DUNAMIS WOMAN EMPOWERMENT SEGMENT by Byron Collins

As we continue striving everyday to be unified in a marital union, business partnership, church family, community, etc, we face opposition in order to do so. I believe the majority of the opposition is internally formulated within each individual, because we have different belief systems and mindsets. Some of these things are merely learned behavior from our culture and upbringings. In that case, we cannot make a claim of whose is right or wrong. Often times in any type of relationship we become frustrated when someone does not share the same mindset we have adopted. I believe one of the fallacies in a relationship is that we compromise and think we have the option of just getting out when we start “feeling” different about the person whom we have developed this relation. I refer to this as the “either/or” mindset. With that type of mindset everything is based on conditions of the situation, and it always gives the option of retreating. Make no mistake there will always be disagreements in relationships, however if our mindset is stuck in “either/or” it is less likely to hear a sound resolution that would cause the relation to move beyond its barriers. For example, my wife (Dee) and I disagree on many things but come to the realization that at the end of the day, we only have each other. Quitting is not option or something I told my wife some time ago, “I ain’t going nowhere!” She can leave but I’m going with her. I believe once you have that mindset, you began to embrace your disagreements and utilize them for strength instead of a weakness. That sounded wonderful to me as I typed it out, but I can honestly tell you during some of those disagreements, we both were probably thinking about other options. Don’t act shocked because I believe it has become a natural reaction to think about other options when things are not going in your favor. Again it’s a learned behavior and when it is taken out of its proper context it can lead to further disappointments. The bible tells us not to conform to the world way of thinking but renew our mindset to kingdom thinking. In order to get out of the “either/or” mindset it does require a complete change of mind. Romans 12:2 The world has spoiled us with options. Unfortunately, we have happily adopted them into our personal belief system. I have been taught by high-level business professors to always have an exit strategy. I have had the privilege of speaking with some very successful business minds and they have shared how they run several businesses, and for each one they have a strategy, as to when they will walk away or “cash out.” I believe we have subconsciously adopted these strategies and they have subtly crept into our personal affairs of life. I read somewhere that after seven years of marriage if things are not working out you can just legally walk away without any repercussions. When you are presenting a business plan to a financial institution or an investor in aspirations of obtaining financial assistance, they want to know how they will get their money if your venture does not succeed. Bottom line there should not be a contingency plan, evacuation plan, or emergency exits in marriages, unless domestic violence is present. Its time to dismiss our “either/or” mindset and come into a higher realm of thinking unified in spite of our disagreements, disapproval, and judgmental stances. I believe doing so will build unity in our respective homes and become infectious to build communities. Some of the details laid out here echo sentiments from our radio broadcasts, “Let’s Talk About Marriage & Divorce”. We encourage you to visit our Media page and listen to our broadcast, so you can become empowered in areas of your relationships, especially marriage.

DUNAMIS WOMAN EMPOWERMENT SEGMENT

DUNAMIS WOMAN EMPOWERMENT SEGMENT: This column is intentionally written to challenge your thoughts from three aspects of my life, as it relates to one of the broadest topics: LIFE. As a Challenging Speaker, I have been teaching about this topic. However, the various domains of life that we make decisions out of, often time does not produce what we expect after the decision has been made. For example, I can make a decision for my children to go to college, not saying that they shouldn’t, but I must make sure that I am not forcing my decision upon them, because I didn’t go to college. And, based upon my decision not to go to college, I may be experiencing financial difficulties, because the standards and stipulations to obtain a good paying job have changed since that time. Currently, based upon many life circumstance as an adult, my old mindset is causing to me to inhale and exhale out of my past as opposed to my future. This has already created a contradiction, which inhibits me to believe the impossible for my children based upon their decision to attend a college setting. As a Strategic Life Coach, I want to broaden your mindset about life, so strategies can be established to take your thinking to a higher realm. First and foremost, let me clearly the term “life” by the Originator based upon its origination. According the Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, one of the greek definitions for life means “psuche”, which stems from “psucho”, which means breath or to breathe; voluntarily, but gently, utilize your life; mind, soul, and vitality. Before I elaborate let me state what Christ stated in John 15:13 NKJV, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends”. Literally, Christ is not expecting us to get on a cross and die for a friend like He did for us. He is the ultimate friend! He is referring to us freely lay down our thoughts, opinions and our old breathe (way of thinking) for your friends; associates, neighbor, and everyone you are fond of. It is those that we love, we desire to have the very best, especially our children. It is those individuals that we will heavily impress our views, beliefs and desires upon, particularly based upon the knowledge we gained from our mistakes. Christ is saying lay all this down and let them breath their own breathe, so they can gain His breathe; learn His way, adopt His views, and by the pain we experience from mistakes, allow His voice to be heard as opposed to those whom they love. This is an effective strategy that Christ has given us all to gain true success. He knows that the greatest success comes from a hard road as opposed to an easy one. However, as parents our thinking has been trained to protect and prevent in avoidance of life’s painful challenges. I am an advocate for education, but it doesn’t mean all children are made for the traditional college setting. As a Spiritual Empowerment Coach, I want to invite you to come visit the Dunamis Woman Life Coaching Institute to learn “how to” inhale and exhale a life not limited my legalism. The challenges of life have damaged us all in many aspects. Don’t let the essence of who you are remain polluted with the old breathe of life. Breathe again!

Marriage Empowerment Segment

Talk to Me…Please! This is a phrase we often hear in relationships of all kind such as; a parent/child, employee/employer, husband/wife, etc. For the purpose of this article, the focal point will be on the marital aspect of a relationship. I will take the liberty by saying this phrase often comes from the wife. Personally, I have heard my wife say this more times that I would like, simply because it made me uncomfortable in regards to what to say. I believe, men, as a whole have a difficult time with communicating with our spouses primarily because we do not know how to be effective communicators. Talking to my wife about how many points somebody scored in the game last night is OK, but not as stimulating as having intercourse. I have come to realize that effective communication with my wife is a form of intercourse. However, this type of intercourse is a learning process. When I commune with her about heart my issues or how I feel, that is what she is referring to when she says, “Talk to me… Please! Honestly, this causes much frustration in our relationship because often times I do not know what’s on my heart talk about, and sometimes it’s nothing at all. Men, this where the work comes in, because we have to dig into those dark places that we have subconsciously buried for no one to see again, even ourselves. Women need to know at all times they have our whole hearts because that’s the part they fell in love with. When they do not feel they have that, it leaves them feeling unsafe and/or alone. The time within our marriage when I was involved in an emotional soul tie with another woman, my heart was gone. My wife knew it even before I recognized what was going on in me. Once I understood, I came to a deeper comprehension of the word “cheating.” My wife was being cheated out of the most important part of me - my heart. She had my body but my heart was far from home. Needless to say, our relationship took a serious setback. Well that’s a longer story. The guidelines of this article cannot accommodate it all. Now, Talk to me…Please does go both ways because often times our women will shut down for whatever reason and we need them to share in order for us to attempt to make things better. For the most part men, I believe we need our women to talk to us for a different reason other than sharing their hearts. Not to say, that part is not important, but it is not primary. Primarily, we need our women to attempt to communicate how to actually understand some of own their complexities. Let’s face it our women are complex and we need some help from time to time to get through the rough terrain. Unfortunately, sometimes our women do not know as well what is going on with them at times. Let’s face it they expect us to help them through with our limited ESP skills. This communication thing will continue to be one our biggest challenges in all areas of our lives, but we have to make sure that we do the best we can and be conscious to put greater efforts in this area. As a man, I encourage you to join us at our monthly marriage empowerment seminars, open to everyone: married, single, divorced, separated, and widowed. Register today! Go to our Events Calendar and register to attend our monthly Marriage Healing & Empowerment Seminar. Your marriage and relationship requires dunamis power. For more information or to schedule a premarital or marriage counseling session, call our office at 708.331.2880. Don’t forget to tune in to our radio broadcast, “Let’s Talk About Marriage & Divorce” every Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on WYCA Rejoice 102.3 fm. LISTEN LIVE ONLINE: www.wyca1023.com.

What is "Dunamis"

NOW TO HIM WHO IS ABLE TO DO EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANTLY ABOVE ALL THAT
WE ASK OR THINK, ACCORDING THE POWER THAT WORKS IN US”. (Ephesians 3:20) NKJV

Most of us who are familiar with the above passage of scripture have a tendency to focus on the phrase “exceedingly abundantly” yet we lose sight of what causes this to manifest in our lives – “exceedingly abundantly” manifests “…according to the power that works in us.” God Himself has placed a great force within our souls that will cause us to do mighty exploits. We must understand that the God-given force we possess is dunamis (miraculous ) power. Let’s go deeper….

Dunamis is a Greek term for “power.” It is an immovable force and relentlessness within our souls (minds, emotions, and wills) that produces His greatness in the earth. Isn’t this amazing? We look for miracles to happen from external resources when the miracles we need in our lives are already on the inside of us. God has given us so much strength and ability. On a daily basis miracles should manifest in our lives, homes, communities, churches, and businesses based upon the power we have been given. This is why it is so important that we become aware of what causes us to produce this kind of dunamis power.

Life can present so many negative forces, obstacles, challenges, and circumstances. They have caused us to feel powerless, helpless, tired, and complacent, among many other things. However, Dunamis Woman is here in various aspects to affirm your true authentic nature, as well as place a demand on you to become healed and empowered in your soul, so the dunamis power in you can manifest.

God has a special remnant of women that has been hidden for many years yet preserved for such a time as this. Many dunamis women such as; Oprah Winfrey, Dorothy Brown, Maya Angelou, Michelle Obama, and Harriett Tubman, just to respectfully name a few, are living examples that perseverance is a part of activating your dunamis power. These women of greatness have been through many trials, tragedies, and major disappointments throughout their lifetime; however, they never gave up on their dreams. Like unto yourself, you have faced many life challenges, but NOW is your time to experience greatness, as you break through every barrier for great success.

As the Publisher & CEO of Dunamis Woman Magazine, I am honored to be a part of God’s plan to expose and empower His great people. The ministries and businesses that are featured in this quarterly publication have made powerful choices to fulfill their purpose and destiny, and so can you. Stop being careful and be creative, stop being skeptical and be skillful, stop being full of fear and be full of faith. There are creative ideas and skills in you that only you can produce. No one can replace you in the earth, because when God created you, He created you an original and His patent is on you!