Opening and concluding with prayer, the first annual event, “It’s Healing Time,” set the precedence for an inspiring afternoon. On Saturday, June 25, 2016 at the Renaissance Hotel in Elizabeth, NJ, Tray Kearney introduced a platform for healing. Through various panels and interactive discussion, men and women of all ages were able to start the process of healing from anything they were hurt from including relationship infidelity, finances, employment, etc.
The emcee, author and breast cancer survivor, Robin Devonish led the event with charisma, laughter and her own personal account of infidelity and how she is continuously healing. Through the app, Periscope, Kearney has consistently helped women from all different backgrounds and ages, with her 8:30 a.m. scopes. The early morning transparent truths she shares has motivated many to leave any situation that wasn’t or isn’t producing peace. Her tag line, “You deserve the best,” is chanted at the end of every periscope. This line has given many the extra push to move forward, happily and stress-free.
The platform had one particular theme that was very influential to the aura of the crowd: GOD. Through music, prayer and quoted Biblical scriptures, God’s spirit was intoxicating the room in a speedy way.
The first speaker, a domestic violence survivor of 22 years, Anita Smith shared her account of abuse. Her chilling testimony led many to tears, but her vigor and strength shined through her smile and moved everyone. The tone of the panels was conversational, honest and interactive. Audience members were encouraged to ask questions and freely communicate with the panelists. Kearney and 18 others spoke on love, marriage, relationships, abuse, entrepreneurship, sustainability, forgiveness and the necessary steps to heal your internal wounds.
Forgiveness counselor, Stephanie M. Brown stressed the imperativeness of P.R.E.S.S., which involves, perseverance, resilience, endurance, submission and supplication. The Freedom Coach described herself as a minister of reconciliation as she helps many women learn to forgive.
“Unforgiveness is like acid. It destroys the container that holds it,” explained Brown.
A couples’ panel included three married couples who offered advice on faithful, happy marriages. Panelists Pastor Antonio and Na’tavia Hunt, Jason and Fila Antwine, authors of www.blackmarriedandhappy.com, and Ministers David and Ronetta Powell dished the details of how commitment, communication and love has guided them down a successful relationship path. They answered questions on their definitions of love, having friends of the opposite sex, coping with blended families and spicing up their marriages. The importance of listening was stressed, as well as selflessness.
“The person that has your ear has your heart,” said David Powell referencing Teddy Roosevelt on the topic of listening.
Refreshingly, a male panel dropped a few gems on the audience and shared the answers to the many questions women have! The intensity in the room was at an all time happy high as the women listened intently. Author Kevin Carr, Relationship Coach Rodney Gray and author Rahiem J. Allen represented themselves as strong, educated Black men with compelling opinions on girlfriend duties, side chicks, friend zones, turn-offs, etc.
The event began at 10:00 a.m. and broke for lunch concluding at 6:00 p.m. It was a full day of heart wrenching, spiritual pampering. Kearney, continuously emphasized that the event was not a conference or women’s empowerment event-but was a platform to heal. Continuous recognition was given to Kearney from audience members and panelists on her genuineness, kindness and love.
“I know some of you need some healing from your past and even things that happened to you in your childhood,” confirmed Kearney.
Tears of joy filled the space all afternoon. Clarity was gained by many and for some the commitment to start a healing process within was established.
“You cannot leave here today with all of this knowledge and not change your life!” preached Pastor Hunt.
Upon conclusion, awards were given to the panelists for their integrity and healing commitments. The opportunity to patronize the panelists’ novels, t-shirts, skin products and much more was given in the final stages of the event. Everyone was gifted a bag full of candles, sweet treats, skin care products, bracelets and a poem by Neisha Himes entitled, “Dear Broken Woman.”
While “It’s Healing Time” was a first, the knowledge, testimony and love shared, is a recipe for many future platforms. There is no better time than the present to start healing! This was not an event; it is a movement!
To follow Kearney visit her website, www.thew2wshow.com.
Written By: JournalisticChic