Someone once asked what I learned after everything I’ve been through the past year. I responded, “I’ve learned that God is a truly a restorer. I’ve learned that when you submit your life to Jesus, He will restore and rebuild the broken pieces of your life into a masterpiece that glorifies Him.”
People often ask what am I up to now. I am doing the work of the Lord. A few years ago, my desire was to be mayor of St. Louis. I dreamed about this day and night, so much that it became an idol in my life. Everything took a backseat to my political career – family, friendships and God. My life was out of whack.
I know now that even though what I went through was emotionally grueling and even devastating, it was necessary. I needed something of that magnitude to get my attention. The idols and distractions that I had built in my life needed to be torn down for God to get and retain my full attention.
I learned that once you no longer have the position, the title or perceived influence, people leave. This happened to me, and I now know there is no better friend than Jesus. It took me losing pretty much everything – job, house, reputation, friends, money – to discover the love and perfect acceptance of Jesus.
My work in politics opened great doors for me to share my story and to tell others about the Lord. I’m a licensed minister at my church, Mount Zion MB Church, where Sammie E. Jones is my pastor – and he is absolutely awesome! As an alderwoman, I knew God was calling me into ministry. However, I had no idea I would have to endure everything I went through to get to this place.
After the news coverage regarding my misappropriation of campaign funds, I was so embarrassed. I would see former constituents at the grocery store or coffee shop and would try to avoid eye contact. I did this for about four months, until the Lord told me firmly, “Don’t you dodge or duck another person. I have forgiven you. There is no need for you to walk in shame. You will be an example to them of my grace and mercy.”
I now have a speaking ministry, Inspired Overflow, where I speak inside schools, prisons and churches – wherever God sends me to tell the world of God’s grace, mercy and His power of restoration. Too often people think that if you have messed up, that God can’t use you, but that is not true.
Whether you’ve stolen money, like me, used drugs or committed murder or adultery, God can still use you. Once you ask Him into your life, ask for forgiveness and make a decision to live for Him, God will use you. He specializes in using imperfect people to do His work.
Almost eight years ago, I was featured on the front page of this paper as a new, fresh face in city politics. I was excited, eager and ready to serve. I still have that same passion for helping people, seeing St. Louis advance and be all it can be.
However, I no longer look at it through the perspective of a politician. I care much more about the heart of people and especially the heart of city leaders.
I’m now engaged to be married to a wonderful man of God, I’m writing a book on Christian singleness, I’m constantly working and praying to God about expanding my radio ministry and Christian television show.
In the past, I was focused on telling everyone about all the great things I had done and was doing as alderwoman to win their approval. That’s what politicians do. I no longer have to do that, and honestly it’s a relief. Now I use my God-given gifts, talents, resources and business connections to tell the world about a man who has completely changed my life. He has restored me, and given me new purpose and a new meaning to life. His name is Jesus Christ, and I am completely unashamed to tell the world about Him.
