Break Free

By Ashley Winston

You were not created to live an average, unfulfilled, mediocre life. God created you to make your mark in the world and to make a difference. There is hidden potential and purpose living on the inside of you. In her daring, awe-inspiring and capacity building book, BREAK FREE: Unlock Your God - Given Potential and Unleash Your Unstoppable, author and breakthrough strategist, Ashley Winston takes you on a journey from fear to faith. It’s time that we push beyond our fear and into the fullness of God’s promises. Filled with inspirational stories and practical advice, BREAK FREE challenges readers to increase their capacity to win in life.

Ashley’s encouraging message focuses on helping readers unleash their unstoppable by:
• Embracing Their True Identity
• Breaking Internal & External Barriers
• Following God’s Plan Beyond Life’s Circumstances • Eliminating Excuses & Making Room For More
• Achieving Optimal Results

For far too long potential has laid dormant in the lives of so many. It’s time we unite and rise above life’s challenges. BREAK FREE declares that your days of settling and self doubt are over and that you are unstoppable. Ashley’s message inspires us to show up, tell the truth and do the work: “Your life matters and the whole world is waiting on your breakthrough.”

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ashley Winston
• Release date: Jun 25, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463881712

Ashley Winston

Ashley Winston is an entrepreneur, life and business strategist. She empowers people from all walks of life through her books, inspirational messages, training, coaching and online programs. Her approach, processes, and reflective exercises allow participants to identify and break down barriers, both internal and external. She enables participants to take ownership of their lives, by providing the necessary keys to unlock their peak performance. Participants in Ashley’s programs leave the experience with a shifted world view toward results and solutions to problems once considered insurmountable.Ashley’s skill set and unique ability to engage learners of all levels has enabled her to work with a variety of organizations both here and abroad. Internationally, she has served on the mission field in Port Au Prince, Haiti and Hyderabad, India. Her endeavors in the U.S. include her working with more than 50 Chicago Public Schools, The Lyric Opera of Chicago, Urban Gateways, Columbia College Chicago, Chicago Arts Partnership in Education, The Progressive Arts Alliance of Cleveland, Game Changers International, Tacom and McDonald’s Corporation. She has touched the lives of youth, teachers, community leaders, entrepreneurs and high-level executives globally. Learners love her.Through her warm nature, tough-love, high-energy and hilarious wit, she pursues the impossible and accomplishes the unthinkable. Faith in God, and the Word, are her foundation. It empowers her to make the world a better place by helping people unlock their potential and unleash their unstoppable. It is what God has done in and through her that brings freedom and breakthroughs.Ashley holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Performance and a Master of Arts Management (MAM) in Arts, Entertainment and Media Management. She received both from Columbia College Chicago.

Book preview

BREAK FREE

Unlock Your God Given Potential & Unleash Your Unstoppable

Copyright 2018 Ashley Winston

Published by Ashley Winston at Smashwords

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 enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Copyright © 2018 Ashley Winston

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 1986062023

ISBN-13: 978-1986062022

FOREWORD

Ashley Winston is known for her ability to inspire, motivate, and pull potential out of her audience, and in BREAK FREE: Unlock Your God - Given Potential & Unleash Your Unstoppable, she did not disappoint! This book is OUTSTANDING!

Whether you’re an inquiring mind, curious about the tenants and precepts of Christianity, or you’re a mature Christian, looking to be encouraged in your walk, and motivated to your next level of unstoppable, this book is for you. We have never seen such a book that lends itself to such a wide span of Christian maturity. Another title for this book could have been How to be an Awesome, Highly Productive Christian. Ashley takes us through the whole of the Christian walk: From the precepts of early Christianity, through discipleship – teaching us how to be a well-rounded believer – and then on to empowerment. After reading Break Free, you will truly know how to be a well-balanced Christian, who is not only powerful, but understands God’s purpose for their life and knows how to empower others. The Great Commission given by Jesus Christ in Matthew 28:18-20 tells us to go and make disciples… This is exactly what Ashley does for us in this book, then empowers us to fulfill His plan by doing the same for others.

For the years that we have known Ashley, there are some key words that could most accurately describe her. One word that we would choose is FEARLESS. Over time, we have become acutely aware of Ashley’s many skills and gifts, but what has impressed us the most is that she is not scared to step out and put those talents to work. Ashley’s get it done attitude was put to the test when we asked her to step out of her comfort zone this past year. As we are over the youth ministry at our local church (Living Word Christian Center, Forest Park, IL), we have many people that volunteer to help us lead that charge. Ashley is one of those dedicated volunteers, giving her time to the teens and young adults, and the community. During our recent annual Freedom Conference (youth and young adult conference) we asked her to take on an important role that she did not necessarily ask for, but we knew she was the right person for the job. She did not have any formal training in this area, but her get it done attitude went right to work. She didn’t complain, she didn’t pout, and she didn’t look for sympathy or a way out of it. She simply said, Well, praise God. Her execution was nothing short of excellent in every way, and it showed. She knows what it feels like to be put in a position that releases your potential, even when it is uncomfortable. We have seen it happen inside of her over the years, resulting in Ashley’s monumental growth.

This is what Ashley is all about – She never makes excuses; she just makes it happen. She lives out what she is writing about. She empowers others to break free. Ashley is incredibly strong-minded, diligent, loving, faithful, and positive – even in the midst of adverse conditions. This book is a pure reflection of Ashley’s heart: unstoppable.

Pastor David & Niki Winston

Contents

Acknowledgments

NAKED IN THE LIGHT

LOCATE YOURSELF

HEARERS AND DOERS

ENGAGE IN THE PROCESS

TRANSFORM YOUR THINKING

MANAGE YOUR MOUTH

DISCIPLE = DISCIPLINE

HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT?

OBEY AWAY

INCREASE YOUR CAPACITY

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

To my Mom for her unconditional love, support, and for raising me to be the strong woman I am today.

***

For the memory of my Granddaddy whose witty words and wisdom guided me throughout the years, and who taught me that love is best expressed through giving.

***

To my Grandma Geri who always listens and believes in me. Her words of encouragement touch the innermost places of my heart in ways that words cannot express.

***

To my Sister-friend Adri for her expertise, tireless support, and countless hours of work. I would have never been able to write this book without her.

***

To my closest friends for showing up when they could have stayed home, encouraging me, and always pushing me towards purpose.

***

To my Pastor Dr. Bill Winston and my church family, Living Word Christian Center, for showing me what it means to live by faith. My life has never been the same.

PREFACE

I strongly dislike writing. I never thought I was a very good writer and like most people, I shied away from things I thought I couldn’t conquer. So, when God told me to write a book, I was not thrilled. I had doubts and all the excuses: will anyone even read this book? I’m a terrible speller. How will I ever find the time to write 100,000 words? Growing up as a social butterfly, I knew that I could easily speak 100,000 words, but writing them down was a different story.

Isn’t that how it goes with us and God sometimes? We try to disqualify ourselves from the very things that He is calling us to do. I believe that God is ready to do something amazing in your life. Whether you need to break free spiritually, financially, relationally, or emotionally - the opportunity is now. God’s best is on the other side of your breakthrough. His best for your career, your church, your marriage, your business, your family, your future - it can all be found outside of your comfort zone and in the wild adventures of faith. I don’t know what stage or season of life you’re in, but I do know that no matter where you are, things can get better.

Unfortunately, many people never decide to push past their pain and into the fullness of God’s promises. This reality bothers me. God is so good and He doesn’t want us to live an ordinary, average, or mediocre life. He wants our lives to be extraordinary. He has placed so much possibility inside us. Through him we have access to unlimited potential, but the thing about potential is that it doesn’t materialize without pressure. It requires the right set of circumstances and opportunities and it demands the right environment. I wrote this book to help you crack the code on your destiny lockbox. It’s time to put an end to the insecurities and complacency that plague so many talented and gifted women and men. My desire is to see you become the person you were created to be, instead of dreaming about the person you are afraid to become. Whatever God has put in your heart to accomplish, it is possible. You probably already know this, but the real question is: do you believe it in your heart? Our actions tell on us. They show us what we truly believe.

Sometimes the hardest person to confront is ourselves - to really discover if we are being who we say we are. It’s uncomfortable. It takes courage, but it is necessary for us to take inventory of where we are, so that we can move into where God is calling us. You were designed for greatness and to live from the inside out. One thing I’ve learned is that if I deal with what’s happening inside of me, God will take care of what’s happening around me.

We are all on our own individual and personal journey to unlock our full potential, purpose and destiny. We must learn to engage in the process of allowing God to build our character and deepen our capacity so that His plans and purposes can be revealed in our lives and in the Earth. We must learn to depend on God’s wisdom to guide us, and His grace to carry us through.

Hear me out. Life will never stop happening to you or me. So, we must train ourselves to move forward while it happens. Believe in God. Believe in you.

The Love of A Father

My grandfather passed away a few years ago. He was the most influential person in my life. Leading up to the day of his funeral, I was so sad and nervous about how I would react to seeing him for the last time. Surprisingly, when the day came, I had this supernatural peace that was beyond my understanding. I wondered how it was possible. How could I feel such peace in the face of such loss, especially the loss of someone like my grandfather?

God comforted me in that moment. He reminded me that He gives us peace, even when peace seems not to be an option (John 14:27). Then, I started to reflect on the kind of relationship I had with my grandfather and all the memories we shared. We spent a lot of time together. I loved him very much, and I knew that he loved me.

His words and wisdom guided me in life. Our connection was full of love and support, and I was secure in the place I held in his heart, and while I was standing there, being reminded of all these wonderful attributes about my relationship with my grandfather, I realized that this was the kind of relationship that God desperately wanted to have with me - that He wants to have with all of us. I don’t know what your relationship is like with your actual grandfather or father. You might have the greatest relationship in the world or you might not due to a divorce, death, or maybe he is physically present but just emotionally absent. Either way, I know that you have access to a heavenly father that will never leave you or forsake you. In those arms, you can always find refuge, unconditional love, support, direction, and true comfort and security, no matter what you are facing.

Most of you reading this book have never met my grandfather and never will, but through my relationship with him, you can know him. He lives in me through the memories we shared and the lessons he taught me. That is the power of relationship. It is only when we have an intimate, authentic connection with God that others will know Him.

So, who do people meet when they meet you. Do they meet God’s wisdom? God’s peace? Do they encounter the love of the Father?

CHAPTER 1

NAKED IN THE LIGHT

We must allow our true selves to be revealed, which can feel intimidating, overwhelming, and exhilarating all at the same time. That is the beginning of breaking free. Deciding in your heart, once and for all, not to play small anymore out of the fear of rejection or failing. This means not settling for anything less than God’s absolute best in every area of your life. Being open and vulnerable takes courage, but God has wired us for genuine connections, and those are born out of our vulnerability. And vulnerability is the only way that we can experience the fullness of those connections and embrace who God is and who we are in our relationships with Him and others. Our connection with God, our purpose, and people are all threatened when we walk around wearing masks and self-protective shields. I understand that life can make you guarded, but I also understand the freedom that comes from really trusting God and developing intimacy in your relationship with Him.

There are many things that can make us live life guarded, like un-forgiveness, poor self-image, mistaken identity, sin, soul wounds, fear, and anxiety. You and I both know that the list could continue. But God wants us to live free from all of that. And the only way that can happen is if we are willing to lay down our protective shields and surrender. If we want to become all that God has called us to be and exhaust our potential on earth, we must first develop healthy relationships with ourselves and God.

I think about it like this; it’s like we’re in a triangle.

Side note: I should warn you now. I have an undergraduate degree in theater. So, I’m expressive. I will probably use more exclamation points than most people think are appropriate (like my editor) and occasionally, I might say something totally random and challenge you to use your imagination. This is one of those times!

Ok, so back to the triangle! God is the top point, we are the bottom left corner, and the people in our lives are the bottom right. If we want our horizontal connections (you and others) to be healthy, then we should ensure that our vertical connection (you and God) is healthy. The quality of our lives will only reflect the quality of our personal relationship with God. We must be willing to let his light expose our hidden motives and agendas, but most importantly our treasure. We must allow God’s truth to touch the most inner parts of our hearts so that we can be a light in the world.

In my twenties, I remember feeling like I was on an emotional roller coaster. Life had broken my heart in a variety of unexpected ways and it left me questioning myself. Am I enough for what I felt like God was calling me to do? I had already dealt with a lot by that point in my life. Making the transition from college student to a full-fledged adult was harder than expected. In college, I worked as the resident assistant in my dorm. It wasn’t my favorite job, but it provided free housing. And that was awesome! But unfortunately, one of the conditions of my position as an RA was that I couldn't work another job. So, I didn't have any money when I graduated. Chicago is an expensive city to live in…especially when you are flat broke! Around that same time, I lost a relationship with a close friend who suddenly disappeared from my life. They got in some legal troubles and ran. I never saw them again. And on top of that, I was carrying around the weight of being sexually abused when I was younger. It had been years since it happened, but I never felt safe enough to share my secret with anyone except God. Like so many women and men, I didn't feel like I could share this deep and painful part of my past. Long story short - my life was a mess.

Normally, my go-getter nature and optimistic attitude would have been enough for me to rise above my feelings of insecurity and self-doubt. But this time it was different. I knew I needed something more and I found myself searching for it. My months of curiosity led me to a church. The same church I attend now.

It was there, where I learned about faith and what it meant to really have a relationship with God. It was also there, where I met Pastor Barbara. I was in a line coming out of a room with other people, who just like me had received baptism and decided to give their life to Christ. Pastor Barbara was in front of the door I had to walk through to get out of the room. She was smiling and hugging everyone. I remember standing there waiting for my turn when I felt prompted out of nowhere to tell her that I needed someone to talk to. I expressed a little more about what I had been going through and she invited me to meet with her a few weeks later. We met that week and then we started to meet every week after.

She became like a spiritual mother to me. Through our conversations, I could feel God healing the broken pieces of my heart. He was using her to teach me about vulnerability. He was using her to teach me how to open up again. I hated it and loved it all at the same time. Some days we laughed and other days there were tears. Pastor Barbara always had some sort of catchy, funny phrase to help me remember the essence of what we talked about when we were together. I don’t know if she had been saying these phrases for years or if she was just making them up on the spot, but either way they were memorable and they stuck with me.

When I was not in her presence, her words would still ring true in my heart. One of these catchy phrases she would jokingly say to me was, Remember Ashley… Naked in the Light. This saying was twofold. One, meaning, that you need to be comfortable with your body and in your own skin. That you need to be able to look at yourself in the mirror flaws and all and not only be just okay with what you see but love yourself and appreciate the way you were designed by God. You must be willing to accept all of you. Two, meaning, that you must be able to come to God spiritually naked when you are in His presence. This is just another way of saying that you need to come to God open and vulnerable. Bringing God all your baggage!

Thank God for Pastor Barbara. When I needed someone the most, especially when I wasn’t sure how to handle the heartbreak, she was sent to me from God. He knew I needed some sort of guidance. She, along with the power of God, helped me see that I didn’t need to isolate myself from the pain. Instead, I learned that I could give God my broken pieces and receive healing.

God loves you. He created you for His glory and His purposes. If you think about it, God made man in His image, and when He stepped back and looked at you as his finished work He called it good (Genesis 1:31). So, the next time you look in the mirror, look at yourself and say, It’s all good.

God wants you to come before Him spiritually naked. So, that He can cover you with His love. He knows everything you feel and the situations you’ve been through; He knows the challenges and setbacks that you’ve experienced. He knows the pain you’ve felt; and God wants to heal you. He wants you to let him into those secret places of your heart so that he can restore the broken pieces of your life. Don’t worry, broken pieces don’t scare God. In fact, your mess is the prerequisite for His masterpiece.

Think about it like this, in a friendship, if you don’t reveal something that is bothering you or that you need help with, then that topic is never on the table for discussion. It is the same in your relationship with God. If you don’t bring Him your secrets, there is not much room for intimacy. It’s our willingness to be vulnerable that creates intimacy.

Reviews for Break Free

[Jessica West · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is life changing, very relatable and uplifting to the soul.