Philippians 4:19 NLT “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus”.

Robert Louis Johnson became America’s 1st Black Billionaire in 2001 along with his former wife Sheila. Through business ventures including founding Black Entertainment Television (more famously known as BET), RLJ Holding Companies and previously owning a majority of the Charlotte Bobcats this African American male made his fortunes.

Today this same man is using his prominence to bring attention to reparations for Black people of this country. Johnson since June 2020 has been pushing the government to cut a check for the result of systemic racism and slavery for over 200 years–including one for him. “Black folks have been denied $13-15 trillion of wealth and therefore we as a country now must atone by paying black people of all stripes — the rich ones, the poor ones, and the middle — out of our pocket,”.

Johnson states that reparations should look like investment programs rather than charity. He further alludes that monies provided by the government will be a reimbursement or recompense for harm that were caused to Blacks from the start of the Atlantic Slave Trade to today. Whether or not reparations are given remains to be seen. Debatable questions on who gets, how much, how its distributed and to what causes may or may not be ever be answered.

Yet praise God His people will ALWAYS be provided for-no matter what people or laws pass. For He, Jehovah Jireh, is the ultimate authority. Granting all those in need in accordance to His will.

The first time God is called Jehovah Jireh is in the Old Testament book of Genesis Chapter 22. Abraham gets instruction from God to take his only son Isaac to the Mount Moriah to sacrifice him. Fully trusting God to resurrect Isaac if need be, Abraham obeys. Yet God stops Abraham seeing his devotion to Him and instead provides a ram in the bush.

The word provide in Hebrew has a greater meaning. It also means “to see to it” and “experience”/ “perceive”. So God our Lord is “The God who gives for He sees and experiences” our needs. He knows us so intimately. We can always trust his heart to make a way for our best interests.

Concern (C): Sister, did you ever notice a time when God sent someone or something to help you at a desperate or special time of need? 1 Kings 17:7-16 The story of Elijah and the Widow at Zarephath.  God directed a widow with nearly nothing to supply the prophet Elijah with food.  In turn for her faith, she was provided with bread that never ran out.

Encouragement (E): God sees you, just keep going through. Ps 84:11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.

Act (A): Meditate on your biggest challenge/need today. Amplify it like a giant wave ready to sweep. Then focus on a vision of Jesus in the boat with you. Lean on into His arms as He quiets and stills the storm. How do you feel? Is there peace or still a rippling wave? Are there still grey skies or have the lightened up to a baby blue with puffy white clouds. What kind of ending thought has God provided for you with the blessed assurance you have in Him?

Matt 27:46 “…Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi lama sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God why have you forsaken me?’)”

God is an awesome God!  Therefore He is called by many meaningful names as He is defined in our lives.  The Daughter Line is launching our 2021 series the Ten Names of God in honoring praise of Him.  Although there are many names for God, Yahweh, Jehovah, Adonai and the like; we will focus on only ten of His Hebrew names.  We recognize that scholars have noted three languages as original biblical languages-Hebrew, Koine Greek and Aramaic.  We will interpret (as best as possible) some of the more powerful meanings behind all of His glorious names into English. 

Jehovah Elohim.  FACT:  In Hebrew, Elohim means God Almighty or Supreme One.  It is also a plural which can oft refer to the Trinity in the holy scriptures.  Elohim is mentioned over 2500 in Hebrew Bible.  Meanings can range from gods in general to specific gods like Yahweh (YHWH) the God of the Israelites.  Yahweh which is the divine name of God is mentioned over 5400 times in the Hebrew scriptures.  Together Jehovah Elohim is mentioned over 800 times.  

Recently in the news, we see a Black man on the ground held down by his neck by the unrelenting knees of a White police officer. As his life ebbed away under the unbearable weight of another man’s, everyone in the court room had to watch the constant replaying of this video to see justice done. As he was dying, It often moved eye witnesses and loved ones to tears. They had to recall the traumatic incident, for which they testified on behalf of a subdued man who in anguish struggled to breathe. In his last moments,

George Floyd cried out “Mama”.

Like a child helpless, in great need of comfort or just to know that there is a parental presence in times of extreme hardship or distress. Mama/Mommy/Mother is, universally speaking, the most loving, caring, powerful and saving person that will come immediately at call. Having carried, birthed, nursed and cared for her child from the very beginning. She is the first person a child will bond to, knowing her voice, scent but most of all her loving heart. And for most children that relationship will last for all of both’s lifetime in that special unique way.

Jesus the Son and God the Father had this relationship from the beginning of time. When Jesus was dying on the cross. He too, similarly in pain and alone, cried out

“Eloi, Eloi, lama sabacthani”

Jesus called out to God on the cross, why have you forsakened me. God’s whose name is also Eloi or Eli has the undertone of meaning God the Father.  Jesus is calling out to his Father who has all power to rescue Him from the cross.  He might have longed for God to just relieve him of the struggles of dying and hold him in His arms once again. Yet God does not. Jesus willing to do His Father’s will obeys his fate of death. Concludes his cry, by asking why have you forsaken or abandoned me Daddy?  We get the feelings of Jesus’ heavy loneliness, and sudden very stark separation of God.  The loss of Jesus’ relationship with God, because of our sin, was too painful.  Like a child torn away from his parent and left all alone without anyone to hero. Only a little while after saying this, does Jesus gives up his spirit and commits it to his Father’s entrusting hands.   

Concern (C):  Sister, do/did you ever feel abandoned by God?  Jesus can relate!  Many of us have struggled, even during this pandemic, with feeling isolated and alone from those we love.  Imagine Jesus who spent his life, from the beginning of time, with God; to end after all this time in this one moment God apart from him.  The guilt some of us experience knowing we caused the greatest relationship of all times to break up moves us to tears.  Yet God loves us so much allowing that to happen to his one and only Son, as His ultimate plan to bring us back to Him. How will we reply to Him- in reconciliation or rejection? God awaits our personal answer.

Encouragement (E):  God is Almighty!  Jesus did not stay deserted.  After three days, God raised him from the dead through the absolute power of love!  Because of the Resurrection there is hope of life after death for those that believe in him today as those that did in his day.  Moreover we can have an eternal relationship with Him only through the forgiving saving blood of Jesus Christ. 

Act (A}:  Accept the message of Jesus Christ as Lord.  Believing in your heart is not the only component for having Christ become your Lord and Savior.  You are to confess he is, repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins.  Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, walk the rest of your days saving yourself from the corruption of this generation.  Sharing with others the message you received along the way. Forging with the attitude of gratitude helps every day.

Acts 17:26-27 ^“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. ²⁷ God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 

Sister, you help a LOT of people-family, children, at the job, at school, at church, etc.  Yet sometimes (maybe a lot of times these days) WE need the help, right?  Questions immediately pop up ranging from where to start, where to go to to what would people think.  On top of the stigma, when would we schedule the time- and how in the world would we pay for the cost? 

Meet Mrs. Petrina Yemane! Her Emotional Wellness Webinar Series is enhancing lives! Don’t miss out on Mindfulness & Motivation (<-click link) Workshop THIS Friday 2/19/21 at 7:00 pm!

Petrina is passionate for helping people-and has all these answers for you! A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)  she is currently practicing with New Directions Counseling Group in Virginia for the US Army. Now for a time this prodigious consultant will be online for all(*her full details below).  A South Bronx native, originally from Montserrat West Indies, this wife of 22 years, mother of 2 has obtained a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from City College of New York.  Petrina is now earning a degree in Advanced Studies in Human Behavior.  She is hosting an Emotional Wellness Webinar Series in 2021 including 12 workshops (9 free and 3 low cost).  The first webinar on Emotional Wellness and Spirituality was on 1/22/21.  Informative and innovative this event is a must join.   Petrina shares new, trending ideas in research at an affordable cost for everyone.   We
appreciate that, Ms. Yemane. Today, we have Petrina in the chair, Yes! Our therapist is doing the talking!

Ace:  Petrina what made you pursue counseling?

Petrina: My grandmother brought me to the states.  The 1^st generation’s expectations were to be a doctor or a nurse.  I wanted to go to dance school.  But I gave it up I loved psychology and how the brain works.  I was very good at it.  At the age of 7 I listened to kids’ problems and wanted to help them.  I am happy when people say you help me so much.  I help guide people.   People underestimate themselves.  The job as a therapist is to direct people to solve their own problems.  City College gave me a good education.  I learned new thinking called Positive Psychology.  It’s a strength based counseling approach.  I look at everything through this approach.  

Ace:  Why would people be interested in these workshops? 

Petrina:  In quarantine, people have a lot of fear, suicide.  They want to do events for connections.  I thought for the new year it would be a good thing. With all that’s happening in politics.  I thought the 1^st month of the year would be a start off on the right foot.  Emotional and mental health state was declined because of staying in.  People cannot interact, see smiles, a hug.  An event to pull everybody in to talk about topics that can be healing was the reason these workshops were created.  Thought it would be a good time to come together to learn about ourselves and how we can better ourselves.  We are always looking for a way to better see ourselves its going to motivational. 

Ace:  During this pandemic, do you feel people should definitely know or be doing something for their mental health? 

Petrina:  Staying positive, as a PHD student one of my dissertation topics is on resilience in adverse events.  The thing that I’m learning is that everyone has it in differing degrees.   We get lost in the things happening around us.  And we miss out on things that are soothing and calming for us.   If that it is singer, you have to use your gift.  Whatever it is use it.  Going for walks, drawing, doing art.  So the body can tune off like a computer.  We need to be able to calm ourselves.   Interesting thing, people that are extroverts are having a difficult time.  Introverts are doing well.

Ace:  Yes I am an introvert and I agree.  I’m enjoying the space, I have decreased social anxiety and I’m doing so well.  I’m praying for all extroverts and huggers.  Tell me really, do you recommend counseling for the average person?

Petrina:   Everybody should see a therapist.  A stigma was attached to counseling.  People are still stuck in the era of Freud.  The reason for these workshops is because it’s different now.  It is all about positive psychology.  There’s everyday life to deal with.  That’s why I call the workshop emotional wellness.  Cause we don’t focus on that.  There’s a connection between the mind and body, 4 parts of us-Mental health, Physical health, emotional health and spiritual health.  Holistically people take of the two mental and physical health but what if you could take care of all 4?  It’s for the teacher, the mother, the Wall Street producer, the children who have anxiety.  It’s about attachments, it’s about trying to manage stress and getting help.  That’s brave right there.  Psychology today.  Therapy.com. if you need to see someone you could choose someone who makes you feel comfortable.  We’ve come a long way.

Ace:  Why go to a therapist as opposed to a friend?

Petrina:   If you are working out any problems or issues with your friend and its working stick to it.  But when everyday functioning becomes where it’s not enough or it’s temporary.  And you get to the point where there’s an obstacle or you are prohibited from functioning getting up out of bed, getting angry, causing damage to yourself and others.  You definitely need to be humble and get professional help.

Ace:  Any word to the person on the borderline to seeing a therapist, attending the workshops and want general information?

Petrina:  I have been counseling over 20 years.  I try to make the experience kind of like talking to a good friend.  But you’re getting professional help no judgments and with confidentiality.  We have such a good time. They forget they are having therapy.

Ace:  Thank you Petrina for your time and for what you do to help people.  The Daughter Line always asks the question of its interviewees.  What is your favorite scripture and why?

Petrina:  My favorite scripture Acts 17:24-28.  Nothings by accident, reasons why we know people we know.  We bring God a little closer to each other.  Full circle way of thinking. 

Ace:  Does God have a place in therapy?

Petrina:   I provide spiritual therapy when people initiate that.  It’s good that people see the need for that.  It’s brave for people just to come to therapy.  Spiritual counseling is a service I provide. 

Concern(C):  Sister how are you doing, really?
Encouragement(E):  It is The Daughter Line’s hope that you are doing well.  If not, pray and inquire of God what to do.  Perhaps you need guidance through an issue, to open up to a listening ear and/or get some advice.  Prov 15:22 “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”  When you ask, seek, knock the doors will open.  Answers will come.
Act(A):  Sister, consider professional help.  All the support you need, God wants you to have.  And it is absolutely possible.  You are not alone in these adjustment needing times.  Just take the first step and watch the blessings come nearer! John 15:15 Jesus is your Friend.

*Petrina Yemane’s next webinar/workshop will be on February 19^th at 7:00 PM on
Mindfulness & Motivation.  Absolutely FREE!  Be a part of this life changing event, just Facebook Messenger Petrina Yemane or email her Hirutyemane1@gmail.com.  Additionally, expert co-facilitators Bobbet Hoskin and Agazit Asihel will be joining future workshops talking about important topics such as Trauma and Resilience.  See you on Zoom!

2 Tim 2:20 “In a large house there are not only things made of gold and silver vessels, but also ones made of wood and of clay, and some are for honorable use, but others are for ignoble use. “ NET

                Note from the Editor-Wow it is hard to believe that there are only 62 days left until 2021.  This year has been full of faith, figuring it out and fortitude.  For a lot us, mostly fear.  Today, Oct 31, a day where over 148 million Americans are expected to still celebrate Halloween despite the scarier coronavirus epidemic–please continue practice safety.  In a few days will be Election Day which like today may also get pretty nerve-racking .  According to today’s USA Today, 2020 may produce the most voter turnout in a century.  In 1920 the right to vote the 19^th amendment was given to women.  Susan B. Anthony (who illegally completed a ballot drop in 1872) and Elizabeth Cady Staton would have loved to see this day where a woman may become our 1^st Vice President.  And I am sure Sojourner Truth who was turned away in 1872 (the same year Elizabeth Woodhull the 1^st woman to run for US President-coincidence?) would have been so excited to see this title possibly go to an African American woman! since The Daughter Line is praying for your continued health and wellness.  Also we thank you for your continued support as we celebrated our 4^th Year anniversary on October 19, 2020.  We will soon be concluding our Commemoration of the Centennial Anniversary of the Women’s Suffrage Movement.   However we urge you to extend your studies of estrogen excellence.  Women have overcome many challenges literally since the beginning of Man.  And this year is no different, though testing we can be ever so grateful that we can trust in a God who holds all the answers.  He even gives us an example in Jesus so we can copy from his life!  

                Occurrences that happened in October historically for women are-3^rd, 1904 – Mary McLeod Bethune opens 1^st African American school in Florida.  10^th, 1983 Dr. Barbara McClintock receives the Nobel Prize for Medicine with her discovery in mobile genetic elements.  11^th, 1984- Dr. Kathryn D. Sullivan is 1st U.S. woman astronaut to “walk” in space during Challenger flight.  30th, 2020 Juanita Holmes, officially becomes 1^st female and 1^st African American female to become NYPD Chief of Patrol (the largest police force in the nation!)

                “The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me”, is a provocative quote from Russian-American Ayn Rand (author of bestselling novel The Fountainhead).  The famous women mentioned above have all done incredible things.  Reaching extreme aspirations, they have been awarded and publicly recognized for their awesome genius.  Assuredly, each one faced obstacles.  Yet they let nothing stop them thus becoming eminent women of history.

                Still there are other women who have made history with talents for ignoble purposes.  Yes God gives everyone a talent Matt 25:15.  Yet these types of women are acknowledged for their gifts of doing-well–“bad”.  The bible is full of good stories of “bad” girls-Delilah, Bathsheba, Vashti, Jezebel are some instances.  Yet the Bible states in 1 Tim 4:4, “For every creation of God is good,” Ps 104:24, “You have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures”, Prov 16:4, “The Lord has made everything for His purpose –even the wicked for the day of disaster“.  Believe even these “bad” ladies were used for God’s good.  In view of this, let us look at some weaknesses and strengths of Sapphira, Jael and Tamar.

                Sapphira, Acts 5:1-11.  The wife of Annaias, she conspired with her husband to falsely report on withheld monies.  The consequence for Sapphira’s ignoble actions was immediate death.  On the good side, she was loyal to her husband yet it was bad that she did not remember her first husband is the Lord.  What a makeover story if she had put Him above her spousal allegiance, Luke 14:26.  What we also learn from her is not to test the Holy Spirit.
Jael, Judges 5:4:24-31.  The wife of Heber, who was at peace with Jabin an enemy of the Lord.  Jael took Jabin in her tent, under false hospitality, to drive a deadly peg in his temple.  What we learn from her is that a woman can be sharp and strong with the strength and wisdom of the Lord.  We are incredibly smart, our mental acuteness can be a fierce weapon for good or a deadly poison for bad.  Tamar, Gen 1:38.  The daughter in law of Judah, in desperation to receive her rightful honor, became his “prostitute”.  Judah forgot his pledge to her and in realizing he had wronged her called Tamar”more righteous” than he.  This “bad” girl became a member of Judah’s lineage.  His tribe was the most powerful in Jerusalem and the direct ancestral line of David, Solomon and our Lord and Savior Jesus.

Concern (C):  Do you consider yourself of noble or ignoble use for God?  The Message Bible reads, in Tim 2:20-21 “In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblets and silver platters, but waste cans and compost buckets-some containers are used to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage.” Naturally, we yearn for lives worthy of respect, full of love and positive accomplishment.  We also long for wealth, beauty , health and such desirables.  None of us want to be of compost use for God though there is still great use that comes from compost.  Truth is, a lot of us are excusing our garbage, which is making us lackluster and frankly we just need to take it out!

Encouragement (E):  Sister, Be a crystal goblet!  We have to rise above what strips away our shining faith.  Life will attempt to chip at us and crack us.  But God is the great potter.  He can take the broken pieces of our lives and put us back together so we can do great things.  Isaiah 64:8 “But now Lord, you are our father. We are the clay, and you are the potter.  All of us are the work of your hand.” 

Act (A):  Pray for Focus on Who then What Is Most Important.  The trials set before these three women gave them an opportunity to either set their focus on themselves, their situations or their God.  The triumphant stories all ended with those choosing and doing the latter.  Additionally, we see the common thread in all, they were trying to save something temporary–kingdom, inheritance, money.  However, the wise woman knows the focus should be on the eternal, Matt 16:25 “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it”.  What a noble thing to give oneself up for God.  For we are momentary in comparison to finding the everlasting life He has for us- as a sparkling silver platter to serve others and Him.

For Further Women’s History  https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/events/october/

References:  https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2020/10/22/voter-turnout-2020-ranking-us-presidential-elections/6006793002/

This blog is dedicated to the Great Women Suffragists who paved the way-Thank you!

Gen 21:6 “Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.”

Luke 1:25 “The Lord has done this for me,” she (Elizabeth) said.

                Hope you had a Happy National Daughter’s Day on September 25^th, 2020.  Here are other paramount events that happened for women historically during the month of September–12^th, 1910-Alice Stebbins Wells formerly a minister and social worker, becomes 1st American woman police officer with arrest powers for the LAPD.  She consequently, also designed the 1^st woman’s police uniform.   25^th, 1981- Sandra Day O’Connor is sworn in as the first woman U.S. Supreme Court Justice retired in 2006.  29^th, 1988 the first American woman to reach the summit of Mt. Everest the world’s highest mountain was Stacy Allison, Junko Tabei born on Sept 22, 1939 was the first and the first to climb the highest peak of the Seven Summits.

                2020-On Sept 18 Ruth Bader Ginsberg  2^nd US Supreme Court Justice dies.  And on Sept 25^th President Trump nominates Judge Coney Barrett to take her seat.  If she is selected, Republicans will hold a 6-3 advantage.   On the 23^rd, in the case of Breonna Taylor a Black woman who was fatally shot in her home by raiding police officers; all were abdicated except one who was charged with 3 counts“wanton endangerment” for her neighbor.

                Breonna Taylor, was only 26 when she died.  She was an Emergency Room Technician who planned to go back to school for a degree in nursing.  She like many woman worked to improve herself, building up her credit score to purchase a house and start a family.  Due to the negligence of our police and justice systems in recognizing that Black Lives Matter, an innocent US citizen will never know what it is like to realize those dreams.  Getting married, fulfilling her goals and having a child these hopes have gone down with her in the grave.  Civil unrest and peaceful protests have been incessant since her untimely end on March 13^th, 2020.  Though many things in life are unanticipated and deplorable-God is a Just God.  He himself understands being innocent and still having to suffer unjustly.  Yet we are still called to have faith and take heart.  We are still called to have hope  Romans 15:3 ^“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”.

                Sarah and Elizabeth were both women who were given hope by God past insurmountable circumstances.  Like Breonna Taylor, they did not have their dreams of having children in their youths.  These daughters of Abraham were well up in age, that it was physically improbable for them to conceive, carry through their terms and give birth.  Being barren, which means to be incapable of producing offspring, disgraced these women.  Not only outwardly by their community, the talks the looks. But also internally by their feelings of inadequacy and helplessness.  The act of procreation, thought of as a woman’s blessing as well as a commandment Gen 1:28; 9-7 was their impossible dream.  Therefore for a woman to not fulfill her social, societal, marital, generational, overall her feminine role- with all its expectations often left her with no hope, desperate and vexed. 

                However, God is a Provider!  The Lord visited Sarah with good news that she will give birth.  In her cynicism she laughs and lies to God when he called her out on it.   I love when the Lord said, “Yes you did laugh”.  See it is of no benefit to make a comedian and downright liar out of Jesus.  Nonetheless, in God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness at around the age of 90 Sarah has a son-Isaac!  The next time she is biblically noted to have laughed it was in the fuller realization of the joy God gave to her. 

                Similarly, Elizabeth was also infertile -until the angel Gabriel came and gave her husband the good news of the upcoming birth of John.  In contrast to Sarah, she was humble and believed He could do just as He said. Elizabeth claimed God’s favor, having assurance of faith that God had granted her “great mercy.” She so delighted in joy she went around with other neighbors and relatives including Mary, her cousin and the mother of Jesus.  Elizabeth had a son John the Baptist whom Jesus said in Matt 11:11, “Truly I tell you among those born of women there has not risen greater than..”.

Sister, what is clear in these two circumstances is that the more purely humble and trusting of the Lord and of what He can do, we are-invites Him to come very close to us and have great and greater than more than we could ask or imagine in store for us!

Concern (C):  Sister, are you barren in faith?  The times we live in are never outside of God’s ability to manage.  Are you trusting of Him to author your life in incredible ways?  God writes about 8 billion stories every day every year.  He’s got this! But what will your input include?  Will you laugh in disbelief like Elizabeth at first?  Or will you rejoice in laughter believing God like Sarah at first?  John 14:1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” Believe sister.

Encouragement (E):  Laugh!  The Bible refers to women many times as laughing, singing and so.  Is it that God loves to see us laughing, smiling, giggling and enjoying Him like the loving engaged father He is.  Despite the many things set up against us to cry, be fearful, anxious, agitated, angered and all over depressed–we need let go to let laugh!  Prov 31:25 “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come”.  The Lord promised that He will be with us through it all. Go ahead wrap yourself in some God clothes.

Act (A):  Be Joyful !  Read John 15:11, Pet 1:8, Lk 6:21.  The joy that Jesus gave his disciples were in the words He said.  We have those words today as our daily encouragement of being joyful-the Bible.  Our joy is full and complete in Christ.  He took the hardest part of the test away when he died on the cross.  All we have to do is to follow Him straight in to glorious victory.  If that does not make you smile, be joyful and happy.  Sister you got to repent and laugh. 

For Further Women’s History  https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/events/september/

Editor’s Note: July’s blog on Esther had an content date error with a July/August mixup. To correct this mistake this post includes a contrast of two women that was planned to be written for August and September months separately. Sorry for any confusion caused. Thanks for your continued subscribership!