Faith Is Color Blind - Diane Bailey

To some of us, interracial relationships are no big deal.  

But to others, these relationships are still rare enough to cause uneasiness. 

Where do you stand?  Are you brave enough to share your position?  

I had the privilege of making a new friend, as I sought someone to interview for today's story.  

When Diane Bailey and I first got on the phone, we had no idea of what her story was going to be about.  But God does have a sense of humor.

As we began talking, Diane shared about the struggle she initially had in accepting her daughter's relationship with a black man, and how God helped her reach a different place of understanding.  I asked her to share a little bit more.  She did so-- with refreshing honesty -- all the while not realizing that the person who was interviewing her was African-American.  

Living Out Her Purpose - Debra Elramey

If you're still unclear as to your God-given life purpose, you'll definitely want to read Debra's story. 

She shares how uncovering the mystery can be as simple as reflecting on childhood clues that point towards your truest self.

Tell us a little bit about yourself...
I live in North Carolina with my husband and daughter, where I teach writing and music.

I have 3 children all together. 2 have left the nest.  All of them were home schooled.

Abigail, my 16-year-old, describes me as “cat whisperer.” She tells her friends that
neighborhood cats “bond” with me when they won’t come near anyone else.

What is your God-given purpose, and when did you uncover it?
From early on, I have always known that I had an imagination, which is one of the elements that a writer has to have.  I used to tell stories, and I was quite animated.

I've known I was called to write since second grade, when I copied verbatim an entire children’s book and turned it in to my teacher, saying, “Look what I wrote!”

Living Out Her Purpose - Paula Tobey

From being a school teacher, afraid to teach adults, to becoming a parent coach, with adults as her primary students, read about Paula Tobey's journey in uncovering and living out her life purpose.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I'm a former teacher, and now a certified parent coach.   I work with parents (mostly moms) who have children with special needs.  The parents that I see most frequently are the ones with kids that have ADHD, or Aspergers, which is a mild form of autism.

I found the moms who needed the most help were completely overwhelmed and did not know where to start. The parents who have children with special needs know how difficult it can be!

Living Out His Purpose - Minsky Delmonte

I am delighted to share with you this interview with Minsky Delmonte.  He and I went to high school together, many moons ago.  It had been over 20 years since I'd last spoken to him live.  But when we got on the phone last week, his familiar jovial manner was still evident, as he teased me about being a "bootleg blogger", since I had to reschedule our interview twice.  I told him to reserve judgement for after I posted his story!

Anyone who knows Minsky, knows that he is an avid steel drum player.  But what you might not know is that he is also an avid warrior for Christ.  He shares his story here...

Jamie Grace - Hold Me

Today's featured artist is Jamie Grace.  I'd heard her song, "Hold Me" on the radio, and immediately liked her.   Such an upbeat song about relationship with the One.  Her sound reminds me of one of my favorite artists, Colbie Caillat--  a beautiful mix of folksy-pop with a slight reggae infusion.  If I were a musician, she and I would be destined for a collaboration!  As talented as she is, Jamie Grace has endured a struggle that most of us know little about.  The video for "Hold Me" is embedded below.  I have also reposted the following information from jamie-grace.com...

Living Out Her Purpose - Linda Russell

You can tell by her picture that Linda Russell is quite the character.  I chuckled often during our interview, amused by her self-deprecating humor, and her honesty about being unsure that God knew what He was doing when He called her to action...

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I live right outside of St. Louis, Missouri.  I've been married 38 years, and I have four grown children,  11 grandkids, and 3 great-grandchildren.  I'm a writer and a speaker, and I do volunteer work for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Abused Children).  I also spend a lot of time with my grandkids.

What This Protestant Girl Learned in Catholic School

St. Francis of Assisi School, 4300 Baychester Ave., Bronx, NY 10466

Because there were few options for protestant schools back when I was little, my mother sent me to Catholic school for my elementary education.  So, from first through fourth grade, I attended St. Francis of Assisi School on Baychester Avenue in the Bronx, NY.

I remember it as though it were yesterday.  I particularly remember the principal, a towering nun, who scared the bejeezus out of me-- Sister Mary Terrence (may she rest in peace).  Talk about a strict disciplinarian!  I saw her pull more than a few badly behaved boys into her office-- by their ear.