In this episode, host Mandy Black wraps Season 3 of the podcast and makes some announcements about upcoming events and things to be watching for over at www.msmandyblack.com. Season 4 of the podcast will be back in the late fall/winter 2020 Resources Discussed: Being The Beloved Single Ladies Retreat Story Of Her Community: www.instagram.com/storyofherpodcast www.instagram.com/msmandyblack

On this episode, in solidarity with the Amplify Melanated Voices Movement, Mandy highlights the powerful stories of four women who have a powerful message and a story to tell. 

Featured in this episode are past guests, Kennesha Buycks, Arielle Estoria, Irene Rollins, And Jade Simmons. Listen to their full episode and find the links to their social media and websites at the "Show Notes" link below. 

Show Notes:
www.msmandyblack.com/podcast/amplified

Story Of Her Community: 
www.instagram.com/storyofherpodcast

Jessica Shakir has been working as a Hair + Makeup Artist for 22 years with celebrity clientele that includes Colbie Caillat, Kevin Bacon, Jane Lynch, Selma Blair, The Backstreet Boys, and Eminem. Her clients often refer to her as their Beauty BFF! She’ll help you look gorgeous, but more importantly, she’ll empower you to FEEL beautiful+ LIVE brave so you can fulfill your God-given assignment here on Earth!

On this episode Jessica shares some of her own love story - she is someone who didn’t get married until her late thirties and has such a powerful testimony of what it looks like to not only date with dignity, but also to make the most of your single years. She chats all about what it was like to wait well and trust God during her single years. As well as what it means to her to date with dignity and set the bar high when it comes to sex, marriage, the space between almost but not yet. 

Karrie Garcia is a pastor, life coach, author and CEO who inspires change in others by boldly sharing her journey to freedom. Karrie is not afraid to wade through deep waters, because she has seen first hand how God’s true redemptive purpose for our lives does not begin once we’re free from pain, rather it stems directly out of that pain. 

Today, Karrie is on a mission to redefine freedom for others through her nonprofit, Freedom Movement. Since 2014, she has fostered an environment at Freedom Movement where anyone can begin to process and heal, whether they’re taking their first or their last step on the road to freedom through the organization’s tours, events, workshops and one-on-one coaching. Karrie is also the author of The Exchange, an interactive nine-week course through which she guides individuals and groups from hurting to hope with readings, videos and reflections.

On this episode Karrie shares some of her own story of the brokenness that she had to walk through to get to the freedom that she walks in and leads from today. Mandy and Karrie chat all about how to navigate the questions and doubts that we all inevitably experience at some point in our faith journey’s. And we chat about how to claim freedom in your life and live from a place of authenticity and wholeness.  SHOW NOTES STORY OF HER INSTAGRAM COMMUNITY SINGLE LADIES RETREAT INFO

On this episode Mandy addresses the current state of our nation after the tragic death of George Floyd. She speaks up about the issue of modern day racism, as well as how we as the church and the white community, are called to more. We, as the body of Christ are not simply called to stand by and watch. We are called to "Learn to do right. Seek Justice. And defend the oppressed." - Isaiah 1:17

Meshali Mitchell is a widely sought after portrait photographer originally from Arkansas, but now residing in Texas. The quality of her work stands alone, known by its immersion in heart and soul. She owns and operates Meshali Mitchell Photo, which is run out of her home but takes her all over the world. She is a creative image builder, confident in her style, and recognized for her ability capture the true heart of a moment. She has also been featured on sites such as West Elm and CB2 Home Decor

On this episode Mandy and Meshali chat all about how Meshali got to where she is now as a widely sought after photographer. And then they dive into the conversation of home and heart restoration. Meshali tells the story of how -  back in May of 2018 through an unforeseen step of faith, the combination of a deep love for Christ, a heart for restoration, and an eye for creativity - she purchased an 1886 Farmhouse. During this time, she began to document the restorative process, noticing how closely it paralleled her personal story of restoration--room by room, piece by piece. Soon after, she began to realize the house was all of our stories. Broken to beautiful. Beauty from ashes. Nothing too far beyond God’s reach. This current project and movement “A House God is Building” is now being carried across the nation into hearts of people who desperately need to be reminded of the restorative, transforming power of Christ’s love. EPISODE SHOW NOTES STORY OF HER INSTAGRAM COMMUNITY

Hosanna Wong is an Author, Bible-Teacher, and Spoken Word Artist who shares captivating stories of a powerful God with churches, conferences, prisons, & other events around the country year-round. She is passionate about empowering this generation to know who they are, & boldly live out their purpose.

On the show today Hosanna opens up with her spoken word piece I Have A New Name. She then shares all about her experience growing up on the street of San Francisco and how that formed the woman she is today and the ministry that she leads. And then Mandy and Hosanna have a rich conversation all about the joy and freedom that comes through living into your full and true identity. As well as the importance of living from your identity and not for your identity.  Click Here For Show Notes

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On this episode Mandy talks all about how to be a non-anxious presence in the midst of the COVID19 Pandemic. She shares all about the science behind how to wire our brains for happiness. And then shares five practical tips and tricks on how to live a less anxious, more joyful life. She also speaks all about the importance of gaining perspective and seeing the silver lining in the midst of everything that is happening in our world right now. SHOW NOTES: www.msmandyblack.com/covidandmentalhealth CONNECT WITH MANDY: www.instagram.com/storyofherpodcast

On this episode Mandy has a conversation with Kennesha Buycks. Kennesha is the creator of Restoration House--a home and lifestyle brand + blog focusing on creating spaces that fulfill beyond the aesthetic and that speak to the restorative aspects of home. Kennesha is a Southern transplant to the Pacific Northwest, she has a passion for connecting others, gathering, and inspirational styling and design. 

On this episode Kennesha shares her own story of home and heart restoration. She speaks all about the initial inspiration behind Restoration House and how often our homes can reflect our hearts, our desires, and our history. She also shares some practical tips and tricks for home design.

And then in the second half of the interview (at about 34 minutes) Mandy and Kennesha  shift directions and talk all about Racial reconciliation, intentional living, and the difference between being not racist vs being anti-racist. This is an incredibly rich and full conversation. You won't want to miss it.