THE BEGINNING
I was born in Birmingham, Alabama. A description of my parents is that they are some of the most wonderful, loving and caring parents a child could have. My parents actually planned to have a large family and therefore set out to fill their home with lots of children. I am the first of six siblings, three sisters, and two brothers. My father was employed by United States Steel for 39 years and ten months (as he loved to say) before accepting a mandatory retirement. My mother was employed as a nurse until I was born. She says she could not part with her “little love” and became a stay-at-home mom for all six children. My parents were married for 52 years before the death of my father. They provided a stable and loving environment for us kids. We are all very grateful to them for the loving home they provided for us.

Prayer is the Key
Because my parents introduced me to God through family worship, Bible Stories, and beautiful Christian Music, I developed a deep and abiding love for God. I can vividly remember that my mother always prayed with us children as we left for school each morning. Anytime I had difficulty at school, I would remember my mom’s prayer that day and continued to call upon God for any help I needed in my classes.

Educational Background
My educational background includes studies at Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology, Alabama A& M University in Huntsville, Alabama with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, and a Ph.D. degree in Educational Leadership and Psychology from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. My research focused on suicide prevention and awareness, an area that I continue to have great interest in sharing with others. God has allowed me to receive an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities from Daniel Payne College in Birmingham, Alabama. I also give praise honor and glory for being a member of two Academic Honor Societies, Phi Lambda Theta, and Phi Delta Kappa. In 2008 I was voted Adjunct Professor of the Year in the Psychology Department at Tennessee State University. These are a just few of the eartlhy honors that God has bestowed upon me. I look forward to my heavenly reward. To God be the glory for His wisdom and knowledge.

The Gift of Love and a Best Friend
The love of my life and best friend is Benjamin a minister for 40 years who has served as a pastor, administrator, and missionary. He is truly a man of prayer and Christian integrity. A love for God was embedded in my life so marrying a minister was a wonderful gift from God. We consider ourselves very blessed to minister for God together and to have our own special ministries. We love camping, riding horses, nature and just laughing together. One of our favorite times spent together is what we call our "date night" when we eat popcorn and watch our wedding video. Sweetheart, as I call him, especially likes the part where I sang a song entitled "Song of Joy" at the end of the ceremony to him. I just love the whole thing!

Tragedy Strikes-The Death of our Baby Boy Jonathan
As is the case in life, tragedy strikes in the midst of life and living. The only son of my husband and I died minutes before he was born because of the unbiblical cord not being removed quickly enough. The death of our infant son, Jonathan was a terrible blow but as a result, God used that tragedy to call me to personal ministry. One year later, I was standing before more than a thousand people speaking about the love and grace of God that carried my husband and me through one of the most devastating times of our lives. Since that message, I have been blessed to speak to thousands of people about God and His love for us around the world at conferences, churches, and retreats. The ministry that God has called me to includes preaching, teaching, seminar presentations, writing, storytelling and singing.

A Dream that came True
I dreamed of being a missionary as a child and had that dream fulfilled. I prayed on my sixteenth birthday to be a missionary and over 20 years later God answered that prayer. I had forgotten the prayer until my sister Stephanie reminded me of it. We may forget but God does not! Never stop praying or think that God has forgotten your prayers. I thank God daily for His love and allowing me to serve him in so many ways. I saw the hand of God move in 2000 when my husband Benjamin and I were invited to serve as missionaries in Ethiopia. My husband served as the President of the Ethiopia Union Mission with a church population of 143,000, 992churches and companies, 5 conferences, 1 college, 23 elementary schools and one Boarding Academy. We severed four years, one month and three days. I was able to work with the Ambassador of Ethiopia through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID-Ethiopia) and during my last year in Ethiopia, I was an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Addis Ababa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. What a journey! What a dream come true! I shall never forget the wonderful people we served in Ethiopia.

From Tragedy to Triumph
God has given me a wonderful way of using dreams and tragedy to be of help to others. My love for missions and the death of my son and be;pved Father inspired me to develop a 501 (c) 3 non-profit charity. This charity is named in memory of our infant son Jonathan and my beloved father Washington Sr. who passed away and was a true humanitarian in every way. To learn more about the charity go to the page featuring the charity.

Stories and Poems are a way to Enter the Heart
Another love that I have is writing poems and telling stories. It all started with my nieces and nephews who cannot get enough of my stories. I use stories and poems in teaching and speaking. I also enjoy writing for numerous publications.

SONshine for the Mind, Soul, and Spirit
SONshine for the Mind, Soul, and Spirit is a spoken word CD with 15 inspirational and encouraging life-changing stories. This CD is anointed by the Holy Spirit and is a blessing to everyone that hears the stories. To know more about the CD see the homepage of my website.

What is Next?
Presently, I am completing a book that includes more stories, poems, prayers, and pictures connected to the stories that are on the SONshine CD. Other projects include a musical CD, Bible Studies for Women, SONshine Bible Promise Cards, and more books.

My Favorite Things
My favorite hymn is “Great is Thy Faithfulness”. My favorite text is Call unto me and I will show thee great and mighty things that thou knowest not. Isaiah 33:3. One of my favorite foods is tofu prepared in numerous ways. My favorite body pampering products are the Woman Eau De Parfum Line found on BodyOlogyCare.com and Body Gelato, found on junipertreenatrually.com. In future, I will give you links to my favorite things. My favorite book is the Bible because it is full of love, excitement, and history- a writer's dream book.

Just a Glance
This is a glimpse of who I am. In future, I want to get to know you on my blog

and Face Book.