I am always so inspired when I hear about people living out their passions and dreams. There are so many dreams that go unfulfilled and so much talent that is never realized. I believe life is a gift and we should live our lives to the fullest with that gift by walking out our dreams and visions.
Recently I had the opportunity to learn more about a dynamic young woman who is a Minister, Entrepreneur, Editor and Author and she is doing just that, walking out her dreams. Her name is Carenda Deonne Pittman and this Baltimore, Maryland native believes in spiritual growth and holistic development and it is my pleasure to share her passion and vision with the world.
KF: Good afternoon Carenda. How are you today?
CDP: Good afternoon Karen. I am doing well. I am not only happy but healthy and I pray the same for you.
KF: I am so excited to speak with you today. Thanks so much for taking time out of your schedule to share a piece of your life with our audience.
CDP: Karen I personally want to thank you for taking the time to highlight me and the ministry that God has given me.
KF: I understand that you are native of Baltimore, Maryland. Tell us about growing up in Baltimore.
CDP: Yes I am a native of Baltimore as a matter of fact, East Baltimore. One thing I loved about growing up in East Baltimore is eating great seafood. I remember so many times going to crab fests, laying out the newspaper and eating crabs for hours. I am the only girl in my family and I have two brothers, so there were always lots of jokes and laughs in our home. My mom still until this day lives in the same home on the corner.
I remember days where we would sit on the porch for hours and watch the cars drive by while eating onion pickles from the corner store. And even though I was raised in a single family home, I had great support and love from my brothers and my parents. While in school I experienced being bullied by other girls, but due to great support from family I was able to come through and grow into the woman I am today.
KF: Bullying is a great crisis in our nation today. I am glad you were able to overcome it with that great support system called family. I know you are a Minister, Entrepreneur, Author and Editor but I want to find out what inspires and motivate you in life to walk in purpose?
CDP: This may sound weird but nature inspires me. The ability to inhale and exhale inspires me. Life is so very precious, and just to know God loves me so much that He made me in his likeness and image inspires me. I truly believe that I am God’s original masterpiece and knowing that I am here only by grace and love motivates me every day to walk in purpose.
KF: Let’s talk about “Far Above Rubies Magazine”. Tell our readers what this magazine is all about and how you came up with the name.
CDP: Far Above Rubies Magazine is a lifestyle magazine for Christian women. Far Above Rubies focuses on spiritual growth and holistic development. We achieve this by focusing on articles that will give women insight and encouragement on faith, favor, fortune and fortitude. Our motto is Real Life…Real Women…Real Issues.
Far Above Rubies is truly a ministry that speaks to the heart of women exactly where they are in the mind, body, soul and spirit. I came up with the name or should I say inspired by the name through a poem I wrote at a very dark time in my life called, the breaking point. Please feel free to share with your readers:
The Breaking Point
I remember the moment that it happened
I looked in the mirror and could not recognize the reflection before me
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My eyes were slightly dim
As the tears begin to flow and cross my chin beneath
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I tried to lift my head towards the sun
But the weight of disappointment overwhelmed my spirit
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I remember that gloomy day of darkness
As I thought to myself surely death is knocking at my door
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The initial breaking felt like a pricking needle in my heart
Purging out every sin and weight
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I remember the intensity of lowliness
The scarcity of hope
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It literally felt as if I had fallen into the bottom of a murky cave, which only echoed the shadow of despair
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The temperature of my soul was rigid and cold
Shattered and broken were the pieces of my pride and self pleasure, but within lied a greater existence of grace and refinement
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I was desperate to escape
I was determined to overcome
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The pressing of my tears produced a river of release
As I begin to cry out from a voice within my belly
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An aroma of purity became the scent of new beginnings
The comforting of angels swiftly came to my side
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The glory of my Lord quickly consumed the atmosphere
As I laid still before his presence
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The strength of his right hand began to cushion my famine heart
An awesome spectrum of colors surrounded me
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The anointing oil had delivered me from all of my hurt and fears; releasing the purpose suitable for the daughter of a king
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This costly oil now resides within
My life no longer the same
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Outwardly my beauty is fair to look upon
But it’s within me that lies the depths of loves greatest power
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Everything I touch leaves his residue
Everywhere I walk leaves his footprints
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All that I say reflects his language of hope
How precious is the ointment that lies within my soul
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The priceless anointing that can only flow once broken
As the shadow of his grace appeared around me
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Whispering his promises into my heart
The lifting of faith became my horizon
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KF: “Far Above Rubies” magazine was the recipient of the 2011 Black Essence Business Award. How did you feel when you first heard you would be receiving that honor?
CDP: I was in shock. You never know what God has in store. In receiving that award, it was an eye opener that I must take every limit off and continue to let go and let God.
KF: I understand that you have launched a 501c3 called “Girl’s Empowerment Movement, Inc.” Can you give us the overall mission of the organization?
CDP: I was very fortunate in growing up to have support from family and now as an adult I realize how powerful and imperative it is to have a support system. If I did not have the support from family I don’t know where I would be. Today there are so many young girls who don’t have a support system. There are so many young girls who are hurting and just need a shoulder to cry on.
Young girls need to be able to vent, cry, laugh, develop and have personable touchable moments that last not just for a moment, but a lifetime. Girls Empowerment Movement will not only give physical support but emotional support to girls (14-18) in the DMV area. We will provide support that will develop confidence, self esteem and career development.
KF: One of my passions in life is ministering to young people so I love what you are doing with these young ladies. Tell me, as a minister, have you found that it’s hard to balance the business world with ministering the Gospel?
CDP: It is a balance Karen, but I have learned to rest in who God has created me to be and always know that where He sends me or whatever assignment he directs me to, He is with me and ALL THINGS ARE WORKING TOGETHER FOR MY GOOD.
KF: Carenda let me ask you to take off your Entrepreneur hat and put on your Author hat now. What inspired you to write your book, “Soul of a Poet”?
CDP: I have been writing ever since I was a little girl. While other kids were outside riding bikes, I was inside writing poetry. Writing is a safe place for me and I realize that there is power in words. As I experienced moments of joy and pain I wanted to write about it and share it with others. I wanted people to know what is was like being a pastors wife and what it is like to walk in the power of forgiveness.
KF: I hear your next book will be out sometime this winter. What can the world expect from that work?
CDP: Karen that is a good question. To be honest with you, I am still praying on direction. I know it will be Christian fiction work and at the moment it will be about three ladies. Angela Montgomery who is a Pastor’s wife, Violet Baker who is married to her career and Bianca Meadows who simply has drama with men and caught up in too many dysfunctional relationships. The book will be about friendships, betrayal and the power to live again. It will speak about the struggle in being “perfect Patty” when God just wants us to be “Patty.”
KF: You are a multi-talented, multi-faceted, woman of God! I want you to give our audience some words of wisdom in how to unlock their hidden gifts and talents and actually begin to walk them out.
CDP: Karen, if I could give your audience words of wisdom to unlock their hidden gifts and talents and actually begin to walk them out, I would say take time everyday to build your faith. God’s plan for our lives is always bigger than ours. A lot of people never even scratch the surface of their purpose due to the lack of faith. Have faith enough first to believe that you have a purpose and no matter the journey, all things are always working together for your good.
Have faith enough to believe that your gifts will make room for you and have faith enough to believe God can do exceedingly and abundantly above what you can ask or think. Faith will unlock the hidden gifts and talents and grace and love will actually allow you to walk them out. By receiving God’s unearned, underserved and unmerited favor, it places you before places and people even when you know you do not deserve it. It is only through resting in the finished work of Christ Jesus that we can fully embrace his love, purpose and plan.
KF: How can people connect with you online to learn more about your magazine, “Far above Rubies” and get a hold of your poetry book, “Soul of a Poet”?
CDP: To learn more about “Far Above Rubies Magazine”, please go to www.faraboverubiesmag.com or call us at 888-473-2221. You can also email us at info@aboverubiesmag.com. To get a copy of the poetry book they can email info@aboverubiesmag.com and for speaking engagements they can contact Crystal Ellis at urbanworkspr@gmail.com.
KF: It has been a divine pleasure to connect with you today and I wish you success in everything you put your hands to. Thank you so much for sharing your vision with us!
CDP: Karen, my heart overflows with gratitude, for I too believe that this has been a divine assignment. Thank you again for the opportunity and I pray FAR Blessings in everything that you do.
