Forward Wayne County reached out to a few black community leaders and asked them to give us their advice on what they would share with Wayne County during Black History month. First up is Cassandra Brown, a local pastor, business owner, and lifelong Wayne County resident:
It was such an honor to be asked to write a blog on my life experiences, and what I want to share with not only Wayne County’s black community, but all residents.
If I could share anything with my community or whomever reads this article it is this: embrace life, but most importantly, embrace the storms that you may endure.
Someone is probably thinking, “Embrace my storms?” Why? I use to ask the question “why me God?” and His response was “why not you?” I stopped looking at the storm and started paying attention to what I could take from the situation that was causing me some grief. Moreover, how I could turn that grief into a positive.
When negativity would come my way, I would start encouraging myself! I wouldn’t wait for someone to pray with me. I would start praying over myself. When I was faced with darkness, I would repeat Proverbs 18:21 (NIV). The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Love Life
I love my life! I’m very involved in the community and I own daycares here in Richmond. I believe in giving my parents, others, and the children I work with not only love, but also words that will encourage them to keep pushing!
I want you to love your life too. And I want you to get involved in your communities. They need your voice, your thoughts, and to hear about your experiences.
I encourage the children I work with and the youth in Wayne County to speak into existence what they want to be when they grow up. It can happen, no matter your circumstances.
As for my parents, I remind them and I remind you, no excuses. Keep pushing and if you get tired, breathe and start again! Of course, it won’t be easy, but we have the authority to keep going.
I wrote a book called Put It in the Bag and I challenged everyone to take the things that hurt them and put it a bag and throw it away. I challenge you to do the same.
We have to release situations that stop us from living an abundant life!
My life is my testimony
I don’t know how to be any other way, but a woman who loves people and who will be remembered as praying with someone, give an encouraging word, or a big hug!
How do you want to be remembered?
I pray that after you read this you will never be fearful of trials and tribulations that come your way.
And that you will stand strong and tell yourself that no matter what you go through you will live and be stronger because of it.
Take the positives from the situation and remember you were created for greatness! Then do something about it.
No weapon that forms against you shall prosper Isaiah 54:17.
Cassandra Brown: Pastor, Business Owner, and Lifelong Resident
