God's Plan
"It has never been God’s plan for our lives to live in bondage that causes us to feel ashamed, lonely, and wounded spiritually, physically, and mentally." -Arethea M. Green
God speaks to us and based on Jeremiah 29:11 this is what I believe He says to us today, "I know the thoughts that I think toward you (Iris, Aretha) - thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give Butterfly Typeface Publishing an expected end.
As women, we must return to the One that first loved us (God) and define His perfect will and purpose for our lives. As sisters, we are to bear the burdens and tears of our fellow sisters. We must not only lead them but remain with them until they are humanly strong enough to walk spiritually on their own, knowing that God never leaves us.
Arethea M. Green
Butterfly Typeface Publishing
Operations Officer, AL
Arethea Martin-Green is a native of Birmingham, Alabama, married, the mother of three adult children and five “Grand” children.
"I thank God for my journey! Nobody told me that the road would be easy, I don’t believe He brought me this far to leave me. I thank Him for each new day, it’s another chance to serve Him!
My life verse is 1 Cor. 15:58: Be ye steadfast, always abounding in the work of the Lord. My life motto is, Until He calls me home, I will serve Him!
Don’t leave earth without Jesus, my friends!
Author
Butterfly Blessings
Author
Butterfly Beginnings
Behind the Pain
"Behind the sensational headlines and gossip about a black woman often lies the pain, shame, and heartbreak of a little black girl." -Iris M. Williams
When I decided to surrender my life to the Lord, obeying His commandments became a priority. I quickly learned that controlling my life (while challenging) was something I could do. However, when I realized that I was required to love others (whom I could not control), I felt a sense of defeat.
"How can I love people who sometimes are not loveable?" I asked God.
Without missing a beat, the Holy Spirit responded. He told me that I had trouble loving others because I was looking at them from where they are and not where they've been.
"The more a person acts out, the greater the pain in their lives," He said. "Look past the ugly part and look into the heart."
When I realized that the driving force behind the sensational headlines and shocking gossip is pain, shame, or heartbreak, I found that my capacity to love was more significant.
I have made more than my share of mistakes and I'm grateful that those who loved me continued to do so. I know that everyone is not that fortunate. For me, Black Women in Crisis affords me an opportunity to demonstrate love to those who may need it but find themselves without it or feeling as though they don't deserve it.
Iris M. Williams
Butterfly Typeface Publishing
Founder & Chief Operations Officer Butterfly Typeface Publishing, AR
As a survivor of abandonment, financial struggle, and relationship failures, I never dreamed that one day I'd overcome but find myself not only healed and redeemed but helping others find their healing.
Writing is something that I've done my whole life and it through this gift that God uses me. As an Independent Publisher, I find solace in giving voice to those who would otherwise be voiceless.
One of my favorite quotes is from Harriet Tubman. "I could have saved a thousand more slaves, if only they had known they were slaves."
I can help so many people find healing if only they knew the benefit of telling their story! My prayer is that through BWIC, I can communicate this message to a wider audience.
Author
An Abundant Life, The Trilogy
Publisher
The Butterfly Typeface