Never Let You Go Book Review

Book Description

Lexi lives in the shadow of choices her husband made. Especially Grant’s choice to leave seven years ago, without a word. Her relationship with their daughter, Molly, is now the most important thing in her life. Lexi will do anything—work grueling hours, attend church on her only day off, sacrifice financially—just to see Molly smile.

When Grant shows up declaring his intent to re-enter their daughter’s life, Lexi is skeptical of his motives. She soon determines not to let him near Molly. Then a drug dealer named Warden arrives on Lexi’s doorstep, demanding payment of Grant’s old debts.

But that's just the earthly perspective. Staggering supernatural events are spilling into her world in real and shocking ways. Hell's fury is great, but Heaven's power is greater still. In a novel that defies easy categorization, this has all the early buzz of the breakthrough read of 2010.

My Review…

I’m a lover of Christian fiction and I’m always on the lookout for new authors. This was my first time reading a book by Erin Healy and I enjoyed it. The fact that it had a plot somewhat revolving around spiritual warfare reminded me of some of Frank Peretti’s popular books. The book also has the theme of forgiveness woven through it reminding us that that we empower the enemy when we choose not to forgive. This book kept my attention from cover to cover and I wouldn’t mind reading more from this author.

Girl Talk June 2010

Click on a link to read items from the final issue of Girl Talk.

A Goodbye Note

A Thank You Note

Are You God's Girl?

Dare to Believe

Flash Forward Dawn & Elaine

Graduation... A 20 Year Perspective

Publisher's Note


SPOTLIGHT ON
Miss Shanice Simmons

SPOTLIGHT ON
Miss Lachante Williams

Reflections... A Mother's Perspective

Ten Things a Girl Needs

What's on Your Voicemail?

Thank You

Goodbye... it's never been something I enjoy saying. However, this month I say goodbye after ten years to my teen girl magazine. As I say farewell I'd just like to send a few shout outs to those who have helped along the way...



To those who have assisted through finances, writing articles, editing, stapling, folding or simply sending an encouraging email, thank you and may God bless you always.

To my girls who let me “stalk” you with my camera, thank you for humoring me.



To my readers… you have caused me to grow in my writing, my thinking and my walk with God… thank you.



To my bloggy buddies, thanks for your sweet comments and encouragement on my girltalk related posts.

Love you all,
Farewell, God knows when we shall meet again.

A Goodbye Note

Girl Talk Magazine has been an inspiration to me. When my mother brought them home my sister and I would fight each other to get one.

In this magazine there are different issues that teen girls encounter in their every day life. This magazine has taught Christian values and also it gave me motivation when I saw what other young women accomplished with the help of God. It helped me to know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Thank you Ms. McIntosh for your inspiring magazine.

Sincerely,
Denetra Bascomb




GT June 2010

Graduation... A 20 - Year Perspective

Reach out and touch somebody's hand
Make this world a better place if you can

Twenty years. That’s how long it has been since the graduating class of 1990 sang Reach Out and Touch Somebody’s Hand at our high school graduation. I can still remember that night, how excited we all were. We were saying goodbye to the last vestige of our childhood and moving on into the world of adulthood, with adult decisions, adult responsibilities and less parental guidance.

I remember the excitement as we walked across the stage for our diplomas, awards and trophies. There were hugs, laughter, tears and promises to keep in touch as we said goodbye. That night our class of almost 300 shone brightly with possibilities. Each of us had goals and dreams of our own. The world was ours to conquer. We could not be defeated.

There was no way life could ever be as difficult as our parents said it was. We were prepared for whatever obstacles we encountered after all we were the “Mighty Hawks, Class of the Decade”. Didn’t twelve years of hard labor school, pushy dedicated teachers and, interfering concerned parents prepare us for life?

How overly confident and arrogant we all were not realizing how much our parents shielded us from. However, I’m grateful that they didn’t allow us to take on the responsibilities of being an adult just because we thought we were ready. Instead they tried to train us to make good choices, to want the best for our lives, to not be lazy, to become productive citizens.

So I say to you class of 2T10, the road to your dreams will never be as obstacle free as you would like it to be. But dreams are attainable if you’re willing to put time and effort into achieving them.

You’ll find that sometimes you have to make decisions that are tough and not always popular. Lean on those you trust for advice but remember that ultimately you have to live with the choices you make.

Also, there will be times when you’ll feel as if you’re back on the high school campus as you interact with different personalities. However remember that while life isn’t always fair, God is.

Finally, shine where ever you go. You may not accomplish every goal you have according to your time schedule but don’t ever give up on your dreams. Remember that God is the ultimate dream giver and if you trust in Him he will bring your dreams to pass.

GT June 2010

Flash Forward - Dawn & Elaine

Left, two three, right, two three… Heads held high, shoulders squared, faces wreath in smiles they marched in unison.

They had made it. They had seen many who started with them give up saying it was too hard. They too had battled against the desire to simply throw in the towel and say, “I can’t do this. I quit.” But, they didn’t. Against all odds, after many sleepless nights and countless other sacrifices they were graduating.

As they took their seats Dawn, took the tissue one of her classmates handed her to wipe the tears she hadn’t even realize were rolling down her cheeks. She whispered a thank you as she felt her neighbor on her other side squeeze her hand. They all knew how much this moment meant to Dawn. They had started this journey together and had become fast friends as they encouraged each other to “stay the course no matter what.”

In the audience, Dawn’s dad smiled while he too wiped away a tear. Next to him Dawn’s younger brother and Elaine, Dawn’s best friend from kindergarten beamed with pride as they thought about how much Dawn had accomplished. Elaine remembered how she and Dawn completed their bachelors’ degree together several years earlier after which Dawn had gone to medical school. Elaine had done her degree in Accounting and was now a CPA and employed at a large resort. Elaine knew this moment was a bitter-sweet one for her friend and quietly whispered a heartfelt, “God please give her strength.”

“… and now we’ll have our Valedictorian speech by ….”
Dawn stood up as she heard her name and shakily made her way to the podium. She stood for a moment hands trembling, then began to speak gaining strength as she went.

There’s so much strength in all of us
Every woman child and man
It’s the moment that you think you can’t
You’ll discover that you can

“I quoted that verse of Celine Dion’s song,” Dawn began “because I honestly didn’t think I had the strength to stand before you tonight. However, in the moment when I thought, I can't” you – my family and friends- offered me a shoulder to lean on.

I feel honored and proud to be standing here tonight representing a group of students who have become like family.

I decided that I wanted to become a doctor when I was in high school and my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully, by God’s grace she beat the odds and was there for my high school graduation and my pre-med graduation. I thought she would be here for my graduation from medical school but it was not to be. Just a two week ago my mom died from the very disease I hope to help find a cure for one day.”

As Dawn spoke, the tears began to flow down her cheeks and that of many of her classmates. “I had speech prepared,” Dawn said, “and for those of you who would like to read it I will post it online. However in lieu of my speech tonight I would simply like to say in honor of my mom.”

Life is short
Live, love, laugh, forgive
Make a difference where ever you go.
And, don’t forget that Jesus Christ, the great physician should always be first in your life.

To our family and friends, especially my dad, thank you for being there with us, for believing in us and never giving up on us. We love you and appreciate you... class of 20—We did it! Thank you Lord!!!

The entire audience stood to their feet and erupted into applause as Dawn, face now sporting a huge smile walked to her seat…

(The end? Or is it the beginning?)
(This story is strictly fictional; any resemblance to persons living or dead is completely coincidental)



GT June 2010

A Mother's Perspective...Goodbye

by Cleora Williams


It was a Saturday afternoon about five years ago when Bernadine (GT’s founder) stopped by for a visit that actually lasted a few hours. While there she referred to an article in her latest issue of girltalk and asked, how I would feel if dropped my daughter off to an afternoon class and she went off with her boyfriend.

Mortified I replied “Mad” and I went off on quite a tangent as I expressed many emotions: Anger, disappointment, grief and disbelief. Maybe it’s because my daughter was only twelve at the time I could not fathom something like that. She (my daughter) spoke up and said “but Mummy I ain’t do nothing, why you rowing me?” Ms. Mcintosh, of course was quite tickled by my tirade and asked me write what I had just said. And so began my sojourn with girltalk, writing the column A Mother’s Perspective…

Each issue of girltalk that I contributed to, I tried to write an article that I believe could make a difference. At times I scolded, or gave advice and tried to get young ladies to think of relevant issues. But most of all I tried to remind young ladies of how precious they are to God.

And so as the final curtain falls for girltalk (for a while at least), I want to share some advice with you that I shared with Ms. Bernadine McIntosh when she graduated from high school.

“I know you thought it was not ever going to end, but it did. I have news for you young ladies, you have only just begun. Remember to always keep your eyes on God and he will lead you safely through everything. Stay sweet and always stay with God, he won’t leave you or forsake you, he’ll always be there no matter what time it is or what your problem is.

And so with this final issue of girltalk I want to express my sincere gratitude to Bernie (my cousin) for allowing me to express myself via her magazine. And to my girltalk audience I hope that I have deposited something positive into your life through at least one issue of girltalk.

Remember ladies you are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, you are precious to him; your price is far above rubies and you CANNOT be bought. I love you, Jesus loves you, do well be blessed.

Congratulations Lachanté on being one of the spotlight teens for this issue, and your graduation from Jack Hayward School; you have come a long was baby.

Kudos!!! Jack Hayward’s class of 2T10: Lachanté, Bria Comfy, Twinkie, April, Joineé and all the beautiful, well mannered ladies from Jack Hayward. Good luck to all the young ladies who are leaving high schools on the island.