...Eight in 10 pastors' wives say they feel unappreciated or unaccepted by their husbands' congregations, according to surveys by the Global Pastors Wives Network (GPWN); the same number wish their husbands would choose another profession. "Wives' issues" is the No. 1 reason pastors leave their ministries. The divorce rate among ministers and their wives is 50%, no better than that of the general public.
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With no place to vent, let their hair down, or just cry in the comfort of someone who will not judge them, the life of a pastor's wife is not easy and often misunderstood. All too often they are expected to live a life of perfection, and when the family faulters the weight is now on her shoulders to keep it lifted up.
After recently reading an article about the state of pastor's wives across the country in Time magazine, I felt compelled to share this issue with our readers. The question that followed was how? Just one day later God sent the answer and her name is Keisha Mitchell, First Lady of Resurrection Life Christian Center in Richmond, VA.
Whether addressed as the pastor's wife, First Lady, or pastor, Keisha and I hope to bring women in ministry a place to be free to express themselves without fear of reprisal or judgement. We want them to know that we understand the position they are in and our desire is to provide the support they need. Some of you just need an ear to hear. We are here for you.
Help me welcome Keisha to FFS and be on the lookout for her articles that will heal and inspire change.
Keisha Mitchell is a woman with a heart that loves God. She is a native of Orlando, Florida, but resides in Richmond, Virginia with her family. She is a graduate of the University of South Florida. She is passionate about writing and teaching and is an adjunct professor at the community college level and a career coach. She accepted the Lord into her life as a child, but strayed away from God during her early college years. But through a divine act of destiny, she joined the college gospel choir. There she met a group of young people that sincerely loved the Lord, including her future husband. This 19-year-old minister introduced her to true worship, fervent praise, intimacy with God, and a life of holiness. That was the turning point in her life. She decided to follow his example and completely gave her heart to the Lord. She was filled with the Holy Spirit and her life changed forever. She embarked on a journey that allowed her to serve in the capacity of a church administrative assistant, a praise leader, and several other ministry areas. She was married to Pastor Nathan Mitchell in 1998.
She is still serving diligently beside him in ministry at the Resurrection Life Christian Center in Richmond, VA where he is the senior pastor and founder. She is the mother of two miracles (Emmanuel Jubal and Destiny Moriah) and she cares for her family with the love of Christ. She is an intricate and detailed teacher of the Word of God and she loves to worship.
The most miraculous part of her testimony is God’s healing and restoring power. She discovered that she was pregnant, only to have that joy overshadowed by the diagnosis of a rare form of cancer in 2008. Through God’s healing power and love, and the support of her friends and family she is being restored daily and beyond belief. She is a testament of God’s power and serves Him wholeheartedly. Her story is inspiring, but more than that, her triumph through God’s love is encouraging and simply incredible.
To learn more about Keisha and Resurrection Life Christian Center, please visit http://www.rlcc.info/.
Quote source: Time Magazine
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Excellent article. I look forward to reading your upcoming articles.
There are so many women struggling with different issues. As a 1st lady, there have been many experiences that have come into the ministry that have brought many challenges. I bless this work and look forward to reading your segments.
I am so proud of you Lady and all that you are stepping into. This is just the beginning of what God is going to do with you. You have my constant support and I pray the favor of God on you, as well as, continuous revelation to impart into the lives of hurting women.
I love you dearly,
Your husband...
Pastor Nate Mitchell
Keisha! As I told you before, I am so very proud of you! To God be the glory for this magnificent work He has just for you. Continue to let that beautiful light shine! You have our support, love and prayers in Tampa, FL! Love & Blessings!
Layesha Walton
First lady,You are a true blessing for others.when the blessing of the lord is upon your life there is nobody or nothing can hinder you...WHAT GOD HAS FOR YOU IS FOR YOU!And remember to stay encourage.you guys will forever be in my prayers...love from Orlando,Fl
Lady Mitchell, I bid you God's speed as you go forth in the ministry that God has ordained just for you. May the words you speak be the healing salve needed for every woman of God who reads and hear. Make no apologies it is your time and season...Love from your sis, Shalita Parks
My Dear Sister,
Lowrie Avenue seems so many moons ago, but even then I always knew great things were in store for you. God's favor has always been with you and you will be a help and an inspiration to ALL people. Please know that I am so incredibly proud of you and that I'm forever blessed to have had a friend and sister like you.
Love always,
Tony
first lady,
words can not express how we need this right now, at this time in our lives. there is so much happening in the world. too many to name. but the one thing women need to realize as women, we need one another. it's time to put away fear, he said, she said, attitudes, and yes pride. god has imparted this in you for a reason. i bless you as you go forth at this appointed time and impart into the lives of women around the world!!!!! Go Forth First Lady!
First Lady,
I am so proud of you and all of your accomplishments. I know that being a first lady is not easy for you but you have a resilience that surpasses any obstacle that comes towards you. May your ministry come through 100x fold.
Love your lil sis
Thasha
I am outdone by your strength and perseverance. The word has always been rich in your mouth and we look forward to what is getting ready to unfold in your ministry.
GOd bless all of you and thank you for the wonderful comments! I am humbled and touched all at the same time. I am going to try to make you all proud and most of all to represent my heavenly father in the best possible light. Thanks again, and here's to destiny fulfilled!
I look forward to more, soon!
My heart is so glad for you Keisha! As I was reading the email you sent about the article all I could think of was "opportunity". I believe that with great opportunities, comes great blessings. God is opening doors for you to be a blessing to so many others. I look forward to seeing how he will use you through the words you share in your articles. You know you have my full support! May God bless you as you fulfill His call on your life. Love ya' loads! -Audrey-
Keisha,
U know me...very brief, but sincere. I'm extremely proud and excited to see what God is doing for and through you (from healing to open doors)! I love you and look forward to reading what He has placed on your heart to share!
Kelli