The Exchange: Beauty for Ashes

By shmwash

A large number of people are mourning due to the painful effects of romantic relationships. The Exchange: Beauty for Ashes is a detailed, transparent, and personal account of Shemika's life before and after making the decision to abstain from pre-marital sex 10 years ago.
This book allows you to enter into the secret corridors of her personal life and testimony. The Exchange: Beauty for Ashes exposes the detriment of pre-marital sex in spite of the sexual freedom that is expressed within modern culture.
This book challenges you to examine the effects of premarital sex and engage in honest communication concerning relationships, romance, comitment, and sex with ease. The Exchange: Beauty for Ashes is a story of Christ's redemptive power, amazing grace, and provision for those that come to him in a season of mourning- the fulfilment of his promise in Isaiah 61:3 to give Beauty for Ashes!

• Language: English
• Publisher: shmwash
• Release date: Feb 25, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311794390

shmwash

Shemika was born and raised in Cleveland, MS. She graduated from East Side High. Shemika obtained a Masters in Nursing Education and Bachelors in Nursing degree. She is a registered nurse, nursing instructor, motivational speaker, author, and PhD student. Shemika enjoys traveling, writing, inspiring others, and sharing the love of Jesus Christ.

Book preview

The Exchange:

Beauty for Ashes

Shemika Washington

Smashwords Edition

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

Copyright 2015, [Shemika Washington], The Exchange: Beauty for Ashes

ISBN: 9780692613252

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Published by

Shemika Washington

Dedication

First and foremost, I dedicate this book to my mother, Sandra Johnson. God used you to birth my life into the earth. Without you, I would have no story. I love you with all of my heart.

I dedicate this book to every woman and girl whose stories have yet to be told. This book is dedicated to every woman who has overcome adversity, obstacles, and tragedy after finding beauty in Christ. This book is dedicated to every woman and girl who are fighting to break through the darkness of their past, and transition into purpose. Last, but not least, I dedicate this book to every woman and girl who have yet to realize their potential, power, and promise. I pray that you make The Exchange: Beauty for Ashes!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

My Father’s Perspective

Foreword

Introduction

Chapter 1: Life & Sex

Chapter 2: The Accountability Factor

Chapter 3: The Genesis

Chapter 4: The Fall

Chapter 5: Frustrated Loneliness

Chapter 6: Peace with My Past

Chapter 7: The Exodus: Living on Purpose.

Chapter 8: Benefits of Celibacy

FAQ’s

Poetic Pieces of My Heart

About the Author

Acknowledgements

Thank YOU so much, my dear reader, for taking time out of your life and investing into something created from the most intimate places of my heart. With tears I humbly say, Thank You! Never in a million years did I believe my story and experiences would be valuable enough to share. I hope you are not only inspired, but motivated to pursue the calling which pierces your heart.

To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whom I believe in with all of my heart, Thank You for making this book possible. It was the precious Holy Spirit that came into my heart and changed the very essence of who I once was and continues His work in my life. I am grateful that my heavenly Father loved me with an endless love and compassion that is unfailing. I am humbled by His fatherly role in the history of my life.

Thank you to my grandparents, Willie and Mattie Lane for doing more than you were required and loving me unconditionally. Thanks to my grandma Cora Washington for your loving spirit. You taught me that I should never lie to the woman in the mirror. Thanks Mama (Sandra Johnson) for your love, beautiful personality, and support. Thanks Daddy (James Lane) and Dora (2nd mom) for your love. Daddy, you are the reason I haven’t settled and I am forever grateful to you for being my father. I appreciate my siblings as well: Lakeisha, Jamell, Carlos, Tyrice, Deshundra, Brandon, and James. I love you more than words could ever express. Auntie Alisa Lane, thanks for praying me into the Kingdom!

Bishop Roderick Mitchell and Pastor Mary Mitchell, thank you so much for your love, support, and laying an awesome spiritual foundation in my life. Thank you to Pastors Greg and Clory Evans for your pastoral care during one of the craziest seasons of my life. I wouldn’t be here without your prayers and warfare on my behalf. My pastors, Apostle Tony and Pastor Felecia Wade, I honor you for the vision of the ministry, your steadfastness in the Word of God, and your example to the body of Christ. Prophetess Alisa Gibson, I honor you and thank God for your mentorship, prayers, authenticity and ministry. Thank you Minister Joe McCall for your mentorship, example, and support over the years. Thank you Gloria Dickerson for seeing greatness in me and making investments into my success and development.

Thanks to the best dream team a girl could have: Latoya Lee, Laquindolyn Evans, Katrina Sanders, Sheila Johnson, Lakitia Matheeny, Monyka Allen, and Jessica Benson. Thanks to Joshua Evans for being a great brother, prayer partner, and friend. I love you all!

Thank you, Traci West for using your God-given gift in graphics, photography and designing the book cover. Thank you, Joshua Evans for your gift and excellence in videography and marketing. Thank you, Dr. Brenda Randle and The Writing Doctor for your expertise in editing. This book would not be what it is without your assistance.

My Father’s Perspective

As you allow your fingers to flip the pages of this book, you may be reminded of things long forgotten. Events in your past, buried never to be uncovered, so you thought. The past has a way of coming back to life and you find old wounds don’t always heal. So many heartaches, unfulfilled promises and shattered dreams. Not to mention the lost hope, trust and ambitions.

Your past is not the enemy; it is a road that may lead to a better future. I can only assume you have heard one of the old sayings, just as I have. The one that says Experience is the best teacher. Personally, I would argue against that. Experience is most beneficial during failed attempts. I have not had the benefit of meeting people who enjoy failing. Especially, when