Black Man

Black Man, What is it that I behold? Who is it that I observe? Your eyes show me power, love and at the same time fear and desperation. How far will you let me in? Will you show me your roots? Will you go as far back as when your mothers, daughters and wives watched you being sold to the bidder on the block? Or even farther to where you were snatched from your family and shipped to a land of barrenness and void from a land flowing with diamonds and oil? Where is your power being held hostage?

Black Man, Why do I feel at ease to forego your authority? Disrespect you? When I am actually screaming within, "Put me in my place!" But use that Spiritual Force within you. You are strong but your strenght is being held for ransom or out of control. By whom you many ask? By you? Rise again and fight for your rights as a man. Fight for us, with us and show us that we still are your priority.

Black Man, While others are discovering Facebook, Youtube and the Ipad, you are planning ways to buy drugs, make more babies and escape responsibility. I am not here to break you down, I have tape, glue, screws, bolts, rope, string and the Word to pull you back in line and hold you there! I even brought others with me. We are on a mission to help save us, because if you fail, we fall!

Black Man,The prison and the grave are filled with you. You have a rope around your ankle, pulling you closer to one of them each day. I brought scissors too! We will cut that curse out of your lives too! Dream of being 99 years old and surrounded by the family you prayed for, raised, provided for and loved. This is the end that is planned for you, not a gavel banging on a wood desk sending you to more bondage or a gun shot sending you to premature death.

Black Man,You can make babies, we got that! We want Fathers too! SO be one. Not a donor, a Daddy! Be a real man. It calls for time, resources and responsibility. Not multiple choice. Don't enjoy the sex over and over and over and over again and when she gets pregnant, you don't know what happened. You happened. Yes, sex feel good but without restraint, anything will get out of control. We are at fault too. The system has aided us in getting you back for leaving us, moving on and trying to be happy. No I am not saying its okay for you to forget our child(ren), but you deserve happiness as well. So if it not with us, just help me take care of the children WE made. Visualize the woman you are sexing. Now visualize her when she finds out she is one OF a million. Now visualize her with a daily reminder of you. Now visualize her with the court on her side....Get the picture, Black Man?

Black Man,Reclaim your Faith. It's at the corner of "I don't need you now" and "I am Good." Along the way, you decided you "got this." Now you realize you didn't. Stop allowing lyracists, phophetic relics and the doctrine of devils be your master. NOTHING will ever be made whole within you until you acknowledge your part in the disconnect. Black Man, God is waiting.

Black Man, I was born in you but of a woman. You determined my sex, my DNA and my physical make-up. When God released my Spirit into the Earth, he gave you the seed to be steward over. A watchman. A protector. Doing your job? Would He be happy with your performance. Think about it a while, I'll wait.

Black Man,Stop with the excuses, the okie doke, the foolishness. We need results, bold kings and priests that don't mind putting hand to plow to make this machine move. Mow grass, drive a school bus, clean bathrooms or walk dogs. Whatever it is, get it DONE! Your rightful place is out front, leading us whereever God is leading you.

Black Man,I apologize for trying to take your place. You gave me no choice. I was scared. I should have went to God first but I was looking at my family and knew something had to be done quick. You disappeared. You left without notice. But we want you back. Black Man, return.

Finally Black Man,Through these eyes, I see you struggling back through the obstacles, the neysayers, the detractors. You think you have nothing. That you are nothing. Well let me dispell these rumors. God forgives you, I forgive you and they forgive you. That's all you need. When you get in your rightful place, you will figure out the rest, Black Man. No one is sitting in your chair. Its waiting for you. See you soon.

-Black Woman

Moving Your Business With Marketing...

Marketing your business is about how you position it to satisfy your market’s needs. There are four elements in marketing your products and business. They are the four P’s of Marketing. They are:

1. Product. The development of the correct product attributes to meet the needs of the target market.
   
   
2. Place. The right product at the right price available in the right place to be bought by customers.

3. Promotion. Informing potential customers of the availability of the product, its price and its place. Promotion entails personal selling, mass selling (advertising, publicity), and sales and promotion.

4. Price. The right product offered at the right price.

Each of the four P’s is a variable you control in creating the marketing plan that will attract customers to your business. Your marketing plan should be something you pay careful attention to because the success of your business depends on

it. As an entrepreneur, you determine how to use these variables to achieve your profit potential.

These key points are a staple and have been instituted for years but are still relevant today. During the next couple of weeks, I will share how marketing “You” falls within these parameters! We will discuss how to determine the four P’s, research consumer behavior in your target market and other forms of marketing! Stay tuned!

Not Walking Alone...

Last night, I had the chance to sit with my thoughts and reclaim my words. I had been away from the pen (or in this case the keys) for a while because I couldn't bring myself to write anything positive or encouraging. I, myself was wallowing in the pity known as the devil's trap. But now, I am walking in the Light again and it is my existence. But now, I am wondering how many times the Lord will welcome me back from my own pits of despair? He is always there saying, "Daughter, you know that's not what I have for you!" And I always beg forgiveness as I walk back into His loving arms. He takes me back because He knows I love Him, but needs yet another chance! 

Who else is like me? I know I am not alone. It does not matter what walk you are on, you are not alone! There is always someone there, thinking they are on their journey solo. While in a deep conversation with the Lord, I pleaded with Him for "relief" from my trials. But His response put me in my place! "He said as clearly as I had asked, "Daughter, Go Through, for I have a Plan for you." Weeping uncontrollably, I had heard this before, over and over again. And instantly, the Lord encouraged me by saying, "I change NOT!" I am so happy to know that the Lord doesn't change. For when I have another valley episode, if I went back to the Lord and He wasn't there, what would I do? I tell you, people, don't leave the Lord! I appeal to you to cling to His promises, His plan and His purpose. Nothing else will last! Not Facebook, jobs,  bank accounts, him, nor her...ONLY CHRIST!

And remember....You are NOT Walking Alone!

Paying the Cost...to be my own BOSS!

I get a daily reminder that I am my own boss when I go to the mail box and get the bills and then look at my bank account and what I need is not there...yet!

My husband and I decided that our vision does not make room for both of us working full-time jobs. So, its a no-brainer that he would be the breadwinner while I give my full attention to our vision...Woman-to-Woman Brunch & Beyond (W2W). Many of you have heard me speak of W2W but I wanted to define it for you clearly.

"Woman-to-Woman is an amazing gathering for women seeking revival, rejuvenation and refreshment in their lives through demonstration, guidance and assistance from seasoned professionals in their field. This event is presented by Bona Fide Events, my corporate event management company."

We have hosted W2W in Tennessee and California. Those events were amazing. Please take a look at the highlight video here. Currently, we are preparing for Phoenix, Arizona, and Memphis, Tennessee. W2W  focuses on six key areas: Discovering Your Purpose, Fashion/Beauty/Health Tips & Demonstrations, Career Choices & How to Achieve Them, Financial Fitness, Daily Life Balance (Life Coaching) and Inspiration & Empowerment (Spiritual). What is unique about W2W is that we endeavor to use LOCAL facilitators & speakers.

Well there you have it. You can find more information about W2W on Facebook (Woman-to-Woman Brunch & Beyond), LinkedIn(Woman-to-Woman) and our website at www.bonafideevents.com/w2w.

Me and my husband have sacrificed a lot to birth the vision God has given us. No big vacations, no new "toys" for him and no new Coach purses for me. But we know our reward is in sharing our journey and experiences with women ALL over the country! Actually, we desire to help women globally, all while getting helped ourselves. We want to thank supporters, family, friends and everyone else who had played a part in this vision. 

Get on board!

Brand New Way....To Pray!

A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I had the pleasure of seeing our girls in a Christmas play at church. They put on a mini-concert, complete with acts, songs, dances and prayer! It was an amazing feat for a youth pastoral team to get 40 kids, ages 5-11 to cooperate and choreograph as one. But they did it. There were a few hiccups here and there but for the most part, it was wonderful. 

The storyline was simple. The church group (kids) had to find a place outside of church to go and minister in song during the holiday season (per their pastor's request). The "clique" wanted to go and do it at the mall because they could "kill two birds with one stone" and shop too. The mall manager didn't want them to come because they were gonna minister and not bring reindeer, nativity scenes, etc. Just them! He declined. Well another suggestion was a shelter in downtown. This did not go over so well because the girls were afraid that the "homeless" would be too "scary." And one of the group suggested, "Let's ask Jesus to protect us in the NEW thing." A light came on. For me and a lot of others in the room. I could see it. 

Many times we we fear the unknown and we embrace the familiar. The mall was a comfort zone for the girls but the shelter was a "challenge." I am hearing 2011 for a lot of us will be a challenge. A challenge to buck the known and the familiar. To get out of the "norm" and do something radical. To "trust" who you say you believe..."Jesus." I was talking to a friend today and she is clearing her plate of the "familiar" and putting on some huge challenges. I took the plunge six months ago when I decided that God plan was better than ANYTHING I could cook up. And in just three months, I hosted our first "Woman-to-Woman" conference. I accomplished one and now he said, "You got it, now GO!" 

I want to encourage you not to make "idle threat" resolutions for the new year that you know you want to accomplish but have not decided to dump the "norm" and make room for the NEW. You will only look back with regret and disappointment at what you thought were great intentions.

Its a Brand New Day...Yeah Yeah! I Made My Choice, I will listen for His Voice. I found a Brand New Way to Pray! Yeah Yeah!

Happy New Year to All!

Don't Forget Your Pills...

Christmas Day was a blessed day for many of us as it was the day we celebrate the birth of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. As we so eloquently do, we "rig" it up with food, gifts, travel, video and photos, ball games and everything we can think of. All of those things are fine and as long as Jesus remains the focus, a blessing.

This morning, I was getting the family ready for services and I got that call we always hate. The one that says a loved one is in the hospital or not doing well. The call came from my sister-in-law. It's Dad. Thirty minutes after I talked to him last night, he went to the Emergency Room with chest pains. His friend was there with him so God had someone in place! The ER doc noticed the issue that got him there and immediately began treatment and processed him for admission. His friend notified family and here we go!

My Dad, like many of us, have health conditions that has caused him to be on maintenance medications. He told me this morning from his hospital chair that he decided not to take a few here and a few there because he was feeling alright! WHAT you say???? I was floored. He has done this before. And I don't know if it won't happen again but I do know I want him to be better now, not later. As his baby, I feel so lost and helpless 2,200 miles away tucked away in my home in Arizona and he is in a cold, sterile hospital room in Tennessee. But family is going to the rescue. I got my cousins, aunts and friends calling and headed out there to see him. My Dad is a great father and I want to know that when he is not feeling well, someone, if not me, is there to be a helping and supportive hand. So Dad, the Calvary is coming. And please don't get mad, I know how you like to chill by yourself. You can spank me later (smiling coyly)

My parting words today are these: Even though we are celebrating and having a great time this holiday season, please know that our family members, old and young are fighting battles or may come into harms way. So while we pray for everything else, pray for good health and physical safety as well. HEALTH is one thing you cannot purchase at the Mall. Take your Pills!

40...the New Me!

When I was a younger girl, I remember parties celebrating becoming a teenager, a sweet teenager, getting old enough to be responsible for yourself and then turning an age where you could drink to your heart’s content. After that, I never really paid attention to the birthdays milestones. My mom and dad seemed OLD and not 30s and 40s old, but like no teeth and pureed food old. Why did I think that? I never gave getting that old a thought…til now. In less than 12 hours, I will be 40 years old. That’s four decades, two scores or forty (40)-365 day periods, however you want to see it. I did take a few days and recollect on what I did in those years and it really came down to this…NOT MUCH! I did graduate high school, college, get married and some other great things but other than that, the spectacular, in my opinion, hasn’t manifested. I have two big dreams that can ONLY come true through the Lord’s intervention and my perseverance. The former element is a given if it be His will for me and the latter, well, its simple…it time to put up or shut up. I have to apologize for several people who have heard me say big things and haven’t accomplished much more than hype and a few minor accomplishments. I have been lazy, not really believing that it would work. I know Oprah, who was once an anchor on the news never dreamed the day she would own her OWN network, would be realized. Well, January 1, 2011, she will own it! Now, that leaves me. What am I to do with these big dreams of mine? Is it too late? Should I move on and do what I “can?” Or should I just quit making excuse one after another and as the old folks used to say, “Piss or get off the pot?” I am creative, smart, entrepreneurial and even driven, but am I destined for the greatness I seek? Well, I got the answer…World, Happy 40^th Birthday to Karla Denise Woods Stephens! The new ME is here!

Be Blessed!

Free...

Thanksgiving is on the lips and/or in the stomachs of many of us on this day. I can remember as a child and young adult, I expected to feast on love, food and laughter with the ones I loved and who loved me back. We went through life's ups and downs together and relished the time we had together. But at some point, it changes. Not for good or bad, but change nonetheless. You get families, move away, fall out over nothing or whatever the case, its not the same. 

I have learned in the past two weeks that life is a fleeting concept even more than what I had imagined. It is not to be held lightly or taken for granted. If you love someone truly, you would not let a moment, hour or a day pass without thinking, praying for being in that person's presence. Holidays are not the time to start acting like family. We are family in every tick of the clock. And when that clock runs out on our loved one, they should know that they were loved. 

I refuse to allow this holiday to put me in bondage of tradition. I like to fellowship, eat and cook with and for family but I am not going to get all pumped up about it. But what I will do today is call three of my family members/friends and let them know, "Hey, I wanted you to know that  you are loved and you count." I may say "Happy Thanksgiving," but that's not the purpose of my call. People are leaving this earth and are leaving behind people who can't remember why they weren't speaking, if that person knew they loved them or even if they knew Jesus as the TRUE Savior. On my watch, everyone who is within my power to reach will know they are loved, Jesus lives and He saves. So when this life is over and all is said and done, I want the Lord to say, "Karla, Well Done." SIMPLE. No crown, streamers, singing choirs, marching bands, cheering fans needed. Just HIM and ME. I will be FREE!

Let's love on someone today. I love you!

Great Expectations

I am having a good morning so far. Kids off to school, husband taking them and me, I'm sitting here reorganizing my week. As a wife, (step) mother, businesswoman, cook, coffee maker, referee, stylist, concierge and personal shopper, its hard to keep things all in line. Its when I am called up to do all of these task in one day is when my body is taxed. I look at the list and I am already tired. My day is filled with expectations that all of my tasks will be accomplished. Someone is expecting it from me. Do you know what I mean? You don't have to be all of what I am but just being a businessperson who has to go to a job five days a week has a expectation of so much. And if that wasn't enough, more looms.

I am working on two big visions in my life and I have to make a bigger decision that will require more time from me. Do I have that time? Am I shouldering myself with Great Expectations or a prelude before the fall? I want it all and sometimes you have to pay to win. I will have to rewrite my days and extend my nights. My time will be edited in many areas and things "may" take longer than earlier estimated.

Its good that I am determined to WIN! So with that, let me leave you with this thought. "If you take the time to really look at who you are and its not who you want to be, then you have work to do." Get to WORK!

Being Fluid...

One of the biggest straits in marriage that I thought I would love was stability and the"settling down" of it. I wanted the "fictional" picket fence and the two income family and the trinkets they come with. I knew I had the man God wanted for me so all I needed to do was to just wait for the bestowing of all my expectations to fall on me...then I woke up.

While I am madly in love with my wonderful husband, he is the ONLY thing in this equation that is SOLID. Everything else is a fluid concept. But I couldn't be happier. I wanted all those things because I thought that is truly what happiness was, but I had a skewed view of my truth. Women always want to be comfortable. We have to feel like the man's "got it" in marriage. Some of us are career women who don't mind helping our husbands but we want to know he is in the driver's seat. We look to them for direction but we also want to have our say. Its a pretty fierce game of Venus vs. Serena but in all things, there must be compromise. 

My husband is a hardworking man who loves the feeling of providing for his own. He gives me that security and opportunity only afforded to just so many women. I am blessed because God heard my heart and not my head...THANK YOU JESUS! I get to dedicate my days and some nights on sharpening my skills, building our legacy and using what God blessed me with to be a blessing. Our company will rival the biggest and baddest companies out there. What's more important, he is doing what he loves and I am too, while we love each other. It was a long time coming, but change is here!

My life is fluid and I love it. It allows me to move into newness daily. I try to hold on sometimes to the old way and mindsets and that's where my issues are. So my declaration today is encourage you to get more fluid...go with the FLOW!

It Never Fails...

Looking out the window at the birds eating the newly spread seeds of our winter grass, I can only think about the gamut of emotions I have gone through the last 24 hours. While I am so exciting and anticipating all the great things that are coming my way, I was thrown into an emotional spiral by a few personal events in my life. I don't feel the need to share the details but I will say, sometimes you just have to get it out! Cry like crazy and let it go! And so, I did it. Now today, I am a little sore and puffy but clear. Now its time to get back to work.

So with that, today I am reinventing me again. I am so glad Jesus gives second, third and fifty second chances.  I want to win, so I have to try...again and again and again. The power of getting back up is inspiring. It lets me know that I still have something within that has to come out! Thank you Lord for blessing me with the power to rise again. I am a phoenix. It is said a phoenix has a fire spirit. That's me. I can't be quenched! They say that its "cry" is as a beautiful song. I will sing my song of triumph and praise!

I know this blog isn't the norm but its me. I wish your day be filled with Thanksgiving and praise.Take time to enjoy the birds...even if they are eating your seeds!

Still I rise!

BonaFideTruth: Triumphant Return...

BonaFideTruth: Triumphant Return...

Triumphant Return...

Last night, I watched a boxing match between two of boxing's biggest stars, Manny Pacquaio and Antonio Margarito. As the fight progressed, the spiritual significance became ever clear to me as to why I chosen to view it. Manny is boxing's "Man of the Hour" and Margarito is the "Comeback Kid," disgraced by a suspension from the sport for a year. He had something to prove. He wanted to return to the ring and prove he belonged there. He trained the same as Manny. He went through all the motions and guidelines set by Boxing heads, just like Manny. He indeed returned to the ring. The fight was on. He spent 12 rounds circling Manny and taking shots and receiving them the same. Although, he finished the fight, he was not triumphant in on the score cards. His face bloodied and his team saddened, Margarito was asked why he didn't stop the fight when it was apparent that Manny had beat him, his face mangled and bloodied, showing proof of this. He said in his native Hispanic tongue, "I am a fighter, I am a Mexican, I don't quit." 

That phrase spoke volumes to me. My event planning business has weathered years of storms, from relocation to financial distress to even personal introspect issues. But today, a few hours after this fight that left one man defeated in score, but not in spirit, I say as he did, "I am a fighter, I am an event planner, I don't quit." This is my Triumphant Return!

Be on the lookout for me in your city, your country, your world! I am coming, coming for what's mine. And you know I am. So thank you in advance for your support, whether it be none or all! I will not be stopped.

Go Team Bona Fide! #offtotrain

And So It Begins...

Welcome to my blog...the BonaFideTruth, a BlogTalk site for Bona Fide Event Management & its events! We cater to clients in the corporate and conferences management arenas. We will showcase upcoming events, share useful information and much more! We invite you to give us your feedback and come and grow with us.

Special thanks to everyone who has prayed, encouraged and pushed me to realize that Bona Fide is destined for greatness. The biggest cheerleader in the world, my husband, Daniel, has been my rock through this process. I thank him so much for being there for me! I love you, Baby!

So it begins...our journey to God's blessings are just ahead and we are ready for the triumphs and the challenges. I am reminded of me and my husband's joint mission statement, which says, "Either we will see you at the top OR from the top, either way, you will know where to find us!" Welcome to the BonaFideTruth!

Karla Woods-Stephens
Bona Fide Event Management, LLC
Quality. Efficiency. Higher Standard.