Inspire. Create. Shine.

Inspire. Create. Shine.

An exploration of life, love, literature and the arts from the Christian perspective.

Episodes

April 1, 2024 40 mins

Around Easter/Resurrection Sunday time, we often hear about the last sayings of Jesus on the cross as if that was the end and the last things He had to say, but have you ever paid attention to what He said AFTER the resurrection?

Listen in as Melanie shares these words of love from the 4 gospels of the Bible, how they relate to us, and how Jesus is still speaking today.

For more info on Melanie D, the Author, her book, and for mor...

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One of the major qualities of love is that it is sacrificial, giving of itself for the wellbeing of others. Listen in as Melanie highlights a few notable African Americans for Black History and Love Month, whose selfless sacrificial and inspirational acts helped make the world a better place, and their effects are far-reaching even today. #BlackHistoryMonth #LoveMonth


Claudette Colvin

Amelia Boynton Robinson

John Lewis

Charle...

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It is often Love that draws us, Love that transforms us and Love that sustains us.

Listen in as Melanie gives an in-depth review on the hit TV series-turned film, "The Chosen," which depicts the life and ministry of Jesus and his original disciples -- specifically the first three seasons. This monumental work, and the first of its kind, is another beautiful reminder of the redeeming love of God. (Season 4 in theaters Feb...

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Imagine not knowing what to tell, when to tell and who to tell...

Listen in as debut author, Mrs. Freddie Rodgers Simmons (aka "Miss Freddie Mae") discusses her new children's book, "Lil Dal No Tattle-Telling," and its primary subject matter, which we all can relate to - bullying. This is one that all parents, guardians and adults need to hear - and remember, love is the answer.


For more on the host an...

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Opening with a snippet on gratitude from motivational speakers Germany Kent & Zig Ziglar, listen in as Melanie expounds further with a message that will hopefully challenge you to keep a posture and an attitude of gratitude. Increase your aptitude for gratitude by making it a habit, in word and deed.

For more info on Melanie D, the Author, her book, and for more inspirational content, please visit her website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.Mela...

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The beauty, magnitude and grandeur of mountains can put God, you and life in perspective. For every mountain you encounter, there's a lot to take in... what you see and experience is a matter of perspective.


Listen in as Melanie shares a word from one of her dreams and more on the topic.


For more info on Melanie D, the Author, her book, and for more inspirational content, please visit her website at ⁠⁠⁠www.MelanieDTh...

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September 30, 2023 38 mins

Words and deeds are a vibe, and love is paramount... Listen in as Melanie delves a little deeper into last month's topic about the power of words, how they frame and affect our environment, and why the words you're speaking and listening to matter.

For more info on Melanie D, the Author, her book, and for more inspirational content, please visit her website at ⁠www.MelanieDTheAuthor.com⁠.

Originally recorded on 9/23/23, Au...

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Spoken word. Written word. Living word. The words we ingest, speak and listen to help to frame the world we live in and can literally affect growth, health and vitality in a positive or negative way. They can also serve as a defense against negativity, toxicity and spiritual attacks.

Listen in as Melanie shares a thought-provoking word on this simple truth, as well as a few insights she's learned along the way.

For more info o...

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When it sinks in that your Creator deems you as royalty, as priceless, as an indispensable part of humanity; it will revolutionize your mindset, behavior and life as a whole. We kings, queens, princes, princesses, etc. are worthy of royal treatment and won't mind giving the same to everyone we meet, knowing they too are one of God's own. Listen in as Melanie breaks down "the value of one," from the divine perspe...

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Disney's 2023 remake of "The Little Mermaid," among other things, reminds us that it's okay to keep that childlike wonder, to be willing to explore, and to desire more out of life and love - even when it's uncomfortable, difficult or misunderstood by others. Listen in as Melanie shares her take on this beloved classic and why it's still making waves today.

For more info on Melanie D, the Author, her book, ...

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If you aren't speaking the (love) language of your loved ones, there's gonna be a disconnect somewhere along the line.

Dr. Gary Chapman's international best-selling book, "The 5 Love Languages" has positively transformed the way many think and interact in their relationships for over 30 years. Listen in as Melanie shares insight on the topic, as well as new love languages which reflect the changing social tim...

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The stories we see in film color the hearts, minds, and perceptions of people and cultures in our society. Food for thought: What's your favorite love story in film and why?


Listen in as Melanie gives her take on a must-see period film for the romantics out there, "Sylvie's Love," a sweeping Black love story that stands out amidst the stereotypical and often negatively depicted stories like it. A reminder of ...

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When art becomes light, it stirs the soul and lifts the spirit.

Listen in as Melanie gives her take on the must-see Academy Award-winning documentary, "Summer of Soul," which features hidden gems of Black history, culture and music from the Harlem Culture Festival -- and shares reminiscent moments from her own life.

For more info on Melanie D, the Author, her book, and for more inspirational content, please visit her webs...

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As we reflect on those whose stories and work have impacted our lives this Black History Month, think about this: Your story was written before the foundation of the world. Psalm 139 speaks of the book of your life that was written, the days of your life fashioned before your days on earth began, all leading toward the destiny already ordained for you. 

Listen in on this Black History segment as Melanie highlights Tyler Perry ...

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The journey to pursuing our dreams can be an interesting one, to say the least. How important are dreams and goals to you vs. living your reality?

Listen in as Melanie gives a word of encouragement to the dreamers out there, while sharing a few nuggets from some of the greats who touched on the topic of dreams and their pursuit.

For more info on Melanie D, the Author, her book, and for more inspirational content, please visit her w...

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December 30, 2022 35 mins

Growth takes time, water, light, and love primarily - and we grow through everything we go through. 

Listen in as Melanie shares a little of her journey, which may encourage you daily to bloom where you're planted and resist the push/things that take you outside of your character, your capacity, and your calling.

For more info on Melanie D, the Author, her book, and for more inspirational content, please visit her website at w...

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Some of the most trying or tragic times in our lives can be great catalysts for self-discovery and discovering/fulfilling purpose; developing us into stronger, wiser and more empathetic people; and creating the necessary momentum to bring about great movements for the betterment of society. Love can have the same effect.

Listen in as Melanie gives her take on two powerful, must-see films she just happened to see around the sam...

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October 31, 2022 43 mins

An encounter with Jesus is a direct encounter with Love. 

Since Jesus is Love, then He is also our blueprint - in business, in life, in ministry, in relationships, etc. 

Listen in as Melanie explores further from the pages of her book and other sources on the nature of Jesus, His acts, His character, His example - and how He shows up when we need Him most.

For more info on Melanie D, the Author, her book, and for mor...

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If Jesus is Love, then He is also our blueprint - in business, in life, in ministry, in relationships, etc. But what might that truly look like?

Listen in as Melanie explores a few passages that give a small window into the nature of Jesus, His character, and His example - which may surprise you how different it is from common ideas about Him and our societal influence on what Love looks like.

For more info on Melanie D, the Author...

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In all your getting, get an understanding... Further insight into who you are and why you do what you do may be found in your roots.

Melanie continues to reflect on the critically acclaimed "Roots" miniseries/sequels chronicling the life and heritage of legendary writer, Alex Haley - and how it relates to us today. Listen in on this episode as she shares a bit more about her personal discoveries into her family tree and why you sho...

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