Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tierra Graves. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tierra, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
In 2014, my life changed in the blink of an eye. I was faced with the death of my father. This was a moment that I thought I would never recover from. In my weakness, my depression, and my grief I was encouraged by family and friends to write a book. Taking a risk, to share my struggles, dark moments and pain in a book brought many uncertainties and fear. I initially reached out to a publishing company in 2015. I didn’t know much about how to go about publishing a book and who I needed to contact. I found this company online. I was asked to give a large amount of money up front. During this time, I was in undergraduate school. I asked my school counselor who had written a book about this company. She immediately told me it was a scam and not to send them any money. I was disappointed and very scared. I continued my studies and put publishing a book on the back burner. Years later, a mentor of mine gave me the contact information for a publishing company Christian Living Books. Fast forward, I graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree in English in 2016. It is now 2019! My father has been deceased five years. Many of my friends and family continue to encourage me to publish a book. I immediately flashback to the fright of 2015 and the scam I was almost a victim too. Sharing my work with anyone brought me great anxiety. I prayed and asked God for guidance. I asked God, is this moment different and should I move forward in contacting this company. I received my answer when I sent the email to Christian Living Books and was greeted with a special kind of support, care, and warmth that ensured me that my project was in blessed hands. The process was risky, so I thought because of fear of the unknown. I later learned that I have to take the first step and trust someone. I believed that this company would do exactly what their moto said, “we bring dreams to fruition”. I began to feel a since of relief and was ready to publish my first book professionally. In 2019, I published “Prism of Me” and dedicated it to my late father Joe Douglas Graves. In this book, I began to open with about my grief journey and the healing process. Currently, I am a 7-time published author. Taking the risk to step out on faith and write the first book has given me opportunities I could have never imagined. I have had speaking opportunities. I currently lead two Facebook groups where I support individuals who have dealt with depression and grief. I took this chance to share my story as a pathway to continue my healing journey. I never thought I would still be writing and publishing books. I was satisfied with the first book as it helped me deal with the loss of my father in a meaningful way. Through my writing abilities, I learn about myself and unlock a deeper level of wholeness. God showed me that my gift of writing will make room for me and that is exactly what continues to unfold. The anxiety, uncertainties, and fear I once faced has brought me to the moment where risk reveals rewards. Daily, I am rewarded for my obedience to Christ but also my obedience to myself. It allows me the opportunity to truly understand grief, depression and so much more through my own writing and the word of God. So, take the risk! You never know what lies ahead. Publishing book after book has been a life changing experience that continues to shape who I am and help support my purpose and calling in life. I am a reflect of you! The risk proves that purpose is waiting for you. I thank God for the people he has placed in my life and the connections I had made because of my story. I also, will forever be grateful for the patience and guidance provided to me by Christian Living Books in working with me on each book project. Today, I smile for many reasons because I took a leap of faith, and it has paid off. I am a better version of myself and learning daily ways to continue to evolve as a writer, motivational speaker, and educator. I am walking in my purpose, and I am proud.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Tierra Graves was born in Washington, DC. She currently holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Trinity Washington University. She also holds a master’s degree in Secondary Education, from Grand Canyon University.
Ms. Graves is a 7-time published author. She published “Prism of Me”, “A New Twist on Old Traditions”, “A New Twist on Old Traditions Workbook”, “Depression Before Tea: Journey A to Z”, “My Testimony A Declaration of Deliverance” with Christian Living Books, Inc. She published, “I Lived to Tell It Testimonial Anthology”, alongside of 11 women of God as a Co-Author with: In Due Seasons Publishing Company. Her bonus book is The Record. She is a 2-time best seller and international bestselling author.
She has supported other authors on their book projects. She wrote the forward in “When Did You Know It Was God” and “My Story His Testimony: The Power of Forgiveness”.
Currently she works as an Adjunct Professor at the University of the Potomac teaching ESL-English as a Second Language and English Composition Courses. Ms. Graves writes poetry, short stories, essays and so much more. Stay connected with the Author on Facebook and Instagram (Booksbytea).
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Resilience is a level of toughness that one demonstrates in overcoming difficult times. My resilience stems from the will to live. I once was so bottled down in grief and depression that I thought those emotions were going to kill me. When I made the decision to live and fight for my life that’s when resilience kicked in. The journey to becoming resilient came at a moment when I feared dying. The many turns of events in my life were leading me on a path of destruction. I had to either choose life or choose grief. Through prayer and self-evaluation, I wholeheartedly turned my will over to God. I told God that he had to heal me, or I would die in my grief and depression. Trusting God with everything I had left was the only choice of survival I had. After a 10+ year battle with depression and the ups and downs of racing thoughts because I missed my father had me on a roller coaster ride that felt like it would never end. I believe resilience came at a price. That price was to cancel the noise in my head and follow the voice of God even if it meant losing friends and family relationships. I had to stay true to who God has called me to be. In order for me to reach my next level in God, I had to obey his voice. Today, I remain focus on what God delivered me from and how God brought me out of such a dark place. I am resilient because of the spirit of God that resigns over me and dwells inside of me. I am nothing without God. Being resilient will seem like you can’t recover quickly but with the hand of God on my life he has restored the years of ruins in ways I reflect on and say, God saved me from myself.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding part of being a creative writer and an educator is that I am able to use my personal experiences to uplift, inspire, and encourage others. To hear individuals share their experiences and tell me that I have helped them makes me smile. I never started writing books for monetary gain. My sole purpose was to heal through areas in my life that was a strong hold for many years. Being a mouthpiece and a vessel that God is using to show God’s glory in my life is the greatest reward. Being in a position to helps and draw others to Christ brings me great joy. I love being a creative writer and an educator. I continue to attend workshop, take courses, and learn to continue to mature my gifts and help best serve others. I understand the importance of overcoming obstacles and how struggles can hinder growth in so many areas of our lives. It is rewarding to lead conversations on the topics of grief and depression in a bold and confident way knowing that I am healing daily.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: booksbytea
- Facebook: booksbytea
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tierra-graves-m-ed-b53114b5
- Other: email: [email protected]
Image Credits
Christian Living Books Inc, Regina Baynes, Melissa Banks