About The Author and Founder

Profile of Shelly Lavoyce Brown

I greet you in the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. My name is Shelly Lavoyce Brown, saved by the grace of God on March 4, 2001 at Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church, pastor, Rev. James J. McLaughlin.

I had been a member of Ward Chapel for many years. Frankly, ever since I was born. I would go to church, listen to the sermons, the choirs, and really felt good after the service was over. But every time the invitation for salvation was given, I would get an uneasy feeling, and would not go to the altar. I would take off my shoes (surely God doesn’t want me to go to the altar with no shoes on). When the pastor was finished, I would be relieved (that was resistance). I fought through this resistance for many years. Then one day on March 4, 2001, very early in the morning I heard a voice calling my name. I got dressed and went to Sunday school. On this particular Sunday, the elders of the church were discussing the mourning bench. This is where during a revival the pastor would ask the congregation if there were anyone seeking salvation, they may come and sit on the mourning bench. While sitting on the mourning bench many prayers on your behalf were sent up to Heaven. At that moment, on that day I wanted to sit on the mourning bench.

During the invitation part of the service, Rev. McLaughlin stated that if you were to die today and you did not know for sure that you were going to Heaven then you may come to the altar and pray the Prayer of Salvation. I came down from the choir stand to the altar and prayed the Prayer of Salvation. I knew on that day that the Lord saved me.

►►►►Why I created a Born-again Birthday Card◄◄◄◄

As the anniversary of my conversion experience was approaching, I went to different stores that sold greeting cards to purchase a born-again birthday card. I did not find one. Late that night, I started writing and through divine revelation the Lord revealed one to me. I made a copy of the card, enlarged it and placed it in a frame. The first person I showed it to was my pastor. Then I begin sharing it with my immediate family, church family, friends and co-workers. The response was overwhelming. No one had ever seen one before.

The Lord inspired me to include my card in my first published book, entitled, “An Epitome of Spiritual Writings, featuring a Born-again Birthday Card.”

I now know what God’s plan and purpose is for my life; to glorify him by sharing my born-again birthday card with other believers. We rejoice and celebrate our earthly birthday. Why not our born-again birthday? Being born of the spirit is also a gift from God. One day when we are feeling depressed we could read our born-again birthday card remembering that regardless of how grim the situation may be our Heavenly Father loves us and that salvation is real. Eternal life is a definite assurance. Death should not be feared, but viewed as a stepping stone to a completely fulfilled life that only our Heavenly Father can provide.

As I mentioned on my card; there was a sunrise for me on May 4, 1954, (my earthly birthday), but there will be no sunset when I die because on March 4, 2001, (my born-again birthday) the sun rose for me forever in Heaven. My soul will pass onto that Heavenly realm where the sun will shine in my heart and soul forever.

May God bless you and keep you in his loving care.