Khristi Lauren Adams - Author, "Parable of the Brown Girl: The Sacred Lives of Girls of Color"
Khristi Lauren Adams
Khristi Adams is a Speaker, Advocate and Author of “Parable of the Brown Girl: The Sacred Lives of Girls of Color.”
Khristi is an ordained Minister with American Baptist Churches USA, she is the Firestone Endowment Chaplain and instructor of religious studies and philosophy at the Hill School in Pottstown, PA.
Khristi’s new book, Parable of the Brown Girl was published by Fortress Press/Broadleaf Books in February 2020. The book highlights the cultural/historical and spiritual truths that emerge from the lives of young black girls. Khristi is passionate about youth advocacy and is committed to work that affirms the wholeness and self-worth of black girls and women. The stories of girls of color are often overlooked, unseen, and ignored rather than valued and heard. In Parable of the Brown Girl, Khristi introduces readers to the resilience, struggle, and hope held within these stories. Instead of relegating these young women of color to the margins, Adams bring their stories front and center where they belong. By sharing encounters she’s had with girls of color that revealed profound cultural and theological truths, Adams magnifies the struggles, dreams, wisdom, and dignity of these voices. Thought-provoking and inspirational, Parable of the Brown Girl is a powerful example of how God uses the narratives we most often ignore to teach us the most important lessons in life. It’s time to pay attention.
Khristi is also the Founder & Director of “The Becoming Conference,” that began summer of 2017 (iambecoming.net). The Becoming Conference is an annual conference designed to empower, educate & inspire girls between the ages of 13-18. Khristi is a graduate of Temple University with a degree in Advertising and a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary where she obtained a Master of Divinity degree. Khristi is also currently an Associate Pastor at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens.
I’m so excited for you to connect with Khristi, check out her work and new book, and follow along as she continues to magnify the struggles, dreams, wisdom, and dignity of the stories of girls of color who are often overlooked, unseen, and ignored rather than valued and heard.
I'd love it if you'd introduce yourself, what you do, and what you're working on.
My name is Khristi Lauren Adams and I am a speaker, author, youth advocate, and ordained Baptist minister. I am the author of Parable of the Brown Girl which is published by Fortress Press and was released this past February 2020.
How did you get started?
I got started doing youth advocacy work right out of college. I worked at a residential treatment facility for teenage girls with severe emotional difficulties. It was from that experience that I felt a call to working with and on behalf of youth. I got started in ministry as a young person being involved in my church growing up. It stuck with me and integrating youth advocacy and ministry was a natural fit for me.
What inspired the work that you're doing?
Youth inspire me and in my line of work the young girls that I work with, teach and counsel. They inspire me as an author, as a teacher and as a minister.
What is your biggest passion? Do you feel like you're living your passion and purpose?
I have a passion for young people and a passion for ministering the gospel of Christ in the most authentic and relevant way possible.
What is your joy blueprint? What lights you up, brings you joy, and makes you feel the most alive?
The same thing as my inspiration. Being in a room full of young people who are laughing, having fun, and talking about and enjoying the everyday mundane things of life.
How do you live intentionally? Are there tools/resources/practices that you rely on to help you stay mindful and grounded?
I work hard to protect my peace. This means staying away from negativity. I don’t watch a lot of news. I try and avoid the negativity that comes with social media. I spend intentional time with my family and friends. I talk to God when I’m walking my dog (and other times of course). I listen to the "Pray as you Go" app which I absolutely love. It’s not long, but it helps center me.
What would your younger self think about what you're doing now?
I think part of my younger self would be surprised by what I’m doing, and the other part would not be because these are areas I’ve always been passionate about.
Do you have a go-to mantra or affirmation?
I often think back on the phrase “choose your battles.” I don’t have to be upset about every single thing. I don’t feel the need to fight every fight. This helps me to guard my heart and to keep my peace.
What is your biggest dream?
Right now it’s to have a conversation with Oprah Winfrey about my book.
To learn more about Khristi Lauren and her new book visit her website khristilaurenadams.com and on Twitter @khristilauren and Instagram @khristiadams
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