Sharon D William

I attribute my success to life experiences - just going through things, the trials and tribulations. When I write about my pains and my hurts, I know I'm not the only one going through it. My experiences are what push me, because when I write, it's to help someone else. I've learned that stepping out on faith is essential. Even when the finances aren't there, when God tells me to do something, I start it, and it never fails - it just falls right into place. The event, the space, the people, the food, everything. He sends the provisions and the people I need. That's what keeps me going.

The best advice I've received is to stay focused and keep my eyes on God. That's been my guide through everything - just keeping my focus on Him and letting Him lead the way. It's about trusting that He's in control and following His direction, no matter what challenges come up.

I would tell young women to always look in the mirror and see themselves. Don't value yourself based on what anyone else thinks about you - value what God thinks about you. That's what I had to go through. I didn't like to look in the mirror, I didn't like to look at myself. But God gave me the vision of the mirror and the butterfly, and I wrote a poem about it. You have to learn to look at yourself and appreciate who God made you to be. Don't let anyone tear you down. I have a little girl, and she'll tell you 'I'm a princess,' and nobody can make her say that she's not a princess. That's the kind of confidence you need to have in yourself.

One of the biggest challenges I've dealt with is feeling like you're not seen - you're there doing the work, but it's like they don't see you. That was hard for me. But God is raising me up above that now, so I don't have to focus on whether or not they see me. I've learned to just do it, just be obedient to Him, and everything else will fall into place. That was one of my biggest challenges, but I'm at the point now where I'm focusing on what God has called me to do, not on who's watching or who's recognizing it.

Family is the most important value to me - making sure everyone's okay. I'm a natural caregiver, and that comes through in everything I do. Whether it's my actual family or the people I serve through my ministry, I'm always focused on taking care of others and making sure they feel supported and valued. That's just who I am.