An inspiring story of triumph, faith, resilience, and victory

Things changed for her when she went to school as her classmates found it amusing to tease her by calling her; Clarence, the cockeyed lion; from the TV show Born Free. Having a condition known as lazy eye, Vernita recognized she could do nothing about her physical appearance. Still, she realized she had something of value they did not. She had the steadfast faith in God passed down to her from her Big Mama. Vernita emerged herself in Joel 2:28 and came to see herself as God saw her. She knew He had handpicked her for something far more than she could ever imagine. She often said to them, keep your eyes on Vernita because I can show you better than I can tell you. Likewise, she proclaimed, one day, she would write a book. So, Vernita composed her first play at the tender age of nine. It became the catalyst of an incredible gift that has blessed her to become a multiple award-winning Christian author. 
 
Vernita says her desire is for those I encounter to be touched and inspired by my enthusiasm in sharing the gift of knowing God, that is ever so present in my life. God has enabled her to bring her writing and speaking talents in a full circle. Vernita likewise gravitated to become a demonstrative praise worshiper. It is another faithful tribute from the heart, which the Lord further developed when she served as a Minister in Training at Beth-El Love Christian Center in Orange, NJ. It was there; that she met the anointed Pastors Robert and the late Dorothy Wilson. They embraced her collective gifts as a Majestic Dance Worshiper and speaker. In November 2010, they allowed her to spearhead her first Praise and Worship Conference. 

It seems so long ago, before Beth-El, as a single parent, Vernita used; being a recipient of welfare to her advantage. She enrolled in school and graduated with an Associate Degree in Business Administration, from Essex County College. While attending college, she made the Dean’s List. Vernita likewise worked in the work-study program and became their Report Specialist in the Financial Aid Department. In October 1991, she became a Substitute Teacher. Vernita devoted her time working with Pre -K through Adult education. But her area of expertise and heart was; second grade and special education. She often used singing and acting techniques to teach her students. Through this unique method, she watched her children thrive.

While working in this position, Vernita says, my unshakable faith in God stirred me to relinquish being a recipient of welfare. It was a significant milestone in my life, and I thought others would be excited too. After all, I was a young African American woman breaking away from the system to improve my life. My caseworker thought I had lost my mind. My cousin asked, “Fool, what you do that for?” Still, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I never regretted it. Her unwavering faith in God, enthusiastic demeanor, and unique teaching techniques earned her the rapport to become a Preferred Substitute Teacher. Vernita shares this incredible story in her book, Welfare to Bookfare.

After losing her job to abuse of power, resulting in an extended season of unemployment and no consistent means of income, she became a Freelance Writer. She became well accepted and popularly admired by readers on several social media platforms; she wrote her first book. And a dear friend, Lisa Castracane, inspired her to call it Capturing the Spirit of God’s. It is a divinely inspired medicinal devotional. It is an empowering story that shows how faith, resilience, and His amazing love can use your brokenness and make you an extraordinary example of beauty for ashes. She says, I courageously and candidly share my toughest battles. I show how my grandmother’s unshakable faith in God compelled me to rely on Him no matter what. I reveal what it is like to seize what the enemy designs to break your spirit, and the Lord uses it to propel you to your destiny. With the help of my dear friend; Lynn’s exquisite skills guiding me, this story takes readers on a joyful and endearing journey.

Vernita likewise contributed to online sites such as Community Christian Service Workers. While as Interview Manager at Faith Filled Family Magazine, she not only was a feature writer but interviewed countless prominent Christian artists as well. Vernita contributes to her blog and Amazon Author Page, too. FaithWriters also present her heartwarming devotionals. Also, she received a personal foreword from Marty and Vickie Burlsworth for her book, You Are Good Enough. An invaluable work inspired by Greater, a major motion movie about their family.
 
Vernita enjoys using words to make people feel better. She uses her devotionals to spread faith, hope, and love to anyone who needs a place to unburden the cares of life. It brings her joy devoting her time to impact, equip, and encourage you to see yourself as God sees you, so you can do what you thought you never could. Greatness lies in you.
 
Her book, Welfare to BookFare, is a testament to what the Lord can do when you trust Him no matter what and leave the outcome to Him. It has earned her the noble honor of being the featured guest on Raven’s Price Talk Interview. Carol Graham, the Radio Talk Show Host of Never Give Up Hope, also headlined her. Elder Tannie Hill of; Be the Voice featured her extraordinary journey of transiting from a single parent on welfare to publishing her first four books within a year. She has also been the honored guest on Dovetails with Deborah Lassiter.  

Vernita’s enthusiastic approach enables her to connect and draw people into the presence of God. It is common to witness her engage with her audience as she gravitated to being an illustrative worshiper and a keynote speaker at Christian conferences, workshops, and women’s events. She also encourages her listeners through her Podcast -God’s Word ~ My Voice, featured on several listening platforms, including Spotify and Apple. When she is not writing, she loves chatting with her adorable grandchildren. Also, she enjoys walking the path as she uses her flags while praying and tearing down strongholds.