Tag: pursuing your dreams

They Are BL3SSED!

On August 7, 2018

(THE KIMBERLY JOY SHOW: BL3SSED Through Perseverance)

THEY ARE BL3SSED
The year…..2012. The place…..Cincinnati, Ohio. Three twenty-something year old African-American men, with a passion for music, had a vision of one day singing on stages and in front of cameras all over the world.

Inspired by Gospel greats like The Clark Sisters, 21:03, Mary Mary, The Walls Group, and Kirk Franklin, these three young men Davosk Lavizzo, Ke’Vaughn McDowell and Jamaal McMullen agreed they wanted to form a Gospel trio. After much discussion, they convinced their mentor Aunt Syl to sign on as their manager and their godfather Mel Rob to be their assistant manager and vocal coach. Soon after, the group was born, and they are now BL3SSED!

WHAT DOES PERSEVERANCE LOOK LIKE?
I have known Davosk, Ke’Vaughn and Jamaal for a number of years from the time they each stepped foot inside our beloved church Power and Faith Ministries, and have had the pleasure of watching them grow into men. The past six years for BL3SSED as a singing group have not always been a bed of roses. With three different personalities, they occasionally butted heads. There were even moments when they wanted to throw up their hands and walk away. Why did they want to quit? Like you and me, they are human, and, as human beings, we become weary—physically, mentally and emotionally—especially when achieving our dreams seems to be a never-ending battle.

Discouragement is like a bad cut. You think that giving up is the best option because you just want the bleeding to stop! Nevertheless, despite the disagreements and struggles, BL3SSED persevered! They sang through their frustrations. They wrote even in their pain. They prayed in the midst of hopelessness. They believed God’s promises when there was no light at the end of the tunnel. They fought tirelessly for their dreams!

DO YOU HAVE A SOLID SUPPORT SYSTEM?
BL3SSED was inspired to persevere thanks to having a solid support system in place. A support system is a network of people who provide an individual or group with practical, emotional and spiritual support. Like BL3SSED, as you pursue your dreams, such as producing music, writing a book, starting a business, or earning a college degree, it’s imperative you have a solid support system to help you on your journey.

Allow God, who should be the first on your list, to select the right people. For instance, in addition to your pastors, you want those in your network to be trustworthy, supportive, knowledgeable, helpful, encouraging and prayerful.

BL3SSED THROUGH PERSEVERANCE
As a result of their perseverance, in December 2016, Davosk, Ke’Vaughn and Jamaal were each licensed as ministers of the Gospel. This past June, they were one of the finalists in the Path to Fame competition in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Most recently, they released two singles “Hold Me Back” and “Amazing Love” for purchase on all music outlets, including iTunes, Google Play, Amazon and Spotify.

After much discipline and vocal training, this trio can sing anything from quartet style to hip hop style music, which allows them to appeal to a large audience. BL3SSED is where they are now and reaping the rewards because they PERSEVERED. Galatians 6:9 says:

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

KEEP PERSEVERING
God says, “You are doing a good work. I see your sacrifices and labor. You’ve asked, ‘How much longer God?’ Don’t worry about the time frame. Your time is not the same as My time. I know what I’m doing. I’m preparing you and putting more of Myself in you, so that when you begin to reap the rewards, you won’t walk away from Me. Rather, you will be steadfast in your commitment to Me and the special work I’ve called you to do!”

THE PRAYER OF SALVATION
If you haven’t accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, you can do so right now. I then encourage you to find a good Bible-believing church that will help you grow in your relationship with the Lord.

Romans 10:9 (NIV) says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Please pray the following prayer:

Dear Jesus, I come to You confessing I am a sinner in need of a Savior. I believe You shed Your blood on the cross and died for my sins, were buried and rose again so I could be free! Please forgive me for my sins and the life I have lived. I confess You Jesus as Lord and accept You as my own personal Savior. According to the Word of God, I am now saved! Hallelujah! I AM FREE!

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY OF GOD!!!!!

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A Man of Many Talents: The Steve Harvey Story

By Kimberly Joy

On February 13, 2018

In Black History, Dreams/Goals/Purpose

(THE KIMBERLY JOY SHOW: Black History Month Tribute to Steve Harvey)

A MAN OF MANY TALENTS
Steve Harvey, a man of many talents, is a comedian, actor, author, talk show host, game show host, radio personality…..just to name a few! Born Broderick Steven Harvey on January 17, 1957, in Welch, West Virginia, he is the youngest of five children to Jesse and Eloise Harvey. When Harvey was young, his family moved to Cleveland, Ohio. In 1974, he graduated from Glenville High School and enrolled in college where he became a lifetime member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, a historically black fraternity founded in 1911 at Howard University.

HIS TRUE PASSION
After leaving college, Harvey worked a number of jobs, mainly as a salesman. As a matter of fact, he was selling insurance when he finally decided to pursue his true passion of being a stand up comedian after winning an amateur night contest at a local comedy club in 1985. For the next several years, Harvey performed in small clubs to hone his craft as a comedian. This time in his life was going to either make him or break him. Harvey told People Magazine, that after splitting from his wife and sending the majority of his paychecks home to his children, “one or two gigs fell through, and suddenly I was homeless.”

While working a gig, he had the luxury of staying in a hotel, but once that particular gig was over, he was back to sleeping in his 1976 Ford Tempo. He kept an Igloo cooler in the backseat to use as his refrigerator and washed up in hotel bathrooms, gas stations or swimming pool showers. This went on for three years! Some probably wondered, “Why would he go through all that for a dream?!” He was finally doing something he loved and believed he was created by God to do.

Because Harvey persevered, even when he sometimes felt like giving up, he received the break he had been waiting for. He was invited to perform at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York. Fortunately, that wasn’t the last time he was going to hit the Apollo stage. In 1993, he took over as host of Showtime at the Apollo.

That was the first time I remember laying eyes on Steve Harvey. My first thought was, “That man looks like Richard Pryor!” As a stand-up comic, Harvey also made television appearances on the Johnnie Walker National Comedy Search and on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam.

OTHER VENTURES
Harvey soon ventured into acting. He starred in his first sitcom entitled Me and the Boys, in which he played a widower and father of three sons. Though the show won high ratings, it only lasted one season. However, being the fighter and hustler he is, Harvey didn’t let that discourage him. In 1996, he was given another opportunity to star in a TV series The Steve Harvey Show which attracted a large audience.

When I discovered the show, I immediately fell in love with the characters. Even now I enjoy watching the reruns. On the show, Harvey portrayed a former professional musician who becomes a music teacher at a Chicago high school. The series also starred Cedric the Entertainer who is one of Harvey’s real life close friends.

Harvey has also performed on the big screen in movies like The Fighting Temptations, You Got Served, and Johnson Family Vacation. His most popular movie is Spike Lee’s documentary, The Original Kings of Comedy, which captured the highlights of a two-night comedy show in North Carolina. The documentary, which included Harvey as the emcee, Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley, and Bernie Mac, earned more than $38 million at the box office. In fact, The Kings of Comedy Tour, which inspired Lee’s documentary, became the highest-grossing comedy tour ever to date in the United States.

Today, Harvey is host of such shows as Family Feud, Celebrity Family Feud, Steve, which is his own TV talk-show based in Los Angeles, and The Steve Harvey Morning Show, which is his nationally syndicated daily talk radio show. Harvey is also a best-selling author of the books Act like a Lady, Think like a Man; Straight Talk, No Chaser; Act like a Success, Think like a Success and his most recent book entitled Jump.

THE FOUNDATION
In 2010, Harvey and his wife Marjorie founded the Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation. Through the foundation, they have developed mentoring camps for boys and girls. The Steve Harvey Mentoring Camp for Young Men is “an interactive program that includes a host of workshops which focus on manhood, personal responsibility, dream building and the importance of nutrition and physical fitness.

In addition, the participants are introduced to positive male role models who are leaders in various areas, including business, their communities, entertainment and the military.”

The Girls Who Rule the World Mentoring Camp is “an interactive program that includes leadership comprised of trusted business women and community leaders who provide wisdom & resources that will help guide girls through the importance of financial literacy, balanced nutrition, proper etiquette, positive self-esteem and professional and educational development.”

A family man, as well, Harvery is married to Marjorie Bridges Harvey. Together they have a blended family of seven children: daughters, Brandi, Karli, Morgan and Lori and sons Broderick Jr., Jason and Wynton.

WHAT IS PERSEVERANCE?
I share the story of Steve Harvey because it speaks to the importance of perseverance. What is perseverance? Perseverance is “steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.” When God gives you a dream, you don’t stop and give up just because things look bleak. Understand that in the process, God is preparing you for success. Habakkuk 2:3 (The Living Bible) says:

“But these things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient…..”

To learn more about Steve Harvey, you may go to:
biography.com
britannica.com
harveyfoundation.com.
people.com

THE PRAYER OF SALVATION
If you haven’t accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, you can do so right now. I then encourage you to find a good Bible-believing church that will help you grow in your relationship with the Lord.

Romans 10:9 (NIV) says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Please pray the following prayer:

Dear Jesus, I come to You confessing I am a sinner in need of a Savior. I believe You shed Your blood on the cross and died for my sins, were buried and rose again so I could be free! Please forgive me for my sins and the life I have lived. I confess You Jesus as Lord and accept You as my own personal Savior. According to the Word of God, I am now saved! Hallelujah! I AM FREE!

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY OF GOD!!!!!

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PURPOSE

By Kimberly Joy

On January 18, 2018

In Dreams/Goals/Purpose

(THE KIMBERLY JOY SHOW: Live YOUR Dreams Part 2)

SOME PEOPLE FEEL THEY HAVE NO PURPOSE. WHAT SHOULD THEY DO?
A dream is “a strongly desired goal, aim, aspiration or PURPOSE.” Did you know God gave you a purpose? You feel like you’re not like other people, and you’re right! You’re not like other people, and you’re not supposed to be. As a matter of fact, I believe we each have special qualities. As children of God, we are extraordinary.

Unfortunately, some people walk through life feeling they are anything but that! They feel they have no purpose, that no one needs them. They feel worthless! If you are someone who feels that way, then I’m telling you that’s not true! You have to stop believing that! Draw nigh to God through prayer, worship, and the scriptures and allow Him to minister to you. Change how you speak and declare what He says about you in His Word.

Speak His Word until you believe it. Once you believe it, still continue to speak those words of Life to remain strong! Proverbs 18:21a (King James Version) says:

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue…..”

As you change how you speak, it may be uncomfortable at first, not because it’s impossible, but because you’re not in the habit of speaking positively. Then Proverbs 23:7a (KJV) says:

“For as [a man] thinketh in his heart, so is he…..”

Cast down the negative thoughts you have about yourself! It doesn’t matter what other people think or say, even if those people are your family members, including your own parents. Just because they raised you doesn’t mean they always know what’s best for you. This statement is not an insult to parents. I salute all parents who love and sacrifice for their children. However, let’s be real! Some parents are abusive and bully their children, making them feel worthless. If you have experienced abuse as a child, please hear what God is saying. “THEY WERE WRONG!!” You’re not worthless! There is hope for you, and that hope is in God!

WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?
God has given you a purpose and blessed you with gifts. You may very well know what those gifts are. If you don’t know or if you’re not sure, seek the Lord. He will show you!

What are you passionate about? What do you enjoy doing as a hobby? Steve Harvey, a man who wears many hats, such as being an author and a talk show host, says an individual’s purpose is whatever he or she would be willing to do for free. When you think about it, it makes sense. You freely do what you enjoy and what makes you happy. You willingly do what comes natural for you or what you have a knack for.

As a child, I wanted to sing because it seemed glamorous. However, singing didn’t come natural for me. Sometimes, my voice would crack, and a lot of times I would sing off key. On the other hand, I have a knack for writing, and I now write articles for my own blog. I am a skilled speaker, and I now teach and preach the Word of God and have my own radio show.

I also have a gift for acting, and I use that gift in skits and plays to inspire others. Furthermore, I’ve always had an inclination to pray. Even as a little girl, I remember kneeling beside my bed at night to pray. No one made me. I did it because I believed in God, and I wanted to honor God and be close to Him. Needless to say, I am now an intercessor.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE TRUE TO YOUR PURPOSE?
For this new year 2018, God wants you to live your best life by pursuing those dreams or desires He has placed in your heart. Allow His purpose for your life to be fulfilled, so you can live YOUR dreams. I emphasize the word “your” because if you’re not careful, you will find yourself trying to live someone else’s dreams and fulfill a role God did not intend for you. For example, Ephesians 4:11-12 (New Living Translation) say:

“11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do His work and build up the church, the body of Christ.”

Some people operate in these roles identified in Ephesians 4 when God did not call them to do so. Why is that? They’re either doing what people say they should do, or they’re simply doing what they want to do for their own selfish reasons. For instance, perhaps they like the recognition it brings, or maybe they see it as a “lucrative business”. However, to be an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor or teacher is not something to be taken lightly. James 3:1 (NLT) says:

“Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly.”

Those who teach the Word of God are judged more strictly because souls are at stake. God is serious about His children. Therefore, the last thing He wants is for any of them to be led astray by someone who is giving them false prophecies, who is teaching the Word of God incorrectly, or who is draining them of their money so they can get ahead.

Again God says, “Live YOUR dreams!” Please believe God’s blessings far outweigh man’s blessings. Don’t be concerned about the applause of men. If you just focus on your relationship with God and being true to who you are in Him, as Psalms 23:5 says, He will set a table before you, even in the presence of your enemies or haters. He will bless you in front of the ones who didn’t believe in you, who said you would amount to nothing, who abused you, who bullied you, and who thought they had you all figured out.

THE PRAYER OF SALVATION
If you haven’t accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, you can do so right now. I then encourage you to find a good Bible-believing church that will help you grow in your relationship with the Lord.

Romans 10:9 (NIV) says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Please pray the following prayer:

Dear Jesus, I come to You confessing I am a sinner in need of a Savior. I believe You shed Your blood on the cross and died for my sins, were buried and rose again so I could be free! Please forgive me for my sins and the life I have lived. I confess You Jesus as Lord and accept You as my own personal Savior. According to the Word of God, I am now saved! Hallelujah! I AM FREE!

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY OF GOD!!!!!

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The Epitome of Greatness: The Story of The Three Doctors

By Kimberly Joy

On February 27, 2017

In Black History

THE EPITOME OF GREATNESS

To conclude my Black History Month tribute, I want to recognize three men who are the epitome of greatness. I first heard their powerful story while watching the Essence Awards on television back in 2000. Their names are Sampson Davis, Rameck Hunt and George Jenkins. Together they are known as The Three Doctors.

When I first heard the story of The Three Doctors, I was blown away! Once upon a time, life was hard for the three of them. They grew up in the inner city of Newark, New Jersey, where they were surrounded by crime and drugs every day.

Let me tell you their story.

DR. SAMPSON DAVIS

Dr. Davis was born on January 19, 1973, in Newark, New Jersey, into a family of six children. Although he was surrounded by negativity, he didn’t let that stop him from excelling in school. Dr. Davis says that education “saved my life”. After graduating from University High in Newark, he enrolled at Seton Hall University. Later, Dr. Davis was accepted into the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, and received his medical degree in 1999 at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. He then went on to complete his residency in emergency medicine at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. Today, Dr. Davis is a Board Certified Emergency Medicine Physician at several emergency departments in New Jersey.

DR. RAMECK HUNT

Dr. Hunt was born on May 1, 1973, in Orange, New Jersey. His mother was only a teenager when she had him, so he often had to live with his grandmother. When he was fourteen years old, he went to Newark to live with his uncle. He started attending University High, where he met Sampson Davis and George Jenkins. Becoming friends with the two of them was a blessing in disguise for Dr. Hunt. Growing up, Dr. Hunt had some anger issues and sometimes got into trouble. Because he was hanging with the wrong crowd, he wound up in juvenile detention at the age of sixteen. Fortunately, that was the wake up call he needed. That experience made him realize that a good education was his ticket to a better life.

After graduating from high school, Dr. Hunt attended Seton Hall. From there he went on to Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and graduated in 1999. He then completed a residency in internal medicine at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Today, Dr. Hunt is a Board certified internist at University Medical Center at Princeton University and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

DR. GEORGE JENKINS

Dr. Jenkins was born on February 6, 1973, in Newark, New Jersey. When he was thirteen years old, he became fascinated with the dental profession after visiting a dental clinic. He knew then that he wanted to become a dentist. So, like Davis and Hunt, he too went on to attend Seton Hall. Afterwards, he completed his D.M.D. at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Today, Dr. Jenkins is an Assistant Professor of clinical dentistry at Columbia University.

THE PACT
I share the story of The Three Doctors because it speaks to the power of togetherness, unity, and brotherhood! While they were still in high school, they made a pact with each other that they would become doctors. They agreed to study together, encourage each other, and support each other every step of the way. At a young age, these men learned how to be each other’s support system.

I first read their inspiring book The Pact about eight years ago. In the book, they are very transparent about the ups and downs they faced while pursuing their dreams. It wasn’t an easy road for the three of them. They ran into obstacles along the way, including financial obstacles. Anyone who has been to college knows it is not cheap. Many have dropped out of college because of the financial pressures. The Three Doctors even felt like giving up. Nevertheless, they stayed true to their pact and didn’t deviate from the plan. Their constant support of one another is one of the main reasons they chose to attend the same college and medical school. They chose Seton Hall University, in particular, because it offered a program for minority students, who were interested in careers in the medical field.

THE IMPACT
The Three Doctors have made such an impact in the lives of others. In addition to their careers, together they have written three books. The first one is called The Pact. The second one is a children’s book called We Beat the Streets. The third book is entitled The Bond, which focuses on fatherhood relationships.

The Three Doctors also have a non-profit organization called The Three Doctors Foundation. The foundation provides free health, education and mentoring programs for youth and families in the New York and New Jersey areas.

Drs. Davis, Hunt and Jenkins have received many awards, including the Essence Award and the BET Honors Award. They have even served as featured medical experts for The Tom Joyner Morning Show and for CNN News. They were also guests on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

UNIQUE GREATNESS
After reading their book, I am most amazed that, even as youth, The Three Doctors were able to recognize the unique greatness God had placed inside of them. If no one else saw it, they did! Moreover, they understood that if they were going to achieve greatness, they would need each other! They are true role models, not just for black youth, but for all youth, especially for those who don’t have positive role models in their neighborhoods and homes.

Just like Drs. Davis, Hunt and Jenkins, God has placed a unique greatness inside of YOU! What do you desire to do that you’re afraid to do because no one in your neighborhood or family has ever done it before? What do you desire to do that people have told you you can’t do? You don’t have to settle for achieving less to make those around you feel comfortable. It’s not about them anyway—–including family! It’s about YOU and what God has enabled YOU to do! As children of God, we’re not called to be ordinary, but EXTRAordinary. 1 Peter 2:9 says:

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

Children of God, believers in Christ Jesus, YOU ARE SPECIAL! Don’t limit yourself based on other people’s opinions, but see yourself through the eyes of God. Pray that God will surround you with like-minded people who will support you.

Furthermore, as you pursue your dreams, keep this final thought in mind. I recently heard a friend say, “If your dreams don’t scare you, then they’re not big enough!” Therefore, don’t settle for mediocrity, but follow the example of The Three Doctors and be the BEST God has created you to be!

(“The Kimberly Joy Show: Honoring The Three Doctors for Black History Month”)

Sources:
threedoctors.com
thehistorymakers.com

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