Grace Cornish - 10 Good Choices That Empower Black Womens Lives

It is truly amazing how God works. When He said, Ask and it shall be given, He wasnt kidding. I asked to be surrounded by a group of loving, kind, and supportive people who would be a plus on my path of empowerment. And thats exactly what I got.

I have so many friends, associates, and family members to thank for their love and support. Let me start with love and appreciation for my immediate family. To Dureen McCalla, my guardian angel mother: Aunt D, how could I have done any of this without you? You are what unconditional love is all about. To Angelena Cornish Johnson, my sister: Ang, you are the true meaning of sisterhoodeveryone should have a big sister like you. I wouldnt trade you for the world. To Clive Cornish, my father: Dads, weve come a long way, havent we? Im so glad youre my father. To Dena Cornish, my precious six-year-old daughter: Sweetheart, you are such a blessing and a joy. I love you more than words can explain. To Jason Johnson, my nineteen-year-old nephew: Jay, youve always been like a son to me. Stay focused and do well in life.

of this book: Aunt Lana, may your soul be at peace and at one with God at this very moment. To my brothers and sistersZola Cornish Allen, Albert Cornish, Lanita Cornish Woodfork, Carla Cornish McPearson, Lonsley Cornish, and Chris Cornish Lopez: I love you all.

These are the key individuals that made this book possible. To Kristin Kiser, my editor at Crown: Kristin, you are dynamic! Its a pleasure working with youI truly appreciate your keen insight and guidance. To Rachel Kahan, associate editor: Thanks for your input, and for helping to make the manuscript flow smoothly. To Janet Biehl, copy editor: Thanks for doing such a great jobthe manuscript works beautifully. To Barbara Lowenstein, my agent: Barbara, I wanted a top-of-the line, first-class, no-nonsense agentand youre it. Thanks for being so knowledgeable, straightforward, and well respected in the industry.

The remarkable folks Im about to thank are all instrumental in my blessings and growth. To Rev. Dr. W. A. Blair: Reverend Blair, if you only knew how much your inspirational sermons and tapes have impacted and enlightened my life over the years (and across the miles). I thank God for using you as an excellent pastor, mentor, and role model. To Dr. Gwendolyn Goldsby Grant: Dr. Gwendolyn, thank you profusely; you are now officially adopted into my family. Dr. Rosie Milligan: Dr. Rosie, thanks for the pep talks throughout the years, and for taking a keen interest in my endeavors. To Helen Bungert: Helen, what can I say, but sincerest gratitude for your critique and expertise always. To Mike Millis: Mike, whoever said men and women could not be close friends without any strings attached, were certainly wrong, werent they? I wish more brothers and sisters would have the decent, platonic, and good friendship that we do. To Connie Green: You are an excellent cousin and a supersupportive friendthank you. To Gem Christie: Miss Gem, thank you for your guidance over the years. To Norman Hall: Thanks, Norman, for always listening and providing useful informationand above all, for always looking out for my best interest. To Lingsworth Pendley: In the Jamaican lingo, Tank yuh, mi breda, fi yuh ongoing blessingsone love.

My acknowledgment list continues with these special individuals who have shown continued respect, love, kindness, and support for my work: Sonia Alleyne (Black Elegance and Belle), Kate Ferguson (Todays Black Woman), Queen Latifah (The Queen Latifah Show), Yanick Rice Lamb (Heart & Soul), Claire McIntosh (Essence), Pamela Johnson (Essence), Margena Christian (Jet), Sylviette McGill, (Upscale), Gloria Locke (Upscale), T. E. Alexander, Astra Austin, Ricki Lake (The Ricki Lake Show), Isabel Rivera (Good Day New York), Donnette Dunbar (Omaha World Herald), Jared McCallister (The Daily News), Hazel Smith (The New York Beacon), Dr. Jeff Gardere (Hit It-WLIB-FM), Monica Pierre (WQUE), Monica Harris (Black Expressions Book Club), June Zimmerman (Crown), Lindsay Mergens (Crown), Millicent L. Meeks (Runstr8t@aol.com), Monica White (Going Public, Inc.), Sister E.J. Davis (St. John M. B. Church), Carolyn Anderson (Seccess Productions), Marie Deary (Education 2000 Bookstore), Gigi Roane (Drum & Spear Books), Annette (Aframerican Bookstore), Lolita Long (The Gleaner), Edmund W. Lewis (The Louisiana Weekly), Crisena Coleman (Just Between Girlfriends), William July II (Brothers, Lust and Love), Max Rodriquez (Quarterly Black Reviewer), Laticia Greggs (The Chicago Defender), Rick Blalock (21st Century Communications), K. Thomas Oglesby (What Black Men Must Do Now), Patrick Riley (BET Weekend), Drs. Judith Sherven and Jim Sniechowski (The New Intimacy), and Reverend Melvin and Cassandra Tate (Mt. Lebanon AME Zion Church).

Let me put the icing on the cake and bring it home with these friends whove stood the test of time: Toni and Corey Gourdine, Heather and Alan Turnbull, Ruth and Leroy Campbell, Norma and Gilbert Lane, Jackie Moore, Liz and Mark Adorno, Margaret Grey, Marie Helen Gourage, Don Spears, Karen Seymour, Daylle Schwartz, and Rayniece Holmes.

And a great big thanks to all my readers, and to those who have allowed me to share their stories and letters in this empowerment guide.

This list is by no means complete. If Ive forgotten anyone, please accept my apologies. I have no doubt that this list will definitely continue to grow as I continue to grow on Gods pathbe it done to me according to my faith.

There is an old adage, Be careful what you ask for, you might just get it. Well, heres my take on it: Be cheerful when you ask, for you will just get it. Thank you kindly.