Meet: Yolanda M. Smothers!

Introduce yourself and profession to our readers:  
​Hello.  My name is Yolanda M. Smothers and I am a mouthful... Believer, Essayist, Blogger, Writer, Author and Inspirational Speaker.  I am a happily married mother of two and I hail from Jacksonville, Florida.
I have been writing since my youth and was inspired to write when I dedicated myself to walking with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, after encountering several heartaches, setbacks and trials in life; but I credit my success and triumph to writing what I know God has purposed for me to do in life - WRITE!
I love to encourage mainly women, but people in general, of the goodness of the Lord Jesus Christ.​

What inspired you to pursue this area of interest?
You Don’t Know My Story…
I am no different than any other individual who has found themselves in that precarious place - “Waiting upon the Lord”. If anyone ever tells you that it’s not it’s not a process… Run! They were sent as a distraction to make you believe that a “Process” isn't required – when it most definitely is.

We hear it a lot, “You don’t know my story”, or “You don’t know what I've been through”. And both are right in their description of our individual walk with Christ, however, with that being said, the word does state that we overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and by the Word of our Testimony.

It’s not that my story is great or greater than anyone else’s, I just believe that my story and my walk with Christ can be of some good to another on this road of perpetual re-discovery of how good God is to those of us who want to both see and experience God all the way… “Though He slay me, yet shall I trust Him” - attitude. A made up mind doesn't come to be overnight but over many days and nights walking and trusting God for the steps that are ordered by Him; and I don’t know anyone who hasn't tripped before – in life and in this walk with Christ.

My story is one of trip and fall – and recovery by God’s grace and mercy. As you delve into the pages of my life, you may connect with me on a certain level or you may disagree with me on all forums discussed but what you will walk away with is that I love God and you will be encouraged that God is existent in my life. And as I encourage you, I am also reiterating that same courage to myself.

If my story reaches and touches one life, I have done what God called me to do because my mind was never on a possibility of becoming an author but when God said to me that I have been groomed since I could remember, as far back as elementary school to learn to love writing and all the jots and tittles that are attributed to the ability to be able to put thoughts onto paper – I couldn't waste the opportunity to see where this will lead me – in Him; because after all, that’s what the journey is all about. To do what I cannot nor could not have been without him; surely it’s not about the money because to become a successful author and sustain a living is few and far between.

So, when I say to anyone who reads any of my works, “Giving It To You Blood Raw, Nothing But The Blood”, “TBN and MegaChurches”, “Plus Size Girlz Gone Wild!!!” or “Illegally Blessed”, they know that it was anointed in the crucible of the process; and I wouldn't give anything for my story or my journey because had I not gone through trail and triumphs, I wouldn't have the faith that sustains me to this very day and into the days I have yet to declare charged as victorious to the Lord’s account. Join me until we have a marathon of believers who by any means necessary will cross the finish-line into heaven to receive our prize and great reward – Him.

If God is not your prize – you are in the wrong race. It’s not the medal, to stand on the podium or even the Honorable Mention. Remain in your own lane as best you can and get over life’s hurdles as best you can and do your best, give your best, try your best and He will make your best, to be the best life and a story worth more than gold.

What advice would you share with those interested in a similar pursuit?
Trust God to get you there - On time and On Purpose.
 
Discuss a professional challenge and how you overcame it:  
It's challenging to walk congruent in your "calling" from God everyday.  Not everyone wants to hear a word from God everyday.  Not everyone wants to be encouraged, even if it is a word from the Lord - everyday.  Some days we just want to be grown and decide to make decisions apart from God.
That being said... I've yet to overcome.  I am in the process of BECOMING what God designed me to be.

What is next for your brand/business in 2017?
Up next for me is another book soon to go to the publisher that will continue to encourage others on this walk of life by, through and in Christ; as well as more networking and inspirational speaking engagements across the country.  So when you see that I am going to be coming to your local area, please try to come out and say Hello.

How can readers connect with you online and through social media?
​Please if you will - follow my blog @ www.yolandasmothers.wordpress.com for words or encouragement, wisdom, admonishment and entertainment in my own kind of way; and connect with me on all the social media outlets.
Just Google Yolanda M. Smothers.

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