Posted on Wednesday, June 8, 2016

McGhee Sextuplets Return to TV Tonight With the Premiere of ‘Growing Up McGhee’ on UP! MY INTERVIEW…

Hello World,

The McGhee family first captured the hearts of America after an online photo went viral and the entire family appeared on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in 2011. Soon after, they received a series on OWN. Now the family returns to television in this all-new series for UP TV. Audiences will have a chance to follow this fun-loving family of eight as they embrace life and encounter new firsts – all of which come with unexpected twists and turns when you’re doing them with six five-year-olds. While neither Ro, a minister, nor his wife Mia ever expected their lives to be so hectic, they wouldn’t change a thing.

Ro and Mia tried for 10 years to have children, but they never imagined they would end up having sextuplets! Life was busy enough when taking care of six little ones, but now that their brood is five years old and in kindergarten, they are facing brand new challenges that are throwing them for a loop. Never before have they felt more outnumbered! Diaper changes and feeding schedules have been replaced by sassy opinions and chore charts. “Growing Up McGhee” premieres tonight June 8 at 9p.m. ET.

The first episode is titled “Going a McGhee a Minute,” which is I was able to watch in advance. Here is the summary: In this all-new series, the McGhee sextuplets are now five years old, and they are forming their own interests, opinions and personalities, which is certainly making life interesting for mom (Mia) and Dad (Ro) who now feel outnumbered! When they go to their first parent/teacher conferences, will the sextuplets get glowing remarks, or are Mia and Ro going to be sent to the principal’s office?

Below is my interview with Ro & Mia McGhee:

When do you find time to be a minister in addition to being a father of sextuplets and a carpet cleaning business owner?

It is because of God that I am a father of sextuplets and a business owner. It is the least I can do for Him for making me who I am today. My faith is priority, teaching my kids about God is essential, so in ministering I’m fulfilling both.

Do you think being married for 10 years before having your children gives you an advantage in parenting multiple children? Please explain.

I can only speak for my situation. Being married for the time we were without kids helped us to build a solid foundation. In this we learned each other, built trust, love and mostly a true friendship. So when the kids came, it just added to what was already there.

The both of you mentioned that your children have stashed items in the craziest places from cookies under a pillow to socks in a freezer. Where is the craziest place you have found something and what did you find?

Bugs in my vehicle. My kids are at a stage where they are fascinated with bugs. So they collect them in a disposable cup. They will bring the cup in the car and watch them crawl out. The most I found was about ten different types of bugs ranging from ants to potato bugs.

Do you have anybody who assists you in taking care of your children other than the children’s grandmother? Why or why not?

We do have a small list of people that we can entrust our children with other then grandma. We choose to keep that list small because we can’t trust just anybody with our children.

Feeding six kids sounds very expensive! How much do you spend on groceries every week? And what is your favorite go-to meal for weeknight dinners?

When you have a big family, you have to be creative. We spend anywhere from $200 to $300 a week on groceries. Our favorite go-to meal is spaghetti with meatballs.

Why do you think keeping the children in kindergarten for another year will help them? Were they disappointed to find out they wouldn’t be promoted to first grade?

I am still a little torn with this, and I want to be completely honest. My kids have made great strides this year, and I cannot penalize them. However, I want what’s best for them. So I am working with the staff at the school for options and guidance. The kids are not aware of being held back as of yet until I work out the details with the school.

When do you get time to spend alone as a couple?

My husband and I go once a year on a just the two of us cruise every January for at least seven days. We have learned that this helps our marriage as well as assists us with being better parents. Also, when the kids get on the school bus sometimes we’ll have a breakfast date or a lunch date together. We’ve learned nurturing our marriage is a must.

Below is a video snippet of what you will see on “Growing Up McGhee” tonight at 9 p.m. on UP TV!

Posted on Thursday, May 19, 2016

Why Sherri Shepherd May Improve God’s Original Matchmaking in Season 2 of in We tv’s ‘Match Made in Heaven!’

Hello World,

We’ve all read the story of how God put together Adam & Eve in the Garden of Eden in Genesis. Well, Sherri Shepherd, executive producer and host of Season 2 of We tv’s “Match Made in Heaven” is trying to put together her own match without the original sin of Eve falling for the devil’s temptation. Last night, I attended an Atlanta screening of the first episode of Season 2’s “Match Made in Heaven,” which will officially debut tonight at 10 p.m.EST on WE tv!

Sherri, who is my favorite Christian celebrity and featured in my book “After the Altar Call: The Sisters’ Guide to Developing a Personal Relationship With God,” hosted the screening and explained why she got involved in the show. “When Elizabeth Hasselbeck would talk about the ‘The Bachelor’ every week on ‘The View,’ Whoopi and I were very vocal and would say, ‘Where is the black bachelor?’ It was very frustrating. I couldn’t continue to support a show without someone who looked like me.” Sherri also told the audience why former professional football player and successful Atlanta businessman Stevie Baggs was chosen at this season’s bachelor. “I wanted a bachelor who had integrity, loved God and loved his mama, and we found one in Stevie Baggs.” Finally, she explained how “Match Made in Heaven” is different from “The Bachelor” other than having a black bachelor. “We have a chaplain from the Indianapolis Colts and the x-factor is Stevie’s mom. Any woman who has a son, you know you are very protective of your child. She is a firecracker. I want to show everyone that black love matters.”

SPOILER ALERT

If you don’t want to know what happens in this jaw-dropping first episode, stop reading now!

The episode starts off with Sherri standing in the middle of lush and picturesque green garden à la the Garden of Eden in front of a beautiful home in Los Angeles. She explains that Stevie Baggs, 33,will be searching for The One among 18 beautiful bachelorettes who will live together in the home. Each week, they will be offered temptation challenges, nestled in red apples, that are designed to show the true colors of the women. In the first episode, there is also another twist – Stevie’s mother Lola who pretends to be Mona the production assistant. As Mona, she goes undercover living with the women so that she can she see who is really good and who is actually evil. As we all know, we are who we really are when we think no one is watching, and how we treat people who are perceived to be “the least of these” is also a true test in character.

Meet the Bachelorettes

It’s hard to distinguish yourself among 18 women, but a few managed to stand out. First there is Alexandria, a 24-year-old virgin from San Francisco, California. But she is unlike any adult virgin I’ve met. Instead of being demure and classy, this “virgin” has all her assets on display so much so that “Mona” suggests that she wear a less risqué dress when is she getting dressed to meet Stevie for the first time. In addition, she also exhibits a lack of home training when she pours orange juice on the floor. I guess she thinks Mona the production assistant is Mona the maid. Then you’ve got Medgie, 30, who is from Brooklyn, New York and comes in yelling “Brooklyn in the house!” She’s obviously going to the house’s “around- the-way-girl” who keeps it real and raw.

Instead of the token black person, there is a token white person in Kimmy, a 32-year-old entrepreneur from San Antonio, Texas. There is Sincerely, a 33-year-old spa owner from Atlanta who was at the screening last night. She says she is looking for a man who is comfortable on the “red carpet and racetrack.” And last but not least is Elle, a 27-year-old publicist from Washington D.C., who runs to meet Stevie first when the ladies are given the opportunity to meet him for the first time. In addition to being aggressive, Elle reveals more of who she is when she says, “Clearly everyone wants their jacket,” in a dismissive tone when Mona asks if any of the ladies needs a jacket when they are out in the garden at night time.

Meet the Bachelor

Prior to the women meeting Stevie, he explains to Sherri why he is looking for love on “Match Made in Heaven.” “I haven’t found a woman who compliments me, and I compliment her.” He also admits that he is not perfect. “I’m a man who is not flawless, but I am faithful,” says Stevie, who played on 11 professional football teams, owns seven businesses and is a father of one daughter. Stevie also discusses his quest for love with Pastor Ken Johnson. “Are you really here for love,” asks Pastor Ken. After Stevie says yes, Pastor Ken explains that he should look for “a woman who can take care of a man’s heart.” The time has come for Stevie to meet the ladies. Prior to meeting the bachelorettes, Sherri describes Stevie to the women. “He is chocolate goodness. If you are a borderline diabetic, you’re going to need some insulin!”

Love at First Sight?

Lachia, a 29-year-old Latina from Philly, has the most dramatic reaction to Stevie, and tells Stevie that it is “love at first sight.” (Smh…Even if you feel that way, never tell a man that on the first date because there won’t be a second one. That is scary.” Medgie (is that short for something?) yells, “God bless him” after seeing Stevie for the first time. Stevie is impressed by Sincerely, who wore a roomy and flowing dress that didn’t show everything unlike Alexandria the Virgin. Stevie isn’t shy about asking Kimmy if her family will have a problem with her seeing a black man. She assures him that, “Color does mean anything.”

Elimination Day

Just about every woman’s mouth opened like they were at the dentist’s office when Mona explained that she was really Lola, Steve’s mother. She also explained that she had the first choice in who was being eliminated. I thought she was going to choose Elle after her jacket comment, but she chose Alexandria, who she called out for acting like a harlot and pouring orange juice on the carpet. But she did put her son on notice about Elle and her choice of words. Elle, who attempted to be apologetic, says, “I’m not perfect. I am a work in progress.” Umm okay..Lola also noted that she found some dirty underwear left on the floor of the bathroom. While she was unable to figure out who left the underwear, she told the women that domestic skills are also important and praised Medgie for not letting Mona clean up after her.

After the first elimination, Sherri explains to the women that instead of a rose, the women will get a text to find out if they can stay or if they have to leave. Tiffany, who I don’t remember much about, is sent home and that is probably why she was sent home. If Stevie is unsure about any of the women, they will get a text telling them to meet him on the bridge in the garden for a discussion. Erica, an attorney, Elle and Lachia get “need to talk” texts. After Elle assures Stevie that her attitude has been adjusted, he decides that she can stay and notes that she is one of the most beautiful women in the house. Stevie gives Lachia a chance to explain her “love in first sight” comment, but instead of backing away from the comment, she assures Stevie that she is really in love. Stevie decides to send her home, stating that he is looking for love but not in love at that moment.

So y’all I’m thinking of recapping season 2 of “Match Made in Heaven,” which debuts tonight at 10 p.m. on WE tv!

Here is a video from last night’s screening. Sherri interviews Stevie and his mother Lola…

What do y’all think?

Any thoughts?

Posted on Sunday, May 8, 2016

Becoming a Mother Over 40 & Beyond…Janet Jackson isn’t the Only One…A Mothers Day Testimony…

Hello World,

Last month when Janet Jackson announced she was postponing her tour to focus on creating a family with her husband Wissam Al Mana, my friends and I via text (our easiest way to communicate in our busy lives) speculated on whether Ms. Jackson If You’re Nasty was indeed with child at 49 years old (now our speculation has been confirmed) and whether being 40 or older is too old to become a mother.

Below are a few of our responses.

“It is weird.”

“It’s a miracle. If that is her dream. My friend just had a baby at 48. Not planned.”

“My grandmother had my mom when she was around 40. My aunt around 44. I had my son at 41. Let her story be a leap for womankind. She has led a fabulous life and is now embarking on a new journey.”

So Janet Jackson isn’t the only one who has defied the odds. That is the testimony of C. Celeste Marshall, a college friend who struggled with infertility for 10 years before finally giving birth to her son Terry Simeon Marshall in August 2013! Celeste recently released her book “Memoirs of a Barren Women.” Below is my interview with her about her journey to motherhood and her new book!

When did you get married, and did you want to be a mother when you first got married? Tell me about your desire to be a mother.

My husband, Todd, and I got married in 2001. We were immediately ready to start our family. During this particular time, we had a few nieces that I was very close to and we played the parent role for them at times. My desire to become a mother intensified as I saw them grow and several months had passed and nothing had happened for us.

How and when did you find out you were “barren” or couldn’t conceive children? How did you husband respond?

After almost a year into our marriage, with no success, my doctor at the time felt that it was time to see a specialist. A few days following this appointment, I remember getting the call at work. The news was devastating, and work was not the place to receive it. I was told that I would not be able to have children. The doctor suggested that I have several female organs removed and that my best chance would be to try in vitro. My husband responded in a very supportive way and tried to act like it would be fine if we weren’t parents, but I knew that his desire to be a father was just as strong as my desire to be a mother.

Why did you keep believing you would be a mother one day although you were told you couldn’t have children? Did you ever have any miscarriages? What were you doing for those 10 years?! Did you consider adoption?

In 2006, while recovering from my first surgery (fibroids and endometriosis), God led me to a scripture in II Kings. It was II Kings 4:16. It read, “this time next year you will be holding a son.” I anticipated the day that I would be able to say that I was pregnant because I had never had a positive test before. I never had any miscarriages because time after time I was always told that I would not be able to even conceive a child. I had received a prior promise from God in 2004. So during this time of waiting on God to fulfill His promise, I fasted and prayed about my desire and His promise. After several years passing and my “this time next year” not happening, I mentioned adopting to my husband but he was not open to it. I knew that it was my spirit settling and trying to rush God’s hand.

When and why did you decide to fast and pray and what was the result? Tell more about it.

I thank God that at the time of receiving this news, I was already saved and was a member of a church, Free Chapel, where fasting is literally one of the church’s foundations. My pastor teaches it often and each year our church does an annual fast which has become a global practice for many denominations at the beginning of the year. I had seen the results of fasting and praying in my own life and also in the lives of others in the church. It is a powerful tool often overlooked in the Christian world. I challenge anyone to try it for themselves. When you abstain from food and replace it with the Word of God, there is an intimacy that comes only from fasting. There are several types of fasting.

What was your “life-changing decision” after your fast?

My life-changing decision following a specific three-day fast in 2012 was to cancel a surgery, which would have been my 3rd during this 10-year period. The doctor wanted me to have a full hysterectomy, but by the time the pre-op had rolled around, we had agreed on a partial hysterectomy. It never felt right in my spirit because I knew my body had to be whole in order for God to fulfill His promise. However, my doctor deemed it necessary, but following that three-day fast, and hearing from God on 12-12-12, I canceled the surgery completely.

How and when did you discover you were pregnant? Were you scared during your pregnancy after all that happened to you? Why or why not?

I was back at work from Christmas break, and I knew I was “late” but really thought that it was stress related since I had spent most of the Christmas break caring for my niece who had broken her ankle. I took an outdated pregnancy test at work of all places. I had them everywhere because I always anticipated each month…..hoping…..praying…..waiting……When it came back positive I was elated and scared at the same time….when you read the book you will know why 🙂

What was it like to finally give birth to your son? When was he born? How old were you when he was born?

My pregnancy was good, but the delivery was a battle. And when I say battle, it was a spiritual battle! He was born in August 2013. I was 40 when I found out I was pregnant, and I delivered him when I was 41.

Do you have any final words of advice for would-be mothers who are having difficulty having children or who are ready to give up? What about fathers who are married to women with these challenges and desperately want to be father too. Any advice for them?

I tell everyone not to put God on a timetable. We have in our minds by what age we should do this, this and this. If we are truly in line with Him, and we seek Him daily, then we have to trust Him with the desires of our hearts. When so much time had passed for me, I started changing my prayer…for God to remove the desire and He never did. I knew what He had promised me, specifically a son, but satan is real and while God had given a promise, satan took advantage of any weakness and tried to steal my promise from God. However, each year, as I would fast and pray, God would always confirm His promise to me, but of course I grew weary in waiting, but I stood on His promise and His Word: specifically II Kings 4:16. And to the husbands of barren wives, never make your wife feel “less than, inadequate, or insufficient.” Because these are the word satan would whisper to her. satan often tried to remind me that the one thing a woman was created to do, I could not do…I felt broken at times, but I know that God does not make mistakes.

Why did you decide to write “Memoirs of a Barren Woman?”

My book was truly written out of obedience. I never desired nor imagined that I would write a book. After I had my son, I started getting invitations to give my testimony and what I realized is that God used my household for the basis of this testimony but He did not intend for it to stay there. I believe that my testimony if for anyone believing God for anything. We all have a “barren” area in our life, male or female.

Was it difficult to write and publish “Memoirs of a Barren Woman?” And what has been the response?

The book was not difficult to publish so to speak because God led me to the right resource the first time I inquired. However, I had no idea about all of the editing. There was so much back and forth for several months, actually over a year. I started questioning what I had started because there was just so much delay. But even in delay, I tell you God is working…putting things together. The number of people who have reached out to me since reading my memoir to tell me the impact that it has had on their life spiritually has been overwhelming. Young, old, male, female, single women, even women with children have commented on how my book has impacted their life in some form. I look forward to sharing it on any platform God gives me.

Below is a video of Celeste giving her testimony at her church Free Chapel

To find out more about C. Celeste Marshall or contact her, go her website memoirsofabarrenwoman.com or her Facebook page. Click on this link to buy her book.

Happy Mothers Day to all mothers, but particularly to mothers who are 40 years old and over!

Any thoughts?