Tag Archives: Nicole D. Hayes

06.07.14
by

Winfrey and Angelou: Exchanging Truth for a Lie

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

A poet who might not have known it: there is only ONE way to God.  Unrealistic? Implausible? Yet true.

Today, like many people, I viewed the cable-televised memorial service held for the late author, poet, orator and multi-talented, Dr. Maya Angelou. Her nearly three-hour service held at Wake Forest University’s Wait Chapel, aired in part on CNN and uninterrupted on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). Interesting speeches were given, and songs sung. Following the service, OWN aired a Super Soul Sunday “Soul to Soul” interview Oprah had previously with Dr. Angelou. While I admire the writings and exquisite delivery of words whether written or spoken by Dr. Angelou, it was in this interview clip where a heaviness weighed in my gut. The heaviness drove the writing for today’s necessary late-day posting. This post is not to disparage Dr. Angelou or her memory, but to dispel a deception widely accepted and believed, and leading many astray.

During the interview, Oprah asked intently of her longtime mentor and “mother,” “Dr. Angelou, what is your definition of God?” Dr. Angelou replied, “All.” She said, “God is ‘all’ in one word.” (Actually, He’s the Great I AM).  Then Oprah asked, “Is there many ways to get to him?” Dr. Angelou said, “Yes, all roads lead to God.” Oprah then followed up with more conversation that lead her to say,”There’s not just one gate. There are as many gates to God as there are people.”

At Voices Against the Grain, our mission and objective is to provide clarity where there is confusion; to dispel deception by presenting truth, and to instruct truth in love. We would not be thorough in our ministry/service to you by not presenting God’s truth on the topic. The author and perfecter of our faith said it many times, many ways while some have chosen to twist it to appease those intent on finding any other way there but through Christ Jesus. Here it is again for everyone’s review:

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

“Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.” (1 John 2:23)

Given the gravitas and high regard earned by Dr. Angelou, it’s no surprise how one could support her perspective. We live in a big and diversified world.  Yes—God can meet us in different places. Yet, God’s Word tells us how we get to Him.

God is not a joke or a play thing.  He is GOD Almighty. In a world that would rather exchange the truth of God for a lie, I pray that He lovingly and mercifully remove the veil from blinded eyes and move hearts to draw near to Him. Only in relationship with Christ Jesus will truth be revealed and clarity restored.

“Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.” (Colossians 2:8, New Living Translation)

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” (1 Corinthians 1:18-19)

 

 

05.28.14
by

1 Year Later: Blessings, Joy, Service Continues

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Today, May 28, 2014, is the one-year anniversary of Voices Against the Grain media ministry. The blog launched on May 28, 2013, followed by the radio show’s first episode that aired on September 4, 2013.  In March 2013, the Holy Spirit prompted me to launch this bold platform where we are “advancing God’s Kingdom in a ‘do your own thing’ society.” A platform that allows God’s people to share the messages He has placed on their hearts to equip others in Christ and free those enslaved by the deceptions and bondage of this world. To bring clarity amidst confusion. To bring truth where there is deception. To bring healing where there is brokenness.

Within this past year, God has blessed us to be connected with more Kingdom-minded people, including our devotional writers, show guests, supporters and others. He has given us favor in areas and territories unexpected. He has allowed us to touch lives in ways I had not conceived. It is a joy to serve with the Lord and His people, as we equip and empower others to stand as Christ’s light and truth in a fallen world.

The blessings continue to come, as witnessed in the following post below. Our devotional writer Ana Martinez, through the almighty power of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, was freed this year from 22 years of shame, self-hatred and brokenness brought on by sexual abuse and rape that occurred in her youth. Voices Against the Grain served as part of that healing when Ana bravely and authentically shared her testimony during our February 12, 2014 episode. After the show, many people contacted her and us to thank her for inspiring them to seek their healing. Today, she continues to share her testimony to help free others and remind them how the Lord will restore what was stolen from us. He will break the chains that enslave us.

I invite you to read her post, “Loss of Innocence, A Future Restored” published on the blog of pureHOPE, a ministry that envisions a world free of sexual exploitation and brokenness by providing Christian solutions in a sexualized culture. pureHOPE and Voices Against the Grain became partners in January 2014, with a passion to combat porn and other forms of sexual exploitation. During the February 12, 2014 radio show, we were grateful to be joined by pureHOPE president Noel Bouché. We thank pureHOPE for publishing Ana’s story.

We also invite you to listen to today’s radio show as our team reflects on the past year in “Still Punchin’: Voices Against the Grain 1-Year Anniversary.”

We have more work to do, but stay encouraged and stay staunch. Keep moving. We have the victory through Christ! We are excited to continue serving with you. Thank you for your support and prayers.

God Bless You,

Nicole

05.07.14
by

God-Appointed and Hated

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” – John 15:18 (New International Version)

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Founder, Voices Against the Grain

Since the moment you asked Jesus Christ to be yours and He made you His, you’ve had a target on your back.  Make no mistake: your enemy Satan hates you. The very fact that you are a mouthpiece, a living testimony of our risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, moving throughout the earth empowering and equipping other believers, you have stirred your greatest adversary to seek your destruction. 1 Peter 5:8 says “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.” (New International Version). Don’t believe the devil is real? Enter a room speaking love and correction where occupants are backbiting and gossiping. Lift up the name of Jesus in a non-believing environment. Note the atmosphere shift. Stand up to illegal activities and injustices. Call popular worldly and accepted norms ungodly. Hold the unaccountable accountable. Note how many slip a Valentine’s Day card into your shoebox.  🙂 We don’t typically move into these spaces with people greeting us with arms wide open.

targetonback

As a Christian, you’ve been called specifically to bring light, restoration and truth to areas of darkness that the enemy has long and comfortably occupied. You are shaking up and reclaiming this territory for God’s Kingdom. We enter the fight knowing we will face attacks head-on presented by our adversary. Satan will seek to discourage us so we won’t move. He knows every time we move in God, life and light is put forth and swallows up darkness.

The devil does not want us to do anything that brings people closer to God. We are proxy authorities—we don’t always perfectly represent God, but we are growing in our authority and as special missionaries of God. Satan can only work with our imperfections, but he doesn’t know what the Spirit of God is doing. We’ve been appointed by God. 

The good news: You belong in the space God has sent you to occupy. God has made you worthy. God’s decisions are flawless, irrevocable. God’s election of His people is irrevocable. Stay staunch!

If you do not have such an adversary, you have a greater problem: If you’re not operating in the true freedom, peace and abundant life which are some of the blessings of being a co-worker with Christ, then you’ve been comfortably lulled into being a co-worker with Satan, whose counterfeit offerings of “freedom” will enslave and wreck you.  As Jesus said in John 10:9-10, “Anyone who goes through me will be cared for—will freely go in and out, and find pasture. A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” (The Message Bible)

04.23.14
by

Rx for Life: Avoid Foolishness, Show Love, Instruct Truth and Stay the Course

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

I LOVE how God’s Word speaks to all situations—those things passed, present or to come. His Word is a “lamp unto my feet, a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105). God’s Word prepares us so we may remain faithful, loving, steady and empowered among those who are ungodly and those who prefer to chase mirages.  2 Timothy: I love this God-inspired letter written by Paul from prison to encourage his dear friend and apprentice, Timothy. Paul’s letter would equip Timothy to pick up the mantle and carry out the mission, long after Paul’s death. His letter instructed him to resist the foolishness of false teachers and stay the course. CourseStay.250w.tn

Paul’s letter/God’s Word written more than 2,000 years ago, continues to guide my life, the lives of my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, and our respective callings/ministries—very much so here at Voices Against the Grain.  From the Message Bible (love the “give it to us real” verbiage used), here’s 2 Timothy 3 and 2 Timothy 4: a prescription on how to stay the course in this life. 

2 Timothy 3

The Message (MSG)

Difficult Times Ahead

3 1-5 Don’t be naive. There are difficult times ahead. As the end approaches, people are going to be self-absorbed, money-hungry, self-promoting, stuck-up, profane, contemptuous of parents, crude, coarse, dog-eat-dog, unbending, slanderers, impulsively wild, savage, cynical, treacherous, ruthless, bloated windbags, addicted to lust, and allergic to God. They’ll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes they’re animals. Stay clear of these people.

6-9 These are the kind of people who smooth-talk themselves into the homes of unstable and needy women and take advantage of them; women who, depressed by their sinfulness, take up with every new religious fad that calls itself “truth.” They get exploited every time and never really learn. These men are like those old Egyptian frauds Jannes and Jambres, who challenged Moses. They were rejects from the faith, twisted in their thinking, defying truth itself. But nothing will come of these latest impostors. Everyone will see through them, just as people saw through that Egyptian hoax.

2 Timothy 4

The Message (MSG)

4 1-2 I can’t impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don’t ever quit. Just keep it simple.

3-5 You’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They’ll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you’re doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God’s servant.

04.16.14
by

Brunch and Strip Clubs

Romans 12:2- “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”  (New Living Translation)

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

While I don’t like it, I’ve come to accept that some people wish I would leave Jesus at home, stored away in a box. Don’t bring Jesus to work, to the dinner conversation, our weekend plans, or other. His name can present a conflict of interest to the world’s ideas, if you know what I mean.

Recently, some of my colleagues were planning an outing that would serve to unite us in fun outside of work projects. They asked ideas for the outing. One colleague suggested a dance club/strip club for our outing. I wondered if I was the only one in the room adverse to the idea of going to a strip club. I’ve never been to a strip club and am not about to start now.  Besides, my dollars spent at the strip club would diminish the fact that these persons on the pole are also “created in the image and likeness of God” (Genesis 1:26), “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) and that Jesus died on the cross to free them from the pole.

Interestingly, some of the others supported the idea and one other person would stand with me on the side of values. Steering the conversation’s trajectory, I suggested the idea of going to brunch. While some nodded their heads at my suggestion, you could tell it was like telling a child to write their book report instead of egging the neighbor’s car.   🙂

Why do people want me to change who I am? My character? I’m not a shapeshifter who has one foot in the world when it suits me and others, and then one foot in Christ only when it is appropriate and going to be well-received. The following image (borrowed from Firestarter Ablaze) conveys my thoughts exactly:

Image for Brunch and Strip Club post borrowed by FireStarter Ablaze

 

Enough said. If anyone wants to join me for orange juice, eggs and all the trimmings of brunch, please do!

03.30.14
by

A Generation’s Confidence in Christ Equips the Next

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6 (New King James Version)

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Some of the wisest words written. Raised in a Christian home, I am a bi-product of such wisdom, enacted by my parents and family members who told us of God’s love, the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. I, along with my brother, cousins and a host of relatives are reaping the fruits of obedience sown by our family’s legacy of faith in God that extends many generations. We are experiencing Exodus 20:5-6.

During this past Wednesday’s Voices Against the Grain radio show, I enjoyed authentic and inspiring conversations with godly women in my family as we wrapped up this month’s series, “March with Us, March with Her.” I was joined by my aunt Alyce Brown, aunt Lilly Hayes, cousin Cheri Brown and Grandma Thelma Hayes,  and delighted in sharing them with you. In our conversation of “Celebrating Faith and Family,” we reflected on the prayers and faith-living we saw through relatives past. We discussed how prayer and worship has changed over the decades. We also shared words to equip the next generation in Christ for successfully navigating in this challenging world.

 

Forever Mercy Exodus 20 and 6

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) This truth has compelled Believers to confidently tell others the power of God’s love, despite the world’s hate for such engagement. The world would rather we embrace other options to make our lives “easier” so we are not rejected by the world in our living for Christ. Yet, Jesus tells us in John 15:18-19 that, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19- If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.”  As Christians, we should never want to be comfortable in this world. Only Jesus Christ offers us true hope, peace, redemption from our sins and life everlasting. Nothing the world offers compares and can only best serve as a counterfeit.

We have received inspiring comments shared about how our conversation reminded you of your family’s faith legacy and foundation in God. For some of you, your family resembles mine—many generations who’ve stood upon Christ, the Solid Rock. For some of you, you or your parents may be the first generation of Believers who are boldly sharing this greatest gift with your loved ones, neighbors, community.

How has God revealed himself in your life? In your family? Please comment! I’d love to know. Thank you for listening! If you missed the episode or previous shows, click here. 

03.20.14
by

Ladies: Good News for You

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Ladies, I have encouraging words for you: You don’t have to have it all together to be successful! That is wonderful news and should automatically bring you peace. During this past Wednesday’s radio show (March 19), we talked with three fabulous women who through their respective organizations and careers, are empowering other women to live out their God-given purposes. The episode, “Empowered Women Empowering Others” is the third conversation of this month’s radio series called “March with Us, March with Her,” as we host great women every Wednesday in March, showcasing how they are helping other women. Our show guests: Dawn Bauer, founder of The Family Hope Line, Carrie B. Cook, founder of empowHERment, and Kareen Riviere, PhD, an FDA scientist and founder of The Empower Foundation, all brought great advice, authentically shared their experiences and lessons learned. As part of our conversation, we realized that sometimes in trying to please everyone, we put on a good face, push through even when our bodies are exhausted, and think we have to know how to do everything.

Carrie B. Cook, founder of empowHERment

Carrie B. Cook, founder of empowHERment

We quickly learned from Dawn, who experienced a health scare in late February, that there is “nurturing power in the word ‘no’ and setting personal and professional boundaries.” We learned from Carrie that not everything has to be in place, and that “we benefit by sharing the lows we experience. There are blessings and lessons in sharing our failures with others.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 says that “Christ’s power is made perfect in our weakness.”  In pursuing our purpose, Kareen advised to “Trust in God’s timing. Know that God would not put this dream in your heart if you were not equipped to see it through.”

Here are some more good nuggets that emerged from our conversation as you learn and understand God’s purpose for you:

  • Listen to and act upon the warning signs given by your body; don’t push through it; seek medical help
  • Don’t let a temporary circumstance change your permanent disposition! Keep your joy, peace and know your worth!
  • Your obedience is tied to somebody else’s destiny
  • We all have unique giftings and skillsets; connect to who God has created you to be
  • You are here and important
  • God’s plan is infinitely greater than we can map for ourselves; will be more meaningful and purposeful than we can dream
  • Being vulnerable is ok; it encourages others to see we’re not perfect
  • In pursuing your dream, pray on it, write down your ideas, do your research, know if you need donors or investors, make achievable goals, share your ideas with those you trust, and have someone/team/support system to keep you accountable
  • Be aware of the people God places in your life; they may further develop your purpose and you may help develop theirs
  • Recheck your intentions and ensure your actions are motivated by a pure heart

Want to hear more nuggets? Listen here!  Please also visit the ladies’ organization websites to learn more of their work:

The Family Hope Line, founded in 2009. Family Hope Line is a cost-free placement service which assists families seeking programs to address the specific needs of their struggling teen and provide family restoration.

Founded in 2011,  empowHERment, is a Charlotte, North Carolina-based organization whose mission is “empowering a continuous network of girls and women to be leaders in their community through mentorship, talent development and advocacy.”

Founded in 2010,  The Empower Foundation, Inc., is a Maryland-based nonprofit whose mission is to empower people and communities to have a voice, take action, and better their quality of life.

03.14.14
by

To Learn Your Purpose, Give Yourself Away to God

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

During our March 12 radio show, we enjoyed a purposeful conversation with Prophetess Ruth Miranda of Ruth Miranda Ministries and Women With Divine Purpose. Our topic, “Ladies: Are You Living Your Purpose?”  Prophetess Miranda, of Hollywood, Fla., (she says where “the real stars shine”), believes everyone has a purpose and helps other women walk in their God-given callings. The episode continues our series “March with Us, March with Her,” as we showcase great women every Wednesday in March (Women’s History Month) who are equipping other women to live out their God-given purposes.

The oldest of seven born to Puerto Rican parents and raised in Brooklyn, New York, God brought Ruth L. Miranda to Puerto Rico to begin her ministry. Comparing her arrival to the television series “Green Acres” (very rural) she was uncertain of God’s intentions for bringing a city girl to the countryside. She began a radio show ministry that served as the vessel that would prevent a woman’s suicide and would bring another to Christ. Her purpose was being developed.

Pastor Ruth MirandaToday, at 58 and with most of her life committed to ministry alongside her husband of nearly 40 years, this wife, mother, grandmother and faithful woman of God has seen His hand carry her and her family through victorious and painful situations. As a child she began to understand the divine calling on her life as the Spirit of the Lord has anointed her “to preach good tidings unto the meek, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captive, and the opening of the prison to those that are bound…” as stated in Isaiah 61:1.

How do you ensure you are walking in your purpose? Here are some nuggets that came from our conversation to help you:

  • Give yourself away to God so HE may reveal His desires for you (Click to hear the song “I Give Myself Away” by William McDowell)–He wants you!
  • Get in His Word so He may reveal to you who He is, and help you better understand your identity in Christ
  • Get in His presence, commune with Him daily, hourly, what have you, to develop your relationship with Him; you can’t know someone without talking with them
  • God’s purpose is unique to you; don’t compare your path to everybody else
  • Realize you’ll go through “seasons” while in your purpose, to undergo further development, growth, refining, instruction to prepare for the next level in your journey (He may begin you in one area to advance you into another)
  • You won’t regret His plans, for He is able to do “exceedingly and abundantly more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20)

Want to learn more? Listen to our conversation here! If you have a pulse, you have a purpose! (Thank you Pastor Kimberly Jones-Pothier)

03.07.14
by

You Are Fearfully and Wonderfully Made! And Your Accuser is a Loser

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

“Kicking the devil in the teeth every day!” Yes! Those words began this Wednesday’s radio show with Pastor Kimberly Jones-Pothier of RealTalkKim.com and Conquering Hell in High Heels ministry, and Ana Martinez, chef and Voices Against the Grain devotional writer. We ENJOYED our time in the Lord! We shared an authentic conversation on relationships, surrendering to God when you’re going through trials, how to ignore your accuser (Satan) who surfaces your mistakes, and “What Is a Proverbs 31 Woman?” In a society where “anything goes,” Proverbs 31:10-31 reveals the honorable woman. The conversation kicked off our month-long radio show series “March with Us, March with Her” as we highlight women of God who are equipping other women to live out their God-given purposes.

Several golden nuggets of truth emerged from our discussion to include:

  • There is nothing you go through that God can’t use for someone else’s benefit—you are getting through it for you and someone else
  • Deliberately set aside quiet time with God to develop your purpose
  • We all fall short—yet your past is not beyond God’s reach or restoration
  • God will accelerate your path and recover time lost
  • If you are not equally yoked or on the same page with the person you’re in relationship, they can destroy your future
  • Recognize your identity in Christ and don’t be defined by the world; get your eyes off of what the world portrays and pray for God to reveal to you everything He created you to be
  • God will finish the good work He began in you, no matter how broken your past
  • Satan is our accuser and will remind you of your faults to hinder your purpose—take away the devil’s authority by confronting your past and walk in God who has called you! You are a new creation in Christ who is fearfully and wonderfully made! You are more than a conqueror! Keep moving forward! Only YOU can stop YOU! (Psalm 139:14, Romans 8:37)
  • God’s plan is to prosper you, not to harm you (Jeremiah 29:11)
  • A Proverbs 31 Woman is one whose confidence is anchored in the LORD

Want to hear more ‘truth’ nuggets? Listen here! 

02.28.14
by

You’re Too Unique to Compare

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Today’s post is from the daily devotional book, Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. Each devotional is written from the perspective of Jesus speaking to you. I want God’s People to get this message, loud and clear.

STOP JUDGING AND EVALUATING YOURSELF, for this is not your role. Above all, stop comparing yourself with other people. This produces feelings of pride or inferiority; sometimes a mixture of both. I lead each of My children along a path that is uniquely tailor-made for him or her. Comparing is not only wrong; it is also meaningless.

Don’t look for affirmation in the wrong places: your own evaluations, or those of other people. The only source of real affirmation is My unconditional Love. Many believers perceive Me as an unpleasable Judge, angrily searching out their faults and failures. Nothing could be further from the truth! I died for your sins, so that I might clothe you in My garments of salvation. This is how I see you: radiant in my robe of righteousness. When I discipline you, it is never in anger or disgust; it is to prepare you for face-to-Face fellowship with Me throughout all eternity. Immerse yourself in My loving Presence. Be receptive to My affirmation, which flows continually from the throne of grace.

Accompanying Scriptures: Luke 6:37, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17- For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” Isaiah 61:10, “I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness.” Proverbs 3:11-12, “My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, 12- because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” (New International Version).