Counting It All Joy: My Unforgettable Experience Speaking at Bethel AME Church Women’s Day
In this special episode of the podcast, I was honored to speak at the Women’s Day event at Bethel AME Church recently. This was truly a “main event” for Young Black MRS., as it marked our first live recording – a huge milestone! It was an incredible opportunity to share insights on how to find joy and maintain it, even when life throws its toughest challenges our way.
My message, “Count It All Joy,” was based on the powerful scripture: “My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can!” (James 1:2 TPT)
I broke down my message into three key takeaways that have genuinely helped me on my own journey this year towards finding joy and peace:
Know Your History to Find Joy
I shared why keeping a personal journal is a powerful tool for looking back and seeing God’s consistent hand in our lives. When you trace your journey, you realize His faithfulness never waivers, turning past trials into powerful testaments of His presence. This historical perspective is vital to find joy in your present and future.
Practice Contentment for Deeper Joy
I explored how contentment isn’t about complacency, but a daily, active choice. It’s about finding satisfaction and peace right where you are, knowing that God is working, even when you can’t see the full picture. Embracing contentment truly unlocks a deeper, more sustainable joy in every season.
Share Your Joy Out Loud
This was perhaps my favorite part! We discussed how joy is incredibly contagious. I even shared my personal “fan” story – how a simple fan and a line dance became a literal tool to express joy and shift my perspective, whether I was frustrated at work or just bored on a Friday night. When you actively choose to share your joy, it amplifies not just for you, but for everyone around you.
Here are some of the scriptures mentioned that illuminate the path to find joy:
- “We look away from the natural realm and we focus our attention and expectation onto Jesus who birthed faith within us and who leads us forward into faith’s perfection. His example is this: Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross and conquered its humiliation, and now sits exalted at the right hand of the throne of God!” Hebrews 12:2 TPT
- “Those who sow their tears as seeds will reap a harvest with joyful shouts of glee.”Psalms 126:5 TPT
- “Let this hope burst forth within you, releasing a continual joy. Don’t give up in a time of trouble, but commune with God at all times.” Romans 12:12 TPT
- “Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let your joy overflow!” Philippians 4:4 TPT
- “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” (Psalms 30:5 NLT)
Speaking at Bethel AME was particularly special for another reason: it felt so incredibly full circle to end my message by leading a joyful dance to “Boots on the Ground” with the women of the congregation. Growing up, dancing in church was such a core part of my spiritual experience and expression of praise. To bring that same energy and find joy in sharing a message of faith as an adult was truly a blessing and an absolute blast!
I’m so grateful to Pastor Mark Smith, First Lady Cheryl, Rev. Robin, and especially Paralee for inviting me to such a wonderful event. Thank you to everyone who came out and made it such a memorable day.