[soliloquy id=”2102″]What an amazing time I had on Saturday at the ‘Keep Rising’ Empowerment Summit for Girls founded by Venus Alexandria Ferguson.  Concord Middle School was the site and empowerment was the agenda.  The morning began with an inspiring message from Keynote Speaker Charity Bailey, Fox 46 Reporter and her general session was followed by workshops on public speaking, writing, managing finances, college funding and other topics.

I was blessed to facilitate the ‘Rising To Soar’ workshop that spotlighted Esther (Loyalty), Naomi (Endurance), and Elizabeth (Faith) – 3 women who had serious challenges, but rose above them to do things that impacted nations.  As we discussed the parallels between these women in the Bible and girls in today’s society, we quickly identified the connections between the value of Loyalty, the importance of Endurance and the power of Faith.

Every girl left the summit empowered with information and equipped with tools to succeed in whatever goals they decide to strive towards.  Each girl also received a gift bag from Lady AJP Ministries and an information packet from the ‘Keep Rising’ Summit.  As their lives were impacted, they are now positioned to impact the world!

I was also blessed to meet and talk at length with Mrs. Sara Wagoner, one of the namesakes of The Lee & Sara Wagoner Scholarship and mother to the Founder of Keep Rising.  Her love for God and her passion for empowering others was obvious and compelling.  It was abundantly clear why she is an active supporter of this annual empowerment endeavor.

Thank you to Ms. Cynthia, Ms. Theresa, Ms. Gwen, Ms. Regina, Ms. Lorna, Ms. Zundrea, Ms. Robin (CMS Operations, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools) who contributed to the gift bags.  Thank you to Ms. Tonya, Ms. Essie, and Ms. Betty for serving as workshop assistants.  And thank you, Ms. Alexandria, for choosing to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Each of you amazing ladies will be tremendously blessed by God because you chose to be a blessing to others.