship with GOD. 40 Days usually
represents a time of lasting change process and development</span></span><span style="color: red; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/LEADERSHIP-BASICS-Season-Todays-Leaders/dp/1535298758/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1524806014&sr=1-3&keywords=J.+Charles+Carrington+Jr" target="_blank">Leadership Insights</a>:- This book was written as if I was having a
personal and indept conversation with a leader</span></span><span style="color: red; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41lRvD4O9TL._SX384_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="386" height="320" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41lRvD4O9TL._SX384_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Available on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/LEADERSHIP-BASICS-Season-Todays-Leaders/dp/1535298758/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1524806014&sr=1-3&keywords=J.+Charles+Carrington+Jr" target="_blank">Amazon</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Transformation-Theology-Change-Inner-Cities/dp/1537165003/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1524806014&sr=1-2&keywords=J.+Charles+Carrington+Jr" target="_blank">The Transformation Theology</a>:- This book is about the real
solution to spiritual blight in urban settings. It confronts racism,
victimization, the blame-game and leads the reader to the breaking of systemic
thoughts and behaviors that multiply and lead to the destruction of our cities</span></i></b></span><span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/415cWMpHV4L._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/415cWMpHV4L._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Available on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Transformation-Theology-Change-Inner-Cities/dp/1537165003/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1524806014&sr=1-2&keywords=J.+Charles+Carrington+Jr" target="_blank">Amazon</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>Let’s
talk about your book your 5<sup>th</sup> book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Heavenly-Minded-Charles-Carrington-Jr-ebook/dp/B074VY9G7P/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1524806014&sr=1-1&keywords=J.+Charles+Carrington+Jr" target="_blank">“Heavenly Minded”</a>. How did you
come about writing this book?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41jXkPRtdiL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41jXkPRtdiL.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(Available on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Heavenly-Minded-Charles-Carrington-Jr-ebook/dp/B074VY9G7P/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1524805521&sr=1-1&keywords=Heavenly+Minded+-+J+Charles+Carrington" target="_blank">Amazon</a> & <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heavenly-minded-bishop-j-charles-carrington-jr/1126573650?ean=9781544650036" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><i><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">As
a pastor for over 30 years, I have seen and experienced many things.
Unfortunately, some of the experiences are detailed in HEAVENLY MINDED.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Of course I
am not talking about any one person nor any one situation, but I have personally
experienced some of what’s in this novella.</span></span></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I
wrote the book by the leading of the Holy Ghost because people need deliverance
in a powerful way.</span></i></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #26282a; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #26282a; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i>How different is "Heavenly Minded" from OWN's "Greenleaf", the soap opera depiction of a mega church, that has often left me with a sour taste for not being able to capture the authentic moments of true ministry?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I wrote "Heavenly Minded" before "Greenleaf" came out. I held it back because we were in the midst of a major opportunity at the time, and I did not want the potential distraction that could come from the controversy. The subject matter of "Heavenly Minded" did not completely center around homosexuality, but the subject was/is prominent and dealt with in the book</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #26282a; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #26282a; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">You have never been afraid to address that topic, but I can understand a need to avoid controversy on the cusp of an opportunity. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">What
has the reception been to this book?</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">To
date the reviews have been powerful. Over 500 copies have been sold as of this
this interview, through personal sales, Barnes and Nobles, Amazon, Nook and
Kindle</span></i></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i>That’s
great! As a fellow independent author, I know the pavement pounding one has to do to drum up sales.
Congratulations indeed! Are you working on any other writing projects in the near
future?</i></b><span style="color: #26282a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i><b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">A
sequel to HEAVENLY MINDED is in the works and an audio book is soon to be
released.</span></b></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>You
are a Bishop, so lets talk about that. Joseph Prince is the “grace” preacher,
Joel Osteen is the “hope” preacher, Benny Hinn is the “healer”, and Billy
Graham was the evangelist. What would you say your core message is?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>I
am GOD's Vessel available to be what He requires of me. I want to be like
Jesus; he had a Word for all situations, he wasn't in a box, and he met the needs
before him. I want to be a Man of GOD</i></b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>I
like that. We live in a contemporary world. Do you believe the church, especially from the
pulpit (your platform) should address contemporary, and even controversial
issues, or we shouldn’t rock the boat (and no, I’m not going there…though you
know I have no qualms to, and neither do you. That’s why you’re my Bishop. Ha!)</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
Word Is contemporary - It is appropriate for all seasons and addresses all
issues. The real question is are we, as preachers, brave enough to minister the whole counsel of GOD</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">?</span></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>There
it is. Most preachers seem to want the adulation of the pulpit and crowd, and
even the world, so they pacify them. While others are so disconnected from
social concerns and issues, with their faces completely buried in dogma.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>How
do people who haven’t heard you minister get a chance to experience your
teaching/preaching?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><i><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">If
you are on Periscope follow me @BishopJCharles. There are a backlog of messages
there and our church website</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> has a <a href="http://www.lbcbaltimore.org/store.html" target="_blank">bookstore</a></span></span></i></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>You
are a happily married man with kids; do you mind telling us about your family
and how God has been good to you? (Make your boast in God’s goodness to your
family)</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">I
give GOD all the glory for my wife of over 34 years. She has saved my life,
breathed affirmation into me. She has given me two wonderful sons, and my son
has blessed us by choosing our new daughter, his bride.</span></b></i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i><b><span style="color: red;"> <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">My Wife and children are my chief earthly joy</span></span></b></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>Congratulations!
I celebrate God’s goodness to you indeed<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>Before
we wrap this up, would you be willing to share a pivotal personal moment you’ve
had in your walk with God? A moment you learned something so life affecting.
I’m sure there is someone reading this waiting to be influenced and affected by
your experience, and lesson learned.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="background-color: white; color: red;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">WOW! </span></span></i></b><b style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i><span style="color: red;">I
failed in so many areas…We lost a building. . .I placed people in my life who
hurt me. . .I was once stupid with money. . .I let my focus on seeking the
approval of people almost destroy my life. Each place of failure taught me that
GOD is my SOURCE. I am to trust HIM above all others. Be swift to hear and slow
to speak. I am a better man because GOD is the MASTER GIVER OF SECOND CHANCES</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>Amen!! Master Giver of second, third, fourth, fifth chances! Heck, multiple chances!! Glory to God!! Thank you Bishop.<br />
Where and when can we come fellowship with you and be blessed?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Every
Sunday at 12:30 pm, and starting at 10 am as well on Wednesdays beginning
at 7:15 pm at 7310 Park Heights Ave, Pikesville, Maryland (Life Builders
Church At Temple Oheb Shalom)</span></i></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>Are
you open to receiving any love gifts, donations or offerings from readers? (I’m
learning you always gotta be open to receive, cos you never know who might feel
led to give)</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>I
asked GOD to make me a good investment and to allow my life to always be
fertile a soil, so yes!</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Please <b><a href="http://www.lbcbaltimore.org/giving.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a></b> to consider giving a love gift/sowing into this ministry. Thank you)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>How
do we connect with you on social media?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><i><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Yes
Sir! </span></b></i></span></span><i style="background-color: white; color: red;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Follow
me on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/bishopjcharles" target="_blank">@BishopJCharles</a>. My Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BishopJCharles/?ref=br_rs" target="_blank">Bishop J. CharlesCarrington, Jr.</a> </span></b></i><i style="background-color: white; color: red;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Again, thank you for thinking of me. </span></b></i><i style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>100
Fold Return!!!</b></i></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Amen!! Thank you sir!! As predicted, good talk! 😄, I appreciate you much!</b></i></div>
<br />Promo Inc Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03427222061688830822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112806294590598160.post-73643850908388452972018-03-21T07:15:00.000-07:002018-03-21T07:15:46.186-07:00Conversation with Yvonne Lewis<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dr Yvonne Lewis wears many hats, from Cable channel executive, to being an accomplished musician, to being a doctor and entrepreneur.. I was first aware of her immense gift when I head her doing back up for Luther Vandross, and later releasing her wildly popular debut CD back in the nineties. Fast forward YEARS later, and I have been privileged to have an edition of Conversations with her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i>Where do we start?
I’m glad we finally get a chance to do this. To introduce yourself to the
readers, who would you say Yvonne Lewis is?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">That’s an interesting question, because
I have so many facets, kind of like an onion—multi-layered. I’m a Christian black
woman who is a wife, mother, singer, Christian television executive, and
author. This isn’t necessarily the correct order, but you get the picture.</span></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I completely understand. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">I became acquainted
with you from your first CD, “No strangers in Paradise” (1995), available on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-strangers-in-paradise/1102408143" target="_blank">iTunes</a>. The heart and
beauty of it, along with the message of it, as well as it being so contemporary arrested
me. That must seem like light years ago. What do you remember about making that
CD?</span></i></b></div>
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(One of the songs on the cd)</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">It DOES seem like such a long time ago!
There are several things that stand out about that project for me. Probably
what’s most prominent in my mind was the fact that I was going through a
devastating time in my personal life. My home was in foreclosure, I was a
single (divorced) mother, and I was being forced to leave. I had owed the IRS a
lot of money, and they were garnishing my residuals (from the jingles that I’d
recorded), and leaving me with less than what I could survive on. I didn’t know
where I was going to go. So, on that CD when I recorded “God Will Make a Way”,
I was singing it to myself, encouraging myself that He would take care of me,
just as He always had. It’s funny. During the hours of recording, I was having
a blast praising God! My spiritual mentor, Pastor CA Murray, would come to the
studio and hang out. I truly didn’t even think about my situation until I would
travel home from the studio at night. It was then that I would think about my
financial condition. But the Lord kept me so occupied during the day, that I
wasn’t depressed. I was elated in Him! The second thing that stands out is the
caliber of musicians and singers that helped me on the project. My producer,
Dana Reed, and arranger, Jerry Hutchinson (whose name never appeared on the
cover, due to an error on my and Dana’s part), were so talented! Then, my background
singer friends came and helped me. Singers like Luther Vandross, Cissy Houston,
Tawatha Agee, Vaneese Thomas, Frank and Babi Floyd, James (D-Train) Williams,
Diva Gray, Dennis Collins, Fonzi Thornton, etc. What a line-up of talent! We
all had fun, and could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in the studio. It
was anointed!</span></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i>Wow! That's an incredible testimony! To think your life appeared to be falling apart literally by forces beyond your control, yet in the midst of it, you birthed a project that captured so much hope and promise. That actually is speaking volumes to me right now. Thank you.<br />By the way, awesome line up of name dropping. Lol 😃</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i>Moving forward to
this most recent recording of yours, “Magnify him” (2017), what would you say
has changed compared to your previous recording?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">My experience with this current project is
very different from my first one. I am no longer involved in the NY
background/studio scene, although I still love and cherish my friends there. I
am currently the General Manager of <a href="http://d2dnetwork.tv/index.html" target="_blank">3ABN’s urban network, “Dare to Dream”</a>.
Therefore, I have a stable income and a more settled life. My husband, Danny
Shelton, is the President and Founder of 3ABN, and what a blessing he is to my
life! This CD has several of the songs that I have previously recorded for 3ABN
with large, lush orchestral arrangements, and probably demonstrates a bit more
versatility in vocal style than did my first CD. I guess the listeners will
have to determine that.</span></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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(Performing one of her tracks from her new CD "Magnify Him" 2017)</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i>I most definitely second the vocal versatility demonstrated. Sandi Patty has always been one of my favorite singers because of the
pure voice, and how it builds up in the song into a stratospheric climax in
that high note. So I was pleasantly thrilled to hear you do something similar so
effortlessly. What can you tell us about your musical training and journey to
this point? Obviously you have mileage in your musical pedigree.</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I honestly didn’t have much formal musical
training. When I was in college, I studied for one semester with Alleyne
Dumas-Lee, a wonderful soprano, who gave me arias in German and Italian to
sing. In New York, I had a great vocal coach, Martin Lawrence, who helped me
with vocal “blending” (moving from one vocal register to the next). Other than
that, virtually no additional vocal training. I grew up in a musical household.
My parents both sang, but my Dad had an unparalleled love for singing. He was a
real crooner in his day. My maternal grandmother was a coloratura soprano, who
gave concerts internationally. My aunt, Carol Thomas, was a wonderful singer
and pianist. My paternal grandmother had a strong soprano voice. My uncle,
Howard Hodge, was a very successful pianist/arranger, who arranged charts for
singers like Tom Jones, Helen Reddy, Freda Payne, and even the actress, Kathryn
Hepburn. Music was in my family. It’s in my DNA.</span></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i>Um, I think you are modestly downplaying the wealth of training learned in just one semester, especially if you were able to do arias in German and Italian.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i>With this CD project of yours, I noticed the CD has a very
specific intention of exalting and celebrating the greatness of God, hence the
well-fitting title, Magnify Him. What would you like to share with us regarding
the concept, vision and making of this CD?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Yes! The whole idea of this project is to
magnify the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. When I sing, I always try to bring
the listener with me into the presence of God through worship. It is to worship
the Almighty, the Creator of the Universe. The Giver and Sustainer of all life!
The music isn’t to point to me as the singer. It is to be a vertical
experience. Not horizontal. Therefore, when I sing, “Your Grace Still Amazes
Me” and “Just Once More”, I’m inviting the listener to worship the Lord with
me, and to thank Him for the grace and love that He shows even when we don’t
deserve it. The title song, “Magnify Him” has an interesting story attached to
it. On Dare to Dream, we have a music program by the same name. We needed a
song for the program, so I asked the Lord to give me a song for it, and He did!
He gave me the lyrics and the tune! Now, I don’t consider myself a great songwriter,
but the Lord did it! He gave me the whole song, and it’s the theme song for the
program, and the name of the CD. God is amazing!</span></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i>Let’s segue for a
minute. You dabbled into Eastern unorthodox medicine in the past. What exactly
did you invest into, and what attracted you to it?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">In the 90’s, I
developed a passion for alternative medicine! I loved the study of herbs and
supplements, and could name a natural alternative to many of the
pharmaceuticals that were on the market. As a jingle singer, I had a lot of
“down time”, in which I wasn’t working. So, I decided to pursue alternative
medicine. I am a driven person, and whatever I get involved with, I throw
myself into. I became a naturopathic doctor, massage therapist, certified
reflexologist, iridologist, and auriculotherapist. I later studied acupuncture
and was licensed and board certified in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). I
had a medical practice in Dallas for 5 years. What attracted me to it?
Honestly, as I look back on it, I realize that my pride had a lot to do with
it. I loved the idea that I could just touch someone’s hand, and their headache
would vanish! I enjoyed knowing things that others didn’t know, and my pride
led me to study and explore all of these modalities. I wanted to be the best at
it, both for my patients’s sake, as well as my own.</span></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i>You eventually
transitioned from that practice. What did you discover that led to this change?</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Minister Kenneth,
believe it or not, you had a part to play in my departure from TCM! Several
years ago, you reached out to me about “Just Once More”, a song from my “No
Strangers in Paradise” CD. When I told you that I practiced acupuncture, you
asked me how I could reconcile that with my Christianity. I was a bit miffed,
but I thought about it. The Lord also led me to some resources that absolutely
convinced me that I was to turn away from acupuncture. It is based on astrology,
which is forbidden to us Christians. Once I realized that He was calling me out
of it, I dropped it, and God has shown Himself to be more than faithful ever
since!</span></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i>I am humbled to think I was part of the process. And I remember that conversation. Lol. In my unfiltered manner, I unsolicitedly share my opinion. And I would dare say your response back to me didnt suggest you were a "little" miffed. Hahaha! </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i>Anyway, moving along. You currently are a
broadcaster in an urban Christian cable network, and an executive. Congratulations! That’s an awesome
platform. Please tell us more about this new chapter in your career, and how
you got on this amazing journey?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">It HAS been an
amazing journey! You see, when I left acupuncture, which was 95% of my income,
I finished a book that I had begun called, “GREAT DAYS: 9 Principles to
Revolutionize Your Life”. When I finished the book, my spiritual mentor, C.A.
Murray, who was working at 3ABN, invited me to come there for an interview on
their flagship program, “3ABN Today”. I gladly went, and Pastor C.A. had another
engagement off site. He asked the President and Founder of the network, Danny
Shelton, to do the interview. He also told him that since I wasn’t familiar
with the area, would he take me to lunch. Hmmm. I think maybe he had an agenda,
don’t you? Anyway, Danny Shelton and I hit it off from the outset! Over time,
he talked with me about my heart for the inner city, and felt impressed that I
should be the head of 3ABN’s urban network. Look at God! If I hadn’t left
acupuncture, I wouldn’t have had the most outstanding ministry career of my
lifetime! AND I have the greatest husband in the world, because I married Danny
Shelton!</span></i></b></span></div>
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(Introducing Yvonne and her family)</div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /><b><i>Seems it was divinely orchestrated for you guys to be.......through the not so subtle introduction by your mentor! Lol. </i></b></span><b style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>What programs do
produce, and how do viewers worldwide watch them?</i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Lord impressed
me to identify the challenges confronting inner-city residents, and then to
design programming that addresses those concerns. Therefore, we have programs
on relationships and parenting (“RD 2 Romance”,“Pumped Up Parents”, “A Father’s
Heart”, “Live to Be Well”), health and lifestyle (“A Taste of Paradise”,
“Chew’s Challenge”, and “Creative Cooking”), employment (“Workin’ the Dream”),
a program for ex-offenders, hosted by an ex-offender (“The New Journey”), music
(“Magnify Him”), and much, much more! Our most popular program is “Salvation in
Symbols and Signs”, our prophecy program, where we learn about the books of
Revelation and Daniel. We literally receive at least one email every day about
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There are several
ways to watch D2D. It is streamed 24/7 online. If you have a smartphone or
tablet, you can download the 3ABN app, click on the “D”, and voila! Or, you can
purchase a Roku Box, and watch D2D on your TV. Additionally, we have a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/DareToDreamNetwork" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">where you can watch many of our programs
on demand.</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i>That's awesome! A lot of original programming!</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i>What should we look
forward to from you this year?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dare to Dream is producing some great new programs
this year! We are putting a new teen program together, which will address some major
concerns of our urban teens. We also are continuing to produce our prophecy
program (“Salvation in Symbols and Signs”), which is our most popular program.
We completed the Book of Revelation, now we’ll focus on Daniel. Musically
speaking, I’m currently working on a music project for 3ABN that includes
multiple artists and flavors. The theme is the 3 Angels Messages of Revelation
14. It’s a joy to work with some of the top producers, arrangers and artists in
the gospel music industry. I also am doing more song writing this year, and am
amazed at the way the Lord inspires! I recently co-wrote a song with my friend,
Tim Parton, called “Your Love Lifts Me Up”. It’s about how I let the Lord down.
I was losing my way, but Jesus’s love lifted me up and removed all doubt, fear
and shame.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">God literally
impressed me with the lyrics in a morning, and gave Tim a melody for it about
an hour after I sent him the lyrics. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
cry every time I hear the song</span></i></b>. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i>Indeed! Thank God for his mercies and consistent faithfulness to us. I look forward to hearing this song, as well as the other musical projects you have cooking.</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i>I saw an interview of
you with your son. Can you tell us more about your family?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i><b>I’ve already told you about my wonderful
husband, Danny. He has blessed me with his two daughters, Melody and Trinity
(now mine), and I brought my two sons into the family. Melody is a wonderful
wife, mother, singer and song-writer. Trinity is a straight-A student, who’s
graduating from high school this year. My sons are very special young men! They
love the Lord, and have amazing testimonies of their own. They both had some
problems in their youth, but God has really turned their lives around. My older
son, Marc, continues to move forward with his life. Marc just completed his
vocational training, and is looking forward to new employment opportunities. My
younger son, Jason, is my assistant at Dare to Dream. He is often featured on
various programs on D2D, as well as 3ABN parent network. It’s a privilege to
see my kids grow into their divine destiny. Between us, Danny and I have 10
grandchildren, and others that we consider “our kids”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m proud and thankful for all of them!</b></i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i>The miracle is when the problem child is transformed into a blessing. We know then it is strictly a God thing, and he alone gets the glory!<br />What last words would
you like to share with our readers, especially this season when most people are
making commitments to change and aspirations?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Be sure to include God in the mix!
You can save yourself so much time and energy that way. Think about it: you
have the all-knowing, all-powerful God who longs for you to know Him better. He
wants to bless your socks off. Are you standing in the way of your own
blessings? Are you making time for God? Trust Him to see you through every
situation. He’ll ALWAYS have your back!</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i>Thank you, Dr Yvonne Lewis for your time given to this conversation</i></b></span></div>
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<br />Promo Inc Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03427222061688830822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112806294590598160.post-80520547287263823032017-08-13T20:09:00.000-07:002017-08-13T20:09:08.473-07:00Conversation with Ivan Thompson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ivan Thompson is a Veteran, Actor, Singer, and Entrepreneur. Below is the conversation I had with him</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Ivan! It's certainly a pleasure to have this conversation
with you. How would you describe yourself to the readers?</i></span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I am a singer of inspirational music
and love songs. I am an author. I am an actor. I am a father of five. I am
active volunteering in the local community and with my local church. At this
point in my life, 52, I’m trying to develop every unfulfilled dream that the
Lord has placed in my heart.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i>Wow! You have a full life!
Congratulations. </i></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>What do you do for a living?</i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I am retired military officer, and I recently left a full-time work to pursue all of the areas I mentioned previously. So I
am in full hustle mode now. I write books, seven in the past eight months with
three more to go. I act. I just completed a Budweiser commercial last month. I
rent rooms out of my house. I substitute teach. It’s been a challenge I may
have to return to a 9-5 but I am doing everything I can to keep working for
myself.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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(A commercial that Ivan is featured in)</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i>That’s all cylinders burning
brother! It can’t be easy launching out into the deep, but here’s praying your
hard work pays off.</i></b></span><i><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What would you say you are passionate about?</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I’m passionate about helping people pursue their dreams, to
get started in things that they really want to do—especially young people. Two
of the last three books I have written fall into this category. I volunteer
once a week at the local Goodwill Career Center. It’s the highlight of my week
as I get to help older people sharpen resumes and interview skills and younger
people try to find their niche in life.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>I've known you for YEARS now, and it wasn't until recently I
came across your music on iTunes. And I was impressed. It appears you have a
music repertoire, so can you take us to how you got started?</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I have been singing since I was
about ten and have dreamed about singing before large audiences since I was
about four. I had the lead in a musical theater production in 9<sup>th</sup>
grade and have been focused on pursuing recording and performing opportunities
ever since.</span></i></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What would you say was your first big break?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I performed on Bobby Jones Gospel in
1987 and I thought man that was it! Then in 2008 and 2009 I performed the
National Anthem for the Lakers. That opportunity opened doors for me to sing
for the NFL, MLB, WNBA, NHL, NASCAR, and the NCAA.</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Ivan singing National Anthem at a Laker's game)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Everyone has a dream as a child. What was yours?</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I have three very vivid dreams from
as far back as I can remember. The first two are giving away large sums of
money and the second is fighting the devil. The dream of singing came in
somewhere later.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i>Fighting the devil? Awesome! That
would mean you love praying, since that’s one of the ways we can effectively
disarm the devil. As a child how did you learn to pray?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I didn’t know anything about prayer
as a child. I became a Christian in college and really didn’t know anything
about prayer and communion with God until I became Spirit-filled and read books
like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Practice-Presence-God-Brother-Lawrence/dp/0883681056/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1502679972&sr=1-1&keywords=brother+lawrence+the+practice+of+the+presence+of+god" target="_blank">“Practicing the Presence of God”</a> by Brother Lawrence and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Good-Morning-Holy-Spirit-Benny/dp/0785261265/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1502679929&sr=1-1&keywords=benny+hinn+good+morning+holy+spirit" target="_blank">“Good MorningHoly Spirit”</a> by Benny Hinn.</span></i></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>You were in the military. How did that influence and shape
you? And did it help redefine your dream, or not?</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I went to a military academy for
four years and then spent 24 additional years in the Air Force. So for 28 years
I wore a blue uniform. I think my military experience gave me a broader more
diverse view of the world having worked with people of different races and
having the opportunity to see different parts of the world. I think military
service has made me more disciplined, more appreciative of the sacrifices of
the military. I lived part of my dream in the military. I performed all over
the country and Europe as Tour Director and lead male vocalist for the Air
Force’s Tops in Blue Entertainment Team. I was able to share my vocal talent
with multiplied thousands. In my uniform I went to inner city high schools and
encouraged kids and young adults to spend time investing in themselves,
discovering their talents and abilities and making the most of their time in
high school. I was able to give time and money in the communities where I
served in the local church. My Air Force retirement has given me a level of
security that most up-and-coming entertainers don’t have. My retirement helps
fund my dreams. My experience in the military has also shaped my music in that
I have written several military tribute songs and patriotic music is a key piece
of my repertoire</span></i></b>. <br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>You are a believer in the Gospel message. How did that
happen, and how has the journey been?</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I became a Christian in the military
academy I was attending, around my sophomore year. I was heavily influenced by
some friends. Initially I was on fire for God and my zeal masked some issues
that it has taken the Lord decades to finally get to. So I feel at times that I
have taken steps backward but in reality God has finally been able to get to
some root issues that cause me great pain even after being a Christian
since 1983. I used to mask that pain with a flurry of church activity,
work-aholism, five kids and wife. Now that my kids are gone and I am divorced,
God finally has me in a place where He can do his deepest work. It’s scary at
times. I thank God for Christian friends and groups like <a href="http://www.celebraterecovery.com/" target="_blank">Celebrate Recovery</a> to
help keep me stable as I get to the root of issues that go all the way back to
childhood.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i>Yeah, we all have issues that we
are working on. You mention masking pain with the flurry of church. I’m sure a
lot of readers may identify with this. Can you speak more on how easy it is to
use religious and church activities to form a façade, and completely mask and
drown underlying issues that need to be addressed?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /><b><i><span style="color: red;">
I wouldn’t use the word façade in my case. I remember almost 20 years ago the
Holy Spirit told me to quit everything that I was doing in the church, to stop
serving in every area that I was serving. I didn’t understand it but I knew it
was his voice. When I did I was so empty and I felt I had nothing. That’s when
Holy Spirit said you’re right you don’t have anything because your entire
relationship with God consisted of what you were doing in church and not in
your intimate fellowship with Him. It’s the whole story of Martha and Mary in
Luke 10</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i>You mention that your issues
caused you great pain. Do you think this “pain” is ever revealed or expressed in your
artistic expressions for? </i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I don’t think it’s right to channel
pain into Christian music. Let me explain. I think we are supposed to be led by
the Spirit when we minister in song just like we would if we were preaching.
I’ve seen a lot of people minister in song by getting caught up in their emotions
and then leading people to move in their emotions. While I think our emotions
will always be involved, I believe if we lead people by the Spirit we will we
take them to a different place in the Spirit than we would have in our
emotions—especially sad ones. To me that’s blues music</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i>You make a great point about being led by the Spirit in how we minister.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i>5 kids! You must be a proud father
of your kids accomplishments…..?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /><b><i><span style="color: red;">
Very proud of my kids and their accomplishments and I take the time to promote
them every chance I get. Three are doing very well in Hollywood as a make-up artist,
hair stylist and fashion stylist/jewelry line designer. The other two are in
college doing very well</span></i></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>That's awesome! Congratulations!!<br />Speaking of accomplishments, as a professional singer, does your faith define and
influence your choices and decision making?</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Absolutely. My faith plays a major
role in the type of lyrics I would sing and the type of venues and settings I
feel comfortable in. It’s kind of odd because I sing love songs too. Not songs
about illicit sex but love songs, kind of like the love songs from the 80s
(Luther, Stevie, Lionel Richie, James Ingram, Jeffrey Osborn) when you could
sing about love and not mean casual sex. The same also holds true for me as an
actor. But because of the nature of the industry it has made it difficult for
me to navigate the music industry. On the flip side I don’t like singing gospel
music that is not based on the Word or singing in gospel setting where they are
singing “for show” or where the people’s offstage lifestyles are totally
contradictory to what they are singing. When I experience that I figure I might
as well be singing secular music in that secular artists are more honest about
their lifestyle than some Christian artists I have worked around. I’m in that
same boat. I want to live a life that reflects what I sing or not sing at all.
I certainly haven’t always lived up to that and am seeking help everywhere I
can so that my songs match my life.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i>Some puritanical Christians
believe secular music is just that, regardless if it is general love songs or
not. How would you explain to them that singing or loving old skool R&B
songs doesn’t contradict your spiritual convictions?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /><b><i><span style="color: red;">
I think everyone has to come to their own convictions and draw their own lines.
Take Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in the Key of Life”. That’s my favorite secular album of all time.
Several of those songs have been performed as gospel songs. For me personally I
don’t feel comfortable singing songs about graphic sexual activity, sex outside
marriage, or song with profanity. However I don’t think the devil should be
allowed to corner the market on love songs and have 100% ownership of how the
airwaves define love.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Do you have any new music project you are working on?</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I just released my first three
gospel songs. One is an original song entitled <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-want-it-all-single/id1236515456" target="_blank">“I Want It All”</a> and it’s a song
the Lord gave me about moving closer to Him with my heart vs. just my words. I
also did a gospel remake of the finale song <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/back-home-single/id1173377523" target="_blank">“Home”</a> from the musical “The Wiz”.
I have been wanting to record that song for forever it seems. But it’s finally
done and it is really good! Finally, I did a cover song, or my rendition of the
song <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/back-home-single/id1173377523" target="_blank">“I Need You Now”</a> originally performed by Smokey Norful. I think people
will like it. All of my music is available on iTunes and cdbaby.com.</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Released Oct 2016 available on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/back-home-single/id1173377523" target="_blank">iTunes</a>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">(Released May 2017. Available on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-want-it-all-single/id1236515456" target="_blank">iTunes</a>)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>You are also a writer? How did you get into writing, and
what do you write about?</i><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Kenneth I write the things the Lord
puts on my heart. In the Old Testament, the prophets would get a word from the
Lord or a prophetic burden. Ideas for books come to me that way. My first book
was a burden about diversity in the highest levels of the Air Force. It’s
called “The Air Force’s Black Ceiling”. The Lord would not let me drop the
idea. Every time I would come to Him about what goals He wanted me to focus on,
He would say finish the book. I can see now why. Hundreds of copies have been sold
touching people all over the country and set the stage for the sequel that I am
writing now. I have written a book for Christian businessmen, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Verses-Christian-Business-Leaders/dp/B01N3262L3/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502678307&sr=8-1&keywords=Ivan+Thompson+25+Essential+Bible+Verses" target="_blank">"25 Essential Bible Verses For Christian Business Leaders"</a>. A book called<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Increasing-Your-Skills-Abilities-Area/dp/1520660340/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1502678479&sr=1-1&keywords=Ivan+Thompson+Increasing+your+skill" target="_blank"> “Increasing YourSkills and Abilities in Any Area- Hidden Bible Secrets to Success”</a> which shares
my secrets to songwriting and how I have written seven books in eight months. I
wrote a book called<a href="https://www.amazon.com/You-Should-Distractions-Detours-Destiny/dp/1521020604/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1502678832&sr=1-1&keywords=Ivan+Thompson+You+should" target="_blank"> “You Should- Distractions and Detours to Divine Destiny”</a>
which is a book that talks about how in the midst of your search for divine
purpose you have all these people in your life saying “you should” do this or
that. I have written a book on fitness and I have a book on Confidence coming
out at the end of the month. I have three other titles that I plan to finish
before the end of August: “Finding Next—A Book of Divine Seasons”, “The Air
Force’s Black Pilot Training Experience” and “25 Essential Bible Verses for
Fathers”. All of my books, e-books and audiobooks can be found on Amazon,
Barnes & Noble, iBooks, and Kobo.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: times new roman, serif;">(These are just 2 of his books. See links above, and search his name titles in the various listed markets above)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Wow! You indeed have been very busy, and are going on all cylinders, brother! May God bless your endeavors.</i></span></b><br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Let's segue to your personal life. </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">You are a father; can you tell us more about your life as a
father, and possibly share some sage words?</span></b></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I am a father of five. We had a
blended family, his, hers and ours. I could write a whole book giving you sage
words in fact I am! Look for it in July, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/25-Essential-Bible-Verses-Dads-ebook/dp/B07471HVWR/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1502679131&sr=1-1&keywords=Ivan+Thompson+25+essential+bible+verses+for+fathers" target="_blank">“25 Essential Bible Verses forFathers”</a> and look for a chapter I wrote on guiding your kids into their divine
purpose in the book “You Should”. I will say this though, you need the
anointing of God to be a good father. You need the discernment and leading of
the Holy Ghost to discover God’s purpose for your child and to guide them
toward it. You need the Holy Ghost to have patience and show love and to
overcome your own weaknesses as you model Christian living before your kids. I
made a lot of mistakes in front of my kids, some which led to divorce from
their mom. It has taken every bit of the grace of God to recover from that and
still impact the direction of their lives. Get the book.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i>Speaking of making mistakes, how
do you come to terms with mistakes you have made, especially if you
disappointed people looking up to you, and embarrassed people who were vouching
for you?</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">It’s been rough coming to terms with
some of my mistakes but I follow the example of David. He sinned, repented and
got up and moved on. He asked God to create in him a clean heart and to renew a
right spirit within him versus going in the corner paralyzed and useless
because of his past sins. If God can forgive me and I can forgive me then too
bad for anyone else that decides not to</span></i></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Amen to that brother! You're preaching for real! As Christians, some of us, if not all of us, have a
testimony to share. Do you have one to share</i></span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>?</i><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">My complete testimony is not ready
for prime time. I’m not sure when that day will come but it will. The early
manifestation of my testimony is seen in part in the lives of my kids, in my
music, my military career, my acting credits and all my recent books. I have
overcome so much in my life, especially as a child that it is miraculous that I
am still here.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i>Rofl @ ""complete testimony not
being ready for prime time. Is it that hardcore, too raw and real for church
folks to handle, or still a work in progress?</i></b></span><br />
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I don’t feel led to answer this question.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Fair enough, I'm sure we can read between the lines.</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>So as incredibly talented as you are, what do you see yourself
accomplishing in the near future?</i><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Thanks for the compliment Kenneth. I
think I have only started to scratch the surface. I believe God wants me to
share my talents on a national level and beyond. That’s acting, singing,
writing, speaking, consulting. I’m laying the groundwork in all these areas now
and God is helping me to restore the years the locust and the cankerworm have
eaten to give me enough time to accomplish the success He has shown me in
dreams all the way back to age four. Thanks for selecting me for this
interview.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>You’re welcome, Ivan. And I pray that God would perfect what he has begun in you, and use you to the glory of his name.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i>Do you have any last words to
readers who may have a past, have made mistakes, or given up on pursuing their
dreams?</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /><b><i><span style="color: red;">
You can’t use your mistakes as an excuse to be like the one talent man in the
parable of the talents and hide your talent in the ground. You will give an
account to God for what you did with the talents and the assignment He gave
you. Abraham, Moses and David all made huge mistakes, deliberate sins but moved
on to do great things for God</span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Visit Ivan's website <a href="http://www.launchproductions.net/index/" target="_blank">Launch Productions</a> to learn more about him, his vision, passion and outreach</span>Promo Inc Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03427222061688830822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112806294590598160.post-74087205695671280832017-06-09T16:00:00.000-07:002017-06-09T21:02:21.357-07:00Conversation with Duane Moody<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; line-height: 21.4667px;">Duane Moody is an Associate Professor of Voice at Berklee College of Music, Boston MA, is a principal artist with the "Three Mo' Tenors", is a professional vocal musician, among other accomplishments. Below is my conversation with him.</span></div>
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<b><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31167" style="line-height: 21.4667px;">Great to have this conversation with you. There’s so much I want to cover, so let’s just dive into it. Have you always wanted to be an opera singer? Would you call yourself an opera singer?</span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, "lucida grande", sans-serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 21.4667px;"><br /></span><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31170" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;"><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31171" style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;">No, I have not always wanted to be an opera singer, but when I started to take voice lessons at the age of 13, I understood what opera was all about and grew to realize that I had the chops to try and obtain success in that genre of music. I would call myself a professional vocalist who specializes in many different genres of music.</span></span></span></b><br />
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<span style="line-height: 21.4667px;"><b>"You understood what opera is all about". For us newbies, what is opera about?</b></span><span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; line-height: 21.4667px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, "lucida grande", sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; line-height: 21.4667px;"><b id="yiv3367440116yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1496372326677_25833" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Opera is life. The difference, is that opera is delivered through the art form of music and lyrics combined in a way that takes you on a journey. All of that depends on whether or not the production is any good as well. You can have an elaborate Zeffirelli production or a minimalist approach to the same opera and have the same effect, because the message truly is in the music of the art form of opera. Opera is fantasy. You can take yourself on a journey through whimsical lands that you've possibly only read in books. Opera is history. There are several operas that are written based on an historical context. If one allows themselves to open up to the inclusion of the European style of classical music, combined with other genres of music that have yet to be infused into the operatic realm, opera in itself, can take on a new life of it's own. But, of course, for anything to be sold to the masses, they must be educated on the basics, and with music being on the bottom of the totem pole in our public education, I fear that art forms like opera will soon die out.</span></b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, "lucida grande", sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31174" style="font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, "lucida grande", sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><span style="color: blue;"><br /><b>How did you become an opera singer?</b></span><br /><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></span><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31177" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; line-height: 21.4667px;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I became an opera singer through my training and eventually through me getting hired by different companies to perform that style. I just happened to step into this style. I was raised on Motown, Funk, House Music, Gospel and R&B, so for me to think that I could become an opera singer was truly a dream because there was nothing in my upbringing that inspired me to become an opera singer.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 21.4667px;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i><br clear="none" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;" /></i></b></span></span><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31180" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; line-height: 21.4667px;"><b>As a kid, I was so impressed with watching Handel’s Messiah being done by some choir on tv, and was amazed the human voice could sound so other worldly! What do you find amazing about being an opera singer?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><br /></span></div>
<span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31320" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; color: red;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The strength. The beauty. The agility. The costumes. The orchestra. The chorus. The stagehands. The Production Crew. I mean what is there that is not amazing when one speaks of opera? {smile} But in all honesty if I had to narrow this question down to one answer, I would have to say the music. The music is what gives the voice the life. Without the music, I would be obsolete. Without the music the term opera would be null, along with many other varieties of music that we enjoy today. So yeah, the music. And the ability of the music to tell the story and with me being the vessel that carries the words, I had to learn how to become a part of that musical style that was not really a part of my spirit. That, for me, a kid from the ‘hood, was a bit difficult to grasp, but I figured that out {laughs}.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; color: red;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Speaking of music, are you a musician? What instruments do you play?</span></b></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; color: red;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></span>
<span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; color: red;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b></span>
<span id="yiv3367440116yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1496372326677_25956" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>As a vocalist I'm a musician. Never understood this discussion that vocalists aren't musicians and that musicians are only instrumentalists. But hey, an educational moment. I do play other instruments though, as a musician. I play the piano. I used to play the trombone, the french horn and the baritone horn. Those instruments were played in middle school. Singing took over when I went to high school. Mainly b/c I felt more of a passion from the vocal music educators than the band educator</b></span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><br /></span>
<span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31192" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;">Other singers of other genre of music feel just as passionate about their genre. Out of all the genre of music, why does opera connect with you so much?</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><br /></span><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31195" style="line-height: 21.4667px;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Why not opera? I get that from the Black community all the time, especially in my family. “Why opera? Why not an R&B album or Gospel album?” (yes, album) {laughing}. Now, I understand why that question would pop up which can be stemmed from the latter part of my answer above. Opera is not a part of who I am as a Black American/Descendant of a slave, in my experience growing up. But see, my Mother always wanted a vast educational/life experience for me and my sister’s lives. My Father was just along for the ride {snickers}, but he learned too. But anyway, opera was something I stumbled on because I took voice lessons. I just wanted to learn how to sing better, because I knew I could sing, but I also knew that I wanted to learn the fundamentals. Getting the fundamentals meant learning the “proper” way to sing. Well, as I learned how to produce that European Classical traditional sound, I fell in love with how I was producing that sound. Little did I know what kind of competition I was going to be up against in this genre not dominated by Black American influence. Looking back, I should have gone the route of my culture. But hey, I’ve had a great career as a classical singer.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i><br clear="none" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;" /></i></b></span></span><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31198" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><b>Hahaha! Yeah, you are in a field that doesn't really have a lot of African Americans in it. Tough choice! LOL!!<br />As a trained singer, do you do other genres? I remember seeing a video of you killing a Bob Marley song. You were amazing!</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.4667px;"><br /></span><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31201" style="line-height: 21.4667px;"><span style="color: purple;">Thanks. I appreciate that. And yes, I sing so many different genres it’ll make your head spin. That’s the fortunate instance in learning how to sing well. Even though I had to learn how to produce that European Traditional Classical sound, I learned how to take that technique and apply that technique to the many other styles of singing that I grew up with and was always around in high school, i.e., R&B, Gospel, Soul, Funk & House Music. Little did I know that me applying that technique would be a benefit to my career when I was asked to be a part of the <a href="http://threemotenors.com/portfolio/duane-a-moody-tenor/" target="_blank">‘Three Mo’ Tenors’</a>. We sang at least 8 to 10 different genres of music every time we sang. We were ferocious.</span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 21.4667px;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I know! You guys were awesome! How long were you with them?</span></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 21.4667px;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">I'm still with them. Albeit we haven't had a solid performance for almost 2 years, I'm still, technically, a member of Three Mo' Tenors. So It's been 10 years now.</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><span style="color: blue;"><br clear="none" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;" /></span></span><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31208" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><b>I listened to your CD on iTunes, and I believe that’s what drew me to reach out to you. What can you tell us about that CD?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Check out his CD on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sur-mon-voyage/id1085194322" target="_blank">iTunes</a></span></div>
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<span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31211" style="line-height: 21.4667px;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Well, ‘<span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31212" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;">Sur Mon Voyage</span>’ is definitely a labor of love. Self-produced and self-marketed, this is just one of the many projects that I intend on releasing. I just wish I had more resources to get the word out in regard to getting people to purchase the project. And with that I thank you for giving me this outlet to promote my project. This particular project is done in collaboration with <a href="http://www.music.umd.edu/faculty/music_directory/voice_opera/r_timothy_mcreynolds" target="_blank">Dr. R. Timothy McReynolds</a>, who is one of the pre-eminent pianists here in the Baltimore/Washington, DC Metropolitan area. The pieces that we are doing span many centuries in regard to different styles of classical music (yes we actually have different styles of music in classical, similar to different styles of gospel). We start with Mozart then go on down the line to Franz Liszt then turn into the period of Verdi then into early 20<sup id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31213" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;">th</sup> century with Richard Strauss (late romantic/Modern era) and ending with an homage to the Negro Spiritual (The Black American Art Song) entitled The Carter Cantata (late 20<sup id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31214" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;">th</sup> century). Now that piece (The Carter Cantata) has never been recorded with full orchestra, from what I understand. I hope to submit that opportunity to an orchestra and hope they bite.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><span style="color: red;">What gravitated you to these particular songs for your labor of love project?</span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><b><i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i></b></span>
<span id="yiv3367440116yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1496372326677_26065" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>The beauty of Strauss. The difficulty of Mozart. The familiarity of The Carter Cantata. Personal choice. Uuum, most of those songs have been in my repertoire for over 20 years, but as I grow as a vocal musician I begin to interpret the music differently as I mature. Even now, those songs that I have on that CD are sung much better almost 2 years later. </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, "lucida grande", sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>I noticed that you have several collaborations on iTunes. What helps you decide which artist to collab with?</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Normally whomever is paying the bills is the one who decides who collaborates with whom (laughing). The only project that I've had sole control over is my classical recording 'Sur Mon Voyage...' and in choosing the collaborator for that, Dr. Reynolds and I have worked together on many different concerts together, as well as many recitals in the past, so he was one of my first choices. I do plan on doing future productions with other musicians that I've worked with in the past. Usually I collaborate with people that I've worked with in the past and have enjoyed working with. Let's just say I haven't worked with most people that I've worked with in the past (laughing)... Hell, they don't wanna work with me anyway...I've tried to get into their productions to no avail. The trials of someone who has always been honest with the people I confront... I've created a lot of silent/smiling frenemies.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><br clear="none" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;" /></span><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31221" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><b>Rofl! That's a trip! Opera drama of making frenemies. Hahaha!<br />So although I don’t consider myself eloquent in classical and opera music genre, Luciano Pavarotti was someone I was into. He was a beast with his singing. And the incomparable Jessye Norman is one I have even purchased her music. Who helped inspire, shape and define your musical identity as a singer?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><br /></span><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31224" style="line-height: 21.4667px;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>I would have to say that my teachers, the good and the one bad, who helped to shape the identity of my sound. From Mr. <a href="https://music.gmu.edu/staff/sam-bonds/" target="_blank">Samuel Lee Bonds</a>, who taught me how to breathe, to Ms. Beatrice Krebs, who taught me what not to do (may she rest in peace), to Mr. Wayne Conner who taught me how to get that tenor squeal in my sound and to the great Phyllis Curtin (may she rest in peace) who taught me the mental aspect of singing that I didn’t realize until 10 years after I stopped studying with her. I’ve had many coaches that I’ve worked with who have been instrumental with developing my sound, but especially Dr. Mark Markham who really helped me to bring everything together with the voice you hear today at 46. I’m still working on my sound as we give this interview today. I never stop learning. Now as far as inspirations, I would have to say, for me, Leontyne Price. I saw her on television doing a commercial for The United Negro College Fund in the 80’s and that helped me to realize that perhaps I could do this for a living. Of course I have sung with many greats on many great stages around the world, and many of them, some of whom have passed on, are truly inspirations to me, especially Samuel Clark Stevenson and Jerris Cates.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><br clear="none" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;" /></span><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31227" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;">Speaking of singing with greats, lets get superficial for a minute. Are there any celebrity opera singers or musicians you would love to work with?</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 21.4667px;"><br /></span><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31230" style="line-height: 21.4667px;"><span style="color: purple;">Unfortunately, no. The art form has become such a joke. Everything just seems to be so affected and put on. No one takes risks. All they rely on is gimmickry. Even the singers who actually have voices. Just because one is able to take their shirt off doesn’t mean they can sing the art form of opera well. Unfortunately, we live in a very visual society and the appreciation of the art form is fleeting and all too many care about is celebrity. Celebrity helps marketability which helps capitalism (people buying things they don’t need). {smile} Honestly, I would love to work with Tina Turner, Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan, Anne Nesby (who opened for me when I was singing with 3 Mo’ Tenors), Maureen McGovern, etc….<span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31231" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;"> </span>And if I had to choose an opera singer who is “famous”…..the more I think about that, I know all I need to do is call on my colleagues. They are some of the best non-famous singers in the business of opera.</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><br clear="none" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;" /></span><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31234" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><b>As with almost other genre of music - some of the best singers are the non-famous ones. <br />As a black man singing opera, where do you see yourself?</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21.4667px;"><br /></span><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31237" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><b>Working. Thankfully, I am employed at Berklee College of Music as an Associate Professor of Voice. I’ve been there for 10 years. Me working there has not infringed on my performing schedule, thankfully, but this opportunity does allow me the flexibility to come back to DC and look after my Mom, who is a stroke survivor. I plan on releasing some more projects in the future. A jazz project with a trio, and hopefully a project with full orchestra. Again, these projects cost and are not inexpensive. And no, I’m not a GoFundMe kind of person {laughs}.</b></span></span><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><br /></span></span></i></b>
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><b>That's a very noble thing you are doing, looking after your mom. My regards to her, and here's hoping the best for her.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><b>Hold up! No GoFundMe for you? Not even if a bunch of us are ready to give towards your project? Lol</b></span></span><br />
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<span id="yiv9613178005yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1496372326677_26307" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: purple;">If that were the case I'd have project after project released by now. Look...I know a few millionaires, and I've been introduced to people who supposedly have the ability to make me a star. I'm not sure what the deal is, maybe my mouth is just too damn big, but no one is knocking down my door to promote me or any of my projects. I'm in this thing on my own. I've sent former producers, Facebook friends and the like (all millionaires or people who know them) my screenplays and my ideas for shows and...nothing. Not even after my debut with The Boston Pops would anyone touch me. I even had a well-established talent agency tell me that things looked pretty good in regard to my career...(blank stare) I had one instance where a producer in the UK asked me what type of singing "gives me joy". When I wrote back and said that singing gives me joy, give me a song from any genre and I'll sing that song...I never heard from the man again. BS I tell you... Pure bull#@*t. When you realize that you're really on your own, financially, unless you support a certain ideology of capitalism or play this simple a#* game, you begin to look at life and how you market yourself differently. I know I don't have the wealth to market myself to make myself famous. I'm comfortable with that. I understand my lineage as a descendant of a slave as a Black American. Unfortunately, as I used to, too many spend too much time striving for something that one in a million only get (and that number is probably generous). And usually that one 'lucky' person does everything not to teach Black America (the ones that are left behind still struggling, surviving, hoping and praying) about how this system really works or doing anything to build community wealth.</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>You have said a mouthful right there, Professor. And you may be right, as you said in your own words, you may have a "big mouth". But that's what makes you your authentic self.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, "lucida grande", sans-serif;">What do you love most about being a Professor of Voice at one of the world's premier college for music?</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif;"><span id="yiv9613178005yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1496372326677_26473" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span id="yiv9613178005yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1496372326677_26472" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>The time that I have with my students. I learn so much from them. I learn so much about our broken society. And in learning these things and all these people from different walks of life throughout the world, I become a better person in how I pass on my knowledge to future musicians. I love the fact that I am surrounded by an enormous amount of talent in our students. This pushes me to become a better educator. To give to my students that something more that I didn't have in my education. And baby, that's a lot, because I received a fierce education from my humble beginnings in SE, Washington, DC through the public school system (Simon Elementary, Hart Middle School and F. W. Ballou SHS), to my three degrees from The Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University and The Boston University. I got some of the best tutelage. All I can do now is educate people to know that just because you get educated doesn't mean you have to forget who you are. You just have to learn how to work your show in adapting to all types of cultures and environments throughout this world while staying true to ones ideology. That's what's missing in our educational system today. Access to know that there is a whole world outside of ones neighborhood, environment and culture.</b></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><br clear="none" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;" /></span><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31250" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><b>That reminds me. I’m supposed to have at least a session with you to get some professional pointers in singing. What made you become a voice teacher?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><br /></span><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31253" style="line-height: 21.4667px;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>I was asked. I was working on Broadway doing Three Mo’ Tenors and I was called by the great <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elisabeth_Withers" target="_blank">Elisabeth Withers-Mendes</a> (Tony Award Nominated actress for the original ‘The Color Purple: The Musical”) who asked me if I would be interested in teaching at Berklee. I was like, ‘why not?’ And the rest is history. Thanks to Jan Shapiro (now retired professor) who hired me and for Berklee for keeping me employed. I am having a ball, especially when I have students who WORK!!!</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21.4667px;"><br clear="none" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;" /></span><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31256" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><b>How do you usually go about with your voice lessons?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><br /></span><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31259" style="line-height: 21.4667px;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>I always ask my students how they are doing. What’s going on in their lives. Make sure there isn’t any drama that I’m going to have to contend with during the lesson. If there is, then the lesson immediately turns into a talking lesson {laughing}. But if things go well, I always start with a review of the last lesson and then we go down the line. Breathing exercises, vocal warm-ups and then going over music. As the lesson goes on, the student can ask as many questions as he/she wants. That’s really how you learn. Asking questions.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><b><i><br clear="none" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;" /></i></b></span><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31262" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><b><i>What makes you a good teacher?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><b><i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i></b></span><span style="color: purple;"><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31265" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">The best teachers are those who have experience as well as academic knowledge. The problem we have now with teachers is that many are just great performers or great technicians, but you don’t have many, like myself, who are great performers and great technicians. That’s what’s missing in our educational institutions. Professors who are technically proficient but know how to apply that technique to every day performance life.</span></i></b></span><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31268" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"> </span><span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: "californian fb" , serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31277" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><b><i>For readers who would like some development and guidance in singing, how do they go about getting help from you?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><br /></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31280" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;">Getting help from me? Well, you can reach out to me through <a href="https://www.facebook.com/duane.a.moody" target="_blank">Facebook</a> </span><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31282" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"> or <a href="https://twitter.com/DuaneAMoody" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31284" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;">, or go to my website, <a href="http://www.duaneamoody.com/" id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31285" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">www.duaneamoody.com</a> and send me an email, or reach out to me through Berklee College of Music </span></i></b></span><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", helvetica, arial, "lucida grande", sans-serif;"><i>(See his <a href="https://www.berklee.edu/people/duane-moody" target="_blank">profile page</a> on the college website)</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><br clear="none" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;" /></span><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31289" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><b><i>I follow you on social media, and I thought I was opinionated, but you sometimes really lay down the hammer. Lol. What would you like readers to know about you beyond what is perceived via social media?</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><br /></span><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31292" style="line-height: 21.4667px;"><b><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am all about putting money back into the hands of Black Americans/Descendants of Slaves. Unfortunately, because I have decided to take this on, my career will suffer. I believe in going against the status quo of capitalism (buying things that we don’t need). Many of our Black celebrities have become over the top wealthy by exploiting our poverty and not teaching us about Black Politics. Black Americans only own 2.6% of the richest country in the world’s wealth. A country mind you, that was built off of the backs of our ancestors who gave their lives with no compensation. This has nothing to do with our spending habits, but with the FACT that we own NOTHING. Income is not wealth. Please check out <a href="http://www.breakingbrown.com/" id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31293" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">www.breakingbrown.com</a> on YouTube every Monday and Wednesday from 9pm to 11pm. Very informative and full of DATA. Not just opinion, but opinion based off of DATA. Be informed and try to support Black business when and if you can</span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: italic;">.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><br clear="none" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;" /></span><span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Any last sage words to share to readers?</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: "californian fb" , serif;"><br /></span><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31299" style="line-height: 21.4667px;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>I am the song struggling to be heard. Now, I may be struggling, but I’m not tired. Work on trying to start from the bottom to get to the top. OWN EVERYTHING!!!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><br clear="none" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;" /></span><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31302" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><b><i>Thank you for your time, Duane.</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><br /></span><span id="yiv6776030499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1495031169138_31305" style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif; line-height: 21.4667px;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Thank you Kenneth and you’re quite welcome.</span></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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Promo Inc Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03427222061688830822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112806294590598160.post-89639766371254299212017-03-20T14:40:00.000-07:002017-03-20T14:40:24.636-07:00Post-Oscar Conversation with Calvin<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Award season has been over for a minute, so I decided to have a quick chat with Calvin Bonds.....excuse me, Dr Calvin Bonds, who happens to be very active during award season</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBE4Wg3EJ3isxmg86PiyHnBxKqJQGuU8RRqxg00acuXN2zGe2sD0dEogNOk5seJPwreiZmMcS6_eVaHEXITggbAQkyqe0TVo-cJcRQMHrkceuwhgz4Pd9t_Dt-nC124hZFXi6Sc8FouL0/s1600/With+Oscar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBE4Wg3EJ3isxmg86PiyHnBxKqJQGuU8RRqxg00acuXN2zGe2sD0dEogNOk5seJPwreiZmMcS6_eVaHEXITggbAQkyqe0TVo-cJcRQMHrkceuwhgz4Pd9t_Dt-nC124hZFXi6Sc8FouL0/s320/With+Oscar.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>I
decided to have this conversation with you, as I know you are actively involved
with the activities of award season. Is it safe to say things have slowed down
now that The Oscars are over?</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Well as far as the entertainment events go, the cycle
begins again. Films will begin being submitted to festivals and people will
begin to petition voting members of the academy to check out their projects in
hopes for an eventual nomination.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>For
those who don’t know, how exactly are you involved in the activities of the
award season?</i></span></b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I am a U.S. Rep for the PR Firm, <a href="http://londonflairpr.com/" target="_blank">London Flair PR</a>. </span></i></b></span><b style="font-family: "californian fb", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i><span style="color: red;">We had two films nominated for the Oscars this year: </span><span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3470600/" target="_blank">Sing</a> </span><span style="color: red;">by Kristof Deak, which actually won
the Oscar and </span><span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5699202/" target="_blank">Timecode</a></span><span style="color: red;"> by Juanjo
Gimenez. I had the pleasure of being with them throughout their journey during
certain Oscar festivities.</span></i></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Describe
a typical day in what you do in this regard?</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">A typical day consists of me preparing for a red
carpet event. First and foremost I have
to make sure that I have all of the information and passes for the event. I
also will make sure the client is prepared and will arrive at the event on time
to do the Step and Repeat (Red Carpet). Once I arrive at the event, I will check
in, get the red carpet passes and meet the client on the carpet. We will then
proceed on the Step and Repeat. I will announce him or her and the movies or
television shows they have been in. I will also secure interviews for them with
reporters. After we have finished the red carpet, we would proceed to the event
where I will initiate introductions/ conversations between my client and
Hollywood producers, directors, actors, executive producers and other prominent
people in the room. </span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="color: blue;">That sounds pretty exciting in the grand scheme of things. Have you ever had an A list client you were really impressed over (not suggesting your other clients are any less impressive)? Can you name drop, or that's pushing it?</span></i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></i></span></b>
<span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b><i>*Laughs Out Loud*<br />Yes, but I think they all are A-listers in their own way in my book. I'm impressed with all of them indeed. It's my job to meet them where they are (which are on different levels) and challenge them to go further in their ability to get their names out there. I have to admit I have a pretty good list of clients.</i></b></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Fair enough, my friend.....fair enough. So how
long have you been doing this?</i></span></b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I have been dong this for a total of close to 10
years now, so since I was 11 years old (Laughs out loud).</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Aww, you cute baby. Momma put you to work early, huh? LOL. So h</i></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>ow
many award shows did you participate in, including the lunches or dinning
leading up to it?</i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Lol…aw man I don’t know. I usually just go to as many
as I can during Oscars season. I will say that I have attended enough to
continue my gym membership. The food is amazing! lol</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><b><i>I can imagine. That's world class cuisine and fancy eating. Get you eat on, bruh! So w</i></b></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>hat leads up to The Oscars?</i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;">Well there are submissions of films to festivals.
There are petitions for films to be voted on by voting members of The Academy.
There are a lot of promotion going on as well. It takes a lot for a film to
make it to Oscar level. </span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>I
saw some pictures that you shared. What can you tell us about those
experiences? </i><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I have pictures posted of an Oscar Luncheon with some
of the Best Picture and Lead Actor nominees. I also have pictures on the red
carpet being interviewed on the night of
the Oscars. I must say this whole experience is nothing short of a blessing and
I am humbled and thankful to be a part.</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Thank
you Calvin for taking the time to do a quick catch up with our readers<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>!</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Thank you for doing this awesome interview with me.
It’s always a pleasure to talk with you. </span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Promo Inc Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03427222061688830822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112806294590598160.post-77088810635973581522017-03-03T12:09:00.000-08:002017-03-03T12:10:53.991-08:00Conversation with a DC Police Officer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrKTbedn0zg4JaA3J9hsVF77PF9lD5J_88dRDLvpQYXbkjdqyTZeA0oMHmK0v14km_VGbgw0nWPElySLMaIrzH0hGathN4kx68xfXD0r8hD8oIYVF-IuSd9acA9mGVLdXD-KDjw7sxfs/s1600/Police1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrKTbedn0zg4JaA3J9hsVF77PF9lD5J_88dRDLvpQYXbkjdqyTZeA0oMHmK0v14km_VGbgw0nWPElySLMaIrzH0hGathN4kx68xfXD0r8hD8oIYVF-IuSd9acA9mGVLdXD-KDjw7sxfs/s320/Police1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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The below Conversation is with a Washington DC Police Officer. We did this interview anonymously because I didn't want to jeopardize his employment. Somewhere along the line the line, he got cold feet of sorts, and declined answering supplementary questions I had for him. I was going to delete the preliminary interview we had done, but decided I might as well publish it anyhow. So here goes</div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><br /><br />This should be an interesting conversation between us.
Like I told you when I found out you’re a cop, I’m not a big fan of the DC police
but I’m ready to keep my mind open.</span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;">How long have you been a patrol officer?</span></b></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">10 years</span></span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;">What was it about being a police officer that you
admired?</span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">The way you can help anyone from the youngest to the
oldest. Unlike other occupations, being a police officer you have so many
different hats to wear (a friend, counselor, protector, a comforter)</span></span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;">As a young man, what were your dreams and passions for
life?</span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">As a young man my dream was to make it to see the age
of 21. Growing up where I did and in my environment there were a lot of killings, and I lost most of my friends between the ages of 12 to 19 so I just wanted to see
my 21st birthday.</span></span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;">How did you get to join the police force?</span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">I was newly married and had a child on the way so I
needed a job with benefits, and the MPD was hiring.</span></span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>Growing up in the environment you did and seeing what you saw,
what was your impression of the police? Were they your enemy or your friend,
and why?<br /><br /><span style="color: blue;">(NO RESPONSE BACK)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;">What was the reaction of your family and friends when
you informed them you were joining the police force?</span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">There were mixed emotions. A lot of my family members were excited for me to become a police officer. However a few really hated the idea. My only brother hated it and didn’t talk to me for several years after I became one.</span></span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><i><b>Why do you think they hated the idea? In your opinion, what was
the impression your neighborhood had of the police?<span style="color: #c00000;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">(NO RESPONSE BACK)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;">How long was the training program, and what did it
involve?</span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">Training at the academy took 8 to 9 months and it
involved all the DC and Federal Laws, physical training and weapons training.</span></span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;">What do you love most about being a police officer in
the Capital city? What brings you pride and accomplishment about it?</span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">I love being a police officer in DC because I can help
people that I grew up with and help the city that I was born and raised in.</span></span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;">In your opinion, why do you think there is a disconnect
between us the people and the police? I know there are worthy officers of
repute and integrity, yet somehow it always seems the #%@% up ones are the ones more people encounter</span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">The reason there is such a disconnect is because some
officers and citizens don't want to understand what the other side goes through.
A lot of citizens don’t understand the stress and craziness that we have to go
through everyday, and all of the problems we have to deal with. Also a lot of
officers don’t know what people have to go through everyday living in DC. A
lot of officers don’t care about the citizens. They look at being a police officer as a
job, but it’s much more than that.</span></span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><i><b>But officers are everyday people, so they KNOW what citizens
experience daily. Obviously wearing the uniform mentally alienates an officer,
but does the culture in the police force encourage alienation and separation
from the citizens (to enable you enforce the law)? And why?<span style="color: #c00000;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">(NO RESPONSE BACK)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;">I love the TV show Blue Bloods. Would you say it is an
accurate depiction of the brotherhood you officers share?</span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">I like that show as well and parts of it is true. You also have to understand that it is show so it has to add exaggerated excitement to
it.</span></span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;">I know you cant speak for officers who give the good
ones a bad rep, but lets just assume you can. What do you think makes some
officers see us the public as the enemy, rather than the ones they should
protect?</span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">Because some officer don’t treat citizens as
individuals. A lot feel that if one person does it that all are going to do it
and that’s not the case.</span></span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><i><b>Power intoxicates. How would you describe the power and
authority you feel when you wear your uniform, and know most people will do
anything you tell them? Be honest now<span style="color: #c00000;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">(NO RESPONSE BACK)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;">I know you, and you have been nothing but an upright
and exemplary man I’m proud and honored to call a friend, which is why I was
shocked to find out you’re not just a police officer, but a DC police officer.
Obviously my perception is flawed. How would you suggest I begin to repair my
flaw, and learn to celebrate you guys like you deserve?</span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">Understand that the officers that you had a bad
encounter with don’t represent every police officer that is out here. Treat
officers off the experience that you have with them instead of past experiences.
99 percent of officers are great people and care about their community; don’t
let that 1 percent have a negative effect on you .</span></span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><i><b>I hear you. As a force (and an insider in the force) do a
majority of you guys feel like you want to repair the flawed image we have of
you, or it really isn’t something you guys stress over collectively?<span style="color: #c00000;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">(NO RESPONSE BACK)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;">What’s the big mistake we as the public should never
make when you stop us to question us?</span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">Dont make the mistake that all of us are bad officer.
There are some bad officers but not all of us.</span></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;">If we feel a police officer is bullying or abusing us,
what should be our appropriate response?</span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">Call for a higher ranking official to respond whereever
you are and talk to them. If you fight with the police you are going to
lose. We as a people need to go about the right way to get where we want to go.</span></span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><i><b>How do I call for a higher ranking officer when I am stuck in my
car at 9pm with a crooked, shady and shiesty officer trying to strip me of any
dignity and self worth I have as a human being?<span style="color: #c00000;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">(NO RESPONSE BACK)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><i><b>You know we cant have this conversation without addressing the
increasing deaths of black men encountering white officers. When you hear of
these incidences, where does your loyalty gravitate to? To your brothers in
blue, or your human brothers….and why?<span style="color: #c00000;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">(NO RESPONSE BACK)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><i><b>Do you personally know any racist fellow brother in blue? Lets
keep it real now<span style="color: #c00000;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">(NO RESPONSE BACK)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><i><b>In your opinion as an insider, do you think the police
brotherhood culture is trying to actively stand against these senseless
incidents, or you guys are just giving us a public image, and behind closed doors,
you’re standing with and supporting your blue brothers, regardless if they are
guilty?<span style="color: #c00000;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">(NO RESPONSE BACK)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><i><b>How prevalent is racism and corruption in the force? <span style="color: #c00000;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">(NO RESPONSE BACK)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><i><b>If your son said he wanted to join the police force, would you
support and encourage him? Why?<span style="color: #c00000;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">(NO RESPONSE BACK)</span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;">If we want to support or volunteer to help the police
force in any way, what can we do?</span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">Go to your local police station and ask what you can do
to help.</span></span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;">I’m sure you have faced some pretty risky situations in
your service. How will you convince an aspiring youth who wants to join the
force?</span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">Just to follow your heart and don’t let the bad
experience you had change that.</span></span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;">Any last words of advice you have for us, Officer?</span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "lustria" , serif;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Nope</span></b></i></span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Promo Inc Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03427222061688830822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112806294590598160.post-3177299083519493702017-02-21T08:16:00.000-08:002017-02-21T08:16:55.557-08:00Conversation with Joshua<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfMW1E8SXdam0D02Xo7ZFVd-iLx77nKXm6I6URrSF8tgzQ8uHXhOz5ArXzPnoZiDk0gUsW-ALMrgoJilbn1NHmWO9Z7IQTHpBNc8EtRCXJHTf2SV4tRgWMU-iUvQ9lWUZ95cQNNV5aTU/s1600/Joshua.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzfMW1E8SXdam0D02Xo7ZFVd-iLx77nKXm6I6URrSF8tgzQ8uHXhOz5ArXzPnoZiDk0gUsW-ALMrgoJilbn1NHmWO9Z7IQTHpBNc8EtRCXJHTf2SV4tRgWMU-iUvQ9lWUZ95cQNNV5aTU/s320/Joshua.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Finally, we get a chance to have this conversation. How
are you doing with yourself?<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I'm doing great, blessed and highly favored to Gods glory</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>For readers who don’t know you, how would you describe
who you are and what you are fervent about?<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am Joshua Adeleke Miracles, called and chosen by Jesus
Christ with the commission to "go and make humanity realize their
authority as gods, so as to rule over the devil, for the devil is a slave to
the regenerated man." This is the commission that has been graced on me to operate in
the Apostolic/Prophetic office by God, with great signs, wonders and undeniable
miracles of healing via the power of the Holy Ghost confirming the preaching
and deep teaching of Gods word.</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Wow! That's a lot of boldness, but praise God for his grace. Did you always know you would be doing what you’re doing
now? <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i>I have always known that I was different from my peers ever since I was a child, because of the way I saw angels and the way I saw things in life from as
early as one year old. However, I desired and worked towards becoming an
engineer. That changed, and my divine mandate took over at the age of twelve - and I have been on that journey for 23 years now and still growing
stronger<o:p></o:p></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><i>You saw angels as a child? Can you tell us more about that?</i></b></span></div>
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<b style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This happened when I was 2 years old. I entered
my mother's goldsmith work shop and saw a bottle of chemical she used to wash
gold. I climbed on a stool, took the bottle, opened it and garbed it
all up. This started eating up my internal organ and I was rushed to Sokoto
teaching hospital in the northern part of Nigeria. They battled to save my
life by using all known methods to heal me, but none seemed to be working. It soon became trial and error as all the doctors had giving up and concluded I was going to die.
However, God miraculously healed me as I saw angels singing "my head, my
shoulder, my knee, my tole, they all belong to Jesus." this brought my
instant healing and all the doctors and nurses in that hospital gave their life
to Jesus Christ and started attending the church my parent were attending. </span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>From the moment the idea or thought was conceived in you
regarding what you’re doing now, to when you actually found yourself living it
out…..was it easy to transition into, or did you have to process yourself into
it?<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I</span><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">t was n</span></span><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">ot easy. I felt too different from others at a point that I wanted to run from the call. However, just like prophet Jeremiah, I discovered I can't run or change my divine destiny, for it is like fire shut up in my bones.</span><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>What’s the name of your church/ministry, and what’s
unique or especial about fellowshipping with you (this would be a fine time to
upsell your ministry….without going overboard. Hahaha!)<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hahaha! The name of my ministry is Rain of Favour
Ministries Int'l, we operate in itinerant and media. Currently, I am helping to
grow my friends church when ever I am not having ministrations, conferences or
crusades in or out of South Africa. The church is 2 years hold now and we have
a stable membership of 150 to 185 every Sunday</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: "calisto mt", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>So how did a young man like you, relocate to
Johannesburg, and start up a church that’s thriving so quickly?</i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">One major lesson the Holy Ghost taught me is to always
get clear instructions from the headquarter on the 5W/1H
questions before moving to any place of divine assignment Daddy God sends me
too. The 5W/1H questions are: What, Why, Where, Who, When and How. I can
explain this 5W/1H questions better in teachings and preachings as I do for
ministers/leaders of churches and ministries around the world. These
questions are very important because they help you
have clarity of purpose in the assignment God sends any
minister and the GREAT GRACE of God guaranties you heavens backing to meet
people and achieve incredible results in the place you are sent to. This is my
secret for winning in this 1st land of South Africa God has sent me too. </span><span style="color: #500050; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>That's very well said, Preacher man! </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Every preacher has one core message that seems to
maneuver through their message. For Joseph Prince, it is Grace, for Joel
Osteen, it is sharing testimonies about the goodness of God. What would you say
your core message is?<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For me, it is knowing one's identity and operating in one's divine authority ( Psalm 82:5-7; John 10:34-35). The commission for my life came at the early age of 14 years, after I had already started preaching at age 12. God
took the needed time to prepare me for 23 years for this great mandate on
my life to the world. So I say to all, 'Preparation is key and
very important, before manifestation in our journey to life
and ministry exploit'</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">How did you get the commission from God at 14?</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: red;">After I turned 12, the Lord Jesus Christ always appeared to me on my birthdays. At 14 years, Jesus came to me and showed me Psalm 82:1,5-7 and John 10:34-35, then he said this words to me,"GO AND MAKE MY PEOPLE REALIZE THEIR AUTHORITY AS gods, TO RULE OVER THE devil, FOR the devil IS A SLAVE TO MAN" This is my heavenly commission backed up with the above scriptures.</span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>You’re a published author. What books have your
published, and what would you say each book’s resounding truth is?<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "segoe ui" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">To the glory of God, I
have published three books titled:</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "segoe ui" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "segoe ui" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A. OVERCOMERS MENTALITY(
Wisdom for Overcoming the Pains of a Warped Self-Image)</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "segoe ui" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Have you ever been haunted by your past? Do you feel like
life is not worth living, because of your bad experiences? Do you feel like
giving up on life for almost all have giving up on you? or that you can never
attain the big dreams and promises from your childhood anymore?</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "segoe ui" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Trust me, i have been there and out by God's great grace. Overcomers
Mentality is the book you need to read, for it gives you</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "segoe ui" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">* The power to break free from the pains of your past flaws and
failures.</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "segoe ui" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">*Helps you to see yourself the way God positively sees you.</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "segoe ui" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">*Show you how your perception of your image affects your
relationship with God and men, and how to heal it.</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "segoe ui" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">B. YOU CAN DO IT. This book quotes helps you every day of the week
to step out and achieve more than you could have ever achieved. it pushes out
the best in you.</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "segoe ui" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">C. POWER TO BECOME. The bible says: " To those who believe in
Him, He gave them power to become..." This is a 120 daily quote book
that birth the supernatural achieving power of God in you out and empowers you
to destroy the yokes and hold of every accusers against. </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "segoe ui" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #500050; font-family: "segoe ui" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Would it be safe to assume you’re working on another book
in the possible nearest future?<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Oh yes sir! Lots of books to be published. I already have
about twenty Holy Ghost inspired book titles that will be out as
heaven instructs me when to release them for the
benefit of God's people</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Some people have really jaw dropping testimonies of their
salvation experience, while others have a regular and seamless transition. Do
you have anything to share regarding your salvation experience and transition?<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In humility and all glory to God, I was preached to at
age 11 in the boarding school I attended and at age 12, Jesus appeared to
me in a class as we all gathered to pray and called me into the ministry by wearing
me a white robe and putting in my right hand a staff and in my left hand a big
jingle bell, then He told me to look outside the class and I saw billions
of sheep in different colours and sizes. Jesus then said to me
that I would lead them all with the staff and the big bell he placed in my
hands. He also said to me that as from that day on, he would honor me and do all
that I say out of my mouth, for my words would be His words and I would only say
what he instructs and permits me to say, for my words would always carry his power
and authority to accomplish all that is desired. He finally
told me, never to be moved by what I see, hear, or feel, but only be moved by
His word. That I should make all words of men secondary, but His word (the
Bible and divine instruction from the Holy Ghost) the primary words that guide my life and destiny. This is the testimony of my salvation
and my calling into the Apostolic/ Prophetic Healing ministry</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Wow! Indeed, very extraordinary and maybe even daunting!<br />So if I zoom into the distant future, what would you want
your renown to be of?<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A global preacher called and chosen to preach
the true word of God for salvation, healing the sick and raising the dead
physically, financially, maritally and spiritually
to God's glory alone</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>By the way, in the midst of being a busy preacher, you're also a lecturer. Tell me more about this. What do you lecture, and where, and how did you start this?</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>I lecture Mathematics, Life Sciences (physics and chemistry) and Life Orientation at a technical school called Northward Technical College (a high school for American readers). I teach Grade 12 and matric re-write students; I started this earlier this year, and it came about when a friend of mine was contacted by the school as they were in an urgent need for a math and science teacher. My friend told me about their need, and the Lord gave me the go ahead to help them out. It has been a great blessing to me and the school since I took up the offer</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Any words of encouragement to share with that person
dealing with issues or character flaws that just don’t seem to be aligning with
who they are destined to be?<o:p></o:p></i></b></span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;">Any work God has commissioned you to carry out on earth, once you
get the clarity of the 5w/1h (i.e the What, Where, When, Why, to Who and How)
just go ahead and do it against all odds. Faithful is He who has called you and I, and who also will do the work through you as He is doing it through me. God bless
you.</span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thanks for the chat.<br />Below are videos of Joshua in a TV interview</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b>
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Promo Inc Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03427222061688830822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112806294590598160.post-77415327144690381882016-07-12T03:30:00.001-07:002016-07-12T03:36:06.287-07:00Conversation with Goldie Reed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jG8pKI9XAR5KdYOM9u-R9INqf34UVg1TR0zcRs2FcwbRCjjQHEEOM3id3_yZZAgSyvhpWXO6OpT2zXnGwUyfjknB6d3lJIh8IwUcai8tyFS1cBwQ0Xvaxv0AxAu6UoRGjp3zlhb1TXg/s1600/Goldie.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jG8pKI9XAR5KdYOM9u-R9INqf34UVg1TR0zcRs2FcwbRCjjQHEEOM3id3_yZZAgSyvhpWXO6OpT2zXnGwUyfjknB6d3lJIh8IwUcai8tyFS1cBwQ0Xvaxv0AxAu6UoRGjp3zlhb1TXg/s320/Goldie.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank you for agreeing to have a
conversation with me. How is your ministry going, and what is it basically?</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My primary ministry is
evangelizing, and it is going great by God's grace. </span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For those who don’t know you, how do
you carry out your evangelism? How is the Lord using you? </span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My ministry overall is
reaching out, encouraging, empowering broken relationships, broken homes and
communities.</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I read your book, and I was like WOW.
Why did you write it? What were you hoping for?</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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.</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31flLlTa9sL._UY250_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31flLlTa9sL._UY250_.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>(Available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Goldie-Reed/e/B00KQV8BVS/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1468319311&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon as Paperback and ebook</a>)</b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
noticed you did not hold back. You poured out everything. Were you ever
concerned about people judging you?</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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)</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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?</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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!</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“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</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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?</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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!</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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?</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank
you for elaborating on that. What about people who tried to use your falls to
judge or condemn you?</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">They who
are without sin, go ahead throw your stones. I HEAR ALL OF MY CRITICS, I'LL
ANSWER THEM NONE!</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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 </span></i></b><a href="http://www.christianpost.com/news/pastor-zachery-tims-died-from-cocaine-heroine-mixture-says-nyc-medical-examiners-office-111176/"><b><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">the late
Zachery Tims</span></i></b></a><b><i><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">). How would you speak on such a situation?</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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.</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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?</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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.</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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?</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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".</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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?</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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.</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">What motivated you in
continuing to do it all those years? </span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hurt and
disappointment are a very toxic concoction.</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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?</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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.</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">You’re happily
married now. Congratulations! Do you ever get affected by your past memories of
things you did?</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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. </span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Forgiving
oneself can be so hard. Have you completely forgiven yourself? How do you
process it? </span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I have
forgiven myself, and yet it is not as easy to escape the distant aroma of
yesterhurt! </span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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? </span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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.</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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?</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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.</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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? </span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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.</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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? </span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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.</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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?</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We grow
from faith to faith to glory to glory, my glory is just getting started. </span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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? </span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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. </span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Any final words for
our readers? </span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">How can people
connect with you if they have questions for you, or need to ask or share
something with you?</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
fellowship with </span></i></b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/victoryoutreach.summerlin/?fref=ts"><b><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Victory
Outreach</span></i></b></a><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">. My ministry name is </span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">SAY NO YO
COMMUNITY OUTREACH</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> (contact me on how to join
or support on </span></i></b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/say.newsflash"><b><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Facebook</span></i></b></a><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> or </span></i></b><a href="https://twitter.com/MrzGoldieC78"><b><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Twitter</span></i></b></a><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">)</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank you having a
Conversation with me</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "californian fb" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">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</span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "californian fb" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Promo Inc Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03427222061688830822noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112806294590598160.post-38310595823320712212016-06-07T10:07:00.000-07:002016-06-07T15:16:40.986-07:00Conversation with Septimius the Great<br />
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<a href="http://www.septimiusthegreat.com/publishImages/index~~element71.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.septimiusthegreat.com/publishImages/index~~element71.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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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.<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Where do we start? I
think lets just get right into it. What year were you on America’s Got Talent?
<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">September
2015<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Why did you opt for
AGT and not American Idol? <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hold
up. You’ve participated in AGT for 3 years? 2013, 2014, 2015?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">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)</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: red; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: ""; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How was it like
getting to be on it? <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It was a
great experience, fun and eye-opening to learn about reality TV. Plus I always enjoy
meeting and chatting with Nick Cannon.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It must
have been nice meeting him. What was most interesting about
meeting him?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2013 – Funny and
loved my costume <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2014 – Remembered
me and we laughed and I gave him my number for future business meeting hopefully
(video clip is on my website)</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2015 – Loved my costume again<o:p></o:p></span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I hear
some of these reality shows have insane contracts they have you sign. How was
AGT’s?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Who did you meet in
the whole process? <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I met Nick
Cannon, Howard Stern, Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandel for the 2<sup>nd</sup>
time, but met Mel B for the first time.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Out of
all the celebrity judges, who were you the most excited to meet, and why?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Heidi Klum
because she and I have that Fashion connection<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What did you learn
from the process? <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Just how
reality TV is mainly for ratings, though they also try to discover unique talent.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">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? <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let’s go back to the
beginning. What was your dream as a child, and how did you embark on music? <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">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</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ah! So
you’ve been an artist in music since 2010. How would you look back on your 6
years in the game?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">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.</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You have a CD out. How
would you describe your music? <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My 1<sup>st</sup>
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.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<a href="http://c3.cduniverse.ws/resized/250x500/music/350/9677350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://c3.cduniverse.ws/resized/250x500/music/350/9677350.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Available on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/to-be-emperor/id969342578" target="_blank">iTunes</a>)</div>
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hey, how did you come
up with your name, and where are you from? <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The name was derived from my research in discovering a Black King or Ruler, and I discovered
Septimius Severus - 1<sup>st</sup> Black Roman Emperor from Africa. So I then
created Septimius The Great <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What was the creative
process behind your CD? <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You know what my
favorite song is. LOL!! What is yours? <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">"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.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">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? <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It's a small
independent label – <a href="http://www.motivatedartistmakingrecords.com/" target="_blank">M.A.M records</a> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">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? <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I see you on twitter
with your active itinerary. Where’s your next performance and project?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">7/17 –
Richmond, VA<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">8/8 –
Baltimore, MD<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">8/20 – NYC<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">9/17 - NYC<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">10/6 – Baja,
Mexico</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: red; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: font282; mso-fareast-font-family: SimSun; mso-fareast-language: AR-SA; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Who’s your dream
artist to work with and why? <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I would love
to work with Will.I.Am, Pitbull, Cee-Low, Lady Gaga or even P.Diddy.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What should we be
looking out for from you in the near future? <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have 3 new
single releases to come out is September, January, March and then album June
2018.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So are you taking a
break in 2017?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">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</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As you probably know,
I’m a born again Christian. What belief system do you subscribe to? <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Christian as
well, very spiritual but not much into religion – if that makes sense<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">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?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">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<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">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? <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Some
people focus more on the fame than the artistry or craft. What is your opinion
on that?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">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</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Any last words from
you brother? <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">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.</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thank you Septimius for the conversation. You can connect with him on these social media networks:</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b>
<br />
<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1465315324597_81711" style="background-color: white;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Website - </span><a href="http://www.septimiusthegreat.com/index.html" target="_blank">http://www.septimiusthegreat.com/index.html</a></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Twitter - </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/septimiusmusic" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1465315324597_81710" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.twitter.com/septimiusmusic</a></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Facebook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Septimius-The-Great/137821669574184" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="background: transparent; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Septimius-The-Great/137821669574184</a></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Youtube - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/blkmodelboi" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="background: transparent; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">http://</span><span style="background: transparent; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.8px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; white-space: nowrap;">www.</span><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1465315324597_81717" style="background: transparent; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.8px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; white-space: nowrap;">youtube</span><span id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1465315324597_81704" style="background: transparent; font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.8px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; white-space: nowrap;">.com/user/blkmodelboi</span></a></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">InstaGram - <a href="http://instagram.com/septimiusthegreat" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1465315324597_81719" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="background-color: transparent; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">http://instagram.com/septimiusthegreat</a> </span></i></b></div>
</div>
Promo Inc Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03427222061688830822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112806294590598160.post-43900398549325681872016-02-27T12:17:00.002-08:002016-02-27T12:25:11.161-08:00Conversation with Evans Ogboi<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
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Below is the Conversation I had with MOBO Award winning artist, Evans Ogboi, whose new music video "Shout Hallelujah" was released today.</div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;">How time flies. How would you say the last few years have been to
you?</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Glorious! I must say. The Lord is truly faithful to His word.</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Who would you say you are, and what you say you do?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I am a music minister, a songwriter, music producer, gospel
recording artiste and music director for RCCG Living Faith Connections, London.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;">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?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">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? <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: red;"> 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. </span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
your opinion, can a young successful man in Nigeria be limited in the height of
success unless they relocate to the Western world?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><span style="background: white;"> </span></i></b><b><i><span style="background: white; color: red;">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.</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">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<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: red;">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.</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lets
talk about you winning the MOBO Awards. What project did you win that for, and
what category?</span><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;">So did you do the red carpet. Did you see any artists you had
admired?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">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?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background: white; color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">LoL…. Yeah.. yeah..<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
How does it feel being an the exclusive class of individuals who has won a
MOBO?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: red;">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.</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;">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)?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Some would call that a mountaintop experience. How do you prevent
yourself from believing the hype, and staying true to your authentic
self? <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">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<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: red;">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.</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;">How many solo CDs have you released? When did you release your
debut CD?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">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".</span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Purchase music from<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/miracle/id312858800" target="_blank"> iTunes</a></span></i></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Purchase music from <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/songs-from-my-heart/id867840955" target="_blank">iTunes</a></b></span></i></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;">How many singles have you released from your latest cd?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Two, so far. The third is coming really soon.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;">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?</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hmm,
how long have you directed music…..?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: red;">Well, I'll say for about 13 years professionally.</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">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?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: red;">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!</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;">You are a happily married man, your spouse being an artist
herself. Have you two collaborated together?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">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.</span><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Purchase Purist music on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-need-you-ep/id731748539" target="_blank">iTunes</a></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;">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?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;">So what should we expect from you this year?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;">To the young man or woman dreaming of achieving success, what
would you tell them to commit to?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Any last words to share with the readers?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b><br />
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Promo Inc Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03427222061688830822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112806294590598160.post-49323362898891181002016-01-20T09:03:00.000-08:002017-03-24T09:13:47.708-07:00Conversation with Calvin BondsI have known Calvin for a handful of years or more now (how time flies), and he's always been a gracious friend. A Grammy listed singer and accomplished <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2679291/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" target="_blank">actor</a>, as well as being a leadership consulting coach about to complete his doctorate degree, and a wonderful Christian young man. Here's our conversation.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxNbGxQ_oNbLnccZn7C0ig2DstuqWIhk2D6iaLS1lsCGPTEaxuVg_1iif9z4yasCwfh6EHoT8rPM3Qk0FzHEOXkmBz5NWAsK5nljI4FakKqyylq3WNsE2X7aW7lo6y-W77gn4cSanniw/s1600/Calvin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxNbGxQ_oNbLnccZn7C0ig2DstuqWIhk2D6iaLS1lsCGPTEaxuVg_1iif9z4yasCwfh6EHoT8rPM3Qk0FzHEOXkmBz5NWAsK5nljI4FakKqyylq3WNsE2X7aW7lo6y-W77gn4cSanniw/s320/Calvin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>Calvin, where do we start? You seem to be so diversified;
I guess the easiest way would be to start with your passion. What are you
passionate about? What do you have a heart for?</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>Hahahaha…You remind me of that voice in the
back of my head that says pick one thing and stick to it why don’t ya! I must
say it has been quite the journey diving in so many different arenas, but my
overarching God-given passion is helping people through love. Under that umbrella you will find entertainment,
leadership and business, and education.</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>I remember a while ago I saw a picture of you on the
Grammy Awards Red carpet…..So you are a songwriter, and a singer? How do
readers get a chance to explore your musical talents?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i> <span style="color: red;">I am a member of the National Academy of Arts and Sciences
(NARAS) where I wrote three songs that made the Grammy Entry List for
international acclaimed artist, <a href="http://www.frankiedecarlosmusic.com/" target="_blank">Frankie DeCarlos</a>. </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>My songs include:<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">“Changing Colors” (Album
Title-</span><span style="color: blue;">Frankie DeCarlos/2008</span><span style="color: red;">)</span></i></b><span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://play.google.com/store/music/album?id=Bj5szfssua2vrku6lfgpvtfmjqe&tid=song-Tzcuewpo4t7ttuc7cht2gi5kxda" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/adofRE8FUrpuCVLnb_anGoKpOQIZTWXMEfEh6y9EOYNE8xDaH5Y1EY5YxL__ZSDJnHOZoqA9=w300-rw" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">“Loves Empire” (Album Title-
</span><span style="color: blue;">Empire/2011</span><span style="color: red;">)</span></i></b><span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://play.google.com/store/music/album?id=B7t5b2d7r6zgaom54cq3ubntnam&tid=song-Txnddhj24jbb7mrhynj2vqveduu" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/7jqqCdDp0N-faL8l72KtVpn6GaO7t0M5ZKttqlbR-ZYZJm8KHetK9sOUcCjtl9XWYvjQNO8B=w300-rw" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">“A Sunrise” (Album Title-</span><span style="color: blue;">9/2013</span><span style="color: red;">)</span></i></b><span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://play.google.com/store/music/album?id=Budb64awc3q5fv3piwvzqurg7xq&tid=song-Tupcwefi7xtfjlonubptr4wcexq" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/8MiFlqtOKEvGEv3Z2eCGYvPMK2FtlPyrmjwCT4Cintz0bkzEG6WHsJT2akQmxid7ZGN6b3Ds=w300-rw" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Frankie DeCarlos and Calvin Bonds on Grammy Awards Red carpet</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>You can find my songs on Itunes, Amazon, and
other major music purchasing platforms. You can an also buy them from <a href="http://frankiedecarlosmusic.com/empire/main.htm" target="_blank">Frankie DeCarlos Store</a><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>I am also an opera singer. I had the pleasure
of studying opera in Pisa Italy for a couple of summers and I have been
performing opera and spirituals every since then when time allows.</i> </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Opera? Wow! Black Pavarotti? *Smile*. What sort of
operatic voice do you have? For none operatic aficionados, who are you
comparable to? (I hate comparism, but here I am doing it. Hahaha.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Hahaha I am a baritone/bass. Pavarotti is indeed one of my favorite
singers. I’m intrigued by his passion
for singing</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>What arias do you do? </i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>I’ve done songs like Lasciatemi morire,
Amarilli mia bella, Caro Mio Ben. I also sing spirituals like Wade in the
Water, and Go Down Moses.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>I’m going to go out on a limb and say you’ve explored
acting as well. Can you talk about your acting opportunities and endeavors? </i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Sure Kenneth, I have a background in acting and
modeling. I moved to Los Angeles for acting and got my break booking a national
Pizza Hut commercial. Since then, I have been on shows like America’s Next Top
Model, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1046243/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_2" target="_blank">It’s Christmas (movie)</a>, Days of Our Lives (soap opera), The Story of
Jonah (movie), <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1908452/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_1" target="_blank">Addicted to Blood (Movie)</a> and a host of other things.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Someone saw me working out in the gym one day
in Los Angeles and asked me to be in their fashion show. I was SOOO skeptical
about that. I took a chance and it actually launched my modeling career. I have
had the pleasure of runway modeling in various fashion shows in the United
States and Africa</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>. </i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Ah! Supermodel you. Lol. How did you get involved in the
Hollywood scene, and what would you tell a young aspiring actor? </i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>I got involved with Hollywood through being persistent.
And that’s what I would tell aspiring actors.
Be persistent and keep God in front of everything you do! Your life
depends on it in this industry. </i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Now that we have your aesthetic and artistic ventures out
of the way, lets talk about your leadership training. You’re a consultant in
this? I am venturing out to say your educational background legitimizes you in
this field…..</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Hahaha yessir Kenneth! I am Global
Leadership Training Consultant and Coach specializing in Organizational
Development. Through using unique ways of creating a safe environment for
transparency and creative expression, I have been humbly fortunate to help
advance organizations around the world including United States, China, Hong
Kong, Nigeria, and Mexico. <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>A diverse background in education grounds my
position in leadership. I graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in
English and Music from LeMoyne-Owen College. I have an Executive Masters in
Business Administration from Irvine University, graduating as valedictorian. I
went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from University of Phoenix with a Masters
in Education in Adult Education and Corporate Training. And I am completing my
Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (Business) from Pepperdine University in
Malibu California. </i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Very impressive. Does your consulting agency have a
website readers can visit to learn more, and maybe contract your services?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thanks Kenneth, I can be contacted on </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://bondsstorytelling.com/" target="_blank">Bonds Storytelling</a>.</span></i></b><b style="color: red; font-family: 'Calisto MT', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i> I am also
on all of the major social media sites</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Has this always been your heart? Have you always known
this was the route you were going to travel? </i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>I had no idea that I would take this path. God is truly directing me on my journey. That’s the only way I know when to go right
or left, keep straight or take a different path. Having a relationship with God helps make the
impossible possible.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>For someone still trying to make sense of their route in
life, their lane or their path…..how would you encourage them to find their
path?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>I would encourage them to seek God in fasting
and prayer. I would also say take an
inner look at those things that you like to do or that you feel strongly about.
Ask yourself, “How do I make those things careers?” After prayer and
research…GO FOR IT!!!</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Hmm…..Fasting and prayer. It appears you have a very
personal and intimate relationship with God. Care to elaborate on how this came
about? How did you discover this relationship, and become so grounded in it?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Sure, it would be my pleasure. This
relationship came from being out here in Hollywood starting in 2002 not knowing
anyone. I couldn’t depend on anyone but God.
All I could remember was the teachings I received back in Memphis from
my mother and my church. Everything I learned was put to the test, because the
devil tried to attack me in so many ways. Because of those many dark moments I
am closer to God. God met in my breaking points and He’s been with me every
since.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Life obviously hasn’t always been rosy with you. Would
you care to discuss lessons you have learned from the trials life has spurned
you?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>I would be honored to. I learned that you
cannot put your trust in people. I have been burned so many times and it’s
nothing BUT GOD that has helped me to forgive and continue loving. Another
lesson is to become an entrepreneur. Working for someone can always be limiting
in some shape form or fashion. And you are not promised to have a job the next
day. Get your own stuff going. Get
multiple streams of income and learn how to work smarter and not harder. <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>For someone who thinks being successful in Hollywood and
having a personal and committed relationship with God are contrary, how would
you address this?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>God cares about everyone group of people,
including Hollywood. He cares so much until he sent Jesus to die for Hollywood.
If you know Jesus, and you are pursuing a career in Hollywood, then go for it.
Be successful and become a voice. I am a living witness that souls can be won
for Christ by being a light in Hollywood</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Part of what inspires me about you is your social
involvement. How did you or do you get involved in social causes, and what
motivates you to keep on giving? </i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>I got involved I social issues as a result of
my own life. I grew up in the hood and it was only by the grace of God that I
didn’t end up drugs, in a gang, or even dead.
I saw and experienced so much as a young African American man that I had
to do something. Now my plight is to give people of color the things that I
didn’t have growing up. </i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>At this point in your life, where do you see yourself
going from here? </i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>My goal is to love more. When this phase of life is over, I will be a
willing vessel to do whatever God has next for me. I wish I had a linear answer
but I don’t. I am okay with that as long as God is leading.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>What do you think about the fellow in California who won part of the $1.6 billion powerball? And I hear in CA, you don’t have to pay taxes on
lottery wins, unlike in other states.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>I hope he pays his tithes! Hahaha! I do hope he
spends some of his money to help people. <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>According to the California Lottery Winners
Handbook, winnings are completely exempt from state and local taxes. Federal
Taxes average between 25 to 30 percent. However, in 2013, federal taxes in
California went up to 39 percent. I said all of that to say, the IRS is going
to get their COINZ no matter what…Hahaha!!! My advice would be for winners to
look into charitable donations and tax advantaged accounts</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Rofl!! You’re right, Uncle Sam don’t play! He sho nuff
gets his coinz!<br />
Any last words you would love to share?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Keep God first and create your own destiny. You
only get one chance at this life. Make
it count through love.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>How do readers connect with you?</i></b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Readers may Google me, “Calvin Bonds” for my
social media platforms on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/calvin.bonds.9/photos" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvin-bonds-886082a4?authType=NAME_SEARCH&authToken=ilJN&locale=en_US&trk=tyah&trkInfo=clickedVertical%3Amynetwork%2CclickedEntityId%3A370432614%2CauthType%3ANAME_SEARCH%2Cidx%3A1-7-7%2CtarId%3A1453308989174%2Ctas%3ACalvin%20Bonds" target="_blank">Linkedin</a>, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2679291/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1" target="_blank">IMDB</a>, <a href="http://bondsstorytelling.com/about-the-artist/" target="_blank">personal websites</a>, etc.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Thanks for giving me a voice through this
platform. </i></b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Promo Inc Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03427222061688830822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112806294590598160.post-66477330785664427522016-01-03T13:13:00.001-08:002016-01-03T13:24:38.078-08:00Conversation with Levi Otis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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I must confess, although I was acquainted with Levi Otis on facebook, I really wasnt familiar with his work. We got to talking (and I had to do a quick education via <a href="http://m.imdb.com/name/nm5931973/" target="_blank">IMDB</a> lol), and here we are.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DuZZMRfkPBDRDce16oO5fCSgi1DWfbWMfUbikDgNV6Q-KBYI_fj5LZOofvXDK2I2fn0cxM5FQamq44F1xdp_i4NirdjMqRbkxUBQB6Ekeny7xp0R-B9QM2E0YgxIl1_tw0nUR0Xdp0w/s1600/Levi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DuZZMRfkPBDRDce16oO5fCSgi1DWfbWMfUbikDgNV6Q-KBYI_fj5LZOofvXDK2I2fn0cxM5FQamq44F1xdp_i4NirdjMqRbkxUBQB6Ekeny7xp0R-B9QM2E0YgxIl1_tw0nUR0Xdp0w/s320/Levi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: 'Calisto MT', serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: 'Calisto MT', serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: 'Calisto MT', serif;">Hello Levi. I’m going to be honest
from the get go. I am unfamiliar with you or your work, so this is a learning
process for me too. How was your Christmas holiday period?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msolistparagraph" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Well my holiday was well thank you.
I spent time with friends and preparing for season 2 of my web series
underPAID, and still promoting my series <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDbNVjqxO8igvyPhJhXqG1e68au6EO3r9" target="_blank">“Christian Brothers”</a> with the film
festivals</span></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Calisto MT', serif;"><span style="color: red;">.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: 'Calisto MT', serif;">We are going to come back and
touch on these two projects. Who would you say Levi Otis is?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msolistparagraph" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"><span style="color: red;">Levi is a busy man lol, I am a
productive person, A great friend a very passionate out going person</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: 'Calisto MT', serif;">What are you passionate about?
Someone once said passion is that thing inside that pushes you to act, give
birth to concepts, dreams and visions. So again, what are you passionate about?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msolistparagraph" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"><span style="color: red;">Lol so much, I am passionate about
my new film Company LeviNLA Film and the projects that I am working on 24/7 to
get out to the public. Be on the look out for season 2 of “underPAID” and
Season 2 of “Christian Brother” I take great pride in producing quality
projects and working with some great talent as well as new upcoming talent. I
enjoy being a actors first real project.</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: 'Calisto MT', serif;">I became acquainted with you from
seeing a reality series you posted online. Can you talk about underPAID? How
did you dream this, and venture out to birth it?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Calisto MT', serif;"><i> </i><u>Trailer to "underPAID"</u></span></b></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/C9DK8kKJ9qU/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C9DK8kKJ9qU?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"><span style="color: red;">Well how I came up with the idea of
underPAID, I use to work at a group home out here in California. I was the
group home therapist / Supervisor there. Well just the stuff that I saw there
was really funny to me and this was from the staff not even the clients. I had
staff borrowing money form clients and getting upset when the clients ask for
their money back. Staff taking the clients food cooking it for their self. All
kinds of craziness. So one day I was at the beach just relaxing and I thought
this would be a funny comedy and it all started from there and underPAID was
born. But the original title was “Dysfunctional Group Home” And also I would
like the readers to check out my other series “Christian Brothers” as well.
It’s really funny but totally different from underPAID.</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Ah! I have a similar project going on. When I
was in rehab for meth addiction, I met all sorts of characters from all walks
of life, so I’m developing a fictional novel on this.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"><span style="color: red;">Well I am glad to see you doing
better my brother and trust me I know comedy comes from everywhere.</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: 'Calisto MT', serif;">What more should we expect from
this interesting series? This is Season One, right?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msolistparagraph" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"><span style="color: red;">Yes what you saw was season one. I
am 75 % complete with rewriting season 2. I have went back to the drawing board
and revamped the concept of the show. I listened to the fans and the ghetto
critics lol and I think everyone will be pleased with season 2 and it’s growth.
It will be filmed in a different style and the jokes are super funny. Also
longer episodes.</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">What about “Christian Brothers”? Season 1 is
done, right? What can you tell us about it, how you got inspired to create it,
and what should readers expect?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Calisto MT', serif;"><i> </i><u>Trailer to "Christian Brothers" 2015</u></span></b></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dXEpmr_KNDU/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dXEpmr_KNDU?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Actually Christian Brothers season 1 is done and
currently out. We filmed this in April of 2015 and currently it has been
accepted in a few film festivals. Now I created this show for a digital channel
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TPNTeleVision/?fref=ts&ref=br_tf" target="_blank">(TPN TV)</a> via the Roku streaming device . With this show I wanted something
different from underPAID. So I had a idea for a show about two brothers who
were forced to live together. And they are night and day. This concept actually
hit me one early morning I was out hiking. It is sort of a take on the "Odd
Couple" It is really funny. You can check it out on TPN TV via roku or you
can catch the first 3 episodes on my <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/LeviOtisNLA" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a> </span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: 'Calisto MT', serif;">What other artistic output do you
have out there that readers can explore to get more acquainted with your
gifting?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msolistparagraph" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"><span style="color: red;">Lol I really love to write, but I do
dabble with sketching a little lol</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Lol! You dabble with sketching? You wanna tell
us more about that? (hehehe)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"><span style="color: red;">Well I like to sketch blue prints of
houses. I actually went to college to be a architect lol but came out
being a juvenile therapist lol go figure</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: 'Calisto MT', serif;">Levi, HOW did you even get into
this field you are in? It looks so daunting and exclusive, yet you seem to have
cracked into it.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msolistparagraph" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"><span style="color: red;">Well I have always had a love for
this. In high school and college I was in drama club. There I would write plays
and we would put them on for our peers. So it only made since once I moved to
Hollywood I would take it up a notch.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span> I
met other people who had the passion such as myself<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span> and I started working different
gigs in production and meeting more people and building great relationships.
Once I felt I was ready and more knowledgeable I start writing my own projects.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span> I have been blessed to work with
some great people who has given me great advice and encouragement.</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: 'Calisto MT', serif;">What would you tell that young man
or lady reading this, and trying to follow in your footsteps?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msolistparagraph" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">If you want it go for it. Don’t be
afraid to fail because that’s part of the journey. Always ask question, observe
and never be afraid to do things your way. Make positive relationships and do
not burn bridges<span style="font-family: Calisto MT, serif;">.</span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: 'Calisto MT', serif;">I know you have some “thangs”
baking in the oven. LOL. What should we expect from you not only in 2016, but
in the nearest future?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msolistparagraph" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"><span style="color: red;">Well I am working on season 2 of
underPAID that will film in the end of Spring, I also have started writing
season 2 of “Christian Brothers”, I will film my new show “Drink Of The Day”
this summer and I am scheduled to direct a few music videos and some short films
as well as appear in two new movies. Real busy year lol</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">A new show “Drink of the Day”, directing music
videos and short films, appearing in two movies……I hail you brother! You got a
busy and promising 2016 lined up indeed. God is good, and much success to you.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"><span style="color: red;">Thank you so much man, I truly love
this journey</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: 'Calisto MT', serif;">I know from personal experience
how funding can be challenging. How has that been for you?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msolistparagraph" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"><span style="color: red;">Yes funding is a challenge, But I do
have a go fund me account, I do bake sales, always looking for investors. The
money I make form other gigs I put aside for projects. Because I want my cast
to be paid as well as my crew. For some actors I was their first paying gig.
And I offer full IMDb credits for their participation</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">What’s your GoFundMe account? I wont mind
sowing towards something promising, and I’m sure a lot of others wont mind
doing the same.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">That means the world to me,
#SupportIndieProjects Here is the link <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: red; text-decoration: none;"><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/86g0g0" target="_blank">https://www.gofundme.com/86g0g0</a></span></span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: 'Calisto MT', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Calisto MT', serif;">(I encourage readers to donate and support with whatever they can. The amount we spend on our coffee, snacks or lunch can easily be sown in someone's dream. #JustSaying)</span></i></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: 'Calisto MT', serif;">Are there any causes that are
close to you that you’re involved in?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msolistparagraph" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"><span style="color: red;">I work with “Love My Neighbor
Foundation” I am the secretary. What we do is feed the homeless every Thursday.
I am there to support on location when I can.</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Calisto MT', serif;">(Love thy Neighbor Foundation can
be connected with on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lovemyneighborfoundation/?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. If you want to donate your time, finances, etc, you can reach out to them)<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: 'Calisto MT', serif;">Any last words you wanna leave
with our readers?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msolistparagraph" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"><span style="color: red;">If it makes you feel good, just go
for it. We can always redo what we did today tomorrow if need be</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msonormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: 'Calisto MT', serif;">How do readers connect with you?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="yiv7821074255msolistparagraph" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: red;"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">There are many ways to reach me <a href="https://www.facebook.com/levi.otis.1" target="_blank">Facebook</a>/ <a href="http://www.instagram.com/leviotis" target="_blank">IG</a>/ </span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"><a href="https://twitter.com/LeviOtisNLA" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. And also please subscribe to my <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/LeviOtisNLA" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a> </span></i></b><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></i></b></span><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">or just search Levi Otis or LeviOtisNLA</span></i></b></span></div>
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Promo Inc Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03427222061688830822noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112806294590598160.post-1516258432855500142015-12-29T04:37:00.000-08:002015-12-29T04:45:01.366-08:00Conversation with Joseph Sayibu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hprofile-xlt1/v/t1.0-1/p160x160/11698421_989126711120534_3546480960088998517_n.jpg?oh=abae5bfa66542b6da80d665511602abe&oe=5714F3F9" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hprofile-xlt1/v/t1.0-1/p160x160/11698421_989126711120534_3546480960088998517_n.jpg?oh=abae5bfa66542b6da80d665511602abe&oe=5714F3F9" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hello
Joseph, how has life been treating you?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;">The Lord
has been faithful and has kept watch over me. In all of life’s storms I have a
reason to praise His holy name.</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sayibu?
Whats the origin of your last name, and does it have a meaning?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;">Sayibu
has an Arabic origin. I’m not sure of its meaning. I’m a Ghanaian though.</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So
who is Joseph Sayibu? What are you about?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;">Joseph
Sayibu is a medical student. A church planter and former laity in-charge of the
Dunamis Assemblies of God Church, Zabzugu – Ghana.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;">He
is a born-again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and find life’s meaning in
sharing, through his writings, the good news of God’s gracious gift of salvation
through His son, Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;">He
is currently serving as a Bible Studies Coordinator, a Sunday School and
Midweek Bible Teachers Trainer for the Bible Study and Sunday School Department
of Jinzhou International Christian Fellowship (JICF), China. He is also an
Elder in the Fellowship. </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Your
book, <i>“Delilah, Excuse Me!”</i>, is a
rather u</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">nique and catchy title. Who’s you intended audience, and why did you go
for this title?</span></b></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11109820_1018119404887931_8651158075711893241_n.jpg?oh=4b122ef3cc6b0490818ea3fdd96e57a8&oe=571F3633" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11109820_1018119404887931_8651158075711893241_n.jpg?oh=4b122ef3cc6b0490818ea3fdd96e57a8&oe=571F3633" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;">"Delilah,
Excuse Me!" is intended for Christian young men, single or in a
relationship. <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;">The
Christian young woman can as well benefit from this book.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;">I
chose this title to remind my readers that, sometimes, all we need to do when
we encounter seducers is to say, "excuse me." </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lol! I like that! "Excuse me??" So
what’s the book about?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;">“Delilah,
Excuse Me!” is a book based Proverbs chapters 5 and 7. This book teaches the youth
how to overcome sexual sin, and the strategies of temptation by strange women
around them through the application of proven biblical principles. <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;">The
Strange Woman has developed a phobia for her own house. Her feet abide not in
her house. She loves the dark hours. She has excessive display of affection.
She cherishes physical contact, hugging, kissing, petting, necking, fondling
etc. She has no regards for morality. She speaks profane. Her lips are sweeter
than honey. She has seduced and wounded many men, and torn apart marriages. Who
can resist her flattering tongue and captivating kisses?<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;">In
this book, you will find answers to the following questions: <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;">Who
is Delilah the Strange Woman? <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;">How
do I recognize her? <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;">How
does she operates? <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;">Who
are her victims? <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;">How
do I avoid her? <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;">How do
I live pure in a sexually corrupt environment? <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;">Where
is the thin line between Sex that rejoices God and Sexual perversion? <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;">And
many more... <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;">This
is not just another of those books that seek to reprimand you, leaving you with
no hope. It's that which will move and bless your heart, and not merely inform
your mind. It's a message from God full of heavenly wisdom and understanding to
help you flee immorality, and to give you hope for a new life in Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;">Who
is the Delilah in your life? This book is a warning: Beware of Seducers!</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Wow! Man of God, you have a lot loaded in there! A lot to meditate on, and digest on. Is
this your first published work?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;">Yes!
It’s my first published work.</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Should
we expect more publishing like this from you? You obviously have an anointing to speak to this modern generation, and not trying to be politically correct.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;">Yes!
I hope to publish as many titles as the Lord would give me. So you can expect
more.</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If
there was one resounding message you would like to proclaim, what would it be?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;">It’s
not old school to go pass adolescence and still a virgin. Only the marriage bed
is honourable but whoremongers and adulterers, the Lord will judge. </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What
is the one thing about you that you would like our readers to know?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;">Dear
readers, I’m very open and would appreciate your feedback on my works. So let’s
connect on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/joseph.sayibu1" target="_blank">Joseph Sayibu</a> (www.facebook.com/josephsayibu1) and on <a href="https://twitter.com/josephsayibu" target="_blank">Twitter</a> (@JosephSayibu) You can also stop by my blog at www.josephsayibu.wordpress.com</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How
do people get copies of your book? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;"><i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s
available on Amazon as an ebook on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Delilah-Excuse-Me-Joseph-Sayibu-ebook/dp/B013JEGOYE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&tag=josesayi-20&linkId=46ec6009703f9c0db36db209c562dc59" target="_blank">Kindle</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Delilah-Excuse-Me-Joseph-Sayibu/dp/1500482080/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=" target="_blank">paperback</a>. </span></i></span></b></div>
<br />
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<i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe Print";"><b><span style="color: red;">Thank you.</span></b></span></i><b><i><span style="font-family: "Calisto MT","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
Promo Inc Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03427222061688830822noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112806294590598160.post-70301808601614141142015-12-15T02:08:00.000-08:002015-12-15T02:16:54.045-08:00Conversation with Osene Ighodaro<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwLhFnTqB_pS5H9JJbnonTZIXl9tHm7huv9NnydV_WAj2ouwAjSCv-d96PqBgrzHGMvj-uZ8_-_Vs7ZbDLN2UuJiHUmW8LH-6IlV1-4qyRJ7HE4NAxlJRqs4peyhRkFL3wHtiE795wQWI/s1600/Osene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwLhFnTqB_pS5H9JJbnonTZIXl9tHm7huv9NnydV_WAj2ouwAjSCv-d96PqBgrzHGMvj-uZ8_-_Vs7ZbDLN2UuJiHUmW8LH-6IlV1-4qyRJ7HE4NAxlJRqs4peyhRkFL3wHtiE795wQWI/s1600/Osene.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;">On our Christmas edition of Conversations, we are having a moment with the anointed worshiper, Pastor Osene Ighodaro. What can I say about her? She has been unique and extraordinary in her anointing, as she has touched and affected lives all over the world</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m excited to be having this Conversation with you. Where do we
begin? LOL. For those who are being introduced to you, your anointing and your
ministry, who would you say Osene Ighodaro is? <i style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;">Hi,
hmm I will say a God lover, wife, mother, psalmist, singer….</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Your voice has literally touched lives. The first time I heard you
sing, I was mesmerized. What would you list among your influences that has
helped define you as a singer and artist?<span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">What
not who?....<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;">I
will say a personal conviction of what and why I do what I do, comfortable in
my own personal expression and unique God given ability (anointing) and my song
being my “voice”</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As a professional artist, you’ve released multiple recordings, but
one of them is timeless, especially in this season we are in. Why did you
decide to record a Christmas carol cd?<span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;">This
Holiday happens to be one of my favorites and I grew up singing about a white
Christmas decades before I saw my first snow LOL We had these elaborate
services at CGMI I looked forward to them and started digging deep into all the
season and celebrations involved.</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<a href="http://images.cdbaby.name/o/s/oseneighodaro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" src="http://images.cdbaby.name/o/s/oseneighodaro.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>("Osene at Christmas" is a her interpretation of Christmas classics sung as only her can sing it. And it is available on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/osene-at-christmas/id573801807" target="_blank">iTunes</a> and <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/oseneighodaro" target="_blank">cdbaby</a> - a very special gift to get this season)</b></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">You have a unique version of <i>Hark
the Herald</i>. What inspired it, and how did you make it so…….unique?<span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5lPk8Xy8hPE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5lPk8Xy8hPE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I
was singing the hymn decades ago (smile) and I fell in love with the 3<sup>rd</sup>
verse and made me love it even more because Christ came so we can be born a
second birth. This is what delvers us from the kingdom of darkness into life.
For me to see redemption connected to birth all in one song, that was for me
the GOSPEL- Jesus was ” born that man no more may die”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;">I
worked with an amazing producer <a href="http://herbmiddleton.com/#!/about-herb/" target="_blank">Herb Middleton</a> and this song is a result of
the fusion of ethnicity, style and love of the song and the graces of everyone
involved.</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Your most recent recording, <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/osene-live-in-concert/id1030864411" target="_blank">"Osene: Live in Concert"</a> was a live worship recording. What do you
love most about that recording?<span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This
will be a tough one (smile) there were many memorable moments that I loved
picking one out will be hard. I grew up in that city (Benin City) so it was
great being back there. I had a great time in the rehearsals that we did not
include in the video but were life alteringing moments. There was a unique
anointing in that particular meeting that is rare..<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;">The
people who came out to be saved was the moment for me. And I had numerous
testimonies of healings that took place so I still want to give God ALL the
glory for a glorious time in his presence during that live recording. So,
though it was a live recording, it was an experience with God so I think that
is what I loved the most.</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Let’s do a little time travel to the past. Can you talk about being
a young lady, and appointed as the music director of a 500 voiced choir? What
was it like seeing your gift make a way, yet see all the fears and naysayers?<span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;">I
will say challenging and intimidating but one of the great experience that has
shaped my life. The great choir (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_Ef_UeMQGU" target="_blank">Christian Redeemed Voices</a>) had seen great
music directors before me and I was one of many at that time. All I wanted to
do was “sing” and share all God anointed me to do. So naysayers on one hand didn’t help because
they did not understand my passion, my difference, innocence, fears and vulnerability, but they pushed me to God and that was the
safest place to be “With God”. I don’t know if the level of intimacy I found in
those times could have been developed were it not for the challenges I had… God
opened the doors and they were big doors and I knew God would not leave me
alone.</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Wow, you indeed are speaking a word that anyone reading can receive and apply in their current situations.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Does being so musically gifted and anointed mean proving yourself
always, charting new territories to explore, or staying in your known lane?<span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;">I
would say, don’t stop discovering what Gods put in you. You are your own
limitation. You don’t have anything to prove to anyone, you have “you” to
discover for yourself and when you discover you, share that with your world. That
is the unique difference and blessing you are to your world. Then you can
appreciate other gift without the feeling of competition. Travel your lane and
work your gift and produce GOD results</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Amen! That's what I seem to be learning - not proving myself, but discovering and being myself.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Right here in this moment, what would you say you are working on?
Where is your anointing and creativity being invested in right now?<span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Besides
being a mother to my three wonderful children (smil</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">e) I have been working on the next phase for <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwKkB9snPnK5dL1yJuBJ8hbLin5gTSSp-6s-aU5aDlSDCO62q61mdcceNs_Zzreb4UgAsdCqttZVh1jENes-9InWjIecY9UEiA-CPe2hiYDByuEVNywe6twzmcyyM3slhLMUZ7jpvO9M7m/s1600/flyer+2015+TOR.jpg" target="_blank">“Times of Refreshing”</a> and
the next phase of that vision is pretty awesome. Putting finishing touches to
my book and cd</span></i></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Nusong Ministry – For readers who are not familiar with your
umbrella ministry, how would you describe the vision and what it is all about?<span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Nusong Ministries is a ministry
with a mandate to minister the love and healing<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">power of God to the world through
Music and Ministry.</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></i></b></span><b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: red;">This brings
together a team of leaders, musicians, and intercessors, who function in various local assemblies but are united in the vision to strengthen the
Body of Christ. We go to a place by the
leading of the Spirit we set up meetings and just minister and in that atmosphere of God’s presence and
people can step into it and have an
awesome experience in the spirit not just for that moment but they get to take that experience with them. </span><span style="color: #444444;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Can people get involved and participate in it, and how?<span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif";"><span style="color: red; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Absolutely!!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif";"><span style="color: red; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Attend
any of our “Times of Refreshing” Events in your area (follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Nusong-Music-42094505599/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/nusongmusic" target="_blank">Twitter</a> for updates)<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;">Pray
for our various outreach and missions projects.</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ministries and nonprofit organizations can always benefit from
charitable donations. Would you mind sharing some things the ministry is doing,
and how people who have a heart to give can donate? (I know, this is the part
you’re not very comfortable with)<span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Well, we are involved in musical outreaches,
interdenominational worship meetings, mission projects, as well as
publishing materials for free distribution.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">On our website, there is a donate button on the
nusongministries page that allows you financially contribute from
anywhere in the world. It also tax deductible</span></i></b>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>(Visit <a href="http://osene.blogspot.com/p/nusongministries.html" target="_blank">Nusong Ministries page</a> to read about it, and make donation)</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Oh, I just remembered. You are a published author. Tell us about
your book<span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">“Praise,
it’s what I do”…..<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;">Yes
my first book it is a product of a revelation of our direct commitment and
involvement in praise and worship. It is not a cliché’ it’s our participation
in our relationship with the ONE we praise and worship.</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Is there a new book….and cd in the works?<span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;">Oh
Yes! Been taking my time but it’s all coming together. ’ Will announce a
release date soon</span></span></i></b><b><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;">.</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As an anointed Pastor, what last words would you want to leave with
our readers?<span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I
would like to encourage someone out there that God is not through with you so,
don’t give up on yourself. It doesn’t matter where you find yourself. Jesus is
only a prayer away. Talk to Him! He is still the expert at turning things
around.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>To connect with Osene:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>Nusongmusic.com</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 18.4px;"><b>twitter.com/osene</b></span></span></div>
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Promo Inc Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03427222061688830822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112806294590598160.post-20541284396122881132015-12-06T17:12:00.000-08:002016-08-17T23:08:25.019-07:00Conversation with Victoria Theodore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In this edition of Conversations, the featured guest is Victoria Theodore. What can I say about this multi-talented lady? The one word i would describe her as is dedication - to her craft, and to her art. From the very first time I got acquainted with her, she has exhibited sheer dedication to her craft.</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>Its been a while I touched base with you, and a lot has transpired with you. How are you feeling with your musical journey?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I’m feeling great! Optimistic, inspired, excited!</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>The first time we got acquainted was back on MySpace (lol, how time flies). You’ve gone on to be a musician on a national late night TV. For our readers who don’t know, please talk about that experience, how you got on board, and how the whole late night talk show atmosphere/experience is.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">In May 2013, I auditioned and was hired to perform as the keyboardist/singer on the new Arsenio Hall Show. It was an exhilarating process. We had to keep it secret for months, and then were featured on several entertainment shows before we launched on September 9, 2013. Everything about the experience was incredible: playing with the best band on television, working with Arsenio, meeting celebrities, accompanying superstar musicians, having my hair/makeup/wardrobe provided on a daily basis. It was a dream.</span></i></b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #9900ff; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">..</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>Back in the day, you used to spend hours daily practicing your musicality, and for us onlookers, it seemed so regimented. Are you still committed to a structured rehearsal time?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I try. But now that I run my own business, I’m not just an artist. I’m also in charge of marketing, art design, programming, booking, managing, accounting, social media, etc. I just don’t have the time to do everything I need to do to ensure my business success as an artist and practice the way I’d like to. I do the best I can, given the circumstances. But it’s an honor to be in this position: I have an album and the skill sets to handle it!</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>I completely understand needing to do everything while building ones business. Kudos to you.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>Finally!! I’m so glad your stellar gifting can be experienced in the new music you have out. What should readers who purchase your music expect in this cd?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">My album, Grateful, is a collection of original songs that reflect my varied background, but are tied together by themes of inspiration and hope. My songs are very honest, at times poignant. I usually see at least a few people with tears in their eyes at every show.</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>Was there a unique creative process to birthing the final songs? Any specific or even poignant inspiration?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Not unique: sometimes I let the piano lead me. Other times, I’d have a lyrical concept and let that lead me. The songs do reflect some of the challenges I’ve experienced in life, but the bottom line always comes back to hope, gratitude and strength.</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>This is probably a redundant question, but how long have you been a keyboardist, and how did you fall in love with the craft so deeply to stay so committed to it?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">My mother says I started playing when I was 2 years old. I don’t remember that, but I also don’t remember not playing. When I was 12 years old, I saw the pianist <a href="http://www.biography.com/people/andr%C3%A9-watts-9525373" target="_blank">Andre Watts</a> perform, and I knew in that moment that I wanted to be a pianist.</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>You have worked with Stevie Wonder, correct? Are there any other names we can unabashedly drop in here (modesty has been officially banished from this conversation. Lol)</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I toured with Stevie Wonder for nearly 7 years. With him, I’ve performed with too many iconic musicians to mention. A few: Prince, Sting, BB King, Jeff Beck, Smokie Robinson, John Legend, Indie.arie, Esperanza Spalding, etc.</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>Wow! Toured with him for years? That's incredible! You must learned a lot just working with such a world class artist. Is there a dream artist or singer you would want to work with?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I already have: working with Stevie Wonder is a dream!</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>So what’s next for you?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I’m performing my own music! I’ve been booking small venues across the state of California, and have been having the time of my life performing house concerts in the homes of various fans. I love performing for a massive audience (I’ve played in front of hundreds of thousands with Stevie), but the intimacy and personal connection that I make with a group of people in a private home, performing my songs, watching tears swell in their eyes, smiles spread across their faces, toes tapping, heads nodding, to my songs? That’s priceless..</span></i></b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #9900ff; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>You have a few shows coming up. How do readers check your itinerary to buy tickets to your show?</i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My <a href="http://victoriatheodore.com/?post_type=tribe_events" target="_blank">website</a> has all of the information you need (</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.victoriatheodore.com/" style="text-decoration: none;">www.victoriatheodore.com</a>)!</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> My CD Release concert is at Yoshi’s Oakland on Tuesday, December 1. I’ve got a GREAT band of Bay Area musicians and can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with everyone! And the first single off of the album is Human. </span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Human (Acoustic Version)</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nw1RliBGSdU/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nw1RliBGSdU?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.yoshis.com/event/928219-victoria-theodore-oakland" style="text-decoration: none;">Yoshi’s CD Release - December 1, 2015</a></span></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i>(Unfortunately our Conversation was posted after the album launch. Please support her and get her album in a legit manner :-) Thank you)</i></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>For a young artist trying to get in the game, what sage words would you offer?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">If there’s anything else you can do in life, and be happy, pursue that. Because music is that hard! However, if nothing else can make you happy, be prepared for the challenge, the rejection, the financial instability, the disrespect, the moments of hopelessness, but also the joy, the thrill, the sense of purpose, the emotional connections, the ebb and flow of a musical career. And practice more than everyone you know.</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>As you enjoy your musical and professional journey, what do you hope to become artistically in the long run?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">More of myself: a pianist, singer, songwriter, producer, arranger, working on my own music, performing with other top musicians, creating musical moments that listeners will never forget. It’s magical, and I want to create that magic as long as God and destiny allow.</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>Finally, how do readers connect with you in this social media networking age? And please do highlight where one can discover, explore and purchase your music.</i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My album is available at the </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;">iTunes store, <a href="https://victoriatheodore.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">bandcamp</a>, and <a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/VictoriaTheodore" target="_blank">cdbaby</a>. </span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.38; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Social Media:</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">http://www.victoriatheodore.com</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaTheodoreMusic</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">https://twitter.com/VictoriaTheo</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">https://www.youtube.com/VJTee</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">http://instagram.com/victoriatheodoremusic</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">https://soundcloud.com/victoriatheodore</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>Thank you for the conversation, and much success to you, friend.</i></b></span></div>
Promo Inc Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03427222061688830822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112806294590598160.post-14011010938734743592015-12-01T09:29:00.000-08:002015-12-01T09:29:58.216-08:00Conversation with Ashley Porter<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif;">This episodes Conversation is with Ashley Porter. She is a young aspiring entrepreneur and more importantly a Christian lady, who is making steps to influencing and affecting the lives of young ladies. And she recently became a published author. Below is our conversation.</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ms Porter, how are you doing in this moment you’re
in?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am in a season of transition, God is doing amazing
things and I'm just growing through it. Thank you for this opportunity to sit
and chat with you</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Going through it huh? I hear you!!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">So tell me, who is Ashley Porter, and what is she
about?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ashley is a souled out servant for the Lord! An
overcomer! Wheew! I am a mother of a 6yr boy named Daniel. I am a published
author, founder of Goal Getters Empowerment Assoc., a speaker. My hearts desire
is to truly just be obedient to the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Wow! You have a lot going on there, lady. How do you
balance it all and being effective and productive?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Prayer, prayer, prayer!!! Actually, that's a
question I ask myself in regards to other people all the time- how do they do
it? and I get checked real fast that I'm actually DOING it too. (Chuckles) I'm
learning through trial and error what works for me. I use multiple calendars
and I prioritize tasks and assignments. I'll admit building from the ground up
is difficult because it's mainly all on you until God sends those that are
assigned to labor with you. But I've learned and still learning a lot. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">What are you passionate about, and what’s your vision?</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am passionate about helping others be exactly who God
has created them to be. I'm passionate about serving and being used by the Lord
however he's sees fit.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.goalgettersempowerment.com/" target="_blank">Goal Getters EmpowermentAssociation</a>……what eactly is that, and how did you come up with it?
I’m going to assume this is a vehicle to helping others?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.goalgettersempowerment.com/" target="_blank">Goal Getters Empowerment Assoc</a>. is an organization that
the Lord gave me . The name literally came from a groupme group I created
as soon as I created it the Holy Spirit said this is bigger than this group. I
immediately deleted it and things began to be downloaded into me. It was
amazing. Our first event was for girls ages 12-17, last September.
"wonderfully made: empowerment for our girls" it was so
amazing! Goal Getters Empowerment Association encourages youth and young
adults to obtain a positive self image and self worth, as well as build
confidence to achieve their greatest potential. We stand on the words written
in Philippians 4:13. We are faith fueled and purpose driven with Christ at
the center of our lives<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">So it is kind of like a nonprofit organization, right?
That’s really impressive. How does your organization go about achieving this?
What programs do you have in the works?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I haven't acquired the official non- profit status as of
yet but YES! I plan different events that are free (not sure if I mentioned
this already lol) but all of my events are free because I never want money to
be the reason why someone does not come out. Right now I have things in the
planning stage since I'm moving. But I am diligently working to get Goal
Getters in schools and college campuses but in a different way then what's
currently being done<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">And that brings us to your book. How did you come up
with the title?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.goalgettersempowerment.com/uploads/3/0/4/5/30459372/s209392160627626664_p2_i1_w936.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.goalgettersempowerment.com/uploads/3/0/4/5/30459372/s209392160627626664_p2_i1_w936.png" height="320" width="233" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I actually was driving and I heard "Basic
Training" and immediately I began to see that like in any branch of the
military upon enlisting you must go through basic training before being able to
get on the front lines of battle and the same goes for life. We go through
different tests and trials that prepare us for this daily battle we are
in. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Were there any unique things that inspired you to write
this book?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Actually, this lady mentioned to me that she believes in
A higher power but was unsure about the bible because people wrote it. I didn't
want to just tell her my thoughts so that same day I went home and asked God to
show me how He used people to write the Bible and in 6 days I had the book,
" Basic Training: how to prepare for your spiritual quest" <br />(Available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Basic-Training-Prepare-Spiritual-Quest/dp/1942838212/ref=sr_1_1_twi_pap_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448990586&sr=8-1&keywords=Basic+Training+Ashley+porter" target="_blank">Amazon as a paperback</a> and on Kindle as an ebook)</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Is this your first published work? <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yes! It is, I've been writing stories since 6 and
actually wrote a teen series in composition books in middles school and passed
them amongst my friends. It's amazing how God will totally manifest something
you didn't even expect</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">What hurdles did you face and overcome in bringing this
book into fruition?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Actually this entire process has been a total faith move.
For the past year my only income has been $84 and God has shown himself to
truly be Jehovah Jireh. One major move was one night after seeing the movie
"Do You Believe" I had a conversation on Instagram with a girl in St
Louis that I've never met in person and another lady was blessed by out
conversation and at the time I needed $184 to finish paying the publisher for
my book and this lady blessed me with $300.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Wow! That’s a divine intervention indeed, and an
encouragement that no situation is so beyond that restoration or redemption is
impossible. Thank you.<br />
Speaking of hurdles, what foundational lessons have you had to learn as a
single mother, and what would you tell that single mother out there stressed
out and going through?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I've learned a lot but the most important thing is to
pray and to keep God first. Honestly I wouldn't have a ministry or a book or
ANYTHING at all if I didn't genuinely develop a personal relationship with the
Lord. As parents we are merely shepherds to the child (ren) God has blessed us
with. Lay the foundation, teach them how to pray and how to be THEMSELVES.
Don't rush your child and allow them to enjoy their childhood<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">What encouraging words do you have for people who have
a desire to publish, or achieve a dream, but somehow are stuck in dream phase?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I would say to never lose sight of the vision God has
given to you, God honors obedience and the vision will come to pass if you
remain obedient to the Lords leading. Don't compare your journey to others,
stay in your lane and stay focused</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Whats your hope and vision for this book?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My hope and prayer is that this book will bless every
person that reads it. That people will see my testimony and know that they
don't have to have it "all together" to accomplish purpose. They just
need to be totally surrendered and submitted. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Any last words for our readers?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I pray that whoever reads this interview is coming out of
the shadow of doubt, rejection, fear, and anything else contrary to the word of
God. I pray that you will be over taken by Godly confidence and Godly boldness
to be obedient and walk in your purpose. There are people assigned to your life
that are waiting for you to get into position and if you do not they cannot
either. May the Lord move mightily in your life.. In Jesus name, Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">How can readers support your organization? What
resources and help are you open to receiving?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am open to receiving all forms of support- I believe
people are lead to help in specific ways whether it's volunteering or a
monetary donation when people help the ministry I was given to lead I sincerely
pray that those that support do so with love and enthusiasm. On my website
there's a link to donate via PayPal, purchasing my book is another way to
support the ministry, sharing posts and flyers on social media help a lot to
spread the word as well. If anyone is interested in supporting or helping with
the upcoming book tour or anything there's a contact form on my website where
they can reach me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">How do readers connect with you?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Facebook: </span><span style="font-family: 'calisto mt', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ashley.porter.75?fref=ts" target="_blank">Ashley Porter</a> or </span><span style="font-family: 'calisto mt', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Goal Getters Empowerment Association </span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ashley_speaks_/" target="_blank">Ashley_Speaks_</a><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Www. </span><a href="http://goalgettersempowerment.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #196ad4; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Goalgettersempowerment.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><i><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.livelovethinkfree.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #196ad4; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Www.livelovethinkfree.blogspot.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i><br />
<span style="background: white;">Thank You</span></i></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ashley A. Porter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Founder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Goal Getters Empowerment Assoc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Www. </span><a href="http://goalgettersempowerment.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #196ad4; font-family: "calisto mt" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Goalgettersempowerment.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">FB: Goal Getters Empowerment Association <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">IG: Ashley_Speaks_<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calisto mt" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Reach* Teach* Empower<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Promo Inc Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03427222061688830822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7112806294590598160.post-39786143654248367882015-11-11T11:39:00.000-08:002017-03-24T09:16:10.505-07:00Conversation with Eric Ramsey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4JhlwLMaNRom15TSKldSHf6RNHdBwWYyYYDTxLRXkA_0uvsQxOCnWy6XO1-pHU3S9mNzUTqK-Y4Tv_M3szLuorP2tY9TdT5a-PQEm_vpJ1rtOJ9xaWEdzrOazwI07r4WrhlgLetQxLs/s1600/Eric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4JhlwLMaNRom15TSKldSHf6RNHdBwWYyYYDTxLRXkA_0uvsQxOCnWy6XO1-pHU3S9mNzUTqK-Y4Tv_M3szLuorP2tY9TdT5a-PQEm_vpJ1rtOJ9xaWEdzrOazwI07r4WrhlgLetQxLs/s320/Eric.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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Eric B Ramsey is an actor, writer and producer with several credits to his name. A quick view on <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4178527/" target="_blank">IMDB</a> can enlighten you on his work, and of course the ever subjective <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Ramsey" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a> has an article on him. Our conversation with him however is on his daring and creative genius of film producing. With two films under his belt, and his third one in the works, we just had to have a conversation.</div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Wow, where do we start? Lets talk about what you’re doing
now, and then go back to last year. What’s on your plate right now?</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">I'm actually in production on a new movie called
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5131768/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_1" target="_blank">CainAbel</a>, starring <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0836365/" target="_blank">Gary Sturgis</a> as Adam and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2195419/?ref_=tt_cl_t5" target="_blank">Rhonda Morman</a> as Eve.</span></i></b></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">CainAbel, is it inspired by the Cain and Abel story in
the bible? And what gravitated you to it?</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="color: red;"> YES it
was. A modern day version with a twist. I was actually inspired to write it by
Rhonda Morman. </span></i></b></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><i>How did you get into movie producing? It looks like a
daunting career to get into, considering Hollywood and its perceived
exclusivity</i></b></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><i>.</i></b> </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I wanted to see more people of
color on the screen as well as influencing the career trajectory of me and my friends. So I decided to get us in by making my own movie.</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Did I see you on Scandal, or was that my imagination?
(lol don’t play modest now)</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">. </span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yes I saw myself on
Scandal. It was actually the second time they used it (my image).</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3304480/?ref_=nm_flmg_prd_2" target="_blank">“Unspeakable Indiscretions”</a>. That is a very touchy
subject to tackle, yet you took it on, and didn’t shy away from it. Why that
topic?</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;"><i>I chose that topic because of the
taboo nature associated with it. We can talk about everything but no one wants
to ever talk about a black man touching a black boy. It happens all the time
and unless we address it , its gonna continue to get thrown under the rug and we are
gonna continue to have suicides and behaviors of acting out. If you notice I didn't
say homosexuality. That's because molestation and homosexuality are not the same thing. </i></span></b></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;"><i><br /></i></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Below is the trailer to Unspeakable Indiscretions</i></b></span></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/eXe2Wuofpgk/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eXe2Wuofpgk?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="color: red;"><i><br /></i></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">How was the response of Hollywood, and the black
community in general?</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="color: red;"> The response has been good. However, because no one wants
to deal with the issue it hasn't been outstanding. </span></i></b></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Have people affected by molestation, or organizations
addressing it responded to your movie?</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="color: red;"> It is
what it is, so I dealt with it from that perspective. I was molested once as a
child, however I learned not to be ashamed or embarrassed about what someone
did to me. I was a victim. Now I'm a survivor.</span></i></b>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was molested too, so I appreciate the authentic way you addressed it, and with integrity. </span></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Have any accolades been garnered by your movie?</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;">No accolades yet. I'm just glad I was able to help
someone who's been a victim become a survivor.</span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">No accolades for now. And you're right, we need to put the word out there on your movie. It is a timeless piece of art. For readers who would love to watch your movie, how can
they get it?</span></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;">You can get a copy of the movie if u
contact me at </span><span style="color: blue;">info@ramseyandbentonentertainment.com </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Any last sage words from you, old friend? Hahaha.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;">Thanks for the continued support and be ready for
CainAbel, 2016.</span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Are you on social media?</span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></i></b></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yes.
I'm on facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/eric.b.ramsey.1" target="_blank">Eric b. Ramsey</a>, Instagram <a href="https://instagram.com/erictheramster/" target="_blank">@erictheramster</a>. I'm on twitter but I
don't tweet </span></i></b></span>Promo Inc Onehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03427222061688830822noreply@blogger.com0