Tag: author

A Candid Look – Shirene Hicks

Published on by Super Nerdy Church GirlLeave a comment

When I was a young woman, I knew the life I wanted but I had no idea how to get there. I understand what it is like to have to forge your own way through uncharted territory. When I meet someone, who has done just that, I choose to celebrate her. I am excited to share my conversation with Shirene Hicks.

Shirene is a minister of the gospel, radio host, author, and police officer.  I would describe her as a modern day super heroine with a bible in one hand and a gun in the other – carrying the law of the Lord and the land. She is a devoted wife and mother of three beautiful girls. Who says a woman cannot have it all?

  1. Who is Shirene Hicks?

I am the founder of Breaking Through Barriers Ministries. I am an ordained minister.  I am the author of the book, “365 days of Tears”. I have also been a law enforcement officer for the past 13 years.  Currently, I host a weekly radio show every Monday on 1570 am from 4:30-5:00pm. The goal of my radio show is to inspire both hearts and minds. I am working towards a second Master’s degree at Loyola University in counseling. I enjoy spending quality time with my husband and three children.

I am called to missions and the prophetic. I recently visited Haiti and I had a life changing experience. I have a love and desire to help those that are in need. I find comfort while on the mission field. It is my opportunity to humbly give back and minister to others. Over a decade ago I discovered my calling.  Through dreams I saw myself traveling the world and digging wells. I knew then that I had an awesome mission ahead.

  1. What do you absolutely love to do?

One thing that I absolutely love to do is travel.  I enjoy traveling both domestically and internationally.

  1. What is fear to you and how have you overcome fear?

Fear is a stumbling block and it prevents progress.  I had to overcome fear when being vocal about feminism.  I am a feminist.  I am interested in equality.  My goal is not to bash men but to fight for equality among women. When I identify myself as a feminist, I am often judged especially by my male counterparts.  I overcame fear by accepting who I was called to be.

  1. What is your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment is finishing my book, 365 Days of Tears, within a two-month time frame. During that time, I had an infant daughter that I also had to care for. Every morning after, when she was sound asleep, I would sit up and write from 2 am to 5 am.

  1. What is the goal of your ministry? How do you measure its success?

The goal of my ministry is to preach the kingdom of God in a way that will draw all to Christ.  I measure my ministry success by the change that is evident in others.  In the near future, I am working on opening up my very own counseling center.  I am currently working on a second book.  I am also building a global women’s ministry. A ministry where women can come together and build one another up. A ministry that will allow room for travel, retreats, and other outings.

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Website: prophetessshirenehicks.com for upcoming speaking engagements and conferences.

356 Days of Tears is available on Amazon also available at nextcenturypublishing.com

Upcoming events:

Breaking Through Barriers Ministries Prayer call begins on January 1, 2018 at 7 pm. Dial in # (563)999-2090 access #338929 playback# (563) 999-2099. The prayer call is every Monday.

 

A Strange Thanksgiving Ritual

Published on by Super Nerdy Church Girl4 Comments

The candied corn has not even grown stale and Christmas decorations are all over Indy. The lights have been strung from the top of Monument Circle. Christmas music is playing on radio stations.

Attention people! You will put some RESPEK on Thanksgiving.

Image result for respect thanksgiving

And, why not? In our materialistic and selfie-driven world, Thanksgiving allows us to focus on so many people and trappings we take for granted.  It is the time of year in which we are advised to make a list of things for which we are grateful. Some familiar tropes come to mind;  family, employment, home, safety, the usual suspects.

For an unusual ritual, how about being grateful for the issue that causes you the most angst. What is it that you must overcome to be faithful to the thing you love?

I was an avid reader as a child. I would read anything and everything I could get my hands on. I remember a family friend gave me free access to his bookcase. I selected the thickest set of books I could find. It was Victor C. Andrews, Flowers in the Attic series. As an adult, I understand that this not exactly classic literature. Each book was over 400 pages and I saw completing each one as a challenge.  Those tales intrigued and frightened me. Words on a page can elicit such strong emotion.  This love of reading grew into a desire to create stories that would allow my readers to feel – love, longing, courage, gratitude.

I love to write. It is my calling and my passion. My biggest hindrances to writing as a career are time, work/financial obligations, fear and self-doubt. How can I afford health insurance if I am a writer? What if I am unable to sell my books? What if I reveal too much and people judge me? The struggle is real. The love of writing compels me to sacrifice for the thing I love most. My obstacles push me to not give up. I fight for time to create.

The truth is your problem serves a purpose (courtesy of TD Jakes). If I did not have financial obligations, I may not launch a marketing campaign large enough. In essence, I may just play it safe and small. When the odds are against you, you have to play big. Challenges can be the springboard to success. Ask yourself, what can I learn from this hardship? How can I use it to my advantage.

I am grateful for the struggle. I know I cannot take one second or opportunity for granted. I know I must be ready and not ‘getting’ ready when the big break presents itself. It is hard but that is the point. If it were easy, everyone would do it.

What challenge are you grateful for?