Rising Above Trials: The Inspiring Journey of Avis Dillard-Bullock
Avis Dillard-Bullock’s journey as an author is nothing short of remarkable. She is a co-author of the “Faith for Fiery Trials” Book Project and her story is a testament to resilience, faith, and unwavering determination. In a recent interview, Avis shared her journey and what inspired her to become a co-author in the “Faith for Fiery Trials” Book Project. She also discussed her contribution to the books, her faith, and how she hopes to inspire others facing their own trials.
“I have long wanted to be a published author,” Avis revealed. “It has been on my heart to write a book on the Proverbs 31:10-31 woman, which is a project that I am still working on.”
However, her journey to becoming a successful co-author began when she met Dr. Nicole Mason in a professional setting. Dr. Mason invited her to participate in a writing workshop she was putting together, which allowed her to meet other women wanting to write.
“Dr. Nicole then invited me to be a part of Faith For Fiery Trials Vol III,” Avis shared. “The chemistry with the other ladies in the group helped me to overcome my fear of allowing other people to read my writings. It also helped me realize that I have experiences that may help someone going through a similar situation/trial.”
Avis has contributed to both FFFT Vol III and the FFFT Daily Devotionals, both of which focus on triumphing over challenges with faith. When asked to share a particular experience or story from her chapter that illustrates this theme, she spoke about the power of forgiveness and how it allowed her to move forward in joy despite past hurts.
“Forgiveness allows your faith to take control to bring you to a place of healing; a place of release,” she explained. “Forgiving does not negate the wrong, it allows you to move forward in joy in spite of it. It took me forgiving a family member to realize the faith in forgiving.”
For Avis, faith has played a significant role in overcoming challenges. “Often times when I was in the middle of a trial, I did not realize that it was my faith that brought me through,” she said. “I thought I did not have enough faith. I look back over what I have gone through and see where the crying out to God with questions, asking others to pray for and with me was actually my faith acknowledging that I could not do it alone. I have realized that faith is not will power. I could not push through on my own, but I needed God’s power to pull me through.”
When asked what she hopes readers will take away from her contribution, Avis expressed her desire to inspire others to let go of their own beliefs about how things should be worked out and attune their spirit to hear and see the move of God in their situation.
“When you are in the trial, it is challenging to differentiate between faith and will power,” she said. “Will power depends on self to get through, and faith allows God to bring you through. There is a lesson on the other side of the trial that will allow you to speak life and encouragement into another person’s faith journey.”
Avis’s business and ministry, Speak Life Caffe, is her platform to share her faith journey through her life experiences via books, inspirational nuggets, and recordings. Through sharing her life experiences and faith journey, she hopes to speak life and encouragement into another person’s journey who may feel they are the only person going through a challenge or trial.
“In a world filled with various belief systems, what do you think sets the Christian faith apart when it comes to finding strength and resilience in the face of adversity?” we asked Avis. “Since I have not practiced any other belief system, I can only speak about my experience with my faith in the triune God who created the heavens and the earth. My faith in His love has never left me alone…I have experienced triumph in every situation no matter how it turned out…I am still here…stronger, wiser, and grateful,” she responded.
As Avis continues to share her story and inspire others, one thing is clear: her journey is a testament to the power of faith, forgiveness, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Avis Dillard-Bullock welcomes readers to connect with her and continue learning from her journey and experiences in faith. She can be reached via email at avis.dillardbullock@gmail.com. On social media…Facebook: speaklifecaffe or Instagram: @speaklifecaffe. And through her website at www.speaklifecaffe.com
