About Philistia

My Life Story

Welcome to My Story

We all have a narrative, a collection of moments, shifts, and unexpected twists that shape who we are. My life hasn’t been a straight line; it’s been a beautifully complex zigzag.

From the faith that anchors me to the disruptions that refined me, these are the authentic jewels of my history. This is more than a chronological timeline; it is a testament of faith, growth, and the beauty of surrender.

I hope the events that have shaped my journey will inspire you in yours.

SHORT STORY

I am the Foolishness of God

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in His presence.

FAITH STORY

I am His

I was dedicated to the Lord by my father at birth. He lifted me in his hands and said to Jesus, “She’s Yours”. I was 44 years old when he shared that with me and I burst into tears. I was baptized in 1974 at Ebenezer Baptist Church by the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Sr. I will never forget his words as I came up from the water, “She took it beautifully”. That meant a lot because I decided that when I went down into the water, that I would just let go. Letting go is beautiful.

In 1982, I came into the fullness of my walk with Christ, understanding being born again. I’ve spent my formative and graduate years in a number of churches and under many ministries. Each ministry helped shape my unique voice. Through every season and every sanctuary, I’ve discovered another facet about God. I have gained wisdom from many altars, but my greatest strength remains what I learned in the water: the beautiful surrender of simply being His.

IN-BETWEEN STORY

I am Grateful

Before a genuine understanding of the Gospel transformed me, I was a liar, a murderer and a thief. When I read Revelation 21:8 for the first time, I trembled. I didn’t need a theological interpretation to see my reflection in that verse; I was reading my own biography. I wasn’t just a sinner in theory. I was a criminal in the eyes of a holy God, and my sentence was already written.

I was fully exposed, completely guilty, and utterly without excuse. I am not fit to be called His daughter. But by the grace of God, I am what I am—and for that, I am profoundly grateful.

STYLE STORY

I am Eclectic

I have a thoughtfully curated, feminine sense of style. I love the 1950s glamorous, classic, truly put-together look and the expressive artistry of boho chic. I’m unpredictable and deliberate. I’m high-end, but low maintenance. I am a certified image consultant, trained and credentialed by Lynne Marks, the founder of the London Image Institute. My philosophy is simple: you tell people who you are by the way you show up—more importantly, you tell them what you think of them by how you show up. Honor yourself and honor others deliberately in your appearance and carriage. Respect and disrespect are intentional.

NO-NONSENSE STORY

I am Peaceful

My life is structured for purpose, which leaves no room for nonsense. I don’t participate in manufactured chaos. I am skilled at separating myself from toxic environments, high-maintenance and easily offended people, and those who thrive on discord. I’m not responding to your crazy. My peace is a hard-won treasure, and the “delete” button is a tool of stewardship. The ability to set firm boundaries is an absolute luxury.

UPPER ROOM STORY

I am an Intercessor

Iron sharpens iron. I cherish the company of fervent, battle-tested intercessors. I love being among those who contend with the scriptures. My heart seeks the fellowship and friendship of spiritually mature believers—and young believers who are hungry and on fire for the things of the Lord.

CAREGIVER STORY

I was a Caregiver

I was not prepared for that role. It snuck up on me. I was discombobulated by the suddenness of it all. No time to adjust, you’re on. You don’t get a dress rehearsal; you just have to go on stage. I didn’t know my lines. I didn’t want to be the parent of my parents. There were days and there were nights, and there were times and there were seasons. And then they were gone.

ORPHAN STORY

I am an Orphan

As far as I am concerned, when your mother and father die, you are an orphan. I am a sixty-something orphan and I miss my parents every day. And yet, I see them when I look in the mirror and hear them when I laugh. I see them in my siblings, too. It’s nice.

STORYTELLER STORY

I am a Writer

I’ve been acting, writing and directing since 1970. From 1992 until 1995, I was a member of the Academy Theatre Playwright’s Unit under the internationally acclaimed playwright-in-residence, Barbara Lebow. Writing is what I was born to do—playwright, screenwriter, songwriter, poet. After my first big performance, they yelled “Author! Author!” and called me on stage. It was the next best thing to hearing the Lord say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” The stage taught me how to tell a story, but the Holy Spirit gave me something worth saying. For me, to live is to write and to write is to live.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES STORY

I am Reconciled

It took sixteen years for me to reconcile with being childless. Spiritual tossing and turning, years after the desire was gone, the hurt was still there. No one ever knew I carried a secret wound. I held it close to my heart, a quiet, behind-the-scenes struggle. Angry, bitter, furious and worst of all, clueless. Finally, finally, finally I surrendered to the fact that “As for God, His way is perfect” Psalm 18:30. I still wish I had a family, but I know that God has a wise and strategic reason for why I don’t.