Tag: The Rising Muse

The Real Meaning of Parent Appreciation Day

On By Naty MatosIn Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment

#ParentAppreciationDay isn’t just about celebrating moms and dads in the traditional sense. The truth is, parenting doesn’t always come with a biological tie or a legal document. Families come in all shapes and sizes—and so do parents. Sometimes it’s an aunt, a grandparent, a mentor, a foster parent, or even a neighbor who steps in and shows up. Day after day. Meal after meal. Homework after homework. Cry after cry.

The person who carries the heart of a parent is the one who provides love, guidance, and sacrifice when it’s needed most. That’s what we’re honoring today.

You Don’t Get It—Until You’re In It

As a parent myself, I can tell you—nothing prepares you for the role until you’re living it. No book. No advice. No amount of observation. Parenting reshapes you. It stretches your capacity to love, to give, to protect, and to forgive.

I didn’t truly appreciate my mother until I became a parent. I had my child later in life, just like she had me later in hers. Growing up, I didn’t realize the depth of her sacrifices. She worked night shifts, came home, fed her husband and daughter, and still managed to handle a toddler—me—on little to no sleep.

Now, as I chase after my own toddler after a full night’s rest, I wonder how she did it. The exhaustion is real. But so is the love.

The Protective Lens of a Parent

When I was younger, I used to think my mother was overprotective—always worrying, always guarding. Now I get it. Parenthood awakens a fierce instinct to protect. You begin to see dangers your child can’t. You think ahead. You sacrifice without thinking twice. It’s not paranoia. It’s love through the eyes of responsibility.

“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you…”
— Isaiah 66:13

That protective spirit isn’t weakness or control. It’s the very heartbeat of parenting.

If You’re a Parent Today…

Take a moment to honor the journey. Whether you’re co-parenting, single-parenting, step-parenting, or playing a parental role in someone’s life, you are seen.

If your own parents are still around, tell them thank you. Let them know you now understand some of the weight they carried. Say the words you may not have had before.

If you’re not a parent yet and have held onto resentment or a misunderstanding, perhaps it’s time to look at your parents through a new lens. Parenting is hard. Sometimes, people do the best they can with what they have, and that doesn’t always align with what we need.

Forgiveness isn’t always about them. It’s about freeing yourself.

To every parent doing the work—seen or unseen, biological or not—we honor you today. Your love, your presence, and your sacrifices matter. You are raising the next generation with courage, and that’s worth celebrating.

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
— Exodus 20:12

What If They Were Unhealthy?

Let’s be honest—some parents weren’t safe. Some were absent. Some were deeply broken themselves. And if reconnecting isn’t possible or wise, that’s okay. But if you can, choose to release bitterness. Let God take the pain and replace it with peace.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
— Ephesians 4:32

You Are Appreciated

If no one has told you today, we at The Rising Muse appreciate you. You are not alone in this journey.

🙏 Have a blessed Parent Appreciation Day. 🙌

🎧 Want to hear more real talk and inspiration? Tune in to our podcast, The Rising Muse, where we dive into the heart of parenting, healing, and purpose. Available wherever you listen to podcasts.

What Happens When You Finally Listen to Gods Signs?

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

What if the nudge you’re feeling isn’t just a thought, but a spark?

In this week’s episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, returning guest John JR Rennie joins Naty and Veda for a deep and raw conversation about faith, calling, and his new book, Sparks Turn Into BrushFires.

JR doesn’t show up with pretense. He shows up with lived experience, spiritual wisdom, and a message for anyone who’s been stuck in a dry season, wondering if God is still speaking.

This episode is for:

  • Anyone who’s ever felt disconnected from their purpose
  • Those wrestling with regret, doubt, or burnout
  • Believers looking for real talk, not sugarcoated sermons
  • People are ready to reignite their faith and relationships

From church hurt to divine redirection, JR opens up about what it means to hear God clearly, obey when it’s uncomfortable, and find joy, not after the breakthrough, but during the battle.

We talk faith. We talk about failure. And we talk about the book born from the journey: Sparks Turn Into BrushFires.

As the founder of a nearly 40-year business software company, I thought I was going to ride off into the sunset and retire.  All that changed in 2015 when God decided to redirect me to my True Purpose.  Promptings, new understandings, and inspired guidance brought me to founding the BrushFires Ministry.   A ministry that helps other Believers discover their God Given Purpose and Destiny, just like God had led me to mine.

The BrushFires Ministry has created a system and tool set that allows believers to discover their strengths and weaknesses.  Once they have done this for themselves, they can discover this for their family, friends, and other ministry members.  There is nothing worse than feeling you are being misunderstood, overlooked, and spinning your wheels as a Believer.  I should know.  Our system and services can help the believer to find their jam and achieve that joy-filled state of mind that only the Lord can provide.  

  1. BrushFires Digital Workshop – an online video series to lead individuals, couples, small groups, churches, and organizations through our Workshop materials.
  2. The Design Coaching / Graduate Training programs – through three new workbooks (Mentoring Manual, Graduate Workbook and the Instructor’s Manual) we delve into deeper design insight, counseling tools, group dynamics and Church Body Building techniques.  This is also facilitated through Zoom conference training for the leaders.
  3. Church Leadership Training programs – using the Graduate Training materials, we coach church leaders to implement the BrushFires curriculum and to facilitate the BrushFires program in-house.  This is also facilitated through Zoom conference training for the leaders.
  4. The ReKindle coaching program – Follow up with Design Discovery Meeting graduates to help them pursue their purpose.
  5. Ignite Ministry Coaching – a facilitated Motivated Role exercise to help ministries brainstorm new solutions, new ministries, and new endeavors.

In 2025, the BrushFires program is expanding with the following new services. To connect with BrushFires, you can go to their website, find them on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

🎧 If you’ve ever believed you were too far gone to start over, this episode will change your mind.

🌸 Dear Caregiver: You Deserve Care Too

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

This Mother’s Day, we’re asking a different question.
Not “What are you doing for others?” but “When was the last time you did something for yourself?”

In our latest episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we sit down with the powerhouse, Maz Alexander—mental wellbeing coach, social worker, speaker, and author of Arise Kintsugi Queens—for a conversation every caregiver needs to hear.

If you’ve ever:

  • felt invisible while showing up for everyone else,
  • been told that rest is a luxury,
  • struggled to say no without guilt,
    —This episode is your reminder that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s survival.

Maz shares raw stories, wisdom passed through generations, and the truth about the emotional cost of caregiving. You’ll laugh, reflect, and probably exhale in relief because finally, someone gets it.

Maz Alexander is a Mental Well-Being and transformational Coach, Social Worker, Mother, Speaker, and Author based in South London. She supports busy professionals and caregivers in developing and maintaining healthy boundaries so that they can implement the self-care they need to live balanced, authentic, and fulfilled lives.

 Her first published book, Arise Kintsugi Queens: You Are Becoming All You Were Meant to Be, encompasses her personal and professional insights into mental health and wellbeing, faith, and recovery. It ministers to the souls of women who feel overworked, depleted, rejected, and unworthy. It assists them to reclaim their identity and discover their purpose.

🎧 This is for the mothers, the nurturers, the women who never get asked, “How are you really?”

👉 Tune in and give yourself the gift of being seen.

🎥 Watch on YouTube
📘 Grab Maz’s book: Arise Kintsugi Queens on Amazon

SEE, EXPOSE, LOVE, FREE: The Journey to Inner Freedom

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

What if the thing holding you back wasn’t the trauma itself—but what you’ve been taught to believe about yourself because of it?

In our latest Thrive by The Rising Muse episode, we sit down with coach, author, and trauma survivor Danielle Bernock, whose story and method might just shift how you see healing… and yourself.

Danielle shares the heart and soul behind her S.E.L.F. method—SEE, EXPOSE, LOVE, FREE—and how it helps people step out of inner chaos and into ownership of their lives. We talk about spiritual trauma, childhood emotional neglect, identity, self-worth, boundaries, and the power of choosing you.

This episode is honest, layered, and deeply personal—for us and probably for you, too.

🎧 Whether you’re just starting your healing journey or deep in the work, this conversation will meet you where you are. With compassion. With clarity. With hope.

Spoiler: There’s even a taco named Gary. (Yes, really.)

Don’t miss this one. Tap in. Share it. Save it. Heal with us.

Danielle Bernock—a trauma survivor, coach, speaker, and the founder of 4F Media.
Danielle has helped countless people reclaim their worth, heal deep wounds, and walk in emotional and spiritual freedom. She’s also the author of books like Emerging With Wings, Because You Matter, and Love’s Manifesto. Her coaching method is called S.E.L.F.—SEE, EXPOSE, LOVE, FREE. It’s a four-part process that helps people come out of “inner chaos” and into clarity, healing, and ownership of their lives. To schedule a Discovery session with Danielle, click here. For her website, click here.

“That lady on the internet who loves you.”

🎙️ Available now on all major platforms.

The Importance of Observing Black History Month

On By Naty MatosIn ArticlesLeave a comment

Black History Month, celebrated every February in the United States, is a profound tribute to the significant contributions of African Americans throughout history. More than an annual commemoration, it’s a pivotal time for reflection, learning, and engaging with a rich cultural, social, and political legacy that continues to shape our world. Here’s why observing Black History Month is crucial:

1. Illuminating Untold Stories

Black History Month highlights stories and achievements that have often been sidelined in traditional narratives. Pioneers, intellectuals, artists, and activists from the African American community have historically had their contributions overlooked or minimized. By recognizing their impact, we not only correct historical oversights but also inspire future generations.

2. Fostering Understanding and Empathy

Celebrating Black History Month fosters a space for learning and empathy. It allows people of all backgrounds to grasp the struggles and triumphs of Black individuals throughout history. Understanding the past enables us to appreciate ongoing challenges in racial equality and strive towards a more just society.

3. Empowering Future Generations

For young Black individuals, Black History Month serves as a powerful source of empowerment. It underscores their lineage of resilience, innovation, and influence. The legacies of figures like Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., and Maya Angelou offer blueprints for perseverance, creativity, and courage, instilling pride and a sense of identity.

4. Cultivating a More Inclusive Society

Beyond retrospective, Black History Month charts a course forward by promoting an inclusive and diverse culture. It underscores that Black history is integral to American history. By exploring this rich tapestry, society gains deeper understanding, respect, and openness to diverse perspectives.

5. Acknowledging the Struggle for Equality

While a month of celebration, Black History Month also prompts reflection on the historical struggles and ongoing fight for racial equality. It’s a time to acknowledge progress and recommit to activism, advocacy, and allyship against systemic racism.

6. Inspiring Transformation

Above all, Black History Month catalyzes change. By spotlighting the accomplishments of Black individuals and the challenges they still face, the month initiates conversations that drive positive societal shifts. It encourages us to challenge stereotypes, confront biases, and actively pursue a more equitable future.

Conclusion

Black History Month transcends a designated period—it’s a reminder of the indelible contributions of Black individuals across history and today. It invites reflection on the past, engagement in the present, and a commitment to shaping a future grounded in inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Whether you’re a student, professional, or community member, this month invites you to participate in a movement that honors history, celebrates progress, and advocates for a brighter tomorrow.

Interview with Shaazia Terry: A Journey of Faith and Resilience

On By Naty MatosIn ArticlesLeave a comment

Welcome back to The Rising Muse, where we bring you inspiring stories of individuals who have overcome tremendous challenges to find their purpose and share their gifts with the world. Today, we have the pleasure of introducing Shaazia Terry, a young Christian author who has turned her life’s trials into a testament of faith and resilience. Join us as we delve into Shaazia’s journey, from experiencing homelessness to becoming a beacon of hope through her writing and music.

Shaazia Terry’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Reflecting on what led her to become homeless, Shaazia shared, “Yeah, at the time, both my mom and I were homeless. I left my job, which led to our situation.” This challenging period in her life profoundly shaped her perspective on faith and life. “It taught me to depend on God. It strengthened my faith as He came through and provided for my needs,” she said.

Raised in the church, Shaazia always believed in God, but it wasn’t until a significant personal loss that her faith deepened. “I always believed in God and was raised in the church, but I never had a personal relationship with Him. That changed after my mom died,” she recounted. This pivotal moment inspired her to rededicate her life to God.

Shaazia has been writing stories and songs since she was 14 years old. After her mother’s death and subsequent healing, she felt a new calling. “After the Lord healed me following my mom’s death, I decided to change my writing to glorify Him and help others through my God-given gifts,” she explained. The themes of hope and encouragement permeate her work, as she aims to show that “with God, all things are possible.”

Her latest book, “God’s House,” embodies these themes. Shaazia provided some insights into what readers can expect: “Readers can expect to see through this story that even when you accept God’s call, life isn’t always easy. It shows love, family secrets, and most importantly, that God is what gets you through each trial and struggle. No one is perfect, and that’s why we need God and His guidance, no matter what challenges come our way.”

The impact of losing her mother is a recurring theme in Shaazia’s life and work. “My mother’s death changed me. It made me more forgiving and loving towards people. It showed me that I wasn’t putting God first and that I needed to always do so. As hard as her death was, I wouldn’t change it. Pain led to purpose and brought me closer to God in a way I had never been before,” she shared. This profound transformation has fueled her purpose and driven her to share her testimony on platforms like YouTube and Facebook, bringing hope through her music and stories.

When asked for advice for those facing similar hardships, Shaazia emphasized the importance of seeking God. “For those experiencing homelessness, I would say seek God, spend time with Him, read your word, and keep Him first. For those losing a loved one, it does get better. God will heal you and your heart, and it can be better than when the person was alive. Trust God, invite Him in; you don’t have to be alone. He wants to be there for you and take your pain away.”

Shaazia hopes her work will inspire others to never give up, especially in times of struggle. “I hope my work shows people to never give up, no matter what it looks like. When struggles come, hold closer to God. He can’t fail, and He is unbeatable. You can put your faith in Him,” she said.

Reflecting on her journey of faith and personal growth, Shaazia expressed gratitude for surrendering her life to God. “Looking back, I am so glad that I surrendered my life to Him and embraced the work He is doing in me. If not, I wouldn’t be who I am now,” she noted. A favorite scripture that has guided her is Genesis 50:20, where Joseph says, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive as they are today.”

In closing, Shaazia left our audience with a powerful message: “Never give up and always trust God. Give your gifts back to the One who gave them to you and make sure to always forgive.”

Conclusion

Shaazia Terry’s journey is a powerful reminder of the strength and hope that can be found in faith. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of trusting in God and using one’s gifts to uplift others. We encourage our readers to follow Shaazia on Facebook and YouTube channel to stay updated on her inspiring work.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more inspiring interviews and stories. Thank you for reading The Rising Muse, and until next time, keep rising!

Remembering 9/11: United We Stand

On By Naty MatosIn Articles, Inspirational ThoughtsLeave a comment
Photo by Aidan Nguyen on Pexels.com

Today marks the 22nd anniversary of the most significant terrorist attack on American soil, a day etched into the collective memory of our nation. On September 11, 2001, we watched in disbelief as the Twin Towers crumbled, a plane struck the Pentagon, and Flight 93, with brave passengers on board, plummeted to the earth. These tragic events shook our nation to its core, but they also revealed the indomitable spirit and unity of the American people.

Coming Together in Crisis:

Amidst the horror and chaos of that fateful day, something extraordinary happened. People from all walks of life and corners of the country came together to offer their assistance. Strangers became heroes as they rushed to the disaster areas, risking their own safety to save lives and provide support. The tragedy forced us to confront our own mortality and reevaluate our priorities.

Rediscovering Faith and Family:

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

In the wake of 9/11, many turned to faith for solace and understanding. Houses of worship saw an influx of people seeking comfort and guidance. Families, separated by time and distance, reached out to one another, not just to check on their well-being in affected areas but also as a profound reminder of the fragility of life.

The Divisions That Have Emerged:

Over the past 22 years, our nation has weathered many storms. However, we’ve also witnessed a troubling trend of division and discord. Our differences have taken center stage, overshadowing our commonalities. It’s time to remember the unity we once found in the face of adversity.

Seeking Common Ground:

We may not always agree on the path forward, but we must remember that we all want the same thing: a better future for our nation. It’s crucial to set aside our differences and engage in constructive dialogue. We should return to the table, identify our shared goals, and work together to find common ground.

A Nation Under God:

In a nation as diverse as ours, we must cherish the values that unite us. It’s time to put aside division and embrace cooperation. Together, we can ensure that the sacrifices made on 9/11 were not in vain, and we can build a brighter future for all Americans. United we stand, divided we fall—let’s choose unity.

The idea of America being a Christian nation is a topic of debate. However, if we truly believe that we are one nation under God, then we should have no trouble finding ways to compromise for the greater good. A house divided cannot stand, and it is our duty to ensure our nation remains united and strong.

As we commemorate the 22nd anniversary of 9/11, let us not only remember the lives lost and the bravery displayed that day but also the unity and resilience of the American people. We should never forget the lessons we learned on that fateful day, lessons of coming together in times of crisis, rediscovering our faith and family bonds, and seeking common ground despite our differences.

Confessions of a control freak

On By Naty MatosIn Writing HappeningsLeave a comment

By Brian Peart

I have had heartbreak in my life, early death of a father, a failed business after the
recession of 2008, issues with my kids. But nothing could compare to the pain I
felt when I lost my wife. She was the great love of my life, a fairy tale story if
there ever was one. And now it was gone. She was off at the lake forming another
life and I was at home crying to Ed Sheeran. She said I was a “control freak” and
that I was verbally abusive. To be clear, I never hit her…there was no physical
violence, but you can tear down a person with words and apparently, that is what I
was doing. At first, I said she was crazy but at one of my lowest points it dawned
on me…maybe there was something to what she said.
As I began to look into what makes a control freak it became increasingly clear, the
heart of the control freak is fear. For me, this fear was based on insecurity. She
was beautiful and amazing and deep down, I did not think I deserved someone like
her. That led to a fear of losing her which led to my subtle and not so subtle
attempts to control the situation. The heart of a control freak is fear-fear of losing
control causes you to try harder to keep control…and in the end, the thing you fear
often happens anyway. So now I knew the cause of why I acted that way, but what
was the cure? I went to the ultimate source of wisdom, the Bible, to find out how
to stop this pattern and came across this verse, “Perfect love casts out fear”. Ah
Ha! That’s it. Perfect love casts out fear…I knew then I had to dive into the Bible
and get to the heart of love to conquer this fear once and for all. That journey led
to the writing of my book, “Perfect Love”. I feel the Lord led me through some
carefully orchestrated steps to walk me from my bitterest defeat-the loss of my
wife-to my greatest victory. Within 4 months my book was written and within 6
months it was published. Writing that book healed me, but more importantly God
showed me a simple strategy to help ANYONE who has experienced heartbreak
and defeat to rise above and get back to the victorious life Jesus promised when He
said, “I come to give you life to the full. “ And if that was the end of the story, it
would be a great victory. But God was not done.
Unbeknownst to me, my ex wife found a copy of the book and read it. At first she
was put off but the Lord guided her to read it a second time and it changed her life.
Divorce is never one sided, there are always two people in every marriage. She
had habits and issues herself and amazingly, the book spoke to her as well. She
reached out to me, we started dating again and now are re-married! Reconciled!
Praise the Lord what an Amazing Grace! God’s Grace is the key my friends, His
love is overflowing. When you are in doubt, when you are down, when you are
struggling, you need only to look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and
you will find peace. His Grace is sufficient for you!

19095577_1521594441247778_4644025883748247842_o (1)Brian Peart is a man sold out to God.  He lives in Monroe, Georgia and owns a mortgage company.  Brian is happily married and father to seven children with a granddaughter on the way.  Brian has laid out a battle plan in his book that takes you from the feeling of an epic fail, to the greatest point in your life.  He calls this a “God Help Book” and if you let the Lord lead you, with the simple steps in this book, you will be amazed at the results.

Brian Peart is author of a book entitled “Perfect Love”. In it he powerfully
reminds us of who we are, and steps out a simple plan to gain and keep a
victorious life all year long.

perfect love book cover

 

Ending of the new beginning

On By Naty MatosIn Inspirational Thoughts, Short StoriesLeave a comment

NaNo-2017-Winner-Badge

Today is the last day for NaNoWriMo and I can count myself a winner. It’s a thrilling feeling, as I had paused my writing for longer than I expected. I’m also excited about feeling fulfilled like I do when I write a good story.

I have to admit that I’m not thrilled with “ Christmas in London”, my NaNo novel. I guess it will take a lot of rewrites. I know stories have lives of it’s own, but this one really went left from what I had planned.

Today I also started my writing course. It will take me about a year to complete. This is something that I’ve been wanting to do for a long time, but never thought I could. In a leap of faith and a friend who found the course, I’m really excited to be able to improve the talents that God gave me.

My first class is on short stories, which is ironically how I started my public writing career. I published the short story “The Janitor” as part of an anthology. The story of a troubled man seeking answers, stops at a local church. There he meets the church’s janitor who has some very wise words for him.

My favorite short story, which I’ve only publish within a writer’s website it’s “ Waffles and Coffee”. This is the story of a Christian family that loses perspective of life and each other because they’re lost in their routines and ministry commitments. They learn that the simple things in life can mean more than grand gestures. They also learned that those small gestures are what keep relationships healthy.

short stories

As part of my course I’m reading “ Schaum’s Quick Guide to Writing Great Short Stories” by Margaret Lucke. The first few pages were things that I already knew, but as I keep reading I’m getting more intrigued about the content. It’s going to be a good ride.

Share with me what new journey  you are about to embark, even if you have not made any steps towards it. Remember, everything starts with an idea.  (Yes, I got that from the book !)

Before I go, Happy Anniversary to The Rising Muse. On and off we’ve been at this for 8 years and God willing many more ahead.

HA

 

Until next time,

Be blessed.

Naty

Happy Anniversary The Rising Muse

On By Naty MatosIn Writing Happenings2 Comments

The reality is that I’ve been so busy and this date snuck up on me. I can’t believe that I started this journey 5 years ago. I have been writing since I was  14 years old, but on a day like this day I decided that it was time to share what God had given me.

Today is not a day to congratulate me, as all I did was share. Today is a day of gratitude for all of you who have come to shared with me your own experiences, my good and growth opportunity moment. I’m grateful for all of you who have supported this dream and have allowed me to meet so many wonderful people.

Today I celebrate YOU!

anniversary

 

As a token of my appreciation to all my readers, my latest book “A Brother’s Vow” will be #99cents from today until through Sunday.  It’s yours to enjoy!

 

Thank you

ABV