Rhia Smith is a Tuskegee University graduate currently living in New Orleans and pursuing her Master’s in Social Work from Tulane University . She is the acting director of the Life Transformation Center – a community center based in the Hollygrove neighborhood of New Orleans as well as a life group and section leader at Celebration Church. She went all in for God as a senior in college and says the heart of her ministry is reaching out to young women. When she’s not looking like black girl magic in photos you can catch her sharing nuggets of wisdom while “queening” across the city.
BGWP: Rhia, what does it mean to you to be a black girl with purpose?
Rhia Smith: It’s all about thriving and rising above obstacles and overcoming. We’re born overcomers. I have so much pride in being black. There’s such a richness. When I look back at our lineage I realize [black] women have been so strong. Being a black girl with purpose is “what I’m supposed to do.” It gives me a reason to live. I’m constantly on a mission throughout my life to fulfill my purpose which is sharing who God is.
BGWP: When did you feel like you realized your purpose?
RS: When I was in college I was in a really broken relationship. That’s when I found God. He was calling me out and telling me there’s something so important on the other side of your obedience. That importance was to share that experience with other girls. God showed me through an encounter with a young girl at my church whose now on a missions team and was coming from a broken relationship as well. I heard God say “this is why you went through this.”
BGWP: How would you define your purpose?
RS: I feel like I’m here to help women, definitely. Help girls really know their identity in Christ. I feel like I’m here to help my community – the black community specifically. putting your hope in material things. We just need to be restored and reminded of the richness our ancestors have. I feel like I’m supposed to be a reminder of God’s goodness.
BGWP: What is the hardest part about walking in your purpose?
RS: The hardest part is just knowing that people are depending on your obedience. You have to walk what you present. You really have to do a lot of dying to yourself and even behind closed doors live a life that’s glorifying to God.
[clickToTweet tweet=”You have to walk what you present. ” quote=”You have to walk what you present. “]
BGWP: What would you say to someone who doesn’t know where to start to find their purpose?
RS: Pray and be transparent with God. If you don’t have a relationship with God you have to say ‘God I want a relationship with you.’ You have to be honest about where you are and find your identity through Christ. You can’t be powerful in any way if you don’t have God as your foundation.
BGWP: What have you let go of in the past year? Past month?
RS: I’ve let go of my old self in this past year. When it comes to laziness, wanting to spend time with the Lord. With God you can only go from faith to faith and I know you can’t grow while holding on to the old self you used to be.
This past month, I’ve let go of feeling like I always have to have it together. That has been so freeing for me. It goes to show God is really leading when it comes to that and has helped me see this is a journey with God and He does not need you to always have it together. It makes me a real person.
BGWP: What’s your go to scripture when you find yourself lacking direction?
RS: Jeremiah 29:11 – He already knows the plans He has for me. No day I experience has caught Him off guard.
[clickToTweet tweet=”Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you…” quote=”Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you…”]
Know a Black Girl with Purpose?” Mention them in our comments section here on the blog or over on Instagram. Want to connect with Rhia be sure to follow her on Instagram (@rhiajanay).
If you enjoyed this blog post and want to get future posts sent straight to your inbox join our mailing list!