Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tish Ruff-Shareef. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Tish, thanks for joining us today. Who is your hero and why? What lessons have you learned from them and how have they influenced your journey?
My hero is my late husband, Elijah B. Shareef, Sr.
He taught me what true partnership looks like. Elijah had a way of loving me out loud, making sure I never questioned my worth. He often said, “I’m the quarterback and you’re the center—if you don’t pass me the ball, I can’t make the play for us to get the touchdown.” That was his way of reminding me that we were a team, always moving in rhythm, always dancing through life together.
From him, I learned patience, resilience, and the importance of keeping love at the forefront. Even during his health battles—heart attacks, surgeries, and even fighting through Covid—he still found time to smile, to laugh, and to pull me into his arms for our daily dance. He showed me that no matter what storms we faced, joy and love were choices we could make every single day.
Elijah’s influence is the reason this book exists. I wanted to honor his memory by sharing our story—a testimony of love, faith, and endurance. His voice still guides me, and his love still carries me forward.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Tish Ruff-Shareef, a first-time author, speaker, and advocate for love, healing, and faith. My debut book, Keep Love on the Forefront – 7 Years We Danced, was born from my journey with my late husband, Elijah, and the powerful love and lessons we shared. Writing this book wasn’t just about telling our story—it was about offering hope and healing to others who have loved, lost, or struggled to keep faith in difficult seasons.
What sets me apart is my transparency. I share not only the joy, but also the heartbreak, the challenges, and the faith that carried me through. My goal is to inspire others to believe in love again, to walk through grief with grace, and to keep faith at the center. I want readers and audiences to know that love is still real, healing is possible, and joy can be found again. My brand isn’t about perfection—it’s about perseverance and learning to “dance through life” no matter what comes.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One of the most defining moments of my journey came during Elijah’s battle with COVID and multiple heart attacks. For 47 days, I cared for him at home, balancing his medical needs with my own recovery from COVID. I created schedules, administered IVs, cleaned him, cooked, and still worked when I could—all while crying on the deck when it felt too heavy, only to walk back inside stronger for him.
Even in his weakest moments, Elijah would grab my hand, move it to the rhythm of the music, and remind me, “We will never stop dancing.” That simple act became a symbol of our resilience. It taught me that even in the darkest storms, you can hold onto love, faith, and joy. That experience didn’t just test me—it transformed me. It proved that resilience isn’t about never breaking down, but about rising up again with faith and love leading the way.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a writer is knowing that my story—the love I shared with Elijah, the pain of losing him, and the faith that carried me through—can help someone else heal. When a reader tells me that my words made them feel seen, gave them hope, or reminded them that real love is possible, that’s the greatest reward.
Writing this book wasn’t just about putting memories on paper; it was about transforming my personal journey into something that could inspire, encourage, and comfort others. To know that my testimony can touch a life, spark a smile, or strengthen someone’s faith—that’s the true gift of being an author.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: Tish Ruff Shareef
- Other: [email protected]
