Woman 2 Woman Lounge

April 2, 2008

Our woman in the spotlight this week is a writer, author, advocate, proud mother of two, and a true survivor. She survived ten years in foster care, overcame teenage pregnancy and homelessness. Society deemed her destined for failure but she defied the odds and came out a true victor.

She is a native of Houston, Texas and her name is Arlether Wilson. After having to drop out of high School in 1985 because of pregnancy, and later surviving the divorce of her five year marriage in 1992 she applied and was accepted into the police academy and graduated number one in her class. Three years later she was promoted to sergeant and later excelled to the rank of captain. In 1998 she was honored as “Officer of the Year” and later earned several congressional commendations.

In 2001 she graduated cum laude from the University of Houston and later earned her Masters Degree in Behavioral Science. In 2005 Arlether was offered a position with another agency where she created and manages a Victims’ Services Division.

Today Arlether is an advocate for abused women and children throughout her city. She believes that it is important to take an active and supportive role in one’s community, and not just sit back and “point fingers”. Therefore she is an avid volunteer for many charitable organizations. She is the vice president of w.o.m.e.n.EO. Inc., which is a national women's organization that mentors women and girls.

Although Arlether has an unusual background for a writer, she is author of an inspirational memoir, Rewriting the Script. Rewriting The Script is not just another story about a girl surviving life in the streets. It’s much more than that. It is a soul stirring and motivational story of a girl abandoned and abused in the foster care system. After being placed back into a community plagued by crime, drugs, violence, and prostitution she decided to choose a different path. Life was difficult. However, she was determined not just to survive, but to change the course of her family’s history. It is a heartwarming story of desperation, grief and triumph.

We are so please to have this opportunity to interview Ms. Wilson and have her share her testimony further with us.

W2W: Arlether tells us about your journey in writing your book, Rewriting the Script.

Arlether: My writing experience was far from traditional. I didn't decide to write a book until I was well into my thirties. Although I have always loved journaling and just writing in general.
Actually writing my story wasn't difficult at all. It didn't take me long to get it all on paper. The biggest obstacle was actually all of the work that goes into creating a book.
When I started writing the book, I told myself that I was doing it because I wanted to leave a legacy...for my children. Today I realized that I wrote my story to help so many other people like myself. Anyone who reads my book can relate to it in some aspect and that makes me feel honored.
I have had people open up to me when they wouldn’t to anyone else. I thank God for giving me the strength and courage to be truthful and transparent. My story has helped so many people and that's the greatest Reward or Award that I can ever ask for.

W2W: You overcame many obstacles growing up, defied the odds, and came out victorious. How did you get through it all?

Arlether: God is so good to me. He was there for me when no one else was. During my journey, I didn’t have the support of my family, so I prayed…all the time. I encountered many obstacles but I always knew that there was light at the end of the tunnel. I believed with all my heart that God had a bigger and better plan for me. That and the love for my children kept me going.

W2W: What scriptures or Psalms in the word of God do you draw strength and hope from?

Arlether: Psalms 37 is awesome. My mom wasn’t very religious but when I reunited with her she made us read it everyday before leaving for school.

W2W: What new projects are you currently working on?

Arlether: I am actually working on two projects. I’m writing a book about my trials and triumphs as a woman in law enforcement. I am also working on a book for adolescent girls. There are so many books available that address the concerns of teens and pre-teens, so my goal is to make it more comprehensive. It will take a lot of work and research but I am prepared for the challenge.

W2W: What advice can you give other survivors trying to pick up the pieces of their lives?

Arlether: Know that God has allowed you to survive the storm for a reason. Believe it or not, your life has purpose. You just have to determine what that is. We are all here to be a blessing to someone else, so when the pain and memories seem unbearable hold on to your faith and believe that God will pull you through.

W2W: On occasion I ask the ladies I interview to share their testimonies with us, will you please share yours.

Arlether: For years, I was living in a cloud of pain and confusion. Most people thought I had it all together. I wore a mask and people thought that I was this beautiful and happy young lady. But on the inside I was sad, spending some days trying to figure out why my life was in such a state of disarray. I often wondered why I couldn’t just be happy.

For years, I focused on my work and taking care of my family, but that only sufficed for a short period. What about when I was alone or when I couldn’t sleep because I was having nightmares? I began to think that something was wrong with me. I felt unloved.

After much prayer and soul searching I realized that I was not facing my issues. I remembered what I knew all along. God will never put more on me than I can bare and after everything I overcame….I’m definitely here for a reason.

One day, I fell to my knees and I began to cry out and pray to the God for strength and direction. I began to confess to God all of the things that were bothering me…all of the things that I felt guilty or embarrassed about. I asked God to deliver me from all of the things that I’d been running from. After days of crying, it was like a light went off. I felt more confident, secure and like I could accomplish anything that I set my mind to. At that point, I placed all of my trust in God…not man.

Once I truly accepted Jesus into my life my world changed for the better. I am happier and able to love myself and others unconditionally. I serve and awesome God.

W2W: What can we be in prayer for you in 2008?

Arlether: Please pray for me and my family…and ask God to keep his hands on me. Like most people, I am still a work in progress.

Thank you for this wonderful opportunity

Woman2Woman Lounge thanks Arlether Wilson for her time and for granting us this interview. More information on Author Arlether Wilson can be found at her personal website @ http://www.rewritethescript.com/

Sherri Walker, Editor
Woman2Woman Lounge, & co-Founder of
Moms Working for Kingdom
http://momsworkingforthekingdom.org

April 16, 2008

Our woman in the spotlight this week is a native of Detroit, Michigan. She is a freelance publicist, an author, and an advocate. She is a highly sought-after speaker for organizations, churches, and schools. Her ministry is a ministry of healing. She is an advocate for individuals suffering from the effects of child sexual abuse. Her name is Stephanie L. Jones and she is the author of the book
"The Enemy Between My Legs".

In her book Stephanie shares her story with the world on how she was able to overcome the effects of over seven years of child sexual abuse, which began at age five. Being a victim herself she has the ability to understand and connect with other abuse victims, especially teenagers and young adults. Her book will set victims of sexual abuse free. It will help them deal with the hurt of their past and bring about healing. We had the honor of interviewing Ms. Jones recently, here is what she had to say.

W2W: Let’s talk about your book, "The Enemy Between My Legs." Can you give us a glimpse of it?

Stephanie: The Enemy Between My Legs is my story. I don’t just talk about the subject of sexual abuse, but I share intimate details showing how I was affected by over seven years of child molestation. I also give facts and statistics showing how it affects society as a whole, especially in the areas of promiscuity, teen pregnancy, and crime. I then follow with stories from other survivors, which I feel allows people to see just how serious this problem is. Most importantly, in the latter part of the book I let readers know what steps I took to heal and break free from the bondage of my past.

W2W: Stephanie, did you find it difficult to share so many personal details about yourself?

Stephanie: Actually, writing the book wasn’t difficult at all. I can contribute that to the fact that I am truly healed from it! The old things are passed away! I also have a wonderful husband who supports me, which makes my work easier to do. I was speaking publicly about sexual abuse before I wrote the book, so of course that made it easier too.

W2W: What is the most important thing you want people to come away with after reading The Enemy Between My Legs?

Stephanie: I want people to walk away with courage, hope, and belief that God can heal them. I want them to gain understanding as to why they’ve made certain choices in their lives. I want them to be able to connect the past to the present. I believe that people can be healed once they know the source of their hurt and pain. Knowing the source of the pain allows a person to pluck it up by the root.

W2W: What are you doing right now in conjunction with your book?

Stephanie: Right now I’m focusing on speaking engagements and media coverage. I have to get the word out there. The message of hope and healing is most important, and I feel the best way for me to deliver that is by going out to people who are hurting. I’m beginning to schedule book signings and I plan to do several more signings over the next 6 months.

W2W: Will you share with us your testimony of how you came to Christ?

Stephanie: Well, I like to say that I got saved and then I got saved. I went to church off and on throughout my teenage and young adult years, but I didn’t know much about Christ. It wasn’t until I started dating my husband and he invited me to his church, Word of Faith International Christian Center (Bishop Keith and Pastor Deborah Butler), that I learned about the love, forgiveness, and goodness of God. My church teaches the solid Word of God, covering 5 to 15 scriptures during every service. I’ve learned how to study the Word for myself, apply it to my life, and how to have my own personal relationship with God.

W2W: What scriptures have been therapeutic for you over the years and still are right now?

Stephanie: Psalm 103: 1-5 – God has redeemed my life from destruction, crowned me with His loving-kindness, and renewed my youth!

Isaiah 54:4 – God has redeemed me from the shame of my youth.

3 John 2 – Above all things God wants my soul (mind, will and emotions) to prosper.

W2W: In closing, would you share a word of encouragement with someone out there who might read this interview who is currently trying to make it through some rough times in their life.

Stephanie: Sexual abuse is a heavy burden to bear. It is time to give it over to God once and for all. Yes, healing is available, but it requires a decision and action. Pray and seek God for direction, talk to someone who you can trust to help you through the healing process, forgive the person who offended you by letting go of the anger and hurt in your heart, and do what it takes to move forward in life. Don’t let the past keep you bound anymore. God wants to move you into your destiny and greatness, but He can’t do so if you won’t let go of the past.

Stephanie L. Jones, author of The Enemy Between My Legs, is a highly sought after speaker for schools, organizations, and churches. As a sexual abuse survivor, she knows and understands the long-term effects that child molestation has on a victim’s life. She is committed to helping people find healing from the pain of their past. You may purchase the book at any major bookstore or purchase an autographed copy online at www.stephanieljones.com.

Woman2Woman Lounge thanks Stephanie L. Jones for her time and for granting us this interview.

Sherri Walker, Editor
Woman2Woman Lounge, & co-Founder of
Moms Working for Kingdom
http://momsworkingforthekingdom.org

April 30, 2008

This weeks woman in the spotlight knows walking in faith is a constant challenge. After watching her husband go through some life changing experiences she learned to trust the Lord completely. Her husband asked her to tell people his story, and she has done just that in her book "With Wings As Eagles." She is author Ann Stewart.

Ann gave her book the title “With Wings As Eagles because it describes the challenges we face. The book chronicles the trials and errors she has gone through, and how ultimately the victory came. It tells of how her husband Jack now lives one day at time, he has forgiven doctors, professionals, and mistakes that were made and has put the past behind him. He has joy and is thankful for God's miracles. He loves encouraging others and his wife Ann has helped him accomplish this by documenting his journeys and sharing it with others through her book. Together their mission is to give God the glory and to be a blessing to others. You will find “ With Wings As Eagles” much more than a source of comfort. It is a practical how-to book to encourage and instruct you as you go through your trials. Ann and Jack want you to know what God has done for them, He promises in His Word that He will do for you! We are grateful Ann took a few moments of her time to grant us this interview and we thank her for sharing her and Jack's journey with us.

W2W: Ann tell us about your book "With Wings As Eagles"?

Ann: With Wings As Eagles came about after my husband went through a couple of life threatening episodes as well as a number of setbacks, medical incompetence and hospital infections.

It wasn’t until after all the trials that we fully recognized the mighty hand of the Lord in every little detail of the trials. We shared the testimonies as much as we could, but they were just too numerous. Then the Holy Spirit impressed upon me to write a book so it can encourage many.

I had never written anything before, but the need to do this became so overpowering that I finally put pen to paper. Once I did that, the Holy Spirit seemed to take over and the words just flowed.

With Wings As Eagles shares how through trial and error I learned to cast my eyes only on Him and not on the dismal circumstances. It is filled with hope, encouragement and joy. But first and foremost it gives God the glory for what He has done for us, how He rewards faith, and what He will do for all who trust in Him. Praise God! His Promises are truly Yea and Amen!

W2W: What is it that you want people to come away with after reading your book?

Ann: The main thing I want to share with the readers is the goodness and faithfulness of our God. With Wings As Eagles is a testimony of how standing on the Promises of God brings results.

When you take the Word of God personally and apply it to your situation, it will do what it says it will. I want to encourage people that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. That means the more you study the Word the more you will be able to hear His voice, and the more your faith will grow.

Faith is a journey shared with the Lord. It’s like the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. They were so grieved and had lost all hope. When the Lord walked with them, they didn’t even recognize Him until after they had first heard the scriptures and finally when He did something only He could do! (Luke 24: 13 – 31)

W2W: Who are some authors or some books that you could suggest to women?

Ann: Joyce Meyer and Gloria Copeland have written powerful books about how to stand in faith. They have been a terrific help to me through our trials and highly recommend any and all of their books.

W2W: Please share with us your journey of faith that has brought you to the place you are today.

Ann: My faith journey developed gradually. It didn’t come overnight. I would pray for my headache to go away. Sometimes it would go; other times it just didn’t seem to work. Then one Sunday in church I asked for healing of a bleeding uterine cyst that was to be surgically removed two days later. As I left the church I told myself: “I asked the Lord for a healing. He healed me; I accept it, and tomorrow I am going to cancel the operation.” Over the following two to three months the bleeding would resume every now and then. I would just come against it, speaking firmly to the cyst and telling it that I was healed. It stopped! At my annual medical check-up the grapefruit-size cyst was nowhere to be seen! It was totally gone!

By the time my husband had his medical problems, as described in detail in With Wings As Eagles, although my faith had been built up considerably, it was sorely tested! But the Lord taught me step by step how to stand unwavering in the faith. He supplied His peace and literally buoyed me up as with wings as eagles throughout the process.

W2W: What are three of your favorite scriptures and why?

Ann: My three favorite scriptures are:

Isa. 40:31: “they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles: they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.”

I’ve been standing on that one for years as physically I had to battle with fatigue. Spiritually, it has taught me how patiently expecting His Promises to come to pass brings peace and assurance that He is in charge.

Ps. 91: 1: “He who dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”

The more intimately I’ve come to know the Lord, the more sure and steadfast my faith has become, knowing that I’m safe regardless of the outcome of the situation at hand.

Rom. 8: 11: “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you.”

This is a totally awesome scripture. Knowing that Christ died in order to give me His Spirit is mind-boggling. I have barely learned to tap into this awesome power to overcome adversity. It’s one of the scriptures I stand on when praying for physical healing.

W2W: What would you say to encourage those who are “going through” right now?

Ann: First and foremost I want to encourage you that you’re never alone; Jesus is as close as the mention of His Name. Call on Him and He will answer you.

Your own words are also powerful. It’s of utmost importance to declare the desired outcome. For instance, it’s good to tell the Lord that you’re standing on His Promise: “By His Stripes you were healed.” (1 Pet. 2: 24) Notice that you WERE healed. Jesus already provided it on the cross! Do not look at the circumstances, which may be saying there is little hope, nor speak the worst of the situation.

Praise Him for all things He has done for you. He is not the cause of your dilemma. He is your deliverer, your peace giver, your nurturer, your Wisdom, your Healer – He is everything you need.

I would encourage you to ask expectantly as a little child would ask her Daddy, and you will receive.

W2W: In closing what personal message would you like to leave our readers with today?

Ann: The Lord is just wonderful. He is no respecter of persons. That means that what He has done for me, He will do for you! Regardless of the circumstances, always praise Him for His goodness because of Who He is. In return you will find His Peace and His Wisdom as to how to pray for your circumstances.

“Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4: 4) Always remember that you are more than a conqueror through Him who loves you! (Rom. 8: 38)

Ann Stewart, author of "With Wings as Eagles", has been featured on the front page of the October issue of Triumph Over Trauma, a division of Shared Vision Network. You can obtain a copy of this motivating and inspirational book by visiting http://www.amazon.com or http://www.lifealteringwords.com/with_wings_as_eagles/

Again the Woman2Woman Lounge thanks Ann Stewart for her time and for granting us this interview.

Sherri Walker, Editor
Woman2Woman Lounge, & co-Founder of
Moms Working for Kingdom
http://momsworkingforthekingdom.org

May 14, 2008

Our woman in the spotlight this week is a wife, mother, and an award-winning graphic designer, who always had a passion for the creative gift she was blessed with. She has had a diverse career, which has spanned over 15 years as an art director/graphic designer. Anxious to make her "vision" come true she set out on her own and formed Visions Graphics Studio in 2005. Her name is Tammy Arceneaux and she is founder and creative Director of VisionsXpressed.

To me there is nothing more delightful than sharing your faith with others, proclaiming the gospel of Christ in whatever way you can, be it through your business, or just as you walk down the street and meet and greet people. The Bible says be not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power unto salvation to those who believe. Jesus himself said everyone who confesses HIM before men, HE will also confess before HIS Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies HIM before men, HE will also deny him before HIS Father who is in heaven.

Declaring your faith with boldness is what Tammy set out to do when she started Visionsxpressed in 2006. Their Dog tags and tee shirts allow you to literally be a walking billboard for the Lord.
Tammy says VisionsXpressed has been in the making for her entire life without her even knowing, however, she says, "God knew"!

VisionsXpressed is very dear to Tammy's heart. She say that although the road was bumpy at times, God held her hand and has guided her. She counts this ongoing journey a true blessing in her life. I've had the pleasure of speaking with Tammy and I am delighted and honored to share with you this interview I recently had with her.

W2W: Tammy, thank you so much for this interview, please tell our readers a little bit about yourself?

Tammy: Since I was in elementary school, I've been drawing and have won numerous art contests. Art was my passion and still is. I've been a professional graphic designer for over 25 years now, with the last 3 years doing freelance as Visions Graphics Studio. My only daughter is 25 and recently graduated with a degree in animal science. I married my soul mate and the one that God had hand-picked for me 7 years ago. A couple of years ago, God placed upon my heart to minister through my artwork. I began designing logos and marketing pieces for more and more ministries. A little over a year ago, God placed on my heart to design Christian dog tags and t-shirts as a way to minister. VisionsXpressed was born. Now I have two businesses.

W2W: How did your visions come about for VisionsXpressed?

Tammy: I had developed a huge mass the size of a golf ball seemingly overnight on my left breast. When I noticed it, I couldn't believer how large it was and fear immediately set in. Anything that came up that large and in that amount of time certainly couldn't be good news. Instead of turning to God, I became withdrawn and unapproachable, even with my husband. I kept it a secret for a couple of months and spent my time researching the internet on cancer and formed my own opinion that I had a rare form of a highly aggressive cancer. Crying is all that I did. I reached a breaking point and cried out to God. It was during this time that I began listening to Him and the direction He wanted me to go in. Within three days, I had a business name and 31 designs, although at this time I've only introduced 5 designs until I can get on my feet. "Visions" is also part of my graphic design business. All ideas begin with a "vision". The "X" was meant to represent the younger generation, which was the generation that I felt God wanted me to minister to, but come to find out, people of all ages love the products! Oh, and the mass was removed surgically and was benign! It was a non-cancerous tumor surrounded by a huge amount of staff infection. Praise God!

W2W: Looking back Tammy how did Motherhood change you as a person?

Tammy: I had to grow up real fast and leave behind my wildness in order to be a responsible parent. I also found a new appreciation and respect for my mom and dad. My husband at that time was a drug addict and alcoholic. He wouldn't keep a job, was undependable, and had become verbally and physically abusive. When my daughter was 10 months old, I had decided to leave. When he found out, he beat me up in front of her. I raised her on my own without child support. It was tough, but well worth it. He's in jail now for attempted murder. My daughter is happy and well adjusted. God was always with us!

W2W: By the time this interview posts Mother's Day will have passed, but in celebration of Moms, what is the best advice you have ever gotten from yours?

Tammy: There are several. 1. My mom (and dad) always lived by their rule to never go to bed angry or leave the house angry with each other. Even when they disagreed, they always told each other "I love you" before leaving to go to bed or for work. Of course, that didn't sink in until later in life, and I'm so thankful that nothing ever happened to a loved one during those days! I now practice what I learned from my parents because none of us a guaranteed the rest of the day, or a tomorrow! 2. Everyone makes mistakes, but by picking yourself up and dusting yourself off, and learning by your mistakes, makes you a stronger and more rounded person! 3. No matter how bad your life or situation may be, there is always someone else who is in a much worse situation. Count your blessings! This is so true!

W2W: Being a wife and mother truly adds new dimension and various challenges to the life of a woman, how do you manage it all?

Tammy: I don't know! I wear so many hats that sometimes my head hurts! LOL! Seriously though, everything is in God's hands! Through the years, God has been teaching me patience, which was very tough teaching me! Through life's lessons, I'm a very laid-back person and fully accept that things happen in God's timing, not mine! To get flustered only brings me down and life's too short for that!

W2W: Tammy please share your testimony with us.

Tammy: Well, I've already shared little by little, but I'll fill you in on some background and the in betweens. My birth mother was barely 17 when I was born. She left me at 2 years old in a high chair while my dad was at work, never to return. My dad found me and we moved in with my grandmother. At 9 years old, my dad married the most wonderful woman, who took me in and loved me as her own. She couldn't be more my mom if we were true flesh and blood! As a teenager, my birth mother out of curiosity came into our lives and turned them upside down. I believed that she wanted and loved me and I began to rebel against my mom who truly did love me. I ran away and tried to quit school. My mom and dad found me and successfully had me back in school within a matter of a few days. Although I did graduate and settle down some, I was miserable. After all, there was a birth mother who wanted me back, when in reality, she didn't. I married my daughter's birth father after I only knew him 3 months, just to get out of the house. I really thought that I had it bad, when in reality, my parents were the most loving people! It still amazes me to this day on how my mind worked back then! The next 3 years were totally abusive and horrific. I also found out that my birth mother never wanted me and she even told me so! God had been so good to me by giving me a wonderful dad and mom, plus He protected me and later on, my daughter. We both could have lost our lives! Despite all the blessings, I never gave God the glory, or even gave God acknowledgement for that matter! I was brought up in church and I believed in God, but even though He carried me out of harms way many times, I turned my back on Him! Sadly, it wasn't until I thought I had cancer that I answered God's call. He had been knocking on my heart's door for a long time! I regret the pain and hurt that I caused my parents growing up, and of course for being so stubborn! I now give God all the glory and will use the creative gift He blessed me with as a way to minister. My birth mother had 4 other children by different fathers. They grew up being abused and the 3 girls had run away from home and had a child by the time they were 16. I actually spoke to one who had made contact with me. We spoke for a long time and she told me how horrible their childhood was and that their mother, my birth mother, would be in their life one minute, then get upset with them and wouldn't speak with them for 6 months or more, then out of the blue she would call and act like nothing had happened. She also said that the men were physically abusive to the girls. My half siblings and I don't speak, nor do I know where they are now, but it's because we don't know each other, and love of family was never instilled into their lives. However, there was a statement she made that I will never forget as long as I live. She said "We knew about your existence, and always thought that you were the lucky one." She was and still is right! I am so very blessed!

W2W: What are your three favorite scriptures and why?

Tammy: With my back being turned to God for so many years, I've got a lot of catching up and learning to do on scripture! I must say that John 3:16 is the one that I think of right off the bat. We've all been taught this verse since childhood. As a parent, I relate to it especially. I can't even imagine doing what God did! My second verse is Psalm 138:3. When I was looking up scripture to relate to my products, that I refer to as "Bold4God", I came across it and loved it. To proclaim our faith and witness in this world filled with ridicule is being bold4God! I now use this scripture in my email signature for VisionsXpressed. The third verse is one of comfort and stems from the days when I lived with my grandmother. It is Psalm 23:1-3. To me, it's a verse of hope. Not matter how "bad" things get, it reminds me that God is holding my hand and will see me through.

W2W: In closing, is there anything the Lord has laid upon your heart that you could share as an encouragement to the women reading this?

Tammy: Never give up hope and faith! Even when you feel like you are alone and you don't "feel" God, He is there and with His arms wrapped tightly around you! Sometimes we get so caught up in what's going on, that we feel that instead of opening our hearts to feel God. For years, He saved my life countless times, He fed my daughter and I when I only had $10 left in checking to last until payday. He was there for me, but I wasn't there for Him. I am now, and will always be.

Again the Woman2Woman Lounge thanks Tammy Arceneaux for her time and for granting us this interview. You can read more about Tammy and VisionsXpressed by visiting www.visionsxpressed.com

Sherri Walker, Editor
Woman2Woman Lounge, & co-Founder of
Moms Working for Kingdom
http://momsworkingforthekingdom.org

May 28, 2008

Our woman in the spotlight this week is an encourager, motivator, and a leader. She has a true love for God and His people and a never-ending desire to impact the lives of other women. She is a graduate of Nova Southeastern University in Orlando, FL where she earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration and is currently pursuing a Masters of Business Administration degree from the same university.

Her name is Reginia Cotton and she is CEO / President of He ChoZe Me! where she is a motivational / inspirational speaker & mentor for women. HE CHOZE ME! is designed to empower, enhance and encourage. She is also a youth mentor and a youth leader at Redeeming Light Center Church of Eatonville, FL, under the leadership of Pastors Thomas & Beverly Brown and the Director for Empowered4Life! Youth Mentoring & Leadership Development Program for ages 13-18.

Her passion for the heart of women and young teen girls compels her to take this leap of faith and lean on God’s infinite wisdom through prayer and faith. Having dealt with abandonment, rejection, disappointment and abuse she rose up against all odds and moved forward in the spirit of excellence.

Reginia proudly proclaims that she is not what she use to be and that she is continuing to progress forward in the spirit of excellence. I had the pleasure of interviewing Ms. Cotton recently and happy to share with you our readers another inspiring interview with a gracious woman in ministry.

W2W: Reginia what motivated you to start HE ChoZE ME!?

Reginia: God actually gave me the motivation to start He ChoZe Me! I reflected back over my life and considered some of the trials I've had to face and a lot of it had to do with heartache and the desire to be and feel loved. As women we need that sisterhood and the feeling of oneness to help motivate, inspire, and empower us to continue pressing forward in the things that we desire to do. I didn't have that growing up and I don't want to pass up the opportunity to pour into the lives of other women, regardless of their background or walk of life in which one has had to travel. I can tell you, Sherri, I've definitely walked some miles in this journey. Then I realized that God chose me, according to Jeremiah 1:5.

W2W: With teens today facing so many temptations, dealing with different pressures and influences in the world, what is the most important thing you try to teach them about dealing with life in general?

Reginia: One thing I try to convey to teens is the fact that they have the ability to make good sound choices. We have choices in everything we do. Sometimes we are not responsible for the hand we're dealt but we have the choice to rise above situations in spite of what's before us. Young people (teens) should know that it's ok to not be the "norm". Most importantly, if they were to consider the consequence of an action, they may re-consider the course of action that is before them. Also, when having made an unwise decision, ALWAYS take something out of the situation as a memorial stone and learn from it. Let it be a reminder that you've been in that place before and to not go back to it again.

W2W: How did you rise above your circumstances and moved forward in the spirit of excellence?

Reginia: Wow! I wouldn't know where to begin answering this question! Prayer, prayer, and more prayer is what helped me rise above many trials I've had to face and still facing in life. I had to remind myself of the promises of God and trust Him. God is a faithful God! I couldn't have made it through without the love, support, and encouragement of my dear friends. I have some of the best friends that anyone gal can have! :-) I have to press through because when another "Regina" comes my way I have to be able to share with her how I made it over. As Marvin Sapp so eloquently says, "I'm stronger, I'm wiser, I'm better...so much better. When I LOOK back..." Sherri, I realize when I look back on a storm I then realize that I made it through. Praise the Lord!

W2W: What scriptures do you draw strength from daily?

Reginia: The Word of God is something powerful!! One of my favorite scriptures is Ephesians 3:20 "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly ABOVE ALL that we think or ask according to the POWER that works within us". Thank you, Jesus! When I need to go to my safe haven from all the noise and spiritual warfare I go to Psalm 91. When I need to lie down in the green meadows I go to Psalm 23. When I need to be reminded of God's love I go to John 3:16. When I need to be reminded that no matter how bad the situation is God can turn it around I go to Romans 8:28 & Phil 4:13. When I dare to praise my way through a situation I go and read Psalm 105 and consider the words of David who never failed to exalt the Lord. Sherri, I love the love Letter that God left for His people and His Word continues to fall fresh on me every time I open the Letter to read it.

W2W: Besides the Holy Bible, the book our Heavenly Father is the author of, what books would you recommend for reading?

Reginia: One of my favorite Christian authors would be Elizabeth George. She wrote A Woman After God's Own Heart. If one desires to draw nearer to Him this is an awesome book. Also, Stormie Omartian who wrote Power of a Praying Wife. I'm currently reading Bishop T. D. Jakes, Reposition Yourself. These authors and many others have really written some awesome books that can assist in keeping you grounded in this walk with Christ. I pray to one day be among them with a #1 best seller!

W2W: Reginia please share your testimony of faith with us.

Reginia: As I stated earlier, God chose me at an early age of 11. I fell in love with Christ when I was a little girl. I grew up in a Baptist church in Faunsdale, Alabama. Yes, it was pure country. LOL! But nevertheless, I met Christ and we've been walking ever since. Sometimes I would take a different route but His navigation system (the Holy Spirit) always alerted me and I was back on track. God has spared my life and use His rod of correction to mold me and continue to design me for His glory. I believe because His word pierces my heart and He gives me a hope beyond what I can see. Paul says that if we hope for what we see then its not really hope. Jesus is an expressionless wonder in my life, meaning I can't find the words that would adequately describe or display who He is to me. I've tried the party and drinking when I was younger and one day I realized that is not the life I wanted to live and one night I called my former pastor crying uncontrollably and re-dedicated my life fully to the Lord and shall we say, "the story continues..."

W2W: In closing, how can we, your sisters, be in prayer for you?

Reginia: My prayer is that God will grant me wisdom and understanding as I "seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you" Matt 6:33. Also, that there would be a manifestation of His Spirit poured out among His people and that I remain a humble servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Woman2Woman Lounge would like to sincerely thank Reginia Cotton for granting us this interview. You can read more about her and He choZe Me by visiting her website @ http://hechozeme.com/

Sherri Walker, Editor
Woman2Woman Lounge, & co-Founder of
Moms Working for Kingdom
http://momsworkingforthekingdom.org

"Uniting, Edifying, Inspiring, Motivating & Empowering Women"