In this heartfelt episode of the Emunah Podcast, host Dr. Tamara Henry sits down with Aaron Hawkins of Lakeland, Florida, author of Lessons Love Left Behind: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and the Wisdom That Remains. This moving conversation explores love, grief, faith, and healing after loss, offering encouragement and wisdom for anyone facing heartbreak or searching for resilience.

Aaron shares his journey of coping with grief after the passing of his late fiance, Njeria, and explains the inspiration behind his book. He discusses how writing became a form of therapy and a pathway to personal growth, showing listeners how we can transform pain into purpose. The dialogue highlights family dynamics, relationships, and spiritual healing, giving practical and emotional lessons on how to cherish loved ones before its too late.

Key Takeaways from this episode:

• Love is defined by patience and kindnessit requires daily effort and understanding.
• Cherishing relationships is essential, because tomorrow is not promised.
• Wisdom gained through grief can lead to healing, resilience, and deeper faith.

Although Aarons book is not explicitly faith-based, Dr. Henry connects its themes to biblical wisdom for grief and Christian reflections on love and loss, with scriptures that shine hope and perspective:

1. Hope Amid Sorrow: Psalm 30:5; Romans 8:18
2. Redemption through Brokenness: 2 Corinthians 1:34; Psalm 147:3
3. Love That Outlasts Loss: 1 Corinthians 13; Romans 5:5
4. Transformation through Pain: James 1:24; 2 Corinthians 12:9

Lessons Love Left Behind: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and the Wisdom That Remains is available now on Amazona powerful memoir about love and loss that inspires healing and reflection.

Aaron also hosts My Perspective Podcast (@aaronhawkins-speaks), where he shares stories of resilience, personal growth, and overcoming grief.

Connect with Aaron: aaronhawkinsspeaks@gmail.com
Connect with Emunah Podcast: wordconsultingllc@gmail.com | Website

Wed love to hear your feedback, comments, or testimonies. Your stories of faith, hope, and healing help strengthen the Emunah community.

In this powerful episode of Emunah Podcast, Host Dr. Tamara Henry sits down with Elder Jean King of Oliver Springs, Tennessee, to explore the profound role of the Holy Spirit in Bible study. Discover how the Spirit illuminates Scripture, brings personal revelation, and deepens your connection with God.

Elder King is the founder of Restore, Refocus, and Refresha 12-day Bible study call that takes place the first 12 days of every month at 6 a.m. EST. Ministers, pastors, evangelists, and believers from across the United States dial 774-267-7513 to receive Spirit-led teachings and encouragement from a different speaker each day.

This episode is filled with transformative insights, personal testimonies, and practical encouragement to help you grow spiritually, strengthen your faith, and experience the power of the Holy Spirit in your daily walk. Whether you are a seasoned believer or new to studying the Bible, this conversation will inspire you to approach Scripture with renewed focus and fresh vision.

Recommended Resources:

Women of the Word article on the vision behind Restore, Refocus, and Refresh (Jan. 26, 2024)

Elder Jean King and Apostle Victoria Regina Lockhart appeared on a previous Emunah Podcast episode (Feb. 23, 2024). Be sure to listen for even more encouragement.

In the final episode of our Power of Home 3-part podcast series, we explore the untold stories of school integration in Caruthersville, Missouri. Trailblazer Brenda Cooke Hundley, who integrated Caruthersville High School in 1964, is joined by Willie Will Campbell Jr., a 2025 graduate of the same school, for a powerful cross-generational conversation. Guiding the dialogue is Dr. Gerceida Jones, one of threeBlack children chosen to integrate the white elementary school at the time Brenda was breaking barriers at the high school.

This episode blends personal history, civil rights reflection, and modern perspective, offering listeners an eye-opening discussion on how education, resilience, and community shape lives across generations.

About Brenda Cooke Hundley

Integrated Caruthersville High School in 1964

• 
  

• Earned a bachelors in European History from Wichita State University

• 30+ year career as a property manager in New York City

• Longtime docent and interpreter of slavery in Northern colonies at Philipsburg Manor, Philipse Manor Hall, and the American Museum of Natural History

• Retired in 2024; continues museum interpretation work in New York

About Dr. Gerceida Jones

• Born and raised in Caruthersville, MO

• Selected as one of three Black children to integrate the white elementary school

• Graduated from Caruthersville High School in 1973

• Earned a bachelors degree in Engineering from the University of Michigan, becoming the first African American to concentrate in Physical Oceanography

• Holds both a Masters and a Doctorate in Fluid Dynamics from New York University

• Currently teaches Astronomy at NYU and resides in Queens, NY

About Willie Will Campbell Jr.

• 2025 graduate of Caruthersville High School

• Passionate about podcasting and film

• Plans to attend Jackson State University (Mississippi) to pursue a bachelors in Journalism and Film Studies

Join the Conversation

Do you have a similar story of school integration, resilience, or community history? Share it with us on our website: Women of the Word.
Or email us at wordconsultingllc@gmail.com.

Dont forget to subscribe to Emunah Podcast to keep receiving inspiring stories that explore the many ways to live God-honoring lives.

Catch Up on the Series

• Episode 1 Growing Up Bootheel: Eight Stories of Strength
  Watch here

• Episode 2 Faith in the Bootheel: Segregation, Survival, and Strength
  Watch here

The Power of Home live podcast taping in Caruthersville, Missouri, now moves to Episode 2 Faith in the Bootheel: Segregation, Survival and Strength. Seven different individuals remember what it was like growing up Black in Southeast Missouri. Besides the Host Tamara Henry, other hometown heroes are:

Brian Sidney Presberry attended Washington Elementary School until integration took place during his fourth-grade year. His family then moved to Jefferson City, and he graduated from Jefferson City High School in May 1978. Brian attended Lincoln University on an athletic scholarship, excelling in both basketball and track and field. He became a two-time All-American in track and earned all-state first-team honors in basketball. He graduated from Lincoln with a degree in Business Administration.

Terrance D. Hubbard graduated in 1970 from Caruthersville High School. He worked for 36 years in the areas ofMortuary Science, Forensic Medicine, and autopsy pathology in the states of Illinois and Wisconsin, until his retirement. He received formal training at the Warsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago and worked as an independent forensic autopsy assistant for the Waukesha County Medical Examiner's in Waukesha, WI. He is an Army veteran and a deacon at Greater Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Milwaukee.

Margaret Peaches Fields is a long-time resident of Caruthersville, although she was born in the Mississippi Delta. She earned her GED in 1978 and an associates degree in early childhood education from the Mississippi County Community College (now known as Arkansas Northeastern College in Blytheville, AR). In May 2016, she earned a bachelors at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO. She worked for more than 44 years in various capacities for the Delta Area Economic Opportunity Cooperation, retiring as the Caruthersville Head Start Center supervisor in 2009. She lives in Caruthersville.

Larry Jones, a talented visual artist, graduated from Caruthersville HS in 1969. He earned a Bachelors from Lincoln University in 1973. Larry spent 14 years working as a freelance artist in the Chicago area and served as a graphic designer, compositor, and illustrator for the PioneerPress from 1979 to 1987. From 1998 to 2003, he worked as a Youth Development Professional at the Boys and Girls Club of the Bootheel. He then taught art in the Hayti, Missouri Public Schools from 2004 until his retirement in 2016.

Leola Lasley Agnew is the wife of John Agnew, Jr., who served as president of the Washington School Reunion several years. She lives in Caruthersville.

Deloise Presberry/Brown Williamsis a retired Registered Nurse who was born in Eudora, Mississippi, and raised in Caruthersville. After high school,she married Richard "Rickey" Williams, and they traveled during his military service. She spent 20 years gaining Civil Service experience in diverse fields. She attended Central Methodist University, Fayette, Missouri, and Lincoln Uto become a Registered Nurse.Additionally, she was hiredas Assistant Nurse Manager at St. Mary's Hospital and thendirector of Medical Services at Lincoln University. Later, she worked as Assistant Division Director of Medical and Mental Health Services for the Missouri Department of Corrections.

Emunah Podcast opens its 5th season (August 15, 2025) with a special live-taped series, The Power of Home. Episode One, Growing Up Bootheel Seven Stories of Strength, was recorded in Caruthersville, MO, the heart of Missouris Bootheel.

This episode explores how homethe place where we grew upteaches lessons that prepare us for lifes trials, triumphs, and future opportunities. Through seven inspiring stories, listeners will hear how resilience, faith, and community shaped the lives of hometown heroes from the Bootheel.

The Bootheel of Missouri has a rich history shaped by resilience, community, and faith. This episode highlights the voices of African American leaders, educators, pastors, and professionals who grew up in Caruthersville and nearby towns, many of them navigating segregation, integration, and generational change.

Their stories reflect not only personal strength but also the enduring power of home.

Mamie Walton was a 10th-grade student at Washington High School (during segregation) before moving to St. Louis in 1968. She graduated from Soldan High School and the Homer G. Phillips Hospital School of Nursing. After earning her BA from the College of St. Francis, Mamie served as a Registered Nurse for 50 years before retiring in OFallon, MO.

Granddaughter of James Ross Sr., founder of Rosses Grocery Store, Betheria Charles is a proud Caruthersville High School graduate. With a BS from the University of Phoenix and computer technology training in Kansas City, she went on to work as a legal secretary, launch a Girls Group Home, and run a Self-Sufficiency facility. She now lives in Colorado Springs, CO.

Rev. Hood has pastored St. James Word of Faith Church & Outreach Ministries in Hayti, MO since 1985. In addition to his ministry, he has served as a Caruthersville City Councilman (Ward #1) since 2007 and as Mayor Pro Tem since 2021. He holds a Doctor of Divinity and is also a local business owner and former Missouri Youth Services employee.

Ronald Nelson attended Washington School until integration and graduated from Caruthersville High School. He went on to earn degrees from Lincoln University (BA) and the University of Missouri (MA). Ronald worked as a counselor for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and retired after decades of service to education. He lives in Jefferson City, MO.

Kenneth Simmons served four years in the U.S. Air Force before working 35 years with the Department of Defense. A certified aircraft sheet metal mechanic, he also worked as an Operations Research Analyst at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City. Kenneth earned his BA from Park College in Parkville, MO, and traveled the world as a technical expert before retiring.

A graduate of Hayti North High School and Lincoln University, Iva Presberry felt a call to missionary work in 1971. She earned advanced degrees, including a Masters from SIUEdwardsville and an Associates in Deaf Communications Studies. Together with her husband, she co-founded Hope for Caribbean Kids, Inc., combining faith and education in lifelong service.

Richard Presberry graduated from Caruthersville High School with honors in 1967 and went on to earn a PhD in 1987. His career in education and rehabilitation spanned roles at Lincoln University, the University of Missouri, and the Missouri Department of Higher Education. Alongside his wife Iva, Richard co-founded Hope for Caribbean Kids, Inc. They continue their ministry and missionary work from Jefferson City, MO.

Kenneth Tipler attended Washington schools before graduating from Caruthersville High School in1968. He eventually landed in Seattle, WA and began his career with the Seattle Fire Department as a Firefighter Recruit. He advanced to Lieutenant in 1982, Captain in 1986, Battalion Chief in 1997, Deputy Chief in 2002, and Assistant Chief in 2003, and eventually Fire Marshal. He retired after 33 years.

Dont miss the rest of The Power of Home seriessubscribe to Emunah Podcast.

In this thought-provoking episode of Emunah, host Dr. Tamara Henry and co-host Paula Vineyard explore the power of communicationhow it shapes relationships, deepens understanding, and reflects Christs character in our everyday lives.

Using the life and words of Jesus as a model communicator, the hosts highlight key communication strategies found in the Gospels: asking powerful questions, speaking truth in love, active listening, and using stories to connect on a heart level. They also explore how modern communication toolsfrom texting to social mediarequire us to adapt while still honoring the principles of grace-filled, meaningful dialogue.

Episode Highlights:

• Why communication is a spiritual discipline, not just a soft skill

• How Jesus used questions to invite transformation

• The role of storytelling, silence, and body language in effective communication

• Adapting to modern platforms while maintaining authenticity

• The spiritual practice of listening and speaking with grace

Key Takeaways:

• Communication is central to connection and community

• Asking questions opens doors to deeper dialogue

• Truth must be spoken with both boldness and compassion

• Listening is just as important as speaking

• Stories and parables can illustrate deep truths

• Nonverbal cueslike silence and body languagecommunicate powerfully

• Communication must evolve across platforms, but its purpose remains

• Prayer and biblical reflection guide how we speak and engage

Scripture Reflection
"Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Colossians 4:56 (ESV)

Paula ends the episode with a heartfelt prayer for wisdom in our words and conversations.

Jesus Communication Blueprint (and How We Can Apply It Today) Encouraging Yourself in the Lord1. Ask Questions

• Biblical Example: Who do you say I am? (Matthew 16:15)

• Purpose: Engage the heart and provoke thought

• Modern Use: Use open-ended questions in mentoring, teaching, and counseling

2. Engage Others

• Biblical Example: The woman at the well (John 4)

• Purpose: Build relationships and invite transformation

• Modern Use: Prioritize real conversations over passive content

3. Speak the Truth

• Biblical Examples:

  • Go and sin no more. (John 8:11)

  • Do you want to get well? (John 5:6)

• Purpose: Set people free with truth, offered in grace

• Modern Use: Be honest yet kindtruth and love together

4. Stay Silent / Use Nonverbal Cues

• Biblical Examples:

  • Writing in the dust (John 8:6)

  • Silence before Pilate (Matthew 27:1214)

• Purpose: Communicate without words, when appropriate

• Modern Use: Be present; know when to speak and when to be still

5. Tell Stories & Use Parables

• Biblical Examples:

  • The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:2537)

  • The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:1132)

• Purpose: Make truth relatable and memorable

• Modern Use: Use personal stories, metaphors, and testimonies to teach and connect

Its not arroganceits agreement with Gods truth to see yourself as worthy and beautiful.

• David encouraged himself in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:6)

• I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)

We Want to Hear from You!
We welcome your thoughts, questions, and reflections.

Contact Us:

• Email Paula Vineyard: mspaula.vineyard@gmail.com

• Email Emunah Podcast: wordconsultingllc@gmail.com
  Visit our website: https://wordconsultingllc.com

This episode first aired on January 12, 2024

Do you know what a love offering is or what it means to be washed in the blood?

In this episode of Emunah, your hosts Tamara and Charisse tackle the confusing and sometimes alienating world of Christian jargon those insider phrases that can leave newcomers scratching their heads.

Jargon is simply special words or expressions used by a particular group that are difficult for outsiders to understand. Think of it as church shoptalk but shoptalk shouldnt get in the way of sharing Jesus plainly and clearly.

Tamara and Charisse share their commitment to cut through confusing language and speak in everyday English. As Jesus said in John 16:25: I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. An hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you this way but will tell you plainly about the Father.

At Emunah, our goal is to build a welcoming community of listeners who want sound, Bible-based teaching and honest conversations about living for Jesus. That means setting aside worn-out phrases that can keep people at arms length and explaining the ones we do use.

In this episode, youll hear explanations for common but often misunderstood church words, including:

Worldly Anything in society that leaves God out of the picture or goes against His ways. (1 John 2:1517)

Salvation/Being Saved Being rescued from the penalty of sin through the forgiveness Jesus provides. We are reconciled to God and freed from sins hold by His grace alone. (Romans 5:910)

Sin Any action, thought, or choice that breaks Gods laws or ignores His will.

Pure Heart Choosing to reject impure or sinful thoughts and guarding your heart so it stays clean before God. (Psalm 51:10; Matthew 5:8; Proverbs 4:23)

Old Man / New Man The old man is your life before Christ, ruled by selfish desires. The new man is the life you live after choosing Jesus, guided by the Holy Spirit toward holiness and righteousness. (Colossians 3:910)

We hope this episode inspires you to listen and to share your thoughts and questions with us!

Email us: wordconsultingllc@gmail.com
Visit our website: wordconsultingllc.com

Lets keep the conversation clear, honest, and real together.

Listen to other similar topics on Emunah: Is Your Mouth a Womb or a Tomb: With Apostle Victoria Lockhart. Speaking Like Jesus: Communicating Truth with Power and Love (set for July 18, 2025)