Pressed Into Purpose

Send us Fan MailWhat does marriage reveal that leadership can hide? 👀We sat down with Pastor Quentin Mumphrey for one of the most honest conversations we've had — about a short marriage, a long road of growth, and what happens when the man behind the pulpit has to sit in the hard seat of real intimacy.We talked about:The comfort of coming home to someone — and what it costs when that's goneHow marriage exposes the anger and blind spots we hide everywhere elseThe Superman vs Clark Kent problem in church leadershipCommunication without assumptions, honesty without controlling the outcomeDivorce as grief — not identityWhy we need Jesus AND therapyPurity culture myths and why abstinence alone doesn't prepare you for marriageThis one is real. This one is necessary. This one might be exactly what someone in your circle needs to hear.Thanks for listening! Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!You can watch the video and Subscribe on Youtube.com @PressedIntoPurpose or learn more about our host at ValeriaWright.com

Send us Fan MailTwenty-one years married sounds like a headline, but the real story is the day-to-day choosing, learning, apologizing, laughing, and showing up again. That’s the energy we bring in this unscripted anniversary edition of Pressed Into Purpose, recorded with no polish and a lot of gratitude for everyone who has been watching, commenting, and sharing.We talk about where to start if you’re new to the show, including the episodes that share our origin story and our journey through therapy. If you’re looking for a marriage podcast that keeps faith in the frame while staying honest about real relationship pressure, this conversation is a quick check-in that still carries weight. We also share what’s ahead in the second half of the season, because more marriage and relationship conversations are already in motion.You’ll hear us reflect on building something together as a couple, including the big behind-the-scenes work that goes into a quality YouTube podcast. We shout out Destiny Film and Media for the filming, editing, and production, and we talk about what it means for him to step from behind the camera to beside me on camera. Then we put it on you: do you want him in the seat next to me, or back behind the lens?We also share resources we’ve created beyond the podcast, including Take Credit Thursday, the Take Credit Thursday Journey journal, and a faith-based marriage indecision course through Women of Worth Academy for anyone stuck between doubt and hope and ready to move from confusion to clarity. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review, then tell us in the comments what your favorite moment has been so far and what topic you want next.Thanks for listening! Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!You can watch the video and Subscribe on Youtube.com @PressedIntoPurpose or learn more about our host at ValeriaWright.com

Send us Fan MailWhat do you do when love isn't enough — but you refuse to give up?Valeria and her husband Sam are back for Part 2, and this conversation goes deep. Twenty years. Two separations — one at year eight, one at year sixteen. And a marriage that, by every account, should not have made it.But it did.In this episode of Pressed Into Purpose, they pull back the curtain on the real work behind a restored marriage — the therapy that felt taboo, the Christian counselor who prayed for a miracle, the moment a therapist became a translator, and the communication breakthroughs that helped love become something they could actually feel again.They talk about:✦ Why accountability is everything — "what you do, you will reap"✦ The 80/20 blame mindset and learning to own your part✦ How family patterns and historical makeup drive conflict✦ Breaking stigma around therapy in Black and church communities✦ Rebuilding respect through encouragement that actually lands✦ Emotional safety, masks, boundaries, and learning each other's wiringThis one is for anyone who has ever wondered if their marriage is worth fighting for. It is. And so are you.***Are you stuck in marriage indecision? The Women of Worth Academy Marriage Indecision Course is a faith-based, six-module journey to help you move from confusion to clarity, from anxiety to peace.Enroll today at womenofworthacademy.com — your future is worth it.Thanks for listening! Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!You can watch the video and Subscribe on Youtube.com @PressedIntoPurpose or learn more about our host at ValeriaWright.com

Send us Fan MailWe continue our conversation with Marneshia Hiner, Adrienne Crawford, and Katina Griffith and get honest about marriage, separation, and divorce through the lens of faith, naming what breaks trust and what it takes to rebuild a life with peace. We talk boundaries, shame, healing, and why your worst season does not get to define your identity. • generational survival and why many women could not leave • abuse beyond physical harm and how it passes forward • hyper-independence as a response to broken trust • redefining submission as mutual trust and shared decisions • spiritual warfare language and refusing to fight each other • prayer with practical steps like counseling and boundaries • shame, grief, and choosing to move forward • breaking points, separation, and when communication dies • healing practices including honesty with God, therapy, support, and self reflectionThanks for listening! Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!You can watch the video and Subscribe on Youtube.com @PressedIntoPurpose or learn more about our host at ValeriaWright.com

Send us Fan MailWe sit down with Marneshia Hiner, Adrienne Crawford, and Katina Griffith to talk about divorce without shame and what healing actually demands. We get honest about boundaries, tools we wish we had before marriage, and the hidden programs that shape how we love and fight.• divorce as a place of learning and growth • marriage timelines and what changed after divorce • honoring covenant while still setting boundaries • why love alone cannot sustain a marriage • purpose and assignment as a dating filter • marriage as continual work and the power of words • being a wife without the tools for conflict • premarital counseling and the “we’re saved so we’re good” trap • the need for a wise village and mentor couples • accountability, self-examination, and getting to the root of triggers • generational beliefs about staying, providing, and survival Thanks for listening! Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!You can watch the video and Subscribe on Youtube.com @PressedIntoPurpose or learn more about our host at ValeriaWright.com

Send us Fan MailWe sit down with Minister Darien Abrams and Dr. Toya Abrams to talk through divorce, healing, and what it takes to build a healthy remarriage with faith at the center. We get practical about selflessness, safe communication, blended-family wisdom, and the tools that help love last when real life shows up. • Darien’s first marriage lessons around selfishness, consideration, and pride • How divorce sparks self-reflection and a serious healing journey • Mentors, therapy, conferences, and faith as healing tools • Reconnecting after 17 years and rebuilding trust as adults • Old heartbreak and guardedness showing up in new relationships • Introducing a new partner to a child with care and boundaries • Chronic illness, vulnerability, and learning to tell the truth • Hyper-independence, shared responsibility, and feeling valued • Apology languages, changed behavior, and receiving an apology • Hearing God’s voice through Scripture, prayer, and quiet time • Being equally yoked as spiritual balance, not a money metric • Advice for marrying someone divorced, including hard conversations early Thanks for listening! Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!You can watch the video and Subscribe on Youtube.com @PressedIntoPurpose or learn more about our host at ValeriaWright.com

Send us Fan MailWe continue our conversation with the Sanders and trace their path from music ministry to launching a church, the hard call to merge for the sake of healing, and the surprising doors that opened after obedience. Grief becomes a teacher, serenity a practice, and marriage the covenant they protect while serving a historic congregation.• accepting the call from music to ministry leadership• mentorship that demanded righteousness before platform• community outreach shaping a broader view of ministry• launching a church, then merging to prioritize healing• prophecy confirmed, exposure to global ministry tools• processing grief, wrestling with God, rebuilding trust• writing as a pathway to serenity and resilience• covering a spouse through crisis and parenting in loss• stepping into a historic church assignment with balance• defining success as obedience, not scaleKeep pressing into your purpose!Thanks for listening! Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!You can watch the video and Subscribe on Youtube.com @PressedIntoPurpose or learn more about our host at ValeriaWright.com

Send us Fan MailWe trace how Pastor Antoine and Lady Lakeisha Sanders friendship turned into a 22-year marriage and a shared call to ministry, then face hard truths about conflict, security, and grief. Obedience, community, and honest communication reshape what love looks like when life moves fast and loss cuts deep.• origin story from choir and drums to co-parents to marriage• trading the motorcycle for a ring and closing old doors• process, journey, and obedience in rapid life shifts• rejecting borrowed models of marriage and making your own• conflict rules that forbid hitting below the belt• 48-hour window for tough talks and building repair• healing rejection and finding security together• grief as a lifelong journey, not a moment• presence over fixing and how to give space• church community as a lifeline and “fillers” not replacements• preparing for God’s will and praying for readiness• carrying family legacy as elders transitionThanks for listening! Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!You can watch the video and Subscribe on Youtube.com @PressedIntoPurpose or learn more about our host at ValeriaWright.com

Send us Fan MailSeason 2 of Pressed Into Purpose is all about marriage!Valencia Bey guides my husband Samuel Wright and I through our messy, funny, faith-filled origin story and the shift from starry-eyed dreams to a purpose-led marriage rooted in mutual respect. Love was present from day one; respect and healthy roles had to be learned.• setting season two focus on marriage and purpose• Valencia interviews us about joys, challenges, and growth• redefining respect and roles beyond rigid interpretations• early dreams of fame versus God’s assignment for us• origin story at church and first date on the West Side• pear-knife dad moment and neighborhood approval• three breakups, boundaries, and choosing each other• celibacy, conviction, and aligning desires with faith• communication habits shaped by TV debriefs and questions• wisdom to craft our own marriage model, not copy othersThanks for listening! Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!You can watch the video and Subscribe on Youtube.com @PressedIntoPurpose or learn more about our host at ValeriaWright.com

Send us Fan MailReverend AA Cleveland continues to share his extraordinary journey of surviving three life-threatening aortic aneurysms and heart surgeries while maintaining his faith and purpose. His powerful testimony reveals how facing death transformed his ministry and led to unexpected opportunities in both spiritual and educational realms.• Surviving the first aortic aneurysm that ruptured in two places during a Bible study• Enduring a 100-day hospital stay with kidney failure and nearly losing his leg• Approaching his second aneurysm with mental preparation, requesting time to get "mind right"• Understanding the difference between miracles and healing - we participate in our healing• Converting hospital inspiration into educational programs that increased parent involvement• Recognizing when suffering is truly "for the gospel" versus personal challenges• Finding purpose through pain and using our testimonies to help others• Maintaining spiritual fire while facing repeated setbacks and health challenges• Embracing failure as a continued learning opportunity regardless of ageIf you're enjoying Pressed Into Purpose, please like, share, subscribe, and leave us a comment. We'd love to hear from you.Thanks for listening! Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!You can watch the video and Subscribe on Youtube.com @PressedIntoPurpose or learn more about our host at ValeriaWright.com

Send us Fan MailReverend AA Cleveland II shares his remarkable journey from church musician to ministry leader and corporate innovator, revealing how God prepares us for purpose through unexpected paths. His story demonstrates how divine calling intersects with marketplace excellence when we remain open to God's leading.• Growing up as a gifted musician under his mother's rigorous training• Reluctantly accepting his call to ministry at age 22-23• Creating an entirely new product division during lunch breaks at his first corporate job• Transitioning between roles as musician, minister, and business professional• Learning the importance of understanding people's unique needs in leadership• Building a ministry that bridges church, education, and business excellence• Finding divine purpose even through health challenges and difficult decisions• Recognizing God's presence in our past, present, and future simultaneously• Embracing personal growth through mentorship and continual learning• Understanding that gifts and purpose often require intentional developmentIf you're enjoying these episodes, please like, share, subscribe, and leave us a comment. We'd love to hear from you!Thanks for listening! Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!You can watch the video and Subscribe on Youtube.com @PressedIntoPurpose or learn more about our host at ValeriaWright.com

Send us Fan MailWe continue our conversation with Corene Gardner as she shares her powerful journey from hiding her true self to embracing authenticity in every area of her life, revealing how unexpected moments can trigger profound personal transformation and growth.• Discovering hidden childhood trauma through an unexpected experience at the chiropractor• Breaking through cultural barriers that discourage therapy and emotional healing• Creating multiple successful businesses including Pampered Pretty Parfait hair and body products• Growing an online presence with 8,000+ YouTube subscribers as a content creator• Balancing marketplace success with ministry calling as a prophetess and co-pastor• Building a marriage partnership that creates space for both spouses to flourish• The importance of speaking life over your partner and seeing their potential• Finding confidence in your gifts through obedience and practice• Recognizing that authenticity requires being planted in the right environmentBe confident that He who has begun a good work in you is able to perform it. Everything you need is already on the inside of you - dig deep and trust what God says about you.Thanks for listening! Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!You can watch the video and Subscribe on Youtube.com @PressedIntoPurpose or learn more about our host at ValeriaWright.com

Send us Fan MailWe dive deep into a transformative conversation with Prophetess Pastor Corene Gardner about her journey from insecurity to confident purpose. Her powerful testimony reveals how God took her through seasons of refinement to become the woman of influence she is today.• Struggling with self-esteem and identity issues despite being active in ministry• Finding freedom by moving to Tennessee and breaking free from religious constraints• Confronting trauma directly instead of suppressing painful memories• Balancing multiple callings as pastor, prophet, entrepreneur, and content creator• Learning that submission in marriage means flourishing together, not diminishing yourself• Discovering authenticity in ministry rather than mimicking others• Building a hair care line and brand while maintaining spiritual leadership• Understanding that healing is essential for effective ministry to others• Recognizing that confidence develops gradually through intentional growth• Embracing your uniqueness while maintaining spiritual foundationsTrust that God has already placed everything you need for success inside you. He's waiting for you to discover it and step confidently into your purpose. You've already won.Thanks for listening! Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!You can watch the video and Subscribe on Youtube.com @PressedIntoPurpose or learn more about our host at ValeriaWright.com

Send us Fan MailPastor Geno Gardner shares his transformative journey from military service to ministry, revealing how discipleship and trust in God's process unlocks purpose and transforms lives. His DEA model (Discipleship, Evangelism, Apologetics) provides a framework for believers to discover, defend, and develop their faith.• From passed out drunk to passing the torch: Pastor Geno's pivotal moment in Korea that redirected his life• Military structure providing the foundation for ministry leadership and manhood• Marriage as a training ground for discovering authentic manhood• The critical difference between being a Christian and being a disciple of Christ• How the Lion's Den ministry connects 94 men across six states for spiritual growth• Saying "yes" to God's calling even when it means relocating family and facing uncertainty• The power of allowing Christ to change behavior without changing personality• Three words for finding purpose: "Trust the process"To learn more about Pastor Geno's upcoming book for men's development or to connect with the Madman Podcast and other ministry resources, follow his work through Rehoboth Church in Birmingham, Alabama.Thanks for listening! Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!You can watch the video and Subscribe on Youtube.com @PressedIntoPurpose or learn more about our host at ValeriaWright.com

Send us Fan MailKelli Proctor shares her journey from valedictorian attorney to minister and author, revealing how embracing life's storms led to discovering her purpose as an encourager. Through authentic conversation, she illuminates how returning to childhood passions helped her fulfill her calling to bring light to others.• Finding comfort in your authentic identity rather than pursuing careers for money or prestige• Overcoming significant challenges during law school including 9/11 and housing instability• Using discipline and perseverance to graduate as valedictorian despite obstacles• The pandemic creating both urgency and space to pursue creative projects• Writing the book and companion album "Help Me Welcome the Storm"• Discovering ministry through small steps of obedience and overcoming insecurity• The importance of being comfortable with yourself before pursuing relationships• Learning to believe bigger and shine your light in increasingly dark times• Building a relationship with God as the foundation for discovering purposeFind Kelli's book "Help Me Welcome the Storm" and companion album on Amazon, Spotify, and YouTube.Thanks for listening! Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!You can watch the video and Subscribe on Youtube.com @PressedIntoPurpose or learn more about our host at ValeriaWright.com

Send us Fan MailDr. LaToya Abrams shares her unexpected journey from aspiring backup dancer to accomplished counselor, professor, and business owner. Her path was shaped by personal connections to mental health challenges and a desire to increase representation for Black Americans in the counseling field.• Originally wanted to be a backup dancer and choreographer before switching from business to psychology• Pursued multiple degrees to deepen her knowledge after seeing family members struggle with mental health issues• Faced challenges as a young Black woman whose competence was often questioned in professional settings• Developed strategies to maintain boundaries between work and home life to prevent burnout• Built a private practice after years of working in challenging environments like methadone clinics• Balances teaching as a tenured track assistant professor with running her own counseling practice• Lives with multiple sclerosis, which has deepened her understanding of disability and person-centered care• Emphasizes the importance of knowing the communities you serve and their specific needsVisit essenceofhealingllc.com to learn more about Dr. Abrams' services and approach to counseling.Thanks for listening! Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!You can watch the video and Subscribe on Youtube.com @PressedIntoPurpose or learn more about our host at ValeriaWright.com

Send us Fan MailPrincipal Edwina Thompson shares her journey as the first African-American principal of Lane Tech College Prep and reveals how loving people through leadership has become her core purpose. She discusses balancing her roles as school administrator, pastor's wife, mother, and friend through intentional presence and spiritual grounding.• Servant leadership means pausing to consider others before yourself, ensuring people feel seen and valued• Being purposeful with your time requires daily shifting of priorities based on who needs your attention most• Early morning quiet time (3:30-4:00 AM) provides essential spiritual nourishment before facing the day's demands• True friendship involves active listening, helping others see themselves clearly, and considering long-term impacts• Life's greatest lesson: "God has never failed me" - finding calm in chaos through faith• When facing challenges, "draw in" to your spiritual center rather than reacting to the chaos around youGo follow Pressed Into Purpose on all social media platforms and leave a review to help others find this podcast!Thanks for listening! Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!You can watch the video and Subscribe on Youtube.com @PressedIntoPurpose or learn more about our host at ValeriaWright.com

Send us Fan MailDarnell Weathersby shares his remarkable journey from being born one pound fifteen ounces on Chicago's west side to becoming an influential educator, administrator, and mentor determined to break generational cycles. His story demonstrates how intentional mentorship, education, and faith can transform lives and create new legacies.• Born a premature twin weighing only 1 lb 15 oz, defying medical expectations• Raised as the second oldest of eight siblings by a determined single mother in Chicago• Found purpose through early mentorship from church men who intentionally invested in him• Discovered his path to education when a college dean recognized his natural teaching abilities• Became the first African-American administrator in a Pennsylvania school district's history• Created "Bow Tie Tuesdays" to provide professional examples for young men• Published "Journey to Fatherhood" documenting his preparation for fatherhood without having had a father• Founded Lead One LLC with his wife to empower others to shatter generational curses• Lives by the mantra "the cycle ends with me" to break patterns of domestic violence and divorce• Recently launched children's book series "Adventures of Donald the Knight" honoring his twin's memoryVisit theleadonemovement.com to learn more about Darnell's books, resources, and mentorship opportunities.Thanks for listening! Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!You can watch the video and Subscribe on Youtube.com @PressedIntoPurpose or learn more about our host at ValeriaWright.com

Send us Fan MailDr. Vanessa Scott-Thompson shares her remarkable journey from reluctant teacher to pioneering leader, demonstrating how divine purpose often manifests through the very things we initially resist.• First in her family to earn a doctorate degree, completing it by age 31• Career evolved from teaching to leadership positions in K-12 and nonprofit sectors• Found her calling in sacred teaching despite initial resistance• Turned her church curriculum into a published book after multiple divine nudges• Experience as an educator uniquely equipped her to advocate for her neurodivergent children• Views herself as a divinely appointed "change agent" guided by Joshua 1:3• Redefined success from achievements to making meaning and being light to others• Emphasizes respecting all career paths and recognizing everyone's value• Recommends taking career interest inventories, seeking divine guidance, and trusting your instinctsFor more about Dr. Vanessa Scott-Thompson, visit her website at drvmst.com or find her on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.Thanks for listening! Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!You can watch the video and Subscribe on Youtube.com @PressedIntoPurpose or learn more about our host at ValeriaWright.com

Send us Fan MailThis episode highlights Rhonda Robinson’s journey of perseverance and purpose. Our conversation explores themes of resilience, accountability, and the importance of community in navigating life’s challenges and discovering one's divine calling.• Rhonda's inspiring mission through Beauty for Ashes  • The significance of saying "yes" to God in trying times  • The impact of accountability and supportive communities  • Strategies for decluttering life to hear God’s voice  • The power of knowing one’s identity in Christ  • Emphasizing the importance of facing and embracing personal struggles  Listeners are encouraged to actively seek their purpose while leaning on faith and community.Thanks for listening! Until next time, continue to press into your purpose!You can watch the video and Subscribe on Youtube.com @PressedIntoPurpose or learn more about our host at ValeriaWright.com