We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tabatha C. Whitten a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tabatha C., thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

In 2004 I decided to follow my heart and what some know as “The Call of God” for my life. I resigned from my secular job at the time which was my employment with Harris County Children’s Protective Services. I was employed with Community Youth Services Department…this was a specialized service that contracted social services to the community through the school districts in the Houston and surrounding areas. I provided services in Aldine ISD as a Youth Service Specialist. As a Licensed Social Worker in the Aldine District, I provide crisis counseling, referrals and support to families, students etc,,,I was employed in the district for 10 1/2 years. I really loved my job. But there was something Bigger in my heart…I believed I had the opportunity as well as the responsibility to touch the world in a very different way. I wanted to live completely focused on spreading the message and love of God to those who seemingly were forgotten or living in hopeless situations. I wanted to Impact the community I came from. I had lived with a dream of making music from the age of 5. I had established a music ministry and had tapped into opportunities through outreach to do just what was in my heart to do. Ministry and Music. A collaboration skill and service. For years I had lived with this Pull to pursue this desire but before 2004 I didn’t have the green light in my heart. I’m not sure what happened But I made the decision to Go For It! I left my job (with great benefits and a regular income) to pursue what I believe was my Life’s calling…I took a risk for My Dreams and Beliefs. Well it’s been 19 years later and I have no regrets for Daring to Chase The Dream! I’ve been able to touch lives in ways that I never knew would be possible…I’ve established meaningful community initiatives and I’m grateful for the many lessons that I’ve learned since my leaving!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a highly passionate woman who was born in Houston Texas. I am the product of teen-age parents, I am the oldest of two children to my parents. I was raised in a single parent household with much support from my maternal grandmother and aunt. I witnessed first hand strong women…individuals who worked hard to have the life they wanted to live. I was taught to do the same. I have always been the “leader” or the person who tried to support people. In college my advisor suggested Social Work as a choice for study because it matched my assessment. I think it was the best choice I could have made, other than music because it really allows me to live me naturally as a professional. I am currently serving as Pastor but this role really allows me to do what I do…help people with their lives. The truth is everything that I put my hands to do is Aways with the underlining thought…How will this impact someone’s life.

I have learned to face everyday as a great opportunity as well as a great responsibility. I believe if God gives me life, I should be impacting life while I live. One of the greatest rewards in my life has been honestly knowing that I have been a support in the lives of others.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In my early twenties (shortly after returning home from college) I unfortunately had a situation that resulted in an arrest and my having to sit in jail. This resulted in my being on probation and monthly having to check in with my probation officer. I remember my officer saying to me the first time I was in her office that I would never be able to work in any social service field. In a quick minute I saw my life vanish. I had spent 4 1/2 years in school preparing for this career and the last 9 months I had the opportunity to work in the field which set me up very nicely to move forward after my graduation but in a moment while meeting with is officer I felt defeated.

I left her officer and I believe I was in severe depression. For months I worked as a security officer which I never intended to do but it was available and I took the job. I was a degreed/experienced young woman with a broken heart and a broken dream. But I made the decision that I would get up everyday and be the Best Dressed Best Looking Security Officer at the post. I wasn’t counseling anyone, I was opening gates and walking the property. I was noticed by one of the residents who thought I looked like I had more in me. Long story short she gave me a referral for employment at a youth homeless shelter…Covenant House Texas. I had to (against all odds and against the words of my probation) officer apply for the job. It’s not easy to apply for something that you believe you won’t get. But I did…and I did get the job.

Getting the Job at Covenant House wasn’t just getting a job…it was me getting my LIFE back! It was about me learning that if you Show Up your Best regardless to where that might be you will never miss what God has prepared for you or what you have prepared for. I hate I went to jail. But I love the Life lesson It taught me. I learned People Don’t have the Last Say in Our lives…I learned not to be so quick to tell someone it’s over for them. I learned to be compassionate with the people that I get to work with because sometimes people are in places that are not always true to Who they are. I pushed myself to come back and anyone that I have worked with I Push them as hard as I pushed myself

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think the most valuable thing about my life and work has been the consistency and integrity that is offered. I often tell people “I am NOT Perfect” but I make it a practice to be who I am and to do what I am saying I am doing. With me it really is What You See.. Is What It Is! When your work or service involves people’s lives directly, there has to be something that is Trustworthy regarding the service provider…I’m confident I’ve been that.

Contact Info:

• Website: pastortab.org
• Instagram: itsmetabathac
• Facebook: itsmetabathac
• Twitter: Tabatha C. Whitten

Image Credits
Andre Kelley Photography. I have rights to these images