Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Growing into Greatness with God
How it Started: Growing into Greatness: A Journey of Faith, Family, and Purpose
My journey began in the heart of St. Thomas, Jamaica, in a little church called Hampton Court Seventh Day Church. It was more than a place of worship—it was my first classroom, my sanctuary, and the soil that nurtured my spirit. This is where I learned to stand tall, reciting Bible verses and singing gospel hymns that filled me with confidence bigger than myself. We may not have had much material wealth, but we were rich in faith, friendship, and community. The bonds I formed there and the values I absorbed gave me a foundation that would carry me forward, wherever life took me.
The inspiration for Growing into Greatness with God was planted in those early days. In our Bible study groups, the stories of young David—who faced giants with courage—Daniel, who stood unwavering among lions, wise Solomon, and loyal Ruth came alive. These weren’t just tales to me; they were lessons in strength, faith, and resilience. Without toys or TV, these heroes became my role models, teaching me that greatness is born of inner strength, not circumstances. Though we didn’t have wealth, we had the invaluable gifts of love, dreams, and the teachings of a close-knit family and community.
Growing up, my daily life was simple but filled with purpose. Our small two-bedroom house held three generations, and each day was an adventure of faith, hard work, and shared meals. At eleven, it was routine to walk half a mile to fetch water before school, complete my lessons, and help gather food for dinner. My childhood taught me the power of resilience, gratitude, and joy in the simplest moments. I didn’t realize it fully then, but that life built a strength in me that would guide me through every stage.
In 1982, I moved to Philadelphia to join my mother and brothers, where a new chapter began. As a shy, introverted child with a Jamaican accent, finding my voice in a new country wasn’t easy. I often stayed silent, afraid of being misunderstood, but the quiet confidence I carried from Jamaica helped me persevere. At Murrell Dobbins High School, I set my sights high, knowing that college was more than an option—it was my path forward. With encouragement from my older brother, I attended Penn State University, where I found community among fellow Caribbean students and a welcoming church. I began to recognize a calling within myself: to help others find solutions and build harmony.
When I chose law as a career, some questioned how an introvert like me could thrive in a field known for bold voices and heated arguments. But my path was different. Boston College Law School gave me the space to grow in quiet strength. A professor’s comment on my writing—"This is excellent, but it’s not in your voice"—became a pivotal moment. It reminded me that to truly shine, I couldn’t rely on written words alone; I had to let my voice be heard.
Years later, when I was appointed as an Administrative Law Judge for the District of Columbia, it felt like a calling realized. In this role, I could help resolve disputes and bring clarity with calm confidence—fitting for an introvert who had found a unique way to make her voice resonate. This work, combined with my love of writing and my roles as a mother, author, and community member, allowed me to live a life rooted in purpose.
Growing into Greatness with God was born from a desire to share the lessons that shaped my life. This book is for every child and young adult seeking to discover the greatness God has placed within them. It’s a celebration of faith, family, resilience, and the unique talents we all hold. I hope that it continues to show young people, wherever they are, that they too can overcome challenges and rise to their purpose. With God’s guidance, we can each walk a path that’s greater than our beginnings. The journey, for me and for those I hope to inspire, continues forward—toward our great selves.
Where We Are Today: Reaching for the Stars Together
In the past decade, Growing into Greatness with God has become more than a book—it has blossomed into a movement inspiring children, teens, and young adults worldwide to embrace their potential and grow into their greatest selves. What began as a children’s book has sparked a thriving community in the Growing into Greatness Academy, where mentors, emerging leaders, and educational enthusiasts gather to uplift and support each other. Today, our journey continues with new ways to connect: the Growing into Greatness Academy on Skool, where peer mentorship and shared learning empower our members; the Growing into Greatness Journal, a personal guide to self-discovery; and the Growing into Greatness Podcast on YouTube and all major podcast platforms, where we explore topics of growth and resilience. Our weekly newsletter has also become a beloved source of inspiration for our community.
In Growing into Greatness with God, we define greatness as “finding your natural talent, fueling it with passion, planting it in well-nourished soil, and toiling in the garden until it breaks through the earth and reaches for the stars.” A seed was planted, and it continues to grow, reaching higher with each passing day. We invite you to join us in this journey of growth and greatness—together, we are reaching for the stars.
Thanks for being a part of the Growing into Greatness Journey. There is a wealth of information to help you grow into your greatest self in our community. Please join us!
