Norma

Norma is the lead author of The Cost of the Anointing, a heartfelt book project born from deep spiritual insight and lived experience. A devoted servant of God, she walks in the calling of an intercessor and serves faithfully as an ordained Elder at BTWF Church. Beyond the service of her calling. Norma is a loving wife, mother, and proud grandmother. With 12 years of honorable military service, she brings discipline and compassion to her role as a nurse practitioner at the local VA hospital, where she has served veterans for 28 years—11 of those in her current position. Her life is a testament to resilience, faith, and unwavering commitment to both her calling and her community.

Meet the Authors

Dawn

My name is Dawn D. Bady. I've been a member of the Livelystone Church since 1981. I've worked for Planned Parenthood of the St.Louis Region for 13 years, 5 of those years I managed 2 of the title ten health centers. I currently serve in various capacities in my church, one of which as the lead of Quest Services. I'm employed with the Women Of Grace under the umbrella of GIA where we advocate for victims of domestic violence and provide quality service with an experienced and caring staff of professional therapist, website and other services to improve support efforts.

Carmen

Carmen Garland has spent more than thirty years serving her St. Louis community as a school bus driver and a church usher. She's a twin, a wife, a mother of four, and a grandmother to eleven. Through loss and hardship, Carmen has held tight to her faith—her life is a reminder that hope can grow in the hardest places.

Angelica

Angelica Brinson is a widowed mother of two sons and mom to five bonus kids, rooted in St. Louis. A passionate teacher of God's Word and host of "Daughter Thy Faith Hath Made Thee Whole," Angelica's journey is living proof that faith can turn trauma into hope, and no pain is beyond God's power to redeem.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth Boyd is a devoted wife of over 20 years, mother of three, and the visionary founder of The Ah'Tiyanna Foundation - A Heavenly Touch Ministry, a nonprofit birthed from deep personal pain and unwavering faith. A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, Elizabeth has overcome a lifetime of challenges, including molestation, abuse, homelessness, and becoming a teen mother. Her greatest test came on January 24, 2022, when her 19-year-old daughter, Ah'Tiyanna, tragically lost her life in a car accident. Despite unimaginable grief, Elizabeth chose to turn her pain into purpose, launching a ministry that extends God's love, healing, and hope to others walking through their own storms. In addition to her work in ministry, Elizabeth serves as a care coordinator, landlord, and teacher of the Gospel. She is a bold ambassador for Christ, using her testimony to uplift, encourage, and empower others. Through A Heavenly Touch Ministry, she helps others experience God's grace and restoration, no matter their past. Her life embodies the truth of Philippians 4:13-"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"—and she continues to walk by faith, trusting God with every step.

Anita

Minister Anita Hayes is the founder of The Gathering of the Ministry, founded in 2018. The mission is to empower women from diverse backgrounds, demonstrate God's love, and remind them of their divine purpose. God has entrusted Minister Anita with the gift of intercessory prayer. As Luke 18:1 reminds us, 'Men ought always to pray and not faint!' Minister Anita is passionate about prayer, recognizing it as a powerful tool God has given us to defeat the enemy. Minister Anita is the writer and director of the play, “The Heart,” which had over 200 attendees. She's an entrepreneur who founded Imagine Me Inspirational T-shirts and co-founded Imagine Us, LLC, with her husband.Minister Anita is one of 8 siblings, and at the age of 19, she was called by God to serve. Since then, she’s walked in humble service as a devoted wife of 24 years, mother of two, and stepparent in a beautifully blended family. For over two decades, she has worshipped at Lively Stone Church and now serves under Prophet Marcus and Lady Madelyn Mickles at Blow Your Trumpet Ministry.

Zina

Hello. I am introducing myself as Z warrior. I am a wife, mom, fulltime employee and child of GOD. If that's not enough, I am a 2x breast cancer survivor. With Christ and my support team, I am able to still enjoy the things I love to do which include traveling, cooking and spending time with family and friends while accepting and navigating this human experience called Life. My life's journey is also my testimony that GOD has allowed me the opportunity to share.

Fatima

Fatima Hodgest is not just a survivor—she is a woman who has chosen to love deeply, walk boldly, and speak truthfully. Her journey has been one of silent wounds, spiritual growth, and powerful transformation. Born and raised in the city as a dark-skinned Black American girl without the steady presence of her parents, Fatima grew up navigating pain, rejection, and resilience. Yet through it all, she discovered purpose in her story and strength in her scars. Today, Fatima is a proud mother of two amazing young men and a loving bonus daughter. She is also a joyful grandmother to four precious grandbabies, who hold her heart completely. Her life is filled with purpose, passion, and creativity. Whether she's styling hair, decorating homes with love, or working her full-time job, Fatima does everything with intention and grace.

Antoinette (Toni)

I am a mother of four and a surrogate to many. I am a wife and grandmother. I am an entrepreneur, a business owner, and a hair stylist / instructor. I am a LBSW -licensed social worker. I am a “warrior” and a leader. I am an intercessor. I believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. . I am a “Servant of the Living God”.