Janay Rice Inspires #WhyIStayed Stories By Beverly Gooden And Other Abused Women

I've never been in an abusive relationship, and when I saw the video of Janay Rice being punched in the head by her then fiance, I just couldn't imagine why she went on to marry him. Beverly Gooden has been in one, and she knows what could be driving Janay Rice.

Seeing many on social media calling out Janay especially after she released a statement defending her NFL player husband, Beverly decided to change the conversation. She called on her followers to share their stories of domestic abuse with the hashtag #WhyIStayed in an effort to draw awareness to the complexities of domestic violence. She wrote on her website;

For over a year, I was physically abused by my ex-husband. When TMZ released the video of Ray Rice punching, dragging, and spitting on his wife this morning, the internet exploded with questions about her. Why didn't she leave? Why did she marry him? Why did she stay?

I can't speak for Janay Rice, but I can speak for Beverly Gooden. Why did I stay? Check out some of my reasons here. Leaving was a process, not an event. And sometimes it takes awhile to navigate through the process.

I believe in storytelling. I believe in the power of shared experience. I believe that we find strength in community. That is why I created this hashtag. I hope those tweeting using #WhyIStayed find a voice, find love, find compassion, and find hope.

Check out some of the touching tweets below. I'm happy especially with those who add #WhyIleft to show they have put the abuse and abuser behind them.

Please Marry Me! From Desire to Desperation by Kehinde Ajose

THESE days my heart cries when I see individuals who are desperate to get married; who can do anything whatsoever to get that ring on their finger.

A desperate person is someone who feels she has no hope and is ready to do anything to satisfy this burning need. I read the tale of woe of two individuals that will be getting married in a couple of months. I will call them Emeka and Lola (real names withheld). Lola is in her late 30s and her desire to find the right guy has gone from hopefully optimistic to desperation so much that after only three months of knowing Emeka, she’s decided to marry him.

The thing about Emeka is that he is the complete opposite of Lola. She is obsessively neat; but Emeka never learns to clean up himself. She is an independent career woman; he has a chauvinistic streak a mile way. She manages her money well; but he buys based on what he wants rather than what he can afford…and the list goes on. They fight constantly to the point that it is uncomfortable to be around them. With the wedding only two months away, the only thing left to ask is:

“Why would she want to marry a man who is obviously incompatible with her?”

Uche Jombo On Set Of New Movie With Chet Anekwe

Uche Jombo was recently shown on the movie set of The Other Side, written by Dtymi Ngozi Ibe and Ike Nnaebue, and directed by Ike Nnaebue. “The Other Side” which was shot in Houston USA, also stars Chet Bashari Anekwe, Dtymi Ngozi Ibe and many more.

Check out the set pictures and teaser below. The Houston premiere will take place in October!

Michael Schumacher Leaves Hospital For Home 9 Months After Head Injury From Ski Accident

Michael Schumacher has returned home to continue his rehabilitation process after suffering head injuries in a skiing accident last December.

Schumacher was treated in a hospital in Grenoble in the months following the accident, prior to being moved in June.

Most recently, he was treated at the University Hospital of Lausanne in Switzerland, prior to returning to his home near Lake Geneva.

Apple Unveils New iPhone 6, Apple Watch and iPhone 6 Plus - See Best Features

Apple has revealed the iPhone 6 and the larger iPhone 6 Plus today, Tuesday at an event near its headquarters in Cupertino, California.

Topping the list of new features is a 4.7-inch display, larger than any previous iPhone model. The screen has a resolution of 1,134 x 750, for a pixel density of 289 ppi (pixels per inch). That's technically less sharp than what Apple has called "retina" quality, and not nearly as pixel-dense as some other flagship phones, such as the LG G3 (538 ppi). Apple calls the the new display "Retina HD."

The iPhone 6 features a brand-new physical design, with curved glass sides. The front glass is "ion strengthened," Apple marketing head Phil Schiller said at the unveiling. The design is 6.9 millimeters thin, which compares to 7.6mm for the previous generation, the iPhone 5S.

Assaulted Wife Defends Ray Rice After He is Sacked And Then Suspended By NFL

NFL player Ray Rice has been cut from the Baltimore Ravens and then subsequently suspended indefinitely from the NFL after video emerged of the moment he knocked his fiance out with an uppercut and then dragged her out of the elevator like a sack of beans.

Janay Palmer is the abused fiancee, now wife and she is not happy with the media for resurrecting that incident. In an instagram post, Janay took out her frustration on the media and what it has done to her family. Janay defends her husband and how he regretted his actions. She also talks about how the release of the video has practically ruined their lives.

Read her statement below...

Maternity Style - Kelly Rowland In Figure Hugging Grey Jersey

Kelly Rowland is in her last trimester of pregnancy and it is beginning to show on her pretty face. But the singer is still rocking her bump in stylish outfits.

Her latest is this figure hugging grey jersey she wore when she was recently photographed.

More photos below..

Omawumi Engaged! Shares A Picture Of Her Daughter and Fiance To Celebrate

After a proposal from Tosin Yusuf, her daughter's father, now her fiance, Omawumi has officially unveiled her family this morning..

"I'm of the opinion that I don't owe anyone any explanation. Just as I'm not prompted by pressure to reveal, I'm also not prompted pressure to be discreet... I'm just me, and right now I'm deliriously happy to (officially) share my world with the ones I love.... Thank you to those who loved me nonetheless and thank you my loves!"

Check out their family photo below. See more pictures HERE.

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Addresses Congregation On Divorce Suit By Wife, Admits It's Unbiblical

Pastor Christian Oyakhilome finally addressed his church congregation about the divorce suit brought against him bu his wife, and the attendant allegations of adultery in the press. This is coming after more than a week of maintaining silence other than threatening the media through his lawyers a few days ago.

Speaking on Sunday evening during the monthly global communion service of the church, he said the allegations of adultery against him were “crazy” and “stupid”. Oyakhilome acknowledged that divorce is unbiblical but said he will answer his wife in court if she insisted on it [read here]. He urged members of his church to pray for his estranged wife.

I understand that some media houses particularly in Nigeria and maybe in South Africa (I don't know) but there are some of them that have been writing some real stupid things...real stupid things, and errrrhh...frivolous charges...that's crazy.

Pregnant Kate Middleton Sick Again With Hyperemesis Gravidarum - Does This Strike Each Time?

Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting their second child. It was announced all over social media after Kate had to pull out of an engagement in Oxford today as she is down with Hyperemesis Gravidarum aka severe morning sickness.

While the announcement says said Prince William and Kate were "very pleased" to share the news that they are expecting a brother or sister for Prince George - with the Queen and members of both their families also "delighted" - I can't imagine that this would be an easy time for the Duchess.

I hope she gets well soon. And to think she also suffered severe morning sickness with her first pregnancy. Has anyone had the same experience?

Read their Facebook post below...