Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tierra Graves. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tierra, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Finding my purpose came after many years of pain. Through my pain, I discovered my purpose. My purpose is not the amount of education I have received from the universities, but the amount of time and effort I put into learning of God’s word and the plans God has for my life. The pain I endured over the years in the areas of grief and depression has pushed me into my purpose. I learned to educate myself about the issues I was facing daily. I also turned to writing as an outlet to express myself in ways I couldn’t always speak. My passion soon become my purpose as I became an educator and a 7-time published author. In the bible we find these words, “and he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;” (Ephesians 4:11 KJV) Being a teacher is my calling from the Lord which gives me to opportunity to witness to students about my pain and share my personal experiences in ways that inspire, uplift, and brings awareness to others who have dealt with similar issues. Writing has healed me in ways I could have never imagined. Walking in my purpose means allowing God to use me as a voice to the lost and show them God’s shining light that they might find purpose in Jesus Christ and through Jesus Christ. It took many years of suffering, isolation, pain, and grief to learn of my purpose. The wisdom and knowledge that God has bestowed within me continues to guide my steps and remind me of the calling on my life as I walk in my purpose on purpose declaring the glory of God.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Tierra Graves was born in Washington, DC. She currently holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Trinity Washington University. She also holds a master’s degree in Secondary Education, from Grand Canyon University. Additionally, she completed a summer course (2023) at Goucher College, where she obtained a certificate/license to teach Advance Placement Courses in English. Additionally, she completed a 120-hour certification course with World TESOL Academy in July 2024, where she obtained a certificate to teach English as a Second Language. In August 2024 she completed a 25-week Grief course under Canaan LandSteward University and is now a license Grief Specialist Coach. In February 2025, she will earn a second master’s degree in teaching English as a Second Language.
Ms. Graves is a 7-time published author. She published Prism of Me (2020), A New Twist on Old Traditions (2020), A New Twist on Old Traditions Workbook (2020), Depression Before Tea: Journey A to Z (2021), My Testimony A Declaration of Deliverance (2024) with Christian Living Books, Inc. She published, I Lived to Tell It Testimonial Anthology (2023), alongside of 11 women of God as a Co-Author with In Due Seasons Publishing Company. Her bonus book is The Record (2015).
Currently she works as an Adjunct Professor at the University of the Potomac teaching ESL-English as a Second Language and undergraduate English courses. Ms. Graves writes poetry, short stories, essays and so much more. Stay connected with the Author on Facebook and Instagram (Booksbytea). She leads two groups on Facebook: From Depression to Destiny and From Grief to Glory where she continues to share her story and testimony about how God showed up in her life in moments when she thought life was over.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three Most Important Qualities are: Patience, Humility, and Love. These three characteristics I learned over the years has helped me to grow as a person and mature as a person and mature in the things of God. I learned to be patient with myself, and that healing is a process. I also learned humility and that being humble will take me far in life and allow me to walk into rooms where I am appreciated and accepted for just being myself. The bible teaches us, “and now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity” (1 Corinthians 13:13 KJV) Loving myself meant denying myself, being patient with myself, and allowing myself the space to grow and mature over time. Those who are in the early stages of your journey to improve and develop as the best version of yourselves must understand timing. Know that growth comes with time and with time one will improve but you must have patience for the process. The journey isn’t easy, but the journey is worth it when you finally achieve all that you are created to be. Remember once you reach the manifestation don’t forget to come back and thank God for the journey and the process you went through to discover patience, humility, and love.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I stop and think about the emotions that are rising up against me. I take some deep breaths, and I pause to pray. I often listen to music to help redirect my thoughts. I also love writing, so often times I will write down what is happening and what I am feeling that is causing me to feel overwhelmed. Sometimes, I will take naps throughout the day to recharge and rest from the racing thoughts. Journaling and reading scriptures also help to ease my mind. I don’t often feel overwhelmed, but I have learned over the years especially being a person who has dealt with depression the value in stopping just to breathe.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Booksbytea
- Facebook: booksbytea
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tierra-graves-m-ed-b53114b5
Image Credits
God’s Child Photography
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