Tonight, I Release the Word!

Tonight's the NIGHT! In honor of Women's History Month and the women of the Bible who pleased God with the phenomenal and selfless things they did, I will be releasing a profound word on Beautiful Gate Ministry's "Release The Word" entitled "Make Your Mark". The details for showtime and call-in information are attached. I hope you will tune in. For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/​events/296082710458167#!/events/296082710458167.

Make Your Mark!

This is Women's History Month, a month in which we pay homage to past and present women are trailblazers. They've made a mark in life. They are making a mark. So, what are you doing to make your mark? When I worked at Essence in 1997, I had the opportunity to attend the first ever Million Women's March. Susan L. Taylor, then the Editor-in-Chief of the woman's magazine, purchased a photo I took to be included in a feature story about the march. It was truly a memorable event. I was a part of history then. And, I am creating history now.

Push Pass the Pain!

I woke up at 5 am this morning with Jesus on my mind. I also wok up with a tummy ache. But instead of complaining, I just started praising God and praying not for myself but for others. Then, I went to His word and began reading Proverb 31. Then Hosea chapter 1. I took my focus off of the pain -- which, honestly speaking, had me bent over because it hurt so bad. But, I was focused. I made some tea and feel a little better. I'm pushing past my pain though. I encourage you today to push pas your pain -- whatever that may be. Get centered on The Lord and things will improve.

Motivational Messages from THIS Man! (Message #1)

"Life may sometimes be a very rough road to walk; where everything seems wrong. But, don't give up. Just keep keeping on. You may think you're all alone but you're not. God is walking along with you.
~Mantse, CEO Rokat Concepts Inc, Accra-Ghana

Richard Ohene Twum, also known as Mantse Bixy DeShyne(The Shine), was born and raised in Accra (the capital city of Ghana located in West Africa). He is a musician, graphic designer, editor, events manager and philanthropist. His goal is to touch and change lives as was as to support the less privileged and awaken shuttered dreams to make them a reality.


Each week on this site, Mantse will offer a few words of light and hope to the readers of this site. While it is important for women to lift each other up with words of encouragement, Solo Mommy Magazine thought it was equally as important to receive this from men who support a single mom's journey.

Get Ready for a Gathering of Women!

I'm up bright and early this morning getting myself ready for "A Gathering of Women" -- an annual event presented by The Newsome House Museum and Cultural Center in honor of Women's History Month and phenomenal women making history NOW. I am a part of the author's forum. If you are in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia and can make it to the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center in Newport News between 11 am and 5 pm, I will be in the building promoting my latest editorial project, "POWERHOUSE POINTERS: Motivational Messages for Personal and Professional Empowerment". For more information, check out the attached flyer. I hope to see you there!

When You Invest in Your Child, You Receive Blessings and Favor Unbeknownst to You

This morning, I had a meeting with Lady Clara's principal. As an involved mommy, I wanted to have a face-to-face with Mrs. Fortner to introduce myself to her so that she would know me personally and not just recognize my face in passing. I even prepared her a packet of all the things that Lady Clara and I are doing individually and collectively.

To my delight, she was very familiar with my daughter, her excellent academic standing and her artistic prowess. She was very pleased with Lady Clara and elated that I came in to get to know her. She was so impressed with what I shared in regards to the programs I facilitate that wants me to come to the school to conduct self-esteem and other workshops for the middle school students. Plus, Mrs. Fortner wants to position me so that I can do this city wide and beyond. She even gave me advice on how to get into the school system as a teacher and how to approach my Master's Degree when I begin taking my classes in May.

All I wanted to do was simply let Mrs. Fortner know who I was as a parent and to partner with the school to empower our students. WOW... I am beaming with joy and thanksgiving.

A Song for the President's Girl!

I am so proud to announce that my dear friend, fellow solo mommy and jazz singer Jazzy LaRita Shelby has just launched a single called "Mr. President's Girl," in which she sings a song in honor of Michelle Obama, our nation's First Lady. Listen to the song at the following link and please support this songbird:http://soundcloud.com/eurnews/mr-presidents-girl-by-jazzy.

Treat the Next Child Like She is Yours... You Never Know if Your Daughter Could Be in This Situatioon

Just as my son's bus was turning the corner in our apartment complex, I hustled to the bus stop to get him. We then went to check the mail and began walking across the street to our building when I noticed that one of the little girls from Sir Isaac's school was standing in front of an apartment by herself. I asked Christina where was her brother as he usually was here by now. She didn't know. I didn't just want to take her with me and Sir Isaac to get Lady Clara from school (though it was just behind the complex) because Christina's brother might come when we were gone and get nervous. Instead, I told her to wait inside the building for us to get back.

When we returned, Christina was still standing where we left here -- alone. I asked if she had her brother's number, but she didn't. I was really getting concerned, too. While she was mature beyond her eight years of living, Christina was still a child. So that she wouldn't continue to be by herself, I had the kids to play with her in the complex's playground. In the meantime, I gave her a snack and a Capri Sun juice. And, when Lady Clara had to go to the bathroom, I had Christina to go as well.

I figured that since it has been close to an hour, they all might as well got started on their homework. So, I had them get set up at the dining room table and I had planned to sit on the patio and look out for Christina's brother. Just when I was about to put my chair outside, I saw a teenage boy walk into the same building as where Christina had been standing. I couldn't remember what her brother looked like, but my gut told me it was him. When he came back out of the building, I called Christina over and she identified that it was in fact her brother. I yelled from the patio (a practice I NEVER do!) and told him she was with us. I explained who I was just to put his mind at ease (FYI: Christina and Sir Isaac attend the same school) and gave him my number for him to call should he ever get stuck and can't get to her in time.

As a concerned mom and community activist, I never want to see any child out on the streets (or at a bus stop) by himself or herself. I thank God that I could be there for Christina. I pray that if there is ever a time where I'm in a bind and can't make it on time to get my children, that someone will do what I did. We must be a village for our children. It should never be, "Well, it's not my child so it's not my problem." They are ALL of our children -- whether biological or not. And, we must be there for them and for each other as a community.

If you don't have the telephone numbers of the parents in your area and your children go to school together, I implore you to exchange numbers with each other. Be in communication. Help each other out. We're in this together. At the end of the day, it's about our children.