Monday's Moment With Business Owner LaToya Young

It's been quite some time since I've posted...well, anything really. So I am thrilled to introduce you to a mighty woman of God. This Monday we have business owner, Evangelist-Elect LaToya A. Young!

A dynamic preacher and teacher in her own right, a savvy businesswoman, wife and mother. Evangelist-Elect Latoya A. Young is an up-and-coming voice in the Kingdom. She accepted the divine call to preach the Gospel to all nations in October 2004. She received her ministerial license in June of 2010.

In 2007, Relax Relate Release Ministries (RRR) was birthed as a vehicle to reach women who need to be spiritually restored, refreshed, and renewed. A true visionary, the Lord has given her out-of-the-box ideas and has placed several businesses in her spirit which will be birthed at the appointed time. She is the creative mind behind the RRR Newsletter and the CEO of So Favored, The Event Management Group.

She currently serves at Another Level Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Ishmael and Elder Rochelle Wilson. Evangelist Latoya is an atmosphere changer and commands attention with her bold and powerful delivery of the Word. She is a trailblazer, a prophetic voice in this hour called out to lead, to shake the foundations, and plant a seed of truth.

She is determined to live life at Another Level and understands that her time is NOW!

Tell us about Relax Relate Release.

Well, Relax Relate Release Ministries started out as a vision that the Lord gave me to open my own day spa. I received this vision in February of 2006. I had never desired to open a spa so I knew that this vision was from the Lord. I began to write down what the Lord had spoken to me and make preparations. But at the time I felt that the task was too overwhelming and I slowed down on the progress that I was making. In August of 2007, the Lord spoke to me again and I started writing a women’s newsletter titled Relax Relate Release. I sent this newsletter to 25 of my closest friends and family and today, three years later, I have a distribution list of over 350 women and that newsletter grew into the awesome ministry that I have today. I am so grateful to the Lord, He is so good! The day spa has yet to come into fruition but I am standing in great expectation. Although I didn’t open the spa in 2006, RRR Ministries was birthed in the midst. Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your ministry?

Because I am an Evangelist, I have a heart for people, especially those who are hurting, confused, and discouraged. My ministry is geared to women. I find it especially challenging to reach out to the women in an effort to draw them together in unity. I also find it challenging not to get emotionally connected. I can remember being over the dance ministry at my former church and I loved the girls so much. I was so emotionally connected to them and wanted the very best for them. God had to remind me not to get my emotions connected to my assignment.

What 3 nuggets of wisdom would you offer to someone just starting out in ministry?

Wow, that’s a great question. I would say:

1. Know who you are in God and what He has called you to do. Oftentimes we start out in ministry and we don’t have clarity on what it is God called us to do thus we end up conforming to what others think about us or trying to be like the next ministry around the corner. Seek the Lord for clarity on what your assignment is and remain true to that regardless of what others have to say. God might be calling you to do something that has never been done before. You can’t accomplish the greater works if you don’t tap into what is unique about you.
2. Remember to remain a humble servant. The Bible says that “many are called but few are chosen”. Always remember that God chose you to do a great work but he didn’t have to. It’s not about you but it’s about fulfilling the will of the father; KINGDOM BUILDING! The moment you start to think it’s about you, it’s time to step back and reflect on whom and whose you are! I never take the opportunity to minister lightly. I always count it a privilege because he deemed me worthy enough to be used.
3. If no one else encourages you, learn to encourage yourself. Oftentimes in ministry we can get weary in our well doing. There are many people who love to benefit from what you have to offer but there are very few who will encourage and support you along your journey. Sometimes it’s nice to hear someone say that you blessed them with your sermon or your prayers helped them make it just one more day. Reading the Word of God encourages me and lets me know that if no one else tells me I’m doing a great job, God is well pleased!

I think we can all agree that at some point in our lives we go through tough times. From where or whom do you get support and encouragement?

Yes, I have been through many trying times along the way. But my relationship with the Lord has been my greatest asset. Every tear I cried in the late hours of the night, God heard them. Every time I didn’t understand, God knew. I always draw my support and encouragement from my husband, my mother and my family and close friends. My husband has been a great support, confidant and friend. He tells me when I need to slow down and put it all in perspective and when I need to kick into overdrive and pursue what God has called me to. My mother is such a jewel in that she never judges me and she ALWAYS understands.

Do you have a favorite Scripture or one that you find particularly uplifting?

I do. Luke 14:11 “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

If someone were to write a book on your life, what would the title be, and why?

The Evolution of Latoya A. Young – I chose this title because I think it would sum up my journey from birth, to being born again, to my trials and valley experiences, to my deeper relationship with the Lord, to my place of being free in who God Called me to be. I have evolved into an awesome woman of God but I am still evolving, growing and maturing as God takes me to higher heights and deeper depths.

In your article entitled It's Time to Speak Up, you stated that God desires for us to look at our future and not at our current situation. What future do you see for Relax Relate Release?

Ahhh, I see GREAT THINGS AHEAD! I see RRR Ministries being a global ministry bringing forth healing and deliverance in the lives of women everywhere. RRR is the catalyst for many great things that the Lord has for me to accomplish.

What else do you want readers to know?

Just because it hasn’t happened yet, doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen. DON’T GIVE UP! If God gives you a vision and you know that you know that you know, don’t put it down regardless of what others have to say. MOVE FORWARD IN FAITH.

How can readers reach you and find out more about your ministry (e-mail, website,etc)?

Website: www.allaboutrrr.com

Emails: info@allaboutrrr.com subscribe@allabutrrr.com if you would like to sign up to receive the newsletter

sofavoredevents@gmail.com - So Favored, the Event Management Group

Monday's Moment With Author Tiffany L. Warren

Anyone who knows me well knows that I love a good read. So when a fellow church member and friend walked up to me, slapped a book in my hand, and said, "There ain't that much love in the world!" my curiousity was piqued. The book, which led to the creation of our church book club, Righteous Readers), was What a Sistah Should Do. The way in which the characters dealt with their unthinkable situations was one of the greatest displays of love and forgiveness I'd ever heard of. The author, who has become one of my absolute favorites is Bestselling Christian Fiction Author, Tiffany L. Warren.

Her debut novel, What a Sista Should Do, was released in June of 2005 and has ministered to over 50,000 readers. Her second book, Farther than I Meant to Go, Longer than I Meant to Stay was a national bestseller. In 2006, Tiffany and her husband, Brent, founded Warren Productions and released their first gospel musical. What a Sista Should Do - The Stage Play debuted in Cleveland, OH at the famed Allen Theatre.

Tiffany writes fiction for young adults under the pen name Nikki Carter. The So For Real series was released in 2009, and her new series Fab Life will be available starting in the fall of 2010.

Tiffany is also the visionary behind the Faith and Fiction Fellowship tour. Presently, the authors have visited groups in Atlanta, Houston, New York, Baltimore, Washington D.C. and Charlotte.

Tiffany's third novel, The Bishop's Daughter was released in January 2009. Her newest release, In the Midst of it All is available everywhere books are sold.

Tiffany resides in northern Texas with her husband Brent and their five children.

Get ready to share a brief moment with Tiffany as she chats about everything from her latest book, In the Midst of it All, to her most memorable fan encounter!

About In the Midst of it All

All her life, Zenovia has struggled with the burden of caring for her schizophrenic mother, Audrey, alone. Until one day, God seems to offer support in the form of two members of a church called the Brethren of the Sacrifice, who knock at the women's door preaching an unconventional version of the Gospel. Despite having questions, Zenovia agrees to join the church along with her mother. Soon afterward, Audrey stops taking her medication when fellow churchgoers deem her illness a demonic possession. Unable to watch her mother's mental deterioration, Zenovia flees town, only to receive a fateful phone call several years later telling her of her mother's suicide. Heartbroken, Zenovia must now make a soul-altering choice: accept "God's will," or return home to confront the demons she's worked so hard to leave behind....

Welcome to Hold Your Hope, Tiffany. Can you tell us what inspired you to write this particular book and what message you hope readers will take away from it?

I wrote In the Midst of it All for a couple of reasons. I’m a huge advocate for Mental Health issues in the African American community. I don’t feel like we do a good enough job addressing those needs in our families and communities. Also, I was raised in a church similar to the Brethren. I think those cult-like churches that masquerade as Christianity are very dangerous.

At what point in your life did you realize that writing was your "thing"?
Very, very early on. I’ve been writing since I could hold a pen. I remember my middle school English teacher encouraging me in that direction! My first book has Mr. Thurman in the acknowledgements. I got my first writing paycheck at the age of 16 when I wrote an essay for a contest in my hometown newspaper. Suffice it to say, I got the writing bug early!

What's a typical day like for Tiffany L Warren?
I work full time outside of my writing career, so days are really busy. I go to work, come home fix a quick dinner and help with homework. Then, I try to squeeze writing time in every day. It doesn’t always happen, though.

If someone were to write a book on your life, what would the title be, and why?
Diary of an Overworked Black Woman! LOL.

What 3 nuggets of wisdom would you offer an aspiring writer?
Write because you love literature – not because you think it’s a new hustle or come up, READ something, take a craft class – no one takes you seriously if you don’t know the basics, no matter how good your ideas are.

What has been your most memorable fan encounter so far?
I met this lady at the Faith and Fiction Retreat in Orlando. She broke down in tears and hugged me! It was very surreal and humbling. Writing Christian Fiction opens you up to ministering to the reader. The reader really feels connected if you speak to their specific struggle. Something in my book spoke to her spirit, and that is amazing to me.

Has a review or profile ever changed your perspective on your work?
No. I understand that what I write is not for everyone. I just wish that readers understood that. Books should be reviewed based on literary merit, style, plots, characterization, or something like that. A person saying, “I didn’t like this book, it’s not what I’m used to” and giving it a 1-star on Amazon.com is not really a valid review. No one likes everything they read. I’ve read many well written books that just didn’t resonate with me as a reader. I wouldn’t give them a bad review based on that.

In a recent interview with EKG Literary Magazine, you stated that had you not followed your dreams as a teen and become a writer you would be doing something related to food or travel. What is one of your culinary classics and if you could travel to any destination in the world, where would you go?
I cook a lot of really good food. I am a foodie. I really make great soul food. Fried or Smothered Chicken, Rice and Gravy, Macaroni & Cheese, Candied Yams and Collard Greens or Smothered Cabbage is a typical soul food menu I’d bring out. I also make a slamming pound cake and Red Velvet cake. My top destination right now is the Amalfi Coast in Italy. I’m saving for that! My husband and I would love to spend some time in Portofino and on the Island of Capri.

What is your HIGHEST HOPE for your writing career?
That I am able to continue to do what I love and share these stories that I love so much. I’d love to be able to write full time and make a living from it, so we’ll see what unfolds.

What else do you want readers to know?
That I really, really love to hear from them! I enjoy feedback, testimonies and invitations to book clubs. Connecting with readers is my favorite part of all this.

How can readers reach you and find out more about your books (e-mail, website,etc)?
There are excerpts of my books on www.tiffanylwarren.com and I’m on Facebook (look for me under Tiffany L. Warren). I also write books for young adults under pen name Nikki Carter. Please check those books out on www.kensingtonbooks.com. They’re really positive and I’ve gotten great feedback from teens so far.

Thanks for stopping by, Tiffany! I wish you continued success!