Welcome to Elle Divine!
*** Disclaimer: In sharing the story of Elle Divine, when first person language is used it is Erika Lamara (CEO and Founder) speaking.
Elle Divine is a movement to bring light to darkness. This movement began in my heart with the desire to co-labor with the Holy Spirit to ignite that light within every woman encountered by this movement. The Elle Divine movement empowers and supports women by providing a platform for women to use their God-given voices and step into purpose. It is an avenue for women to be in community with one another because the fact is, we are more powerful together than we are alone! Through the featured blog, you will find a collection of writings: my thoughts and my life story/experiences (past, present, and of a hopeful future). As well as, the thoughts and life stories of women who are a part of the Elle Divine community. Through Empowered TV, women will have the opportunity to speak their truth and highlight their expertise; as well as engage in topics current to the times as it pertains to womanhood. In addition, through our hosted conferences, workshops, and retreats women will have ample opportunity to grow, build community, and be the beacons of light God has purposed them to be. Lastly, we believe in missions and have partnered with Divine Ministries of Haiti! Therefore, women will have the opportunity to join us in our love for missions, get involved, and support the work of God!
Elle Divine is a place of strength, hope, and empowerment. My hope is that you will see God’s fingerprint from beginning to end in every word shared and every experience had through this movement; that it would propel you to do and be what God has purposed you for in this world.
This movement seeks to R.I².S.E., the next Beacons of Light. Elle Divine wants to cultivate a culture that believes in and lives by R.I².S.E.:
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- Recognize all things can be REDEEM (ed).
- INSPIRE a fresh perspective, and IGNITE hope, boldness, and courage from deep within.
- STRENGTHEN women’s faith, trust, and belief in God.
- EMPOWER women to be their authentic self and to activate their God given voice.
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My hope is that you can always walk away motivated to R.I².S.E. and say YES to God. Sharing your life story and being that beautiful shining beacon of light that God purposed you to be in your family, your community, and in the world at large. Elle Divine is a movement that seeks to leave a legacy and to make history with and within each of its readers’ lives. This movement begins with Elle Divine, however continues with you.
What is darkness and how do we RISE above it?
Darkness will look differently for every individual. For some it may be a painful past, disappointment, negative thoughts/feelings, shame, or guilt. For others it may be depression, oppression, loss, hurt, failures, rejection, and the list goes on and on. Darkness is relative to the person. Oftentimes, the root of our darkness is set by lies of the world, negative experiences, unhealthy relationships, and the lies Satan has told you about yourself and your life. By proclaiming God’s truth over your life and telling your story, you break the hold that darkness has on you (Refer to Revelation 12:11). Our silence gives power to darkness. Modern day society has taught us to live in secrecy emulating perfection through silencing our struggles and demonstrating strength through neglecting our emotions and experiences. We are somehow made to believe that we are weak and discrediting God’s power if we share what pains us. Wouldn’t Satan love for us to continue to believe these lies, and neglect the facts?!
The facts are: One, God is the only perfect being. Two, strength is not determined by what we hide, rather it is by endurance, perseverance, and resilience that true strength is determined. To activate your voice, you must first know what message your voice will speak. There is one significant way you can do so, and that is by identifying your darkness. Identification does not mean you give into your darkness, instead it means you recognize it. Then you make the choice to allow it to empower your voice and not defeat your voice. It is time we take the power back and choose to say, “Nope! Not me! Not anymore! I have value! What I have gone through does not define me and it does not end here!” Sharing has the power to help you grow, learn, heal, and break you free of living in the shadow of darkness. Let us break free together!
Every person has a light within them that can shine in any amount of darkness. It is ignited by the Holy Spirit and this light is God’s way of partnering with us to demonstrate His Glory through His children. This light is as unique as your fingerprint and it is God’s purpose that you let it shine in this world. Sing as David did in 2 Samuel 22:29, “O Lord, you are my lamp. The Lord lights up my darkness.”
Let us R.I².S.E. together!
God Bless You!
Your sister in Christ and fellow Beacon,
Erika Lamara
Inspirational music: O Come What May (It Is Well) by Calvary Music, Rise Up by Andra Day, Change the World (feat. Hollyn) by Derek Minor, Heart on Fire by Citipointe Worship