Let The Healing Continue
Dana Hutchinson
In light of the recent events impacting our nation, what advice would you give to people in order to help them navigate the uncertainty?
As we're continuing to manage the impact of COVID-19, this is an awesome opportunity to perform a self-evaluation of where we are emotionally and take inventory of those areas of opportunity where we need to improve and grow. We must be careful not to become fearful, but rather to embrace the changes around us. Our mindset is a huge part of that. Maintaining a posture of positivity and gratitude is key. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 reminds us, "In all things, give thanks...for it is the will of God concerning you." We must also be careful not to fall into a state of complacency. That said, I would advise the following:
-- Command your day. Formulate a schedule or regimen to ensure that you remain engaged and focused on the tasks at hand. Don't allow boredom and slothfulness to take hold of you.
-- Don't ignore your physical and mental health. Be good to your mind, body, and spirit...pray, meditate, journal, eat healthy and nutritious foods, move your body...go outside and take a nice walk. Also, remember to stay connected with loved ones and friends.
-- Explore new things or challenge yourself to step outside of the box. Perhaps start a garden, find an online class that will enhance your professional development, or tap into your creative side and take up painting.
Please share one or two available resources that can help people right now.
Two resources I highly recommend and continue to be beneficial in my life are Safe People by Henry Cloud and John Townsend; and Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brene Brown
What is your personal mission in life?
My personal mission in life is to minister to hurting and underserved women as a result of past trials, tribulations, and triumphs. Through compassion, encouragement and transparency, I want them to know that despite their shortcomings, failed relationships, and bad decisions, God works all things together for their good, and is no respecter of persons when it comes to healing and deliverance.
What is one of the biggest challenges you have overcome?
One of the biggest challenges I overcame was being freed from the bondage of pleasing people, which nearly destroyed my life.
What was one action that helped you overcome this challenge?
It was the Word of God that delivered me from this destructive stronghold. When I truly accepted who I was from God's perspective and relinquished the need of pleasing others, my life was transformed in a powerful way.
How do you define leadership?
The ability to lead effectively and inspire others by example. Effective leadership is achieved by one who is selfless and serves others by helping them reach their highest potential. They are passionate about their vision and exhibit courage and humility, often challenging the status quo. As a leader, if no one is following you, you're just taking a walk!
What advice would you give to someone that is ashamed to share their story?
Never be ashamed to share your story or to "show your scars". You never know who you may inspire through your perseverance and determination to never give up. We all have a story, and it's through the fragments of our brokenness that encourages others that they can overcome too.
How can people reach you?
Email: virtuous_63@yahoo.com
Facebook: Dana Hutchinson
Dana Hutchinso Bio
As a result of past trials and tribulations that lead to her brokenness, Ms. Dana Hutchinson has a special call on her life to minister to the needs of hurting and underserved women. A native of Washington, DC, Ms. Hutchinson is a third-generation writer who is currently the Editor-in-Chief of Dove Style Magazine, an online publication designed to empower, inspire, and enlighten its readers to be the best version of themselves. Described as one of the most pivotal experiences of her life, she served as a lay minister with Point of Change Jail and Street Ministry where she led a Women’s Bible Study attended by women inmates at the Charles County Maryland Detention Center. Dana has also been a featured speaker at various women’s events throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Through her ministry gift as an exhorter, she uses her own painful experiences as object lessons to encourage women that God works all things together for their good and that He is no respecter of person when it comes to healing and deliverance. She is an active member of From the Heart Church Ministries in Suitland, MD, where she serves in the New Members Ministry. In 2018, she was recognized as a Woman of Purpose by Just a Diva Encouraging Ministries and in 2019 served as a group facilitator during its Women Encouraging Women Conference. She’s a caregiver to her 92-year-old Father and a devoted Mother of two beautiful adult children, Jasmine and Robert; and a grandmother of who she calls her four grand-heartbeats in human form, Caden, Mya, Amari and Aubrei.