by Rev. Stephanie Denise | Jan 4, 2024 | Finding your Purpose
May the Lord bless you abundantly in this new year, filling your days with joy, peace, and prosperity. As we embark on this journey together, let us remember the words of Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Step 1: Seek God’s Guidance
In all your endeavors, seek the wisdom and guidance of the Lord. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Step 2: Embrace Gratitude and Kindness
Cultivate a heart of gratitude and spread kindness wherever you go. Remember the words of Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Step 3: Pursue Excellence and Perseverance
In all that you do, strive for excellence and never give up. Colossians 3:23-24 encourages us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
May these three steps guide you towards success in 2024, as you trust in God’s plan, embrace gratitude and kindness, and pursue excellence with unwavering perseverance. Happy New Year!
Rev. Stephanie Denise
by Rev. Stephanie Denise | Dec 20, 2023 | Finding your Purpose
In Rwanda, a small country located in East Africa, a unique tradition exists where young girls are required to shave their heads before attending school. This practice holds significant cultural and social implications, impacting the girls’ sense of identity and femininity. In this blog, we will delve into the reasons behind this tradition, its historical context, and the effects it has on these young girls’ lives.
Historical Context:
To understand the practice of shaving heads in Rwandan schools, it is essential to consider the country’s history. Rwanda experienced a devastating genocide in 1994, which resulted in the loss of approximately 800,000 lives. In the aftermath, the country faced numerous challenges, including rebuilding its education system. The tradition of shaving heads emerged as a way to promote hygiene and equality among students, regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds.
Promoting Hygiene:
One of the primary reasons for this practice is to ensure cleanliness and hygiene among schoolchildren. Rwanda is a country with a predominantly rural population, and access to clean water and sanitation facilities can be limited. By shaving their heads, young girls can avoid lice infestations and maintain good personal hygiene, preventing the spread of diseases within the school environment.
Fostering Equality:
The tradition of shaving heads in Rwandan schools also aims to promote equality among students. By removing external markers of wealth or social status, such as hairstyles or hair accessories, the focus shifts to the students’ intellect and character. This practice creates a level playing field, where all students are judged solely on their academic abilities, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among the students.
Challenging Gender Stereotypes:
In many societies, long hair is often associated with femininity. However, the act of shaving their heads challenges traditional gender stereotypes for young Rwandan girls. By embracing this practice, these girls are encouraged to redefine femininity on their own terms, emphasizing qualities such as intelligence, resilience, and determination over physical appearance.
Impact on Identity:
While the tradition of shaving heads in Rwandan schools serves a practical purpose, it also has a profound impact on the girls’ sense of identity. Hair is often seen as an expression of one’s personality, culture, and individuality. For these young girls, losing their hair can be a challenging experience, as it alters their physical appearance and can temporarily affect their self-esteem.
Rebuilding Identity:
However, it is important to note that the impact on identity is not solely negative. The act of shaving their heads allows these girls to explore and redefine their identities beyond societal expectations. It becomes an opportunity for self-discovery, as they learn to embrace their inner strength, resilience, and intelligence. This process can lead to a stronger sense of self and empowerment in the long run.
Community Support:
The impact of shaving heads on identity is mitigated by the strong sense of community support in Rwandan society. Families, teachers, and fellow students rally around these girls, providing emotional support and encouragement. This collective support helps the girls navigate the challenges associated with the loss of their hair, reinforcing their sense of belonging and acceptance.
The tradition of shaving heads among young girls attending school in Rwanda may seem peculiar to outsiders, but it holds deep cultural significance. While it impacts their sense of identity and femininity, it also promotes hygiene, equality, and challenges traditional gender stereotypes. By exploring the reasons behind this practice and its effects, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between culture, education, and personal identity in Rwanda.
Rev. Stephanie Denise
Finding Purpose Within,
by Rev. Stephanie Denise | Nov 29, 2023 | Finding your Purpose
Stopping people from renting space in our heads and hindering our purpose requires self-awareness, boundary-setting, and a focus on personal growth. Here are some strategies to help you achieve that:
Cultivate self-awareness:
Pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and reactions when interacting with others. Recognize the impact that negative or toxic people have on your well-being and sense of purpose. Develop a deeper understanding of yourself, your values, and your goals to strengthen your sense of purpose.
Set healthy boundaries:
Establish clear boundaries with people who drain your energy or negatively impact your mindset. Learn to say “no” when necessary and prioritize your own well-being. Communicate your boundaries assertively but respectfully, and don’t feel guilty about protecting your mental and emotional space.
Surround yourself with positive influences:
Seek out individuals who inspire and support you in your journey of finding purpose. Surrounding yourself with like-minded, uplifting, and encouraging people can help you stay focused on your goals and maintain a positive mindset.
Practice self-care:
Engage in self-care activities that promote mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This can include activities like exercise, meditation, journaling, spending time in nature, pursuing hobbies, or seeking therapy or counseling. Taking care of yourself helps build resilience and provides a solid foundation for pursuing your purpose.
Develop resilience and emotional intelligence:
Work on building resilience to effectively cope with negativity or criticism. Develop emotional intelligence by improving your self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal skills. This will help you navigate challenging situations with grace and maintain a healthy perspective.
Focus on personal growth:
Invest time in personal development and continuous learning. Set goals that align with your purpose and take consistent action to achieve them. Engage in activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul, such as reading inspirational books, attending workshops, or seeking mentorship.
Practice mindfulness and let go of attachments:
Cultivate mindfulness to observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment. Recognize when you’re allowing others’ opinions or actions to influence your mindset and consciously choose to let go of negative attachments. Practice acceptance and detach yourself from seeking validation or approval from others.
Reframe challenges as opportunities:
Shift your perspective and view challenges or setbacks as learning experiences and opportunities for growth. Embrace a positive mindset and see every situation as a chance to strengthen your purpose and resilience.
Remember, it’s a continuous process to protect your mental and emotional space. Be patient with yourself and practice these strategies consistently. Surround yourself with people who support your purpose, prioritize your well-being, and stay committed to your personal growth.
by Rev. Stephanie Denise | Sep 28, 2023 | Finding your Purpose
God has blessed me to be a wife, mom, daughter, sibling, and friend. I served children as an elementary teacher for more than twenty years in the California public education system. I graduated from Cal State Hayward with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and Multiple Subject K-12 California Teaching Credential and from Pacific School of Religion with a Master of Divinity Degree. I was ordained an Itinerant Deacon and Itinerant Elder in the Methodist Church. I served as a Senior Pastor of a Methodist Church for seven years. Today, I am dedicated to teaching, preaching, and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.