“You are not an accident. Even before the universe was created, God had you in mind and he planned you for his purposes. These purposes will extend far beyond the few years you will spend on earth because you were made to last forever” _ Rick Warren
Purpose to some is like a fleeting moment and just when it seems you’ve found it, something changes. Could it be that purpose is fluid or somehow a bigger part of our journey that leads us through a maze of life lessons or wisdom? The 2023 July-August Purpose Issue is here to help you better understand why you are alive and God’s amazing plan you. No longer should you ever ask “What on Earth am I here for?” Because inside the pages of this issue will be golden nuggets to guide you to the light Caroline!
https://issuu.com/theunleashedvoicemagazine/docs/tuv_magazine_purpose_issue
On the Cover: The Davis-Washington proudly stand as a unified family with their son Zak! Despite the odds stacked against them this couple has manage to build a legacy by celebrating their sixth wedding anniversary along with the newest addition to their family!
According to recent data it is estimated that same-sex couples make up 1 million U.S. households. Out of that 1 million number data suggests that 43% of same-sex couples have adopted or have step-children compared to 10% of opposite-sex households.
In the U.S. some states use to be able to prevent LGBT couples from adopting because of marital requirements. Now, LGBT couples cannot be denied the opportunity to adopt a child jointly from a public agency. As an extension of this ruling, a law banning gay adoption in Mississippi was overturned in 2016, making joint LGBT adoption legal in all 50 states. In 2017, the US Supreme Court reversed a state court’s ruling that gay married couples must get a court order to have both spouses listed on their children’s birth certificates.
Although these Supreme Court rulings should make adoption fair regardless of sexual orientation or preference, outdated state laws as well as the prevalence of private faith-based adoption agencies in some states make it more difficult to adopt for those who identify as LGBT.
Sources: https://www.lifelongadoptions.com/lgbt-adoption/lgbt-adoption-statistics
Meet The Gilkey’s who also started a family the untraditional route through IVF Treatment. After 10 years of being a couple they added a new bundle of joy to their family! 
Tiara, Baby River, and Phylicia Gilkey
Are you ready to Thrive in spite of? Dr. Umieca Hankton shares 5 tips to get you started on your “Thriving” journey! 
Thriving is a personal and purpose-filled declaration to oneself to flourish, succeed, and blossom in spite of the presence of adversity. Thriving is intentional and does not “happen to you;” you thrive by actively participating in your life. To be clear, a commitment to thriving does not mean life will not keep lif’ing. We cannot control if, when, or how life happens; we can only control what we do when life happens. A commitment to thriving means that regardless of life’s twists and turns, you will not cower, you will show up for yourself, and you will healthily address what needs to be addressed.
Dr. Umieca Hankton (Dr. U.) is a licensed clinical psychologist with over a decade of mental health treatment experience across multiple treatment settings. She is the founder of UNH Counseling Services, a behavioral health agency that deliberately focuses on the psychological health and wellness of BIPOC, LGBTQ+, college students, and clergy. To learn more about THRIVING, treatment options, and services offered, please visit www.UNHCounselingServices.com or call 901-300-9082.
Dr. Umieca Hankton
As always we strive to deliver the best articles for our readers to add value to their lives. Interested in writing, being featured, or would like to refer someone? Please email us at info@tuvmag.com
