Send us a text

Reverend AA Cleveland continues to share his extraordinary journey of surviving three life-threatening aortic aneurysms and heart surgeries while maintaining his faith and purpose. His powerful testimony reveals how facing death transformed his ministry and led to unexpected opportunities in both spiritual and educational realms.

• Surviving the first aortic aneurysm that ruptured in two places during a Bible study
• Enduring a 100-day hospital stay with kidney failure and nearly losing his leg
• Approaching his second aneurysm with mental preparation, requesting time to get "mind right"
• Understanding the difference between miracles and healing - we participate in our healing
• Converting hospital inspiration into educational programs that increased parent involvement
• Recognizing when suffering is truly "for the gospel" versus personal challenges
• Finding purpose through pain and using our testimonies to help others
• Maintaining spiritual fire while facing repeated setbacks and health challenges
• Embracing failure as a continued learning opportunity regardless of age

If you're enjoying Pressed Into Purpose, please like, share, subscribe, and leave us a comment. We'd love to hear from you.

Thanks for listening!

Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!

Send us a text

Reverend AA Cleveland II shares his remarkable journey from church musician to ministry leader and corporate innovator, revealing how God prepares us for purpose through unexpected paths. His story demonstrates how divine calling intersects with marketplace excellence when we remain open to God's leading.

• Growing up as a gifted musician under his mother's rigorous training
• Reluctantly accepting his call to ministry at age 22-23
• Creating an entirely new product division during lunch breaks at his first corporate job
• Transitioning between roles as musician, minister, and business professional
• Learning the importance of understanding people's unique needs in leadership
• Building a ministry that bridges church, education, and business excellence
• Finding divine purpose even through health challenges and difficult decisions
• Recognizing God's presence in our past, present, and future simultaneously
• Embracing personal growth through mentorship and continual learning
• Understanding that gifts and purpose often require intentional development

If you're enjoying these episodes, please like, share, subscribe, and leave us a comment. We'd love to hear from you!

Thanks for listening!

Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!

Send us a text

We continue our conversation with Corene Gardner as she shares her powerful journey from hiding her true self to embracing authenticity in every area of her life, revealing how unexpected moments can trigger profound personal transformation and growth.

• Discovering hidden childhood trauma through an unexpected experience at the chiropractor
• Breaking through cultural barriers that discourage therapy and emotional healing
• Creating multiple successful businesses including Pampered Pretty Parfait hair and body products
• Growing an online presence with 8,000+ YouTube subscribers as a content creator
• Balancing marketplace success with ministry calling as a prophetess and co-pastor
• Building a marriage partnership that creates space for both spouses to flourish
• The importance of speaking life over your partner and seeing their potential
• Finding confidence in your gifts through obedience and practice
• Recognizing that authenticity requires being planted in the right environment

Be confident that He who has begun a good work in you is able to perform it. Everything you need is already on the inside of you - dig deep and trust what God says about you.

Thanks for listening!

Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!

Send us a text

We dive deep into a transformative conversation with Prophetess Pastor Corene Gardner about her journey from insecurity to confident purpose. Her powerful testimony reveals how God took her through seasons of refinement to become the woman of influence she is today.

• Struggling with self-esteem and identity issues despite being active in ministry
• Finding freedom by moving to Tennessee and breaking free from religious constraints
• Confronting trauma directly instead of suppressing painful memories
• Balancing multiple callings as pastor, prophet, entrepreneur, and content creator
• Learning that submission in marriage means flourishing together, not diminishing yourself
• Discovering authenticity in ministry rather than mimicking others
• Building a hair care line and brand while maintaining spiritual leadership
• Understanding that healing is essential for effective ministry to others
• Recognizing that confidence develops gradually through intentional growth
• Embracing your uniqueness while maintaining spiritual foundations

Trust that God has already placed everything you need for success inside you. He's waiting for you to discover it and step confidently into your purpose. You've already won.

Thanks for listening!

Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!

Send us a text

Pastor Geno Gardner shares his transformative journey from military service to ministry, revealing how discipleship and trust in God's process unlocks purpose and transforms lives. His DEA model (Discipleship, Evangelism, Apologetics) provides a framework for believers to discover, defend, and develop their faith.

• From passed out drunk to passing the torch: Pastor Geno's pivotal moment in Korea that redirected his life
• Military structure providing the foundation for ministry leadership and manhood
• Marriage as a training ground for discovering authentic manhood
• The critical difference between being a Christian and being a disciple of Christ
• How the Lion's Den ministry connects 94 men across six states for spiritual growth
• Saying "yes" to God's calling even when it means relocating family and facing uncertainty
• The power of allowing Christ to change behavior without changing personality
• Three words for finding purpose: "Trust the process"

To learn more about Pastor Geno's upcoming book for men's development or to connect with the Madman Podcast and other ministry resources, follow his work through Rehoboth Church in Birmingham, Alabama.

Thanks for listening!

Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!

Send us a text

Kelli Proctor shares her journey from valedictorian attorney to minister and author, revealing how embracing life's storms led to discovering her purpose as an encourager. Through authentic conversation, she illuminates how returning to childhood passions helped her fulfill her calling to bring light to others.

• Finding comfort in your authentic identity rather than pursuing careers for money or prestige
• Overcoming significant challenges during law school including 9/11 and housing instability
• Using discipline and perseverance to graduate as valedictorian despite obstacles
• The pandemic creating both urgency and space to pursue creative projects
• Writing the book and companion album "Help Me Welcome the Storm"
• Discovering ministry through small steps of obedience and overcoming insecurity
• The importance of being comfortable with yourself before pursuing relationships
• Learning to believe bigger and shine your light in increasingly dark times
• Building a relationship with God as the foundation for discovering purpose

Find Kelli's book "Help Me Welcome the Storm" and companion album on Amazon, Spotify, and YouTube.

Thanks for listening!

Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!

Send us a text

Dr. LaToya Abrams shares her unexpected journey from aspiring backup dancer to accomplished counselor, professor, and business owner. Her path was shaped by personal connections to mental health challenges and a desire to increase representation for Black Americans in the counseling field.

• Originally wanted to be a backup dancer and choreographer before switching from business to psychology
• Pursued multiple degrees to deepen her knowledge after seeing family members struggle with mental health issues
• Faced challenges as a young Black woman whose competence was often questioned in professional settings
• Developed strategies to maintain boundaries between work and home life to prevent burnout
• Built a private practice after years of working in challenging environments like methadone clinics
• Balances teaching as a tenured track assistant professor with running her own counseling practice
• Lives with multiple sclerosis, which has deepened her understanding of disability and person-centered care
• Emphasizes the importance of knowing the communities you serve and their specific needs

Visit essenceofhealingllc.com to learn more about Dr. Abrams' services and approach to counseling.

Thanks for listening!

Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!

Send us a text

Principal Edwina Thompson shares her journey as the first African-American principal of Lane Tech College Prep and reveals how loving people through leadership has become her core purpose. She discusses balancing her roles as school administrator, pastor's wife, mother, and friend through intentional presence and spiritual grounding.

• Servant leadership means pausing to consider others before yourself, ensuring people feel seen and valued
• Being purposeful with your time requires daily shifting of priorities based on who needs your attention most
• Early morning quiet time (3:30-4:00 AM) provides essential spiritual nourishment before facing the day's demands
• True friendship involves active listening, helping others see themselves clearly, and considering long-term impacts
• Life's greatest lesson: "God has never failed me" - finding calm in chaos through faith
• When facing challenges, "draw in" to your spiritual center rather than reacting to the chaos around you

Go follow Pressed Into Purpose on all social media platforms and leave a review to help others find this podcast!

Thanks for listening!

Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!

Send us a text

Darnell Weathersby shares his remarkable journey from being born one pound fifteen ounces on Chicago's west side to becoming an influential educator, administrator, and mentor determined to break generational cycles. His story demonstrates how intentional mentorship, education, and faith can transform lives and create new legacies.

• Born a premature twin weighing only 1 lb 15 oz, defying medical expectations
• Raised as the second oldest of eight siblings by a determined single mother in Chicago
• Found purpose through early mentorship from church men who intentionally invested in him
• Discovered his path to education when a college dean recognized his natural teaching abilities
• Became the first African-American administrator in a Pennsylvania school district's history
• Created "Bow Tie Tuesdays" to provide professional examples for young men
• Published "Journey to Fatherhood" documenting his preparation for fatherhood without having had a father
• Founded Lead One LLC with his wife to empower others to shatter generational curses
• Lives by the mantra "the cycle ends with me" to break patterns of domestic violence and divorce
• Recently launched children's book series "Adventures of Donald the Knight" honoring his twin's memory

Visit theleadonemovement.com to learn more about Darnell's books, resources, and mentorship opportunities.

Thanks for listening!

Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!

Send us a text

Dr. Vanessa Scott-Thompson shares her remarkable journey from reluctant teacher to pioneering leader, demonstrating how divine purpose often manifests through the very things we initially resist.

• First in her family to earn a doctorate degree, completing it by age 31
• Career evolved from teaching to leadership positions in K-12 and nonprofit sectors
• Found her calling in sacred teaching despite initial resistance
• Turned her church curriculum into a published book after multiple divine nudges
• Experience as an educator uniquely equipped her to advocate for her neurodivergent children
• Views herself as a divinely appointed "change agent" guided by Joshua 1:3
• Redefined success from achievements to making meaning and being light to others
• Emphasizes respecting all career paths and recognizing everyone's value
• Recommends taking career interest inventories, seeking divine guidance, and trusting your instincts

For more about Dr. Vanessa Scott-Thompson, visit her website at drvmst.com or find her on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Thanks for listening!

Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!