Restoration & Freedom

Post author By wowwnow0707
Post date March 30, 2022

BAM MOVEMENT Monthly Inspirational Blog

Restoration After Desperation: Freedom In Forgiveness

April 2022

By: Deborah Wiley “Her FAITH Story”

Deuteronomy 30:3

“God, your God, will restore everything you lost; he’ll have compassion on you; he’ll come back and pick up the pieces from all the places where you were scattered.”

As a young girl growing up as a victim of maternal abandonment at the tender age of three, has for the greater part of my life left me with an array of challenges and emotions. I often felt left in a space to drown within my emotions of loneliness, physical and emotional neglect, despair, shame, and pain – missing my mother’s love and touch. There is a popular saying: “You can’t miss what you never had.” However, knowing firsthand, maternal abandonment can be a lifelong silent emotional roller coaster; especially when there is no outlet to discuss the emotional trauma that lives within your soul.

So, what do you do?

You move on, adapt, and deploy the defense mechanism of downplaying the significance of the emotional trauma. To shine a beautiful light on my truth, I was extremely blessed to be left with the apple of my eye, my father, along with 4 brothers. Without my father ‘s nourishing spirit, love, and compassion for his children, I would indeed not be the phenomenal woman that I am today.

Faith and Forgiveness

Finding forgiveness is the gateway to restoration and healing of the soul. The scripture tells us in Ephesians 4:32. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

The Bible speaks of two types of forgiveness:

God’s pardon of our sins, and our obligation to pardon others. After years of seeking the WHY? along with craving my mother’s love and acceptance; and never receiving any of the above.

One day, the warm spirit of the Lord spoke to me, letting me know that it is essential for my soul salvation to forgive and release the emotional stain and pain of the abandonment and rejection. While looking into the eyes of my mother from a portrait. I began to see and hear her soul. A soul that polluted with her very own silent emotional trauma locked up inside her. Oh my, how I could relate, immediately, I began to cry out, I forgive you, I forgive you, I’m sorry, I forgive you. To this day, I do not know her story, however, I pray that God will grant her peace within her soul.

Today, I am grateful that God has turned my Desperation into restoration. I have forgiven my mother both internally and verbally and it feels so good.

Forgiveness heals the soul! God your God, will Restore!

#BAMMomPA #Blogger #Restoration

#Freedom #Forgiveness #BAMMovement #Forgive&Release

Movement of a Winner

Post author By wowwnow0707
Post date February 28, 2022

March 2022

BAM MOVEMENT Monthly Inspirational Blog

Moving Like A Winner

By: Markeesha Pride“Her FAITH Story”

Proverbs 23:7: “So as a man thinketh in his heart so is he “

Heard a quote that reminded me of this title God gave me. It says, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t you are right!” As I sat back and studied this quote, I realized exactly what it was saying. That whatever I think of myself is exactly what is and shall be. So, I begin to do what the word of God said and started to think of myself as a victor instead of victim, winner instead of loser. For me to do this I had to ask for a new mindset and lose my old way of thinking. And this is what I discovered.

When changing your mindset, you have two choices. You can think with

Fear and Negativity – Saying to yourself, “It might happen!”
Faith and Positivity- Saying to yourself “It will happen for me!!”

Whichever one you choose your actions are sure to follow. You must watch your thought because they become the words you speak, the words become actions, actions become habits, habits become character, character becomes destiny. And all this started with the way we think.

95% of winners seem have two things in common

Surrounded themselves with positive minded people
- Do not be misled, Bad company corrupts good character 1Co. 15:33 NIV
Kept positivity in and on their mind
- Be not deceived, evil communications corrupt good manners 1 Co. 15:33 KJ

Therefore, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. Phil. 4:8 NIV

The final thing is, don’t think you will make it to your goal overnight (race is not given to the swift). Nor is the race given to the strong (might have weak moments, but don’t allow that to cause you to have a defeated mentality) Eccl.9:11

Remember wither you think you can or think you can’t, YOU ARE RIGHT! Because so as a man thinketh in his heart so is he. Choose this day that you will begin the process of moving like a winner

#BAMQueenNC #Blogger #MovingLikeaWinner #MovementofGod

#GrowthMindset #GodsMindset #BAMMovement

Love Languages of God

Post author By wowwnow0707
Post date January 31, 2022

February 2022

BAM MOVEMENT Monthly Inspirational Blog

Love’s Languages

By: Ashley Latimore“Her FAITH Story”

Most likely you’ve heard of the five love languages. There is a big chance that you don’t know what they are. The majority of people don’t. While reading an article about the five love languages, I discovered what my top three are: quality time, acts of service, and touch. I love quality time because it requires a person’s presence. I enjoy acts of service because service is sacrificial. Though service can be enjoyed, there are times when you won’t know what the assignment is nor what depth of exertion will be required of you. And I enjoy touch because of the intimacy that it offers and the intentionality that is an obvious factor of it.

Grateful as I was for introspection that allowed me to gain this information about myself, I couldn’t help but consider the ways that the Lord longs to be loved. He values quality time. He longs to spend time with us. In Mark 6:31, Jesus says, “Come away with me. Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place,” and in Revelation 3:20, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.

Acts of service are required of us. “Feed my sheep,” Jesus says, in John 21:16. He values words of affirmation. We were created to love and worship Him. We could never worship Him enough. We acknowledge that He is the name above all names (Philippians 2:9), and no one compares to our majestic Godhead. We must give to the Father that which belongs to Him: the efforts of our lips. Although God is the ultimate gift-giver and no one can top Him, He himself desires gifts: sacrificial gifts. He desires that we give of ourselves, that we offer our bodies as living and holy sacrifices unto Him (Romans 12:1).

Lastly, He desires touch. He wants to touch our lives in many ways. Our Lord Jesus wants to pour out His Spirit upon us (Acts 2:17) and fill us with Himself (Eph 5:18). He wants to literally live within us. God is love. There is no love language that does not describe His heart towards us. When we continue in any of these love languages, we’re continuing in love and are continuing in God. Let’s abound in love (1 Thess 3:12), and let’s continue to receive the love of the Father.

#BAMQueenNC #Blogger #LoveLanguages

#Introspection #GodsLoveLanguages #BAMMovement

Overbooked by GOD’s Grace

Post author By wowwnow0707
Post date January 1, 2022

January 2022

BAM MOVEMENT Monthly Inspirational Blog

Overlooked to Overbooked

By: Kaprell Myles “Her FAITH Story”

Growing up, I was always in the background. Always overshadowed by my brothers or often shadowed by loud and flamboyant personalities. Overcoming many different situations in my life from gang violence, domestic violence, drug abuse, abandonment, anything you can imagine, I’ve overcome by the grace of God.

Life after divorce was the final breaking point for me. The little girl finally grew up. I was ready to change my narrative to my life story. In fact, I really did not have a choice. I knew that I was responsible for another life and I could not repeat the negative cycle. I moved back to my hometown of Denver, Colorado. God knows that I was dreading going back to the same place that had robbed me of my innocence, peace, success and happiness. I had to be obedient to God’s will for me.

After working two jobs while in school raising my son, I finally stepped into the corporate world. I was so excited to be there because I knew I was destined for it. I worked my way up from the bottom to the top in less than a year. I knew that I would be appreciated for all my hard work; however, that wasn’t case. Everyday for a year I was confronted with microaggressions from my supervisor.

I knew that I had to do something. Therefore, I found a new company to work for. I am finally being seen. My hard work is finally paying off. The opportunity for growth has been impeccable. I have been awarded with leadership opportunities within the organization. I know that I am not the only one with a story but I pray that my story touches the life of someone who is ready to write their own narrative.

#BAMQueenCO #Blogger #Overlooked2Overbooked

#TrustGOD #GodsTiming #Godgotme #BAMMovement

Joy Cometh In The Morning

Post author By wowwnow0707
Post date December 2, 2021

December 2021

BAM MOVEMENT Monthly Inspirational Blog

It’s Almost Morning

By: Michelle Timmons “Her Story”

After being happily married for over 20 years, I never would I have thought that I would walk this rocky road of pain, hurt, discouragement, and despair. Life as it was, was no longer. DIVORCED; I was faced with a life that I had never experienced. I was all alone so the enemy would have me to think but , God is faithful to His word.

The joy of the Lord is truly my strength. He is my hope in the midst of sorrow. This joy that I have the world didn’t give it to me and the world can’t take it away. Joy doesn’t mean you don’t cry or feel hurt, but you will get through your storm. Whatever your faced with you will make it. I’m a LIVING witness! You will NOT die in this storm. The winds may blow, the current may be rough but hold on and trust God even when you can’t trace Him.

He truly gives you beauty for ashes. Isaiah 61:3
He’s a rewarded of them that diligently seek Him. No matter what comes or goes put your hand in the hand of God who has ordered your steps. He will NEVER leave you or forsake you. He’s there ALWAYS no matter who walks out. 7 years later I’m experiencing overwhelming joy and gladness.

Your joy will not start out as laughing, smiling or even giggling. It takes time and patience to trust God through the process. He’s guaranteed us that we will have joy in the morning. Keep the faith, trust God and believe His word. It’s almost morning time.

#BAMQueenMD #Blogger #GodismyStrength

#TrustGOD #BAMMovement

GOD Still Heals

Post author By wowwnow0707
Post date October 29, 2021

November 2021

BAM MOVEMENT Monthly Inspirational Blog

A Healing Testimony

By: Tarrah Hill “Her Story”

God is still in the healing business. Our healing has been secured on the cross by Christ 2,000 years ago. In January of 2011, I almost died. It all started when one day I was feeling weak, and I thought it was just something that I ate. I went out to the store to shop one day, and I almost passed out amongst the rack of clothes. A week later, my body began to shut down.

My childhood friend Elder Adam Thorogood was at his parents’ house across the street. My mother asked him to come over. He prayed for me and told my mother to take me to the church. Bishop Barnett Thoroughgood had them wheel me to the altar. He asked the question; God says do you want to live or die? I said live!

The next day I was rushed by ambulance to the hospital. They could not find a pulse. Here I was the first time in a hospital unable to walk, talk, hear and jaundice about the eyes. My mom heard the doctor when he said, “I would not make it through the night.” Doctors are good, but they are NOT GOD.

Like the woman with the issue of blood, I had been suffering for seven years and said nothing. Today I thank God for his healing power. I do not look like what I have been through! Two years later, I walked across the stage receiving my master’s degree. You cannot tell me God is not the same yesterday, today, and forever more!

#BAMQueenVA #blogger #ahealingtestimony #survivor

#Godstaysthesame #BAMMovement

Overcoming It All

Post author By wowwnow0707
Post date October 14, 2021

October 2021

BAM MOVEMENT Monthly Inspirational Blog

The Overcomer

By: Theresa Faye Leonard “Her Story”

All the glory belongs to God, for he is my healer, my deliver, my way maker, my all in all. I would not be here today if God had not chosen me to be an overcomer. When I look back over my life and see all the things God has brought me through. Even the little things that I thought I did myself, I can see God’s hands in it. There was some times when I got myself in some close calls, But God!

As I look back, there were quite a few close callings that only God could have delivered. Psalm 18:22 The Lord is my protector; he is my strong fortress. My God is my protection, and with him I am safe. He protects me like a shield; he defends me and keeps me safe. In the month of October 2012, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Mind you at that time I had no ideal who Jesus really was, I knew of Him, but not who He really is, and what he had done for me.made SOMETHING! God took the WORTHLESS and made it WORTHY!

I would have my yearly mammogram and they would give me a good report every time. Sometimes I had to go back and be retested because they thought they saw something. The LORD had already prepared me for what was to come. To finish up a long story I went thru all their procedures, tests, surgerys, ect. Deuteronomy 31:8 And the LORD, He is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

And he did just that, he was there all the way. I was never sick a day, never lost a day of work from the chemotherapy and radiation,only loss of hair. God is good, my hair grew back “Stronger than before “ Today; I’m a walking miracle and Today marks 9 year since God delivered me from cancer and still Loving and Living life by Faith and Gods provided Strength (GPS)

As a reflection, you may be walking through a situation today that looks hopeless ; but I encouraged you to reevaluate the report you will believe TODAY. According to Luke 10:18-19 “Jesus has given us authority over the power of the enemy and nothing shall in anyway harm us (Luke 10:17-19).” Let God be true and every man a liar. Whose report shall you believe?

I shall believe the report of the Lord. Be encouraged – Be inspired – and Be the change by sharing your experiences to give someone HOPE today by your FAITH!

#BAMMomFL #blogger #theovercomer #Cancersurvivor

#GodsprovidedStrength #GPS #BAMMovement

Pain No More

Post author By wowwnow0707
Post date October 4, 2021

October 2021

BAM MOVEMENT Monthly Inspirational Blog

After the Pain

By: Lorrie A. Arevalo “Her Story”

Many people suffer pain from trauma. Trauma is defined as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. It can be physical injury or death or a severe illness or disease. Trauma can happen not only to soldiers during war but can be as a result of abuse, divorce, or separation from a parent or sibling. Some people suffer trauma and never recover. Or they carry the guilt or burden of the trauma that affects every aspect of their life causing anxiety and symptoms of depression; also known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).we are in a disarray. Things are unclear, unfocused, and chaotic.

The weight of dealing with loss or pain from trauma can become overwhelming. It can make a person began to feel worthless, helpless, and rejected. Turning to God’s word during my pain, I read examples of where God took NOTHING and made SOMETHING! God took the WORTHLESS and made it WORTHY!

We are precious to him, we are not what happened to us, but we are more than conquerors through him. My mission is to share with women, men, children that have been abused, neglected, or violated or suffered trauma, you can be healed after the pain! Survivors of trauma simply need love and time to heal. We must share messages of healing and forgiveness to hurting people.

There are 3 principles based on God’s word that help me walk into victory;

I am no longer afraid; I am courageous Psalm 31:14-24

I am no longer bound, I am free Job 11:15-18

I am no longer a victim; I am victorious Psalm 118:14-21

Lorrie A. Arevalo, Author & Founder of Victory Over Violence of FL, Inc. 501(c)3. For booking information or to support the efforts of Victory Over Violence of FL, Inc go to www.victoryoverviolencefl.com or email authorlorriea@gmail.com .

Balancing Act

Post author By wowwnow0707
Post date September 17, 2021

September 2021

BAM MOVEMENT Monthly Inspirational Blog

Balancing Your Ships

By: BreAnn Robinson“Her Story”

No matter which type of ship you have (relationship, friendship, partnership,) you must have balance. Balance is the state of equilibrium; equilibrium is the state of physical balance and a calm mind! Without balance in the physical and mental we are in a disarray. Things are unclear, unfocused, and chaotic.

This has been my case this year of 2021! Finding and maintaining balance within all my ships. It has been a challenge, yet I know that it has helped to shape me into a better individual. There were times where I have had balance within my mind, yet it didn’t transfer to my physical and vice versa. That caused me to not show up where I was needed and even missed important events and deadlines. Therefore, I had to recalibrate and reevaluate all my ships and determine if I had the space, time, and right headspace to cultivate them all.

With conducting the introspection and truly evaluating each ship I had become involved with, I had to make the conscience decision to get rid of some ships because it was no longer a good fit for my life nor theirs. This was hard for me because initially I felt as if I had failed the person/people and myself. However, I learned that there are seasons and reasons for every ship we become involved with. It’s up to us to overstand the purpose of the ship in our lives and make the most appropriate decision. This led me to be more intentional and defining the purpose the ship is supposed to serve in my life.

**When your ship is balanced the sailing is smooth!**

I’ve grown since learning this and continue to conduct introspection on a weekly basis. Having a balanced relationship, friendship, or partnership means having equity with each other and making sure that your both feel comfortable and supported. And even with that it still ensures there is independence. That’s the struggle I was having I wasn’t feeling supported and comfortable in all my ships, and there were somewhere I knew I wasn’t providing the needed support either.

So, I sat down and decided I need to have a list to be able to effectively evaluate if my relationships are balanced. Creating this list was an eye opener. It helped me to realize the value I bring to all of my ships and how I should not receive anything less nor give anything less.

Core Principles to Achieving Balance in Your Ships

Invest Your Time and Energy into yourself (self-care), your partner and the ship
Learn how to healthy compromise (finding a new path together that satisfies both people)
Engage in authentic dialogue often with active listening
Conduct introspection daily or weekly
Owning your own happiness
Honesty & Transparency
Be kind and always show love
Set, Understand, and Protect your boundaries

If you find any of these not to be showing up in your ships, it’s time to do a reevaluation. Because in that moment you are unbalanced. Always take the time to recenter within your ships. Think of a balancing scale; sometimes it can be the same weight on both ends and still be unbalanced. Why: because something on one end isn’t positioned properly causing an unbalance.

All in all understand your balancing act and what it takes to get there and maintain it! Don’t be afraid to let someone or some people go. If they are meant to be long term, they will either come back or get balanced. But don’t remain in the unclear, unfocused, & chaotic mess.

Discernment Dating

Post author By wowwnow0707
Post date August 30, 2021

September 2021

BAM MOVEMENT Monthly Inspirational Blog

DATING WITH DISCERNMENT

By: Jasmine Stribling “Her Story”

He loves me, he loves me not. He loves me, he loves me not. He loves me! I saw this game being played on a movie I watched as a young girl. The girl in the movie had a flower and as she recited, “He loves me, he loves me not”, she picked a petal off the flower to determine if the boy was interested in her.

In reality, dating can seem like this and I found myself in this situation a few times. You see I wasn’t taught exactly what to look for and I stumbled many times in an effort to find the right one. One of those stumbles ended up being the biggest heartbreak of my life and yet it led me thereafter on a journey to date with discernment.
As the saying goes, “Everything that shines isn’t gold”.

How To Date With Discernment?

1. Be Watchful.
Mark 13:5 says, “Keep watch so no one deceives you”.
What to watch for?

>> Character
>> Humbleness and sincerity. Willingness to admit when wrong and apologize sincerely.
>> Follow through. Do they do what they say they are going to do?
>> Speech. Out of the heart, the mouth speaks. Listen to exactly what they are saying. If someone is negative, unmotivated, making excuses, bitter or vice versa grateful, uplifting, motivated it will be revealed in someone’s speech.
>> What do they spend their time looking at? Are they on social media liking inappropriate images or videos, content , etc.
>> Teachable spirit. Reality is no one is perfect and we are all learning and growing everyday. But a person who is willing to listen to your concerns, suggestions and then model a desired behavior.
>> Shared values. Studies show that people with similar values last longer than most couples, even those with the same religious beliefs. *Do not be fooled about he loves the lord, knows scripture or he goes to church as this does not show true maturity with God*

2. Be Prayerful.

James 1:5-6 states, “if you need wisdom, ask out generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking”.

>> Seeking the Lord will save you for tremendous heartaches, if you listen to him. God will highlight someone’s character to you. The Holy Spirit will give you cautious signals and that “something just doesn’t feel right sensation”. When you sense it, do not reject because its usually spot on.

Proverbs 17:3, “Fire tests the purity of the heart.”

Also, ask God to give you the heart and strength to walk away or say No when it’s not the one. After speaking with many women, this is one of the biggest road blocks in our prayers. We will pray, pray, pray for signs but then lack the strength to walk away from anything that is not of God. It might look good on paper, say all the right things, have the right money but PRAYER will reveal the truth. The spirit of the Lord will reveal the true heart and motives of someone. Additionally, seek wise counsel and prayer from a mature believer.

3. Be prepared.

Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you”.

>> Not only is being prayerful about the motive and intent of someone else but understanding the motives and intent in your OWN heart. Getting married is an honor to God and a scared commitment. However, even if you marry the right one but are not prepared, it could be harder than necessary or worst ending the covenant altogether.

>> Examining the fruit you are displaying in your life and/or past relationships. The same criteria while being watchful about someone, you should also consider for yourself. Do you follow through, what are you watching, do you have self control, what are you speaking, etc.?

>> God desires for us to have fruitful relationships both relational and platonic. We are to work unto the Lord in every area of our life. Let our entire life worship God, homes, jobs, relationships, and so forth.

4. Trust Gods Timing

God will bring about the right person, at the right time. There’s no formula to his timing. Don’t look to the left or right as everyone’s story will be different. However, chose everyday to honor the Lord through your obedience to him. Even the lonely days or season(s) will produce an abundance of the fruits of the spirit in your life.