Titus 2 Partnership Ministry for Women

Selling items to support Titus 2 Ministry for Women….

Variety of small decor or gift items. Choose any one or more items for a financial gift to Titus 2 Ministry. Vintage blue glass candlesticks, glass cloche with wood base, small decorative clay pottery or china trays, trifle bowl with decorative fruit, decorative boxes, small white clock, decorative mini flower pots, cardinal music box (Oh what a beautiful morning!), Milkglass lidded candy dish, wooden birdhouse, Burleigh floral pot, lamps, and more.

“The near enemy of love is attachment. Attachment masquerades as love. It says, I will love this person because I need them. Or, I'll love you if you'll love me back. I'll love you, but only if you will be the way I want. This isn't love at all - it is attachment - and attachment is rigid, it is very different from love.”
Jack Kornfield

A “near enemy” is an emotion or circumstance that feels enough like the real thing to be confused with it but is actually rooted in a very different motive or desire. If unrecognized for a lesser truth and embraced as the real thing, it becomes the obstacle that undermines one’s ability to experience the real thing. It becomes a counterfeit, a deception for which one settles….. until its true nature is revealed.

This is so obvious in individuals with attachment neediness and is reflected in dependent or co-dependent ways. If they find safety, significance, emotional and/or physical and relational needs being met by another, they immediately “love” that person. This warped view of love means the minute the person is not available or not meeting their needs and making them happy, they are rattled and off balance, unable to function alone. They may even rapidly cycle to anger, rage, and hate that they are no longer having their attachment needs met.

There are a lot of attachment needy people desperately grasping for someone or something to give them a sense of safety and significane. To them, having that neediness met defines their feeling of being “loved” by another. But they seldom know how to love another selflessly.

I had the joy of teaching The Way of the Beatitudes today to the ladies at Humble House! I love teaching the Word of God and how it comes alive to us by illumination of the Holy Spirit!

I have a family with a special needs 10 year old who have secured housing and are in need of a bed for the child, linens, dishes and other kitchen ware, bath linens, cleaning supplies, and more. If you can meet some of this need, please message me.

Titus 2 has 2 women in transitional residence in Lynn Haven area who are working new jobs and completing volunteer hours. They need bicycles to get to jobs that are easily within riding distance. If you have a bike that is available, please contact me.

I did not write this, but it speaks..
Much love y’all ♥️
~~~
The way people view you.
Sometimes I think about the different characters I play in everybody’s story.
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I’m a terrible person in some people's narratives and a Godsend in others.
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And none of it has anything to do with the person I truly am.
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The lens that others view you through is coloured by their upbringing, beliefs, and individual experiences.
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Some people see your bright personality as endearing and others see it as annoying.
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Some people think you’re weak and emotional and others feel safe to be themselves around you.
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Some people think you’re rude and selfish and others respect the way you stand up for yourself.
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Some people admire the way you take pride in the way you look and others think you’re conceited.
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And none of it has to do with who you truly are as a person.
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What you have to understand is that you have no authority over how people view you so never try to control the way others see you because the only thing that truly matters when the dust settles down at the end of the day is what you genuinely see in yourself.

In a recent gathering of women we were discussing some issues with our respective cell phones. With our pooled (yet very limited) wisdom we were able to resolve one woman’s issue after three of us brainstormed our knowledge of the possibilities. After several efforts, a simple but infrequently encountered solution was resolved with an “off” toggle of an obscure switch that only someone with multiple numbers and emails coming to one phone would recognize. We looked like heroes but it was mostly logic and God’s favor since we were at a Christian sister’s group luncheon! While our friend’s issue was resolved, mine was not. As I shared it among another group of Christian women one offered me an iphone as a donation to Titus 2 since she had gotten a new iphone 15 with her new smart home purchase. When I got it I decided to keep managing with mine as a reliable working cell phone was a serious need for a young married couple expecting a baby this summer for hubby to stay in touch his wife during his work day. The SIM card transferred from his worn out and obsolescing government provided phone. (AKA “Obama phone, as they have been called for years!) They feel much more secure about communication in these final weeks of pregnancy and in the newborn months to come.

Titus 2 has provided several dozen inexpensive Walmart “Straight Talk” phones as part of a life recovery student’s program needs or family community care case management over the last decade, but only a couple of donated iphones. If you are upgrading and willing to donate a cleared and unlocked cell phone, that can often mean improved access to employment and medical and mental health services, greater safety, and healthy social connection instead of isolation. They can be set up on prepaid accounts with major service providers and are far more serviceable for responsible, employed, hard-working individuals committed to living stable, productive lives.

For Titus 2 Partnership, Inc., even now without the 24/7 residence, I have individuals who have been provided temporary residence in my personal home while working through transitions. Titus 2 pays for all copying and supplies for teaching, all teaching resources that are needed, personal needs that are met by Titus 2’s resources when individuals do not have employment yet, to supplement the resources of the ministries with which we partner, for the Titus 2 vehicle, maintenance and servicing to get me to teaching classes, meetings, appointments with people, etc. So while many of the physical facility expenses of maintaining a 24/7 residence have been eliminated, all the other costs- transportation, PO box, office supplies and equipment, licensing, accounting, meeting community care needs in case management cases, etc. are all still in place. Titus 2 still needs monthly financial support.

In the last few months Titus 2 financed a short term no interest loan for purchase of a small trailer to place on a family member’s property to avoid homelessness for a young married couple expecting a baby. We held a baby shower for the expectant couple. We provided a no interest loan to a small business owner to help him get back on his feet after a temporary set back. We worked with another young married couple with a new baby to locate a more affordable housing solution, transition out of military service, access local veteran and community services and into a stable job to avoid bankruptcy or homelessness. We have also paid for a minor auto repair, assissted three women who lacked insurance in accessing medical care, assisted with employment searches and money management education. Titus 2 secured and delivered needed items (1 bunk bed, 4 car seats, diapers/wipes, and additional furniture) for three foster families through participation in the CarePortal partnership between DCF, NWFlHealth Agency, Heart of the Bride Ministry, several Bay County churches, and individuals. Additionally, Titus 2 case manages the community benevolence requests for 2 partner churches, as well as managing its own community care benevolence request budget.

Titus 2 will be providing a no interest short term auto loan next week for a person whose job and housing is now stable. People often fail to account for how necessary transportation is in maintaining employment, housing, and self sufficiency.

These opportunities to serve women and families occur because God brings them to us through divine-appointments and qualified referrals. We often work alongside them for months or years in achieving improved relationships with God, within themselves, with family members and others. This is not charity work. It is not social work. It is Kingdom work.

Please consider financial support for the work of Titus 2. I nor our board members or volunteers take any salary or benefits from this ministry. All resources are used to benefit individuals, families, agencies, and other ministries in our community as God directs. Thank you!

In 2023, WJHG reporter and anchor Candace Newman did a story on three women, sisters, who had been in life recovery with Titus 2. Here is an email I received from Candace this week!

“Hi Mrs. Cathy,

I'm not big on awards but I thought you might be encouraged to know that my managers had submitted some of my stories for a broadcasters' award, and the story I did with y'all was one that won a first-place prize!
Thank you for doing the Lord's work my friend!

Candace Newman
Newschannel 7 Anchor
Panama City Beach, FL”

I replied:

To:?Candace Newman
Subject: Re: award

Congratulations, Candace! May all your work be recognized as award-worthy and valued by viewers!
Blessings for a fulfilling and successful future! We are grateful for your dedication to showcasing good news!
Cathy

Over the last 16+ years of discipling I have driven many people to work until they were on their feet, or on their own wheels! I have often sent them into their workplace with this charge for the day, “Be blessed and be a blessing!” Today a friend who was a long time co-worker with me in sales sent a daily devotional from Upper Room to our pastor and me. At the end was this thought for this thought for the day:

“I am blessed when I am a blessing to others.”

Only moments before I saw this message from her, I had dropped a young friend off at a new workplace with that usual charge for the day, “ Be blessed and be a blessing!”

I can think of no better goal for each day’s work.

Titus 2’s community care is assisting a young family that is temporarily separated due to lack of affordable housing at this time. Wife and baby are with family where cats are not allowed. Hubby, recently medically discharged from military, is batching it in quarters where he cannot care for the cats. I urgently need a foster family for these 2 sweet spayed females for 4-5 months while we work on the details of getting them settled here. I can give additional details on the cats if you call me. Owners will cover food, litter, and any vet costs that become necessary. Thank you.

VEHICLE NEEDED! Urgent need for basic vehicle for young military veteran recently out on medical discharge. Has recently secured entry-level appropriate career field employment. Wife and new baby staying with family out of state until he can secure affordable housing and financial stability. I and others with knowledge of their situation are working with this family through Titus 2’s community care ministry. If you know someone who can assist with donation or affordable price for purchase, contact Titus 2 at 850-832-4052. Thank you!

Great achievement! Another lady with valuable lived experience is now serving others as a Certified Peer Specialist! Praise God for calling and equipping people for the ministry of healing and reconciliation!
Celebrate Lisa’s new certification!

For those who remember a student from over a decade ago, Diane was recognized for her service as a Recovery Support Specialist! Diane (Carroll) Taylor

Optimism is confident expectation based on sufficient knowledge of resources, abilities, and willingness to push forward. I had conversations this weekend with two different friends involved in one way or another with guiding people into life-recovery.... Both concurred with the necessity of a realistic, forward-looking, resilience-resourced perspective .

"Toxic positivity ignores reality.
Optimism sees reality and plans the next step.

Why does this distinction matter?

Because life isn't all sunshine.
Sometimes, it rains.
Sometimes, it pours.

And that's okay.

Here's what toxic positivity might do:

➟ Dismiss your struggles
➟ Insist that "everything's fine"
➟ Overlook the need for support
➟ Tell you to smile through the pain

But optimism? It's different.

It says:

➟ "Yes, this is tough."
➟ "Yes, it's okay to feel down."
➟ "And yes, we'll find a way through."

Optimism isn't blind.
It's visionary.

It's not about ignoring the dark clouds.
It's about knowing the sun is still there, behind them.

Optimism empowers you to:

• Face challenges head-on
• Learn from every setback
• Find strength in vulnerability

So, when the going gets tough, remember:

It's okay to be realistic.
It's okay to hold onto hope.
It's okay to truly feel your emotions.

And it's okay to grow through what you go through.

So don't just "stay positive."
Stay realistic, resilient, and ready."

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Ross Clemons, Exec. Director of Panama City Rescue Mission joined us Friday morning at the Community Adult Protective Taskforce (CAPT) meeting. We gather the last Friday monthly at 9 a.m. at United Way. Individuals and representatives from NGOs, non-profits, churches, and various service providers network and discuss issues related to serving adults in our community.

Ross's experience in military and business have equipped him well for the task of directing PCRM's "Way Forward." It is being renewed in its mission and moving forward in its own recovery from the trials of the last decade....financial stress, management changes, Hurricane Michael, COVID-19.....

The good news is that the faith-based life recovery program services have been restored under Pastor Tim Krisko and his team of trained chaplain volunteers. PCRM is cooperating with mental health, medical, and other substance abuse service providers to access necessary resources to help restore lives.

Those called to serve in life recovery do not compete with one another.... We are all working toward the shared goal of joyful, healthy, safe, and stable individuals families, workers, and community.

I support PCRM's new leadership and the renewed commitment to restored lives..... not just "a cot and a hot" shelter approach funded by government dollars. Not everyone will find the way forward to their liking. Some just wish to see "homeless people" warehoused and out of sight. That simply demands more and more resources over time. The best approach from a proven faith-based and long-term perspective is in identifying those who are ready for transformation and providing spiritual, social, emotional, educational, and physical support while they work toward self-sustaining interdependence in healthier family and community systems.

New volunteer opportunities are available. There is weekday preparation of brown sack meals and serving and encouraging people from 2:30-4:00p.m. at PCRM's men's center at the corner of 6th Street (US 98) and Allen Ave. Mentors, teachers, donors, prospective employers, volunteers from all walks of life are welcomed.

Bear with PCRM and others of us as we all work to continue to forge the way forward in faith-based life-recovery for Bay County. And join us in the pursuit of a better future for many who are stuck in difficult places but who long to be free!

A few years ago, a former Titus 2 student commented on a report of another student's experience with learning to stand up for herself: "My ordeal wasn't as serious as hers. I remember the day clearly when you told me I could stand up for myself. With you in the car waiting on me, and the Lord holding my hand. I walked up the steps and began to take control of my life."

Woo hoo! Teaching women to be their own and their children's best advocates is the joy of being an advocate.....and at Titus 2 we do it through teaching them that THE ADVOCATE is with them, going before them, and equipping them to be assertive and walk with boldness in the power of the Spirit.

"Students at Titus 2 are taught the value of simplicity, contentment, modesty, personal financial responsibility, and much more. Yesterday, unprompted, they decided to have a closet cleaning day. I arrived late in the afternoon to find six bags of clothing, shoes, purses, and coats that they were ready to "pay forward" to someone else. Each said she had been blessed to receive all that she needed.....and MORE.....and felt no need to hoard, as God is always faithful! We were pleased to see them embracing values that have been taught and demonstrating through their actions that they are taking personal ownership of them! Titus 2 shares its overflow of clothing with Christian thrift stores. Thank you to all who have donated clothing Titus 2. It does not go to waste!"

Most of us do not receive a practical, effective emotional education in our world today.

Without practical emotional literacy skills, we too often ....
-Resist
-React
-Avoid
-Pretend

Emotional awareness and emotional literacy can be developed. Living the life you want is more easily achieved with emotional awareness and emotional literacy.

Emotional literacy is a part of "re-parenting" classes offered by Titus 2 Partnership in various residential life-recovery programs in our community now. Our goal is to assist women to grow in multiple areas of their alives.... educationally, emotionally, morally, spiritually, and socially......as well as become more effective in parenting their own children. Even for women who are not involved in parenting biological children, it provides tools to confidently come alongside others spiritually and emotionally to enjoy more rewarding and emotionally intimate friendships with others of any age!

"When joy and prayer are married their first-born child is gratitude.”
Charles Spurgeon, 3/19/1872, " Pray Without Ceasing"

Titus 2's ministry to women is actively facilitating a variety of activities for women pursuing life recovery...including teaching classes weekly, transporting to medical and other appointments, employment counseling and assistance, group facilitation, identifying and securing needed resources, educational access, medical appointments, obtaining household furnishings, financial assistance, providing safe and secure short term shelter, assisting with admission to longer term programs, counseling, case management for support and encouragement, spiritual formation, and more.

Please consider financial support to advance life recovery for women and families. Thank you.

Website: titus2.life
P.O. Box 35482
Panama City, FL 32412