September 22, 2023 • 40 mins
Without a doubt, Vicki Harris is a woman of faith and action. In her heartfelt chat with us, she brings to life her journey with 'Our Daily Bread,' a ministry that has seen her champion diversity and cultural inclusion in an impactful way. As a beacon of leadership, Vicki perfectly embodies the mission of the organization, reaching hearts across cultures, languages, and countries. Her efforts, combined with the organization's unwavering commitment, bring us to the 85-year celebration of 'Our Daily Bread.'
As we dive into the episode, Vicki recounts her path to systemic change within the organization, guided by God's hand. She opens up about the challenges faced, her victories, and the importance of nurturing relationships filled with love and acceptance. Her anecdotes reveal a woman who, even before knowing Jesus, was taught to embrace all walks of life. We also delve into the importance of intentionally raising our children to appreciate diversity and how to live out our faith without creating a second-class citizen in God's kingdom.
Be part of this enlightening conversation and discover how you can become a leading lady in your own right.
Thank you for taking the time to like, subscribe, share, and comment. Visit leadingladies.life to find out more. Also, follow @leadingladieslife on social. Amber & Lisa are authors of the multi-award-winning book, Leading Ladies: Discover Your God-Grown Strategy for Success, which dives into the power of community and empowering women of faith to rise up and make a difference, using our gifts and faith to shine brightly in the world. Watch the Facebook Live edition on our YouTube Channel @coffeechatladies .
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:10):
Would you be surprised to know that some of
the most successful women of ourtime face challenges just like
you and I do?
Hi, I'm Amber and I'm Lisa.
We're authors of the bookLeading Ladies.
Discover your God-grownstrategy for success.
Speaker 2 (00:26):
We invite you to join us in an honest, messy-bun
conversation about the thingswe'd rather keep hidden in our
lives.
Speaker 1 (00:34):
Some of those things can keep us from moving forward
in purpose.
So grab a cup of somethingdelicious.
Speaker 2 (00:41):
Kick off your shoes and hang out with us for the
next 30 minutes.
Good morning everyone andwelcome to a beautiful fall day
for coffee.
Chat with Amber and Lisa andour beautiful guest Vicki Harris
(01:02):
from Our Daily Bread.
Thank you, vicki, for joiningus today.
Speaker 3 (01:07):
Good morning.
Thank you for having me.
Speaker 4 (01:10):
It's so good to have you, Vicki.
I've only communicated with youvia emails and things like that
, but for those of you thatdon't know, Vicki is one of our
contributors in the LeadingLadies book.
She did a really preciousletter called A Letter of
Encouragement to the Daughtersof the Father, the Most High God
(01:32):
.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
And we're going to talk about that today.
Speaker 4 (01:35):
It's a really nice addition to the book and I have
to say that I loved your letter.
I want us to talk a little bitabout that, but right off the
bat, I want to help familiarizepeople with who you are.
And for those of you thatlisten to the podcast who have
maybe walked in the faith formany years, you've probably held
(01:58):
one of those little boundcopies of the Daily Bread in
your hands.
No doubt you have read it.
You have gained insight from it.
You have been drawn to certainparts of it, because I believe
God uses those kinds of thingsto impact our life.
Vicki, how many years has ourDaily Bread been?
Speaker 3 (02:22):
available.
Wow, our Daily Bread actuallybegan in 1938.
Of course, I was born then 1938, and Imar Dahan actually began
by just teaching the word overthe radio.
Just him and a microphone, andit had that to now.
(02:45):
We have over 700 employees, 250or more volunteers that help us
, we're in 37 offices around theworld, we translate into 58
different languages and 150different countries, and so it's
a very vast global organization.
Speaker 4 (03:05):
Oh, my goodness, that is mind blowing.
Sometimes we don't really havean understanding of how
something works.
You just blew my mind becauseI'm just thinking of this nice
little devotional that comes andI'm not really thinking how the
(03:25):
Lord has used it.
But that is amazing, I thinkit's beautiful.
Speaker 2 (03:31):
Look at, just think about this.
Ladies A mic and in the home,like how many people have a
microphone, ladies?
How many people can do thingslike they do from their home?
You never know what God's goingto expand into something like
this, right, somebody'swillingness to get started and
(03:56):
keep going right, vicki.
Speaker 3 (03:58):
I'm sure that MR Dehan had no idea how God would
just expand this ministry andnow it's been in existence.
We just celebrated 85 years inexistence.
That was on September 4th.
So that has just beenremarkable and I'm just sure
that he would not just recognizeit today but really be thrilled
(04:19):
as to what God has done withthe ministry.
We not only do the devotional,which the devotional is what
we're known by.
We also have our media thatdoes our daily videos, our long
form films.
We have our publishing arm.
We have so much that we do thatis beyond just the devotional.
(04:40):
But so many people remember usby our devotional.
And you know what's sowonderful about this is when I
was a little girl, mygrandmother used to watch the
day of discovery, the ladies intheir robes and they were
singing and MR would preach.
And I remember her watching usand she was just so thrilled and
(05:00):
just so moved by what the wordof God was doing and saying.
And then now for me to be apart of the ministry is just
full circle.
Speaker 2 (05:10):
And you have grown with the ministry to now being
the chief.
Your role is so huge.
The bread doesn't encompass byone job description, but tell us
about this role.
Speaker 4 (05:26):
I want to make sure they hear the title of the role
because I love it.
You are the chief people andculture officer, as well as
diversity, equity and inclusionfor our daily bread.
Speaker 3 (05:40):
Wow.
Yes, that's a big title andit's a big role, but I depend on
the Holy Spirit to lead andguide me and actually does that.
We are in a global organization, although we're housed
primarily out of the US, butwe're not a US organization,
we're a global organization.
So I'm alongside the differentregions and our senior vice
(06:04):
presidents in each of thoseregions to help them with all of
their people, culture, trainingand development and diversity
efforts around the world.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
You know what, reaching all those people and
speaking their language, that'simportant.
We know that we're there and Ithink some of us aren't quite,
but that's where we're trying togo, trying to realize that
people speak different languages.
Culture is different.
Things that relate to oneperson may not relate to the
(06:37):
other person.
Tell me the importance ofcoming to this place in your
ministry that, or have you beenalways this way?
Have you always been seekingcultural relevance in diversity
and reaching those groups?
Speaker 3 (06:54):
No, unfortunately, we have not always had this as a
focus.
I can say in the last 12 years,our CEO, which was the grandson
of the father, really had aheart for diversity, and as we
began to globalize more of ourorganization, he began to
(07:14):
realize that we need to dosomething different here in West
Michigan so that we representthe kingdom and that we truly
look like a global organization.
And so he began to really lookat our directors, our global
director board of directors, ourleadership, our staff and
that's where I came in is he wasreally looking for somebody
(07:37):
that was passionate arounddiversity and around women in
leadership.
At that time there had been nowomen in leadership, not in high
leadership roles, executiveroles and that was 70 years they
have been in ministry, and sothat tells you that it was a
huge thing.
When I came on and I just feellike it's a double whammy
(08:00):
because I'm a woman inleadership but I'm also an
African American woman inleadership and that is only
about 2% of the actual workforcein the US can say that and so
we really had a focus to reallymake a difference and look more
like the kingdom here inMichigan.
Speaker 4 (08:20):
It just speaks to me very deeply about how God
orchestrates, or dames equips usas women.
That's part of why we did thisbook.
God, it's time he's provided aplace for us as females to step
(08:41):
into leadership roles, to stepin, utilize the gifts that he
put in us with purpose.
We may not always understandwhat direction we're going in
initially, but just having thatrelationship with him that spurs
us into the opportunities thatcould only come from him.
When you say that company wentwithout any female leadership
(09:02):
for 70 years and we said you'vejust celebrated 85 years as an
organization, that means, as youstepped into that, it was one
of those almost ester momentsfor such a time as this, because
there was a whole lot out therein society saying you don't
have a role here.
You don't have a role here,number one cause you're female.
(09:23):
In the kingdom of God, yourrole is to be supportive, not
lead.
And secondly, you brought upethnicity and that is a big part
of your job there.
And Amber and I would love tohear about how God opened up
that situation, because we knowwhat our nation's gone through.
(09:44):
We especially know the hotbedthat's been going on over the
past five years.
And so how did God, what didGod do in your heart and how did
he open the door for thosediscussions?
Speaker 3 (09:57):
I actually began doing diversity, equity and
inclusion training probably over20 years ago at another
Christian organization, but Iwas mainly doing a lot of hoopla
, celebrations and gatheringsand things like that.
And the Lord really began todeal with me to do something on
(10:18):
a greater level, something thatwould bring systemic change, and
so I began to really pray andask God what it is that he
wanted me to do more of and Ibegan to volunteer.
I began to serve people thatwere coming from Africa, people
that were coming from Guatemala,and through my serving cause
they were believers workingthrough a Christian organization
(10:41):
, but they came to the UnitedStates looking for help and I
began to help and began to justdo some employment, trainings,
workshops and things like that.
And through that it began togrow and God began to show me
how to put together a frameworkwhere I was actually called on
by a consultant to work with aconsultant to really help us to
(11:03):
put a framework together whereit wasn't an in-your-face type
approach to cause that wouldnever work with people, but how
can we come along the body ofChrist, our ministry, and help
them learn that we all need eachother, that this is supposed to
reflect the kingdom of God.
So we began to look at ourleadership.
We began to look at ourpolicies and our procedures, our
(11:27):
communication, our externalrelationships and our policies
and we began to reallystrategically put some things in
place while we were looking atour executive global board.
And that had to shift.
So now we're at the well asfirst it was mainly Caucasian,
with no women on the executiveboard or on our internal
(11:50):
leadership.
We began to look at thosethings systemically and began to
really recruit and ask somepeople to retire.
Not always easy to do, but wedid some shifts so that we had
the representation that we feltthe Lord was calling this
ministry to be, and that is aglobal organization where we
(12:11):
represent the body of Christ,and we wanted to represent a
revelation.
Seven and nine, every tribe,every nation, every tongue,
every language, worshipingtogether and experiencing a
God-like experience in theworkplace.
And so God just began to growit from there and I began to
travel all around the world withour, into our different offices
(12:34):
, training and development, andthey said to me that this has
never, ever been done before.
Now it was just Holy Spirit led, and I know some people don't
believe in the Holy Spirit andso I'm sorry for saying that,
but it was just God led, reallyled us.
He really, I feel like.
Speaker 4 (12:54):
Only God can deconstruct the huge walls and
barriers we have allowed theenemy to create between us as
people from all over the world,and from all over the world as
people from all different placeswith different traditions and
(13:16):
backgrounds, and only HolySpirit can do that, because it's
a heart matter.
It really is a heart matter and, yeah, and we can learn certain
behaviors based upon the waywe've embraced the people that
surround us, their mindsets, butat some point we all have to
(13:39):
realize we can't rely on thatExactly.
We have to figure out forourselves, especially for the
child of God.
God has so much more for us andyou're right, the kingdom of
God is so diverse.
It really isn't locked into anyone skin color or male or
female, and so I just marvel atlistening to you talk about the
(14:05):
strategic placement, once again,that God puts you in.
Tell me, was it easy?
I think I know the answer.
Speaker 3 (14:16):
It has not been easy.
It has been a journey, and I'mdoing this kind of work in human
resources and also in diversity, equity and inclusion is not
for the faint of heart.
I really hold on to the wordthat says do not be weary in
well-doing.
And sometimes, really, I wantedto give up, I wanted to just
(14:36):
stop doing this work, and theHoly Spirit just led me to
continue, gave me the strength,the wisdom, the grace to be able
to do what I've been called todo, and God has blessed.
So the journey has not alwaysbeen easy, but it's been amazing
to see the fruit of it, to seethe growth of it, to see how
people are just coming on siteknowing that this is God.
(14:59):
This is what he commanded us todo was to love one another, ask
our differences.
It has to be love.
Speaker 2 (15:07):
One of the things and it was always at our heart,
lisa and I, as we started this,and it was really.
It's not political correctness,it is kingdom correctness, it's
a representation, as you said,around the throne.
We need to embrace that voice.
Even in the scriptures it saysI've become all things to all
(15:31):
people, so some may be saved.
So this is such a powerful jobyou have and it's no surprise,
vicki, that you've had kickbackfrom that, and you talk a lot
about endurance and how you.
What are some of the thingsthat you have had?
(15:53):
Maybe the influence?
I know that God helps us winthe race, but who have been your
champions, your cheerleadersalong the way?
Speaker 3 (16:02):
I think along this journey I had to pull on my
mentors to make sure that I hadsome really prayerful mentors to
help me along the way.
Coaches, my pastor, and so I doa lot of work in the community
and our community leaders, andso I and our board we have a
wonderful supportive board thatwhen you have your executive
(16:25):
leadership team, your board,your mentors, your pastor,
community leaders all trying todo the same thing.
So I'm not in this alone.
I'm not, and I feel theirprayers, I utilize their advice,
their counsel, their prayersand it really helps to
strengthen me.
God has given me a grace.
That's supernatural, it reallyis.
(16:48):
We'll do what I've been calledto do, and perseverance has been
my whole life journey.
I've had to persevere.
I was not able to give up notat all.
Every time I wanted to even feltlike it yeah.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
Oh no, can't.
That shows me, too, the needfor the church to be in
agreement as we move and as wecommunicate and as we minister
to others.
This can't be one-sided.
It's supposed to be inclusiveof everyone moving together,
(17:21):
because you said that was thesource of what has helped you
and the ministry succeed.
Speaker 3 (17:30):
Yes, yes, it is Having that inclusiveness in our
city.
Our city has been phenomenal atputting some programs together
around diversity, equity,inclusion.
Our community, our church andthen the ministry, and so we're
all in this together and thatjust really it really helps and
it has made a difference andstill making a difference.
(17:52):
Our ministry is no longer thesame and never will it be the
same.
That's fantastic.
Yeah, the world has changed,every country has changed and we
need to represent the kingdom,and I just believe that God is
moving the church and his peopleto really come on one accord
when it relates to diversity.
Speaker 4 (18:14):
So we're talking about a lifetime of God leading
you to the place where you aretoday and I know you just
celebrated.
You just celebrated basically35 years in some form of
ministry and basically it's beenthrough Christian publishing
(18:34):
and all the way to where you arenow and we're looking at
everything that you've done, thestrategic placement where you
are right now.
What do you say to a woman whois so far from that, doesn't
even know what to put her handto, has life coming at her from
(18:58):
all directions, Because we knowthat doesn't stop, no matter
what position you're in, howmany years in you are.
What do you say to that womanwho is trying to figure it out?
She knows that there's got tobe more.
She wants to walk into whateverthat more is.
She doesn't know how to getstarted and there are obstacles
(19:21):
around her.
What do you say to her?
Speaker 3 (19:25):
Wow, that's a huge question, I think, for me.
I had to first of all pray andask God to help me with courage
and to really deliver me fromfear of people, fear of stepping
out in faith, and to give methe courage the scripture tells
us to be bold and to becourageous, for I am with you
(19:45):
and God is with us every step ofthe way.
I just truly believe that.
So I began to really focus onwhat is my life purpose?
What is it that I'm supposed tobe doing?
And I stick to that and in thatlane and every step of the way,
god has just gave me more andmore revelation.
(20:05):
He's opened up more and moredoors, and it began with me
getting rid of the fear andreally walking in faith.
As a woman, and especially as ablack woman, feeling like, oh,
they're not gonna accept me.
There's microaggressions beingsaid all the time.
Through all of that, you haveto know who you are in Christ.
(20:27):
So your identity is soimportant, so important.
Speaker 4 (20:31):
Amen Amber.
Speaker 3 (20:32):
I want you to take that.
Speaker 4 (20:33):
I want you to clip that out and use that, because
that right there.
We need that.
We need to hear that loud andclear.
Speaker 2 (20:41):
But how do you handle microaggressions, Vicki?
How do you deal with that?
Speaker 3 (20:47):
Yeah, sometimes I still get microaggressions
because I work with a lot of menand sometimes they will talk
over you and sometimes don'tfeel like.
I don't know if they don't feellike it, but sometimes their
actions don't show that theysupport you and the expertise
that you bring to the table, andsometimes you can't get a word
in edgewise and so I just calmlywait and then when it's my turn
(21:10):
to speak, and then I do, but Ispeak with more confidence.
I don't come from a place ofintimidation and so I don't
allow that to intimidate me.
And when there is amicroaggression I can talk to
them later and say, kind of whatyou said, I took it as a
microaggression or it was alittle offensive to me and me as
(21:32):
a black woman, and so they'llbe like oh wow, I'm sorry, I
didn't realize that.
Just something that I do allthe time, I just talk over
people.
But when you do that and it'sthe only woman in the room, that
it makes could make that womanfeel very inferior and less than
, and so just to have thosediscussions, to have the courage
to have those discussions, isso important, so important Right
(21:55):
.
Speaker 4 (21:56):
I feel too.
Sometimes I mean, we're talkingabout microaggressions from men
, specifically in the workplace,but I also feel like sometimes
we, as women, we can get stuckin a place where we see where
someone else is successful andwe don't know how to act.
Right, right.
(22:16):
How do we deal with our sisters?
Speaker 3 (22:19):
Oh, true, so true.
I believe in sisterhood, Ibelieve in supporting one
another, but I'm always facedwith the fact that there are
some people that you're just notgoing to gather, you're not
going to be supportive, and Idon't allow that to stop me.
If I'm not supported, I knowthat God has given me a vision,
(22:41):
he's given me a purpose, he'sgiven me a destiny, and I have
to answer to him.
At the end of the day, I don'thave to answer to my sister, I
have to answer to him.
So I'm going to be obedient tohim and his word.
And so I feel sisterhood.
I love my sisters, I love ourgatherings.
I don't think there's anythinglike it, but there's always some
that you're never going toreach, and I have to be OK with
(23:04):
that.
And if they don't come along,it's like God, you deal with
them.
But let my heart be pure.
Speaker 2 (23:11):
And then how do you deal with?
Also, there's sometimes thosewho are wanting to be close but
you don't feel in your spiritthat you should pull them close.
And as having a heart forpeople, sometimes that's hard
(23:31):
for me, because you want to pullpeople close but not
everybody's meant to be close.
Speaker 4 (23:37):
Amber's best friends with everybody.
Speaker 3 (23:42):
And I think sometimes it's OK.
We need to make people feellike for me, it's important for
them to feel like they're valuedand they have place in my heart
and that they're appreciated.
But everybody is not going tobe in your, say, your fad five.
Everybody's not going to bethere, but I'm going to make
(24:03):
sure that the people I dointeract with, because I
absolutely love people, I loveall walks of life.
That's why people ask me do Ienjoy traveling all to these
different countries?
Yes, I absolutely love it,because I learned something
about myself and about them.
Speaker 2 (24:21):
Everybody I interact with, yeah, I remember, and
Alisa kind of, a few years back,I realized that I was
surrounded by white people,white girls, and I live in a
(24:44):
very white city and a lack ofdiversity is here and I know a
lot of people live in very whitecities and I started praying
that God would bring women ofcolor into my life.
And I know that seems strange,but I felt like God wanted, I
felt like that that was a partof what I needed.
(25:08):
I needed that and not just for,as I said, correctness, but I
wanted those kind of voices inmy life and I think that's an
important thing to evaluate too.
If we have all the, all thevanilla.
Speaker 3 (25:37):
I think for me, I had to be intentional about making
sure that I step out of my box,because it can go the other way
too.
You can have people that areall Christians, that are in your
life.
We need to have that diversegroup of people in our lives and
we need to have a diverseculture, but we have to be
intentional, you do.
Speaker 4 (25:57):
It even goes to the point of don't it's comfortable
to surround yourself with peoplelike you Do the things you do
would react like you.
But when you intentionallyallow people into your life and
build true heart connectionswith them, you care about them
(26:19):
and they think totally opposite.
Their reaction would be totallyopposite of yours in a
situation that only grows us asa human being and frankly, I
think it makes thoserelationships even stronger when
someone thinks differently thanyou do.
Sure, I do.
Speaker 3 (26:36):
People sometimes struggle with being accepted,
and so when they feel like youdon't accept who they are in
their culture, that's defeating,and I never want people to feel
that way I want to be a childof God.
We all are and we all affected.
There are no second classcitizens in the kingdom.
We all are accepted, we'revalued, we're appreciated and
(26:59):
we're loved.
Speaker 2 (27:00):
I want to go ahead.
Amber.
I just want to ask Vicki howdid you bring your circle of
friends to a diverse picture?
Is that something that youalways had?
Speaker 3 (27:17):
No, it's not something that we always had.
I had to be intentional aboutsaying there's a couple of us
going to be going here.
Why don't we invite somebodyelse who is of a different
culture, might be Caucasian,might be Hispanic to go along
with us or to be in this meeting, or to be on this project, so
(27:38):
that we did?
Or a younger person so that wedemonstrate diversity, or an
older person, a more seasonedperson, just so that we build
the diversity within our livesand within our culture?
It's important, but you have tobe intentional about it.
Speaker 2 (27:55):
Even with Lisa, you grew up your family, even though
you guys weren't.
You didn't get raised in thechurch.
Your family was veryintentional about cross-cultural
and diverse relationships.
Speaker 4 (28:09):
Yes, and I think I thank God for that.
And even before I knew Jesus,my parents my mom in particular,
raised me and we had talksabout diversity and color.
Of course, my mom and dad bornin the 40s I was born in the 60s
into the 70s we were doing alot of talking about those
(28:30):
things as a young family.
My mom made sure that Iunderstood that we were all
God's children and althoughthere was no set Christian
education, sunday schoolservices she had, I believe God
ordained that she speakssomething into my life that made
a difference for me.
I went to school with a verydiverse class.
(28:53):
When I began to go to church,the two people in my life that
mentored me from the beginningare an African-American couple
at the time and I remember theywould make sure that I walked
into places that I was the onlylet's use your term vanilla
person in the room.
And I do believe that we haveto be intentional, we have to
(29:18):
make choices about how we raiseour children.
I've said this before.
There's a little song in themusical South Pacific and it's a
bit of a.
It's a painful song, but it's asong where the Lieutenant I
believe Lieutenant Cable issaying we have to be taught to
hate in fear, and it's true, weare teaching, whether we're
(29:39):
saying it with our mouth or not.
We are teaching those we raiseand those we influence how they
should respond.
And we need to be believers,sisters, who will be inclusive
and will be intentional aboutrounding up that circle of
people that aren't just like us.
And I do understand there aresome places in this country
(30:03):
where it is very hard to finddiversity.
I get that.
But you know what the internethas opened up so much to us.
There are Bible studies, thereare organizations.
You can get and make friendslike.
We've never met face to facebefore, vicki, but we have this
relationship because of the book.
There are ways that, if we'repraying, god make, shake our
(30:26):
life up.
Bring me some different.
Yeah, bring it to me.
I believe he will do it for us.
Yeah, I do too.
I do too.
Speaker 2 (30:35):
I think, and to what you said, lisa, about
intentionality and we've talkeda lot about intentionality is we
had to be intentional abouteven the people, the voices we
represented in the book Right,and we wanted to and we wanted
to bring even more because thatintentionality is important,
(30:56):
because intentionality retrainsyour brain until it just becomes
a part of your nature.
Speaker 3 (31:07):
Right and it should become second nature, but
sometimes it's just like a habit.
You have to continue to beintentional about making that
happen.
That okay, if I'm looking atthe same culture all the time.
Okay, lord, I have to step outand do something differently,
and sometimes that means goingalone.
When Lord called me and heasked me to travel, I thought
(31:31):
that I would be traveling tojust the nearest next state.
I had no idea that I would haveto travel alone to Africa and
Brazil and UK and all theseother places.
But I said yes, I said yes.
That's a good thing, that's good.
I had to go out, so there werea lot of lonely days, but I knew
that God was with me, knew thathe was with me.
Speaker 2 (31:53):
That is so good.
That is so good.
I wanna, oh, go ahead.
I'm sorry I can't.
No, I just wanna say, vicki, Iam so excited because this is
what we can do, girls, this iswhat we can do.
We can change the tide, and ittakes one voice of
intentionality to represent andchange culture.
(32:14):
And then culture it infusesinto everything and in the body
of Christ.
We need to be influencers ofculture.
We need to be embracers andinfluencers.
Speaker 3 (32:30):
So often, as women, we don't use our voice.
But we have influence and if wecan use, our voice for these
things that really matter themost.
It will change the world.
It will make a difference.
Speaker 4 (32:44):
It is making a difference, I agree.
And even this little book thatGod placed in Amber's heart, it
has amazing, it has amazed us,the stories that we hear, even
if it never affects anotherperson.
I just stand back in marvel atwhat God has done with just yes,
(33:07):
I'm willing, god, yes, I'mwilling to do it, afraid, I'm
willing to do it with myinsecurities.
I'm willing to do it because Iknow you're walking with me.
I have just been so blessed towatch and do that and to hear
the stories that have come backto us, as they're just been some
awesome testimonies.
I want to take a minute and justread a couple of lines from
(33:28):
your letter.
You said God set you apart andappointed you, and she's
speaking specificallyencouragement to daughters of
the father.
The most high God, god, set youa point and appointed you.
His desire is for his daughtersto live without fear and doubt.
As we unite with other women,we can help our fellow sisters
who may have lost their way, inneed of a helping hand or a word
(33:50):
of encouragement.
Do not allow the circumstancesor those who surround you to
determine who you are as youstep out of your comfort zone.
Even when you're afraid, youare unstoppable.
You are more than a conqueror.
You will be tried and testedwhen you stand in the face of
adversity, the barrier of glassceilings and anything else life
(34:12):
throws in your direction.
In those moments you will getback up.
Speaker 3 (34:18):
Yes amen.
Speaker 4 (34:19):
I really appreciate those words because, as we put
this together, we prayed for Godto specifically speak to women,
and my chapter may not affectyou, but someone else's will.
Your letter is going to speakvery loudly to certain women and
it has a definite space in thisbook for purpose and ministry,
(34:43):
and we just want to thank youonce again for being a part of
that.
Speaker 3 (34:46):
Thank you and a good letter to be a part of a
wonderful opportunity.
Speaker 2 (34:51):
I just wanted you to be able to close us out in
prayer and specifically overthose women who are facing
adversity, feeling that theywant to give up trying to change
culture, or trying to changethe culture in their workplace,
or just trying to push throughsomething that they feel God is
calling this to do and they'rehitting that kickback.
(35:13):
Would you pray for us as weclose out the podcast?
All right, sure we will.
Speaker 3 (35:19):
Let us go before the Lord in prayer.
Father, thank you so much fortoday and this moment in time.
Thank you that we were able tocome together with Amber and
Lisa and just talk through somesisterhood things.
Father, thank you for how youbring us together.
Thank you for who you are.
You are an awesome, amazing,wonderful, incredible, good
(35:40):
Father, and we bless your holyname.
Your name is great and greatlyto be prayed.
Father, we pray that this bookand these podcasts will bless
your women.
We pray for each and every womanthat is in the workplace, that
is a business owner and that iseven at home as a homemaker.
Father, we pray that you wouldstrengthen her, that you would
(36:01):
give her peace, would give herdestiny and purpose in what
she's doing.
She is leading, whatever she'sdoing, father, and I pray that
you will bless the work of herhands.
Let her not give up, let hernot grow weary and well-doing,
but let her stand fast and,knowing who you are and knowing
who she is and you and I prayyour blessings over each and
(36:24):
every person that will listen tothis podcast, that will read
the book.
I pray that they will bestirred in their innermost being
yes, you call them to do, to beobedient to what you've called
them to do.
Yes, we're fearful.
Yes, we may doubt sometimes.
Yes, we may not have thecourage, we may not feel like we
can do it, but we know that wecan do all things through you
(36:46):
because you strengthen us, andwe pray in the name of Jesus
that you will be glorified ineverything that we say and
everything that we do in Jesus'name and amen.
Speaker 4 (36:57):
That is absolutely beautiful.
Thank you so much, Vicki.
God bless you all.
God bless you too.
It's been wonderful to have youwith us and we will be back
again.
Not sure how quickly we willget this posted for listeners to
take a listen to.
Let me know I will.
Life is going to be a bit oftransition around here.
(37:20):
Amber is doing new things.
Speaker 3 (37:22):
I heard that.
Speaker 4 (37:24):
Congratulations.
That's wonderful, awesome.
You guys are inspiring.
You really are.
We're figuring it out.
We are still wanting to talkabout all that God is doing and
His goodness, and so we're goingto continue to get these on our
podcast so you can replay them,and all that good stuff.
So I just want to remindeverybody that it's a very
(37:46):
important season right now.
It's time for football.
It is it's time for football.
Speaker 3 (37:52):
It's time for my ball .
Speaker 4 (37:53):
The air is getting a little crispy every once in a
while here in what I callaffectionately misery, but I
think fall is coming.
I think it's on its way Right.
Speaker 2 (38:03):
I think I'm going to have to change my silk plants.
Speaker 4 (38:06):
I think you need a big cheap sign behind you Right,
right, right.
Speaker 3 (38:13):
Thankfully.
We like the cheap, so we go.
Speaker 4 (38:16):
Oh.
Speaker 3 (38:18):
Enjoy the season.
Speaker 4 (38:19):
Enjoy it.
Yes, thank you so much forjoining us, ladies, we love you,
we love you all.
Please visit us atLeadingLadies Light.
Yes, join our Facebook page andsubscribe to our podcast.
Speaker 2 (38:33):
Yes, apple, we're on I Heart.
We're on Spotify.
Look for a copy.
Chat with Amber and Lisa.
You will find us, us.
Speaker 4 (38:44):
Much love to you all.
Be blessed.
Speaker 2 (38:47):
In a world that often tries to confine and categorize
bestselling book, leadingLadies discover your God-grown
strategy for success Celebratesthe diverse tapestry of women
just like you and their uniquejourneys of faith.
Join Lisa and I as we partnerwith over 30 women from every
hue, age and walk of life,united by one mission to let
(39:10):
Christ shine through our giftswherever we are.
Within the pages of LeadingLadies, you'll find a wealth of
wisdom, inspiration andpractical guidance.
These women share theirpersonal stories, triumphs,
failures and the lessons they'velearned along the way.
Leading Ladies is more thanjust a book.
It's a movement, a call toaction for women of faith to
(39:32):
rise up, support one another andmake a difference in the world.
Together, let's celebrate thestrength, resilience and faith
of Leading Ladies from everybackground and be inspired to
let Christ shine through yourgifts wherever you may be.
Leading Ladies, discover yourGod-grown strategy for success,
available now wherever books aresold.
Would you be surprised to know that some of
the most successful women of ourtime face challenges just like
you and I do?
Hi, I'm Amber and I'm Lisa.
We're authors of the bookLeading Ladies.
Discover your God-grownstrategy for success.
Speaker 2 (00:26):
We invite you to join us in an honest, messy-bun
conversation about the thingswe'd rather keep hidden in our
lives.
Speaker 1 (00:34):
Some of those things can keep us from moving forward
in purpose.
So grab a cup of somethingdelicious.
Speaker 2 (00:41):
Kick off your shoes and hang out with us for the
next 30 minutes.
Good morning everyone andwelcome to a beautiful fall day
for coffee.
Chat with Amber and Lisa andour beautiful guest Vicki Harris
(01:02):
from Our Daily Bread.
Thank you, vicki, for joiningus today.
Speaker 3 (01:07):
Good morning.
Thank you for having me.
Speaker 4 (01:10):
It's so good to have you, Vicki.
I've only communicated with youvia emails and things like that
, but for those of you thatdon't know, Vicki is one of our
contributors in the LeadingLadies book.
She did a really preciousletter called A Letter of
Encouragement to the Daughtersof the Father, the Most High God
(01:32):
.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
And we're going to talk about that today.
Speaker 4 (01:35):
It's a really nice addition to the book and I have
to say that I loved your letter.
I want us to talk a little bitabout that, but right off the
bat, I want to help familiarizepeople with who you are.
And for those of you thatlisten to the podcast who have
maybe walked in the faith formany years, you've probably held
(01:58):
one of those little boundcopies of the Daily Bread in
your hands.
No doubt you have read it.
You have gained insight from it.
You have been drawn to certainparts of it, because I believe
God uses those kinds of thingsto impact our life.
Vicki, how many years has ourDaily Bread been?
Speaker 3 (02:22):
available.
Wow, our Daily Bread actuallybegan in 1938.
Of course, I was born then 1938, and Imar Dahan actually began
by just teaching the word overthe radio.
Just him and a microphone, andit had that to now.
(02:45):
We have over 700 employees, 250or more volunteers that help us
, we're in 37 offices around theworld, we translate into 58
different languages and 150different countries, and so it's
a very vast global organization.
Speaker 4 (03:05):
Oh, my goodness, that is mind blowing.
Sometimes we don't really havean understanding of how
something works.
You just blew my mind becauseI'm just thinking of this nice
little devotional that comes andI'm not really thinking how the
(03:25):
Lord has used it.
But that is amazing, I thinkit's beautiful.
Speaker 2 (03:31):
Look at, just think about this.
Ladies A mic and in the home,like how many people have a
microphone, ladies?
How many people can do thingslike they do from their home?
You never know what God's goingto expand into something like
this, right, somebody'swillingness to get started and
(03:56):
keep going right, vicki.
Speaker 3 (03:58):
I'm sure that MR Dehan had no idea how God would
just expand this ministry andnow it's been in existence.
We just celebrated 85 years inexistence.
That was on September 4th.
So that has just beenremarkable and I'm just sure
that he would not just recognizeit today but really be thrilled
(04:19):
as to what God has done withthe ministry.
We not only do the devotional,which the devotional is what
we're known by.
We also have our media thatdoes our daily videos, our long
form films.
We have our publishing arm.
We have so much that we do thatis beyond just the devotional.
(04:40):
But so many people remember usby our devotional.
And you know what's sowonderful about this is when I
was a little girl, mygrandmother used to watch the
day of discovery, the ladies intheir robes and they were
singing and MR would preach.
And I remember her watching usand she was just so thrilled and
(05:00):
just so moved by what the wordof God was doing and saying.
And then now for me to be apart of the ministry is just
full circle.
Speaker 2 (05:10):
And you have grown with the ministry to now being
the chief.
Your role is so huge.
The bread doesn't encompass byone job description, but tell us
about this role.
Speaker 4 (05:26):
I want to make sure they hear the title of the role
because I love it.
You are the chief people andculture officer, as well as
diversity, equity and inclusionfor our daily bread.
Speaker 3 (05:40):
Wow.
Yes, that's a big title andit's a big role, but I depend on
the Holy Spirit to lead andguide me and actually does that.
We are in a global organization, although we're housed
primarily out of the US, butwe're not a US organization,
we're a global organization.
So I'm alongside the differentregions and our senior vice
(06:04):
presidents in each of thoseregions to help them with all of
their people, culture, trainingand development and diversity
efforts around the world.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
You know what, reaching all those people and
speaking their language, that'simportant.
We know that we're there and Ithink some of us aren't quite,
but that's where we're trying togo, trying to realize that
people speak different languages.
Culture is different.
Things that relate to oneperson may not relate to the
(06:37):
other person.
Tell me the importance ofcoming to this place in your
ministry that, or have you beenalways this way?
Have you always been seekingcultural relevance in diversity
and reaching those groups?
Speaker 3 (06:54):
No, unfortunately, we have not always had this as a
focus.
I can say in the last 12 years,our CEO, which was the grandson
of the father, really had aheart for diversity, and as we
began to globalize more of ourorganization, he began to
(07:14):
realize that we need to dosomething different here in West
Michigan so that we representthe kingdom and that we truly
look like a global organization.
And so he began to really lookat our directors, our global
director board of directors, ourleadership, our staff and
that's where I came in is he wasreally looking for somebody
(07:37):
that was passionate arounddiversity and around women in
leadership.
At that time there had been nowomen in leadership, not in high
leadership roles, executiveroles and that was 70 years they
have been in ministry, and sothat tells you that it was a
huge thing.
When I came on and I just feellike it's a double whammy
(08:00):
because I'm a woman inleadership but I'm also an
African American woman inleadership and that is only
about 2% of the actual workforcein the US can say that and so
we really had a focus to reallymake a difference and look more
like the kingdom here inMichigan.
Speaker 4 (08:20):
It just speaks to me very deeply about how God
orchestrates, or dames equips usas women.
That's part of why we did thisbook.
God, it's time he's provided aplace for us as females to step
(08:41):
into leadership roles, to stepin, utilize the gifts that he
put in us with purpose.
We may not always understandwhat direction we're going in
initially, but just having thatrelationship with him that spurs
us into the opportunities thatcould only come from him.
When you say that company wentwithout any female leadership
(09:02):
for 70 years and we said you'vejust celebrated 85 years as an
organization, that means, as youstepped into that, it was one
of those almost ester momentsfor such a time as this, because
there was a whole lot out therein society saying you don't
have a role here.
You don't have a role here,number one cause you're female.
(09:23):
In the kingdom of God, yourrole is to be supportive, not
lead.
And secondly, you brought upethnicity and that is a big part
of your job there.
And Amber and I would love tohear about how God opened up
that situation, because we knowwhat our nation's gone through.
(09:44):
We especially know the hotbedthat's been going on over the
past five years.
And so how did God, what didGod do in your heart and how did
he open the door for thosediscussions?
Speaker 3 (09:57):
I actually began doing diversity, equity and
inclusion training probably over20 years ago at another
Christian organization, but Iwas mainly doing a lot of hoopla
, celebrations and gatheringsand things like that.
And the Lord really began todeal with me to do something on
(10:18):
a greater level, something thatwould bring systemic change, and
so I began to really pray andask God what it is that he
wanted me to do more of and Ibegan to volunteer.
I began to serve people thatwere coming from Africa, people
that were coming from Guatemala,and through my serving cause
they were believers workingthrough a Christian organization
(10:41):
, but they came to the UnitedStates looking for help and I
began to help and began to justdo some employment, trainings,
workshops and things like that.
And through that it began togrow and God began to show me
how to put together a frameworkwhere I was actually called on
by a consultant to work with aconsultant to really help us to
(11:03):
put a framework together whereit wasn't an in-your-face type
approach to cause that wouldnever work with people, but how
can we come along the body ofChrist, our ministry, and help
them learn that we all need eachother, that this is supposed to
reflect the kingdom of God.
So we began to look at ourleadership.
We began to look at ourpolicies and our procedures, our
(11:27):
communication, our externalrelationships and our policies
and we began to reallystrategically put some things in
place while we were looking atour executive global board.
And that had to shift.
So now we're at the well asfirst it was mainly Caucasian,
with no women on the executiveboard or on our internal
(11:50):
leadership.
We began to look at thosethings systemically and began to
really recruit and ask somepeople to retire.
Not always easy to do, but wedid some shifts so that we had
the representation that we feltthe Lord was calling this
ministry to be, and that is aglobal organization where we
(12:11):
represent the body of Christ,and we wanted to represent a
revelation.
Seven and nine, every tribe,every nation, every tongue,
every language, worshipingtogether and experiencing a
God-like experience in theworkplace.
And so God just began to growit from there and I began to
travel all around the world withour, into our different offices
(12:34):
, training and development, andthey said to me that this has
never, ever been done before.
Now it was just Holy Spirit led, and I know some people don't
believe in the Holy Spirit andso I'm sorry for saying that,
but it was just God led, reallyled us.
He really, I feel like.
Speaker 4 (12:54):
Only God can deconstruct the huge walls and
barriers we have allowed theenemy to create between us as
people from all over the world,and from all over the world as
people from all different placeswith different traditions and
(13:16):
backgrounds, and only HolySpirit can do that, because it's
a heart matter.
It really is a heart matter and, yeah, and we can learn certain
behaviors based upon the waywe've embraced the people that
surround us, their mindsets, butat some point we all have to
(13:39):
realize we can't rely on thatExactly.
We have to figure out forourselves, especially for the
child of God.
God has so much more for us andyou're right, the kingdom of
God is so diverse.
It really isn't locked into anyone skin color or male or
female, and so I just marvel atlistening to you talk about the
(14:05):
strategic placement, once again,that God puts you in.
Tell me, was it easy?
I think I know the answer.
Speaker 3 (14:16):
It has not been easy.
It has been a journey, and I'mdoing this kind of work in human
resources and also in diversity, equity and inclusion is not
for the faint of heart.
I really hold on to the wordthat says do not be weary in
well-doing.
And sometimes, really, I wantedto give up, I wanted to just
(14:36):
stop doing this work, and theHoly Spirit just led me to
continue, gave me the strength,the wisdom, the grace to be able
to do what I've been called todo, and God has blessed.
So the journey has not alwaysbeen easy, but it's been amazing
to see the fruit of it, to seethe growth of it, to see how
people are just coming on siteknowing that this is God.
(14:59):
This is what he commanded us todo was to love one another, ask
our differences.
It has to be love.
Speaker 2 (15:07):
One of the things and it was always at our heart,
lisa and I, as we started this,and it was really.
It's not political correctness,it is kingdom correctness, it's
a representation, as you said,around the throne.
We need to embrace that voice.
Even in the scriptures it saysI've become all things to all
(15:31):
people, so some may be saved.
So this is such a powerful jobyou have and it's no surprise,
vicki, that you've had kickbackfrom that, and you talk a lot
about endurance and how you.
What are some of the thingsthat you have had?
(15:53):
Maybe the influence?
I know that God helps us winthe race, but who have been your
champions, your cheerleadersalong the way?
Speaker 3 (16:02):
I think along this journey I had to pull on my
mentors to make sure that I hadsome really prayerful mentors to
help me along the way.
Coaches, my pastor, and so I doa lot of work in the community
and our community leaders, andso I and our board we have a
wonderful supportive board thatwhen you have your executive
(16:25):
leadership team, your board,your mentors, your pastor,
community leaders all trying todo the same thing.
So I'm not in this alone.
I'm not, and I feel theirprayers, I utilize their advice,
their counsel, their prayersand it really helps to
strengthen me.
God has given me a grace.
That's supernatural, it reallyis.
(16:48):
We'll do what I've been calledto do, and perseverance has been
my whole life journey.
I've had to persevere.
I was not able to give up notat all.
Every time I wanted to even feltlike it yeah.
Speaker 2 (17:00):
Oh no, can't.
That shows me, too, the needfor the church to be in
agreement as we move and as wecommunicate and as we minister
to others.
This can't be one-sided.
It's supposed to be inclusiveof everyone moving together,
(17:21):
because you said that was thesource of what has helped you
and the ministry succeed.
Speaker 3 (17:30):
Yes, yes, it is Having that inclusiveness in our
city.
Our city has been phenomenal atputting some programs together
around diversity, equity,inclusion.
Our community, our church andthen the ministry, and so we're
all in this together and thatjust really it really helps and
it has made a difference andstill making a difference.
(17:52):
Our ministry is no longer thesame and never will it be the
same.
That's fantastic.
Yeah, the world has changed,every country has changed and we
need to represent the kingdom,and I just believe that God is
moving the church and his peopleto really come on one accord
when it relates to diversity.
Speaker 4 (18:14):
So we're talking about a lifetime of God leading
you to the place where you aretoday and I know you just
celebrated.
You just celebrated basically35 years in some form of
ministry and basically it's beenthrough Christian publishing
(18:34):
and all the way to where you arenow and we're looking at
everything that you've done, thestrategic placement where you
are right now.
What do you say to a woman whois so far from that, doesn't
even know what to put her handto, has life coming at her from
(18:58):
all directions, Because we knowthat doesn't stop, no matter
what position you're in, howmany years in you are.
What do you say to that womanwho is trying to figure it out?
She knows that there's got tobe more.
She wants to walk into whateverthat more is.
She doesn't know how to getstarted and there are obstacles
(19:21):
around her.
What do you say to her?
Speaker 3 (19:25):
Wow, that's a huge question, I think, for me.
I had to first of all pray andask God to help me with courage
and to really deliver me fromfear of people, fear of stepping
out in faith, and to give methe courage the scripture tells
us to be bold and to becourageous, for I am with you
(19:45):
and God is with us every step ofthe way.
I just truly believe that.
So I began to really focus onwhat is my life purpose?
What is it that I'm supposed tobe doing?
And I stick to that and in thatlane and every step of the way,
god has just gave me more andmore revelation.
(20:05):
He's opened up more and moredoors, and it began with me
getting rid of the fear andreally walking in faith.
As a woman, and especially as ablack woman, feeling like, oh,
they're not gonna accept me.
There's microaggressions beingsaid all the time.
Through all of that, you haveto know who you are in Christ.
(20:27):
So your identity is soimportant, so important.
Speaker 4 (20:31):
Amen Amber.
Speaker 3 (20:32):
I want you to take that.
Speaker 4 (20:33):
I want you to clip that out and use that, because
that right there.
We need that.
We need to hear that loud andclear.
Speaker 2 (20:41):
But how do you handle microaggressions, Vicki?
How do you deal with that?
Speaker 3 (20:47):
Yeah, sometimes I still get microaggressions
because I work with a lot of menand sometimes they will talk
over you and sometimes don'tfeel like.
I don't know if they don't feellike it, but sometimes their
actions don't show that theysupport you and the expertise
that you bring to the table, andsometimes you can't get a word
in edgewise and so I just calmlywait and then when it's my turn
(21:10):
to speak, and then I do, but Ispeak with more confidence.
I don't come from a place ofintimidation and so I don't
allow that to intimidate me.
And when there is amicroaggression I can talk to
them later and say, kind of whatyou said, I took it as a
microaggression or it was alittle offensive to me and me as
(21:32):
a black woman, and so they'llbe like oh wow, I'm sorry, I
didn't realize that.
Just something that I do allthe time, I just talk over
people.
But when you do that and it'sthe only woman in the room, that
it makes could make that womanfeel very inferior and less than
, and so just to have thosediscussions, to have the courage
to have those discussions, isso important, so important Right
(21:55):
.
Speaker 4 (21:56):
I feel too.
Sometimes I mean, we're talkingabout microaggressions from men
, specifically in the workplace,but I also feel like sometimes
we, as women, we can get stuckin a place where we see where
someone else is successful andwe don't know how to act.
Right, right.
(22:16):
How do we deal with our sisters?
Speaker 3 (22:19):
Oh, true, so true.
I believe in sisterhood, Ibelieve in supporting one
another, but I'm always facedwith the fact that there are
some people that you're just notgoing to gather, you're not
going to be supportive, and Idon't allow that to stop me.
If I'm not supported, I knowthat God has given me a vision,
(22:41):
he's given me a purpose, he'sgiven me a destiny, and I have
to answer to him.
At the end of the day, I don'thave to answer to my sister, I
have to answer to him.
So I'm going to be obedient tohim and his word.
And so I feel sisterhood.
I love my sisters, I love ourgatherings.
I don't think there's anythinglike it, but there's always some
that you're never going toreach, and I have to be OK with
(23:04):
that.
And if they don't come along,it's like God, you deal with
them.
But let my heart be pure.
Speaker 2 (23:11):
And then how do you deal with?
Also, there's sometimes thosewho are wanting to be close but
you don't feel in your spiritthat you should pull them close.
And as having a heart forpeople, sometimes that's hard
(23:31):
for me, because you want to pullpeople close but not
everybody's meant to be close.
Speaker 4 (23:37):
Amber's best friends with everybody.
Speaker 3 (23:42):
And I think sometimes it's OK.
We need to make people feellike for me, it's important for
them to feel like they're valuedand they have place in my heart
and that they're appreciated.
But everybody is not going tobe in your, say, your fad five.
Everybody's not going to bethere, but I'm going to make
(24:03):
sure that the people I dointeract with, because I
absolutely love people, I loveall walks of life.
That's why people ask me do Ienjoy traveling all to these
different countries?
Yes, I absolutely love it,because I learned something
about myself and about them.
Speaker 2 (24:21):
Everybody I interact with, yeah, I remember, and
Alisa kind of, a few years back,I realized that I was
surrounded by white people,white girls, and I live in a
(24:44):
very white city and a lack ofdiversity is here and I know a
lot of people live in very whitecities and I started praying
that God would bring women ofcolor into my life.
And I know that seems strange,but I felt like God wanted, I
felt like that that was a partof what I needed.
(25:08):
I needed that and not just for,as I said, correctness, but I
wanted those kind of voices inmy life and I think that's an
important thing to evaluate too.
If we have all the, all thevanilla.
Speaker 3 (25:37):
I think for me, I had to be intentional about making
sure that I step out of my box,because it can go the other way
too.
You can have people that areall Christians, that are in your
life.
We need to have that diversegroup of people in our lives and
we need to have a diverseculture, but we have to be
intentional, you do.
Speaker 4 (25:57):
It even goes to the point of don't it's comfortable
to surround yourself with peoplelike you Do the things you do
would react like you.
But when you intentionallyallow people into your life and
build true heart connectionswith them, you care about them
(26:19):
and they think totally opposite.
Their reaction would be totallyopposite of yours in a
situation that only grows us asa human being and frankly, I
think it makes thoserelationships even stronger when
someone thinks differently thanyou do.
Sure, I do.
Speaker 3 (26:36):
People sometimes struggle with being accepted,
and so when they feel like youdon't accept who they are in
their culture, that's defeating,and I never want people to feel
that way I want to be a childof God.
We all are and we all affected.
There are no second classcitizens in the kingdom.
We all are accepted, we'revalued, we're appreciated and
(26:59):
we're loved.
Speaker 2 (27:00):
I want to go ahead.
Amber.
I just want to ask Vicki howdid you bring your circle of
friends to a diverse picture?
Is that something that youalways had?
Speaker 3 (27:17):
No, it's not something that we always had.
I had to be intentional aboutsaying there's a couple of us
going to be going here.
Why don't we invite somebodyelse who is of a different
culture, might be Caucasian,might be Hispanic to go along
with us or to be in this meeting, or to be on this project, so
(27:38):
that we did?
Or a younger person so that wedemonstrate diversity, or an
older person, a more seasonedperson, just so that we build
the diversity within our livesand within our culture?
It's important, but you have tobe intentional about it.
Speaker 2 (27:55):
Even with Lisa, you grew up your family, even though
you guys weren't.
You didn't get raised in thechurch.
Your family was veryintentional about cross-cultural
and diverse relationships.
Speaker 4 (28:09):
Yes, and I think I thank God for that.
And even before I knew Jesus,my parents my mom in particular,
raised me and we had talksabout diversity and color.
Of course, my mom and dad bornin the 40s I was born in the 60s
into the 70s we were doing alot of talking about those
(28:30):
things as a young family.
My mom made sure that Iunderstood that we were all
God's children and althoughthere was no set Christian
education, sunday schoolservices she had, I believe God
ordained that she speakssomething into my life that made
a difference for me.
I went to school with a verydiverse class.
(28:53):
When I began to go to church,the two people in my life that
mentored me from the beginningare an African-American couple
at the time and I remember theywould make sure that I walked
into places that I was the onlylet's use your term vanilla
person in the room.
And I do believe that we haveto be intentional, we have to
(29:18):
make choices about how we raiseour children.
I've said this before.
There's a little song in themusical South Pacific and it's a
bit of a.
It's a painful song, but it's asong where the Lieutenant I
believe Lieutenant Cable issaying we have to be taught to
hate in fear, and it's true, weare teaching, whether we're
(29:39):
saying it with our mouth or not.
We are teaching those we raiseand those we influence how they
should respond.
And we need to be believers,sisters, who will be inclusive
and will be intentional aboutrounding up that circle of
people that aren't just like us.
And I do understand there aresome places in this country
(30:03):
where it is very hard to finddiversity.
I get that.
But you know what the internethas opened up so much to us.
There are Bible studies, thereare organizations.
You can get and make friendslike.
We've never met face to facebefore, vicki, but we have this
relationship because of the book.
There are ways that, if we'repraying, god make, shake our
(30:26):
life up.
Bring me some different.
Yeah, bring it to me.
I believe he will do it for us.
Yeah, I do too.
I do too.
Speaker 2 (30:35):
I think, and to what you said, lisa, about
intentionality and we've talkeda lot about intentionality is we
had to be intentional abouteven the people, the voices we
represented in the book Right,and we wanted to and we wanted
to bring even more because thatintentionality is important,
(30:56):
because intentionality retrainsyour brain until it just becomes
a part of your nature.
Speaker 3 (31:07):
Right and it should become second nature, but
sometimes it's just like a habit.
You have to continue to beintentional about making that
happen.
That okay, if I'm looking atthe same culture all the time.
Okay, lord, I have to step outand do something differently,
and sometimes that means goingalone.
When Lord called me and heasked me to travel, I thought
(31:31):
that I would be traveling tojust the nearest next state.
I had no idea that I would haveto travel alone to Africa and
Brazil and UK and all theseother places.
But I said yes, I said yes.
That's a good thing, that's good.
I had to go out, so there werea lot of lonely days, but I knew
that God was with me, knew thathe was with me.
Speaker 2 (31:53):
That is so good.
That is so good.
I wanna, oh, go ahead.
I'm sorry I can't.
No, I just wanna say, vicki, Iam so excited because this is
what we can do, girls, this iswhat we can do.
We can change the tide, and ittakes one voice of
intentionality to represent andchange culture.
(32:14):
And then culture it infusesinto everything and in the body
of Christ.
We need to be influencers ofculture.
We need to be embracers andinfluencers.
Speaker 3 (32:30):
So often, as women, we don't use our voice.
But we have influence and if wecan use, our voice for these
things that really matter themost.
It will change the world.
It will make a difference.
Speaker 4 (32:44):
It is making a difference, I agree.
And even this little book thatGod placed in Amber's heart, it
has amazing, it has amazed us,the stories that we hear, even
if it never affects anotherperson.
I just stand back in marvel atwhat God has done with just yes,
(33:07):
I'm willing, god, yes, I'mwilling to do it, afraid, I'm
willing to do it with myinsecurities.
I'm willing to do it because Iknow you're walking with me.
I have just been so blessed towatch and do that and to hear
the stories that have come backto us, as they're just been some
awesome testimonies.
I want to take a minute and justread a couple of lines from
(33:28):
your letter.
You said God set you apart andappointed you, and she's
speaking specificallyencouragement to daughters of
the father.
The most high God, god, set youa point and appointed you.
His desire is for his daughtersto live without fear and doubt.
As we unite with other women,we can help our fellow sisters
who may have lost their way, inneed of a helping hand or a word
(33:50):
of encouragement.
Do not allow the circumstancesor those who surround you to
determine who you are as youstep out of your comfort zone.
Even when you're afraid, youare unstoppable.
You are more than a conqueror.
You will be tried and testedwhen you stand in the face of
adversity, the barrier of glassceilings and anything else life
(34:12):
throws in your direction.
In those moments you will getback up.
Speaker 3 (34:18):
Yes amen.
Speaker 4 (34:19):
I really appreciate those words because, as we put
this together, we prayed for Godto specifically speak to women,
and my chapter may not affectyou, but someone else's will.
Your letter is going to speakvery loudly to certain women and
it has a definite space in thisbook for purpose and ministry,
(34:43):
and we just want to thank youonce again for being a part of
that.
Speaker 3 (34:46):
Thank you and a good letter to be a part of a
wonderful opportunity.
Speaker 2 (34:51):
I just wanted you to be able to close us out in
prayer and specifically overthose women who are facing
adversity, feeling that theywant to give up trying to change
culture, or trying to changethe culture in their workplace,
or just trying to push throughsomething that they feel God is
calling this to do and they'rehitting that kickback.
(35:13):
Would you pray for us as weclose out the podcast?
All right, sure we will.
Speaker 3 (35:19):
Let us go before the Lord in prayer.
Father, thank you so much fortoday and this moment in time.
Thank you that we were able tocome together with Amber and
Lisa and just talk through somesisterhood things.
Father, thank you for how youbring us together.
Thank you for who you are.
You are an awesome, amazing,wonderful, incredible, good
(35:40):
Father, and we bless your holyname.
Your name is great and greatlyto be prayed.
Father, we pray that this bookand these podcasts will bless
your women.
We pray for each and every womanthat is in the workplace, that
is a business owner and that iseven at home as a homemaker.
Father, we pray that you wouldstrengthen her, that you would
(36:01):
give her peace, would give herdestiny and purpose in what
she's doing.
She is leading, whatever she'sdoing, father, and I pray that
you will bless the work of herhands.
Let her not give up, let hernot grow weary and well-doing,
but let her stand fast and,knowing who you are and knowing
who she is and you and I prayyour blessings over each and
(36:24):
every person that will listen tothis podcast, that will read
the book.
I pray that they will bestirred in their innermost being
yes, you call them to do, to beobedient to what you've called
them to do.
Yes, we're fearful.
Yes, we may doubt sometimes.
Yes, we may not have thecourage, we may not feel like we
can do it, but we know that wecan do all things through you
(36:46):
because you strengthen us, andwe pray in the name of Jesus
that you will be glorified ineverything that we say and
everything that we do in Jesus'name and amen.
Speaker 4 (36:57):
That is absolutely beautiful.
Thank you so much, Vicki.
God bless you all.
God bless you too.
It's been wonderful to have youwith us and we will be back
again.
Not sure how quickly we willget this posted for listeners to
take a listen to.
Let me know I will.
Life is going to be a bit oftransition around here.
(37:20):
Amber is doing new things.
Speaker 3 (37:22):
I heard that.
Speaker 4 (37:24):
Congratulations.
That's wonderful, awesome.
You guys are inspiring.
You really are.
We're figuring it out.
We are still wanting to talkabout all that God is doing and
His goodness, and so we're goingto continue to get these on our
podcast so you can replay them,and all that good stuff.
So I just want to remindeverybody that it's a very
(37:46):
important season right now.
It's time for football.
It is it's time for football.
Speaker 3 (37:52):
It's time for my ball .
Speaker 4 (37:53):
The air is getting a little crispy every once in a
while here in what I callaffectionately misery, but I
think fall is coming.
I think it's on its way Right.
Speaker 2 (38:03):
I think I'm going to have to change my silk plants.
Speaker 4 (38:06):
I think you need a big cheap sign behind you Right,
right, right.
Speaker 3 (38:13):
Thankfully.
We like the cheap, so we go.
Speaker 4 (38:16):
Oh.
Speaker 3 (38:18):
Enjoy the season.
Speaker 4 (38:19):
Enjoy it.
Yes, thank you so much forjoining us, ladies, we love you,
we love you all.
Please visit us atLeadingLadies Light.
Yes, join our Facebook page andsubscribe to our podcast.
Speaker 2 (38:33):
Yes, apple, we're on I Heart.
We're on Spotify.
Look for a copy.
Chat with Amber and Lisa.
You will find us, us.
Speaker 4 (38:44):
Much love to you all.
Be blessed.
Speaker 2 (38:47):
In a world that often tries to confine and categorize
bestselling book, leadingLadies discover your God-grown
strategy for success Celebratesthe diverse tapestry of women
just like you and their uniquejourneys of faith.
Join Lisa and I as we partnerwith over 30 women from every
hue, age and walk of life,united by one mission to let
(39:10):
Christ shine through our giftswherever we are.
Within the pages of LeadingLadies, you'll find a wealth of
wisdom, inspiration andpractical guidance.
These women share theirpersonal stories, triumphs,
failures and the lessons they'velearned along the way.
Leading Ladies is more thanjust a book.
It's a movement, a call toaction for women of faith to
(39:32):
rise up, support one another andmake a difference in the world.
Together, let's celebrate thestrength, resilience and faith
of Leading Ladies from everybackground and be inspired to
let Christ shine through yourgifts wherever you may be.
Leading Ladies, discover yourGod-grown strategy for success,
available now wherever books aresold.
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