When I first attended Essence Fest years ago, I was in the crowd—watching, dreaming, and quietly praying for my moment. I didn’t know when or how, but I knew one day I’d walk into rooms not just to witness purpose, but to work in mine.
This year, God answered that prayer.
I showed up not to perform, but to pour. Not to impress, but to impact.
On Friday, I had the honor of opening Essence’s very first Rest & Recharge session on the mainstage—reminding women that rest isn’t weakness, it’s a weapon. I shared what I’ve lived: that you’re not called to be everything to everyone—and when you finally stop trying, you’ll hear God more clearly.
On Saturday, I stood before a room of legends and leaders at the Women in Harmony Awards Luncheon to deliver the Invocation. It wasn’t about a perfect prayer—it was about presence. I asked God to fill the room, and I believe He did. And yes, I danced—because joy is still my assignment.
By Sunday, I found myself moderating a beautiful panel at the Essence Authors Pavilion with Storehouse Voices, Penguin Random House, and Crown Publishing Group. I sat alongside Brenda Palmer, Latasha Morrison, Dr. Sarita T. Lyons, and Austin Channing Brown—women whose words carry power. We talked about faith, truth, and what it means to steward our stories well.
And let me be clear—I didn’t arrive here overnight. I’ve self-published 19 books. I’ve prayed quietly, worked consistently, and waited patiently. So to walk into this moment fully seen, fully aligned, and fully surrendered to what God is doing in and through me… it means everything.
Essence didn’t just give me a mic—they trusted me with a message. And I don’t take that lightly.
This year’s theme was: We are made like this!”
And I felt every word in my spirit—not just as a quote, but as a reminder that God’s created me for this very moment and that I’m aligned; on time, and being used for such a time as this.
To everyone who showed up, listened, prayed, clapped, cried, or smiled with me—thank you. This was a moment I’ll never forget. And if God can do this?
Imagine what’s coming next.
