Episode 19 - Turn Tragedy Into Triumph with Valerie Watkins

In this episode of Realign Your Life Podcast, we hear stories of resilience and strength from Valerie Watkins. Valerie Watkins talks about her mother's journey with an AIDS diagnosis and the stigma that came with it. She also shares personal experiences from her childhood, growing up with an absent father and a strong mother who persisted in her ministry despite her struggles. We also hear a story of domestic violence and how Valerie and her friend navigated through it. Lastly, the episode ends with an uplifting story of the kindness of strangers and how it helped a family in need.

About Valerie Watkins: 

Valerie Watkins, a special guest on the realign your life podcast, shares her strategies on how to realign your life and move toward the direction you want. Valerie is an extraordinary individual who has overcome tremendous challenges and dedicated her life to making a positive impact. Born in Kinston, NC, on July 9, 1956, she was raised among five brothers, with her mother serving as her closest confidante and mentor. From an early age, she was taught the essential lessons of embracing her femininity, maturing into a young lady, a strong woman, a nurturing mother, and a loyal friend.

 

Her journey has taken her to various cities, including Williamston, NC, Newark, NJ, Newburgh, NY, Bridgeport, CT, Groton, CT, Atlanta, GA, Charlotte, NC, and now she resides in Rock Hill, SC. Her father's role as a pastor and her mother's as an evangelist instilled in her a deep spiritual foundation that would shape her future endeavors.

After graduating from high school in 1974 with a diploma in Fashion Design, she pursued her passion and attended the Berkeley School of Merchandising in East Orange, NJ, earning an Associate's degree in Fashion Merchandising. In 1976, she returned home to support her uncle, Bishop Lonnell I. Lawson, in establishing his ministry. At the young age of 22, she was ordained as an Evangelist, beginning a path of spiritual guidance and leadership.

However, her life took a tragic turn when her father passed away in 1994. The devastating revelation followed that he had contracted and transmitted AIDS to her mother. Witnessing her mother's courageous battle with AIDS and her eventual passing in 1996 deeply impacted her, igniting an overwhelming love and compassion within her. In 2014, she channeled her emotions into her first book, "No Sad Story," and founded her ministry and organization, No Sad Story Ministry, as a voice for the marginalized HIV/AIDS community, honoring her mother, Mrs. Bertrina Lawson.

Having witnessed the detrimental effects of the HIV/AIDS stigma, including discrimination in education, housing, insurance, and employment, she felt a profound calling to establish No Sad Story Ministry as a registered 501(c)(3) organization in 2014. Through her work, she strives to break down societal barriers and provide support and advocacy for those affected by HIV/AIDS.

In an unfortunate event on April 8, 2020, domestic violence struck her own home. Miraculously unharmed physically, she found herself hiding in her bedroom closet, urgently dialing 911 for help. Tragically, her goddaughter's estranged husband took the life of their 5-year-old son before ending his own life. This harrowing experience sparked her dedication to raising awareness about domestic violence. In honor of her goddaughter, she launched Cry Out 2 Get Out!, a movement aimed at unmasking the mask of domestic violence.

Undeterred by the challenges she has faced, she embraces a mission to turn tragedy into triumph. Her unwavering spirit and commitment to making a difference inspire her to lend a helping hand to others along her journey. Through her lived experiences and the causes she champions, she believes that her purpose in life is to ensure that her existence serves a higher calling.

 

Important Links: 

Website :  https://mynssm.org

Make A Donation - https://mynssm.org/ways-to-give/

Buy the Book “No Sad Story” - https://mynssm.org/product/no-sad-story-paperback/

 

About Vivian -

Vivian’s lifetime desire has been to impact the lives of both women and men. As a critical thought leader and strategic thinker, her passion is to help women and men develop their best quality and place in life. Knowing that regardless of what season of life they are in – they are valued. 

 As a community builder and masterful networker, she values and welcomes every person she encounters. Through her interactions with various cultures and backgrounds, the realization that there needed to be a platform for them to express and share their concerns, shame, disappointments, desires, and experiences in a safe, non-threatening environment without judgment led her to establish Vivian Richardson Resources and the non-profit God’s Kind of Woman, where women are empowered to know they are Powerful – Prepared – and –Purposeful!