#Deliverance

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Editor's Letter_Mavian Arocha-Rowe_NovDecHaving the privilege to witness the growth of songwriter, artist Debra Black [who recently announced joining forces with duo team, The Ruins], I got a sneak-peak to their soon-to-be released single, Deliverance [releasing January 22, 2016]. Words cannot describe how this song fills me in depth, gets me to my knees, and like an open faucet it pours life into my soul. Little do The Ruins know, their song was the catalyst to a speaking engagement I recently had. Little do they know, their song gave me the umf I needed to cross the barriers of what’s expected of an editor to begin thinking, what’s needed to be done by me for God. The Paris attacks just took place a couple of days ago and I, like so many of you were heartbroken at the chaos and utter violence and lack of heart. Yet, my heart cried louder not due to the violence but more so due to the question: Are the dead in heaven now?

For the November|December issue I decided it was time for my deliverance. Simultaneously I was planning for two covers. I always do this in case one interview or photo shoot are held up. If both arrive at the same time, I would simply push one cover story to the next edition. Yet, something changed; oh yes, my deliverance. Cover A) An incredibly down-to-earth TV personality who is a loving mom and loving person. Cover B) A group of authors and speakers who are now famed in the modern Christian arena.

Cover A is so very busy with the launch of two businesses, we had to push her interview for a later date. Cover B disillusioned my ever eager heart excited to unveil the Jesus they believe in to instead witness uncomfortable silence and self-confidence in these women. The question, IF hypocrisy exists behind the stage why should I or anyone else listen to them while on stage, was and is powerfully blaring in my mind. Because I hold tight to my responsibility with Chispa I decided to not feature these women who weren’t able to answer Why Jesus, when the mere reason they get on stage or sign book deals is to elevate Jesus.

This dear readers is an episode of deliverance for me. Putting my foot down and not agreeing to the culture of this world has always been a challenge for me. As my husband has been able to witness, I truly, madly, deeply hate rejection. So, I tend to agree to things in order to not hurt someone’s feelings, yet I comprise my own values. Does this sound similar?

Do you get entangled in the world of the Kardashians to eliminate critics saying you’re not of this world? Do you continue living with a man who is not your husband and whom you know you’re not supposed to be with? Do you say yes to the second glass of vodka cause it just feels better than dealing with your bright issues? What are you not wanting to physically and spiritually overcome?

Or, are you already an overcomer?

With no backup plan, I said no to Cover B. And, in a moment of desperate prayer [and tears] I vividly saw a cover full of overcomers.  Some are celebrated in their industry while most are your everyday women who have and are dealing with brain injuries, cancer, Down syndrome, attempted murder, infidelity, death of a loved one, depression, and more. All are survivors, thrivers, and I am so very honored to have encountered these mighty women who stand in the face of adversity with grace, gratitude, and humility. These 29 women have refueled my calling. They answer the question: Why Chispa? So… I will not stumble when Facebook followers unfollow after a Bible verse was posted. I will not stumble when our RAM was depleted during deadline. I will not stumble when planned cover stories turn into a tourist trap. Instead, I will enlarge the place of my tent, lengthen my cords, and strengthen my stakes. I leave you with the words of Christine Caine, “Blessed are the flexible for they will not snap.”

Photo by Kaley Dykstra

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Mavian Arocha-Rowe

Mavian Arocha-Rowe

Editor-in-Chief at Chispa Magazine
Mavian Arocha-Rowe is known as an asset to the business and communications industry and is motivating and advocating “your authenticity should be your strategy,” for all women, regardless of their season and roles. For the past 20 years she has directed magazines, plus multiple art and marketing departments as creative director and brand manager. What supersedes all of her great career moves is her role as wife and mother living in Atlanta. Challenging herself to discover and bravely pursue the calling for her life, Arocha-Rowe helps other women discover and pursue their life’s assignment. She is a passionate, and loud-laughing speaker on the topic of purposefully redeemed, and mentors young women so they can exercise a mind that is doctrinally pure, along with a heart that beats toward sanctification. She will almost never turn down Marlow’s Tavern double-tavern cheeseburger, a cooking-demonstration from Leaning Ladder, or any opportunity to head to Miami to spend time with family.
Mavian Arocha-Rowe

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Mavian Arocha-Rowe

Mavian Arocha-Rowe is known as an asset to the business and communications industry and is motivating and advocating “your authenticity should be your strategy,” for all women, regardless of their season and roles. For the past 20 years she has directed magazines, plus multiple art and marketing departments as creative director and brand manager. What supersedes all of her great career moves is her role as wife and mother living in Atlanta. Challenging herself to discover and bravely pursue the calling for her life, Arocha-Rowe helps other women discover and pursue their life’s assignment. She is a passionate, and loud-laughing speaker on the topic of purposefully redeemed, and mentors young women so they can exercise a mind that is doctrinally pure, along with a heart that beats toward sanctification. She will almost never turn down Marlow’s Tavern double-tavern cheeseburger, a cooking-demonstration from Leaning Ladder, or any opportunity to head to Miami to spend time with family.