This month’s woman is the spotlight I have grown so fond of. I love this sister in Christ. She is such an inspiration. I met her back in May 2010 and I know it wasn’t by chance we met. I believe it was the plan of God. I was struggling with some personal issues in life and while surfing facebook found myself on the “Broken But Not Defeated” page, which is where our paths crossed. She and I began to talk, and a bond was formed with this angel with inward wings. There was so much hope and positive reading on this page that I couldn’t stop returning to it, and ultimately sharing it with those on my friend list. I was overjoyed to see that some of them have gone over to read and be comforted by the encouraging words posted there.
The sweet sister that overseers this page is Candice Cruz..
Candice is a devoted Mother, Entrepreneur, Actress, and an extended hand to the Body of Christ. From a very young age she always had a heart for people. She use to give away every gift she was given as a child to friends who didn’t have. She never fit in with the crowd and was a loner. Not feeling a part of this world, at the age of seventeen she tried to take her life. Feeling like a complete failure and hopeless, she got in her car with a bottle of high proof rum with plans to drive into a brick wall along the highway. After consuming the strong drink and not getting intoxicated Candice knew that night that life was bigger than her problems. Tears flowed from her eyes until nothing was left. She gave her life to Christ that very night on the highway.
Candice always had a passion for the Arts. At the age of seven she would stand in front of the mirror and just purposely cry for no reason. But little did she know it was preparing her for a journey that she would face throughout her acting career. Being a woman of God in the entertainment world is no simple task. She thrives to set an example that God is with you wherever you go, and in all things we must stand for righteousness. She has turned down roles she felt compromised her beliefs and standards of being a woman of God. She stands on the word that says, “ we should never conform to the things of this world but be transformed by the word of God”. ..Romans 12:12
Her tenacity to be a mentor and friend to the friendless only continued to grow. Her love is unconditional and never wavers. She walks by Faith daily as she faces the storms and difficulties in her career and personal life. She believes standing on the word of God has bought her threw many disappointments but with God she rises above all of them. Candice works diligently to bring to life her organization “Hands of Hope“. The Organization is geared towards housing teenagers aged out of Foster Homes, and rehabilitating teenage prostitutes. She believes that anyone can change and with the light of Christ stand and be a living example to all that God can take what/who/ where you are in life and work his master plan created especially for you.
Enjoy and be encouraged as I share with you the woman to woman chat I had with Candice Cruz.
W2W: Candice, what a wonderful testimony you have. There are many “broken” people in the world all around us today, some that know God, and some that don’t. What special message of hope can you give the two?Candice: Broken But Not Defeated was created in a time of her life when the hardest challenges in her marriage were faced. God has poured into her so faithfully. She felt it her duty to give back to a world that may be hurting and in need of encouragement and comfort that only the word of God can provide. Standing on her faith and still moving forward with her daily life she continues to press on. Her strength comes from sowing seeds of Hope into the lives of those searching. God is no respecter of persons, he can do it for her he will do it for you. She believes as sisters and brothers in Christ we should be lifting each other up daily. We go through the test for the testimony that can bring hope, restoration and encouragement to those who feel no hope exist.
In life we go through storms and trials that we feel will never end. You may be coming out of one or going in one. But the good news is God is close to the broken hearted. He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3. Be encouraged and of good faith. This too shall pass.
If I can put new hope within the heart of one who has lost hope, If I can help a brother or sister up some difficult long slope, that seems too steep for tired feet to go, If I can help them climb Into the light upon the hill's far crest, I shall begrudge no time or strength that I spend, for well I know how great may be their need. If I can help through any darkened hour, I shall be glad indeed.
W2W: How do you balance it all, Mother, Actress, Entrepreneur, and Messenger of hope?Candice: The key word is "Balance". My family is far more important to me than any career I could ever have. I know what my priorities are and what’s important in getting things done without lacking in other areas. Time doesn't come I have to make time for each area of my life. Giving Hope to others is like breathing and walking. Its natural. I don't like to see people discouraged or hopeless because in God there is always hope.
W2W: Sister, you are truly a Faith walker. What are a few scriptures you draw strength, and hope from daily?
Candice: It's hard for me to pick my favorites the list would go on. The entire word of God is built on Faith and Hope and that truly comes by having a relationship with Christ. We can say the words and recite the scriptures but if it's not written in our hearts and built on a solid foundation a commune with the father then they are just words. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11: 6...Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, my soul has no pleasure in him. Hebrews 10: 38...For we walk by faith, not by sight....2 Corinthians 5: 7
W2W: Christ always being First, who else is, or has been an inspiration to you, past or present and why?Candice: My parents are a big inspiration to me. They are my solid foundation through good and bad they where always there to encourage me. Who I am today is because of them. However my Spiritual mom Pastor Karen Clark is an enormous influence in the Woman of God I am today. Mrs. Clark showed me and my family what it means to really love like Christ. As a teacher, a mom, a friend, a confidant my walk today in Christ is due to her unwavering diligence and uncompromising ways of truly SHOWING me as a LIVING example characters being a mighty woman of God. She always gives the truth whether or not I like the answers. She will never compromise the word of God. She has taught me how to be a better wife, mother, vessel, servant and she has stretched me beyond what I thought I was capable of. Her love, her teaching, her spiritual connection to me is for an eternity. Mrs. Clark has taught me how to pray effectively, and that can only happen when we earnestly pray the WORD of God.
W2W: What is one of the hardest challenges have you’ve faced in life and how did you make it through?Candice: One of the hardest challenges I have ever faced was problems with in my marriage. Marriage is the biggest treats to the enemy. "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst." Matthew 18:20. If we give the devil a foot hold in to our lives and family he will stop at nothing to destroy it. But greater is he that is in me than he that is in the world. I have overcome it by the blood of the lamb and word of my testimony. Perfect love casts out all fear. We must learn to love each other as Christ loves us. Everyday wont smell like roses but everyday can be overcome with love and kindness towards one another.
W2W: What are some of the obstacles you have faced being a “Woman of God” in the entertainment business? I know it must bring many challenges to the table for you.Candice: WOW. Where to start? There are many challenges. The entertainment business is a Beast. This business is not for the faint of heart. As a woman of God we really have to be grounded and spiritually built up. For many in this business and open door is an open door. For myself an open door doesn’t mean that particular job is for me. I’m not seeking the worlds approval only Gods. He who is last shall be first. There are jobs that I won’t do, many see my choice as foolish but at the end of the day my reward for standing with integrity is some much bigger than what was before me. I don’t feel I have to expose myself to have a successful career. It’s a world where people are rude, cut throat, malicious and every other unscrupulous trait you can think of. But just because I’m in that world doesn’t mean I have to conform to it or be someone I’m not to fit in. Life is the same for all of us, we face obstacles in whatever field where in. God is with us where ever we go. And we have to maintain the same Godly principles whatever the situation is. Temptation is a real need carried out in the wrong way.
W2W: What do you feel is one of your greatest accomplishments in life thus far?
Candice: Raising happy, healthy, prosperous young men of God my sons are an amazing accomplishment and witness to never give up on our children no matter how terrible the circumstances may seem. But my greatest accomplishment was when I let go of who I thought I was and allowed God to make me into who I am. With the ability to love those around me unconditionally has set my life up for greater accomplishments to come.
W2W: Who are some of your favorite gospel artists, and are there any particular songs out today that touch your spirit in a special way?
Candice: I love so many, Ce Ce Winans, Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams, Third Day, Steven Curtis Chapman, Shirley Caesar, Nicole C Mullen and the list goes on and on. My most inspirational songs are Yolanda Adams “It’s Gonna Be Nice” this song has helped me through some rough times in my life. Ce Ce Winans “Alabaster Box” always brings tears to my eyes and an outpouring praise to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Donnie McClurkin’s “ Create in Me a Clean Heart” builds my spirit and renews my mind.
W2W: How is the progression of your organization “Hands of Hope” ?Candice: Hands of Hope is an organization geared to help and rehabilitate young women turned to a life of prostitution and teenagers who are aged out of foster care and various programs. Candice has opened her heart and home for a place of refuge those that needed a safe place and has continued to do so. Hands of Hope is in the early stages of development. A facility has been sought out to house at least 100 women and children. I have not seeked any donations as yet. Hands of Hope will become non-profit eventually. I am using my own personal finances to start the process. I am very excited about it and eagerly working towards signing with Vocational schools and various programs throughout the community. The website is now under construction and will be made available in the months to come.
W2W: How can we as your siblings in Christ be in prayer for you and your family?Candice: The best prayer that anyone can pray for me and my family, is praying the WORD! It is the most effective and fervent prayer. Always pray the WORD and Will of God.
Woman 2Woman Lounge thanks Candice for giving of her time and sharing personal revelations from her heart with us. God Bless you my sister, stay sweet, be blessed and keep in touch.You can visit and find out more about Candice and her ministry by clicking either title below:
Broken But Not DefeatedCandice Cruz
