BTB Winter Retreat 2019

Good morning my loves! The beginning of this year has been a transformation to say the least, and you will never guess how much has changed in such a short time! Although my initial change transpired began before the “BTB Winter Retreat 2019”, I’m going to give you a quick backstory about everything.

Last year, I was the go to advocate for excuses, motivation-LESS, and truly carrying the weight of what should have been dead in my life a long time ago. Fast forward to now, I have had a refreshing in my spirit, my mind, and body.

I began this year fasting for 21 days which i COMPLETED! Yes, I said that magical word. COMPLETED. Afterwards, I had a real reality observation and decided to act on things that would ground me better spiritually. Then, we approach February 1, 2019.

I could not have prepared myself for what would happen starting that day.

It was a pleasure to be picked as the photographer and assistant to Tenisha Bibbs for her “Behind the Beauti Winter Retreat” that weekend. My God, I tell you, what I am about to share with you all, should move you to be curious about what this movement is all about.

On the first day, we of course had a hilarious, yet fun ride there with all the locals. I guess we were driving too slow for them. (Even though we were already like 10 mph over the speed limit.) The closer we got to the house, the more lost we became. I mean, we went in a circle so many times, but that’s the beauty of a road trip right? Right.

Oh my goodness, I have to tell y’all, Ms. Tenisha had me rolling when she saw a deep cliff on the passenger side. She dropped her phone, her eyes bugged out, and I promise she almost stuttered. We laughed so hard about that tears were falling. So that’s my warning if you decide to be adventurous and go up in the mountains.

After we finally circled around for a bit and found the home, it was GO time. We all buckled down for those who were present, and flipped that house. We had a deadline to get the decorations done, tables up, food set up and more. Thankfully, we did it and it felt good when it was done.

Later that night, we commenced our night by getting to know each other, pleasuring our taste buds with an amazing dinner by Chef V, and a small fireside chat with Morale Ocain. I was so adamant about sleeping in the room with others because didn’t want to be that bear in the room. When I get a good sleep, I’m out like a light. Nonetheless, I climbed my happy hips on the top bunk and enjoyed my roomies. They were perfect.

Next day, we were blessed with a powerful sunrise prayer and mediation. The power of the Holy Spirit fell so heavily, I could barely take pictures. I felt such a weight of relief, healing, and peace like the hand of God stretched forth and touched each one of us. Once prayer was over, Mrs. Jean Turner led the ladies in a morning stretch and Glory Walk. We then followed with Breakfast, Coffee, and Conversation and that’s when we really hit the meat of the day. We also enjoyed another catetered meal from Chef V for lunch!

We spent the entire day with speakers such as April Reason, Kristole Pierce, Faye Shaw, Jean Turner, and Yvette Gavin.

These speakers were on fire! I also wanted to share the reason why I chose these pictures. When you look at them, they all tell a story. I belive that is where the beauty comes in, because these are raw, uncut, and down to the core. These are speakers who didn’t sugarcoat anything and they shared what needed to shared.

Starting from Mrs. Yvette Gavin to April Reason, the anointing just flowed down. April set the platform and made the room an altar. When I tell you, she gathered us altogether and then prayed for Ms. Tenisha! My God did she pray a hedge of protection over her. Afterwards, I felt an unction to get my healing. Why? Because, the atmosphere was conducive for a shift to take place. Before I knew it, I was on the floor praising God for what I didn’t know was being held onto was finally released off of my spirit.

ABSOLUTELY POWERFUL I TELL YOU.

After we gathered ourselves from what I call chuch (insert southern accent) we had a few activities to enjoy from jewelry making with Ayana Glaze to an image styling session later that night with Marcella Thomas. Some of the other ladies enjoyed Massages by Mac while others rested up and enjoyed the company of one another.

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I truly believe we slept very well that night with a packed day. My heart is so full from meeting the ladies to the conclusion of the event. It really gave me a different perspective on how to allow my purpose to be manifested from healing.

If you are interested in attending the next retreat, I have a surprise for you. Registration is open to purchase tickets early, but we are also having a “Behind the Beauti Experience Conference” coming up July 19th and 20th at the Cobb Galleria in Atlanta, GA. Stay tuned for more to come! Learn about your true BEAUTI!