Listen Linda! Hosted by Jacquiline Cox
Music commentary
Listen Linda! Hosted by Jacquiline Cox
Through Rain and Fire: The Unstoppable Spirit of Women
What does it truly mean to be a strong woman? The answer goes far deeper than cultural stereotypes or social media buzzwords – it's about resilience, grace under pressure, and the ability to thrive while lifting others.
Throughout history, women have carried extraordinary burdens. We're expected to maintain households, nurture families, advance careers, and navigate social expectations that demand we be simultaneously resilient and gentle, assertive yet never aggressive. For women of color, these challenges multiply exponentially, requiring them to work five times harder for the same recognition afforded to others.
The civil rights movement gives us powerful examples of this strength in action. Visionaries like Ella Baker understood that real change comes from empowering communities, not individual heroics. Fannie Lou Hamer's declaration "I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired" became a rallying cry against voter suppression. Diane Nash's strategic leadership during the Nashville sit-ins demonstrated how principled resistance could dismantle entrenched segregation. Literary giants like Maya Angelou, Zora Neale Hurston, and Nikki Giovanni transformed personal trauma into art that continues to inspire generations.
Today, women continue facing significant challenges: economic inequality, health disparities, and intersectional discrimination. Yet the five remarkable winners of the Listen Linda Women of Excellence Awards show us what modern strength looks like. From Pastor Akilah Hart's spiritual leadership to Leanne Hendrick's community service through Beyond the Call, these women exemplify the transformative power of resilience paired with compassion. They remind us that true strength isn't just about personal achievement – it's about creating pathways for others to rise alongside you.
Ready to connect with a community of strong women? Contact me through Facebook or email at classidefined@gmail.com to be featured in the Listen Linda magazine, appear on the podcast, or join our upcoming "Through the Rain" anthology project. When strong women unite, there's nothing we cannot overcome.
Welcome, welcome, welcome to this edition of the Listen Linda podcast. I am so, so excited to start my season eight with everyone. I just wanted to say thank you for everybody who is watching and I know I'm looking a half full, but thank God I don't look like what I've been through, like the shirt say right. So we're going to dive into today. We have a great topic and it's just me today. I'm hanging out with you guys, but I wanted to kind of come in and really focus on what it's like to be a strong woman.
Speaker 1:Ok, and I'm not just talking about black women or white women or women in America, but what is it like to be a strong woman Period? Ok, we grow, we go through so much in life, even starting off at birth. Right, we are the ones who are taught that we have to do dishes, we have to do laundry, we have to clean the house, we have to know how to cook All of these things on top of knowing our education, being able to work, being able to maintain a job, a household, a husband, a kid, and I can just go on and on and on. We have to be three times as better as our counterparts, five times as better as a different race, especially if you're a Black woman. But we also have to be able to nurture and be sensitive and always be a lady.
Speaker 1:We can't we're, we're not expected to lash out or be loud or be aggressive like our counterparts. If they do it, it's just oh well, that's just. You know how men are, that's how men do. Oh well, that's just how men are, that's how men do. But I want to take the time today to really spotlight some incredible strong women in America from past, present and then going on into the future. So before I kick off this, I want to highlight some strong women that I know from the women of the waiting room. So I'm going to take a quick break, play a little video for you guys and then we're going to come right back, ok.
Speaker 2:They called me dead girl walking, but my name is Jane. In New Orleans, names carry weight weight. Mine was an anchor through abuse, despair, invisibility. I refuse to drown. I'm learning to see myself through god's eyes, to hear my own voice above the noise, to write my own story page by page. I am jane and I am rising. Dead girl walking. What's in a name by dr aud Moses, available now. Discover the power of your true name. Each step I take is a testament to my resilience. Every word I write is a declaration of my strength. I am not defined by my past, but by the woman I am becoming. Join me on this journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Dead Girl Walking what's in a name?
Speaker 1:Dead Girl Walking. If you have not purchased this book, I don't know what you're waiting on. Dr Audrey Ann has really hit the mold with this book. Okay, she has struck gold with this book. Her words and inspiration of Jane Doe's story in this book is absolutely phenomenal. If you have not reach out to Dr Audrey Ann at Transition Life Coach, the number 4ucom, and purchase Dead Girl Walking.
Speaker 1:So one other thing that I really wanted to you know speak out about today is about spotlighting some incredible women who shaped the civil rights movement. Ok, this is extremely important, especially for our young girls who are growing up today. This administration is starting to try to wipe out all of black history, and it's up to us as a people to really, really, really teach our children about their history, about who they are, because if we don't do it, it's not. We have the legendary Ella Baker. Ok, this woman was all about grassroots organizing. She believed the power of the people, especially our youth. She shaped and launched the student nonviolent coordinating committee and showed us that the real change starts with the community.
Speaker 1:Another person that I really want to speak about is Fannie Lou Hamer. Let me tell you, this lady was a force to be reckoned with. Okay, her famous line I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired. If you have never heard I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired, I'm going to need you to find out if you was living. Crafted by Fannie Lou Hamer. Fannie stood up against voter suppression and delivered a powerful testimony at the 1964 Democratic National Convention that shook the whole room room.
Speaker 1:Right now, what I want to do because today is not just about the topic of what it's like to be a strong woman, it's also we are giving away the name we're speaking about who won the Listen Linda Women of Excellence Award. We had 13 nominees in all. We had 13 nominees in all and only five won. So I want to start and you guys know, anytime I do something, I always got to be so super extra with everything I do super extra with everything I do so in fifth place. I'm going to play the video of the fifth place winner and then we're going to get back and get into some more of the women and what it's like to be a strong woman. So let's start by saying congratulations to Dr Laquita Parks, who won fifth place in the Listen Linda Women of Excellence Awards. Let's play her video.
Speaker 3:Hey, there I'm Inspiration, and boy do I have a story to tell you about an amazing woman named Dr Laquita Parks. Dr Parks has faced some tough challenges in her life, like living with lupus and overcoming childhood medical trauma. These weren't just minor setbacks Lupus affected her daily life, while childhood medical experiences left lasting fears. But deep inside, a spark of strength was growing. But instead of letting these challenges define her, dr Parks made a decision that changed everything. She turned her experiences into a powerful voice for others facing similar struggles.
Speaker 3:As a virtual international speaker and global podcaster, dr Parks connects with people all around the world. She shares her story, spreading hope and showing that even in tough times, we can rise and make a difference. And now Dr Parks has been nominated for the Listen Linda Women of Excellence Award. This award recognizes women who are making a real difference in their communities and beyond. It's a testament to Dr Parks' incredible impact and tireless efforts. Dr Lakita Parks, you truly deserve your flowers, your story and voice matter, and you continue to inspire us all, from patients finding hope to audiences being moved to action. Dr Parks' influence touches countless lives. She's not just overcoming challenges, she's helping others do the same.
Speaker 1:Congratulations, dr Laquita Parks. You are one of the finalists and actually one of the winners, because we have five winners, okay. So we got fifth place, fourth place, third place, second place and first place winners. And, dr Laquita, you met the mark. Congratulations. You are a recipient of the first annual Listen Linda Woman of Excellence Awards. Congratulations.
Speaker 1:Now let's get back to our history. Okay, so what about Diane Nash? Diane Nash, this fierce woman, was a mastermind that had the Nashville sit-in, okay. Diane advocated for nonviolent protests and co-founded the SNCC, and she did that, actually, with Ella Baker, okay, so they were really good friends. And she co-founded the SNCC and her leadership was key in the fight for civil rights, and she shows exactly what it means to speak up, stand out and stand up for what you believe in, especially for our civil rights. So thank you so much, diane Nash. You are a reflection of everything that I inspire to be. Right now, we're going to go back and check out some more of these strong, beautiful, courageous women. Ok, next up, let's see, let's see, let's see. I got one for you guys. Here we go.
Speaker 2:Hey beautiful people, I'm thrilled to announce the first annual Listen Linda Women of Excellence Awards. This is our moment to shine a spotlight on the incredible achievements of women who are breaking barriers and setting the standard for excellence. Mark your calendars. Submissions are due by April 21st and we'll be announcing our amazing winners on April 25th via Facebook, linkedin and YouTube. The virtual ceremony will be streaming live in 27 countries and 159 cities worldwide, so, no matter where you are, you can join us in honoring these phenomenal women.
Speaker 2:And here's the exciting part Our winners will receive a certified digital certificate of excellence, along with an actual plaque from Listen Linda brand and marketing. They'll also be featured in an interview on the Listen Linda podcast and highlighted in the May issue of Listen Linda magazine. This marketing package is valued at $500, and it's all about giving our winners the recognition they deserve. To submit your nominations, send an email to classidefined at gmailcom. Remember, all submissions require a $99 fee, along with a headshot and a bio of your nominee. Let's come together to recognize the power and brilliance of women everywhere. Get ready for an unforgettable celebration.
Speaker 1:Okay, so that was my mistake. That was a blooper. I showed you guys the commercials of what is going down right now, so my apologies, but now you know what the rules are and we're going according to plan. This train is still going OK. So now I will show you the strength of a woman through this next video.
Speaker 3:In a time of division, one girl found the courage to unite.
Speaker 2:I'm not sure I'm ready for this. The path ahead seems so uncertain.
Speaker 3:But her community saw what she couldn't see in herself.
Speaker 2:We have more that connects us than divides us.
Speaker 3:Supported by family, friends and faith.
Speaker 2:As a Tucker, I've been primed to help bring the change we've been praying for In the face of opposition and fear. I may be reluctant, but I am obedient.
Speaker 1:Jeannie stepped into an unforeseen mission.
Speaker 2:My village, woven from family, friends and elders, believes in me.
Speaker 3:A mission that would challenge a nation.
Speaker 2:I've been chosen for this mission for a reason.
Speaker 1:And inspire generations.
Speaker 2:We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Speaker 3:In the Waiting Room of Life, I discovered my true calling. Discover the power of faith and unity and listen. Linda presents the Women of the Waiting Room.
Speaker 2:Together we can achieve what conflict cannot.
Speaker 3:The Waiting Room of Life by co-author Norma McLaughlin. One girl's journey combined with the community's strength.
Speaker 1:A nation's change. I wait, but with purpose. Will you wait with me? I made it very clear that I recognize that justice is indivisible. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. That was Dr Norman McLaughlin, who is just so happened to be one of the Fab Seven in the Women of the Waiting Room Surgery for your Soul Anthology, volume 2. Her contribution and what she went through in the Jim Crow area and standing up for what she believed in her testimony was phenomenal. Okay, so if you have not grabbed the Women of the Waiting Room Surgery for your Soul Anthology, volume Two, what are you waiting on? It's available now in paperback, kindle audio book. If you don't like to read, you can listen to it. It's on Audible right now. Check it out on Amazon, or you can contact Dr Norman McLaughlin to get a signed copy of the women of the waiting room.
Speaker 1:Ok, so while we're on the subject of the Jim Crow era, right, we can't forget Dr Ida B Wells, a trailblazer who used her journalism to expose the horrors of lynching. Excuse me, okay, this woman was fearless and her commitment to justice inspires us to this very day. Ok, during this tough time, many black women were not just caregivers. Ok, they were warriors who fought against segregation and discrimination, and it was our resilience as black women. That's a testament to the strength we carry in our bones today. Ok, while we're on the subject of strong women and bones, I got to give you guys somebody else, because why wouldn't I? Ok, let's see. Let's see. Who do I have here? Oh, this is a good one.
Speaker 2:There comes a time when a woman's had enough. When is it my turn to be had enough? When is it my turn to be a priority? When is it my turn for a man to be my peace? When is it my turn to have freedom? I was lost in the titles of life wife, mama, employee. My dreams and desires disappeared into thin air. But now I'm finding my way back. To me, walking away was the best decision I could have made for myself. It ain't easy, but I'm stepping out on faith, leaving behind what no longer serves me, finding new friends, fresh ideas and true happiness. It's scary, but I'm trusting the process.
Speaker 2:Today is my turn to get focused and stop waiting for permission to be myself. No more self-sabotage or low self-esteem. God has a plan for me, greater than the world has told me I am. I am destined for greatness and I'm ready to share it with the world. It's finally my turn to shine like a diamond. When is it my turn? Find your strength in the women of the waiting room. It's time to embrace your God-given greatness. Your turn starts now.
Speaker 1:That was Donna McClendon's story, and her story was called when is it my turn? When is it my turn? When is it my turn? To be pampered, to be loved, to be cared for, to be nurtured, to be safe, to feel safe? When was it her turn? Oh, her story was off the chain. Her testament and her testimonial. And the women of the waiting room, devotional volume two was phenomenal. Her, along with 23 other women inside of this phenomenal book. Okay, they gave testimonies like no other. And you talking about strong women, oh, my goodness, her story was absolutely phenomenal.
Speaker 1:If you have not, once again gotten your copy of the women of the Waiting Room, devotional, volume 2, once again it is available on Amazon. You can get the Kindle, which you can read it from your phone. You can get the paperback. You can get the audio book. All three of them are available on Amazon right now. Or, if you would like a signed copy from Donna McClendon, you can contact her on Facebook. Her name is Donna McClendon, m-c-c-l-e-n-d-o-n. Donna McClendon.
Speaker 1:And while I'm here, I just want to show you guys her chapter, her chapter in the book. Okay, when is it my turn? By Donna McClendon. Now let's get to the fourth place winner. So the fourth place winner is a really, really dear friend of mine. And no, I let Facebook choose. Ok, so I do want to reiterate that I'm not mistaken 13 candidates, and everyone had the opportunity to get their family, their friends, their coworkers, their bosses to vote for them. Ok, so I had no part in the decision making. I left it to the public, I left it to social media. Ok, the fourth place winner. I'm just going to go ahead and play her video for you guys.
Speaker 4:Hey, there, I'm Linda, and boy do I have a story to tell you about an amazing woman named Carolyn Coleman. Picture this a young girl from Bessemer, alabama, facing challenges but dreaming big. Carolyn grew up in a modest home, surrounded by a loving family. Despite the odds, she excelled in school, always eager to learn and participate. As a teenager, she was already making a difference in her community, earning her first award for outstanding service. That's where our hero Carolyn started, but oh, where she ended up, where she. And now drum roll please. Carolyn is receiving the Listen Linda Women of Excellence Award. Carolyn's recent achievements have been nothing short of extraordinary. Her work has touched lives globally, making a significant impact. Carolyn Coleman, you're not just a client, you're an inspiration.
Speaker 1:Congratulations. Congratulations to our fourth place winner, dr Carolyn Coleman. I appreciate you. I love you. I'm so, so happy that you won you. I love you. I'm so, so happy that you won. Like I said, I left it up to Facebook people, so you guys had the option to choose who were the winners. Okay, all I did was take the notes. So, congratulations, carolyn, I'm so super proud of you. I'm glad you were able to win, and our winners will be featured in a virtual ceremony. They will receive plaques and certificates and they will also receive a $500 credit towards brand and marketing right from ListenLinda. So that $500 package includes podcast interview as well as a feature in the Listen Linda magazine. Okay, so I want to thank everybody who nominated someone, everyone who was nominated, for participating. I appreciate you.
Speaker 1:And let's get let's get to talking about some more phenomenal women and what it's like to be a strong woman. Ok, now let's flow into the realm of poetry and literature, and you know, you guys know that this is my favorite, right? Maya Angelou. Maya Angelou, what a queen, what a queen, what an empress, what a goddess she was. Okay, her book I Know why the Caged Bird Sings is a masterpiece that captures her journey through pain and triumph. Maya's words remind us that we can rise above anything. And while we're on that subject, I do want to read a piece of poetry that I wrote, and I just want to read something for you guys, if you don't mind, and mine is called Caged Bird, dedicated to Maya Angelou, of course, because she inspired this.
Speaker 1:I know what a caged bird sings because she is in a safe place. I know why the caged bird wears a ring because she is elated over the promises of the love never vanishing without a trace. You see, the caged bird knows that there is nothing fulfilling outside, because if she leaves her cage, she would have to engage with people who are enraged with this honesty and hate and even as of late, there is no debate that people like you bait and wait for her to crash out or to give them something else to talk about or deflect from their own personal lives. You see, you call it a cage, I call it paradise. I guess it's up to the beholder of the eyes. So that cage bird locks herself in this cage. Instead of resorting to rage, she kneels and prays and let God do his thing. I know why the cage bird sings. I know because that cage bird is me.
Speaker 1:Okay, snap, snap, snap, snap, snap, yep. Written by moi, your girl, lizzy Linda. Ok, so let's not skip over Zora Neale Hurston. She was a key player during the Harlem Renaissance, celebrating black culture and the richness of our stories and works. Like their Eyes Were Watching God, zora shows us how to embrace our identities with pride. In dedication to Zora, I also wrote another poem, and I want to read it for you guys, and this one is called Jeez.
Speaker 1:Where is it? Earthquakes rise In a world full of hate where things ain't fair. There was a baby born an earthquake in the air, light, skinned and mixed, a beauty so rare. But the nurses and doctors, they didn't even care. They gave her mama a hard time because she was dark, judging her skin, leaving a painful mark. But her daddy stepped in, made a promise so strong, said he'd protect his baby all her life long. But he broke that promise. He left a hole in her heart, leaving her shattered and torn apart In the midst of chaos. She longed for his love, but her daddy turned his back a wolf in sheep's glove.
Speaker 1:But listen up, strong soul, don't you despair. You're worth more than they say. You've got to be aware In the face of rejection. Rise above the fight. Embrace your heritage. Shine your light so bright. You hold the power, the voice of change, breaking down barriers. Ain't nothing gonna be the same. Don't let broken promises define who you are. You are forced to be reckoned with a true superstar. Embrace your truth, your biracial grace. Let your spirit shine and leave a powerful trace as you heal and grow. Find peace in your soul. Your story ain't over. It's just on a new roll, so keep pushing forward, never back down. You're a symbol of strength, so wear that crown, don't you know? You're the earthquake baby. And don't you forget your journey's just beginning. There's so much to be made, and I wrote that for my memoir. Mountains Can't Rise Without Earthquakes. Mountains Can't Rise Without Earthquakes. Three years still top 100 bestseller on Amazon.
Speaker 1:To God be all the glory for giving me this life, this life full of pain, turmoil and just neglect and abuse and everything bad that you could ever think of. It definitely happened to me before the age of 26. And I was able to overcome all of those obstacles, no matter what came my way. I fought through it all because my faith, my faith, my faith in God. It never wavered. And now I'm here today. I'm here today honoring strong black women, strong women just like me.
Speaker 1:Okay, and I appreciate this next one who I'm going to announce. This next woman I'm going to announce um, she is just a true light. Okay, I know you guys keep seeing me looking over, but she is really truly a true light. Um, for anyone who um is going through or may have been going through um some things, she is one of those people who um really, really, really, really really tries to help every person that she sees and knows. Her light is truly one that is incomparable. Incomparable that is the word for this next woman that I am about to announce. You have won the third place. You are the third place woman, the third place winner. I apologize for the Listen. Linda Women of Excellence Award.
Speaker 3:What does it mean to serve like Tammy R Lambert? It means transitioning from combat boots to community service, always leading with courage. For over 20 years, us Army combat veteran Tammy Lambert has been a beacon of hope and a force for change. From battlefields to government halls, she's fought tirelessly for veterans, military families and the underserved. Her achievements are many, but but for Tammy, it's not about the accolades. It's about making a difference, one life at a time. You can't lead the people if you don't love the people. You can't save the people if you don't serve the people. This is what it means to serve like Tammy Lambert. This is what it means to lead with excellence. On April 21st, vote for Tammy R Lambert, because excellence in service deserves to be recognized and celebrated.
Speaker 1:That is an amazing video, right. As you all know, april 21st has come and gone, but Tammy still remains Okay. Number three, the third place winner, tammy Lambert, with 154 votes. Congratulations, tammy, and thank you so much for nominating so many people. You are truly, truly, truly a selfless woman of God and for that your seed has sown. You sown a seed and it has multiplied in your favor. So I just want to say congratulations, Tammy. Now let's get down to some more incredible women.
Speaker 1:I know I cannot forget Nikki Giovanni. Oh my God, oh my goodness. Nikki Giovanni is like everything to me, as far as like what a poet stands for, what a civil rights activist stand for. She and James Baldwin when they would have their little talks, I was just floored with just the type of essence that she carried in herself and in her work and in her humanitarian work and in her work with her grandkids and her son. It's just truly amazing, the type of woman that she was and really really broke my heart when we lost her late last year. That really, really, really did something to my spirit.
Speaker 1:Speaking of Nikki, her poetry addresses the heart of social justice that urges us to find our voices and take a stand. She inspired us, especially me, to be unapologetically myself and to fight for what's right. And I've been compared a lot to Nikki, but I will say that there is no comparison when it comes to Miss Nikki Giovanni. I wish I could be half the woman that she was, even at my age. Right, she done so much and I just I appreciate her, what she stood for just an amazing, amazing, amazing woman. And with that being said, I have another poem for you guys that I wrote, and since I'm a poet and they are poets, I think that it's only are poets. I think that is only right that I read some. Let's do. I'll wait for you, dedicated to Nikki Giovanni and other strong women, and for our topic to be a strong woman.
Speaker 1:In the shadows, where memories whisper low, I stand rooted deep, like a tree that won't let go, a heart full of sorrow, a soul wrapped in grace. Every tear that I've shed I've worn like lace. You were absent, queen China, for most of my days, fighting battles and demons lost in the haze. I never judged you, baby. I understood your fight. Though the bond wasn't strong, in my heart you shined bright. Through the storms of your leaving, I've learned to stand tall. Each step a remembrance, every heartbeat a call. I'll wait for you, queen China, like the sun waits for dawn. With faith in my heart, I'll keep holding on. Time may stretch long, like a river that bends, but love's an eternal, a bond that transcends. I'll wait through the shadows, embracing the night With every star shining. I'm holding you tight. When the world feels heavy and burdens unfold, I'm here with your spirit, a warmth to behold. You battled the demons, fought through the pain, yet in your last moments, I'll wait through the rain. I'll wait for your laughter, your touch and your smile. Through the valleys of sorrow, I'll walk every mile, for in the waiting there's power and might, a promise of peace that glows in the night. So know in my heart, wherever you roam, I'll wait for you, queen China. You'll always be home, though I'll call you mama. For the rest of my days, in the love that we shared, I'll forever give praise In the echoes of silence. In the depth of my heart, I'll hold on to love, though we're warped apart. With every heartbeat, with every breath done, I'll wait for you, queen China, until the break of dawn. Your spirit lives on in the love that we share, in the stories and strength in the moment we dare.
Speaker 1:That was a poem from the Women of the Waiting Room Anthology, volume 2. My chapter was called Through the Rain and it was actually about the story of me losing my mom. And for those of you who do not follow me or do not know, in the production of the Listen, linda Presents Women of the Waiting Room Anthology Devotional, the trilogy, as we like to call it. I lost my mom right in the middle of promoting the book and during that time it was a very, very rough time for me. I lost her January 5th. I didn't find out about it until January 7th. Her birthday was January 9th, so this just talks about. It speaks to the last time I spoke with her right before her passing, and what caused her to pass away and just me coping and dealing with all of it. If you have not purchased the Women of the Waiting Room Anthology Volume 2, once again it is on Amazon. You can get the paperback, the Kindle or the audio book.
Speaker 1:I don't just write poetry, I actually write chapters as well. But I'm in every piece of literature that I write because poetry is so near and dear to me. Before each chapter that I write, I do a poem, and that is what helps me to be able to unpack and be so transparent to my audience. Yeah, so while we're on that, we're going to get to the second place winner. The second place winner of the Listen Linda Women of Excellence Awards is with 211 votes. Let's see who is it.
Speaker 3:Hi, there I'm, hope Go in long braids. Every day she wakes up with one goal to make the world a little bit better. She provides food, clothing and shelter to those in need. But that's just the beginning. Leanne's real superpower is how she inspires others to believe in themselves. But even superheroes have moments of doubt. Leanne often wondered if she was really making a difference. Then one day, something magical happened. Leanne saw the ripple effect of her kindness. People she had helped were now helping others, spreading love and hope like wildfire. That's when Leanne realized she wasn't just changing lives, she was changing the world. And now Leanne has won the Listen Linda Women of Excellence Award. Here's to Leanne, a true beacon of hope.
Speaker 1:That was Leanne Hendrick and of course, I do have to apologize because during some of the transition of making these videos I do them all myself. I do them all myself. I try to describe the person and a lot of times it misconstrues, so that video did not depict who she truly was as far as like her origin. But nevertheless, leigh Ann Hendrick is the second place winner of the Listen Linda Women of Excellence Award. She is a true beacon of light, a strong, beautiful, black, courageous woman who I adore, I love. She has an organization called Beyond the Call. Beyond the Call, and if you guys have not heard about Beyond the call, beyond the call, and if you guys have not heard about beyond the call she donates toiletries, food, her time, her effort and gives it back to the people who are less fortunate, and it's called beyond the call, beyond the call. You can find more information by going to her website, which is wwwbeyondthecallingcom. If you would like to donate to her organization to help those in need, please do so. I encourage you all to do so.
Speaker 1:Okay, so she is the second place winner of the Listen Linda Women of Excellence Award. I could not be more proud. I cannot find someone who is not more deserving this lady. When I tell you everything she lives and breathes is literally for the call. When she says beyond the calling, she actually means beyond the calling. Ok, just when I say a true angel, this lady. When I first met her, she met me with so much grace and just a smile. Her smile just lights up the room. So she's also a woman who contributed to the Women of the Waiting Room, surgery for your Soul Anthology, and her chapter was called the Woman with the Issue. The Woman with the Issue, leanne Hendrick, and I'm going to actually play her trailer to the book the Woman with the Issue, right now, in the quiet corners of Washington DC, lies a story of faith and miracles.
Speaker 2:For 25 years I bled in silence, but God heard my unspoken prayers. Each time I would mention it, people would just chuckle and say Girl, ain't no way. Physicians had that nonchalant attitude, prescribing iron pills and rest. They just didn't treat my condition like it was serious. I felt so overwhelmed in my body. I suffered with blood issues for a long time and my body often felt drained. I was anemic. I was always cold. I was always tired. I became an insomniac, craving caffeine. Just to cope, I had no choice but to wear dark clothing all of the time. Make sure to never leave home without two extra sets of clothing.
Speaker 2:I didn't want to be cut or put under. I didn't want any internal organs removed. From the hospital waiting room to home, in my war room, I had a talk with the Lord. I said Lord, you know that I don't want to be operated on. Fix my situation as only you can. I believe and trust you. In the waiting room of life, god became my ultimate healer. This is my story, a story of how God heals. He healed a woman like me, a woman with the issue. Listen. Linda presents the Women of the Waiting Room, devotional Vol 2, featuring my chapter the Woman with the Issue, written by Leanne Cerise Hendrick. Pre-order your copy today.
Speaker 1:Congratulations to Leanne Hendrick.
Speaker 1:Congratulations to Leigh Ann Hendrick, second place winner for the Listen Linda Women of Excellence Awards. Congratulations, congratulations. I'm so, so proud of you. I just want to say today we cannot ignore. I want to say this we cannot ignore the struggles that we face today. Economic inequality is a real issue for women, especially Black women, but all women, and we need to fight for equitable opportunities. Health disparities, too, I mean. Black women face higher maternal mortality rates and we must demand access to quality health care. Okay, intersectionality women navigate the complex challenges, especially Black women of race and gender, and it's crucial that we address these issues in our fight for equality. Okay, and you guys know I don't even really do this, but I just feel like it's a need that needs to be spoken Okay, um, we need to support Black women. We need to support all women, but especially the Black women. Okay, let's listen to their voices, uplift them and stand in solidarity, get involved with local organizations, attend community events and be a part of the movement for social justice, just like this next woman that I'm about to announce, along with all the rest of the women you got Leanne Hendrick, who is the CEO and founder of multiple organizations, okay, who fight for justice and equality for everyone. You got Temi Lambert. She does so much, not just for her community but throughout the United States and abroad, in helping people and changing people's lives. She does so much. I know grassroots work and even nominating people for Lifetime Achievement Awards. I am a presenter, a certified presenter, for the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. When I say this lady nominated so many people, I told her to check back with me. She nominated about 60 people, no kidding. And I was like this lady all she does is just give, give and give, give, give and give. So I'm super excited that she's the third place winner and she's able now to be contributed to, to show yes, you are a woman of excellence and I'm honored to award you with the Listen Linda Woman of Excellence Award.
Speaker 1:Let's talk about Carolyn Coleman. Almost 40 years in the nursing field, a political candidate she ran for. She ran for, um, she ran for office in the fifth district, um, uh, for Congress in her fifth district. For Congress in her fifth district in Bessemer Alabama. Okay, she ran for, not Congress, city council, she ran for city council person twice in Bessemer Alabama.
Speaker 1:She is a part of multiple organizations and she gives back and she donates and she volunteers. She does so so much, gives back and she donates and she volunteers. She does so so much and she is a clinical instructor Are you kidding me? She also teaches people in the nursing field. She is just a beacon and she's a global podcaster who offers her platform to so many different people to teach them about health and wellness and mental health and how to take care of themselves, but also about so many other issues that's going on in the world right now, and just gives a platform for our people to voice and to have a voice, to voice their concerns and just to have a voice and be heard globally on all platforms in over nine countries worldwide. So congratulations to Carolyn Coleman and also congratulations for our fifth place winner, dr Laquita Parks, who is not only a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award winner, honorary doctorate recipient from Main Street University, but she is also an educator.
Speaker 1:She is the CEO of multiple nonprofits, she gives back to her community, she mentors, she uplifts and inspires, but she's also a victim of medical childhood trauma. At the age of four years old. She has been medically disabled due to the mistake of a nurse and she hasn't been able to walk 15 surgeries on one leg and she also is battling lupus and shingles and fibromyalgia. But you know what she does. She does not complain. Even if she do, she is well within her right, but she don't. She get up every single day and she mentors people like me and countless of other people to help them to get their story out there. She has published for over 400 people in the last five years so many bestsellers I stopped counting. I know I got 15 under my belt, which all of them she published. Okay, she published for my family. She published for friends of my family.
Speaker 1:I cannot say that she is one of the people who is not deserving of this award. I'm going to tell you something If she didn't win, she was going to get an honorary because she puts in the work every single day. She does not live over 50 years. Not one day does she live without pain and I know it. I know it well. I haven't been here 50 years but I've been living over See.
Speaker 1:I got diagnosed with thyroid cancer at 24. For over 12 years now I've been living every single day in pain with thyroid cancer, who is still not benign, and lupus and fibromyalgia. So the fight that she's fighting half of it. I'm aware of Not being able to walk, having lymphedema in my legs. It's a lot that I go through and, like I said, I'm a living witness. Thank God I don't look like what I've been through. Thank God that this beautiful, beautiful queen, this beautiful black queen, does not look like what she's been through. Ok, so I just want to appreciate every single woman who has won these awards. I cannot wait to May 2nd so I can have you guys come on virtually and just celebrate with you guys and just celebrate with you guys. The first place winner I'm going to name right now the first place winner with 259 votes. Congratulations to the first place winner with 259 votes in just four days.
Speaker 3:I wonder who it is.
Speaker 3:Get ready to celebrate an extraordinary woman of faith, vision and purpose Pastor Akilah Hart. Nominated by Tammy Lambert for the Listen Linda Women of Excellence Award as First Lady of Spirit-Filled Family Church and the Spirit-Filled International Alliance, pastor Akilah leads with grace and purpose. Her unwavering faith and deep wisdom uplift everyone around her, igniting their inner light. Wavering faith and deep wisdom uplift everyone around her, igniting their inner light. But that's not all. Pastor Akilah is also a dynamic entrepreneur and CEO of Inspired Champion Life LLC. Her mission To guide Christian women in finding their purpose and becoming bold, confident leaders in both ministry and business. As a vision and wealth coach, pastor Akilah is making waves. She's helping Christian women step into their divine calling. Like the queens, they are equipping them to walk boldly in their God-given assignments. Pastor Akilah Hart's impact is truly incredible. Her transformative influence touches every life she encounters. That's why she absolutely deserves this nomination Excitedly so. Let's rally around Pastor Akilah Hart and show her all the love she deserves.
Speaker 4:Congratulations on your nomination, Pastor Akilah.
Speaker 1:Our first place winner with 259 votes. Pastor Akilah Hart, I want to say that you, my dear, are what it looks like to be a true, true woman of excellence. Your dedication to your community, to your church, to your peers, to your friends, to your children, to your husband it is exactly what it's like to be a strong woman. I commend you, woman of God. You exemplify grace, beauty, wisdom and all of the things that God gives a woman to be who he molds her to be, and I am floored with the amount of support that I seen poured into you, woman of God. And God says he gives you double for your trouble. He gives. Once you plant that seed, you're going to reap the benefits of that a hundredfold, and I saw that with the numbers they rose so fast for you. I was like, wow. So I did my research and, woman of God, I have no doubt that you deserve this award, the woman of excellence award. You are truly, truly, truly inspirational to not just me, but to, evidently, globally. Okay, and I just want to thank you so much for being exactly who we all inspire to be, all inspired to be. That is going to conclude my read to you guys. Okay, sorry, I just have to read this. And this poem is called Phenomenal One. Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I'm not cute or built a suit, a fashion model style, but when I start to tell them they don't think I'm telling lies I say it's the reach of my arms, the span of my hips, the stride in my step, the curl of my lips. I'm a woman, phenomenal, phenomenal woman. That's me. I walk into a room, just as cool as you please, and to a man, the fellows stand or fall down to their knees, they swarm around a hive of honeybees. I say it's the fire in my eyes and the flash of my teeth, the swing in my waist and the joy in my feet, cause I'm a woman, phenomenal, phenomenal woman. The swing in my waist and the joy in my feet Because I'm a woman, phenomenal, phenomenal woman. That's me. Men themselves have wondered what they see in me. They try so much but they can't touch my inner mystery. When I try to show them, they say they still can't see. I say it's the arch of my back, the sun of my smile, the ride of my breast, the grace of my style. I'm a woman, phenomenal, phenomenal woman. That's me. Now you understand just why my head's not bowed. I don't have. I don't shout or jump about or have to talk real loud when you see me passing. It ought to make you proud. I say it's the click of my heel, the bend of my hair, the palm of my hand and the need for my care, because I'm a woman, phenomenal, phenomenal woman that's me. This concludes the episode.
Speaker 1:This week's episode of the Listen Linda podcast live. If you would like to donate to keep Listen Linda on air and to keep giving out these wonderful awards and prizes, can you please donate to Listen Linda live, right there at the bottom of the screen? The cash app is Dollar Sign Young Safe Leaders. The Zelle telephone number is down below. If you would like to be a part of this amazing, amazing, amazing movement, you can be a guest on Listen Linda's show. You can be a guest on my radio show that's live in over 27 countries worldwide. It's on station here. It's called Listen Linda Women of the Waiting Room.
Speaker 1:If you would like to be in my magazine, the international bestselling magazine Listen Linda magazine, just contact me. You can email me at classadefined, at gmailcom, or you can find me on Facebook. I'm right here. Inbox me. Inbox me on Facebook. You can leave me a message or comment under my youth, under this YouTube video right here. Leave a comment, say I'm in. Or if you're on LinkedIn and you're watching this, just shoot me a DM and I will get to you ASAP and we can see what we can work out Before I go. I'm get to you ASAP and we can see what we can work out Before I go.
Speaker 1:I'm going to leave you guys with a video for my new anthology called Through the Rain. I'm looking for 20 more women. If you would like to be a part of this amazing future best-selling anthology, inbox me or comment below, say I'm in for the anthology, and God bless you all and good night Again. Congratulations to all five of the Women of Excellence Award recipients Akilah Hart, leanne Hendrick, tammy Lambert, carolyn Coleman and Dr Laquita Parks. It's been a blessing. I love you all. I appreciate you all for being the women that you are. You all are who I inspire to be and I am honored to honor you goodnight. I am honored to honor you Good night.
Speaker 3:In the darkest storms, we found our brightest light. We are mothers, daughters, sisters, friends. We've faced illness, loss, betrayal and doubt, but through it all we never lost faith. We prayed when the world said it was hopeless, we stood tall when others said we should fall. We found strength in our diversity and unity in our shared belief. Through every raindrop we grew stronger. With every prayer we rose higher. Our stories are different, but our strength is the same. We are the women of Through the Rain. Join us on this journey of faith and resilience. Contact Jacqueline Cox via Facebook Messenger for more information. Submit your interest by May 7th, because when rain falls, our spirits rise.
