Today we’d like to introduce you to Patricia Douglas.
Hi Patricia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I was raised in a Christian home, however, I had my days of being rebellious, and oh yes there was a price to rebellion. I had a heart for wanting to help people, to what extent I wasn’t always sure. I didn’t learn until years later that “fear” is a show-stopper for real.
It’s like that commercial about static cling “It will stop you.” On the inside, I desired to be outgoing, start conversations with new people, and speak when I walked into a room (my daddy said always speak when you enter a room, Patricia). I was bubbly on the inside, but shy and fearful on the outside. I knew what I wanted, but how to pursue was a different thing. As I look back I realize, that others around me were experiencing some of the same things. What I finally learned was to begin to dream.
Imagination was not designed to be a bad thing, God gave us imaginations. It’s when it is geared toward negative thoughts, that will eventually lead to negative actions. I am not talking about mental accent either, but knowing God has created us with a purpose. I went into medical insurance shortly after graduating from high school. I stayed in that vein for almost 25 years, then retail. A big switch. Being in retail began to pull out the bubbly that was hidden inside me.
It was one thing to work behind a desk in an office, but to be face-to-face with people was completely different By this time I was married and had three beautiful children. What was next? Starting a ministry and pastoring. This my is heart for real, I was in my lane. People have asked me many times “Have you thought about being a mentor?” No, I responded, I’m a nurturer.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the obstacles I faced in my life was being a “people pleaser” which is one of the worst things in the world. along with being shy and fearful. This was a big challenge. How can we accomplish what God has planned for us if we are concerned about the thoughts and whims of people? We won’t.
Low self-esteem and insecurity can become terrible added factors. Not having your own opinion. it reminded me of the movie “The Runaway Bride”, she was trying so hard to please people that she didn’t know what type of eggs she liked. That was almost me. I was so glad the day I realized those days were over completely.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Speaker, Author, TV Host, Producer, and Founder of “A Few of My Friends”. A unique women’s ministry created by the Father God to nurture, build up, equip, and activate His Spirit in them for the Kingdom of God and his purpose. We desire to dig up the hidden treasures of darkness and the riches in secret places God has placed inside them.
AFOMF accomplishes this by the teaching and preaching of God’s Word with simplicity and understanding, reminding women who they are in Christ Jesus. We help women to develop a closer, more personal relationship with Christ Jesus by learning His voice for themselves, bringing wholeness and healing into their lives. AFOMF meets 3-4 times a year for fellowship. We have expanded to a weekly TV broadcast via CTN (Christian Television Network) and other network platforms.
My first book “I Was Adopted Twice, My Parents’ Love My Father’s Redemption” shares my personal story and the joy of being adopted by two wonderful parents and paralleled with God adopting me into his family. I’ve had the privilege to speak at women’s conferences, brunches, and luncheons.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up was an adventure for me indeed, being an only child was exciting at times. Yes, there were a few times of desiring a sibling (possibly). My parents were the best anyone could have. They were not perfect, but the love, affection, and discipline at times were what made growing up interesting. The question had often come up “Where are you spoiled?” I would say no.
Although, I did ask my parents several times to make sure. They shared with me they planned to make sure I did not get spoiled. I did not get everything I wanted, however, I never went hungry or was homeless. There was a time I wanted an inground pool, my daddy asked me “Patricia can you swim?” No sir, I replied. Do you like eating? Oh yes Daddy, well I’m planting a garden instead. In high school, when I turned 17, I became an unwed mother, which of course hurt my parents, but through it all (and I mean all) they were as supportive as they could be during that season.
Pregnant and unwed wasn’t too popular in the 1970s. I did give birth to a beautiful baby boy who brought joy into the home and graduated from High School.
Contact Info:
- Website: mapdministries.com
- Instagram: @patricia.douglas.1293
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afewofmyfriends
- Youtube: @afewofmyfriends3000
Image Credits
Misty Westebbe and AFOMF TV
