"He Who Chooseth:"
A Personal Journey into Inspiration
By Lisa Subrize
Copa Style Magazine Fashion Correspondent
Copa Style Magazine Fashion Correspondent
A Personal Journey into Inspiration
On a profound Saturday in Maryland, I had the privilege of attending the 'He Who Chooseth' conference—an event that not only showcased Alexandra Tolbert, the founder's, remarkable journey but also left an indelible mark on everyone present.
I had the chance to delve into Alex’s life story, a journey that began with personal trials, rejection, and an impactful encounter with God. Her authenticity in sharing the struggles and triumphs added a depth that made the conference more than just an event.
As she shared, "After trying to find my happiness in people, jobs, and relationships, what I found to be stable was God's direction. The Founder's Resilient Path:
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Wisdom From Accomplished Panelists:
Alex’s carefully chosen panelists, including Kyle Arrington, Vashonda Arrington, Michelle Valorae, Winter Harris, Ashley Silva, Brave Williams, and Wisdom Martin, brought a unique blend of experiences and strong faith to the forefront.
Hearing former NFL football cornerback for the New England Patriots (Superbowl champions XLIX) and Baltimore Ravens, Kyle Arrington's insights, "You learn patience through your children, and God will put an opportunity in front of you that requires you to have patience," resonated deeply with the audience.
Alex’s carefully chosen panelists, including Kyle Arrington, Vashonda Arrington, Michelle Valorae, Winter Harris, Ashley Silva, Brave Williams, and Wisdom Martin, brought a unique blend of experiences and strong faith to the forefront.
Hearing former NFL football cornerback for the New England Patriots (Superbowl champions XLIX) and Baltimore Ravens, Kyle Arrington's insights, "You learn patience through your children, and God will put an opportunity in front of you that requires you to have patience," resonated deeply with the audience.
Michelle Valorae the Author of "Girl Thriving," advice to entrepreneurs, "if you're scared, then just do it scared," deeply moved me. These words are a reminder for all of us to push through our fears and take action.
Michelle Valorae's moving account of being held at gunpoint and discovering at the trial that the malfunctioning trigger spared her life was truly moving. It served as a clear reminder of a higher force in our lives and underscored the critical importance of mental healthcare.
Michelle Valorae the Author of "Girl Thriving," advice to entrepreneurs, "if you're scared, then just do it scared," deeply moved me. These words are a reminder for all of us to push through our fears and take action.
Michelle Valorae's moving account of being held at gunpoint and discovering at the trial that the malfunctioning trigger spared her life was truly moving. It served as a clear reminder of a higher force in our lives and underscored the critical importance of mental healthcare.
Brave Williams, inspirational artist, actress, and fitness entrepreneur, in sharing her wisdom with aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighted the transformative power of faith and trust in navigating the journey to success. Her insight, "there is glory in the gap," underscores the inevitability of challenges along the path to our goals. By relying on God, she explains, the gap between where we are and where we aspire to be diminishes. Brave's own experience of unexpectedly landing a 36-gym franchise deal, despite feeling unprepared, highlights the profound impact of trusting in a higher power. Her story parallels Michelle Valorae's advice to entrepreneurs to push through fear and take action, reminding us all of the courage and faith required to pursue our dreams.
Brave Williams, inspirational artist, actress, and fitness entrepreneur, in sharing her wisdom with aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighted the transformative power of faith and trust in navigating the journey to success. Her insight, "there is glory in the gap," underscores the inevitability of challenges along the path to our goals. By relying on God, she explains, the gap between where we are and where we aspire to be diminishes. Brave's own experience of unexpectedly landing a 36-gym franchise deal, despite feeling unprepared, highlights the profound impact of trusting in a higher power. Her story parallels Michelle Valorae's advice to entrepreneurs to push through fear and take action, reminding us all of the courage and faith required to pursue our dreams.
Diverse Voices, United Faith:
The event challenged stereotypes about Christianity in the marketplace, showcasing that faith transcends industries. Winter Harris, known for her starring role on the OWN Network’s Love & Marriage DC, reminded us that love and our romantic partnerships also serve to teach us about our own spirituality "Who a person is praying to matters to me. I realized I need to ask more detailed questions about prayer."
The event challenged stereotypes about Christianity in the marketplace, showcasing that faith transcends industries. Winter Harris, known for her starring role on the OWN Network’s Love & Marriage DC, reminded us that love and our romantic partnerships also serve to teach us about our own spirituality "Who a person is praying to matters to me. I realized I need to ask more detailed questions about prayer."
Leadership Rooted in Service:
Alex’s defining moment in her career showcased the essence of leadership through service, a lesson that left a lasting impact on my perspective. As she expressed, "I am not here for the benefits that come with having a title or high position." Alex's life story serves as a poignant reminder that our core values are the magnetic force that attracts others to us. She exemplifies the principles of servant leadership and the transformative power of teaching.
Alex’s defining moment in her career showcased the essence of leadership through service, a lesson that left a lasting impact on my perspective. As she expressed, "I am not here for the benefits that come with having a title or high position." Alex's life story serves as a poignant reminder that our core values are the magnetic force that attracts others to us. She exemplifies the principles of servant leadership and the transformative power of teaching.
Authenticity In Entrepreneurship
Alex’s advice for entrepreneurs emphasized authenticity and leaving a genuine imprint. Kyle Arrington's words during the conference also echoed, "Whatever you do, do it with authenticity and depth."
Alex’s advice for entrepreneurs emphasized authenticity and leaving a genuine imprint. Kyle Arrington's words during the conference also echoed, "Whatever you do, do it with authenticity and depth."
Ashley Silva, actress also known for her staring role on OWN Network’s Love and Marriage DC, shared valuable advice for entrepreneurs, emphasizing the significance of the preparation phase. She metaphorically likened this phase to a cocoon, expressing that although it may feel like an enclosed and transformative period, it allows individuals to blossom like a butterfly. In the cocoon phase, there's a process of internal growth and development that ultimately propels entrepreneurs to extraordinary destinations, places that might have been unreachable during the initial stages akin to a caterpillar. Ashley urged fellow entrepreneurs to acknowledge and embrace this cocoon phase, recognizing it as a vital aspect of preparation in their journey. This insightful perspective highlights the importance of patience, growth, and the transformative power that comes with thorough preparation in the realm of business.
Navigating Life's Decisions:
Alex's personal and professional decisions, as the founder, deeply resonated with me. Her journey, transitioning from resigning from jobs to establishing an LLC, underscored the empowering notion of being the architect of one's own narrative.
Her reflective words perfectly captured this sentiment, stating, "With every experience, I have found I am the author of my story. I am the CEO to my purpose."
Alex's personal and professional decisions, as the founder, deeply resonated with me. Her journey, transitioning from resigning from jobs to establishing an LLC, underscored the empowering notion of being the architect of one's own narrative.
Her reflective words perfectly captured this sentiment, stating, "With every experience, I have found I am the author of my story. I am the CEO to my purpose."
Wisdom Martin, the esteemed morning news anchor on WUSA9 in DC, spoke to the power of faith and intuition in navigating life's twists and turns. His poignant reflection on divine protection echoed the theme of personal agency and the role of faith in navigating life's challenges. He emphasized the profound impact of having people praying for him constantly, recounting instances where divine intervention averted potential harm. From narrowly avoiding a club shooting due to tardiness to diffusing a dangerous altercation at a basketball court, Wisdom highlighted the significance of listening to intuition and the support of prayerful individuals in safeguarding one's well-being. His testimony resonates with the empowering journey of self-determination and resilience depicted in Alex's story, reinforcing the message of being the architect of one's own narrative amidst life's uncertainties.
The discussion on mental health and healing struck a chord, emphasizing our responsibility for ensuring our mental well-being. Winter eloquently pointed out, "Scripture says it is my prayer that you prosper as your soul prospers. We are responsible for making sure that we are in our right minds. As public figures, there are pressures. I am not skipping any therapy appointments."
The discussion on mental health and healing struck a chord, emphasizing our responsibility for ensuring our mental well-being. Winter eloquently pointed out, "Scripture says it is my prayer that you prosper as your soul prospers. We are responsible for making sure that we are in our right minds. As public figures, there are pressures. I am not skipping any therapy appointments."
Lasting Impact on Attendees:
The event's impact was beyond words. Witnessing attendees tap into their individual relationships with God and embrace their God-given dreams was a testament to the transformative power of the conference.
The event's impact was beyond words. Witnessing attendees tap into their individual relationships with God and embrace their God-given dreams was a testament to the transformative power of the conference.
VaShonda ‘V’ Arrington, who is a businesswoman and mother of three, shared a thought-provoking insight during the event: "When you are meeting someone, you should have compassion for the fact that someone else’s walk may be different than yours. Women are not going to change a man, although you can inspire." Witnessing her and her husband, Kyle, on stage together was also deeply inspirational, showcasing the power of true love as they supported each other through tough questions that demanded genuine and vulnerable answers.
Personally, I found this event to be profoundly moving, leaving me reinvigorated in the faith of my own journey and even more inspired about the positive impact I aspire to make in my community.
Inspirational Moments from Panelists:
The panelists shared intimate moments that added a personal touch to the event:
The panelists shared intimate moments that added a personal touch to the event:
- Winter Harris's revelation about her relationship with God through reality TV showcased the diverse paths to faith.
- Kyle Arrington's emphasis on learning patience through children resonated with the challenges many face in their personal lives.
- Wisdom Martin's experiences reminded us that divine intervention often occurs when we least expect it.
- Brave Williams encouraging involvement of others for protection struck a chord about the strength in community.
The panelists shared intimate moments that added a personal touch to the event:
The panelists shared intimate moments that added a personal touch to the event:
- Winter Harris's revelation about her relationship with God through reality TV showcased the diverse paths to faith.
- Kyle Arrington's emphasis on learning patience through children resonated with the challenges many face in their personal lives.
- Wisdom Martin's experiences reminded us that divine intervention often occurs when we least expect it.
- Brave Williams encouraging involvement of others for protection struck a chord about the strength in community.
In Conclusion:
The 'He Who Chooseth' conference was more than just an event; it was a profound journey exploring faith, resilience, and the pursuit of purpose. Alex’s life story, along with insights from accomplished panelists, crafted an unforgettable and inspiring experience. The panelists' genuine stories and authenticity, reflecting Alex’s core values deeply moved me.
As the conference concluded, I eagerly anticipate the next phase of the 'He Who Chooseth' conference. The impactful narratives, focus on faith, and sincere dedication to purpose have left a lasting impression. I'm excited about the ongoing journey, discovering new layers of inspiration, and witnessing the continued influence of this extraordinary gathering.
The 'He Who Chooseth' conference was more than just an event; it was a profound journey exploring faith, resilience, and the pursuit of purpose. Alex’s life story, along with insights from accomplished panelists, crafted an unforgettable and inspiring experience. The panelists' genuine stories and authenticity, reflecting Alex’s core values deeply moved me.
As the conference concluded, I eagerly anticipate the next phase of the 'He Who Chooseth' conference. The impactful narratives, focus on faith, and sincere dedication to purpose have left a lasting impression. I'm excited about the ongoing journey, discovering new layers of inspiration, and witnessing the continued influence of this extraordinary gathering.
All photography by Kaptured by Kasper