Impact Detroit Magazine Impact Detroit Magazine 2013 | Page 73

We got you

blessed us, and here was a woman so unselfishly
giving of herself to help others while she and her
children didn’t have a consistent place to stay or
know where their next meal would come from. It
was amazing to witness. I was blessed by her
determination and faith in the midst of her
personal storm.
During the filming of the season finale of
The Sheards, share that moment when you
knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that you
would bless Erika Murria, paying off all her
debts?
An amazing feeling. I was full of joy. It made me
sincerely happy to witness someone truly being
touched and helped by our ministry. This is what I
live and sing about. I was overwhelmed by the
experience.
Can we expect this type of unprecedented
Giving Back concept becoming standard
practice for you and continue into season
two of The Sheards?
Absolutely, Cheryl! It’s always been in my heart
to give, and especially to affect my own
community where I’m from and love.
Share how you were exposed to serving
others and Giving Back at a very young age,
through your amazing mother, Dr. Mattie
Moss Clark.
My mom was incredible. Not only was she very
gifted in music and ministry, she had such a kind
heart. Mom would help anyone she could and
during my child-hood growing up, she truly

trained my sisters [The
Clark Sisters] and me to
do the same. Our home
was always full of
people besides our own
family.
Mom always felt if she
could do even the
smallest things to help,
she should and she did.
Mom also loved to cook
and consistently had
many gatherings at our
house.
It seemed,
almost anyone could
come eat, come get a hot
meal. She was also very wise and gave Godly
counsel to everyone, everywhere she went. Our
home was always full of love and caring, but not
just for “your own” but caring for others. As
adults, my sisters and I have all adopted that
same trait/practice, in some facet, within each of
our own families.
In the season finale, you mentioned
something like, “This is what a first lady
should be doing…Giving Back.” We
certainly agree and support you Karen.
What do you think the roles are for first
ladies of Churches?
These roles are definitely varied. It is important
to help and uphold the arms of our husbands and
leaders (the man God chose for your assembly).
Consistent prayer is extremely important for your
leader and Church. In addition, teaching and
mentoring women of all ages, to help those in
need, whether through biblical/Godly and
practical counsel and advice, prayer, giving a
listening ear or a warm hug. Just having a kind
smile on your face or kind word/compliment can
also brighten someone’s day and help them to hold
on and move forward.
And, Cheryl, we must understand that many
times, tangible giving (clothes, food, and in special
cases, funds) are necessary also to help. In these
types of situations of giving, it is important to stay
prayerful, letting the Lord order and direct your
steps is key, always remembering success for the
Believer is obedience.