On Sunday, October 27th, 2024, I attended aTea Party held at the Family & Community Empowerment Church hosted their “Women’s Day Service,” and a “Women’s Tea!” The women were dressed in pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Several breast cancer survivors were invited to share their stories and testimony with the women present. The room was nicely decorated by Sis. Denise Jackson. The tables were set with floral arrangements and everyone received a tea cup and saucer to keep! The ladies were adorned with fascinators and gloves in honor of the historical tea parties held in high society. Croissant sandwiches, salad, fruit and pasties were served; along with a variety of tea!

The breast cancer survivors were Tanya Crawford, Katrina Conway, and myself. Each of us brought something unique to the table; however, we all had similar experiences. The commonality among us, we all believed God for our healing and deliverance. We all faced great challenges in the midst of our daily opposition. But God, delivered us out of them all. Ms. Conway provided resources for everyone to be well informed. My word of affirmation is: I am not a survivor; I am a thriver! A thriver goes beyond surviving a difficult situation, and focuses their personal growth and quality of life.

Once the fellowship was over, the women gathered in the sanctuary for their Women’s Day service. Dr. Jannis B. Winstead, Restoration Christian Ministries, Bronx, NY.