One of the guiding principles that I teach as I travel around the world pertains to self-value. Everyone should possess a clear understanding of the potential that resides within. So many people go through life unaware of this reality; consequently they allow others to diminish and taint what God intended for their lives. Make no mistake about it, how you see yourself is how others will see you. Self-reliance and loving yourself should not be confused with arrogant, isolated independence. We all need healthy friendships and relationships. These associations help to challenge, encourage and inspire us to be all that we can be.

I once said to a group of single folks, “people need to qualify for you”. If people have to qualify for a house and a car, why don’t they have to qualify for you? The value of an item often determines the criteria necessary to obtain it. The stringent application process weeds out persons who have not demonstrated evidence of proper stewardship in the past. It is impossible to love yourself and play yourself at the same time. The Bible says “love your neighbor as yourself”. The key word is “as”. How you love you is the paradigm by which you love others. I want to offer three principles that I believe will unleash the greatness inside of you. I am confident that these principles will help you love yourself as you should and develop the confidence to accomplish anything you put your hand to.

The First principle is “Being Complete”. This is a foundational principle that must be applied to your life. Oftentimes, people go through life looking for someone to complete them. When you do this, there is an assumption that you are not whole. It is so important that you never become co-dependent upon others to define and affirm you. Your destiny is not in the hands of man, it is in the hands of God. Whether you like it or not, God made you the way He wanted to so be confident. You are unique. You are one of a kind. You don’t have to augment God’s finest creation to please people. You need to have people in your life who love you for what’s on the inside.

When you are complete you don’t sit and wait on someone to take care of you. You have a mind, gifts and talents. It’s important that you pursue a house with your name on it, get a car with your name on it, and you should come to table with your own stuff. I offer this metaphor to single people: When I met my late wife, we were students. We went from the lobby of a hotel all the way to the Penthouse. When the Lord called her home, I said when I married again I would not go back to lobby. My next mate had to at least be at the club level. You need a key for that floor. I think you get the point.

The second principle is “Refusing to Live in the Past”. Many people cannot move forward with their lives, because they are tormented by yesterday. There comes a time when you have to move beyond the hurts and pains of your past. Get counseling and ask God to move you beyond what happened. Your future is awaiting, but you will never arrive there carrying the luggage of yesterday. The Apostle Paul said, “forgetting those things which are behind and reaching for those which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14. I tell people all the time that there is a reason your windshield is larger than your rear view mirror. One is for glances and one is for gazing. You should only glance at the rear but gaze toward the future.

I encourage you to claim the victory over your life. Cry your last tear and move on. What’s ahead of you is far greater than what is behind you. Remember that your set-backs were nothing more than set-ups for your come back. Everything that happened to you was designed to make you stronger, wiser, and better.

The final principle that I want to share with you is one that changed my life. I have deemed it “Pursuing Purpose”. If there is any evidence that you love yourself and have moved toward in self-reliance, it is purpose. Each of us was born with a purpose. It is the fulfillment of that purpose that must consume our lives. This is why it is essential to have the right people in your life. You need positive and progressive people who can motivate you toward excellence. You don’t need people who are negative and gossipers. You need people who are going somewhere and who are not intimidated by what God is doing in your life.

When you pursue purpose, you commit yourself to a path toward destiny. Within you lies great vision. There are some things that you want to accomplish and there are other things God is showing you that are so big that you may have difficulty sharing it with those around you. You must remember this about vision. When God gives vision, He desires that vision to be under Divine supervision. I know you are self-reliant, but you cannot accomplish this without Him. Once it is under Divine supervision, He assures provision. You will never have a vision that you can afford. Vision is always bigger than your budget. It is always bigger than your bank account. Remember, if it’s His will, it’s His bill. Chase it. Go after it. Don’t allow the thing that God has shown you to be hindered by circumstances. You were born to do great things. If there ever was a time to believe you can do it, it is now. YES, YOU CAN!

In closing, remember that when you love you there are investments you are willing to make from within. When you recognize the value God has placed within you, you are not validated by others. The world awaits you. Go complete God’s will for your life. Go looking forward. Go pursuing purpose. God promises if you go, He will go with you. Who wouldn’t love that?

Dr. Joseph W. Walker III is a popular preacher, with the highest educational degrees from Southern University, Vanderbilt University and Princeton, who at the age of 24 began his pastorate at Mount Zion with only 175 members. Currently his ministry has grown to over 25,000 members with eight weekly services in three church locations in Nashville, Tennessee. Additionally, in 2010, Dr. Walker accepted the honor and position of “National Spokesman” for the Association of Marriage and Family Ministries. www.josephwalker3.org

We are halfway through the new year and some people have already given up on their new year’s resolutions to become fit and healthy. Some simply lack the discipline needed to continue their exercise regimen; however, others may not know where to start. Don’t become intimidated. A personal trainer will be there to support you and educate you while on the road ahead to becoming a healthier you. Hiring a personal trainer may seem overwhelming, but I can assure you that it will be a good decision. Here are 7 reasons why a personal trainer can be instrumental in helping you to reach your health & fitness goals.

One: Personal Trainers (PT’s) help set realistic goals
Without clear goals, you may not produce the results you want. PT’s allow you to set goals and provide you with the most effective way to reach them.

Two: Personal Trainers provide education about nutrition
Do you really know what foods are good for you? PT’s often introduce food plans that aid in weight loss.

Three: Personal Trainers are great motivators
Motivation is something that you must possess in order to be successful. PT’s will give you the motivation you need while on your fitness journey.

Four: Personal Trainers will help you increase your knowledge of exercise.
Most people don’t know what kinds of exercises will benefit them the most. PT’s are there to instruct and provide an exercise program that helps you understand how your body can be physically sculpted. PT’s will also assess your results and modify your program if needed.

Five: Personal Trainers will hold you accountable
It is common knowledge, that old habits are heard to break. PT’s will hold you accountable to prevent setbacks. However, in the event that you do have a setback, your PT is there to get you right back on track.

Six: Personal Trainers can be life coaches
Once you reach your goal and even while you’re going through the process, you will not be the same mentally. PT’s help to instill the confidence and assurance that you can stay fit on your own and that you can conquer challenges outside of the gym.

Seven: Personal trainers are in great shape
You wouldn’t want an out of shape person trying to help you get in shape would you? PT’s set the example of looking good and feeling good.
Personal trainers are there to support you. If you are considering hiring one, make sure that they are certified and knowledgeable. In my opinion, it is an investment that will yield a great return. Having a personal trainer could make the difference between success and failure.
*Travis McGarr is a certified personal trainer and owner of Starfit Xtreme in Nashville, TN.

Chapter 1: It’s What’s On The Inside

Describes the beauty that God has placed on the inside of every woman that He has created.

Chapter 3: Beauty Transformation

Emphasizes the importance of taking the time to level with God. Reminds women that regardless of where they’ve been in life, there is always room for a beauty transformation of the soul.

Chapter 5: Covering It Up

Takes a unique look at what is known in the beauty world as concealer. Spiritually this is applied to the way God covers our sins with His mercy and grace. This chapter will reveal to women how all of their sins are forgiven like a stroke of a brush.

Chapter 8: Esther: The True Glamour Girl

Explores the life of Queen Esther. Takes in depth looks at Esther’s rise to queen with an exciting venture to history’s first beauty contest.

Chapter 10: Pleased With The Results

Impresses upon women that the harvest that is reaped after the months and sometimes years of sowing is priceless.

Chapter 12: Timeless Beauty

Focuses on the joy of being in God’s will. Teaches that trusting in God has excellent benefits and eternal rewards. Reminds women that the ultimate goal is to prepare for eternity.

Beauty That Never Fades

Closes out the book with last words from the author.

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