Courage, Change and Faith- Book Launch Celebration

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It was pure joy attending and presenting at the sold out book launch event for “Courage, Change and Faith” Friday night. The lead author of the book project is a dear friend of mine- Betty Mutwiri who along with 12 other co-authors who contributed to this inspiring work. I’ve known her since we were both young moms and new to Saskatoon in the mid 90’s. She was one of the key founding leaders who stepped out in faith with me to launch Women’s Journey of Faith in 1999 and served side by side in that faith adventure during its formative years. As we both have moved onto other faith stretching endeavours, it has been awe inspiring to see her leadership capacity and influence expand to many sectors of society- health, education, business, and diverse faith communities. She is also key influencer in the Sisterhood Ministry based out of Saskatoon as a consultant and contributor to the Rooted mentorship arm of that ministry which I am a part of!

Making History - Black History Month

How appropriate to launch their book during Black History month as a way to highlight and inspire others through their own stories to respect history and inspire others to make history.

  • “February is Black History Month, a time for Canadians to honour and celebrate the diversity, history and culture of Black people in Canada and to acknowledge the many everyday contributions of Black communities from across the country. In 2021, 1.5 million people in Canada reported being Black.” - Stats Can Plus Jan 31st 2023

  • “Black History Month is an annual observance originating in the United States, where it is also known as African-American History Month. It has received official recognition from governments in the United States and Canada, and more recently has been observed in Ireland and the United Kingdom.” Wikipedia

Sisterhood Celebrates

Sisterhood Honours

Sisterhood Gathers

Sisterhood inspires Courage, Change and Faith!

As we heard from each one of them, the audience was able to glean the collective message of Courage, Change and Faith. As I sat in the audience and went to the mic for my part in the program’s schedule, I couldn’t help but beam with sister joy seeing them celebrated in this way let alone witness these sisters celebrate one another. Seeing each of their personalities come to light and putting faces to names of all these local world changers was fun to witness. Over the years, they’ve immigrated from Africa, the Caribbean, and USA and now live, work, and play in Saskatchewan and Alberta. There was so much joy in the room, we broke out into song before we raised our glass in a toast. A verse came to mind which I shared with the group of the importance to praise God for what He’s doing in our midst and that one of the roles of believers of His grace is to proclaim, declare and some translations say “publish” his deeds among the nations. This group of women were doing just that.

“Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Sing to the Lord; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does.”
— Psalm 96:1-3 NLT*

God’s Story in Our Stories

I’ve known others in this beautiful crew of leaders including Paula who I had experience modelling with in the early 90’s with Pizzazz, (now Masala Model and Talent Agency which she is the proud owner of. Josephine is an inspiration too as she is finishing a counselling degree. We are currently in a class together on Revelation at Horizon College and Seminary. I have worshipped and prayed side by side many of these ladies at events or faith communities here in Saskatoon. As such, there is a common thread- God’s story in our stories. I consider all of these ladies as sisters in Christ and although I didn’t know all of them personally, we serve a personal God! I was inspired to see the beautiful diversity of gifts, talents, abilities vocations, impact and potential that they represent. From business platforms to non profit leadership, or those in the midst of launching into a new realm of influence - each one a leader in her own right. May the impact of sisterhood and story continue to grow in the lives of these women birthing hope in the lives of the next generation.


Event Live Stream & Resource Links

Here are two videos of the 3 hour event that was live streamed to accomodate requests from those who couldn’t attend in person. The first 45 minute segment was prior to the dinner and the second video features the last 1 hour 25 minutes of sharing, presentations and prayer. It was a joy to speak briefly to this sold out crowd and be asked to lead the “Book Dedication”- (my portion was at the 58 minute mark of the second video.)

 

A shout out to these sisters- I celebrate them!

Recommended Links:

“These stories by Black Women leaders will amaze and inspire you because they challenge the stereotype of the historically entrenched Black Woman schema. The schema depicts the Black Woman as strong, emotionless, indestructible, and capable of carrying everyone’s burdens on her shoulders. These Black Women, through the realism of their narratives, reconstruct the archetype to present resemblance to the broken, the hurting, the voiceless, and the underdog, who, despite all odds, evolve into forces that blaze the trails for others.

In their struggles, tears, and vulnerability, their womanhood and creativity shine out to birth hope. With every tear drop and pain, new visions are formed in the crucible of their determined missions to survive, thrive, and positively impact future generations.

These women, from ordinary backgrounds, demonstrate the transformation that can evolve with faith in God, courage, and change through their leadership journeys. They leave us in breathless wonder at the paradoxical construct of gain from pain. Their narratives combine beauty and inspiration to show how to navigate life to become powerful influencers and mentors in their families and communities.”- (Courage, Change and Faith).