This year, I will turn 50, and with this milestone came a deepened sense of purpose, clarity, and a strengthened commitment to serving God. My upcoming book, Get Character or Be a Character: The Power of Authenticity, is more than just words on a page, it is a testament to the transformative power of faith, hope, and love. But today, I want to talk about a pivotal experience that affirmed my journey: attending Kelly Temple, the very church where Denzel Washington was baptized and committed his life to Christ.
From Prophecy to Purpose
Like Denzel Washington, I grew up in the Pentecostal sect of Christianity, a faith that shaped my early understanding of God’s calling on my life. As a child, I, too, received a prophecy that God would use me to do great things. At the time, I had no clue how or when this would manifest, but now, standing firmly in my purpose, I see how every step of my life has led to this moment. Unlike Denzel, I may not have achieved the wealth and status he has, but I have experienced something far greater—the undeniable power of God through faith, hope, and love.
Returning to New York City was an act of faith. The first time I came here, I was an intern for NBC, a young woman chasing career success. But this time, I arrived as a grown woman with purpose, knowing that my mission was far greater than personal ambition. My book is about the power of God, and it is through character and authenticity that His glory is truly revealed in our lives.
Kelly Temple: A Divine Confirmation
Stepping into Kelly Temple in Harlem felt like walking into a divine appointment. Harlem, historically a bastion of Black culture and resilience, set the perfect stage for this spiritual encounter. However, before entering, I had some reservations.
1. I was wearing pants.
2. The pants were slightly fitted, accentuating my toned and athletic frame.
3. My bald head was fully uncovered, something traditionally frowned upon in strict Pentecostal circles.
Despite these concerns, I was met with kindness. A deacon shoveling snow greeted me warmly, and after a brief conversation, we discovered that we were both Detroit natives. This small connection put me at ease, yet I was acutely aware of how different my appearance was from the traditional Pentecostal women inside.
Two elderly women in long skirts and head wraps exchanged glances as I walked in. Their expressions spoke volumes, “Why doesn’t she know better? A bald head and pants? Blasphemous!” But I was unbothered.
This moment reminded me of the absurdities in Christian sects, how superficial traditions often take precedence over the true essence of faith. Many are quick to judge appearances yet indulge in vanity, whether it be elaborate weaves, excessive eating, or material obsessions. But as I sat in Sunday School, the message hit home: Faith without works is dead. God is raising up people who won’t look like what we are accustomed to.
The Message: Faith, Hope, and Love in Action
The woman minister delivered a powerful sermon on Matthew 11:7-15 & 20-24, where Jesus addresses the hypocrisy of judging John the Baptist for his appearance. John was unconventional his dress, his diet, his demeanor but he was called and anointed by God.
The church’s obsession with external markers of holiness misses the point. Greatness is not determined by money, fame, or status but by obedience to God’s calling. And just like John the Baptist, God is calling people like me, people who may not fit the mold, who challenge the norms, but who are wholly devoted to Him.
The Power of Prayer and Persistence
Following Sunday School, Bishop Pulling preached a sermon that further solidified my conviction. His message, “The Power of Prayer and Persistence,” was based on Luke 18:1—the parable of the persistent widow.
The widow had no power, no wealth, no influence. Yet through persistent faith, she achieved justice. This resonated deeply. As a woman, a person of color, and someone who has faced countless obstacles, I know the power of persistence.
The bishop shared a personal testimony of being denied a VA loan due to financial constraints. Instead of accepting defeat, he prayed, persisted, and ultimately, God made a way. This mirrors my own journey despite the setbacks, challenges, and doubts, I have never given up. And now, standing in Kelly Temple, I knew with certainty that relocating to New York is not just a good idea it is God’s will.
Living in a Fallen World: The Role of Character and Authenticity
We live in a corrupt world, one where justice is often denied, where people are judged by their appearance rather than their hearts. But faith calls us to see beyond these limitations.
1. Prayer with Expectation – When we pray, we must expect God to move.
2. Persistence with Expectation – We must work diligently, knowing that obstacles are merely setups for divine breakthroughs.
3. Faith in Action – It’s not enough to believe; we must act on what we know to be true.
Our ancestors did not just hope for change, they fought for it. They prayed with expectation. They persisted with expectation. And because of their faith and endurance, we are reaping the benefits today.
The Call to Move Forward
God is the unseen actor, working behind the scenes to make even the most corrupt systems bow in His divine time. As believers, we cannot afford to cave in to the negativity of the world. Esther refused to take no for an answer, and so must we.
I now know, without a doubt, that God has called me to New York City for such a time as this. The messages from Sunday School and the main service were not coincidental, they were confirmations. My book, my mission, my very existence in this moment is aligned with God’s divine plan.
So, I will continue to walk in character and authenticity. I will persist in faith, hope, and love. And I will not be deterred by tradition, judgment, or doubt. Because for God, I live, and for God, I will die.
You’ve got to believe that God will do what you ask. And I do.
