Meet Everret Maxine

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Everret Maxine a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Everret, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1: 2-4

My life is a remarkable story of strength, healing, and purpose, shaped through immense personal pain, spiritual growth, and a deep commitment to helping others navigate similar struggles. My journey serves as a powerful reminder of how, through faith and resilience, it’s possible to turn pain into purpose. In 2018, I faced a series of overwhelming challenges that would change the trajectory of my life. Early in the year, I experienced homelessness, followed by the heartbreaking loss of my beloved grandmother on May 28th. Less than a month later, my mother would be found deceased on June 19th, leaving me devastated and struggling to find my footing. During this grief, I was also navigating a toxic marriage and, after years of separation, found the strength to file for divorce in August 2018, breaking free from an unhealthy relationship.

This whirlwind of loss and hardship culminated in the finalization of my divorce just five days before my 38th birthday on November 5th, 2018. At my mother’s funeral, I boldly declared, “Your response to your test is a reflection of your faith,” a statement that would become a mantra guiding me through my grief. In the midst of grief, I turned to education as a means of rebuilding my life. I returned to Texas Southern University and completed my bachelor’s degree in November 2020, a significant accomplishment that symbolized my determination to rise above the challenges life had thrown my way. During this time, many saw me as strong and resilient, unaware of the internal battles I faced, particularly the emotional scars from my toxic marriage.

However, I found a powerful outlet for my pain and healing through my podcast, “The Absence of Her”, which I launched in July 2019. Through the podcast, I share my testimonies of grief, loss, and healing, offering others encouragement and solidarity. I also bravely spoke about my toxic relationship, shedding light on the struggles I had kept hidden for so long. God placed it on my heart to create a community where women and teen girls who had experienced the absence or loss of a mother could find the support they needed. In February 2024, I founded “The Absence of Her” Community, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting teen girls and women who are grieving the loss or absence of a mother.

In August 2024, I published my first book, Crawling to the Cross, which chronicled my faith-filled resilience through the darkest seasons of my life. The book is a source of encouragement for those who may have been walking through their trials, reminding them that even in the most painful moments, there is strength and grace to be found in Christ.

Throughout my journey, I have embraced my passion for serving others. I have worked in various ministry roles, including mentoring women, facilitating leadership cohorts, administering student ministries, and serving as a member of the missions’ team. My international mission work has taken me to Belize, Africa, and the Czech Republic, where I have shared the love and hope of Christ with communities across the globe.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My name is my brand, and #iameverretmaxine is my hashtag. Currently, I am a full-time middle school educator and attending seminary to complete a degree in counseling.

As the founder of “The Absence of Her” Community, I am working diligently to seek women and teen girls in need of support.

Our mission is to foster a supportive and empathetic community where teenage girls and adult women who have experienced the loss or absence of a mother can find solace, connection, and empowerment. We provide resources, a safe space for sharing stories, offering emotional support, and promoting healing and growth.

Our vision is to create a world where every girl and woman who has lost or never had a mother feels connected, understood, and supported. We strive to be a beacon of hope and resilience, helping our members build meaningful relationships, embrace their strength, and navigate their journey with confidence and compassion.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Three important things to know:

1. Embrace mental health therapy no matter where you are in life so that you are not trying to build on a cracked foundation.
2. Watch ” A Call to Courage” by Brene Brown, so that you will learn not to allow people who are not in the same arena as you to influence your life and choices.
3. Position of submission to Jesus Christ, so that you can stay on your given path and receive an outpour of blessings, not just the sprinkle.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

As my non-profit organization, is in the infant stage, support is needed in all areas. My focus area is mental health, and I would like to offer discounted counseling to those help members who desire counseling. If you offer counseling services and would like to be a partner or sponsor, I can be contacted by email at birthedtobless2019@gmail.com and by phone at 346-780-2194. If you are interested in being part of the community, please fill out the interest form at www.theabsenceofhercommunity.org

Suggestions are welcome, as building a community is not about one voice.

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