Today we’d like to introduce you to Valencia Luckett.
Valencia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Over 30 years ago I was a newly divorced single mother leaving an abusive relationship. I found myself determined to establish a better life for my daughter and me. In that. I began a journey best described as one of faith, healing and resilience. In the midst of those changes I was newly called to ministry. There I began to organize community outreaches and feedings for those who were homeless in New Orleans, Louisiana. It was my first of what became an ongoing desire to aid and pay forward. That first outreach was foundational. I formed an outreach team, networked and secured local corporate donors, private donors gave and despite extreme nervousness (I had not done this ever) we went out, and the outreach was a true success. In terms of the families, those in dire straits etc. we were able to feed and minister to so many folks, there is one story from that outreach that has remained with me. I stopped to offer food, counsel or prayer to a gentleman I noticed he was nearing the riverbank of the Mississippi River and not engaging with others. As we spoke, at length and prayed, he tearfully admitted that before I stopped to offer him the food, and prayer: he was on his way to commit suicide because he felt truly no one cared. Over the years since that a mission was formed. I developed grassroots missions via ministry. In 2010, I formed Beauty For Ashes International Women’s Outreach which brought women around the globe together via retreats, workshops, outreach missions, mentorship programs for preteen/ teenagers, community outreaches. Now 15 years later it is still in operation, and the testimonials of others are phenomenal.
In addition, I embarked on founding a nonprofit organization, Life Changing Resources Inc. which focused on true community strengthening one individual/family at a time. It provides resources that are useful to daily living. A few of our programs are parenting classes, anger management, homebuyers’ education, will and estate planning
Our Holiday Drives and Back to School Drives enabled us to render aid and provide a community bonding space. Our hope is to secure a central space to have ongoing community activities and offer more classes. In both organizations, there is advocacy at the core to educate and speak out against Domestic Violence. I developed within both of those organizations arenas for advocacy, hosted public forums, prayer walks, balloon lifts to remember those no longer here but their story is not forgotten, In addition to those works, my vocational background in social services includes having formerly worked as a Child Protective Specialist here in the local Houston area, There are indeed many “chapters” in my journey but there is a strong root of foundational teaching and role models .My mindset and the passion for community caring stemmed from my parents and loved ones. They demonstrated what we now label “paying it forward’. Whether it was feeding one child that may have been hungry or organizing a neighborhood block party, summer trips they did it with commitment and preservation of other’s dignity, i have carried my upbringing into my adult life and the works done. I was taught by my parents to not be governed by fear but to face fear. Make wise not hasty decisions and by all means respect others. After leaving Child Protective Services, entrepreneurship and mentorship in that area was a new feat of sorts. . Embarking on entrepreneurship was a leap of faith for me, in 2015, Just Be A Lady About It Accessories Online Boutique and Consultation had its grand opening. In that time a became an author, Moments By The Brook was my first published book and did make Amazon’s Best Seller list within days of release. Along with that media works began, I hosted my own radio broadcast,” There’s Power To Live”. Life for me was family, mission ministry, and gardening. Then as is life a major change occurred that shook me to my family and I core. Diagnosed with Lupus SLE and Kidney Nephritis life seemed to spiral out. I went from living my life as I had to a new unwelcomed “norm”. I hated it and was angered about the illness. However, my husband of 29 years (and best friend), our children and grandchildren refused to let me wallow or slip away. They in turn were my reasons to fight Lupus presented fatigue, bodily attacks, self-esteem attacks, mental duress, emotional draining etc. Navigating treatments, appointments, specialist, numerous medications, uncertainty of the next day’s issues was so overwhelming. I must add this fight proved to be a true “life fight”. I would sit in the infusion chair, cry and pray. Somehow, deep down I refused to just quit. I would take a nap after and get up to minister at the women’s fellowships and events. I can only attribute the strength to do that to the Lord because my physical body was fatigued and the drug used in chemotherapy was used in the infusions.
Those served and the works were too dear to my heart. I couldn’t turn my back on them or God. It would be unjust to say there were not moments where it was just dark. However, in time I decided to keep fighting to be well and manage my diagnosis. There still lies challenges ahead but my heart and soul have a mission. The mission was here first; faith was foundational therefore my journey and works continue. To sum it up now my valuation of life includes great focus on the “little things as well as larger moments. Lupus made them equal. Balance is key, life on a daily scale is precious, As for ministry/mission works, I am still a public speaker, motivator/mentor and minister. Looking ahead, my podcast Let’s Talk Life is in the works as well as more published literary works. I didn’t just land here it was a journey. Which I totally find more profound as it brought with it experiences, character building, goodwill towards others and tenacious faith,
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a “mixed road! In that light it’s been a real-life journey. There were struggles that I would say were life changing. The loss of both of my parents was traumatic and difficult. I was raised in a close knit, and my parents were “present'” they were hands on parents. My mother passed away just before I was 21, and at that time I had been a new mother just over a year and had not a clue on motherhood in its entirety. My father was a hero in my eyes. His passing was later than my mom and it left a huge void of the loss but also the truth I had no parents at all.
The Lupus diagnosis and the effects of it were struggles, as well as the medical requirements. Thus, becoming medically disabled was a struggle. In 2021 my husband was placed on a ventilator due to COVID 19 and for nearly a month we faced the daily decision of possibly having to turn off the ventilator or debate the drs on keeping it on. The aftermath of his healing journey and witnessing his struggles to wellness, nursing him back to good health balancing a disease that stress triggers and leading in proxy the church he founded and pastored was definitely a noted struggle.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I would classify my works as social services and a Nonprofit sector founder/ worker, I am known for the mentorship and outreach works I have done with women, young adults and preteens via the grassroots organizations I have founded. Those works have assisted and cheered on countless of others. Those of whom have found their own ” voices, developed their own visions, pursued and achieved goals. I am so proud of the beautiful legacy of hands-on community building and caring my works have started. The published book being a best seller was something that made me really proud of myself. I had obstacles to overcome and did so. The tough spots and dark places didn’t consume my heart or make me embittered. I’m known as a “coach “, mentor and dynamic public speaker. Bold yet gentle. A giving and loving person. According to mentee’s testimonies over the years I walk the extra miles with folks and do it from a pure place.
I think being able to render aid or care for another when my own life is demanding in so many ways is a standout character trait. It’s one thing to have so much to give that helping someone maybe easier. But giving from your own needed resources is unselfishness. That I learned and still employ. Contributing and helping lay groundwork for other vison builders without competitiveness and a sincere hope of their success in today’s world is also a standout trait
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
The BIBLE is at the top of my list! . I listen to the Goal Digger podcast. I enjoy the teachings, and writings of Dr. Myles Monroe, Going Beyond Ministry Podcast Priscilla Shirer. The Lupus Living Podcast with Gwen Alexander are just a few
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lady_vbluckett/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valencia.boydluckett
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@shejourneysbeyondashes?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
