Tell us about your ministry.
Mark of Grace Ministries was founded in 2011, as led by God to establish a ministry based on the need to share God’s Word and his grace to those who feel disgraced. I understood firsthand the trials of going through hard times, some life abuse and spiritual abuse and needing support but finding none. I vowed that not “if” God brought me through, but “when” He brought me through; I would share myself openly and declare that through every area of life; God’s Grace is sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9). Mark of Grace Ministries was launched with a social media ministry called “A Morning Cup of Grace for Your Soul” where a daily word is shared through several social media outlets, including Facebook and Twitter. I truly believe the words of Jesus when he declared in Matthew 9:13 (MSG Bible) “I’m after mercy, not religion. I’m here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders.” Therefore I share freely his word, myself and my experiences and my ability to use His word to overcome with those who need to be strengthened and empowered to lead the life God has called them to lead full of destiny and purpose. As well as traveling ministering through workshops and conferences, the ministry expanded its reach by hosting in cities all over a gathering for women called “Coffee House Live, the Real Spoken Word: Real Women, Real Issues, Real Talk” where “sisters” from the age of 21-80 gather to share in faith, fun and fellowship.
How do you feel that your ministry has impacted lives?
I believe this ministry God has entrusted me with has impacted many lives. Not just in the attendance of events or accolades, but even from the beginning when people whom I’ve never met began to inbox me to pray for them or be in agreement with them for their needs. When a woman can stand up before a group of women, who she doesn’t even know
but because we have declared this place (Coffee House Live) an area where it’s like Vegas “What goes on here, stays here” and they are free to share their hurts, their pains, their struggles and their truths. Where they can cry for their children or husbands or even for themselves. And then leave empowered and encouraged. I know it impacts lives when someone says, I read your posted word on Facebook right before I was about to take my life, but you spoke to me and encouraged me to hold on a little longer. I know it impacts lives when people travel from Gary to Atlanta to attend a Coffee House Live event, even though they attend the local events on a regular basis. It impacts lives when I go to a new city or place and someone says, I follow you because you inspire me. I knew it was impacting lives, when I realized in a world of social media where everyone has a spiritual word to give, I get messages from people on a regular, if I do not post a word or am late posting it, saying they are waiting on me. It blesses my soul to know God is using me to share his goodness and empower others.
Why is your ministry focused only on women?
I do admit I have a very strong following with women, but I also have many men who not only follow me but are sowers, supporters and act as partners in helping me to continue to spread the gospel and minister where and when needed. Just like I have the so called church women and men who follow, I have those secular or street brothers or sisters who recognize their need for the word or are simply in need of change in their lives, but who acknowledge that I make it easy for them to understand and offer them understanding of where they are, because I am so honest of where I have been. But the ministry being focused on women was not by choice, but by call with what God called me to do. While the Coffee House Live events are directed for women, I believe it is because God knows the strong need to have our women healed from hurts spiritually, emotionally, mentally and even physically that we may walk in our rightful place and purpose. Women were created to birth in life, naturally and spiritually. And when broken we tend to birth brokenness. This ministry is about healing, restoration, empowerment and purpose. I want to see my sisters there. As I always say, I am my sister’s keeper. And with that same drive, I plan to expand this same concept to our young girls too. We cannot wait any longer.
What keeps you motivated as an entrepreneur?
I am motivated as an entrepreneur because I believe everything that I do, I am called to do it. It’s not about me just having a business or being self-employed or any other selfish gain. Although financial freedom, working for myself and building a legacy is great. I am simply motivated because every venture I take on is simply because I am called to it by God and it is always tied to ministry. Period.
What is so unique about your T-shirts?
I am not the first nor will I be the last to do rhinestone “bling” and screen print tees. Black Diamond Tees is more than a business; it is part of my ministry. Because of what I am called to (minister the Gospel), who I am called to reach (nations) and what I am called to do (empower and encourage) and who I am called for (God), my tees come with an anointing, an empowering spirit that will transfer to those who wear them.
You see, at Black Diamond Tees we believe beauty isn’t about who notices you or who acknowledges your beauty. Beauty is about embracing who you are, it starts with understanding the essence or core of your inner being, who created you, why you were created and celebrating the beauty in which he created you and making that you better and embracing the beauty of it in the journey. Black Diamond Tees was created to embody every one of those elements celebrating the word that says in Psalm 139:14 “I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Black Diamond Tees is not about who knows and acknowledges your worth and beauty, but about those who celebrate because they acknowledge and own their own worth and value. One of our favorite sayings when designing or producing a design is this … Beauty will never be a state of being, until it is a state of mind!
Where would you like to see your ministry in the next five years?
I smile when I think about this. I don’t even know if it is where I would “like” to see this ministry, but where God has shown me it will be. Preaching and sharing the gospel, Coffee House Live events being held nationwide, even going international. I see travel nonstop and even a foundation. But more than me, I see me helping others along the way, sharing and assisting them, so they don’t have to make the same mistakes I made. I see his grace abounding in my life. He told me to get ready, and I am.
