Today we’d like to introduce you to Debra Bradley.
Hi Debra, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Port Arthur, Texas. My parents are Delia Spell and the Late Sidney Spell, Jr. I was the third of four children born to this union. I graduated high school from Abraham Lincoln in 1983 and graduated college from Lamar University in 1986, where I was an Office Occupations Major and graduated in May 1986 with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Professional Secretary. I am the mother of five daughters, Kia, Jasmine, Shadeja, Ki’Ona, and Trinity. I am employed as an Administrative Legal Assistant with the Law Firm of Cornel A. Williams and Associates where I have been for the past 35 years. I am a member of Kingdom Bound Community Church where I serve as Church Administrator and Youth Director. I have had a great passion for knowing about Christ from an early age, and although I was raised in the Methodist Church, once I moved to Houston, I visited various churches to find a good fit for me and my family. Once I visited Kingdom Bound Community Church, I knew I was home, and this would be the place I would walk out my faith journey. I am presently a student at Kingdom Bible University, where I am studying 21st Century Children’s Ministry so that I can bring new, creative, and God-filled teachings and activities to the Youth of my church.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I had a made-up mind from the beginning and knew that I would trust God no matter what. I promised God that even when I did not understand the roads he led me on, I would trust him anyhow. The only struggle I can think of is that I sometimes don’t get the support that I thought I would. Whether it is those that don’t believe a woman should serve in a Ministry role or those that have not been supportive as far as my studies. But one thing about me, I don’t need a cheering section or a push once my mind is made up about something.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My career is in the legal field, and I am most proud of the lives God allows me to touch through my career. I often get a chance to pray for those going through the most challenging times of their lives. I am set apart because although I am very stern when I need to be, I am very compassionate as well and try to always see myself through the situation of others so that I am reminded not the Judge.
In my church, I am Youth Director and Church Administrator. I am most proud of the programs I have put in place that I can see are changing the lives of our Youth. The Youth at Kingdom Bound see going to church as something to look forward to and are excited about learning about God and being a part of the Children’s Ministry. We have Praise Dance, Mime, Choir, Theater Arts, Community Activities, and Children’s Church along with Infant Nursery.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
That God truly is the source of our strength and if we develop that relationship with him, our lives will be more peaceful, and we will be able to show that love to others to help build up our communities and do the work of the Father.
