Green Enterprizes

Spiritual Resilience: The Book & Beyond

Dr. Theresa Roberts, NABSW Communications Committee Chair

1.  Tell us about yourself

 Professionally, I’m an entrepreneur.  My company, Green Enterprizes was established over 20 years ago.  I’m a Marriage & Family Therapist and Diversity Consultant. The common denominator in my work is equity issues- whether in personal or workplace relationships.  Most recently, I’m a published author.  My first book, Spiritual Resilience, was just released in June 2005

 Personally, I’m married- have been married to the same man forever.  We have two sons, two granddaughters, and a grandson.  My family has been quite involved with this book from start to finish; it’s truly been a family affair.  My youngest son designed the cover, my husband assisted in developing the format for the manuscript and my oldest son provided input, ideas, and support throughout the process.  

 2.  How long have you been writing?

 My Aunt Gwennie gave me a subscription to a Young Reader’s Book Club when I was about 12.  I looked forward to my book each month.  I remember submitting short stories to teen magazines a few (smile) years ago.   In high school, I maintained a part time job at a local library.  I’ve always been surrounded by books.    

 My friends and family would probably say I’ve always written- as I tend to communicate more often on paper than by telephone or visiting.  When I travel- I send postcards to update about 35 of my “special friends” about my life, plans, challenges and awarenesses.   More recently, I have written short stories, primarily, about my travels and insights.  This writing is often humorous and much like a spoof on Arsenio’s monologue – “things that make you go hymmm…”  Let’s just say that I’ve had a lot of hymmm experiences.

 3.  What inspired you to write Spiritual Resilience?

 This book was created out of concern and love for African American people. Somehow, despite increased opportunities, we seem to be running backward.  I wanted to portray some of the challenges that we face (health, relationships, priorities, oppression) and provide strategies for overcoming these difficulties.  We seem to be preoccupied with acquiring “stuff,” while our African brothers and sisters seem very clear that a rewarding life is about family, community and our relationship with God.  

My travels to the continent have taught me a lot about the strength that can be gained through one’s spiritual connection.  Our increased spiritual resilience will allow us to respond to our challenges in a more productive way. 

A directed spiritual focus can lead us to make better decisions, which hopefully will include treating ourselves and our sisters and brothers with more respect.  I wrote this book to share that message and to encourage our people to make choices that will not only positively affect their lives, but will provide a beacon for future generations as well.   

4.  What is Spiritual Resilience?

Spiritual Resilience is the ability to develop a stronger, deeper relationship with God.  It’s about being intentional about the most powerful and important relationship in your life – your walk with God.  Clarity regarding this primary relationship will lead to increased understanding, direction, and purpose in other areas.  Unlike most of our interests, Spiritual Resilience does not require money, specialized education, or a partner; it merely requires a willingness to allocate time to developing your spiritual side.  It’s really an investment in “self” and in the future of our people. 

5.  What do you hope readers will gain from your book?

Hopefully, readers will gain an increased understanding of where black people are now and from whence we came.  The strength of our ancestors on the continent remains with us- if we remember that connection.  Despite our improved circumstances our “mental” bonds continue our captivity.  We often turn to drugs, alcohol, preoccupation with the unimportant (bling bling, clothes, cars) and we overlook the areas that compose the fabric of our lives.  I hope readers will be reminded of the significance of the legacy that we inherited, as well as the one that we leave for generations yet to come.

By maximizing our spiritual connection, we can leave an empowering legacy.   proud of.  

5.  What authors have influenced you?

Who hasn’t?  Derek Bell- who writes about racial challenges certainly provides stimulating literature which makes you not only think about how things are but also lead you to question the status quo; Iyanla Vanzant teaches us a lot about relationships with self and others.  Jawanza Kunjufu focuses upon families and the need for strengthening bonds in our homes, schools and communities.  I present and attend the Black Family Conference in Louisville, Kentucky annually.  Through that incredible educational smorgasbord , sponsored by Dr. Joseph McMillan, I  have been privileged to gain from writers such as Dr’s Marimba Ani, Asa Hilliard, Amos Wilson, John Henrik Clarke, Nathan &  Julia Hare, Na’im Akbar, & Frances Welsing- to name a few.  I have been captivated by their focus upon our people and their level of understanding about our plight.  These authors, educators and lecturers demonstrate a willingness to name the challenges and share their wisdom about what is needed to improve our quality of life.    

7.  Do you have a favorite quote?

I have many favorite quotes and often use African Proverbs and African American quotes in my writings and training programs.  A quote by George Washington Carver is particularly useful in reminding us about patience and acceptance.   “How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and the strong; because someday in life, you will have been all of these.”  We need to be open to a myriad of ways of embracing God.  Unfortunately, we tend to allow those things that should unify us to destroy our collective energy. 

8.  What’s next?

Actually, I’m working on several projects.  My next book captures stories of students in Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU’s) and Predominantly White Institutions (PWI’s).  College students participated in interviews and surveys regarding what was needed for success in different academic environments.  This book captures their ideas and recommendations, while challenging academic institutions to provide supportive structures that will enhance student success.  Finally, a third effort is more global and is based upon information gathered from interviews and questionnaires with African and African American women about what is needed for these groups to better understand and appreciate one another.  The lack of knowledge about our sisters in the US or on the continent limits our ability to benefit from our kinship.  We can be an incredible source of strength to our sisters if we allow ourselves to bridge the gap.