Woman 2 Woman Lounge

June 11, 2008

This weeks woman in the spotlight is a true miracle walking. She is a mother of two from Florida. In 1997 She was in a near fatal car accident and the doctors gave her a 1% chance of survival. She said God didn’t give up on her because he wasn’t through with her yet.

Her name is Jessie Greene and she considers herself a LIVING TESTIMONY. Although her near fatal accident was 11 years ago Jessie feels its time to tell her story and I am glad she agreed to share her testimony here with us at the Woman2Woman Lounge. I was so excited and truly looking forward to conducting this interview because I wanted those who come through and read the interviews on our website to read hers and see for themselves what God is doing in the lives of others. He is still in the miracle working business and remains full of wonder working power. I thank God for Jessie Greene and that she is still with us and able to share her story. I pray it will give others hope, increased faith, and show us the continued Mercy, Grace, and Love the Father bestows upon us.

W2W: Jessie thank you for agreeing to this interview with me, please share with our readers what happened to you on April 28, 1997.

Jessie: I was in a severe car accident on April 28, 1997 to the point of death at the ripe age of 23 and some of the information I am sharing with you aren't actual events that I remember because I suffered a severe case of amnesia. I learned from the accident report that I was supposedly traveling at a high rate of speed of 100mph in a 1997 Maxima while it was raining. The report said that I lost control of the car and was ejected through the windshield. I was airlifted to O.R.M.C being that I sustained a severe head injury and multiple orthopedic injuries. I broke the radius in my right arm, the radius and ulna in my left arm and I broke the femur in my right leg which of course is one of the biggest bones in the body being that it connects the hip and knee together. The trauma that I sustained to my head caused me to lapse into a coma for 27 days. The medical report said that the coma score was a 10 then it dropped down to a level 3 which medically is the lowest score coma a person can be in and survive without being a vegetable. I was transported to Sandlake Rehabilitative Hospital a little after I woke out of the coma because I had a lot of therapy that I had to go through. I can remember waking up in the hospital bed at Sandlake, not knowing what had happened to me I felt this bulky thing between my legs and when I pulled the sheet back I realized that it was a Depends diaper. I then buzzed the nurse because I was confused and wondering why I had this thing on and the nurse then informed me of the accident and that I had on a catheter during my stay at O.R.M.C. Wow, and did I mention the fact of every time I wanted to take a shower I had to buzz the nurse. I was basically a 23 year old handicap that had 2 children who I didn't even remember. I have to tell my story because God has truly been good to me and I want to share my testimony with those who may be going through hard times and don't know how you're going to make it. God is faithful and He will see you through every time. See, the doctors [[MAN]] gave me a 1% chance of living and they told my family that if I came out of the coma I would be brain dead...But look at me now!!!! GOD DIDN'T GIVE UP ON ME CAUSE HE WASN'T THROUGH WITH ME YET!!!!!!!

W2W: After your accident what was your daily recovery like?

Jessie: Well, I don't remember my stay at the first hospital I was at but when I was at the Rehabilitative Hospital I had to go thru extensive therapy learning how to walk again and just how to go about life. I was very depressed and wanted to give up so many times to the point I use to question God all the time asking him why didn't he just let me die because I felt so useless at that time.

W2W: Coming back from a traumatic accident such as yours had to give you a whole new appreciation for life, family, and increased your gratitude toward God. Share with us how this affected your faith.

Jessie: WOW! Well for me it was a daily struggle being that I didn't really have any support from my immediate family. I mean my mom and dad were arguing over who I was going to live with once I was released from the hospital being that I couldn't live on my own with my mental state being the way it was at that time. It was a very trying time for me and like I stated earlier I just wanted to give up and die because I felt there was no reason for me living. To be completely honest with you, it was because of what God has already imparted on the inside of me that wouldn't allow me to just give up and die. I had my 2 children at the time to support so I needed to hold on for their sake.

W2W: What scriptures or psalms give you strength?

Jessie: The day I really thought about committing suicide, I was sitting on the edge of the bed and I heard a voice as clear as day that said, "Just take ALL your pain pills and sleep" then I heard another voice that said...."Read Job 3:10". In that particular scripture Job is cursing the day he was born because he was enduring so much heartache and pain the exact same way I was feeling but I felt in my spirit God was letting me know that he understood and he was right there by my side. I also find strength in Psalms 25 & 27.

W2W: What is God presently doing in your life?

Jessie: Right now God has me in that quiet place in HIM. I'm drawing nigh to him so I can fulfill my purpose and spring forth in the ministry He's called me into.

W2W: What are some of your hopes for the future?

Jessie: My hopes for the future is fulfilling Gods will for my life and touching the lives of many worldwide with my testimony.

W2W: What words of encouragement do you have for others who might be going through a difficult period in their lives?

Jessie: No matter what your situation looks like have faith in God and know that he will see you through even though you may not see it or feel it just trust and have faith.

W2W: In closing my sister how can we be in prayer for you?

Jessie: Just pray my strength in the Lord. Pray for me and my children that the Lord will continue to keep us and bless us according to His riches in glory.

Woman2Woman Lounge would like to sincerely thank Jessie Greene for granting us this interview. You can read more of her testimony by visiting her website @ http://www.myspace.com/1_tru_chosen_vessel

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

June 25, 2008

This weeks woman in the spotlight is a wife, a mother, and a native of San Antonio. She is a multi-hat wearing business woman. She is the CEO and President of Crystal Clear Communications- a Houston based advertising agency and public relations firm with a second office in Louisiana. She is a Honors College graduate of The University of Houston with a B.A. in Radio-Television, an accomplished journalist and has appeared on several local radio and television shows as well having had more than 500 editorials published including work featured in Vogue, People, Self, Shape, Washington Weekly, Building Edge magazine, The Capitol Times, Today’s Christian Woman, The San Antonio Informer and The Houston Chronicle. She is also the author of three poetry books and a nationally published fiction novel, "Caramel and Cream" and Saltwater Taffy and Red High Heels: My Journey through breast Cancer.

Her name is Crystal Brown-Tatum and she is a breast cancer survivor. In April 2007 she was diagnosed with stage IIIA breast cancer. After Crystal’s diagnoses she searched to see if there were any books on breast cancer written by young African-American women that detailed every step of their journey to remission, but there was not one to be found. So Crystal put on her best red shoes, snuggled up with some hot tea and saltwater taffy and began composing her own personal memoir. She captured every moment, from finding the lump to getting the news, from surgery to chemo, to hair loss, chemo and radiation. No stone was left unturned and no detail is taboo.

Back in March of this year Crystal submitted an article to us here at the Woman2Woman Lounge about her breast cancer and we were more than happy to immediately publish it, for we knew it would be encouraging to those who might have experienced or were going through the same ordeal as Crystal had endured. This is one of the reasons why I re-connected with Crystal in hopes that she would share yet more of her story of survival with us in an interview to further educate, encourage, and inspire others in the same situation. I was not surprised that she humbly agreed. Her book will touch your heart and move your spirit.

Crystal dedicated her book Saltwater Taffy and Red High Heels: My Journey through Breast Cancer to those fighting breast cancer, breast cancer survivors or anyone who has a loved one battling the disease. Her prayer is that her book will be encouraging to other patients and survivors who read it. I share the sentiments of her prayer as well. I thank Crystal for allowing me to further share her story here at the Woman2Woman Lounge.

W2W: How did you discover that you had breast cancer?

Crystal: I found a small knot in my right armpit area in August of 2006. I was applying lotion and felt it. Initially, I dismissed it as nothing, maybe a reaction to a sinus infection, and went on with my life. In April of 2007, I noticed that it had become larger and was slightly painful. I was referred to a general surgeon who did an ultrasound and biopsy to confirm it was stage IIIA breast cancer-tumor was 3.4 centimeters with 16 of 27 positive lymph nodes.

W2W: What types of treatment were recommended?

Crystal: Lumpectomy with axillary lymph node dissection, 6 cycles of chemotherapy-taxotere, cytoxan and epirubicin administered every 3 weeks, and 37 radiation treatments.

W2W: How has your life changed?

Crystal: My life has changed in so many ways. I appreciate the little things in life more (spending time with family, enjoying pretty weather, keeping in touch with friends, baking a cake, etc.)

I’ve grown as a person-I realized that hair and outward beauty really don’t make the person. Being bald forced me to face the world with confidence. I began to see the true beauty in others. Some people revealed to me that they did not have my best interest at heart or they didn’t have strong faith and I had to eliminate those negative relationships from my life.

I learned that I can’t do everything and that I have to prioritize my tasks and efforts. My faith has been heightened because God carried me in my darkest hours. He also healed me of cancer and I am very grateful and forever humbled.

W2W: Your book, Saltwater Taffy and Red High Heels: My Journey through Breast Cancer, will help many, will you share with us a little of what you shared with others in your book involving your Journey?

Crystal: Tomorrow is not guaranteed but the promise of today is offered. I don’t want to die from cancer but I don’t want to live with regrets, missed moments, anger or revenge. In the midst of the storm, I stayed afloat because deep down, I knew that I would get through this. I knew that my hair would grow back. I knew that one day this would be in the past and a part of my history…NOT my history. I found comfort in reaching out to other survivors who had walked this journey and were here to encourage me along the way.

I am stronger than I ever could have imagined. My strength can make others weak. I think our deepest fear is truly realizing our capabilities and strengths because we’ve been conditioned to think small. Start thinking big today.

W2W: Where did you draw strength from to help you get through your Journey?

Crystal: I found strength from healing scriptures (Luke 4:40, Matthew 4:23, 24), friends and family, other survivors and drawing strength from overcoming painful obstacles and tragedies in my past. I feel that all of my past tribulations were preparing me for the biggest fight of my life. As a new wife, I wanted to be strong for my husband and fourteen year old daughter.

W2W: Crystal you certainly are a busy woman, how do you balance everything that you are presently involved in?

Crystal: Maintaining a healthy balance is a job in itself! I have to make appointments for myself and quality time with my family and other relationships. I make sure to calendar in spa days, girls day out, movie events, date nights, etc. so that those commitments become just as important as business meetings and book promotions. I try really hard to give people the attention and quality time they deserve when we spend time together and then focus on other matters when it is time.

I also work a lot of late hours when everyone is asleep-burn the midnight oil!

W2W: In closing what final words of encouragement can you give to women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer or going through treatment at this moment?

Crystal: As crazy as it sounds, cancer can really be a blessing. You learn how to fight for your life. You learn how to take optimal care of yourself. You prioritize your daily tasks. You see who is really in your corner. Most importantly, when faced with your own mortality, you truly learn how to live.

Woman2Woman Lounge would like to sincerely thank Crystal Brown-Tatum for granting us this interview. You can read more about her or to order her book visit: http://saltwatertaffyandredhighheels.com

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

Note: Breast Cancer Screening is very important. Some types of cancer can be found before they cause symptoms. Screening can help doctors find and treat some types of cancer early. Generally, cancer treatment is more effective when the disease is found early. A mammogram is the best tool doctors have to find breast cancer early. A mammogram is a picture of the breast made with x-rays. Current recommendations by the breast cancer institute is that women in their forties and older should have mammograms every 1 to 2 years. Women who are at higher-than-average risk of breast cancer should talk with their health care provider about whether to have mammograms before age 40 and how often to have them. Either way ladies please do self examinations monthly and report any change to your doctor immediately. Time is of the essence when it comes to cancer period. Don't take lightly or disregard any changes you may feel during a monthly exam of your breast and please don't be fearful or going to the doctors to have a mammogram, the sooner something is detected the better chance you have a eliminating it before it reaches an irreversible and/ or, God forbid, non-treatable stage. For more information visit: http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org or http://www.cancer.gov

August 2, 2008

This months woman in the spotlight is a native of Shreveport, Louisiana who now resides in now resides in Atlanta, Georgia. She has been described as one of the most prolific speakers of all times. She speaks with passion, compassion, authority and simplicity. Moving people into their greatness is her purpose and speaking is her platform. Her name is Latrina L. Johnson and she is CEO of S.A.M (Speaking Above Mediocrity), LLC and Author of Change your Life By Changing Your Mind.

Latrina is a true visionary who refuses to give up on her dream. She is a fighter. She has faced many difficult challenges in her life. On July 27, 2006, Latrina faced her greatest challenge when she suddenly came face to face with a gunman pointing a nine-millimeter gun at her and then forcing her into a secluded room. God spared her life and now she wants to share her story. She has also faced homelessness, loneliness and despair. How did she overcome it all? He says, "It was by the grace of God".

Latrina is the author of Change your life by Changing you mind. She wants to give to you the tools to make your dreams a reality. God has qualified her to be a culprit to significantly enhance your life. She believes success first starts in your mind and not to let your greatest thought cause you to be an underachiever. I recently had the pleasure of interviewing this dynamic motivational speaker and am happy to be able to share a little about her with you.

W2W: Latrina you are a well sought after Motivational Speaker. What tools do you share with others during your speaking engagements that you feel will help them be successful at seeing positive change in their lives?

Latrina: First have a positive attitude believing you can have the desires of your heart. Every manifested action is first a thought in your mind. Channel your mind on positivity and productivity.

Second Immediately eliminate all negative persons in your life. Negative people speak negative words and actions into your life aborting your dreams. Don't allow assassins to be in your circle of friends.

Third Appreciate every moment that you're alive. This is a unique gift from God allowing you the opportunity to create a life filled with success and joy. Have a sense of gratitude.

W2W: Do you have any words of advice to share with women who may have been given a vision from God, yet have not had the privilege of seeing it fulfilled in their lives?

Latrina: "Write the vision make it plain, though it tarry it will surely come" FIGHT! Don't ever give up on the vision God has given you. Keep trying. All successful people fail before they become a success. Failure is the opportunity to perfect your vision. It will happen if you continue to press forward despite your trials. Life happens to us all. It's how you handle life occurrences that will determine a life of defeat or one of victory.

W2W: When I read your story it made me think of a phrase I often hear, "what satan meant for evil, God can use for good. Such in your case when your life took a surprising turn on July 27, 2006 when you came face to face with a gunman while at work who forced you into a secluded room. God spared your life for a reason, will you share with our readers how that traumatic experience changed your life.

Latrina: I live each day as if it is my last, because it just might be. I love sooo much deeper, faster and I forgive all offenses. To have your life literally weighed in the balance is truly life altering. I give of myself liberally. I live life with a sense of urgency to get "it" done. My time on this earth will expire and I want to make sure I lived. I do not want to go to my grave with my gifts, talents and anointing still buried deep inside me.

W2W: You are author of the book "Changing your Life by Changing your Mind", tell us a little bit about it.

Latrina: This is an awesome book! This book will uproot thoughts of degradation, complacency, laziness, fear and doubt then replace them with thoughts of upward mobility, optimism, urgency, relentlessness, strategies, purpose and determination. This book will teach you the power of your thoughts! Most importantly this book will teach you how to discover your purpose and how to manifest it.

W2W: Latrina what’s next on your agenda? Do you have more books coming out?

Latrina: Right now I am mentoring/ coaching individuals as well as groups on how to have a fulfilling life based on spiritual principles. Also I have studied 4 couples over 25 years learning what it takes to make a marriage successful. Each couple has been married for at least 30 years allowing me the privilege with great insight to coach others on how to maintain a wonderful and happy marriage.

I am also working on my next book that will teach how to make a marriage last and the importance of marriage.

W2W: What would you say to young women today who feels called into ministry?

Latrina: Allow God's manifested glory to be revealed through you, it is your reasonable duty. If it wasn't for God, you wouldn't be here.

W2W: In closing what can we be in prayer for your for Latrina?

Latrina: Pray that I always walk in obedience according to God's word.

Woman2Woman Lounge would like to sincerely thank Latrina L. Johnson for granting us this interview. You can read more about her or to order her book visit: http://www.freewebs.com/latrinaljohnson

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

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