Brianna Alston recently covered a Priscilla Shirer book titled Fervent. It’s one of those books that makes you eagerly anticipate each new chapter. The chapters are labeled “Strategy,” and in them, Priscilla offers 10 strategies to equip women in the battle of prayer. Each strategy begins with the words, “If I were your enemy…”

“If I were your enemy, I’d constantly remind you of your past mistakes and poor choices. I’d want to keep you burdened by shame and guilt, hoping you’d feel incapacitated by your emotions and see no point in trying again. I’d work to convince you that you’ve already had your chance and blown it…”

One important thing we should always remember is that the Almighty God doesn’t live in the past. Although He is past, present, and future, He is also the same—yesterday, today, and forever. He has no respecter of persons. What He’s done for one, He’ll do for another.

I believe 2025 will be the year of reaching forward—not backward. Reaching ahead for greater things. Isaiah 43:18-19 says, “Remember not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth, shall you not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” This is God speaking! How exciting is that, if we only believe! Don’t hold onto the mistakes of 2024. Let them stay behind you. Each morning, the Lord gives us a fresh start. View each new day as an opportunity from God Himself.

Adopt a “New Mindset” in 2025. Commit to this new mindset every single morning. Seal His Word into your identity each day. Speak your affirmations, believe what you’re declaring, and always remember that the Holy Spirit is your guide.

LOOK TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS NEWSLETTER FOR GIVEAWAY DETAILS!

We are thrilled to introduce Cynthia "Cyndee" Harris and Elizabeth Faison, two inspiring members of our business community. Cyndee, founder of The Servants Project, uplifts others through education, shelter, and comfort care initiatives. Elizabeth, creator of Fit for Christ Sisters, empowers women with faith, fitness, and beauty solutions. Their dedication to service and resilience is truly inspiring!

Cynthia "Cyndee" Harris is the visionary Founder and CEO of The Servants Project (T.S.P). With a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a career marked by adaptability, Cyndee's journey has taken her from teaching to corporate leadership roles, including serving as AD Controller at Hyatt Regency, and later, financial planning and analysis. Her transition from corporate America to a full-time mom redefined her path, infusing it with compassion and purpose.

Cyndee’s diverse experiences include being a Ford Modeling Agency alum and a Mrs. America pageant titleholder. Today, she finds joy in her roles as a devoted wife of 27 years, mother, and adoring Nana. Her unwavering commitment to community service and volunteerism fuels her leadership at The Servants Project. This mission-driven organization reflects her passion for education, family, and serving those in need.

Founded by Cyndee and her husband, T.S.P has been a labor of love for over seven years, actively transforming lives for the past year and a half. The organization grew from deeply personal roots—creating comfort care packages for grieving mothers after Cyndee’s own experience with five miscarriages. Today, T.S.P sends these heartfelt packages to mothers nationwide.

Its outreach initiatives extend to emergency shelter partnerships, offering unhoused individuals a warm place to stay during severe weather, complete with welcome and snack packs. Additionally, the organization supports students from single-parent or low-income households through scholarships covering school fees and tutoring, ensuring academic success and financial relief for families.

Through partnerships with Sylvan Learning Center and independent tutors, T.S.P helps students thrive in Indiana, Chicago, and South Chicago suburbs. Community service opportunities for high schoolers and a commitment to holistic care make it easy to get involved. Visit the website or call to connect with a committee and support the mission of education, homelessness relief, and hope for grieving families.

Empowering women through faith, fitness, and resilience at 58,  Elizabeth Faison exemplifies strength and perseverance. A devoted mother of three adult children, her journey has been marked by profound challenges. At 17, she faced the sudden loss of her mother. Her first marriage was fraught with violence, forcing her to leave with her three young children and experience homelessness for three months, despite her job in Christian television and radio. After 15 years in the media industry, Elizabeth felt called to create a fitness business, Fit for Christ Sisters, motivated by the need for God's people to embrace health and wellness. She launched the business on October 1, 2010, as a certified personal trainer dedicated to empowering women. Infusing each session with prayer, she trusts Jesus in all she does.

In 2023, Elizabeth faced her own health battle with thyroid cancer. Searching for solutions to manage the resulting scar, she discovered NuSkin firming cream, which yielded remarkable results. This inspired her to launch another venture, Fit for Christ Sisters Beauty, on November 29, 2023, offering effective skincare solutions for women over 50. Elizabeth's family continues to inspire her. Her daughter graduated with a degree in biology after overcoming serious illness, her son Nigel lost 153 pounds to join the Navy and the renowned Black Knights helicopter squadron, and her eldest son Ian, a mechanical engineer, recently married his college sweetheart.

Currently residing in Quantico, Virginia, Elizabeth trains women both in-home and virtually through Fit for Christ Sisters. As a certified nutritionist and behavior modification coach, she is passionate about helping women reclaim their health and vitality. Her life verse, “But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him’” (1 Corinthians 2:9), inspires her work. Through her journey, Elizabeth Faison empowers women to rise above their circumstances, embrace their worth, and live vibrant, fulfilling lives rooted in faith, reminding them that with Jesus, all things are possible.

Coming Up Next in Book Study:

Commanding Your Morning

by Cindy Trimm

Commanding Your Morning by Cindy Trimm is a powerful guide to transforming your life through the words you speak and the thoughts you think. Learn to declare God’s promises over your life, align your actions with His principles, and unleash His power to achieve victory in every area of your life.

Start each day by commanding your morning—and watch how it sets the course for success and purpose. Whatever begins with God is destined to end with God!

Local Job Seekers (Illinois)

2nd Annual Southwest Job Fair 

Date: Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025

Time: 11AM - 2PM

Location: Tinley Park Convention Center

The first 100 job seekers will receive a $10 e-gift card. All attendees will be entered into a drawing for twenty, $20 gas cards, 30 backpacks and four laptops. Professional headshots for digital download will be available free of charge for all job seekers.

Flossmoor Police Entry Level Officers

Due by February 3rd

A written test — the first step in the testing process — will be administered on the morning of Saturday, Feb. 8. 

Requirements to Apply:

  Applicants must be a high school graduate or equivalent

  Age 21 to 34 at the time of the application deadline, unless otherwise provided by State Statute 65 ILCS 5/10-2.1-6

  Able to successfully pass a physical agility test, written test, oral interview, background investigation, psychological examination and medical examination

  Reside within 30 miles of Flossmoor Village Hall upon appointment

Background checks will also be performed, as well as psychological and medical examinations.

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