Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Happy Holidays and In Loving Memory...





Rest In Peace
Jodi Nicole Thomas
May 14, 1963 - January 18, 2009

You are Worthy
When I think back over the year 2009, so many emotions consume me. By the Grace of God, I was able to scratch the surface of a dream I've had since age 13; to create Peace In The Storm Publishing. I am so very delighted that my dream has come to fruition. And if I never published another book, I thank God for the journey thus far.
They laughed as she chased her dreams. Said she didn’t fit the part. Told her she was unworthy of it all. They ridiculed her for aiming high. Told her to get off her high horse. They highlighted the flaws in her structure and passed them around for the world to see. They failed to see the cracks in their own foundation. I could go on and on about the numerous times I've been told that "I Can't" and that "I'm Not Worthy."

Instead, I'll speak about the Dream...
You see, for me, this has not only been about me and my dreams. This has been about the dreams of some of the best people I know. I am so blessed to be able to start my publishing journey with incredibly talented people whom I admire, like Lorraine Elzia and LaToya S. Watkins. These women could write a full-length novel about a boiled egg, and any reader would would be in awe.
The love I have for Jessica A. Robinson can not be measured easily because she has blessed me with her presence. There are some people in life who are just born with a gift to encourage and inspire, and Brian Ganges has this gift.
Jacqueline D. Moore graces hundreds of emails daily with her encouraging words and devotionals. She's a tiny flame of fire with a tremendous heart of gold.
Then there's the hustle of Tamara Angela Grant; an author who knows what she wants and is unfraid to get it. Ebonee Monique gave us Ebonee Monique TV, opened our eyes to suicide in the African American community, and Cheryl Lacey Donovan left no stone unturned in pursuit of spreading the word about her ministry.
S.D. Denny taught us about sacrificial love, Claudia Brown Mosley kept us on the edge of our seats and Pamela D. Rice gives us a peek into domestic violence in the church.
Even sinners have souls, and I'm amazed that my work has been a source of encouragement, as my latest novel, A Whisper to a Scream has helped so many women go out and seek help as they are victims of domestic abuse.
Peace In The Storm Publishing won several awards throughout the year, including 5 African American Literary Awards, one of which was for Best Independent Publishing House of the Year. What an honor!
What I'm most proud of is that All of the wonderful authors of Peace In The Storm Publishing write with our motto in mind, "Giving your Soul a Rise...One Page at a Time." They've touched so many lives this year alone. I am continously inspired to press forward because we're all affecting positive change.
My wish for you this Christmas, this Holiday Season and throughout the New Year is that you take time to become a humble giver and help those who may need you. It is such a blessing to be a blessing. And, most importantly... To all of my dreamers and believers; never give up and never let anyone convince you that you are not worthy. Remember; you are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Enough said. With all My Love.
Merry Christmas,

Elissa Gabrielle

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from Peace In The Storm!


May the reason of the season inspire you beyond your fantasies, as it bombards the borderlines of your realities and ultimately results in your dreams that saturate your possibilities. And in all those efforts and desires, may your New Year be one that is filled with a peace that over runneth your cup. Merry Christmas to you and yours and a Happy New Year.
~Lorraine Elzia


Christmas is that special time of year. We are supposed to celebrate the goodness of the Lord all year long, but during Christmas time, we celebrate the birth of the king, as well as celebrate each other. I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
~LaToya S. Watkins

The holiday season is a time to give thanks and show love to those who have touched our lives throughout the year. At this time I would like to thank all of you for your acts of love and support throughout the year. May you and your loved ones be richly blessed with God's peace this holiday season, and may you have an abundance of blessings in the New Year.
~S.D. Denny


May the joy of the Lord be your strength during this time and all year round.
~Cheryl Lacey Donovan

Wishing you a happy holiday season to you and your family. Have a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
~Jacqueline D. Moore

Don't get tied up with the hustle and bustle of the holiday frenzy. Reflect on the good things that happened to you this year and the lessons learned; and then look forward to good things to come in 2010. God has brought you from a mighty long way, and He's not done yet.
~Brian Ganges

My wish is that everyone will find it in their hearts to spend time with family and those that you love...cherish your life and those around you because at the end of the day family and friends are your lifeline. If you have any differences with those ones you love, take this holiday season to resolve them. Go into the New Year, with a new start.
~Jessica A. Robinson

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Peace In The Storm Publishing family. Thanks for your support and we hope to deliver many more exciting and relevant titles in the years to come.
~Pamela D. Rice


In Loving Memory


On January 18, 2009, my beloved sister Jodi passed away at the tender age of 45. I remember growing up, looking up to my sister Jodi. When I was a young girl, I thought she was the prettiest woman in the world.
Jodi swore I had a knack for acting, and would force me to do commercials and dance in front of all of her friends. I was the live entertainment during these days. I never felt humiliated, though, it was just a part of growing up. All a part of what life has offered me.

Well, life has changed drastically since those good ole days of doing commercials in the living room and dancing to ‘70’s disco music.

This is truly not a dress rehearsal, so we need treat life as the
precious gift it is.
I'll never stop loving you...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and please remember the importance of the season that has come upon us.