Ladies and gentlemen, gather ’round for a journey that’s nothing short of extraordinary! 🌟 Today, we’ll start delving into the captivating life story of a phenomenal soul, and trust me…
You won’t want to miss a single detail.
So, buckle up, sugar angels, as we explore the highs and lows, the triumphs and challenges, and the unwavering spirit of Dr. Latisha D. Reeves – a true testament to the transformative power of faith, resilience, and the pursuit of one’s calling. This interview is about to take you on a ride you won’t soon forget! 🚀✨
Background
Tell us a little about your background starting from your childhood.
I grew up most of my childhood with my mother and father living in the home until I was about 12 years old. It was then that my parents split up and eventually divorced. I welcomed that break-up because even a child could see that the relationship was toxic, unhealthy and down-right volatile depending on the triggers and the day. My brother and I are the oldest grandchildren and for years we were the only. We had my grandmother and grandfather all to ourselves during summer and winter breaks. There was always plenty of food, home-cooked southern delights made from scratch with lots of love. It was also the family gathering place. Cookouts, fish-frys, spades, with good soul and R&B on the stereo; gospel on Sundays. The euphoria at our grandparent’s house was starkly contrasted by the incidents of domestic violence that happened when my father was steeped in drug addiction. We loved him but life was traumatic with him back then. There was little stability, great lack and loss because addiction does not recognize boundaries or care about loved ones. I switched schools 6 times in elementary school, we moved more times than that. I first learned to cook, clean up and make my living space home as a child, helping my mother who dealt with lots of health challenges. Helping to nurture and make life more bearable started at home. Becoming pregnant at 13 shortly after my parents split sent my family into chaos. Another problem, more stress, more bills, etc. proved to be too much and resulted in repeated instances of verbal abuse and being displaced and forced to leave home to live with my grandparents on more than one occasion. I navigated high school as a teen mother and at 15 started speaking as a teen-pregnancy prevention advocate from public platforms.
Give us an idea of where you currently are in life and the paths you took to get here.
There have been many people who helped to nurture, advise, or steer me to make better choices. Wise counsel from a community educator lead to speaking opportunities, an imperative “catch the bus to Knoxville College and sign up for classes” is what led to a BA in Psychology. Newfound church community and personal Bible study and prayer led to opportunities to serve my community as an extension of my serving God. The more I listened and grew the deeper my resolve to help others. Years later I went to seminary to earn a Master of Divinity degree, became the first female licensed and ordained to preach the gospel (2000 and 2006 respectively) and serve in the lead pastoral role (2010). It was through personal relationship with God, prayer, fasting and lots of trial and error.
On Community…
What is your current role as a community leader?
I am a transformational author, coach, mentor and pastor.
What is a typical community work day like for you from beginning to end?
A typical work day includes taking calls, making calls, prayer with others, virtual meetings, sermon prep, content creation and sending books and gifts to others.
What’s the best part of your job?
The best part of what I do is knowing I am partnering with God to impact other’s lives as I am led and equipped to do. Moments like that are what could potentially help to change the trajectory of someone’s life.
What is the worst?
The worst part of my job is having to set boundaries and being misunderstood.
Looking for more???
Subscribe to future posts and stay tuned for PART II!
In the meantime, check out this article
(SPEAK UP! Amplify Your Voice and Influence)
via www.CoachDNicole.com!!!