Shanique Shand: Equipped to impact through words

What began as only an item on her vision board has come to pass and Shanique Shand can now enjoy the satisfaction of being referred to as a published author.

Like many children who weren't extroverts, Shand found pleasure and release in sharing her thoughts with her journal.

Writing, she explained, was also a way of documenting the things God downloaded in her spirit.

She said, "I always knew I would be an author, because I believe I could add value to people's lives through that medium. It was only for me to wait for the appointed time for the manifestation."

So, with little funds and a lot of faith, Shand told Family & Religion, she began pursuing her book.

"I was asking God how, because I didn't have the money to afford a book coach. As if by divine appointment, a Facebook friend of mine, who is an author, made a post about helping a few people to publish their book. I expressed my interest and she assisted me along the way by giving guidance, sharing resources and accountability - free of cost," she said, adding that since the connection she didn't stop until her book was complete.

PUBLISHED LAST MONTH

Equipped to Impact: A 40 Day Journey to an Empowered Life was the God-revealed title under which a faithful Shand would issue a book she had for years dreamt of writing.

From her vision board to the electronic shelves of Amazon and Book Fusion, her guide was published on November 12.

The 25-year-old entrepreneur, who operates a business called Bee Phenomenal International, said her book was self-published under said label as she hopes to use as a coaching tool in her quest to help people 'Bee Phenomenal".

"I love to empower and equip people, and I believe this title represented the content and would position this book as a tool of biblical inspiration and empowerment.

"This book is for anyone who is desirous of increasing their impact in the world. With the biblical prescriptions for empowered living, both Christians and non-Christians can use the Word of God as a tool to overcome and achieve the impossible. I want people to know that once you read, understand and apply the Word of God, every dream is achievable, no mountain is insurmountable. It will equip you to impact your personal life, people, communities, country and the world," she said, adding that its biblical principles and methodologies are universal to any age group and gender.

PERSONAL PROCESS

Speaking on her personal process to becoming equipped to impact, Shand mentioned that those who knew her during her childhood marvel today at her confidence.

A miracle in motion, as she calls herself, the young woman spoke of how God transformed and emboldened her, a blessing she credits to her selfless commitment to 'my Christian faith'.

Shand, who wore the crown of Miss St Ann Festival Queen 2016, said, "My source of empowerment stems from my 13-year relationship with Jesus Christ, and my daily manual for empowered living is the Word of God. I have experienced it and I want others to do the same through my book. There are days I sit and reminisce on the process I went through to get here. It was difficult - academic failures and disappointments, financial stress, confusion, regrets and sadness - but it made me into a better woman.

"God's plans are perfect. Submission to a plan that is not yours is never easy, but I am fully submitted to God's will for my life. My desire is to continue being a representation of Him on earth and fulfil my purpose as an author, speaker, worship leader, coach, entrepreneur and philanthropist while doing so."

familyandreligion@gleanerjm.com