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Dorothy Bracy Alston is an author, freelance writer, photo journalist, adjunct English professor, consultant, community activist, philanthropist, and ministry servant. A born teacher, avid reader, writer, researcher, public speaker, prayer strategist, and minister with a love for learning. Her desire to see individuals and organizations succeed in their various projects and endeavors led her to form CISBA Communication Services.

CISBA Associates, along with CISBA Communication Services (its affiliate) helps individuals, faithbased, charitable, educational, along with small and emerging businesses with consulting and communication services to become successful in their projects and business ventures.

Faithbased leaders, ministers, and philanthropist are servants at heart. They serve the public in various ways. Dorothy is particularly interested in assisting these leaders prepare their plethora of inspirational messages for publication.

Dorothy has been a freelance writer for the Millington Star and the New Tri-State Defender for several years. As a freelance writer and journalist, Dorothy has covered major educational, religious, political, social and philanthropic events in the Memphis community.

Several of her articles have appeared both locally and on a national platform. Two of her favorite and most memorable journalistic assignments were to cover the iconic movie premier about the "Red Tails," and shortly thereafter to cover the memorial services of one of the last Red Tail survivors,

Lt. Luke Weathers.


Dorothy's article on Lt. Luke Weather's contribution to aviation was shared nationally and internationally and appeared on the website of (former) United States Congressman Charles Rangel (D/NY).

http://rangel.house.gov/news/articles/2012/01/memphis-born-red-tails-airman-buried-with-honors.shtml

As a journalist Dorothy contirbuted in announcing the selection of the Catholic's most beloved pope, Pope Francis. A quote from her article stated; “Habemus papam!” Latin for, “We have a new pope!” It was a history making moment as a crowd of tens of thousands of Catholics greeted their first non-European Jesuit pope, Wednesday (March 13) at the square in Vatican City. The 76-year-old Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, now known as Pope Francis I, from Buenos Aires, Argentina begins with an impressive legacy.

In a remarkably fast conclave, 115 cardinals made the decision to select the Catholic Church’s first pope from the Americas, the first from outside Europe, and the first Jesuit."

CISBA Communication Services allowed Dorothy to expand her writing and communication services into other venues and markets, as well as in academia, as an adjunct English professor.

CISBA Communication Services, as a market place ministry, is the publishing and marketing arm of CISBA Associates and its other ministry affiliates.

CISBA (CCS) prepares and publishes books and workbooks, develops and writes curriculums, articles, newsletters, presentations, and other necessary print resources needed to provide helpful information and educational resources to the body of Christ and beyond. These resources are kingdom based and will enable the partaker to learn and practice various kingdom strategies that will assist them in growing into the fullness of Christ and becoming knowledgeable of how to overcome our chief enemy-Satan.

For information on services provided by CISBA Communication Services, contact Dorothy at CisbaAssociates@gmail.com.

Dorothy Bracy Alston Enjoys Her Work as Freelance Writer and Journalist

As a freelance writer, photo journalist, and aurhor, it has afforded Dorothy Bracy Alston various opportunities to meet, interview and have photo opts with groundbreaking and history making African Ameircan leaders.

Dorothy was particularly honored to have a 90-minute exclusive interview with a National Freedom Awards recipient, Dr. Bernard Lafayette Jr., who was the late civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s chief lieutenant and field administrator. Lafayette was the 2012 recipient of this prestigious award, given annually by the National Civil Rights Museum, in Memphis.

As a celebrated chief lieutenant of Dr. King during the civil rights movement, Lafayette is currently a Distinguished-Senior-Scholar-in-Residence at Emory University's Candor School of Theology, in Atlanta, GA.

"I'm still in the movement. I have not retired. I'm still working very hard every day," said Lafayette, jokingly adding that, "I live on Delta Airlines."

"At Emory, I teach a graduate level course on the life and work of Martin Luther King, and in the spring, I teach a course on lessons that we've learned in the movement. It analyzes the different campaigns, and we go into the organizational structure and the strategy of what we learned in the movement," said Lafayette.

In addition to interviewing Dr. Lafayette, whose wisdom was exhilirating, I was again excited when given the opportunity to interview the first African American, U. S, Secretary of Education, Dr. Rod Paige. As an educator and English instructor, I was beyond excited.

Exceprts from Dorothy's published New Tri-State Defender Newspaper article included:

"Noted African American leader, Dr. Rod Paige, who along with President Obama, is a man of many firsts, was in town Saturday, April 20, as keynote speaker for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Beta Epsilon Chapter’s Second Annual Educational Advancement Foundation Scholarship Breakfast, hosted by Middle Baptist Church, Dr. Lester Baskins.

"Dr. Paige was the seventh United States Secretary of Education, the first African American and the first superintendent of schools to serve in this capacity. Appointed by President George W. Bush, Paige served from 2001 – 2005.

Paige’s commitment to education began in rural Mississippi, where he was born and raised. The oldest of four siblings; one of which is Dr. Raygene Paige, current EAF chair of this annual event. Their father was a principal and their mother a librarian. Paige says he and his siblings had no choice in whether or not they were going to college.

“I recall being asked by an elementary school student; ‘Why did you decide to go to college?’ The reason I decided to go to college is because I enjoyed breathing,” stated Paige to this youngster.

Paige admits, “That question never crossed my mind on whether or not I was going to college, because if I made the decision, I would have been out swimming or playing ball or something. We need to get back to making decisions for our children and get back there fast.”

Paige believes, “There’s no other way to advance us quicker to a place, other than education. Our problem is we’ve let the children be the adult. In my generation, our parents made the decisions for us. We didn’t make the decisions for ourselves.”

Dorothy has had many other wonderful and notable journalistic opportunities. She loves writing and continues to freelance as a journalist, but is currently working on her personal writing career.

Dorothy is the author of "How to Whup the Devil™ - A Spiritual Weapons Guide, available both in print, and as an eBook on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/How-Whup-Devil-Spiritual-Weapons-ebook/dp/B01KNNZKKI/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1476906597&sr=1-1&keywords=how+to+whup+the+devil.

Comming soon: "How to Whup the Devil™ Workbook. It will be available in both print and as an eBook.

For information, contact Dorothy at CisbaAssociates@gmail.com.

An Open Letter of Thanksgiving

It’s my belief that thanksgiving is a learned behavior. I can remember when I wasn’t so thankful, but as life progressed, I learned to look at life a lot differently and count my blessings. I learned to appreciate and be thankful for my parents and the seemingly little that we had, growing up.

Looking back, we had little compared to material possessions, but we had the greatest blessing of all… Love. My folks loved each other! They loved their family and they taught us to love one another. They’ve both gone on to be with the Lord, but the love they demonstrated and taught us still lives on in our lives.

There have been times when I looked at life from a worldly prospective; judging myself and my circumstances based upon how the world would view me. Then there were times I’ve assessed my condition and analyzed it through the eyes of spirit or from a godly perspective. For me, the latter has always been the most encouraging.

As we approach this Thanksgiving season (Nov 22), I’d like to contrast the two scenarios to validate why I’m thankful and blessed. One of my favorite quotes is from the Forrest Gump movie; “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’ll get out of it.” Those words have spoken volumes to me.

We can set goals, establish plans, put them into action, hope for the best, but in the end, we don’t always know the outcome. From all outward appearances, this year (2012) has been a challenging year, to say the least. I’ve faced some daunting personal challenges. I lost five family members this year: three maternal cousins, one paternal cousin and a paternal aunt; two of which were teens, who died to gun violence; but I can’t help saying, “Thank God I’m blessed. Life could be worst.” My mortgage is paid. The utilities are on. I have food in the fridge. I’m connected to the worldwide web through my mobile phone and Internet. I have transportation that gets me from point A to point B. I’m doing what I love—writing and teaching. I can go to the store and buy a piece or two, every now and then. From time to time, I can take a trip, just to get away and be refreshed. I’m not under the doctor’s care, nor do I take any medication. My health is good; I need to lose a few pounds, but who doesn’t these days. Even though my life has not turned out the way I planned it; I’m still blessed and thankful. Those closest to me are well. But most importantly, I have a host of family and friends who love me (the prayers and the non-prayers). I'm tremendously blessed and loved.

For people in New York and New Jersey, several weeks ago, it was life as usual. How could they know they would become victims of "Hurricane Sandy" and be homeless this Thanksgiving and Christmas? How did the folks in Indianapolis know that their homes would be blown up, through no fault of their own, by a neighbor’s faulty gas line? How did three families in Wisconsin know they’d be celebrating the holidays without their loved ones, because an estranged husband went to his wife’s job and murdered her and shot others close by?

Life is so uncertain. Who knows what you’ll get out of it, but as long as you’ve got breath in your body, there is hope. Hope that what’s coming is better than what you’re facing today. Hope that failure is not an option.

If Thomas Edison could fail 10,000 times and keep trying, what about you and me? Hope that this is temporary…this too shall pass. Psalms 23 says, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadows of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.” Things will get better.

I’m hopeful. I’m thankful and I’m appreciative to God for his multiplied blessings in my life. In all things, I give thanks to him because this too shall pass.

Things will get better; if we live our lives thanking God for the small things. One day, he’ll trust us with bigger things. Things will get better. This too shall pass!

Dorothy Bracy-Alston Conference

How to whup the devil

Not much is written on the subject of the devil and how to deal with him. A few Christian authors may tackle the topic from a historical point of view, explaining where he came from, how he was lifted up in pride and was kicked from heaven; and some reference the fact that he was once an angel who was in charge of the music or worship in heaven; but few talk about how he and his wicked spirits work in the earth to attack man. As a matter of fact, it appears that far too many preachers are afraid to tackle the subject at all.

Newly published author, Dorothy Bracy Alston has released a new book in order to awaken the world to the notion that the Devil is alive and well. CISBA Communication Services announces the release of minister Alston’s new book: How to Whup the Devil: A Spiritual Weapons Guide.

Many years ago, comedian Flip Wilson popularized the saying; “the devil made me do it.” That saying caught on like wildfire and people began to talk about the devil, even if it was only offhandedly. When you start talking about the devil; that means you’ve got to discuss demons and evil spirits and the supernatural; and that’s downright scary for some Christians…but not so with the secular world. Today you can turn the TV on to any major television network and you will see stories about the supernatural, ghosts and psychics: Bones; Ghost Whisperers; Supernatural; Wizards of Waverly Place, and so on. So, I figured if the world is not afraid to tackle supernatural subject matter, then why can’t Christians tackle it.

The bible says of Satan, Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it (John 8:44). The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10). We all need to grease down and whup the devil like he stole your last dollar—and more than likely it was him.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. (John 10:1). Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer (Proverbs 28:24). That's exactly who we need to "whup." His name is Satan, Lucifer, that old serpent, the devil. Let's give him two black eyes when we smack him upside the head with the Word of God.

CISBA believes Ms. Alston is on the cutting edge of an award winning best seller. Why, because who wouldn’t want to know how to "whup" the devil.

In Dorothy’s humorous approach to this topic, she says, “Whup him like he stole something;” that’s what my momma would have done to me had I brought something home that didn’t belong to me. And really he did steal something, because the bible describes the devil as one who comes to steal, kill and destroy.

If you’re looking for a how to guide on how to “whup” the devil, How to Whup the Devil: A Spiritual Weapons Guide is the book for you. It’s biblically sound with scripture references from the King James Version of the Bible, and it guides you on how to wage war with our chief enemy, Satan and win. We all need to get mad at the devil and whup the devil like he stole your last dollar—and more than likely it was him.

Minister Alston has been teaching and lecturing in the church and in other speaking circuits for the last 28 years. She loves to write, research, and teach. After receiving her MA in English: Professional and Technical Writing, she taught English as an adjunct professor and taught ESL at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen Czech Republic. Ms. Alston has sharpened her writing skills and continues to teach and write. Her new book: How to Whup the Devil: A Spiritual Weapons Guide, is the inspiration for this article. Stop by www.spiritualweaponsguide.blogspot.com, or contact CISBA Communication Services at cisbasssociates@gmail.com for more information on how you can book Minister Alston for speaking engagements and receive a copy of her book How to Whup the Devil: A Spiritual Weapons Guide available at CISBA Communication Services. Book orders are being filled when you order from CISBA Associates' PayPal account. Cost is $15.00, which includes shipping. All orders will be processed promptly and mailed through the United States Postal Services.

Communications & Writing Consultant

CISBA Associates is a business development and communications consulting firm that would love to help you with your business and administrative projects. If you are a an organization, career center, school (public or private), business, non-profit, for-profit or civic group, we can help you meet your organizational goals and objectives.

Our services include: project management; development of business strategies and solutions for advancement and growth; strategic planning; business and marketing planning; writing and research; workforce development, career counseling and coaching, and seminar and workshop facilitation.

Read our article on Tips for new non profit start-ups at Ezine Articles
Tips-Non-Profit Management For New Start Ups

Call on us for business writing, planning, research, project management and so much more

• Grant writing and research
• Proposal writing
• Business plans, booklets, brochures, fliers
• Strategic planning
• Resumes

Management

• Aid in establishing non-profit status
• Writing ByLaws
• Project management
• Workshop facilitation

CISBA's Advocacy, Goals and Objectives (for Parents and Youth)

Mission:
CISBA provides systems and resources to educate, empower, and develop the family into a prosperous and cohesive unit.

Vision:
CISBA develops and implement successful family programs and initiatives to be replicated nationally and internationally.

Goals and Objectives:
Treat families and customers with respect, honor and integrity

Meet families and customers where they are, with the express purpose to increase their capacity to progress and to meet their personal objectives

To train and provide resources to individuals, families, and organizations that will enable them to meet their personal goals and missions for success

Enhance and support educational entities through collaborative efforts with programs, services, initiatives, and strategies that will aid in completing their objectives

To aid in building programs, services, and systems within your organization to increase its capacity to successfully serve your target market

Workshop and Seminar Topics
o Parental Involvement
o Developing Parenting Skills
o Tips and Strategies on Engaging the Hard to Reach Parents
o Increasing Communication and Contact with Hard to Reach Parents
o Cultural Awareness and Diversity that Affects Traditional Parent Involvement
o What Parents Need to Know
o Increasing Fatherhood Association and Participation
o Relationship and Team Building
o Increasing Family Technology Skills
o Financial Literacy
o Youth Development
o Student Athletics and Academics
o Character Education
o Character Development
o Career Counseling and Coaching
o How to Know if Your Child is on Track for Graduation
o Behavioral and Mental Health for Gifted and Struggling Students
o The Importance of Mentoring for African American Males
o Putting Systems in Place to Grow Your Company