Today we’d like to introduce you to Keva B.
Keva, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born to a young mother, so I grew up with my grandparents for the beginning portion of my life while my grandparents gave my mother the opportunity to go to college and get her degree and settled in life. After my mother obtained her bachelor’s degree, I then went on to move with her. The circumstances of my family dynamic were not the most ideal dynamics however, it was the cards I was dealt. We faced many extreme challenges throughout the years. However, as I got older and started the journey to figuring out I was as a person, I realized that everything that I went through in my life was for the greater good. I quickly realized that my purpose was rooted in helping others through sharing my story. I still to this day, face many challenges and will forever face challenges. One thing that got me to where I am now is understanding that everyone has a unique story and that is very important to operate out of compassion rather than judgment. As a result, I published my first book, “The Art of Transparency” and “The Awkward Church Girl” podcast.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road by any means. I’ve faced many challenges including having strained relationships with family members, feeling like I did not know myself or my purpose, being financially drained for long periods of time, feeling like you don’t fit into places that I know that I’ve been called to, and the list can go on and on. The truth of the matter is the road will forever have challenges, but the advice that I can give to women especially young women is that as you develop into your purpose, use those obstacles and challenges as lessons learned. I would also say is that in those moments of challenges and obstacles is to allow yourself to feel and be present in those moments. I do not advise holding on or suppressing the feelings of guilt, anger, frustration and so forth. Allow yourself to be present in those emotional moments, but also identify what is it in that moment that is making you feel that and then work through that and then the emotions will follow. Journaling helps a lot because it allows you to go back and measure the growth of your journey or the things that you may still need to work through.
If very important to know yourself. So before wanting to be famous and be in the limelight, take the time to actually get to know yourself, love yourself and be grounded in self. Life gets much easier to navigate through when you are self-aware. Most importantly, through it all, it will be okay. If you’re reading this, your higher power saw fit to allow you another day to get it right in your purpose. Be great! Love you <3
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Awkward Church Girl – what should we know?
I am an author and podcaster, but most of all, I like to think of myself as a servant of people. My book is called “The Art of Transparency” available on Amazon. I published the summer of 2017. It was not something that I had planned on doing, but when I felt the need, I moved. I am also a new podcaster. The podcast is called “The Awkward Church Girl”. I am in love with it! What I do is bring people from different walks of life to have the conversation about their idea of spirituality and who God is or may not be to them. I am most proud of the fact that people are not only willing to sit down and openly converse with me about their personal spiritual walks, but that people are so open to listening. In less than one month, the podcast has reached a little over 1500 plays.
What sets me apart from others is that I am willing to dive in and have taboo and uncomfortable conversations. I have no barriers to what a conversation should or should not be. I’ve interviewed celebrities, a drag-queen, and person from an uncommon faith and many more. I plan to interview many others who may be overlooked in society to give them an opportunity to share their stories.
My job is to knock down as many judgmental barriers that I possibly can without forcing anything. If it flows, it flows. If it does not, then I leave it alone. My work is based in truth and compassion.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
ABSOLUTELY! So, one thing for me is that I DO NOT WATCH TV! It may sound weird, but I do not own a TV in my home. If I’m at someone else’s home, then, of course, I will indulge.
Apps that help me daily are the Eternal Sunshine and I Am app. Throughout the day, both apps send me affirmations to keep me grounded.
As far as books, there are plenty but to narrow it down Steve Harvey’s book Jump helped me really go for my dreams full force. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho helped me understand that the journey is just that. There isn’t some map that you can look at to see where you’re going, you just have to go through. It is definitely a book that needs to be revisited yearly. The Secret and The Magic by Rhonda Byrne really helped and continues to help me manifest my daily life and the importance of creating the life you want to have. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz helped me learned how to navigate through situations while keeping my emotions intact. There are endless books that I could recommend, but those listed are the ones that keep me grounded the most throughout the journey.
My favorite podcast to listen to is Oprah Winfrey’s Super Soul Sunday Conversations. Just like my podcast, Oprah brings people to the table to have an open and unfiltered conversation about life. Her podcast helps me realize that I am on the right track with life.
As far as resources, my team helps me make it through life. I can not do anything alone and God has blessed me with people who are able to the things that I do not know how to do. So, I like to think of it as a well-oiled machine. Without my team, there is no me! I’m grateful.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theawkwardchurchgirl.com
- Email: theawkardchurchgirl@gmail.com
- Instagram: @kevab_ @theawkwardchurchgirl
Image Credit:
Markeon Productions
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