Iona Speaks about Defending Self-Justice

Get ready to embrace boldness, courage, and the true meaning of fearless faith in Episode 9 of Iona Speaks about Defending Self-Justice. In this riveting conversation, we dive deep into how women can rise in the face of fear and uncertainty, navigating life’s obstacles with clarity and strength. The 35th United States President, John F. Kennedy, famously said, “A rising tide lifts all boats,” symbolizing the power of a unified mind...

Honoring life is a profound and beautiful expression of recognizing the immense value in every breath we take and every experience we endure. It’s the ultimate acknowledgment of resilience that allows us to triumph over hardships and the grace that carries us through all situations. When we honor life, we embrace not only the victories but also the struggles—the moments of great pleasure and deep heartbreak, the love and the pain—u...

For centuries, society has viewed substance abuse through a narrow, judgmental lens, often labeling it a moral failure, social incompetence or lack of self-control. This dangerous misconception, rooted in elitist ideologies and systemic viewpoints, caused countless families to suffer in silence, isolated and fractured. It wasn’t until 1980, with the recognition of substance abuse as a mental health disorder being identified in the ...

In this soul-stirring episode, we explore the profound connection between spirit, soul, and body, diving into what it means to be created in the image and likeness of God. While some say the spirit gives life, and others say the soul breeds life, I believe that the soul compliments the spirit, nourishing and sustaining the body.  There are several scriptures which speak of the soul and how the soul listens and responds because it i...

Step into a world of heritage and history as we explore the depths of our ancestry and the stories that shape us. Join us for a heartwarming and enlightening episode where we delve into the power of knowing where we come from and how it impacts our identity and purpose. I remember sitting in the cozy living room of my Great Aunt Mary’s home during our annual Christmas holiday celebrations. Laughter filled the air, mingled with the ...

Undervalued Heroes reside in the quiet corners of prominent spaces. These heroes don’t look for praise or acknowledgement because who they are and what they do is from the heart.  Dedicated and engaged fathers are these heroes, who are underappreciated for the immeasurable impact they have within their families and communities. Therefore, it is my honour and privilege to have an inspirational conversation with one of these underval...

Trailblazing Women, are remarkable women of strength and innovation. They break barriers and make history in their prospective fields by inspiring and leading with unwavering determination.  In this episode I am honored to have a life-giving conversation with Dr. LaRay Imani Price “The Resilience Doc” (CEO and Founder of Women’s Inner Fitness & Wellness Center, LLC. www.wifwc.com).  Dr. Price is a licensed psychologist, Army ve...

Historically, April has been denoted by our nation to focus on children and youth who have been abused in various forms (i.e physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, spiritual, etc.).  Children, youth, and families who have been unseen by the masses because their pain has been silenced, continue to thrive through collaborative efforts by champions who refuse to allow their voices to be unheard and their abuse to be unseen.  Ther...

What better month than Women’s History month to speak about a mother’s heartbeat.  Within the symphony of life, there is a rhythmic cadence of a mother’s heartbeat that is a beautiful melody. In the tapestry of life, this melody speaks volumes.  It is a constant rhythm, an eternal love, a powerful strength, a posture of resilience, and warm comfort.  Before the existence of time, it was determined which children would spring forth ...

In the mind of our creator, Almighty God, we were perfect.  Yet because of one choice made, outside of His design, through manipulative and deceptive language, trauma entered into existence.   Therefore, we are perfect creations in imperfect bodies, living in an imperfect world, using restorative practices to heal from the trauma we were born into, the trauma we live in, and the trauma we have experienced. Since we all were created...

Whether it be physical, mental, spiritual, or psychological, healthcare is essential to the lifestyle of every human being in this world.  For centuries there have been disparities in how adults and children, men and women, races and ethnicities, as well as chosen lifestyles, and forced lifestyles through abusive situations are provided healthcare.  When we speak about receiving emergency healthcare, there are a variety of emotions...

There is a beautiful, complex, and transformative bond between daughters and their mothers. Some relationships are close, some are stagnant, some are distant, and some are even nonexistent.  In celebrating these unique relationships filled with triumphs, love, challenges, lessons, and a multiplicity of memories, the mother daughter relationship is to be cherished.   Through tough times and growing pains, healing in this powerful bo...

September is nationally recognized as Hispanic Heritage month.  The theme of 2023 is "Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America".  What a powerful dynamic it is for individuals to know and understand their culture in order to promote their contributions to the educational, economical, political, and social growth of the United States.  However, is culture limited to just a specific heritage?  As we enter...

In 2022 the Administration on Community Living (ACL) published a report on the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers  2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers.  This report was created to demonstrate the need for more bolstered and ethical practices to support the multimillions of caregivers in the world today, who are unpaid.    Increasing disabilities from sickness and disease can be debilitating for diagnosed...

Being a Defender of Self-Justice is not a "catch phrase" or an after thought but an intentional divine posture of identity.  A defender is someone who can be defined as a protector, a guardian, a steward, and a champion for what is right.  Simply put, the Defender of Self-Justice is a preserver of the righteuous gifts God has orchestrated within each of us that dictates how we should live, regardless of situations we migh...

In the last episode, we unearthed another perspective of motherhood as it relates to infertility.  Since there is so much to discuss about this topic, we wanted to share more.  In this episode, we begin to delve into Michelle Browder's sculpture , "The Mothers of Gynecology," that was unveiled during the month of May in Montgomery, Alabama.  This sculpture highlights three emerging adults (Anarcha, Lucy, and Betsey h...

On September 24, 2021 in Montgomery, Alabama, a 15 foot high monument was unveiled entitled, "The Mothers of Gynecology", bringing enlightenment to and exposure of the  horrific and torturous true practices of Black enslaved women (Anarcha, Lucy, and Betsey: https://www.anarchalucybetsey.org/) by Dr. J. Marion Sims in the 19th century.  Nationally acclaimed artist, Michelle Browder, with contributions from nationally accl...

Grief is a journey that we will all experience in different capacities. 
Pain and joy can coexist in grief because when there is a loss of a relationship, a person, or even a situation that impacts individual functionality the intense emotions cannot be simply defined. Yvette Nicole Brown, award winning actress in speaking about the grief she experienced during the death of her mother says, “Grief is always equal to the love….I...

"The breath is a river crashing into the mountainside until there is a hole large enough for history to come through." This poetic phrase written by Shanda Buchanan speaks volumes about the force and nature of the power we hold in our breath. Breathing in is just as important as exhaling. We can breathe in a multitude of emotions, scents, and ideas yet we can't forget to exhale our streghths, gifts, and purpose. In t...