Dealing with a debilitating health issue can feel overwhelming, often leaving us emotionally, physically, and spiritually exhausted. Yet, as believers in Christ, we have a hope that transcends our suffering.
Finding Joy In Thankless Work
For the third day this week I’ve pulled underwear apart from pants and pulled a ton of clothes right side out while doing endless loads of laundry (I have four sons, need I say more?!). As a mom of 6, wife and ministry leader much of the work I do happens in silence. It’s in the little, unseen, intangibles that I move stealthily like Marvel character “Sue” aka Invisible Woman, working to keep the ship floating, the troops happy and God’s people edified.
In the mundane moments of our daily routines it’s easy to feel overlooked and underappreciated. This can feel even more pervasive since we live in a world where success is often measured by tangible outcomes and esteem is often ascribed through rewards and recognition.
Does any of this sound familiar? If you are a woman and especially if you are a mom, I bet these word resonate deep within your soul. Hear me sister when I say I feel you. So I need you to click HERE so you can head on over to iBelieve to keep reading….. You are not alone.
As always it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!
Women’s History Makers Part IV
March is Women’s History Month and our series on modern day women’s history makers is coming to a close this week. All month long I’ve been honored to share the significant contributions that women of color are making to improve health outcomes. In addition to highlighting the modern day HER-story maker, I’ve been sharing the grounding work done by the women who paved the way and have been dropping health tips too. I pray you’ve been encouraged by seeing these amazing women knowing that YOU TOO are writing HER-story! So without further ado, I wrap up this series with a woman who is near and dear to my heart.
HER-Story
Dr. Celeste Owens was a beloved Psychologist, missionary, wife, mother and friend. More than anything she loved Jesus and lived a life of radical surrender. Born July 18, 1970, Dr. Celeste was the eldest of 8 siblings. Early in life she knew she wanted to become a psychologist and that’s just what she did. With extensive training in trauma, Celeste co-authored multiple articles and led conferences on the impact of family violence on youth and society. For several years she operated a private practice which I had the honor of visiting and speaking at one of the workshops she held there.
In obedience to Christ she was led to close her private practice and launched headlong into her next phase as an author and motivation speaker. With a heart for holistic wellness, Dr. Celeste was also a Certified Natural Health Professional and engaged her following in implementing God’s strategies for health and healing. A true servant, Dr. Celeste and her husband Andel founded Surrender 365, a non-profit organization whose mission is to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the marginalized around the globe.
Dr. Celeste was my beloved friend. We did a lot of work together in the health and wellness space. Her publishing imprint, Good Success Publishing, published my 1st book Purpose Parenting. When I’d call her I’d often say, “I’m calling to talk to the good Dr.” or “I’m calling my friend” to denote what kind of conversation would follow. And I can still hear her say, “Hey Tyra” which is how she always greeted me. On November 19, 2022, Celeste entered her eternal rest. While we will miss her, her legacy lives on. She’s left a treasure trove of resources through her books and weekly YouTube broadcasts where you can find her teaching on topic from combating depression to choosing the best essential oils for weight management. I encourage you if you don’t already have it, to get her book The 40 Day Surrender Fast. I am forever grateful for the impact she’s had on my life.
Women’s History Hero
Martha Minerva Franklin (October 29, 1870 – September 26, 1968) was a bold and vocal advocate for racial equality in nursing. Throughout her life she broke many color barriers. She was one of a few African Americans to graduate from her high school and in 1897 she was the only African American member of her graduating class from Philadelphia’s Women’s Hospital Training School for Nurses. She observed that Black nurses weren’t receiving fair treatment so she launch a full scale investigation. After her investigation it was determine that Blacks could join the American Nurses Association yet they were still discriminated against. This caused her to reach out to over 1500 nurses to establish their own collective. From this meeting emerged the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses (NACGN) with Martha unanimously elected president.
By the end of World War I NACGN had a membership 2,000, which by 1940 had reached 12,000. As membership increased, a national registry was established to help black nurses find work. In the 1920s she relocated to New York where she enrolled in a postgraduate course at Lincoln Hospital, a prerequisite for status as a registered nurse in New York State. At age 58, she spent two years at Columbia’s Teachers’ College, studying to qualify as a public-health nurse. She stayed on working in New York for many years before retiring in her home state of Connecticut.
Women’s Health Tip
Eat in season! Eating what’s in season ensures you’re getting the freshest, most nutrient dense produce available. Eating in season and eating local also sensitizes you to local pollen and can help ward off such adverse reactions to pollen. One veggie that’s in season right now is asparagus. I want you to head on over to my IG page HERE and see my recent post on the health benefits of asparagus.
As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!
Women’s History Maker’s Part 3
March is Women’s History Month and our series on modern day women’s history makers continues. Each week in the series I will be sharing significant contributions that women of color are making to improve health outcomes. In addition to highlighting the modern day HER-story maker, I’ll also be sharing the grounding work done by the women who paved the way and I’d be remiss if I didn’t leave you with a practical application so you’ll get a health tip too.
HER-Story
Dr. Yolandra Hancock, more affectionately known as Dr. Yola is a physician and public health champion. Whether testifying before Congress or equipping parents with tools to navigate childhood obesity, Dr. Yola’s passion for improving health outcomes is clear. Having studied at some of the most hallowed learning institutions in the world coupled with having worked in one of the nation’s top children’s hospital, Dr. Yola’s experience makes her a highly sought out expert. She’s been seen on CNN and during the height of the pandemic became a trusted source of information with her weekly Facebook live broadcasts.
With her commitment to education, Dr. Yola has served as an Associate Assistant Professor. She believes in not only treating patients but in educating them as well which she does through her private practice, digital products and supplement offerings. And with a heart to serve, she sits on several boards and serves in her local church. Dr. Yola in not only a physician, she is a mother, educator and woman of Faith. And most recently she completed writing a parenting book and course that she looks forward to releasing later this year. Join me in celebrating Dr. Yola for her commitment to improving health outcomes for women and children in our community using a holistic approach! And be sure to check out her Tedx Talk HERE .
Women’s History Hero
Dr. Ionia Rollin Whipper (1872-1953), was a highly skilled obstetrician. Not only was she one of the only African American obstetricians of her time, she was a fierce advocate for public health. In a well documented diary held by the Smithsonian Institute, Dr. Whipper documented her work as an assistant medical officer for the Children’s Bureau of the U.S. Department of Labor. During her career, she not only attended to pregnant mothers but also taught midwives about record keeping practices and on sterilization of equipment. She worked as an obstetrician at Freedman’s Hospital’s Maternity Ward in Washington, D.C. She also mentored teenage girls and in 1931 opened the Ionia R. Whipper Home for Unwed Mothers in Northeast Washington, D.C. It would remain the only maternity home for African American women in the Washington area for several decades.
Women’s Health Tip
Breakfast is the act of breaking your overnight fast, hence break-FAST. And how you break your fast matters. Breaking your fast with fruit and healthy fats is a great way to POWER your body and your mind for the day ahead. With the easy digestion and assimilation, fruit is an excellent way to start your day. Here’s an easy, quick breakfast bowl you can recreate. Be sure to tag me in your posts on social media when you make it. You can find me here on IG & Facebook.
Until next week, be blessed!
As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!
Women’s History Makers Pt 2
March is Women’s History Month and our series on modern day women’s history makers continues. Each week in the series I will be sharing significant contributions that women of color are making to improve health outcomes. In addition to highlighting the modern day HER-story maker, I’ll also be sharing the grounding work done by the women who paved the way and I’d be remiss if I didn’t leave you with a practical application so you’ll get a health tip too.
HER-Story
Tiffany Simmons is a Master’s prepared Registered Nurse Educator, clinical and community expertise over 18 years in Mental Health, Geriatrics, Pediatrics, Community Based Nursing, long term and acute care nursing settings. Ms. Simmons is an Assistant Professor in the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences at Howard University, where she is the course coordinator for Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing and Community Health Nursing. She also serves as co-faculty for Intro to Professional Nursing. Not only is she committed to educating her students, she is also drawing attention to systemic racial inequalities that are impacting health outcomes for African American patients.
Ms. Simmons is not only a mental health expert, she is a mother, ministry leader and mighty woman of prayer. Equipping the next generation of mental health workers is of upmost importance which is why I’m elated to share her work with you. Join me in celebrating Ms. Simmons for her commitment to improving mental health outcomes in our community!
Women’s History Hero
Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler was the first African American woman to received her M.D. in the United States. Dr. Crumpler began working as a nurse with no formal training. She would often visit the sick with her aunt who cared for sick neighbors. In 1860, she was admitted to the New England Female Medical College whereshe graduated in 1864, In 1883 she published her Book of Medical Discourses which shares much of her career. After the Civil War ended she moved to Virginia and joined other black physicians providing medical care to the formerly enslaved. She subsequently returned to her hometown of Boston (which happens to be my hometown too) to continue providing medical care to women and children.
*While this photo and another are often used when mentioning her, no known photos of her exist. Much of what is known about her comes from her book. Kudos to Dr. Crumpler for paving the way!
Women’s Health Tip
Try a smoothie. Smoothies are a great way to have a complete meal on the go. You can consider replacing one of your daily meals with a smoothie. But all smoothies are not created equal. It’s best to prepare them at home. Smoothies purchased at the grocery store or even at your local smoothie shop tend to have added sugars. When building your smoothie try to include veggies. You should supercharge your smoothies with nutritious add ins like chia seeds, spirulina, hemp seeds, flax seeds, or seamoss gel. Click HERE for my absolute FAVORITE smoothie recipe.
Until next week, be blessed!
As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!
Modern Day Women’s History Makers
History is made NOW.
History is HER-story; the story of women making history right now! March is Women’s History Month so every Monday this month I will be sharing with you the significant contributions that women of color are making to improve health outcomes in the here and now. Yet I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the great work done decades and decades ago by pioneering women that paved the way for today’s history makers so I’ll be highlighting a Woman’s History Hero in each segment.
It’s also National Nutrition Month, so you know I’ve got to equip you with a practical health tip.
HER-Story
Up first is Dr. Cozzette Lyons-Jones
Dr. Cozzette Lyons-Jones is the immediate past Chief of Adult Medicine at Watts Healthcare Corporation. With a heart for public health and utilizing her expertise in executive leadership, Dr. Lyons-Jones has worked tenaciously to eradicate health disparities. Having served as the president of the Association of Black Women Physicians, she is committed to equipping the next generation of women physicians of color.
Dr. Lyons-Jones is the recent recipient of the NAACP’s Community Hero award for her work in healthcare. You can catch Dr. Cozzette on her show Uncontrolled Substance where she educates her listeners on health literacy and self-advocacy. Not only is she a physician, she is a wife, mom, missionary and woman of incredible faith.
Kudos Dr. Cozzette on all the work you do to support the community in walking in radiant health!
Women’s History Hero
Mary Seacole
I was IMMEDIATELY captivated by this woman upon seeing her face because she looks JUST like my Jamaican grandfather. But when I read her story I was even more taken by her. Mary Seacole is known as the Black Florence Nightingale. She was a free Jamaican businesswoman, author & doctress who provided medical care, lodging and food for British soldiers at the battlefront during the Crimean War. She was highly skilled and was able to successfully treat cholera and yellow fever. Having travelled widely, she attempted to offer her medical expertise to the British War Office but was declined on what she felt was the basis of her race. She established her own hotel and there treated soldiers who affectionately called her “Mother Seacole”. Like many women of color, our stories go unheard. But not anymore. We will amplify the voice of women of color. Thank you Mary Seacole for your contributions to healing the sick.
Women’s Health Tip
Eat More Leafy Greens.
They’re packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber but low in calories. Eating a diet rich in leafy greens offers numerous health benefits including, reduced risk of obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and mental decline. And there are plenty to choose from. In addition to collards and kale I suggest you try: dandelion, watercress, arugula, swiss chard, microgreens and bok choy. I encourage you to try my Black Eyed Pea & Collard Stew recipe HERE
Until next week, be blessed!
As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!
How Relationships Impact Heart Health
For all of my efforts to be a good wife, a loving mom, a supportive health coach and a compassionate ministry leader, sometimes I fall short. But for grace and mercy!
The intricacies of relationships run deep. Not only do relationships affect you mentally and emotionally, they can also impact your heart health. February is American Heart Month. Heart disease is the #1 killer on the planet so we should ALL be proactive in ensuring we are taking care of our heart health. And your relationships may be an area you are overlooking when you think about cardiovascular health.
A large study was done several years ago that found social connections increase chances of survival. Another study found when couples are engaged socially with each other their blood pressure decreases. And not only are romantic relationships good for heart healthy but so are those with friends and children. Other studies have shown that hugging a friend or family member increases oxytocin, the feel good hormone. Even having a pet has been shown to decrease blood pressure while increasing likelihood of exercise and time outdoors.
So do your heart some good and nurture your relationships.
And be sure to check out my recent article on iBelieve all about relationships and what we can do to avoid damaging our relationships with our children.
As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!
Where A Kid Can Be A Kid
I don’t know what your childhood was like but I know many people, myself included, that had to grow up QUICK. Some of us weren’t afford the opportunity to revel in childhood innocence and bask in the wonders of being a little kid because we had to survive. While others were playing with dolls and trucks, some of us were figuring out how we were going to eat, how we were going to protect ourselves, and more.
Whether that story sounds familiar or not, I want to invite you this month of October to be a kid again.
I want you to see through eyes of faith.
I want you to open your heart to love freely.
I want you to experience the manifest presence of God.
I am praying that your month is filled with AWE.
awe
/ô/
noun
a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder.
This month may you LET GO of worry, frustration, anxiety, doubt, discouragement and dismay and EMBRACE holy reverence, hope, wonder, amazement, and admiration for all of the awe inspiring acts God is performing on your behalf daily.
The sun hanging in the sky – AWE
The birds flying overhead – AWE
Your heart beating in your chest – AWE
An uninhibited smile – AWE
A shrinking tumor – AWE
Who compares to You among the gods, O Eternal? Who compares to You—great in holiness, awesome in praises, performing marvels and wonders? Exodus 15:11
Every day God is executing awe-some moves.
May you have eyes to SEE God’s wonder working power active in your life.
May you have EARS to hear His truth.
May you have a HEART that receives and gives love abundantly.
May you abide in Him because that’s the place where a kid can be a kid. You are His child. He loves you. He protects you. He provides for you. He is working awe-filled acts on your behalf.
May you have an AWE filled AWE-ktober.
As always it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!
Smooth Back-to-School Transition
The back to school season can be a flurry of activity: drop offs/pick ups, extra curricular activities, meal prep and more. But there is good news! The hustle and bustle doesn’t have to get the best of us. There are specific things we can do to make the transition back to school a smooth one.
Check out my recent appearance of Good Morning Washington as I share with moms practical strategies for making the back to school season a smooth one.
12 Biblical Daily Affirmations That Will Ignite Your Life
It has often been said that the mind is a battlefield. Millions of thoughts storm and rage through our minds in a single hour alone. And if we are not purposeful, negative thoughts can run rampant in their quest to win the battle in our minds. But we can win the war in the mind by meditating on and speaking God’s truth. This is the power of affirmations. And just recently I was in a battle in the mind. Thank God for my bestie who quickly came to the rescue and reminded me of who I am in Christ. She went on to encourage me to get back to my affirmations.
Affirmations are powerful, generally brief phrases that affirm who you are, who you want to be and what you want to have. Affirmations are used to keep your mind focused on truth, to combat negative defeating thoughts and to promote success. But let’s be clear. There is a difference between regular affirmations and biblical affirmations.
We live in a world today where lines are blurred. We see and hear a lot of chatter about positive psychology, manifesting, mindfulness and the law of attraction. And while those practices may yield good feelings about yourself and your abilities and what you feel the universe will bring to you, they greatly hinge on self and what the self can accomplish.
Yet as a Believer in Christ I know that my strength comes from God. I know that it is His power at work in me that enables me to accomplish anything. I know that it is because of His love, His favor, His grace and His mercy that I am blessed. And it is in partnering with HIM through my obedience that He bountifully blessed me.
So where does that leave the Believer when it comes to calling forth who we want to be and what we want to have? How do we avoid sliding on the slippery slope of me centered positive psychology and stay rooted in the truth of what God says?
We do this by declaring God’s word. Our affirmations should be directly from His word because it is God’s Word that goes forward to accomplish what He intends (Isaiah 55:11). The bible is also clear in telling us the power of speaking life, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Proverbs 18:21.
I don’t know about you, but I want my thinking and my speaking to align with what God says about me. If that’s you too, I invite you to join me in declaring these 12 Biblical Daily Affirmations that will ignite your life. And so that you can keep them near and recite them daily, I’ve created this FREE printable for you. So print it out, speak His word and be encouraged.
Click HERE for your free printable
As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!
