Conversations with Dr Darlene Screen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr Darlene Screen.

Dr Darlene, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey hasn’t been a straight path—it has been one of healing, faith, resilience, and purpose.

Like many people, my story began with adversity. I survived childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, and seasons where I questioned my worth and identity. For years, I wore a smile while silently carrying pain, anger, and brokenness that many people never saw. Looking back, I now understand that those difficult seasons were preparing me for the calling God had already placed on my life.

Instead of allowing my pain to define me, I made the decision to let it refine me. Through prayer, healing, and a deep relationship with God, I discovered that my greatest testimony would come from the very places that once tried to break me. That transformation inspired me to become an ordained minister, author, speaker, philanthropist, and founder of The Confident Rose Outreach, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families through education, shared housing initiatives, healing resources, and community outreach.

Today, I write books, devotionals, spoken word pieces, sermons, and stage plays that encourage people to move from surviving to thriving. My work centers on helping others break generational cycles, discover their purpose, embrace healing, and walk confidently in who God created them to be. I also continue expanding initiatives like Beds of Haven, our shared housing program, and creating spaces where people can experience restoration, hope, and practical support.

If there’s one lesson my journey has taught me, it’s this: pain doesn’t have to be the end of your story. When surrendered to God, it can become the very thing that fuels your purpose. My mission is simple—to remind people that no matter what they’ve overcome, they are not disqualified by their past. They are capable of healing, leading, and becoming everything they were created to be.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Every season of my life seemed to come with a lesson that required faith, resilience, and the willingness to keep moving forward even when I couldn’t see the outcome.

Some of my greatest struggles were overcoming childhood trauma, surviving domestic violence, and learning how to heal emotionally while still showing up for my family. There were times when I had to battle fear, self-doubt, rejection, financial challenges, and the pressure of building something meaningful from the ground up. As an entrepreneur and nonprofit founder, I’ve learned that vision often comes long before the resources do. There were moments when I questioned whether I was equipped for the assignment God had given me, but each obstacle strengthened my faith and reminded me that purpose requires perseverance.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that healing isn’t a destination—it’s a continual journey. I had to stop pretending everything was okay and allow God to transform me from the inside out. That process changed not only my life but also the way I serve others.

Today, I don’t see those struggles as setbacks. I see them as preparation. They taught me compassion, perseverance, leadership, and the importance of creating safe spaces where others can heal without shame. Every book I’ve written, every message I share, every outreach initiative we launch through The Confident Rose Outreach, and every life we impact is rooted in the belief that our greatest pain can become our greatest purpose.

If my journey has taught me anything, it’s that success isn’t measured by how easy the road was—it’s measured by the lives you’re able to uplift because you chose not to give up.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I wear several hats—ordained minister, author, speaker, Mae’s Catering Service philanthropist, entrepreneur, and founder of The Confident Rose Outreach—but at the heart of everything I do is one mission: helping people transform their pain into purpose.

Through my books, devotionals, healing workbooks, sermons, spoken word, stage plays, and community outreach, I create opportunities for people to heal emotionally, grow spiritually, and discover the confidence to walk in their God-given purpose. Our nonprofit focuses on providing educational resources, mentorship, community programs, and our Beds of Haven Shared Housing Program, which is designed to offer stability, support, and hope for individuals rebuilding their lives.

I’m also passionate about using creativity as a tool for healing. Whether I’m writing a stage play, delivering a sermon, speaking at an event, or hosting a healing conversation, my goal is always the same—to meet people where they are and remind them that their story doesn’t end with their trauma.

What I’m most proud of isn’t simply the books I’ve written or the organizations I’ve built. It’s knowing that God has allowed my life to become a testimony that gives others permission to believe healing is possible. Every time someone tells me they found hope after reading one of my books, How Pain Fueled My Power,hearing me speak, or attending one of our events, I’m reminded why I do this work.

I believe what sets me apart is authenticity. I don’t teach healing from theory—I teach it from experience. I’ve lived through trauma, grief, rejection, and adversity, and I’ve experienced God’s restoration firsthand. I don’t present myself as someone who has all the answers; I present myself as someone who has walked through the fire and can now help guide others toward healing.

My message is simple but powerful: You are not defined by what happened to you. You are defined by what God can do through you. That belief is the foundation of every organization I lead, every book I write, every message I preach, and every life I have the privilege of serve.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest piece of advice is this: Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. God gave you a purpose that was uniquely designed for you, and trying to fit into someone else’s assignment will only distract you from your own. I often say, “You may fit the suit, but that doesn’t mean you’re fit to suit someone else’s purpose.” Your journey was custom-made for you.

I also wish I had understood earlier that healing is just as important as strategy. We spend so much time learning how to build businesses, brands, and careers, but if we don’t heal from the wounds that shaped us, we’ll eventually carry those wounds into everything we build. Your private preparation will always be more valuable than public imitation.

Another lesson I learned is not to wait until everything is perfect before you begin. There were moments when fear, self-doubt, and limited resources made me question whether I was ready. Looking back, I realize that faith often requires taking the first step before you can see the entire staircase. God doesn’t always call the qualified—He qualifies those He calls.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help, build genuine relationships, and stay teachable. Success isn’t about how many people know your name; it’s about how many lives are better because you answered your calling. Stay consistent, stay humble, and remember why you started. Your purpose is bigger than your obstacles.

If I could leave readers with one thought, it would be this: Your past may explain your story, but it doesn’t have to determine your future. Keep growing, keep healing, keep trusting God, and never underestimate the power of your testimony. Someone else’s breakthrough may be waiting on your willingness to share it.

Pricing:

• Speaking Engagements – Starting at $500 (pricing varies based on event type, audience size, travel, and duration)
• Church Services & Ministry Events – Custom pricing available upon request
• Workshops & Healing Seminars – Starting at $250
• Book Club Discussions & Author Talks – Starting at $250
• Virtual Speaking & Training Sessions – Starting at $200

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theconfidentrose.org/#shop
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconfidentrose/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H8MDZV8X?binding=paperback&ref=dbs_dp_sirpi