Enjoying Hope! Angelia’s Blog
Lots of people wonder how the idea of Hope Magazine originally came to be. When I started it in its print form in 2005, I originally planned to design a newsletter for a group of 300 women. That was what felt comfortable for me – but I soon realized that wasn’t what God was telling me to do. He was saying, “Bigger.”
Coming from a small town, with no immediate role models in publishing, I had a hard time thinking that this was something I could actually do on my own. I questioned myself because I didn’t have a journalism background, only a business background. But I had this passion burning inside of me, and longing to create something for the woman who might be struggling in life…and didn’t know where, or who, to turn to. The woman struggling in her faith…who didn’t need a judge. And I wanted to create a magazine exemplifying that particular woman’s lifestyle from every angle.
After I shared my vision with my dear friend Kim, she gave me a copy of The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson. Ever since then, I have been on my journey – just like the character called “Ordinary,” that Wilkinson writes about in his wonderful book.
The first issue of Hope featured CeCe Winans. My family helped me pull all of our resources together to get HOPE moving in the right direction. But there were a lot of ups and downs; as with many other new business owners, I made mistakes. As Hope struggled I was devastated, knowing that my family had invested so much into the magazine. I felt as though I was letting them down. I remember breaking down, crying, and telling my incredible, and always encouraging Mom, that I felt like I had let her, and everyone, down. I didn’t realize that the wind had been knocked out of me, and that I was just hurt.
But I will NEVER forget the words that came out of her mouth; she said, “No — we don’t have the financial resources to help you out anymore; and, no, you didn’t always make the right choices — but so what? Even if you feel everything was stripped and taken away from you – no one can take away the vision and the passion that God embedded inside of you for Hope. That’s what you draw from.”
That was the moment I picked myself up again – and with many of the same circumstances in my way, made the choice to keep moving. I vowed that I would never allow anyone to take my power away from me ever again.
Today is also a very special day because I remember my mother and husband telling me, “There are people God has designed for you, and for the vision of Hope.” Well, it’s 2011, and I have watched that come to pass! I really shouldn’t be in awe of the individuals that work each and every day to help keep Hope alive (no pun intended!), but often I am. Simply put, my Hope team has truly been designed by God!
Which brings us to – today! The Hope team and I decided that we wanted to be part of the new digital experience – and we are grateful to be able to present our first summer digital issue. I know the journey to Hope would never have been possible without God, prayer, my incredibly supportive and loving family – and ultimately, without YOU! Each day you inspire me to “Hope a little more!”
I’m excited about the future of Hope — we have only just begun. Please be sure to visit our Facebook page and “Like” us — and tell your friends about us, too! Also, please sign up for our free digital issue…and in 2012, look for our brand new newsletter, as well as iPad and additional apps!
Until next time…remember: Expect the Best!
Angelia
Loading ...
Susan Shipe
September 19, 2011 at 12:53 pm
Three words: YOU GO GIRL!
Toni Hamilton
September 19, 2011 at 1:09 pm
Awwww Angelia this is so sweet! I can relate to your story being a business owner myself. Thank you for sharing and I am so proud to be apart of the Hope Team!
LaTara
September 19, 2011 at 1:43 pm
Great post Angelia! Keep doing what you do.
Chandia
September 19, 2011 at 5:02 pm
CONGRATS!! You INSPIRE me…thank you.
Cyndy Patterson
September 19, 2011 at 6:40 pm
Thank you so much. This is a great magazine and will inspire millions…. Congratulations!
LeadHership
September 20, 2011 at 3:16 pm
You have an amazing vision & God's given you some serious leadHership chops. Go, girl!
Kim's Closet TV
September 20, 2011 at 6:15 pm
Angelia - what a journey. You are such an inspiration. All the hard work and sacrifices you have endured for this moment. We are cheering for you!!!!
Steve @ Sheridan
September 21, 2011 at 6:26 pm
Angie, It's been a pleasure to work with you over the past few months to launch the magazine - what a beautiful issue! You have an inspiring story to share and I wish you, your family and the Hope team all the success your deserve.
Minister Judy Mays
September 22, 2011 at 11:39 am
Angelia - combining HOPE AND TENACITY - Congratulations on a wonderful publication
Minister Judy Mays
Author, Columnist, Book Reviewer
Founder IT IS WRITTEN ASCRIBE MINISTRIES http://www.authorsden.com/judithamays1
Judy Mays
Tonya
September 22, 2011 at 9:36 pm
Angelia - I am so glad you never gave up on your vision. You are proof that a person can do anything if they only believe!
Dixie Diamanti
September 26, 2011 at 1:25 pm
Such a blessing to see women really stepping out there in the Kingdom, making a difference in the lives of others!!! Tha is what it is all about. It is my mission as well….just in process of releasing my book, Climbing Out of the Box, from religion to relationship, on my blog, at http://reflectionsofgracehome.wordpress.com/…on… chapter at a time for feed back……
Blessings!!!!
Lisa Shaw
October 6, 2011 at 7:41 pm
Angelia, Just popped in and I enjoyed looking around!
judith Manigault
October 17, 2011 at 12:00 pm
I'm so encouraged by your story. As also a publisher with a very similar background (no experience in the world of publishing) I have grown to learn that with God all things are possible. You are building beautifully Angelia. God bless!
Judith Manigault
alannaklapp
October 18, 2011 at 7:21 pm
Angelia, so happy to have found your magazine this year. Your story of seeing your vision through to fruition, no matter how difficult or impossible it seemed, is such an inspiration and a testimony that glorifies God. With Him all things really are possible, and your story reminds us all to keep on going to fulfill the dreams God has for us. Thanks for your magazine, and God bless!
hopemagazine
October 19, 2011 at 10:43 am
Thanks SO much everyone for the amazing comments! We are all on this journey of Hope together so let's continue to inspire and encourage each other to Expect the BEST!
cosmochristianchick
November 14, 2011 at 9:25 pm
I am so happy that you keep the vision alive and did not let Satan take from you the passion and courage it took to take Hope to a new level. You are not alone in loosing the battle as a magazine publication. It seems the printed word is a dying art in the world of magazines and newspapers. However, you had amazing insight to understand the value of online writing and I am so thankful that I have Hope to reach for every morning now with my coffee and my computer!
expressivevoices
March 23, 2012 at 9:06 am
Angelia… you're awesome and I have been following you and praying for your vision since the beginning! A friend sent an email to me a long time ago for you and I have stayed connected. I am blessed to see how far you have come, and delighted to see God move! Thanks for your commitment, determination and perseverance in Christ! So grateful for your path. You are an inspiration, and my desire is to have a similar ministry in writing, one day as well. ~ Jennifer Owens http://www.red-sea-courage.com
hopemagazine
March 29, 2012 at 3:43 pm
Reading your response really encouraged me Jennifer! I like to personally thank each and everyone of you for your support and walking with me on this journey! You are the BEST!
cheapbutchicblog
August 8, 2012 at 1:22 pm
Wish I can contribute my Cheap but Chic fashion to the magazine. My hope to inspire people that hig fashion doesn't have to come at a high cost. http://www.facebook.com/CheapbutChic