This was a night to remember, all of my hard work culminated in my hooding ceremony. I am one of only 8% of blacks who hold the honor of PH.D in America. Upon finding out that my doctorate in Theology was a professional degree and not a reseach degree, I decided that I wanted my doctorate (professional) degree and the (research) (Doctor of Philosophy)degree; so, I worked hard to do both. It was important to me that when I give the Word of God to people that it comes from a place of research, a place of practicality and a place of anointing of Jesus’ Divine Spirit living in me.
So many people read the Bible and make interpretations based on reading and their own sense of understanding God’s Word. I believe that it is important to impart the love of Jesus Christ to people accurately and divinely.
Growing up in a Pentecostal church from a child, I thought that I had all of the answers. When I was challenged by others, I could not defend my position effectively; the one thing that I desired of the Lord is that He equip me to safely and accurately feed (His Sheep). The Bible states, we are the sheep of God’s pasture: I would not want to feed my sheep anything that I cannot eat myself, so getting my research degree or my PH.D was a requirement that I had to meet. Now, I have a ready defense of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and am ready to lead people back to God who may have been spiritually injured in the synagogues.
Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death, NIV.
It is incumbent upon me that I speak truth to a hurt generation. Many of God’s children perish for lack of knowledge. I believe that it is essential that leaders are taught, leaders are interns, and certified to expound the Gospel to the people. I am hopeful, that I have been blessed by God to share my faith and the wisdom that David tells us is important on our journey to everlasting life in God’s Kingdom. To God be the Glory for what He has done and continues to do through me. The struggle was and is real. With all of the trials going on in my family and the tough economy God kept me.
When people think you have shut yourself off from them, keep going, keep praying, keep striving and allow God to manifest Himself through you.
As those of you who are aware, even the last five months have been rough emotionally. As recently as today, I wondered if I should continue celebration with my nephew’s death so fresh, but God!!! We had already made arrangements that could not be canceled. God had his own “ram in the bush.” My daughter Crystal Christman and my sister Mae Wigington had put such love into preparing this celebration for me. My daughter said, “Mom, if there are only 4 people, I will not cancel your celebration of your hard work.” She did thatttt!!! I know it was God who carried us through. Thank you to my family, My PHAmily, who sacrificed after a long weekend of traveling, came and showed me love. Thanks to the women of Eta Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated who came from their busy schedule to set-it-off with me. Thank to Dr. Orlando Short for your patience with me as I supported my family. You are a man of Valor and Honor and I say thank you Sir, my mentor and God’s servant.
Here are a few pictures of my celebration of God’s goodness to me. “Work Hard and Serve God.” Only what you do for Him will last.
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