In this episode, I will discuss the following questions with my guests. 

1. What does authentic mean to you? 

2. How do you maintain or achieve authenticity? 

3. Why is it important for leaders to be authentic? 

4. What happens when you don’t deal with your childhood issues? 

5. When you recognize your childhood traumas or fears resurfacing in the adult you how have you handled them?

6. Do you believe it’s possible to really clean your plates or die empty? 

Elder Yvette Beasley is a preacher, Bible teacher, conference speaker, experienced women and youth ministry leader. Yvette is a dedicated member of Toastmaster International and has received the Distinguished Toastmaster recognition. She is passionate about leadership development, storytelling and faith in God’s word. Yvette is skillful in helping others develop their leadership abilities, communication skills and discover their purpose which makes her a valuable asset to the kingdom. She is also a prayer warrior and has led the Spiritual Connection Prayer Ministry for more than 10 years. Yvette has taught on prayer, organized prayer clinics, and written prayer guides because the Power of Prayer is another one of her passions. Yvette has also served in various leadership roles in the Women in Ministry and Business Alliance (WIMBA), a coalition of Christian women entrepreneurs and ministry leaders. She currently serves as the Advisor over the Leadership team. Yvette holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Healthcare Administration from DeVry University and is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Public Health Administration with the University of Phoenix. You can connect with Yvette at [email protected] or (219) 440-2582. 

My next guest is Sheila McCoy. After spending most of her adult life as a social worker Sheila is presently an agent with New York Life Insurance and Annuity Company. She loves networking, meeting new people, and helping those that need her services. Sheila's passion is educating people regarding protecting their family's assets with life insurance and long-term care insurance. Sheila is also a member of the Women in Ministry and Business Alliance (WIMBA), a coalition of Christian women entrepreneurs and ministry leaders where she serves as the Director of the Business team. From the age of 5, Sheila has been classically trained on the piano. Sheila also attended and graduated from the University of Illinois in Urbana/Champaign. You can connect with Sheila at [email protected] or (708) 916 - 4586.

Rev. Sharon E. Robinson is the founder and executive director of Earth Angels Ministry of Helps. This is a nonprofit community outreach organization that began in 2003 and its Mission is to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and share the love of God. They are committed to being Angels in Action - Moving, Doing and Serving. Matthew 25:34-36. One of Rev. Sharon’s favorite scriptures is Nehemiah 8:10 … the joy of the Lord is your strength for out of which flows the humorous part of her life. She loves good clean comedy therefore she has recently birthed out a comedic character named “Mz. Gladiis). Glad I is saved, glad I is whole, and glad I is able to make some people laugh, chuckle, or smile because A joyful heart is good medicine, … Proverbs 17:22. Rev. Sharon is also the assistant pastor of the Greater Zion Hill M.B. Church where the senior pastor is Pastor Charles E. Sergeant, Sr. Rev. Sharon is also an intercessor. She currently serves as the Director of the Intercessory Prayer team of the Women in Ministry and Business Alliance (WIMBA), a coalition of Christian women entrepreneurs and ministry leaders. To connect with Sharon email her at [email protected] or call (312) 620 - 3029.

Hello and thank you for joining in. Our topic for today is Who is a Positioning Agent and How You Can Become One? When God is ready to position or bring you to the forefront He always uses a person to accomplish this. Every kingdom story involves the person being put in position to change the course of events or make a difference in the lives of others. Every kingdom story involves a positioning agent. The positioning agent is the person who causes events to come together in your life or facilitates your process. But had it not been for Mordecai Esther would have still been an unknown Jewish girl. Mordecai was the one who told her about the Help Wanted sign – Help Wanted New Queen Desired – Only pretty women need to apply. All of those events were a setup from Vashti's demise to Esther being made Queen was all a setup. Right now God is working behind the scenes orchestrating events that are going to propel many of you to the forefront. I want you to pay close attention to is Mortdecai’s contribution to the story. For without Mordecai there would not have been a book of Esther. Many women feel like if they can’t be the main character then they don’t want to be in the story. But I dare you to try to tell Esther’s story without including Mordecai. It can’t be done. The same with Naomi and Ruth. If Naomi hadn’t decided to go back home Ruth would have continued to be an unknown woman in Moab. Naomi put the events in motion. Another Example is Paul and Barnabas try to tell Paul’s story without Barnabas. It can’t be done not if you tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. So ladies it shouldn’t matter if you are the main character or the co-star. When God wants to take you to the next level He will connect you with a positioning agent who will provide you with a game plan or strategies. Because remember with position comes influence. Satan wants to kill out your influence. Therefore, it is important to have that positioning agent keeping you on task and giving you a game plan on how to win big over the enemy and completing all of your kingdom assignments. I did an acronym using the words Game Plan. G = someone to guide you. Naomi provided guidance for Ruth. A = they will advise you. Ruth took Naomi’s advice and won the affection of her Boaz. M= they will mentor you. Barnabas mentored Paul. E = they will encourage you, which will make you more determined, hopeful, and confident. P = they will pray for you. L = they will labor and travail with you so that you can bring forth everything that God has deposited within you. A= they will announce you. They will speak for you and announce you to the next level that you are okay and ready to assume the position. N = they will name you and endorse you as a reputable person - you are a woman worth knowing. Naomi, Mordecai, and Barnabas gave their main characters a game plan. Both the positioning agent and the person being positioned are necessary and needed for the purposes of God to be accomplished.

Lessons Learned

I learned that God will arrange things and people in order to bring you from the background to the forefront. I also learned that in order for you to get to the next level of your career, business, or ministry, you need a Positioning Agent. A person who will provide you with a game plan and strategies to guide, advise, mentor, encourage, pray, labor, announce, and name you.

Hello and thank you for joining in. This episode is about 7 Lessons You Will Learn in Your Strange Places.

Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: Genesis 12:1-2 KJV

God told Abraham to leave his house and to leave everyone he knew. I can’t imagine how much faith it took for Abraham to obey that directive because his father had just died.

“By an act of faith, Abraham said yes to God’s call to travel to an unknown place that would become his home. When he left he had no idea where he was going. “By faith, he lived as a foreigner in the promised land, as in a strange land, living in tents [as nomads] with Isaac and Jacob, who were fellow heirs of the same promise.” Hebrews 11:8 AMP, 11:9 MSG

God directed Abraham to go into a strange land. Strange means previously unknown; unfamiliar, peculiar, alien or foreign, (God told him to go into a foreign country), and my favorite is Inexplicable – not possible to explain.

Have you ever been in a place that you didn’t know what was going on with you? You just knew you were in a strange place. A place you couldn’t explain? Inexplicable not possible to explain. Nothing seemed or felt right. You were just in this nebulous place that you didn’t have words to explain. I’m sure Abraham’s family members began to question him about where he was going and what was he going to do once he got there? It took faith for Abraham to leave his home to go to a place he didn’t know anything about or a place he had never been before to live with a people he knew nothing about.

Faith means obediently stepping into the unknown. That’s what many people struggle with stepping into the unknown. Stepping into unfamiliar places can be scary and a little intimidating. Because most people want to know where they are going, when, and with whom they are going. However, God will tell you to go to a strange place, a place that you’ve never been to before, and do something you’ve never done before. Why do you think that is. It’s because when you go into a strange place or unfamiliar territory who do you have to depend on? Who gets the ultimate glory? You got it, God! The fact that you don’t know where you’re going or what you’re going to do when you get there means that you have to totally depend on God to guide you.

You will most likely not hear an audible voice or command telling you to leave your home, family, or friends. Sometimes your circumstances will force you into a strange place. Ruth was a Moabites woman who lived in Moab and she married into a Jewish family. However, over a period of time circumstances in Ruth’s life changed? Her father-in-law died, then her husband, and lastly her brother-in-law died. God didn’t speak to Ruth and tell her to go to a strange country but her circumstances forced her to go into a strange place. Because of all that had happened to them Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law decided to leave Moab and return to Bethlehem, the house of bread. Ruth decided to leave Moab too and accompany her mother-in-law, Naomi, to a strange place. Ruth left her family and friends to embrace the God of her mother-in-law. She didn’t hear a direct word from God but her circumstances moved her to go to a strange place. Sometimes life’s circumstances will land you in a strange place a place that is unfamiliar a place that is inexplicable (not possible to explain). What happens when you go to a new place? You become more aware of your surroundings? You become more aware of everything and You will pay closer attention to the instructions and directions given.

Thank you for joining in today. This episode is all about the journey mine and yours and why we need a five-letter word called grace. “Then [Esau] said, Let us get started on our journey …Genesis 33:12 AMP. One thing I have learned during my life is that your life’s journey can be complex and difficult to navigate. Journey suggests that a considerable amount of time and distance will be covered. To take a Journey means to travel from one place to another, and it also means a passage through life. Everyone’s journey will consist of a series of twists and turns, detours, peaks and valleys, speed bumps, and blown tires. However, what’s most important is how you view the challenges that pop up during your journey.

You may choose to view your journey as one great adventure or as one big traffic jam with your theme song being I’m going up the rough side of the mountain. Your reaction, attitude, and your perception of each detour, pothole, stall, or construction zone will determine how difficult or easy your journey will be. Life is definitely a journey that is filled with lessons, hardships, heartaches, joys, celebrations, and special moments that will lead you to your destination, and your purpose in life. The road will not be smooth; in fact, you will encounter many challenges. Author John Bunyan, in his book The Pilgrim’s Progress, pictured the spiritual journey as a road full of trials, dangers, and blessings, starting with the cross and ending at the Celestial City.

Therefore, your journey must begin with God. If you are a Christ-follower your spiritual journey began when you accepted Him as your personal savior and you obeyed His command to - FOLLOW ME! Since your journey will be fraught with issues, problems, and many unforeseen dangers you most definitely will need God and His grace to help you. You will need God’s grace to make it through life successfully. Grace is unmerited favor or Elegance of movement. God will help you to move gracefully through your journey. Have you ever had a friend say to you “come go with me”? The first thing you want to know is where are you going? So when God says Follow Me He usually doesn’t do or say what he did to apostle Paul, I’m about to show him what he’s in for—the hard suffering that goes with this job.” Acts 9:15-16 MSG. Nope God simply says Follow Me! He doesn’t give you a clue or a chance to phone a friend. He simply says Follow Me! And it’s up to you to make the decision to follow.

Lessons Learned and Takeaways

I learned that life is a journey.

I learned that All God wants is a yes and to let Him lead.

I learned that God is an excellent guide.

I learned that I could trust God with my life

I also learned that God does give you Grace for your Journey.

Sanja Rickette Stinson is an entrepreneur, trailblazer, teacher, author, a game changer, CEO/Executive Director but mostly she is a child of God. Among Dr. Stinson's many accomplishments is becoming the founding and current CEO/Executive Director of Matthew House Inc., a Daytime Supportive Service Center for the homeless which is celebrating twenty-eight years of providing services to the homeless. Matthew House began its mission in July 1993 providing homeless services to men, women, children and family.

Today, Matthew House's administrative offices are located at 3722-28 S. Indiana Ave, Chicago in the heart of the Bronzeville community. Currently, Matthew House manages seventy-five units of supportive housing for the homeless, a computer learning center, employment center, full case management staff and so much more. Sanja's roots and legacy stems from the Westside of Chicago where her parents are the founders of Uncle Remus Saucy Chicken. Uncle Remus is over sixty years old and is now owned and managed by her baby sister Charmaine Rickette. Her parents instilled in them the full purpose of vision and building legacy which she follows today.

Dr. Stinson earned her Bachelor's degree from DePaul University, a Master of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary, a Master of Education from Concordia University and earned a Doctorate of Ministry from Northern Theological Seminary. She was also awarded an honorary Doctorate of Theology Degree from Rahman Theological School of Ministry. Dr. Stinson mentors seminarians, both male and female, who are pursuing various higher educational degrees in ministry. Her greatest passion is teaching leadership principles to both men and women. Dr. Stinson is the founding pastor of Victory & Grace Christian Church, Chicago and serves as the apostolic covering for True Love Christian Church-Chicago oversees two churches in Ghana, West Africa and Grand Rapids, Michigan.

She also founded Dr. Sanja Stinson Ministries International & Women on the Frontline International Fellowship. Since 2015, Dr. Stinson has hosted an internet television show called: "Women on the Frontline" which is a "live" internet TV show heard every Monday and Friday on Christ Family Network.

Recently, Dr. Stinson established her own network channel, Ruach Covenant Network, in collaboration with BGK Ministries. This new vision and venture is a network that seeks to assist smaller micro-ministries to spread the Word of God through media using innovative and new state of the art technology.

Dr. Stinson is also the author of two books: Hidden Impact, a collaborative project with Women on the Frontline (released in 2018) and her newest project Vision Unleashed ~ Legacy Ignited (released in March 2020). In 2020 she will be walking into her purpose, birthing forth her coach, training and mentor courses both online and classroom setting. She is a Diversity and Inclusion Consultant teaching both profit and nonprofit organizations and businesses on ensuring racial equity for all. This is a bonus episode: In each bonus episode I will feature past and new interviews I have conducted with various leaders, people I believe you will enjoy getting to know a little better.

The topic of this episode is How to be Your Authentic Self. Authentic is defined as being genuine, not false or imitation : REAL, ACTUAL, true to one's own personality, spirit, or character.

I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one. Ezekiel 22:30 (NIV)

 

What is the ultimate need that has plagued mankind since the beginning of time? Even God, corporations, small businesses, houses of worship and every institution is in need of this precious commodity. The search for this priceless commodity has become more and more difficult to find.

 

No, it’s not money, social programs or even new governments. The number one need is Genuine, ethical and quality leadership. Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)

I said, “Sorry God, not me”! I thought I was too shy, I didn’t talk much in a crowd, and to top it all off I was a woman and an introvert. None of these were qualities of a leader, so I thought.

After many years of reading scriptures that confirmed who I was and repeating countless affirmations, I realized that God was looking for people just like me people He could build up so He could get the glory.

I didn’t have to be a rocket scientist I just had to be me with a transformed mind.

God set me free from the bondage of my negative thinking, and elevated my thinking!

On my self-discovery journey, I learned 5 things that empowered me and helped me to become a better leader.

Five Lessons I Learned & Takeaways

1. Be your authentic self

2. Face your fears

3. Be tenacious

4. Tend to your garden and

5. Clean your plate

Hello and Welcome to Lessons Learned from a Woman of Valor podcast. I am your host Joyce Calvin and I have been engaged in creating, organizing, and leading women’s ministries for more than twenty years. Women’s ministry is not just my passion but it is truly my calling and I have found great joy and fulfillment in creating safe spaces for women to connect and soar. In my podcast episodes, I will share how God led me to start two life-changing ministries Women of Valor, a nonprofit organization, and Women in Ministry & Business Alliance (WIMBA). Through these ministries, I have helped women find and pursue their purpose, embrace their identity, and develop their spiritual gifts. I have also mentored, coached, trained, and mobilized countless women and have met some amazing women along the way who have imparted many wisdom nuggets to me. I will also share lessons learned in my role as owner of Joyce B. Calvin Enterprises where I coach emerging female executives on how to make their brands more Successful Impactful, and Sustainable. Additionally, every Wednesday you can expect to hear me share life lessons and life-changing principles that I have learned over the course of my life as an author, women’s ministry leader, life coach, and minister. Don’t miss an episode Subscribe now. Follow me on Instagram: @lessonsfromawov and

Twitter: @lessonsfromawov

Eight women met on a cold January morning in 2010. No one was really clear about the purpose of this meeting but all felt led by God that they were supposed to be there. As the meeting progressed and after introductions were made we all felt such a kindred spirit. There was so much excitement and power in the room that it amazed us all. Most of us were meeting each other for the first time; however, it felt as if we had known one another for much longer.

After introductions were made I shared with the ladies how I had been led by God to form an Alliance for women leaders. This alliance would specifically be for women ministry leaders, ministers, and women business owners to come together to support and encourage each other and to have a place to expand their reach and exercise their gifts. Everyone present felt a confirmation in their spirit. 

The Women in Ministry & Business Alliance (WIMBA) is a coalition of Christian women who are Ministers of the Gospel, Ministry Leaders, and Business owners dedicated to empowering other Christian Women Leaders through Kingdom Principles.

Our Vision is for Christian women to come together to encourage, mentor, and provide a support system for women leaders to excel in their purpose.

Our Mission Is to identify, create, and facilitate key strategies and programs that will nurture, equip, enhance, and promote the overall level of readiness of Christian women leaders of all cultures, ethnicities, and denominations through direct relationships.

WIMBA can help you SOAR! - By providing you with: Strategies for personal growth and development and to help you achieve your goals, and solutions to problems and challenges that many women in leadership grapple with.

Opportunities for participation, achievement, and recognition, and also WIMBA provides leadership OPPORTUNITIES so that you can utilize your gifts, skills, and talents.

Advice and wise counsel from seasoned leaders and we provide Guidance and Lessons we have learned along this journey.

Resources in the form of support, materials, and the combined Expertise of the WIMBA Members to help advance your ministry or business?

Lessons Learned:

Collaboration solves problems and reduces risks 

Helps you accomplish more 

Overcoming Obstacles is easier when you have partners 

You need to be Intentional in forming collaborative relationships. This is a bonus episode: In each bonus episode I will feature past and new interviews I have conducted with various leaders, people I believe you will enjoy getting to know a little better.