Authors: Stephanie Perry Moore

Get What You Give

BOOK: Get What You Give

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Beta Gamma Pi series

Work What You Got
The Way We Roll
Act Like You Know
Got It Going On

Get What
You Give

A Beta Gamma Pi Novel Book 5

Stephanie Perry Moore

KENSINGTON PUBLISHING CORP.

www.kensingtonbooks.com

All copyrighted material within is Attributor Protected.

For
Angela Graham
&
Shirley Kimbro

(ladies in my sorority)

Being in a group with strong women isn't always easy. Confrontations happen when people are passionate about their views. As I reflect back, I've learned so much that I placed in this novel. I pray it helps others learn the best ways to get along. May God bless you and yours and every reader of this book and series
.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Though I love my sorority with all my heart, sometimes it does not bring joy. There's a ton of work that has to be done, and I don't have that much time to do it. There are many people to interact with, and, try as I might, I do not have a chance to get to everyone. And no matter how well the intentions or how great the planning, I can't please everyone. Coming up short on so much is frustrating. So I fall to my kneesâbefore meetings, during meetings, and after meetingsâfor direction. God has helped me see that as long as I give much and keep being willing to better my mistakes, I will do the sorority more good than harm, and I will enjoy it more and more each day.

Penning a series on a made-up sorority was an eye opener for me. It's hard looking at yourself and asking the tough questions. Why do you strive for leadership in the sorority? Why do you feel people should love you as a sister? When you didn't reach your highest educational goals, why do you feel you can tell others not to falter in that area? When you didn't walk with Christ daily in college, how can you show others the way? Why is public service so important to you, really? Whew, so many questions, never the perfect answers. I guess I learned as I delved into these five books that the sorority experience is what you make of it. And the titles say it best. You may not be the best leader, but work what you got. You may not always get along with your sorors, but the way you roll is together. You may not be the wisest yet, but act like you know you're worthy to learn more each day. You may not deserve God's love, or anyone else's, but know, because of His grace, you've got it going on, and you have a forgiving heart. You may outgrow people and circumstances, but keep giving them more than they give you, and you'll always be able to sleep well. God loves you, and society needs you to serve. As the late, great Michael Jackson taught us, we must all work to make this world a better place. Here is a big hug of thanks to everyone who helps me keep giving:

To my family: parents, Dr. Franklin and Shirley Perry, Sr.; brother, Dennis, and sister-in-law, Leslie; my mother-in-law, Ms. Ann; and extended family Rev. Walter and Marjorie Kimbrough, Bobby and Sarah Lundy, Antonio and Gloria London, Cedric and Nicole Smith, Harry and Nino Colon, Brett and Loni Perriman, Donald and Deborah Bradley, and Paul and Tammy Garnesâyour love helps me give more. Don't stop loving hard. I'm more concerned about the world because of your support.

To my publisher, Kensington / Dafina Books: Your knowledge of what works in publishing keeps my books moving. Don't stop believing in YA books. I'm a more successful author because of my association with you. Also, special thanks to my copy editor, Hillary Campbell, for her work on the Beta Gamma Pi series.

To my writing team: Beverly Smith, Cynthia Boyd, Deborah Thomas, Ciara Roundtree, Chantel Morgan, Carolyn O'Hora, Ashley Morgan, Alyx Pinkston, Jenell Clark, Cassandra Brown, Dorcas Washington, Vanessa Davis Griggs, Victoria Christopher Murray, Sonya Jenkins, Edythe Woodruff, Beverly Jenkins, Chandra Dixon, Bridget Fielder, and Myra Brown Leeâyour truthfulness helps me keep the pages real. Don't stop prereading my work. I'm better at what I do because of your input.

To my sorority sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., particularly the National President, Cynthia Butler-McIntyre; Southern Regional Director, Christine Nixon; the National Society of Arts and Letters; and the Southern Regional Membership Services Committeeâyour inclusion of me strengthens my work ethic. Don't stop making a difference in the community. I'm living a fuller life as I serve with you.

To my emergent children: Dustyn Leon, Sydni Derek, and Sheldyn Ashliâyour growth makes me thankful for each day. Don't stop trying. I'm hoping you strive to please God.

To my hubby, Derrick C. Mooreâyour desire to give young people your all is contagious. Don't stop being you, and remember Jillian needs you. I'm happy being your partner.

To my readersâyour time and trust means a ton to me. Don't stop being open to the blessing a book can bring. I'm so thankful you have gotten this book.

And to my GodâYour strength You give me to endure the tough times is a blessing. Don't stop giving me ideas to share with the world. I'm trying hard to bless them.

BETA GAMMA PI TRADITIONS, CUSTOMS, & RITES

Founding Data

Beta Gamma Pi was founded in 1919 on the campus of Western Smith College by five extraordinary women of character and virtue.

Sorority Colors

Sunrise lavender and sunset turquoise are the official colors of Beta Gamma Pi. The colors symbolize the beginning and the end of the swiftly passing day and remind each member to make the most of every moment.

Sorority Pin

Designed in 1919, the pin is made of the Greek letters Beta, Gamma, and Pi. This sterling silver pin is to be worn over the heart on the outermost garment. There are five stones in the Gamma: a ruby representing courageous leadership, a pink tourmaline representing genuine sisterhood, an emerald representing a profound education, a purple amethyst representing deep spirituality, and a blue sapphire representing unending service.

Anytime the pin is worn, members should conduct themselves with dignity and honor.

The B Pin

The B Pin was designed in 1920 by the founders. This basic silver pin in the shape of the letter B symbolizes the beginning step in the membership process. The straight side signifies character. The two curves mean yielding to God and yielding to others. It is given at the Pi Induction Ceremony.

Sorority Flower

The lily is the sorority flower and it denotes the endurance and strength the member will need to be a part of Beta Gamma Pi for a lifetime.

Sorority Stone

The diamond is the sorority stone which embodies the precious and pure heart needed to be a productive member of Beta Gamma Pi.

Sorority Call

Bee-goh-p

Sorority Symbol

The eagle is the symbol of Beta Gamma Pi. It reflects the soaring greatness each member is destined to reach.

Sorority Motto

A sisterhood committed to making the world greater.

The Pi Symbol

The Bee insect is the symbol of the Pi pledges. This symbolizes the soaring tenacity one must possess to become a full member of Beta Gamma Pi.