Networking and servant leadership does not always have to look or be perfect. But it does always need to be done with sincere purpose. This was taken about 3 weeks ago. It was my first time setting up a full vendor space in nearly 18 months. I just grabbed my ‘vending gear’ and went to the event. I failed to pack the additional proper table cloths and other accessories I usually have on hand for community events. I didn’t neatly put my earbuds, the bags, or boxes out of sight for the photo or during the time that attendees stopped by the table. And you know what, none of that mattered to a single person I met.
This is an appropriate place to share this because advocacy is a major part of the ‘why’ for starting my business. And as business owners, nonprofit leaders, etc., solving the problem and fulfilling the needs of those whom you serve is far more important than how pretty or well put together the staging looks. Next time, I will make a point to have all the things I am accustomed to having, but the servant leadership, passion, and professionalism for which I do what I do will remain the same.
On September 15th, I have the privilege of being the September guest for SisterReach’s Evolving Women Webinar series. My topic is entitled, Creating Your Utopia. It will be moderated by Margaret Stout. You can watch it from your place of comfort by tuning in on the SisterReach Facebook page. Save the date and join us at 2:00pm cst. To learn more about SisterReach and have the link for for the Facebook Live, go here: https://www.facebook.com/SisterReach
Did you know that October is National Book Month? During the month of October, you can purchase an autographed copy of my book, Restoring the Whole in My Soul, for $10, knowing that a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Walking Into A New Life, Inc. The mission is to provide tangible resources to individuals affected by domestic violence. WIANL is a nonprofit that’s been in existence since 2010 and can be found online at www.wianl.org as well as on Facebook and Twitter.
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month. I am proud to say this year, I am celebrating 10 years as a survivor. Each year, I strive to do something different, fun, reflective, and/or engaging as I continue to live my best life. For me, my best life is one of peace, hope, love, joy, and impact.
When you purchase a copy of my book, you will be supporting a survivor who has fulfilled one of her life’s goals. It can also be used as a journal and is an excellent choice for a book club or women’s group discussion. A 20% discount applies to bulk orders of 15 or more.
To receive your autographed copy along with a special ‘thank you’ from me, you must make your purchase directly from my website. I am humbled and honored to have your support and encouragement. Both ebooks are each available for $2.99.
October is nationally recognized as domestic violence awareness month. As Executive Director of Walking Into A New Life, Inc. and personally celebrating my 10 year as a survivor, I invite everyone to please visit our facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/walkingintoanewlifeinc/ for the very latest on upcoming events, news, and highlights of brave men and women who are surviving and thriving. We’ll also remember those who lost their lives to violence and continue our efforts to save as many individuals as possible.
WIANL is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Our mission is to provide tangible resources to individuals affected by domestic violence. Since 2010, we’ve hosting a series of programs, town halls, and events designed to provide awareness and encourage action. We’ve been able to provide resources to include bus, gas, and gift cards, food, toiletries, clothes, and relocation assistance We continue to need financial donations, but we also need donations in a number of other areas, including volunteering. If you or someone you know would like to support our efforts, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at info@wianl.org or call (901) 466-6182.
Greater Faith Tabernacle has been hosting the Daddy’s Girls Conference for the past 14 years. It has been an honor to work with and support the GFT family over the years for such an important event, as the event and the members of the congregation are dear to me. It was especially gratifying to be asked to serve as the Keynote speaker for their annual Kick Off Brunch.
I spoke about the importance of walking in faith, working through fear and trusting yourself and others. I shared my own experiences of abuse and what it means to be an overcomer. I shared about my earthly father and the relationship we had. We talked a lot about walking which was a big part of their theme for this year. Ironically, my organization is called Walking Into A New Life, Inc. And, as I always say, I do not believe in coincidences, so everything said and done that day was as it was intended to be.
The following is quoted directly from Greater Faith’s website to better provide the history of Daddy’s Girls and why it’s so important. I do encourage you to visit GFT if you’re living in Memphis or there visiting. Pastor and 1st Lady Johnson are beautiful souls and so is their entire congregation.
“Getting Families Together (GFT) is the nonprofit arm of Greater Faith Tabernacle Ministries, an edifice established for the community by the community. GFT is housed in the Institute for Success Center, a 15,000 square foot multipurpose community family life center, that opened its doors in 2004.
During the construction of the IS Center and approximately one year prior to its completion GFT’s founder, Pastor Orlester Johnson, received numerous women bearing similar experiences during altar call. Although their ages and nationalities varied, each woman spoke of the need to break free of the secret bondage holding them. These women shared similar stories of enduring sexual molestation as children, intimate partner violence (IPV), various other forms of domestic violence (DV), and other abusive situations. They spoke freely about the abuse they had suffered as a child and some confessed that they continued to suffer from violent situations in adulthood. Each of these individuals had grown up in households that did not include their biological father. Several spoke of being subjected to abusive stituations with men who were a relative, teacher, coach, pastor, or other person holding a supposedly “respectful” leadership role in their lives and that of their family.
As a direct result of receiving numerous disturbing accounts of this nature, the first annual Daddy’s Girls Conference convened in 2005. “
Networking and servant leadership does not always have to look or be perfect. But it does always need to be done with sincere purpose. This was taken about 3 weeks ago. It was my first time setting up a full vendor space in nearly 18 months. I just grabbed my ‘vending gear’ and went to the event. I failed to pack the additional proper table cloths and other accessories I usually have on hand for community events. I didn’t neatly put my earbuds, the bags, or boxes out of sight for the photo or during the time that attendees stopped by the table. And you know what, none of that mattered to a single person I met.
