FINDING A FOUNDATION

Reflections on Four Years

Congratulations and cheers for 15 years! Grace and Glory Magazine has been providing inspiration, encouragement, and has been a blessing to the Baltimore Metropolitan Area as a faith-based lifestyle magazine for 15 years.  The good news is the best is yet to come! Anyone who has had an opportunity to read even just one article is guaranteed to be refreshed, revived, and ready to run to receive all that the Lord has in store for their life. 

I have had the privilege to contribute to Grace and Glory Magazine since March 2017.  I can vividly remember my first encounter with Grace and Glory Magazine many years ago.  I recall seeing Dr. Jamal Bryant on the cover announcing that he found his “good thing” when he married Gizelle Bryant.  Fast forward a few years later, I remember inquiring about the article submission process with the magazine’s graphic artist, Claire Lesesne.  At the time, the magazine had no openings for other writers.  A few years later, I received an email from Claire stating that Jackie, the publisher, and editor-in-chief of the magazine, was looking for new writers and asked if I knew anyone that would like to join the editorial staff.  I told Claire to let Jackie know that I would be interested in contributing to Grace and Glory Magazine and the rest is history.  Four years later, I have consistently contributed to each issue. 

One word comes to mind when I think of my experience with Grace and Glory Magazine, foundation.  Grace and Glory Magazine has given me the opportunity to lay a foundation for my writing ministry, Trinkets to Triumph, which is a Biblically based blog designed to edify and encourage individuals with a “trinket” of encouragement to triumph over their angst, motivate individuals to recognize who they are in Christ, and to edify individuals to achieve living their best life.

Contributing to the magazine has taught me four foundations that I will use to continue to build my ministry on:   

1. Dream – Dare to D.R.E.A.M.!  The acronym I created, “Dreams Really Eventually Appear Manifested,” was proved with this opportunity.  It assured me that my gift would make room for me (Proverbs 18:16).  It assured me that my dream may be delayed but God will not deny an opportunity to give me the desires of my heart (Psalm 37:4).  Claire trusted my integrity to refer me to Jackie and Jackie believed in and supported my dream.
2. Discipline – Contributing to each issue has propelled me to research and write on a regular basis and to increase my search through the scriptures to come up with fresh ideas for articles and social media posts.
3. Dedication – Contributing to each issue has given me the opportunity to show my dedication, faithfulness, and commitment to my craft, and to win souls for Christ.
4. Deadlines – Contributing to each issue has taught me the importance of deadlines.  I have adopted the “no excuses” mentality and made every effort to complete every assignment, no matter what is going on, on time. 

If I may conclude my reflections with a fifth foundation, decree.  I decree and declare, in Jesus’s name, bountiful blessings for Grace and Glory Magazine.  The best days are ahead.  It is my prayer that God expands our reach and gives Jackie and the entire staff of Grace and Glory Magazine fresh insight.  My foundation is solid, and I am ready to build and continue to branch out.  I am forever grateful to Jackie, Claire, and especially my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for this opportunity to share Trinkets to Triumph.  Blessings and cheers for many more years!