Meet Benecia Ponder

We recently connected with Benecia Ponder and have shared our conversation below.

Benecia, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
When I think about resilience, it feels like looking through a photo album of my life, each picture capturing moments of challenge, growth, and triumph. It’s been a remarkable journey, one that has taught me resilience is not merely bouncing back but growing through every experience, no matter how tough.

My story with resilience began 25 years ago, at a time in my life when I was juggling the roles of being a single mother, a college student, and nurturing a dream to achieve greatness. Life, as it often does, threw an unexpected curveball my way—a pseudo brain tumor known as pseudotumor cerebri. This condition left me visually impaired, unable to see clearly beyond a few inches. Imagine, for a moment, the world around you becoming a blur, your dreams seeming to slip away through your fingers like grains of sand. That was my reality.

The diagnosis was shattering. The thought of being “disabled” felt like a heavy anchor, pulling me down into the depths of despair. But as I stood at this crossroad, with my six-month-old daughter looking up at me, I knew I had a choice. I could either let this challenge define me or I could define how I faced this challenge. With the unwavering support of my family and my faith in God as my guiding light, I chose the latter.

Resilience, for me, was found in the quiet moments of prayer, in the steadfast love and encouragement of my family, and in the deep-seated belief that my worth was not diminished by my physical limitations. It was a lesson in recognizing my intrinsic value, in understanding that true sight comes not from the eyes but from the heart.

Facing this new reality, I leaned into my faith and the support network around me, and I pushed forward. Completing my undergraduate degree and earning a BBA were moments of quiet victory against the odds. Law school, passing the CGA Bar Exam, becoming a certified personal and executive coach, a best-selling author, a speaker, and now a book writing and publishing coach—each achievement was a testament to resilience. It was proof that limitations only define us if we allow them to.

These past 25 years have been a daily practice in resilience. It’s been about learning to be comfortable with being imperfect, about accepting help when needed, and about never losing sight of my worth, regardless of the obstacles I face. My resilience comes from a place of knowing that I am capable of overcoming anything, not because I am exceptional, but because I’ve learned the true essence of strength lies in vulnerability and growth.

If there’s a part of my story that I hold dear, it’s the understanding that resilience is more than just enduring; it’s about finding meaning and purpose in the face of adversity. It’s about growing through, not just going through. And most importantly, it’s about knowing that no matter how fierce the storm, there’s always a light within us that no darkness can dim.

This is where my resilience comes from. It’s woven into the very fabric of my being, a tapestry of faith, hope, and relentless determination to see the beauty in imperfection and strength in vulnerability.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a Book Writing and Publishing Coach at InspirationalAuthors.com, a place where dreams of becoming an author don’t just stay dreams—they become your reality. My mission is to empower women of faith, guiding them to believe in who God has called them to be as divine inspirational messengers.

What I do is a blend of art, faith, and empowerment. It’s about transforming personal stories into books that not only resonate with readers but also inspire and invoke change. Since starting this incredible journey in 2016, I’ve had the privilege of guiding 117 authors to share their message through books that foster hope, healing, and transformation. What’s special about this process is not just the end product—a book—but the transformation each author undergoes through this creative process. We’re not just creating bestsellers; we’re architecting legacies.

I believe everyone has a unique story that can inspire others. That’s why, with over a decade of experience, I’ve dedicated myself to helping smart, passionate people—particularly faith-fueled entrepreneurs and ministry leaders—write and publish books that accelerate their impact and income, even without prior writing experience or a vast following. From memoirs to professional development books, my aim is to turn your experiences and expertise into inspirational non-fiction that moves hearts and changes lives.

My signature program, Write & Shine, offers personalized 1:1 author mentoring, visioning, strategic planning, author coaching, concierge publishing services, and a bestseller book launch campaign. But it’s more than services—it’s about walking alongside you, from the first spark of an idea to the moment you hold your book in your hands and beyond.

Excitingly, there are new ventures on the horizon! This summer, I invite you to join our Summer Book Camps, where in just 6 weeks, you can write and publish your own devotional, journal, or Bible study. It’s an intensive program designed to bring your faith-based project to life. (InspirationalAuthors Club.com/sbc)

Additionally, I am thrilled to announce She Rises, a collaborative book series featuring stories from women of faith. With upcoming titles like “She Rises with Resilience,” “She Rises with Courage,” and “She Rises with Vision,” we’re now accepting applications for co-authors. It’s a chance to share your story of mountain-moving faith, resilience, and vision with the world. (InspirationalDevotionals.com/apply)

Being a part of these journeys, witnessing the birth of each book, and seeing the impact these stories have is truly the most exciting aspect of what I do. Each project is a testament to faith, courage, and the incredible power of sharing one’s story.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, three things have really stood out and shaped my path. First is faith and hope, especially my belief in God. It’s like a light in the dark, guiding me through tough times. Second, strategy and planning. Taking an idea, no matter how small, and crafting a plan to make it purposeful and profitable has been one of my greatest superpowers. And third, communication. Whether it’s writing or speaking, being able to share my message clearly and powerfully has made all the difference.

If you’re just starting out, here’s what I’d say. Be open to learning. You don’t have to have all the answers, but don’t underestimate what you bring to the table either. Your knowledge and skills are valuable. Next, don’t go it alone. Build relationships and don’t be shy to seek help. We’re not meant to do everything ourselves. By focusing on your zone of genius and letting others support you, you’ll shine brighter. Trust in your gifts and believe in your path.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Whenever that feeling of being overwhelmed creeps up on me, hitting the pause button is my go-to move. It’s like everything starts to pile up, and before I know it, I’m carrying this huge load in my head. That’s when I grab a pen and paper. There’s something almost magical about writing it all down. My worries, the endless to-do list, the storm of ideas—just getting them out of my head and onto paper makes a world of difference. It’s like decluttering my mind.

And then, there’s the power of a good nap. It might sound simple, but it’s honestly one of the best strategies I have. After laying all my thoughts down, closing my eyes for a bit not only helps my body relax but also resets my brain. When I wake up, it’s as if the volume of everything has been turned down, and I can see things more clearly. Plus, there’s that sweet relief of not feeling so heavy anymore.

If you’re feeling swamped, try it out. Write everything down—don’t worry about organizing your thoughts or making it look neat. Just spill. And then, allow yourself to rest. It’s not about being lazy; it’s about giving yourself the care you need to bounce back stronger. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to take a step back. In fact, sometimes, it’s exactly what we need to move forward.

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