Five Smooth Stones: Defeating the Giants Within

Are you tired of fighting the same battles, facing the same internal giants, and wondering if victory is even possible?

You’re not alone—and you’re not powerless.

Five Smooth Stones: Defeating the Giants Within is your spiritual battle plan for confronting and conquering the invisible giants that hold you back from living the life God called you to lead. Inspired by David’s fearless stand against Goliath, this book recognizes that our greatest struggles aren’t always external—they’re the hidden giants within: fear, insecurity, shame, addiction, unforgiveness, doubt, and more.

Dr. Cherita Weatherspoon and a dynamic team of contributors take you on a raw, relatable, and faith-filled journey. Each chapter unpacks a real-life story of facing a giant, then equips you with Five Smooth Stones; five carefully chosen scriptures combined with practical insights; to help you fight back with the only weapons that truly work: God’s Word and His promises.

Inside, you’ll discover:

* How to identify the giants in your own life, even the ones hiding behind your best church face

* Why grit and willpower aren’t enough, and what it means to fight with spiritual weapons

* Faith-building encouragement and daily affirmations to renew your mind and spirit

* Reflective prompts and practical steps to help you personalize your victory plan, so you move from reading to real transformation

If you’re ready to stop running, stop hiding, and finally win the battle that matters most, Five Smooth Stones is your invitation to step into the arena equipped, emboldened, and empowered. This isn’t just a book to read. It’s a weapon to wield and a guide you’ll return to whenever the giants come calling.

It’s time to fight—and win—the battles within. Will you pick up your stones?

Dr. Malaika Turner has worked in the student of Pennsylvania (IUP) for 18 years. She is currently the Director of Residential Living and Well-being, where she has had the opportunity to impact the lives of thousands of students and assist in the growth and development of student affairs professionals. Throughout her tenure at IUP, Dr. Turner has worked closely to assist at-risk students navigate the college system. Putting her passion into action she co-developed and opened the Transition Success Office, designed to assist at-risk students during their transition from the IUP regional campus to the IUP Indiana campus. Her commitment to cultivating growth and confidence in at-risk students has also resulted in the creation of the S.T.E.P program, that was designed to help students STRIVE, TRANSITION, EMBRACE, and PROGRESS through college. Her dissertation, "Technology's Impact on the Learning Experience of At-Risk Digital Natives", is another example of her devotion to the improvement of at-risk students on college campuses. Malaika manages a motivational brand, #ReviveToLive designed to motivate students, women, and other groups through numerous digital formats and print media. She has written numerous publications but is most proud of the first book she authored titled, Walking In Step With God On Purpose. While her public speaking topics are custom designed for the institution/organization, her presentations never fail to mention a common message, and that is purpose. Dr. Turner champions the practice of goal setting, discovering purpose, and motivation. She has expanded dent affairs division of Indiana University her ability to motivate others, by using her gift of singing. In 2005, she was afforded the opportunity to sing the national anthem at a Pittsburgh Pirates game, before a crowd of 40,000 attendees. She stops at nothing when using her gifts and talents to motivate others. Dr. Turner is a minister and praise and worship leader at Victory Christian Assembly where she and her husband, Pastor Theo Turner, serve. She is the mother of two sons, Theo Malik and Tyree Marcel. She has an undeniable passion to see her sons succeed and discover their God-given purpose.

Bishop Melvin A. Jenkins, Ed.D was born and raised in suburban Philadelphia, PA and from an early age took a strong interest in the church and gospel music. Before he completed high school, Dr. Jenkins was an active musician and was involved with several local gospel groups. During his pursuit of a B.A. degree in Liberal Arts at Penn State, Dr. Jenkins received the Call to Ministry. He was later ordained and eventually promoted to Assistant Pastor of Unity Church of Jesus Christ in State College, PA. Some years later, the Lord moved the Jenkins family to Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) where he earned a master's degree. It was there they founded the IUP Voices of Joy gospel choir in 1988 and Victory Christian Assembly in 1990. Dr. Jenkins earned a doctorate in Developmental Education from Grambling State University in 2002 and is currently a full professor and department chair at IUP. Victory Christian Assembly has grown steadily since its inception. In addition to the "home" church in Indiana, PA, the Lord has birthed two additional ministries from Victory: New Beginnings Christian Fellowship in Punxsutawney, PA and Impact Fellowship on the campus of Penn State Harrisburg, PA. In recognition of the grace and calling on his life, Dr. Jenkins was promoted to the office of Bishop in 2013, under Fountain of Life International Fellowship led by Dr. Gerald Loyd. Bishop Jenkins feels inspired to start several more college-based ministries over the next few years, as the Lord has given him tremendous grace in this area of church planting.

Cherita's mission is to engage, to elevate, and to empower. As a coach, author and speaker, Cherita is dedicated to helping women release the guilt, become fearless, and step into their power and purpose as profitable entrepreneurs. Cherita has worked with faith-based, education, non-profit, and for-profit organizations as a speaker, consultant, leader, and educator. As a Certified Professional Coach, Certified Job & Career Transition Coach, and author, Cherita knows how to use her words to connect with the audience and move them to action. As an Educational Specialist with a doctorate in Educational Leadership, she knows how to connect ideas and concepts that will equip the audience with the knowledge and skill they need to move forward. Cherita is married to a wonderful and supportive husband and is a mother of four beautiful children. She is passionate about family, marriage, God, shoes, caramel, and being your personal power detonator. Learn more about Cherita and her work at www.CheritaWeatherspoon.com and www.MissionCriticalConsulting.org.