Inspired by Her Love

There are so many women who inspire. In a country where we were able to have an eight year journey with the most inspiring First Lady in the likes of Lady Michelle Obama, from the forerunners of social justice to the pillars of empowerment movements, we have it all. In my mind's eye recently I have observe one of the most strongest women, these past months, Vanessa Everett. January 24, 202 will forever be the crossroad for one of the moving moments of my life, my Bishop transitioned. As we, the congregation, extended family members, churches and clergy alliances across the country began to mourn, Lady Vanessa, inhaled and took her place immediately as I can recall, serving others as they began to hear the news of the passing of Bishop James Everett, II.

People called and she carried every conversation, tear filled memory and repetitious eulogy that took place over days and days on her phone with grace. She housed 100's of people in her home, a revolving door of people, food, people, noise, people, wailing, clatter, business, and yet she never ceased to gather her breath, the gracious hostess she sustained herself.... Four full days of services, she endured, hours seated in front of the still body of her rested mate, husband in his priestly bed, shuffling people across the greeting area of Bishop's priestly rest, Lady Vanessa even attempted to soothe their grief, one person after another, gripping on to her tightly reminding her of the days they shared with her husband. Day one, evening passed, Day two, evening passed, day three, another service time seated in front of his still body, once again carrying the strength and weight of the entire room. She was beautifully adorned at every service, Day four, the formal service. Lady Vanessa entered the sanctuary, thousands of people have created the stillness in the room that almost seemed congested with silence as she entered leading the family in, drawn in , accompanied by the orchestrated melodies that reminded us that there should only be an exalted hush in the sanctuary...It is here where she ceremoniously covers Bishop for the final time... it was here I observed a strength beyond measure as she narrated his life, her life, their final days chapter by chapter, that we all resolve the honor of his legacy... even in her final words, she maneuvered the kinder that it embodied all of the presence of her husband with no resounding presence of her own self, she placed herself , her tears, her soul on the sidelines once again....

No days to exhale, no days huddle in a corner and reflect, no weeks to address her next steps, her steps were ordered by his absence. Lady Vanessa now places the shroud of Senior Pastor upon her shoulders to take on the mourning and grief of a congregation, an association of churches who were led by her husband for 40 plus years. There was no time to weaken and sink in a chair. There was never a time to sit on the balcony and consider the next steps... Because of her undying love, commitment, and favor in her covenant with her husband and her steadfast faith on God...she grabbed the reigns and now carry the mantle of leadership...WHAT STRENGTH.... to hide the tears before the invocation, after the benediction. What spiritual fortitude to push beyond the emotional exhaustion... and what inspiration to walk into a sea of questionable days and tomorrows, yet knowing that it is the right thing to do, because she loved her husband.... Lady... Pastor Vanessa Everett's inner strength . inspires me to be GREATER more RESILIENT, and COMMITTED to everything and person I encounter....