Pastor Neisha Davis

Peace and blessings! I would like to introduce you to contributor, Pastor Neisha Davis.

Pastor Neisha Davis is a native of Atlanta, Georgia where she was educated in the private and public school systems of Dekalb and Clayton Counties. She engaged in softball and basketball, and with basketball being her favorite sport, she was captured and won awards for outstanding athletic skills. She was recognized for outstanding academic achievements and also featured in Who’s Who Academic Achievers. She is a graduate of Gordon College where she was the Vice President of MAP (Minority Assistance Program), and Clayton State University where she earned a Bachelors of Science in Healthcare Management. She received a Foundation Certificate in Biblical Studies from Atlanta Bible College.  She is currently attending Payne Theological Seminary where she is studying for her Master of Divinity.

           She officially answered her calling in December 2006 and has not looked back since. God has birthed a divine ministry within her to preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. She currently serves as the Pastor of Parker Chapel AME Church in Culloden, GA, where they stand as a church full of love, devotion, and dedication to God’s word. They are striving to fulfill the mission of Christ and let it be known that we serve an awesome and sovereign God! They are looking for greatness and expecting the best for they know that “The Best is Yet To Come!  

           Rev. Neisha Davis has worked in many capacities of the church. She has organized and chaired many programs and outreach activities. She organized the 1^st Youth Internship at her home church through Hearts to Nourish Hope, a non-for profit organization. She coordinated the District Conference in 2008 which consisted of 25+ churches and pastors within the Griffin District. She taught a series during a Women’s Conference on “The Upper Room Experience”, where women and men were encouraged to experience and encounter God and the Holy Spirit before they get to “church”. She also coordinated “Bible Boot Camp” for the youth that took them back to the basics of the Word of God.

She developed the “Conquerors Youth Ministry” at her home church where all youth and young adults are enlightened, encouraged, and empowered to embark on a greater understanding of Christ as they set out to make Disciples for Kingdom Building. Her love for God and people are very strong and enriched. She is referred to as the “Praying Lady”, because she firmly believes that prayer changes things, and she always encourages others to pray for God’s spirit to be poured out upon them so they can feel His awesome presence and power.

Rev. Neisha Davis has two beautiful daughters, Alexis and Peyton Davis whom she loves dearly and enjoys spending quality time with them. She wants the world to know that she is a nobody, trying to tell everybody about somebody (Her SAVIOR) who can change ANYBODY! Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all thy heart and lean not unto our own understanding, but in all thy ways acknowledge him and he will direct our paths!!"She believes that: "As God is leading and directing me, I am devoted to winning lost souls for his Kingdom!! To God Be the Glory!!"


Here is what Rev. Davis shares about her faith:

1.      What does “faith” mean to you?

We know that biblical scripture tells us in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see”. It is easy to read and gain the concept that is meant for our understanding, but the real challenge is putting it into practice! Faith to me is the notion to act on what we believe and trust beyond the five senses we humanly depend on, or imagine. It is the undeniable trust and assurance in God to fulfill and deliver what we cannot see, touch, smell, hear, or feel, but what we believe God in his infinite power can do.

2.      Describe a time in your life when you had to solely rely on your faith.

The time in my life that challenged my faith the most is when I was laid off in 2006. I had just given birth to my youngest daughter, and things in my life took a sudden turn. Without notice, I found myself struggling with decisions that I never thought I would face. Suddenly, it seemed as if my world was turned upside down. I was the only one in my family that went to college and graduated, so I never thought that I would be jobless. Many questions pondered my mind as to how I was going to make it. How would I financially provide for my children and our household? I was lost, at such an honorable time as I had just answered my calling to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ the same year.

This was definitely a test of my new found faith that I had to solely depend on God and God alone. It was very difficult for me when I could not see what lies ahead, not knowing how I was going to make it day to day. I could visibly see that my bills needed to be paid and my children needed to be feed, but I could not see visibly how I would financially provide for my family. This was a turning point when I had to kick start my faith and learned to lean and call on the name of Jesus. My faith was all I had to rely on, and it was this moment that the substance of me praying, fasting and reading scripture became the driving force of my faith!

3.      Have you ever wavered in your faith? If so, when?

Yes I have wavered in my faith! There are times when I feel as if God has left me and I am all alone, and my faith is not as strong as it should be. During the time I went through my divorce, I felt I did all I could to be faithful in my vows, my marriage and to God, yet I felt like a failure. I lost hope in myself, my dreams, and trusting God, and I felt as if my faith couldn’t sustain me anymore. This was a time when I wavered and I had to remind myself that faith had kept me this far, and faith would lead me on! 

4.      What do you do when you recognize you are wavering in your faith?

When I recognize that I am wavering in my faith, I remind myself of what the word of God says that he is with me and he will never leave nor forsake me! I fast and pray that my mind be renewed and my spirit is restored with power to conqueror anything with God on my side!

5.      In what way has your faith contributed to seeing your vision/God's vision for your life being realized?

I see my faith has contributed to the vision that God has given me through ministry of preaching and teaching his word. It is times when it is hard to receive the vision God has for me especially when I am challenged within the body of Christ. My faith has shown me that God’s word does not return void, even when others don’t believe in the vision or want to follow the vision. I must stand on my faith that God will see me through anything as long as I continue to be faithful to him. God’s vision for my life and ministry has manifested before my eyes even when I could not see it. I know that faith leads, guides and directs me on this Christian Journey. The scripture, 1 Corinthians 2:9 is my vision scripture that reminds me that God can and will do anything if we love him and obey him!   

6.      What words of encouragement/empowerment/advice would you give someone who is on the path to seeing their vision realized?

The words of encouragement that I would offer to someone who is on the path to seeing their vision realized is staying connected to God. The scripture, Romans: 8:35 …Let nothing separate you from the love of God is the key to hearing God’s voice and seeing the vision he has for your path. Staying connected to God is very important because you need pure guidance, mercy and grace to help you along this journey. I encourage you to take a personal stand and get to know God on a deeper level through prayer and fasting.  Humanly, we are incline to develop physically, emotionally, socially and mentally in society, but do not neglect to develop ourselves spiritually! Our relationship with God and the love Jesus displayed on the cross will help us understand and know that our faith is our foundation to carry out the visions that God has purposed for our life. Pray faithfully and lean on the word of God always to stay on the path of seeing your vision realized!



You can follow the work of Pastor Davis at:

https://www.facebook.com/ParkerChapelAmeChurch?fref=ts

Thank you so much, Rev. Davis, for sharing your faith!

If you would like to be a part of this blog and share your faith, please contact Sheronda Barksdale at: faithfrfr2014@gmail.com.

Your blogger:

Sheronda L. Barksdale

Sheronda L. Barksdale is an author, speaker, life empowerment coach, and entrepreneur. Her motto for life and business is, "Empowering your vision to your path". She believes that through faith, anyone can see their vision for their life manifested. You can also read her blog, Faith....Frfr.

If you have any comments, questions, or prayer requests, please contact Sheronda at: faithfrfr2014@gmail.com. Also, you can go to her website SherondaLBarksdale.com.  Follow her on Facebook at Sheronda L. Barksdale, Entrepreneur and Life Empowerment Coach, Instagram at: sheronda_l_barksdale, and Twitter at: @SherondaGB.

Celeste S. Duckworth, Publisher of VERTIKAL Life Magazine

Peace and blessings! I would like to introduce you to contributor, Ms. Celeste S. Duckworth.

Like the famous great thinker, Martin Luther King, her birthday falls on January 15th.  She often thinks of herself as a great thinker and even though her birthday is not yet a holiday there is the distinct possibility that someday it may be. This thinking that she refers to is responsible for her return to college to finish what she had started many years ago. 

At one time she embarked on studying to become a lawyer, but her professor cautioned her that she would not make a living at it because her love for helping others would prevent her from charging them for her labor. She found that she had a love for writing, biology, the study of Human Genetics and Anthropology. Her true niche was found in Medical Anthropology.

During her second semester she wrote a Science Fiction novel. This led her to enroll in a Creative Writing class to access her potential as a creative writer. She had always written short stories privately and this was going to be the first time she would dare to expose herself to the scrutiny of others by letting them read her work.

Her first poem, “An Oasis in the Desert,” was published by the City of Phoenix, Arizona to hang on the wall of the new Maryville Pool House. Celeste said that this was, “A great accomplishment since one of the things creative individuals struggle with is to put their work out before the public. This actually gave her the encouragement to not get so caught up in the perfect, let it come from the heart, and that is you don’t value your work no one else will.” She then has gone on and has had four poems published by VertiKal MagaZine and one poem, ‘Her Strength will be published in the next year by Big Table Publishing to be part of a book about Women’s Empowerment.  

Through her Poetry she has facilitated Dramatic Presentations involving Music, Art and Poetry with her group called the Positively Profound Players. Celeste has written three books and hopes to have them published by the end of this year. 

She uses her life experiences in her writing and storytelling. A mother of three who has raised them through Homelessness, and Corporate America she loves to relate the funny stories and the sad stories and the positive impact on others that she relates the stories to. 

Celeste has worked as Safety & Training Manager for a large international corporation, as well as an Academic Advisor for a local community college.  Recently she accepted the position of Publisher at VertiKal Magazine a Global Magazine that brings the local community in touch with their global neighbors.  

1. What does “faith” mean to you?

To me faith is knowing that I can work through the storm or love through the heartbreaks, or encourage without knowing where its going because I know on the other side of that storm is sunshine, of that heartbreak is the Father waiting for you to release it and that his desire is that nothing will be lost.  I ask many of my guests on the radio program what got them through the challenges. Of course many say that God brought them through but I ask them to make it real to those who may not understand the personal relationship with God.  Was it counseling?  Was it a friend?  Was it family?  Because in reality God is in all those things and its okay to call on that counselor or friend because God knows you need that human touch at times, So, that is what faith means to me, that always the Father is always there for your lifeline, but he sends many boats, planes and trains to see you through.

2.       Describe a time in your life when you had to solely rely on your faith.

When my fiance was very ill in the middle of wedding plans and business building.  Then he got better and we started making serious plans and looking for a house.  He began to spend one month here and there in the hospital.   It turned into two years of caring for him and getting his business in order. Sometimes when he left for business trips, we would spend hours on the phone to get him calm and make sure he could make the meetings and get home quickly.  At one point I realized there were things he had to do, so that is when we really dug in with prayer and every healing touch was prayful. He passed away last year. Through it all, there were times when I was just tired and overwhelmed and mad and God would say go back in and help and be patient and kind.  It was one of the hardest up to this date.  It was hard to watch him lose everything because he couldn’t work.  He would still be making phone calls to encourage people and sometimes did the radio broadcast from bed.  When he had a stroke toward the end and went into a coma, people said you don’t need to go and stay with him everyday.  But I heard the spirit say go, pray, sing, and hold his hand and talk to him. So, I went daily or spent the night until the day he transitioned. We had moved into our new place right before he got sick and changed business paperwork and all the things you do when you become a married couple.  Then watching all the things you work for go, loss of finances, loss of material things, loss of friends, and support.   It puts you in a place where all you have and all you can rely on is faith or you will succumb.

3.       Have you ever wavered in your faith? If so, when?

I am not sure really. I think when I was called I was given that measure of faith where I just knew that I knew.  Many times when I am spending time encouraging others, I am encouraging myself as well.  I think we all waver to some extent but I think when you look at it or try to look at it from God’s perspective you don’t waver, you get weary. That is when you make a choice to dig in and hold it down, or give up.  I never choose the give up way.

4.       What do you do when you recognize you are wavering in your faith?

I start encouraging and inspiring big time.  I go deep in my heart and pull out a miracle or two to remind myself I have had it worse. I have been homeless with my daughter, I went through fighting a brain tumor. And after Norman died, I could not pay my rent because his part of the income was now gone.  The lights were getting ready to go off and there was no food in the house.  Everyone was pretty much saying, "Well he’s gone. She will work it out."  Well the landlords had been knowing what we were going through for two years so they told me, "Don’t worry, we are here. You don’t have to leave". It was a nice secure place to be.  Then, I was trying to call this service and the line was just busy busy.  Then, I miss dialed and one of my girlfriends picked it up.  I was beginning to feel distraught because I know I was going to miss my opportunity to get an appointment.  So I told my girlfriend I had to go and get this appointment and she prayed with us both on the phone.  When I hung up and dialed the organization again, they picked up the phone! I was so shocked that I was actually speaking to a person.  They paid my electric for four months and paid my rent.  That was a tremendous help.  I am not out of the clear or how they say "in the black" yet.  I have met clients for dinner and used my last to eat knowing God was going to make a way, and they would buy advertisement from the magazines. Some days I am pushed to the wall with our business, but I am actively placing myself in the Father’s hands daily and working through it and work toward excellence.  Encouraging others is a big help for me, too, because when I give inspiration and motivation, I am giving it to myself as well. So it’s a WIN – WIN.  But I have to say also, the Father gave me a mentor, a truly real best friend, and put me with people who understand business.  They are encouragers and I am learning how God can turn a situation around when people say it can’t be done.  I have seen it, so I keep working for that day when he says I am ready and I will see my business continue to grow.

5.       What words of encouragement/empowerment/advice would you give someone who is on the path to seeing their vision realized?

To not give up and surround yourself daily with words of encouragement and speak positivity in your life.  Stay away from the putting yourself down or the pity parties.  We naturally have them but I learned from Norman, have the 2 minute rant.  It was healthy because we released the negatively but we kept it positive.  I do that now. I do the 2 minute release the negativity rant.  Then, I fill that space with positive affirmations.  I have even wrote notes to myself and put them on the walls. I wake up and see the notes on the wall and the bathroom mirror.  I also put shortcuts on my phone like putting on Ephesians 6, reminding myself to put my armour on, and I meditate.  Sometimes I do prayer vigils at the midnight hour if I feel like its going to be an especially hard day, becauses you know with the blessings comes the battles. Then there's the days the house will be quiet and maybe some meditating music or just listening to some sermons while I work. Dig in. God is preparing someone to help you, mentor you, encourage you, and help move you forward.

You can contact Ms. Duckworth at: 

celesteduckworth@gmail.com  

These are her main sites, and they have four radio broadcasts:

http://www.vertikallifemagazine.com

VERTIKAL Life Magazine’s Mission is to, “Uplift, Educate, and Inspire Social Change, in our Local Neighborhood for the Betterment of our Global Community.”   

Introducing and sharing the stories of Creative and Innovative Individuals that are not normally featured in mainstream media that aspire to change their world and the world around them by uplifting and empowering people. 

http://www.facebook.com/vertikallifemagazine

https://www.facebook.com/WomenOnTheRise

Women On The Rise - Inspiring women to overcome the barriers to their success by hearing conversations from other women who have faced their challenges, of pursuing their passions.

https://www.facebook.com/ShesMoreNetwork

She’s More Network – Creating opportunities for teen girls worldwide by developing their talents in Writing, Broadcast Journalism, and Media and creating a radio program where they can share their ideas, lives, and visions with girls their age worldwide.

Thank you, Ms. Duckworth, for sharing your faith!

If you would like to be a part of this blog and share your faith, please contact Sheronda Barksdale at: faithfrfr2014@gmail.com.

Your blogger:

Sheronda L. Barksdale

Sheronda L. Barksdale is an author, speaker, life empowerment coach, and entrepreneur. Her motto for life and business is, "Empowering your vision to your path". She believes that through faith, anyone can see their vision for their life manifested. You can also read her blog, Faith....Frfr.

If you have any comments, questions, or prayer requests, please contact Sheronda at: faithfrfr2014@gmail.com. Also, you can go to her website SherondaLBarksdale.com.  Follow her on Facebook at Sheronda L. Barksdale, Entrepreneur and Life Empowerment Coach, Instagram at: sheronda_l_barksdale, and Twitter at: @SherondaGB.

Janice T. Lyle, Speaker Motivator, Educator, Humorist, and Survivor

Peace and blessings! I would like to introduce you to Contributor, Mrs. Janice T. Lyle.

Janice T. Lyle

SPEAKiT PRODUCTIONS, LLC

Speaker, Motivator, Educator, Humorist & Survivor

 

Prior to entering the public speaking industry, Janice has spent her entire career as an educator, helping to mold the minds of individuals in their pursuit of higher education.  She is a true friend, giving, a champion for education and one who is committed to Christ. Because of her experience in education, with sexual abuse and life long medical challenges, she has chosen to share her message of be being an over comer and survivor with her “Dare To Be Free” Movement. Her messages focuses varied topics to include, education being the key to success; emphasizes that because one may have been victimized; he/she does not have to remain a victim, having a disability does not equate to being handicapped, to name a few. In addition to being an educator, Janice is a speaker who desires to provide encouragement and motivation to individuals who may have lost hope or direction. It has been Janice life’s mission to be the difference that makes a difference in the lives of others.

Janice is employed at the Technical College of the Lowcountry where she serves as the Retention Coordinator.  She is married to her high school sweetheart, Milton L. Lyle, Jr. and they are the parents of Jerrell Lamar Lyle. Janice is a long standing active member of Bethesda Christian Fellowship. She serves as Chaplin for Nu Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,  Incorporated. 

Here is what Mrs. Lyle shares about her faith:

1.       What does “faith” mean to you?

Faith means believing and trusting in what you can't see ( have never seen) but know it's real.

2.       Describe a time in your life when you had to solely rely on your faith.

There were several times in my life. I'll share the first time which was in June 1988.   I had to have major life-threatening surgery that involved repairing a nerve at the base of my head. This was my very first surgery.  The surgery involved going through my skull to reach the nerve. I was diagnosed with trigemenial neuralgia ( also known as tic douloureux or nervous tic). The disease is described as the most excruciating pain known to mankind. It's referred to as the "suicide disease" and I was given a 50% chance of making it through the surgery. Faith allows me to be alive these 27 years later.  

3.       Have you ever wavered in your faith? If so, when?

I can't say my faith has ever wavered, but in October 2013, I put surely God to the test! My son was admitted to ICU. He was an undetected diabetic who almost died. A woman can endure almost anything except seeing her child suffering.   Thanks be unto God, my son is alive and well.

4.       What do you do when you recognize you are wavering in your faith?

I speak to Satan. I have to let him know who I belong to and He doesn't answer to Satan . I think it's just as important to talk to that demonic demon and all of his imps. 

5.    In what way has your faith contributed to seeing your vision for your life realized?

My faith in God rules my every step and contributes entirely to all of my accomplishments.  I had just started my pursuit of a doctoral degree when my son became seriously ill.  I wanted to quit right away, but faith calmed my spirit. Now, I am close to finishing. Of course,  I have so many other stories. Ultimately, my faith has propelled me for greatness. Faith allows me to ALWAYS to be the difference that makes the difference in the lives of others.

6.       What words of encouragement/empowerment/advice would you give someone who is on the path to seeing their vision realized?

Never ever allow anyone or anything convince you to make detours. Stay true to your beliefs.  If you fail, learn from the mistake(s) and get back up. Strive always to make a positive impact.  Most importantly,  live not to have regrets.

Thank you, Mrs. Lyle, for sharing your faith!

If you would like to be a part of this blog and share your faith, please contact Sheronda Barksdale at: faithfrfr2014@gmail.com.

Your blogger:

Sheronda L. Barksdale

Sheronda L. Barksdale is an author, speaker, life empowerment coach, and entrepreneur. Her motto for life and business is, "Empowering your vision to your path". She believes that through faith, anyone can see their vision for their life manifested. You can also read her blog, Faith....Frfr.

If you have any comments, questions, or prayer requests, please contact Sheronda at: faithfrfr2014@gmail.com. Also, you can go to her website SherondaLBarksdale.com.  Follow her on Facebook at Sheronda L. Barksdale, Entrepreneur and Life Empowerment Coach, Instagram at: sheronda_l_barksdale, and Twitter at: @SherondaGB.

Paula R. LaMar, The Platform Builder

Peace and blessings! I would like to introduce you to contributor, Paula R. LaMar.

Paula R. LaMar is a charismatic speaker, visionary, provocative thinker, entrepreneur and a passionate builder that creates artistic platforms for women worldwide. Her creativeness allows her to create for women who are interested in entrepreneurship development, public speaking, mentorship and theatrical/film training. 

Paula R. LaMar is the founder of Platform Builders Inc. a 501c3 organization established since 1999 which is headquarted in Atlanta, Georgia.  Her mission is "building businesses one woman at a time". Speaker and host of her annual business, entrepreneurship, expos, workshops, summits and mentorship programs. Through her mentorship program she inspires women to build their own business, publish books, prepare them for artistic platforms and national/international travel. 

Recently she created a platform for women in business and ministry called the Game Changers Empowerment Summit.  Paula brings in from across the the United States renowned women from both sectors to empower, encourage and to provide resources to other women who need a network to excel in their areas of business or ministry.  

Here is what Mrs. Lamar shares about her faith:

1.       What does “faith” mean to you?

My faith means everything to me, as it is the very component in my life that keeps me sane and assured that I’m not in this world alone.  My faith causes me to believe in my Lord and Savior and it causes me to know that God is.  It is the force that allows me to believe in the impossible.    

2.       Describe a time in your life when you had to solely rely on your faith.

I solely have to rely on faith a whole lot because I don't have a regular 9 to 5 job as I am an entrepreneur.  However, my faith was really tested back in 1996-1998 when the first doctor told me that they found cancer cells on my uterus.  The second doctor diagnosed me with HIV and Syphilis and said the Syphilis would cause me to lose my hearing and sight.  I merely stated to that particular doctor that “I was not receiving that report” and I declared that by the strips of Jesus I was healed.  God eventually healed and delivered me from all of my diseases. 

  

3.       Have you ever wavered in your faith? If so, when?

Yes, I have wavered in my faith several times.  I almost gave up my faith when my back went out in 2011 and I couldn't walk for two weeks.  The pain was so unbearable I wanted to commit suicide.                      

4.       What do you do when you recognize you are wavering in your faith?

I go on to YouTube and find a word of hope through a sermon or I attend an unscheduled service.           

             

5.       What words of encouragement/empowerment/advice would you give someone who is on the path to seeing their vision realized?

I would say to that person, be true to yourself and your vision. Put all of your trust in God and not in man. Stay focused at all times. Don't let any person into your circle that can't think big.

Mrs. LaMar can be reached at: 

www.paularlamar.com

www.gamechangerssummit.com

https://www.facebook.com/paula.edwards.1069

https://www.facebook.com/gamechangersempowermentsummitfanpage?fref=ts

Thank you, Mrs. LaMar, for sharing your faith!

If you would like to be a part of this blog and share your faith, please contact Sheronda Barksdale at: faithfrfr2014@gmail.com.

Your blogger:

Sheronda L. Barksdale

Sheronda L. Barksdale is an author, speaker, life empowerment coach, and entrepreneur. Her motto for life and business is, "Empowering your vision to your path". She believes that through faith, anyone can see their vision for their life manifested. You can also read her blog, Faith....Frfr.

If you have any comments, questions, or prayer requests, please contact Sheronda at: faithfrfr2014@gmail.com. Also, you can go to her website SherondaLBarksdale.com.  Follow her on Facebook at Sheronda L. Barksdale, Entrepreneur and Life Empowerment Coach, Instagram at: sheronda_l_barksdale, and Twitter at: @SherondaGB.