Author Spotlight (Michael Beckford)

This week’s author spotlight is on my brother & fellow author Michael Beckford.

Michael Beckford’s life began whereas most lives end. His July thirty-first nineteen hundred and eighty-five story began as a cliff note or ode to a young mother whom had to give away her first and only child at the time. She being at the tender age of fourteen, was barely able to tend to herself, let a lone a beautiful baby boy with long hair and a sparkle in his eyes. 

The scenery of sadness and depression filled the air, as Michael Beckford’s mother had to make the tough decision to give him up for fostercare. With a childish innocence, little Michael Beckford had no say in the matter, nor did he understand the complexities of the situation at the time.

During the years of Michael’s foster care, he grew up as a child with a very vivid and inquisitive imagination. He just had a way of bringing the things which were dull and obsolete to life in his imagination.

Like most in life, Michael Beckford witnessed many storms in life, both in a spiritual sense and in the natural such as 1992’s Hurricane Andrew, which destroyed nearly every home around the neighborhood except his. “Truly God was in the work over my former foster home,” Michael Beckford says.

Just as storms don’t last always, his departure form the foster home, came at the sudden death of one of his caretakers, Edna Lewis. With her untimely death, it brought life to Michael Beckford’s situation, which moved him into adoption by two beautiful, young, and energetic parents.

These two parents fueled Michael’s desire to be greater in life, henceforth the birthing of a Great American Writer was formed. From the everyday life stories and struggles in school, Michael’s new mother guided him into writing journals about his daily life’s like’s and dislikes. This movement into the deeper parts of Michael’s mind and creativity led to the praised and often underserved expressions of poetry.

Michael’s new mother, being an Award Winning English Teacher, signed him up for oratorical, a writing contest, and is responsible for the consummate birthing of his writing success in which he enjoys today. She did not give him a natural birth, but the birth of his writing has been an expression of an effect felt upon the many whom have read his books.

Michael Beckford penned his book in February 2004, which is suitably titled Speak Up Poetry! This is a book which essentially dials into the history of a man, and the spirit of the African-American community as a whole. This book digs deep through the progressions and depressions which have been experienced over time since the time of slavery.

Speak Up Poetry! Is a notable success, with it being Michael Beckford’s first book published, and he was only eighteen years of age at the time. This book reached many corners of the country, as it was available for sale throughout the Barnes&Noble, Borders, and other chain retail outlets.

As Michael Beckford began to Speak Up! So did his parents, whom helped to influence some of his collegiate decisions while he attended FAMU. While attending FAMU for a brief season, Michael Beckford took some time off from the book circuit, and expanded upon his knowledge through college, and continued his craft of writing.

It wasn’t until April of 2009 when Michael Beckford reappeared on the writing scene with his first self-published and successful book, Beautifully Ugly People! A transition in writing he took from poetry, to the Christian fiction genre, he’s mostly known for today. Beautifully Ugly People! has been both a book which touches the hearts of many and begs the question of, ‘why do people have to be so beautiful, and yet so ugly?’

His book Beautifully Ugly People! has broken the barriers of what individuals may feel Christian fiction should portray. This is one of Michael Beckford’s best at digging deep into the heart of the situation, and letting God do the rest.

In between touring, blogging, speaking, and just engaging his readers; Michael was putting the finishing touches on the sequel to Beautifully Ugly People! which is I Am The Secret! And was released in December 2009 to great reviews and pestered the many questions of ‘what is the secret?’

I Am The Secret! Has since been the go to book for teen issues and problems. The 5000 Role Models program in Miami-Dade County took the initiative to purchase a book for each individual graduating senior. I Am The Secret! Is also herald as a must read for young adults going through their own struggles in life.

As Michael Beckford continues to travel the country promoting his books through prison ministry, church events, conferences, and other exhibits; he has learned that in order to fight, one must first beware that there is a fight. With the many successes of his books so far, at such a young age, many seek to wonder what he would be speaking up about twenty-five years from now.

Michael De’Angelo Beckford is truly a renaissance man; a man whom loves Jesus Christ. It is Michael’s vision to bring Jesus Christ in his writing to those whom don’t know him, because at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if one were to know who Michael Beckford is, it’s a matter of knowing who Jesus is. 

Walking In Integrity

I am privileged & honored to have my editor Shantae A. Charles write a column for my blog. I know many people (including me) will benefit from this post. She needs no introduction, so receive a blessing from what she has to say.

Walking In Integrity

            Integrity: This word is bandied about freely but seems to be in great demand in our present day society. I've been doing a study on this concept and principle and I'd like to share a few insights with you.

            1. Integrity doesn't stem from an external judgment but from an internal examination by God of man's heart. Evil people perform charitable deeds all the time. That does not mean that they themselves are walking in the path that God deems as integrous.

            2. Integrity is tied to our motives. David said, test my motives and my heart, and see if there be any evil way in me, once again pointing to integrity being an internal work, not as many preach, an external show.

            3. Integrity opens the door to mercy. God really does look at our heart condition. Many people in this failing economy are finding themselves out of work, their homes in foreclosure, their cars repossessed. Their credit rating is so low it is no longer in numbers, but in words: pay us. Does this mean that they are bad, disreputable people? No, life happened, but now their character is being decided by Equifax and TransUnion. But, this is where mercy comes in. God will show himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are towards him.

           4. No amount of anointing will make up for lack of integrity. As one writer stated, "If a man has integrity, nothing else matters. If a man doesn't have integrity, nothing else matters." Ask Saul, chosen of God and totally lacking in moral fiber. Rather than completely follow God's directions, he decided to be king and priest without God's permission, to appease the people. The result was the loss of his kingdom.

           5. Integrity cannot flow out of dishonesty. You are either wholly integrous or wholly dishonest. Integrity will not allow you to present a business plan to someone and then renege on your part of the contract. The Bible speaks of keeping your word, even to your own hurt. There has been many times when I undervalued a service to a client. I didn't demand more on the back end. I absorbed the cost of miscalculation and revised my contract for the future.

6. You can injure your inner-self by doing what costs too much to your soul: compromise. Many people have felt totally disillusioned after losing their integrity and felt that it could not be restored. Ask Judas. He repented after he sold Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, but no one was willing to receive his repentance. He took his own life as a result. Please know that if you feel this way, there is HOPE. God will restore you willingly. Confess to God how you fell short. Allow His grace to restore your soul and then allow the Holy Spirit to fill you freely, and empower you to live a life of integrity.

          7. Integrity is one thing that the enemy desires from you, so that he may make a mockery of God. See. Job 2:1-9 After Job had gone through his second round of loss with bodily affliction, his wife posed this question: "Still you maintain your integrity? Why don't you curse God and die?" You see, the one thing the enemy is after is not your children, or your home, or your money. He's after your integrity. He's after that part of you that God is measuring, that opens the doors of mercy on your behalf.

         8. Your integrity can speak so loudly, that God will remain silent during your greatest trials. Have you felt lately like God wasn't speaking and everything wrong that could happen has happened? Let me suggest to you, that God is taking measure of your heart. He likes what He sees, and maybe, just maybe, He might be holding testimony service with you as the subject matter. Let that sink in.

         I encourage you to walk in integrity (Ps. 26). It may cost you but God will repay in mercy towards your situation. There is nothing you lose in this life that God cannot restore. If you've ever done what you promised God you would never do, cheer up. You're in good company (just ask Peter). Grace is still available in this season to make it right. Blessings and Church Love!

Shantae A. Charles is a Publisher, Editor, Artist, Teacher, and Author of the Church Love Novel Series, available on Kindle, Nook, Books-A-Million, and Barnes & Noble. For more info, visit her blog, www.legsclosedmindopen.blogspot.com. 

Author Spotlight (Chicki Brown)

Contemporary women’s fiction/romance author Chicki Brown has published three Kindle bestselling novels (Hot Fun In the Summertime, Have You Seen Her & Hollywood Swinging). She released I Can’t Get Next To You August of 2011.

An avid reader, her favorite authors are Beverly Jenkins, Eric Jerome Dickey, Lisa Kleypas, J.R. Ward and Suzanne Brockmann.

A New Jersey native, Brown and her family relocated to suburban Atlanta, Georgia in 1994, and she now proudly calls herself a “Georgia peach.”

Her many homes in cyberspace include http://www.chicki663.webs.com/, http://www.facebook.com/chicki.brown and @Chicki 663 on Twitter.

School Is History

This week's blogpost is written by my sister & fellow author Ellen Thomas. Enjoy!

School Is History

By Ellen Thomas Author Of

THE BIPOLAR EXPRESS: One Christian Woman’s Life Journey In The Company Of A Child With Bipolar Disorder and Asperger’s Syndrome.

            “Time to get up. It’s the first day of school,” says an apprehensive parent of a child with mental disabilities. 

            First thought: “Could this be the year things will be different?”

            A new backpack is filled with bright crayons, a composition book and sharpened pencils. The bed holds a child with an educational history. A past of making embarrassing mistakes that have made it difficult to make or keep friends and mishaps that teachers or administrators remember.

            Fortunately, a battle does not ensue. The child rises and dons the new clothes purchased during the “Back To School” sales. He/She is eager for a fresh start and stands proudly for a “First Day Of School” photograph.

Most likely the excitement will die quickly as bullies sniff out the most vulnerable kid on the playground. Whatever disability the child holds will soon cause frustration and anxiety. Each day the parent’s fear grows and the mornings begin with, “I’ve told you three times to get out of that bed.”

            But there is hope. Our daughter, who struggles with bipolar disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome and attention deficit disorder, began college this year. Her school, her history, was a constant metamorphosis from public school, to home schooling, to tutoring, to private school to virtual school but she preserved and a high school diploma hangs on our wall.

Here are a few things my husband and I learned riding THE BIPOLAR EXPRESS.

·      Dreams Change.  Your child isn’t going to fit a “traditional” model. You may have to try alternative education such as home schooling or virtual school. We used them all – repeatedly. Familiarize yourself with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Individual Educational Plans (IEPs). These may provide your child with services and accommodations necessary for access to a free appropriate public education.

·      The Future Looks Too Difficult But Don’t Lose The Moments Of Celebration. You may not get to live day-by-day. It might be minute-to-minute but celebrate any small success. Keep your hope alive by not focusing on grades or trends. Focus on your child, he or she is more than their history.

·      Don’t Be Too Hard On Yourself. As a child moves into middle and high school, the journey becomes more difficult. You will be your child’s best advocate. Making sure your child’s education rights are being upheld can be exhausting. It can cause a financial and emotional toll on your mind, body and spirit. Take time to rest, spend time with friends and most importantly, your significant other.

The Greek philosopher, Plato said, “Do not train a child to learn by force or harshness; but direct them to it by what amuses their minds, so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of each.”

Your child is beautifully and wonderfully made. Discover and celebrate their talents, and interests. It’s worth the trip.

Author Spotlight (LaShanda Michelle)

This week's author spotlight is on my sister & fellow author LaShanda Michelle. I was privileged & honored to meet her through a mutual friend. If it wasn't for her, I probably would not have a book out to this day. Anyway, show this sister some love.

Born and raised in Huntsville, Texas, LaShanda Michelle always had a passion for writing. Every since her mother, now a retired school teacher, taught her how to correctly hold a pencil, she knew writing was what she was born to do. While in school her fourth grade teacher encouraged her to submit her work in a contest to become a published writer. When she didnt win, her teacher encouraged her to hold on to her creativity because her writing would surely take her far. LaShanda remained confident and concluded that one day her dream would come true.

Throughout middle and high school LaShanda studied journalism and served on the newspaper staffs of both schools. In her junior year of high school her hard work on the paper and undeniable writing ability earned her a coveted spot as a student columnist. Her senior year she served as Co-Editor-In-Chief, and was also a member of the student literary magazine staff. During this time she also won many awards that proved her writing ability.

After graduating high school in 2000, she studied journalism for one year at Sam Houston State University before enlisting in the United States Air Force as a medical supply specialist. Her enlistment privileged her to relocate to Anchorage, Alaska, where she spent the next few years honing her craft. While in Alaska she published four books, including a bible study that tackled many hot button issues that young adults face. She also wrote and produced a stage play entitled Let No man Put Asunder... Not Even You! She was also a part of Soulicitations, a creative arts ministry that toured the city promoting Christ through poetry, music, and acting. During this time LaShanda was also featured in Crusin' For Christ, a Christian entertainment cruise, hosted by best-selling author Kendra Norman-Bellamy.

In 2009 LaShanda released Casting Down Imaginations. It chronicles the lives of two young women who leave the supervision of their parents and live life on their own as college students. Along the way they experience a number of obstacles, including an abusive relationship, an unplanned pregnancy, and unforeseen family problems that threaten their futures.

LaShanda's latest novel, Sweeter Than The Honey, was released this past May. It tells the story of Kamilah, a high school senior who is forced to learn the hard lessons of life after falling into a same sex relationship with her new friend. Problems arise when her homophobic mother finds out, and Kamilah has to choose which love she will remain faithful to. The book is available through all major book retailers. 

LaShanda’s website is: www.lashandamichelle.com

Finding Your Passion

It’s Labor Day and 2/3 of this year is done. Where are you with your dreams and goals for 2011? Well, if you’re like me, you’ve had to endure some struggles this year. I’ve told many people at the beginning of 2011, that this is a year of big moves. I know some people can testify to that, but with it came a lot of struggles and unnecessary strife. From unemployment, threats of losing your job, people on your job (co-workers) threatening to drown you underwater to save their job or just tired of being a gerbil running on wheels (the rat race). There’s more, people are jealous because you decided to pursue your passion (or calling of God), other people are fearful of what the future holds because they have nothing to fall back on (not taking the time to find or pursue their passion) and want to make your life a living hell, your closest friends and family won’t support your passion/talents (see last week’s post entitled “No Love, No Honor, No Support” for more on that), or you are just ready to leave your current job to focus on your passion/talent to impact other people’s lives for the better (because you know that your passion/talent is not just for you, it’s for others around you and those you haven’t met yet).

If this describes what you’re going through, then this post is written for you to encourage you not to cast away your confidence, not to give up on God, and to press forward with your passion. Just know that this post is also for me. I need encouragement as well (considering I’m going through some of the things I mentioned above).

So, I ask you the following questions:

1. Do you know what your passion is? Many people don’t, and they have a hard time finding it. If this is you, it’s OK. To find your passion or mission, you have to dig deep inside, get alone with God and pray for Him to reveal it to you in His time (remember, the steps of a righteous man are ordered by God). It will be revealed to you; meanwhile, just keep your mind stayed on Him and experience His perfect peace. If you know what your passion it, then give God praise and perfect it for the glory of God. If you perfect your passion, and present it in excellence, people will take notice and want more of your passion (granted, some people will actually be inspired to pursue their passion).
2. Are there any activities or thoughts that absorb you so thoroughly you lose track of time?
3. What subjects do you find most exciting to talk about?
4. Do you have any skills or talents that inspire self-confidence? I know some of you have the gift of knitting, singing, writing, speaking life to others (and giving them hope and encourage with the love of Christ) and you know it too.
5. When you have a free afternoon, how do you choose to spend it?
6. If you had all the money you needed to pursue a hobby or a special project, what would it be?
7. If you could develop a “dream” business for yourself, what would it be?

Talk about your passions with people who you know well and trust. Now I need to inject something here. Not everybody can embrace your passion, so you need to discern who you tell it to. Joseph in Genesis 37 is a prime example. He should’ve read his brothers better (they said, we shall see what will become of his dream). As one of my sister friends would say, not everybody is a divine connection to you. You don’t tell your business to someone who has a “what’s in it for me” mentality. Back to my original point, sometimes other people can read our souls when we can’t. Once you become aware of your passion, you can determine your mission and begin to feed it. This in turn will feed the drive that will make your dreams come true.

If you are making statements like the four mentioned below, I strongly consider that you pray and work on pursuing your passion now!

1. I wish I could quit my job.
2. I’m tired of going from job to job.
3. I can’t keep working this hard. I’m getting too old for this.
4. I’m tired of wasting my time, hanging around people without much ambition and who aren’t going anywhere.

Some people don’t want to pursue their passion (this is for those who know what their passion is), because they have selfish motives. They’re being stingy or prideful with it because their church or people around them won’t accept them or their passion/talent. The easy way to rectify that is to give it to God and understand that it’s not about you!  It’s for the glory of God – let Him do the work and give Him all the glory!

With that said, this is the time to make it happen. As Gloria Estefan would say, “Get On Your Feet!”

Author Spotlight (Angela Y Hodge)

I had the privilege of meeting Angela at Crossroads Academy where we were part of an author panel along with 2 other well-known authors. Without further ado, the spotlight is now on my sister & fellow author Angela Yolanda Hodge.

Angela Y. Hodge is an Author, writer and Motivational Speaker living in Tallahassee, Florida. She is a graduate of North Florida Community College where she studied Early Childhood Education.

She is a dedicated member of the Tallahassee Authors Network and the Beautiful Bless Sister Book Club.

Angela’s short story titled, “The Amazing Journey Of Healing “, is featured in the anthology, Words from My Kings and Queens, which was compiled by Marvin “Merv” Mattair. In her story, she shares how she overcame insurmountable odds in her life and has become victorious in her daily walk.  Angela is also working on her own book release for later this summer, which will be a collection of poems and prayers.

Angela has appeared at the 2011 State of Black Florida Conference at the State Capitol. Black History Come Alive at the Sealey Elementary Math and Science Magnet School.  A guest Author at the Sealey Elementary Young Author Conference. She also sat on the Author panel at Crossroad Academy.

Angela started writing at an early age, It’s through her pain she gain strength to overcome being rejected by love ones, abused, often misunderstood, trails, and doctor visits. Angela Stated God had a purpose and a plan for her life.

Website: www.angelayhodge.com