Brandice Sutherland is a St. Louis resident, Mizzou alum (are you noticing a trend yet) and recent Wash. U graduate where she received her Master’s in Social Work. Brandice describes herself as “a wife to a wonderful man, hip-hop enthusiast, sister, entrepreneur, mentor and a servant and advocate for the Kingdom of God- which is where her passion, hope, joy, love for others derives!”
BGP: Brandice, What does it mean to you to be a black girl with purpose?
Brandice: Growing up, I used to really struggle with both my race and purpose. I was the well-behaved, quiet girl with the “good hair”, who had a white mommy and black daddy. My being biracial seemed to be a concept that confused people- but I always looked it as I received the best of both worlds. My racial identity was the subject to a whirlwind of microagressions, that I began to internalize over time. People tried forcing me into boxes that they saw fit, except I never really “fit” anywhere.
Now, I’ve learned to embrace my peculiarity! Through these experiences I’ve learned to love the skin that I’m in and to just be exactly who I am. So, being a Black woman with purpose is held at high regard in my heart. I aim for my life to be a light to help others find their purpose through the lessons I’ve learned and mistakes I’ve made.
BGP: When did you feel like you realized your purpose or first got a glimpse of what your purpose is?
Brandice: Throughout my life, I leaned on academics, extracurricular activities and leadership roles to guide my sense of purpose. I was good at these things and they kept me busy. I thought for a very long time that my purpose derived from titles or “being successful”. It wasn’t until after I earned my Masters and got married (this past summer) did I realize that none of these titles REALLY mattered. Purpose doesn’t come from an expensive degree, or through popularity, or through a title, or anything material wise. You can still be very empty with all of these things present. Purpose is the HOPE that there is something MORE to life outside of what we know materially.
[clickToTweet tweet=”‘Purpose doesn’t come from an expensive degree, or through popularity, or through a title.'” quote=”‘Purpose doesn’t come from an expensive degree, or through popularity, or through a title.'”]
The very first time I got a glimpse of purpose is when I began to BELIEVE my identity in Christ. My passion then began to be birthed/unfolded through prayer (which is a continual process). As my prayer life increases, my faith also increases- which, thus has given me overwhelming peace in depression, joy in sadness, and the knowing that I had been placed here for a greater purpose than to just coast through life.
BGP: What fear have you overcome recently?
Brandice: This may sound silly, but telling people NO is a fear that I’ve overcome recently! I used to exhort myself to the point of exhaustion simply because I didn’t want to tell people no. I finally realized I was only hurting myself in this process. With my hubby’s help, I’ve been wiser with saying “No” and giving others a whole-hearted “Yes” when I’m capable and able to assist.
BGP: How would you define purpose?
Brandice:I know purpose as a journey that is beautifully unfolded as you become authentically who you are!
[clickToTweet tweet=”‘Purpose is a journey that is beautifully unfolded as you become authentically who you are.'” quote=”‘Purpose is a journey that is beautifully unfolded as you become authentically who you are.'”]
BGP: What is the hardest part about walking in your purpose?
Brandice: Staying consistently dedicated has been my biggest challenge (i.e. not walking away when things get tough). Along with giving myself grace in the process by allowing myself to grow and make mistakes.
BGP: How do you feel your career path ties in with your purpose?
Brandice: This is a question that is still unfolding for me as a young professional because my 9-5 work experience is limited. However, my journey in entrepreneurship has been one of the most rewarding, challenging, frustrating, amazing processes I’ve ever experienced! Faithfully Creative, LLC is what’s called a Marketplace Ministry, which was launched under the auspices of Agape Time Ministries, Inc. (my home church holds a special in my heart). My business serves as both a business and as a ministry… so everything within it has purpose tied to it! I pray over all of my products so that the customer receives peace, joy, love, or whatever they need for the season of life they are in. I love every minute of creating handcrafted goodies, especially knowing that others will be blessed through the love that goes into each item.
BGP: What would you say to someone who doesn’t know where to start to find their purpose?
Brandice: The moment you begin loving yourself, allowing yourself to make mistakes, and decide to be authentically who you are- is the moment you choose to walk in your purpose! This is a beautiful lifelong journey that I am still walking out every day.
BGP: What’s a scripture you’d like to leave with our young women committed to living on purpose?
Brandice: My favorite verse EVER is Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
This speaks to fervently to fulfilling purpose and has provided me hope in the darkest of times. It’s a warm reminder that no matter what may life throw our way, if we are still living and breathing then we have BIG purpose to fulfill. Cheers to purpose-filled lives! ?
[clickToTweet tweet=”No matter what may life throw our way, if we are still living and breathing then we have BIG purpose to fulfill. ” quote=”No matter what may life throw our way, if we are still living and breathing then we have BIG purpose to fulfill. “]
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