SPECIAL EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT

Blessings Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am so excited and honored to be one of eight women featured on the "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" Empowerment Tour coming to Baltimore January 2017! If you're a woman who needs to believe again, be inspired and empowered, then join me! Men, if you have a woman in your life that you believe can benefit from this amazing tour, I encourage you to add it to her Christmas list. SEE YOU THERE!!! #theyearoffulfillingpurpose2017

The OFFICIAL Trailer for "A Legend Among Us"

Good Afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is with GREAT pleasure to present to you the OFFICIAL trailer for the HISTORICAL documentary film by Joy T.J. Riley about the FIRST African-American female impressionist, Sylvia Traymore Morrison!!! Please see the following link to YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMYB7eRULi8

Feel FREE to share!

Many Thanks and Blessings,

-Joy

What Are You Doing During the 12Noon Hour 12/16/16?

Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen,

What are you doing during the 12noon hour on Friday, December 16th? Be sure to TUNE IN to the blog to view the highly anticipated trailer for the HISTORICAL documentary film by Joy T.J. Riley about the FIRST African-American female comedic impressionist, Sylvia Traymore Morrison!

Blessings

Complete the Vision

Ecclesiastes 5:3

3For a dream comes through much activity, And a fool's voice is known by his many words.

The NKJV Study Bible translation of what King Solomon says in this scripture is very powerful as it relates to what Jesus said hundreds of years later. "We also sin with our speech when we make a pledge we do not keep." Jesus said it as, "Let your yes be your yes and no be your no."

A dream is defined by Merriam-Webster's Dictionary as 1) a series of thoughts, images, or emotions occurring during sleep; 2) a dreamlike vision: daydream, reverie; 3) something notable for its beauty, excellence, or enjoyable quality; 4) ideal.  And one of Job's friends stated a truth that God speaks in many ways. The Bible records multiple times how God has spoken to people during their sleep/visions/dreams. When I read this scripture I keep seeing, "a dream is birthed through much activity."

When Joseph had his dream and shared it with his brothers, his focus was on his brothers bowing down to him. But what he didn't see was that God was going to use his gifts to help a nation during a famine. What if Joseph refused to use his gift in prison because of his situation? What if Joseph refused to see beyond himself? How many people would've died? For Moses, the deliver, that God sent, was a descendant and raised by those in the land that God used Joseph in.

We live in a society that is so attention deficient that as quick as we see something we forget. There are so many images thrown at us day to day that it is hard not to become distracted. However, when God gives you something, and you begin to act on it, He expects you to complete it unless He gives you direction otherwise. Your trials are for the purpose of persevering as it says in the book of James. But whatever vision/dream that God gave you to complete through the gifts He placed in you, know that it is not simply about you.

I think back to what I told the Lord when I was in the emergency room eight years ago. I told Him if He spared me, I'd do what He called me to do. I think back to that time. And I look at the years that followed. The gifts God desired me to use over the years were still tied to the futures of others, including my love, whom God just called home. If I simply looked at my hurt, my pain, the visions of others, the healing of others, the growth in faith of others may have been severely delayed.

It is a privilege to dream. It is an even greater privilege to birth one. Don't let a God given dream nor gifts die because of attention deficiency. Someone's future will be affected. Nothing in this life is simply about you.

The Pain is Real

John 11:35-36

35Jesus wept. 36Then the Jews said, "See how He loved him!"

The pain of grief is real. Even Jesus felt the pain of grief. He felt it when he found out John the Baptist, his cousin, was beheaded and he sought out solitude. Jesus was even closer to Lazarus, a friend. The grief caused him to weep. I have been in a Job like experience for many days because in that time 3 people, two family and one a love had departed. Just prior to these deaths, the enemy tried again to take me out which has been tried before. As one woman put it, "The enemy has attacked you greatly because you are so close to purpose." This i knew indeed. I knew attacks would come but not like this.  I was barely through the grief of one before the next hit. I began making references to Neo's battle with Agent Smith in The Matrix.  Some understood while others did not. Agent Smith's job was to get rid of Neo because Neo was a threat. The devil's job was to discredit Job so Job would curse God. The devil's argument was that Job only worshiped God because He had protected him from tragedy and loss. God knew Job's heart was faithful. Job's friends sat along side job for several days and said not a word. Job's friends did well til they spoke with blame against Job, accusing him. We must be careful how we treat others while they are hurting.  Eventually, God answered Job and addressed Job's friends for hurting him while he was in distress. Job forgave.  I am blessed that there are a few who have been sitting by my side in my grief, hearing my cries of pain and have cried with me.  There have been some who have not understood my grief because they had not experienced the number of losses or even the type of losses but in their silence they have prayed and offered hugs.

Ruth's grief was not recorded. Jacob's grief over the loss of Rachel was not discussed but his love for her was expressed through favoritism of Joseph. Jacob's love was well intentioned. Nonetheless,  I finally understand a pain my Mother experienced that has dug so deep. Before I could get words out my Mom was kind enough to even give examples of what she knew I was experiencing. My Mom knew I was getting through the first of the grieving process with the first death and to see grief hit me so soon again in the way she had experienced, she had empathy for me. See, when my Mom grieved, I didn't know what to say to her. All I could do was hold her. I knew grief from a different perspective, not hers. However, in my grieving, I didn't dishonor her grief because it was different. My Mom was kind enough not to dishonor my grief. Those whom God has sent to help me have honored my grief, giving me room to breathe, talk, weep, etc. I love and appreciate them for it in ways I don't know if I can ever explain. For those who have not understood, I certainly forgive them and love but I've had to separate myself for my own well-being. I have been accused of many things in this place, like Job. But I know in this place, the Word says we are to bear the burdens of one another. The Word also says that our trials are indeed for others so we shall know how to comfort them the way we have been comforted. I pray no one knows these kinds of griefs because the pain is real. But know that God will send others to help and pray when you have not the words. This is not about a lack of faith.  Remember, Job came under great tribulation because his faith was seen as great.

The Trial Formula

Hebrews 11:6

6Buth without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

To believe that Jesus Christ is Lord, it takes faith. But what is faith? The word says in Hebrews that Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. We often miss the verse right after it which it says, For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. Ah...there's that word, "testimony." The root of the word testimony is "test." The origin of the word "test" is Latin meaning earthen pot. According to wikipedia, earthen pots were made of clay and before they could be used they had to be heated or placed in fire to solidify the shape for use. The purpose of a test is so when you come out there is a testimony. On the opposite side of that, the enemy tries you because he doesn't believe your faith is where it is. The word says the enemy is the accuser of the brethren. Remember, he did it to Job because he didn't believe that Job really had faith.  The word says the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy in John 10:10 but Jesus comes that we may have life and life more abundantly. What does that mean? It means that the enemy's sole motive is to discredit you like a prosecutor attempts to discredit a witness on the stand. God allows the trial to prove the opposite which is called the defense. But it takes faith to enter a trial and to come out of it. So then what is the purpose of a testimony? Your testimony isn't just to increase your faith, it is also to increase the faith of those who are to hear it. Ah...another key word, "hear."  If the enemy can get you to a place where you no longer have faith, doubt, etc, then it stops you from gaining the ear of anyone who could possibly believe. Remember, the enemy wanted to be equal with God and that is how he lost his place in Heaven. Misery loves company. But back to the word hear. Did you know Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines hear as, 1)to perceive by the ear, 2) to gain knowledge of by hearing: learn 3)heed also:attend 4) to give a legal hearing to or take the testimony from?  In Romans 10:17 it says that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. So when your testimony is complete, those who hear will increase in their faith. But in order to hear, people have to be listening. Listening and hearing are not exactly the same thing. Merriam-Webster defines listening as 1)to pay attention to in order to hear, 2)heed. So if someone isn't watching or listening they can't hear the testimony and therefore increase in their faith. The biggest way for someone to miss it is via a distraction. The distractions are the obstacles the enemy throws in your way so no can see past them, not even you. If you and those around you cannot see God in the trial because of the distractions, then the enemy will keep them from hearing the testimony and you from giving it and they will not grow in their faith. And the word again says above, that without faith it is impossible to please God. 

The formula is the same but used in different ways, How you see it, assists in determining the outcome. In other words, you cannot lose your faith during the trial. If you seek God as the word says above, even in the trial with faith, He will reward you.

REMINDER: SPECIAL EVENT

I look forward to seeing  you this Saturday! In addition to the availability of my book, " Get Your JOY In The Morning," I will also be giving away a free children's coloring book to parents who purchase a copy of '"Shh Don't Tell" which helps start the conversation on what is appropriate and inappropriate touching. I am a survivor of abuse and I want to help you and your family be prepared for this upcoming school year.

Intention Counts

Proverbs 12:2

2A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of wicked intentions He will condemn.

When someone called Jesus good He said who is good but the Father. Many people will call themselves good based on their works. When the prophet Samuel was sent on a journey by the Lord to find a new king to replace King Saul, everyone was concerned with outer appearance. But the word says God doesn't look at outward appearance but at the heart. The "outer appearance" referred to in scripture isn't just for the physical appearance of a person. It also refers to their works. How so? In the book of Proverbs, motive is referred to several times. Jesus even spoke about those who will claim to have done works in His name but He will say He doesn't know them. Why? It boils down to intention. What is intention? Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines intention as 1) a determination to act in a certain way, 2) purpose, aim, end. So it's not just about doing something good but it's about "why" it's being done. 

Everyday we are seeing people who "intend" to harm others. In some cases, it is very premeditated or planned out. These issues go beyond the waters of the U.S. to Europe, Asia, Africa, etc as well. Jesus said to love thy neighbor as thyself.  The apostle Paul said the Commandments delivered by the Law of Moses can be summed up in the same statement. Basically, if one loves others then they are less likely to want to harm someone. What about those who "only look out for number one."  Their motive is to put themselves above others. So if given the choice to gain at the cost or misfortune of someone else, they will see the other person as inconsequential. Therefore, the love thy neighbor as thyself is null and void. But Jesus said to do unto others as you want done to you. Does anyone take this statement to heart? In Galatians Paul says we reap what we sow and God is not to be mocked. So anything done whether good or bad, ill intention or not, it too shall be done unto us. The one who does good not just to be seen as "good" but who in their heart seeks to love, then the Lord shall see because He is the one who sees all, especially what man cannot see. And it is He who gives favor. Love never fails the words says and God is love. The intention of God's love counts more.

SAVE THE DATE

SAVE THE DATE-

I LOOK FORWARD TO CONNECTING WITH YOU

"Getting Home"

Psalm 27:1

1The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?

Last week on Wendy Williams, Roland Martin discussed what parents can tell their African-American children in the face of violence and excessive use of force. He said their job is to "get home." Some of you may not be ready for this revelation. When it comes to children "getting home" many African-Americans are thinking specifically about their male children. I, as a female had my own encounter with the police at age thirteen. It was one that could have easily ended my life. 

The school year had just started. It was an early evening one Friday in late August. My Mom had been working multiple jobs to make ends meet. She left me money to get a sub and my favorite soda from the store around the corner. I took the path through the courtyard and the little walkway which divided our complex from the back of the storefronts. Nothing seemed unusual. I went into the store to pick up my favorite choice of 6inch sub and soda. I stood in line, paid for the items and out the door I went. My route back home was to be the same as I come. Just after I went through the walk way I heard a flurry of whispers. I was still around the corner but figured it must be a group of people entering the apartment building I was coming around the corner of. 

And then I saw it! Before I could blink to get a clear visual of everyone I heard, I saw the barrel of a 9mm hand gun pressed to my forehead. That split second seemed to last eternity. On the opposite side of the 9mm handgun was a White police officer. He said nothing. He simply looked like he had an adrenaline rush and I was going to be the unfortunate recipient of his adrenaline.  I was afraid to move or speak so I stood still only looking at his eyes. I knew if I did, it would be too late and someone would be calling or visiting my mother at work to say her child was shot point blank. I had walked into the middle of preparations for a drug raid. The culprits were a young white couple in the building. I went to school with the female's sister. There were no barriers to separate the public from the police. They were attacking all entrances of the building. It took a minute for him to realize I was not part of the raid, nor someone they were after. When he lowered his weapon and motioned his head for me to go. I ran!! I ran so fast and refused to stop until I was inside the home. My nerves were bad and my hands were shaking. When I sat down to eat I could barely hold the bottle of soda in my hand. I was experiencing anxiety. The real anxiety that at thirteen years old, I was one second away from being shot by a police officer. I had no weapons, I was not a drug dealer, user or anything. I was simply an African-American teenager getting home. 

What Roland Martin said was real to me last week. I do understand. I do not hate the police. They have a job to do. Many of my family members have served this country in uniform. But it does not take away the fear that is as real as the air you and I breathe. Just because you can't see it, doesn't mean it is not real. Praying for safety and protection of children is a must. Police officers understanding cultural differences in an effort to protect and serve is a must.  I will NEVER forget that day! It was real and anyone who EVER says that it isn't doesn't know what it means to experience it. Read the book "Black Like Me"  by John Howard Griffin. As a White man he transformed himself to become a Black man in the south during segregation.  He had a taste of what life was like for an African-American.

You Are Valuable

Psalm 139:14

14I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that  my soul knows very well.

I know that many of you if not all of you have heard or seen what has played out. God brought to my remembrance my first experience with racism.  I was six years old when I became aware of the color line. However I was eight years old the first time I was consciously aware of experiencing racism. My Mom and I had just moved to the DC/MD/VA area. I was attending a new school. It was during Autumn. I was frequently being picked on by two little White girls in the class. One was shorter than me and one was taller. I had a habit of ignoring them. But on this one particular day, things took a turn. It was lunch time. I had my favorite Wonder Woman metal lunch box. I got up from the lunch room after I finished eating to use the restroom. I thought the door had closed behind me. As I went into the stall I saw two sets of feet. The two White girls were standing outside of my stall as I finished. They were hurling insults including the "N" word very loudly. They were saying I thought I was better than them because I was built different. I only repeatedly asked to be left alone because I didn't do anything to them.  But when I opened the bathroom stall door, the White girls pushed me back in. My instinct kicked in. I had my lunch box in my hand. I swung and hit the shorter girl in the face. Both girls were so appalled of my fighting back that they ran out and told the teacher. I was the one who got in trouble. When approached by our teacher,  I was told I should've told the teacher they were bothering me. But how was I supposed to tell when I couldn't get out of the stall without fighting them or letting them beat me? It was real. I was being conditioned by Whites and those in authority that defending myself and standing up for myself against racism and violence was wrong. However, my Mom taught me a different way. I suspect the teacher knew why and that was the only reason my Mom was not called. Conclusion, fear and hate are learned behaviors.

I am sharing because as my Pastor shared with our multi-cultural church family yesterday, violence against African-Americans at the hands of authorities is real and has been happening for a long time. He even confessed about being stopped by police for the color of his skin four times in a 24hour period for the same reason. There are many examples which can be shared. As African-American, we have been struggling with violence against us at the hands of authorities since we were brought to this country. It is the same reason I decided long ago not to hate. I simply have spent most of my life proving I have value, until Jesus showed me that because He created me and everyone else on this earth that we are all valuable. You are loved by God because you are His work. Though I have a previously scheduled event this Wednesday, our church is providing a prayer service and conversation open to those who wish to attend. For those who want to attend, you can reach out to me and I will share it with you. 

Blessings

Seek to Respect

Genesis 4:4

4Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering.

Aretha Franklin asked for respect. The love was already there, but what she wanted was the respect. Cain killed because he coveted the same level of respect Abel received from God. So many people are looking for love and respect. The Lord loved both Cain and Abel but it was Abel who was respected because he gave God his best. Cain didn't give God his best but he wanted God to respect him as though he did.  I counted in the concordance at the back of my Bible the number of times love and it's derivatives of lovely, loved and lovingkindness were mentioned. The total was 61. 6 +1=7 which is representative of God's perfect number. And the Word says that perfect love cast out fear. I also counted respect and it's derivative respected and there were only 3 references. 3 represents the number of completion in God. His word also says that we are to respect those in authority. So love and respect is what makes any relationship whether romantic, family, friend or professional complete. Many love but not everyone respects. Love and respect must be mutual. Some equate respect with a title or station in life. But as we see in the news, the life of others isn't respected. Love and respect are not mutually exclusive. If they were, Jesus wouldn't have needed to say love thy neighbor as thyself. If you love and respect, you are less likely to give and do less than what is considered trustworthy. Parents and children whether young or old fight for respect. A son or daughter may know you love them but do you respect their right to make their own choice? A father or mother wants the respect of being full of wisdom of knowledge for their life experience and bringing you into this world. A friend who has been by your side and loved you wants to know you respect them enough not to betray or hurt them. A business relationship or contract is carried through because the respect of both parties is seen as important. For it is the lack of respect that actually breaches trust. 

I had a conversation with a dear friend whom I love and respect and we discussed this issue. Some do not respect because they see you as lesser than. It is in this thinking that people do not give their best to God nor to man. They esteem themselves about all when Jesus said to love others as we love ourselves. It is in this love that we will also seek to respect regardless station or title, have or have not. They are basic human needs that God created in each of us. Seek to love and respect others.

"Go Big or Die!"

Esther 4:16

16"Go gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish."

I know we've been in Esther recently but there are so many lessons here. After all, Queen Esther is my favorite woman of the Bible. Esther displayed so much courage and determination by God's grace that it is difficult to not focus on her story from multiple angles.  Esther fulfilled the true purpose for which God placed her in the royal court. She was used as a secret weapon to defeat an enemy. Esther displayed the ideology that is often needed in fulfilling purpose. She had the "go big or die" mentality. Most people know it as "go big or go home." But home was not the option. It's an easier choice to not fulfill purpose when the option is to just go home. But if there is nothing left but death, that's the game changer.  Esther had only two options. Her options were to convince the king that there was a plot to take out the Jews so he could stop the plan or die.  Either die at the hands of guards in the royal court or die at the hands of royal military carrying out the written edict which pronounced death for the Jews.

Now what if you had to die instead of not fulfilling your purpose? Would that make you want to pursue purpose with all you had? For me, this was the message I received eight years ago. Fulfill purpose or die. Some people don't understand why I'm so driven about the purposeful passions the Lord has placed in me. Well, had you walked a mile in my shoes from March 8-May 28, 2008 you would understand. A death sentence was pronounced over my life by man. I had never been hooked up to a continuous morphine pump before rattled with pain but terribly sick from overdosing. And then having reactions to medications that night and over the week that followed just so I could have the opportunity to live. God brought me through in hopes I would get the message that I needed to be like Esther and fulfill my purpose. It would mean going in the opposite direction of many I knew. For me, it was a hard lesson but one I will NEVER forget. So I pursue by God's grace and strength.

Even Joy Mangano, the billionaire inventor who's life story was featured in the movie, "JOY " over the Christmas holiday made sense. To her, there was no going back. She had the vision of  creating inventions to make life easier for herself and others as a kid. When her adult life was at a dead end, she went big. there was no going home. It was "go big or die!" If you have the, "go big or die," attitude, not fulfilling purpose is a death sentence. And this is not about chasing money. Money is not bad but if it's your only interest, the Lord didn't put you on earth to chase money.  He said in His Word that money takes wings and flies away. But He said your gifts will make room for you and put you before great men. He put you on earth with gifts He expects you to use. For Joy Mangano, it was the gift of inventions that people could use. That passion burned a hole in her from the time she was a child.  It's like it burns a hole in you if you can't do it or use it. When  you get that feeling, then you've found your purpose. "Go big or die!"

ROOTS Sunday "Your Name is Your Shield" Event in Laurel, MD

Good Afternoon Everyone,

Join me for a ROOTS Sunday "Your Name is Your Shield"  Event on Sunday, May 29, 2016 at 4pm!

Location:

Performing Arts Center for African Cultures (PACAC)

8576 Laureldale Drive

Laurel, MD 20724

This is a FREE event co-sponsored by Get Your JOY In The Morning! LLC, the Performing Arts Center for African Cultures and Agape Life Ministries. It is open to EVERYONE. This event is to coincide with the airing of The History Channel's ROOTS Reimagined starting Memorial Day. There will be portions of the film shown, a discussion on the importance of history, knowing your name and hopefully the reading of youth essays which were entered for Cash Prizes at www.rootssunday.com/studentessays. PLEASE register via getyourjoyinthemorning.com on the contact tab to attend or by email at getyourjoyinthemorning@gmail.com.

​

#ROOTS Sunday "Your Name is Your Shield"

Good Afternoon,

On May 30th - June 2nd, 2016, something very special will happen: The History Channel will air a new imagination of ROOTS for the first time on 40 years. I would love to invite you and your congregation to be a part of this. 

As you know, ROOTS first aired in 1977, and immediately shook the world. As we approach the 40th anniversary of the original series, an amazing cast - Forest Whitaker, Anika Noni Rose, Laurence Fishburne, LeVar Burton and more - are joining with HISTORY to reimagine ROOTS for a new generation.

Prior to the May 30th airing, churches around the country are participating in "Roots Sunday" on Sunday, May 29th. To participate, churches agree to do at least one of the following:

1) Play the ROOTS trailer during Sunday services and make an announcement about its air date (May 30th - June 2nd, 9pm Eastern, The History Channel) 2) Acknowledge and honor the eldest members in your congregations. 3) Host watch parties and discussion events all four nights of the series. 4) Encourage young people to participate in the Roots Sunday Student Essay Contest.  Are you interested in having your church participate in Roots Sunday? If so, please sign up here, and you'll receive a toolkit, trailers, and other materials.  Thank you for your support of ROOTS! I'm excited for you to participate in ROOTS Sunday, and I am looking forward to you seeing this groundbreaking series. Many Blessings,   -Joy

Love First

1John 4:7

7Beloved, If God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

Several weeks ago I was serving at an event. I had stopped to take a break. While there, a younger man approached me. He appeared to be a student. We spoke for a few minutes. Then he asked, "Why are you so happy?" I immediately responded, "because of Jesus." He retorted, "Wow. You didn't even hesitate." I said, "No. Why would I?" He proceeded to name other reasons. What I didn't know at the time was it was a test. The young man already knew Jesus. He played as though he didn't know Jesus to see what I would say to evangelize someone. But within five minutes he let it slip out that he studied the Bible. He said he goes around and asks questions to see what people know. He admitted that he had newly come into Christ and had been vigorously studying the Word.

We had a great conversation. The younger man said he would return to speak more. Upon his return, when he learned something that was not advantageous to him he began to interrogate. As to say that others faulted where he succeeded. At any rate, as he began to ask who would go to heaven and who wouldn't, I noticed something the Lord showed me in the first conversation. I refused to engage in the conversation further and stopped with the following, "Jesus said the greatest commandment was to love God with all our heart and our minds and the second is like it which is to love thy neighbor." I politely looked him straight in his eyes and said, "As you continue to grow in Christ, you will learn this my friend, love first, salvation second." He wanted to debate. I said there is no debate. Be blessed and proceeded to go back to serving.

The Great Commission Jesus gave applies to all of us which is to evangelize. However, the main ingredient is love. The chapter most quoted about love says without love you have nothing. When the adulterous woman was brought to Jesus for condemnation, did he condemn her? No. He simply used love as the way to reach her. Yes, knowledge and salvation are important. But if we, as the body of Christ, cannot show people love, what reason do they have then to accept salvation? The true meaning behind salvation is love. Leading with love leads to salvation. It's great to have Biblical knowledge and yes the Word says we are to study and show ourselves approved. However, the word also says that if we say we love God but do not love our brother then we are not being truthful. God is love as the Word says but God is also truth.

Maslowe's Hierarchy of Needs in psychology says that love is one of the most basic need that every human being has just as water, food and shelter. God created us that way. Unfortunately, so many lack love to the point they think they are unlovable. So if you don't love you, and the word says to love thy neighbor as thyself, then the result is many treat others the way they've been treated or the way they see themselves. Hence the manifestation of abuses such as sexual abuse/assault, physical/domestic abuse, verbal or emotional abuse, spiritual abuse, financial abuse, reproductive abuse, manipulation, etc. None of these abuses conveys love. They actually convey a desperate need for help and resolution. However, lacking love does not justify the shedding/harming of innocent blood whether in the natural or in the spirit. We ALL have access to love. That love is God, if only we would seek. Love first. If you don't know how, God can and will show you if you seek.

There is Hope

Proverbs 17:22 and Proverbs 15:13

Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.

Proverbs 15:13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

Over the weekend I gave a reflection about abuse on the White House Ellipse in front of people from all over the country, Jamaica, Canada, Africa and Israel. Last month, while on Stop Child Abuse Now BlogTalk Radio, sponsored by the National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse (NAASCA), I described what I went through, the feelings I had throughout the abuse I endured and the ridicule but more importantly how I came through it.  I found that each person on the panel who asked me questions identified with what I said and felt. They did not judge me. That night, I became part of the NAASCA family.  I was open about my faith, therapy and the other abuses I endured even in adulthood. I do not talk about abuse for sympathy. I talk about it because I don't want to see others go through what I endured or worse.

"1 in 4 girls are sexually abused and 1 in 6 boys."
"1 in 10 children will be sexually abused on or before their 18th birthday." And this is of reported cases. Many cases are never reported.

As a survivor I can share the following:

Child abuse causes sorrow in the heart. It is a direct attempt to kill a child's spirit. It makes them feel their life is not valued, they cannot trust people to be who they say they are, and it robs them of their voice. They are emotionally and physically blackmailed into silence. That same silence spills over and changes their ability to act as they once did. Just as Adam and Eve bit the apple from "the tree of the knowledge of good and evil" and knew both good and evil, children cannot unlearn the evil of abuse.

But by the grace of the living God, there is hope. Hope comes in the form of our Lord who knows what it means to suffer and He is the great restorer. It also comes in the form of adults who care for children to educate themselves and teach their children what to do. Hope comes in the form of recognizing signs, getting children treatment and therapy. Therapy is not a dirty word. Hope continues by ones who care for those who have been abused to seek the Lord for patience and understanding.

This "terror" is not limited by race, religion or economic status as you have probably seen in the news. It is an equal opportunity destroyer.  In order to fight, one needs knowledge of the tactics of the enemy. In order to defeat an opponent you must know their every move and counter act. Make a pledge to yourself, before God and to those you love to do so.

My motto is, a little bit of caution beats watching a child go through a lifetime of redeeming their self-esteem, shedding shame and seeking healing.

Next steps: parents, grandparents, etc you can order my book "Shh Don't Tell" from the drop down list on my website at www.getyourjoyinthemorning.com. It will give you information on signs, what to do, what not to do and the stories of survivors so you can understand from their eyes. With your purchase you will also receive a FREE children's coloring book to help with talking with your children on what is appropriate and inappropriate. The stores that sell my book, including Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Books-A-Million and others, don't have the coloring book with it. It is something extra I am able to do as a result of my work with Safe Shores, the DC Children's Advocacy Center.  Safety starts with you.

Proof of Life

Proverbs 18:16

 

 

16A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.

 

 

For most people, it's not every day they get to watch a friend's dreams come true. For me, it is a pleasure to see because God has allowed my dreams to come true. One such friend in college, Karen, always wanted to be in media, specifically broadcasting. Year after year, she kept pushing toward it. Even when it meant relocating to get to that dream. A couple of years ago I had the TV on though in another room. I heard her voice on the TV. I turned and sure enough it was her. She had relocated from another area.  She made her way into TV broadcasting in Baltimore. Back in January of this year, I was sharing with a mutual friend what station she was on now. And we spoke of wanting to get together. Well, I heard from Karen the very next day as she was working on a story line. It was a blessing I didn't know was coming. God allowed me to have favor with her because of a gifting. A gifting that fit into the story line. Why is this important? Well that story line led to a woman named Patricia West from an organization called S.I.S.T.E.R.S Involving Sisters seeing me. God told her to honor me. So two weeks ago in front of nearly 200 men and women I spoke about my friend Karen in my speech and how her reporting led to me being on that stage receiving an award.  And I spoke of my gratefulness to Patricia for heeding the voice of the Lord.

 

So imagine my heart when I got word of a bomb threat. I was on a call for White House Prayer for Our Nation's upcoming event. A leader asked me what was happening in Baltimore. I'm thinking he's speaking of the night before. When he said no, there's a bomb threat at a TV station. My entire countenance changed. He couldn't understand why I was frantically asking what station. I hung up immediately when I found out  so I could inquire of the whereabouts of my friend. When I didn't hear anything I called back and said, please pray. I checked social media. But more importantly, Karen was still operating as the reporter she is. Even in the face of what everyone thought was danger, she was still operating in her gift. Keeping her followers updated on the news.  I was never more grateful. For me, it was proof of life and that she was okay. So it is with this gratefulness that I say to you today, operate in your gift and purpose before you chase anything else. Your gift and purpose will always bless others because it was never just meant for you. It will place you before great men and women. And as long as you're operating in it, it may be the proof of life those who care for you need to see.

Special Announcement

Good Afternoon,

 

I hope this message finds you well and having a terrific Thursday. I will be on a discussion panel this Sunday, April 17th after the screening of producer Terrance Tykeem's film Touched. If you are a parent, grandparent, mentor or survivor of child sexual abuse, I highly encourage you to attend. The screening is in Hyattsville, MD at Busboys and Poets. Terrance Tykeem and I will both be receiving the Unsung Heroes Award this weekend in Baltimore from Sisters Involving Sisters Inc. for our work in the community to bring awareness to child sexual abuse. This month is National Child Abuse Awareness Month. Are you aware? Do you know the signs? Please respond to me via this message if you would like to attend. The film will air on Network TV later this year.

 

My motto is a, "extra caution beats watching a child go through a lifetime of redeeming self-esteem, shedding shame and seeking healing." 

 

 

 

 

Happy Anniversary

Good Morning,

 

It is with a grateful heart that I share with you that today is Get Your JOY In The Morning's seventh anniversary. It is only by God's grace and mercy. Get Your JOY In The Morning has evolved over the years and continues to do so. It started as a devotional, then a book, then a company. And now the writing is evolving too. I am producing/directing our first documentary film under Divine Voice Entertainment on a living legend, Sylvia Traymore Morrison with special appearances by several veterans of comedy. Laughter is very therapeutic for the soul. There will be more film projects to come. I am also working on a stage play. While in a place of despair I wrote a poem which God said would be a stage play to help address family relationships. The word says that God is not a man that He should lie so indeed the stage play is coming along. God is continuing to work. I want to say thank you and bless you to those who have been supportive over the years. I pray that you will continue to support as Get Your JOY In The Morning goes forward.

 

Service with Love,

 

-Joy

Without Today

John 12:24-25

 

24Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

 

 

Eight years ago today, my life changed. If it had not been for the call I received from the doctors saying I would be dead in a matter of hours, do you know Get Your JOY In The Morning would not exist? That includes the devotional ministry, the books, the authors I've been blessed to mentor, fighting/educating to stop child sexual abuse, the role with Divine Voice Magazine/Divine Voice Publishing, the documentary film I am directing/producing. This does not include the lives Jesus allowed me to touch, including yours. I bless God for the time I nearly died. Without it, I would not have lived. God brought me to the point of death, so that His purpose in me could arise.  As Pastor Anderson said, "I met my fish," referring to his preaching on Jonah. The seven year anniversary of Get Your JOY In The Morning the devotional ministry is coming up at the end of this month.  Without today, Get Your JOY In The Morning would not have been birthed that next year. The full story is in the introduction of my book, Get Your JOY In The Morning. Get Your (J)esus (O)n (Y)ou!

 

 

 

There Are Many Facets...

Matthew 26:35

 

35"Peter said to Him, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!" And so said all the disciples.

 

God had been showing me this for a few days. Jesus had shared a very hard fact with the disciples which they were not ready to hear. He told them they would be made to stumble because of Him. However, Jesus gave them GOOD News. He told them, "But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee." Jesus already told them He would forgive them for the betrayal. And each of them insisted they wouldn't do what Jesus said they would. How can you tell the Savior who knows all things what you will and won't do? He knows you better than you know you. How many people have told you upfront that you would betray them and in so many words that they would forgive you? Hard pill to swallow right? Well what exactly does it mean to betray someone? Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines betray as: 1) to lead astray: esp. seduce;  2) to deliver to an enemy;  3) abandon; 4) to prove unfaithful to; 5) to reveal unintentionally; also: show, indicate.

 

There are many facets of betrayal. How many have betrayed you based on the definition? How many have you betrayed? While you cannot speak for the actions done to you, you can speak to what you have done. Did you betray because you knew you would be forgiven? Or did you betray not thinking about it? Does already knowing you will be forgiven make it right? No. But we do it everyday with Jesus. How many others do we do this to? Our relationship with Christ is also reflective of our relationship with others.

 

Jesus knows you better than you know you. Are you thanking Jesus for the grace you receive? You know Jesus loves you. What about those who you betray? Are you thanking Jesus for the grace He provides in their hearts to forgive you too? Not because they stand to gain but because they love you.

 

Photos below of the thirty pieces of silver used to deliver Jesus to an enemy. And Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane with the disciples asleep in the background from my trip to TBN's Holy Land Experience

 

​

Here's the Final Link w/Video of the Story from WUSA*9

Good Afternoon,

 

Here is the final link with video on the story from WUSA*9. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, mentors, teachers, babysitters, I URGE you to watch this video for the safety of the children you've been entrusted with. And for survivors, please know there is hope and life after abuse. You can still get help.

 

 

http://www.wusa9.com/news/local/survivors-of-childhood-sexual-abuse/61962692

If You Missed Last Night's Broadcast on WUSA*9

Good Afternoon Everyone,

 

I hope you are having a productive day. If you missed last night's segment on WUSA*9 or are out of the viewing area, please see the link below for the story on  the WUSA*9 website. Please feel free to share with family and friends. It's an important subject that will not go away. It's a necessary conversation to help save the life of a child whom you impact.  http://www.wusa9.com/news/local/survivors-of-childhood-sexual-abuse/61962692

 

 

Blessings to you,

 

-Joy

It's Time for a Necessary Conversation

Good Evening All,

In recent weeks there has been an explosion of reports on child sexual abuse.  For those between the Baltimore/Washington corridor, you may have heard about a recent case in Prince George's County. WUSA9 News in Washington, D.C. has been reporting on the case. I, along with a few other survivors joined WUSA9 News for a panel and necessary conversation on child sexual abuse. Join me tonight on WUSA9 News at 11pm for the conversation. If you are a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin or mentor, you can't afford to miss this conversation. It could very well save your child's life.



Urgent Request

Good Evening,

 

I pray you are well. Do you know the power of prayer? Do you know people pray for you whom you do not know? The Word says that the prayers of the righteous availeth much. Do you believe it to be so? Did you know there are people who pray for the nation we call home? Do you pray for the place you call home?

 

On the fateful day of 9/11/01, my Mom was in a building connected to the Pentagon via tunnel. My Mom had taken the elevator and didn't realize she was feeling the impact of the plane which crashed into it until she made it to the first floor, barely. She had just phoned me five minutes before urging me to be careful because of what we all witnessed on TV in New York City. We had no idea the terrorists where coming to where she was. She learned later that a co-worker was on that very plane and another one was on the side of the Pentagon where the plane hit. Her co-workers had died instantly.

 

I had a co-worker whose husband worked in the Pentagon. I and another co-worker had to muster the courage to tell her what happened and pray her husband had not died. My co-worker at that time was no where near a television or radio so she had no knowledge of the horrific images of terrorism. I learned in the days following that her husband was not on that side of the building but helped to pull out the bodies. Until this day, I still remember the vivid, heart-wrenching descriptions.

I still had the courage to get on a plane bound for a friend's wedding in Jamaica four days after  on 9/15. It was paid for months prior. We ended up stuck on the runway as the government halted ALL international flights. The airline was not allowed to release us but had to put us up in a hotel nearby while all of our backgrounds were being checked. I called my Mom from the hotel room. In tears, My Mom said she hoped I could get far away as soon as possible. I never made it to Jamaica. I had other co-workers attempting to come back from a conference but were stuck in Canada. They ended up returning to the U.S. by bus because flights into the country were banned.  I will NEVER forget that day and the days that followed. But I also know that day could've been much worse had the prayers of a few whom God revealed it to had not gone up. Surely, Amos 3:7 was at hand. Some of you may have your own 9/11 testimonies and I know you will never forget them. I urge you to read the attached request and move to action.

 

Many blessings to you and your family,

-Joy



It Wasn't the Nails

Matthew 27:50

 

50And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up His spirit.

 

Yield in the Merriam-Webster's Dictionary has a few definitions. A set of definitions are stated as: 1) Not rigid or stiff: flexible 2) submissive, compliant. A synonym surrender is listed. Why is this important? It wasn't the nails that caused Jesus to die. Jesus gave up His spirit. Remember, the guard had gone to pierce his side to help expedite the death of Jesus but Jesus had already done it. Jesus is the same one who walked on water in Matthew 14. He's the same one who healed the sick many times throughout. He turned water into wine. The winds and waves obeyed His command in Matthew 8, a woman touched His garment and was healed, He commanded the fig tree to die in Matthew 21, He fed 5,000 men with two fish and five loaves of bread. By the Holy Spirit He knew the hearts of men and was a prophet. So do you really think it was the nails that held Him to that cross on Calvary?

 

During my trip to the Holy Land Experience with family, I had the opportunity to see a replica of the nails that were used, the crown of thorns and even the replica of the tomb that couldn't hold Him. What could kill common man, couldn't kill Jesus. What held the common man, couldn't hold Jesus. Jesus even walked, talked and ate with the disciples after rising from the dead. Anything Jesus did regarding His life, was a choice of love. Yes, He allowed Himself to be captured after pleading with God to let things happen a different way. He allowed Himself to be put on the cross. but He really didn't have to stay there. He surrendered His spirit so His body would die the physical death for us. And then He arose so that death couldn't hold your spirit, my spirit and that of our loved ones. The next time you think about the love of Jesus, remember, it wasn't the nails that held Him.

 

 

 

Holding it Together

Matthew 11:29

 

29Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

 

 

God has been showing my egg yolk and speaking to me about egg yolks metaphorically for the last few days. I was fixing egg whites in an omelet the other day but I noticed that when I had used regular eggs, the egg stayed in place better. But when I used egg whites, things looked to be held together well until it was time to flip the omelet over. I kept hearing God when He said that people try to be healthy but when they leave Him out, they still fall apart. The yolk holds everything together. Now yolk is not to be confused with yoke. Per the New Kings James Version Study Bible, the yoke referred to in scripture is a "double harness in which two animals pulled together. Often, one harness was larger meant for the stronger, more experienced animal, while the smaller was used for the animal being trained." But if you go back to the egg white demonstration, after the personal training session I had last month, the trainer kept talking about using egg whites as a source of protein along with some meat. But if being healthy was only an outside tool, it would be easy to do. Health is inside and out. A few months ago I started getting therapeutic massages as a way to help reduce the stress I was under. Stress without rest, is futile. As a matter of fact, Jesus said to take up His yoke and we will find rest. The ultimate rest comes when we see Him as the source that we can go to for teaching, growth, comfort, healing, etc. The gym is a great place to blow off steam and massages can reduce stress also but it cannot heal the wounds in your heart. It cannot provide direction when you don't know where to go. Let Jesus' yoke be the yolk for your life to hold it together.

 

P.S. Please join me at Safe Shores, D.C 's Children Advocacy Center on Thursday, January 28th at 8:30am for Coffee for Kids and learn how you can help save a child's life from abuse. Email me directly if you are interested.