The African American Literary Award Show

Kimberla Lawson Robys Thoughts on Concluding Her Reverend Curtis Black Series, July 2018 After 15 Books

Her first marriage didnt work out, but that isnt going to stop Alicia Black, the privileged daughter of the charismatic Reverend Curtis Black, from getting what she wants.

Alicia cant believe her good fortune. God has heeded her prayers, blessing her with the perfect second husband, Pastor JT Valentine, a handsome, dynamic man of the cloth with his own large congregation, just like her father.

Unfortunately, Alicia doesnt understand how much like Curtis her new husband truly is. JT has been sneaking around town with other womenand he only married her to get close to her fathers money and fame. But while Alicia is blinded by love, her dad certainly isnt. After all, it takes one to know oneand who better to see into the darkness of a sinners heart than Curtis Black?

Only a miracle can save the day. But God acts in mysterious ways, and soon Alicia will have to face some very crucial and life-changing decisions. This time, shes got to be careful what she prays for

Finally, a book of meditations for African American women that understands the world they live in. Centering on the lessons God teaches us at work, at church, and in our relationships, this book of devotions uses stories and settings that will resonate with women of colorurban life, office culture, and the leading of the Spirit in things large and small. Using Scripture, conventional wisdom, and stories from the African American community, each devotional will show women how their faith can empower them to have success on the jobat whatever workplace they find themselves. With topics such as respect, resourcefulness, image, timeliness, honesty, negativity, and balancing work and home, each devotion ends with a "power move"practical affirmations that will move readers toward success at work.

Book Description

Finally, a book of meditations for African American women that understands the world they live in. Centering on the lessons God teaches us at work, at church, and in our relationships, this book of devotions uses stories and settings that will resonate with women of colorurban life, office culture, and the leading of the Spirit in things large and small. Using Scripture, conventional wisdom, and stories from the African American community, each devotional will show women how their faith can empower them to have success on the jobat whatever workplace they find themselves. With topics such as respect, resourcefulness, image, timeliness, honesty, negativity, and balancing work and home, each devotion ends with a "power move"practical affirmations that will move readers toward success at work.

Book Excerpt - Introduction

When I first became a Christian, I envied people who worked in Christian organizations and businesses. They got to live their faith openly on their nine-to-five jobs. I’d listen like a wide-eyed child as they talked about how they’d begin each day with corporate prayer and have lunch-hour Bible study fellowships. I then wondered, What about me, Lord? Little did I know that over the years, God would take me on a spiritual journey I’d never forget. And the mission field I was assigned to was my own place of employment.

I wasn’t an evangelist or a prophet or a teacher or a preacher. I didn’t have any of those titles, nor did I covet them. Yes, I held minor positions in church, but nothing that required active ministry. I was a wife, a mother, and a churchgoing believer who loved the Lord, and that was a ministry in itself. But as I grew in Christ, the Holy Spirit showed me that God’s not interested in our titles; he’s interested in us. I learned that it doesn’t matter if you labor on the mission field in Communist China or if you wait tables at the local IHOP or if you’re the CEO of a Fortune 500 companyyou’re equally as important to God. And he wants to use you to build his kingdom.

The Great Commission is to go out and make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19). God didn’t put a disclaimer on that command. He didn’t say you had to have a college degree, sing in the choir, or have model looks. This word is not only for pastors, teachers, preachers, and evangelists. It’s also for you and me. It’s for every believer in Christ Jesus. And your workplace is fertile ground. No matter where you worka deli, the hospital, or a major corporation God has called you to be salt and light wherever you are and whatever you do. God isn’t hung up on titles. He’s looking for a few good men (and in our case, women) who will shine Christ’s light in a dark world.

Although my walk hasn’t been perfect, being a Christian has helped me get through the toughest of times, especially on the job. And I’m here to tell you that if God did it for me, he’ll do it for you too, for God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). I’ve seen God’s hand move mightily on my behalf on so many occasions that I sit and marvel at his goodness, his mercy, and his grace. Have I made mistakes? Yes. But each mistake resulted in knowledge and wisdom I couldn’t have gotten if I’d paid for it. Makeup pioneer Mary Kay Ash said, We fail forward. There will be bumps in the road at home, at church, and on the job. Conflict is inevitable. But with the Lord’s help, you can be successful at whatever you undertake.