In this new season, I have come to understand that I have come full circle at various points in the journey of life. Reaching an age and perspective where you can link endings to their genesis, reflect on the present, and envision a future is a privilege denied to many. I am grateful. And I pause here to remember those who have passed on. I also give thanks to the ancestors, friends like family, and family like friends who have poured into me. As a lifelong student, my teachers have shown up in all hues, ages, and shapes and sizes.
To begin my introduction, allow me to share a few of my 2024 milestones:
Joined Septungenerian Club joining the likes of Oprah, Jackie Chan, and Sonia Sotomayor, this year I officially became a card-carrying member of the 70s club. I'm the oldest I've ever been and considerably younger than the actuarial tables, my genetics, and financial planner predict for my life expectancy. Who knows? Ultimately, our lives are in the Master's hands. I've learned that it's up to us to find and embrace God's Divine purpose and plan for our lives with as much passion and humility as we can muster at every age.
Celebrated Sistahrpreneurship Anniversary we celebrated our 10th anniversary at my executive-coaching and strategic consulting firm, Davenport Coaching Solutions (DCS). After a lifelong commitment to social activism, working professionally in social services, journalism, and subsequently in executive communications, I hung out my shingle. Although I cherished my work, particularly my two decades as a print journalist, I realized it was time to step away from the relentless grind of the American dream. To whom much is given, much is required. This was the driving force behind me joining the rising ranks of the fastest growing group of entrepeneurs in the United States. Black women are more likely to run a new business than our white counterparts, male and female. Our reasons vary.
Mine included: 1.) the desire for self-empowerment and financial independence 2.) a desire to help meet the professional needs of orgnizations and women leaders, notably women of color, striving to make themselves better humans and the world a better place, and 3) escape from the pressures of the overt and covert racial and gender prejudices that typical in too many work settings. Besides, it was time to fully embrace the sacred call on my life and the Divine mission ahead.
Marked Multiple Ministry Anniversaries The sacred journey is the proverbial walk of a thousand miles. My interior journey as a Christian has taken me to mountain tops, through deep valleys, across rivers, into dark forests, and parched deserts. At the height of my secular career in communications, I enrolled in seminary. My long-term goal, other than following my calling, was vague. I never saw myself as a preacher or in a pulpit. I always preferred to make things happen, and plan, build and mentor behind the scenes. But if you want to see God's sense of paradox and humor, just tell Him your plans and try to stay in your comfort zone.
In 2018, I delivered my trial sermon and was licensed as an itinerant preacher in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion (AMEZ) Church. In 2021, I was ordained a deacon. AMEZ, the historical church of my heroes Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass, is the church where God guided my family and me 23 years ago when I relocated from Massachusetts to Connecticut. I thought I was moving to the state to accomodate my job on the editorial board of the Hartford Courant as a writer. But I can see now with the clarity of hindsight the Lord was guiding my path all along.
Linked Roots and Wings My journey as a writer and storyteller began at an early age, influenced by my family of southern storytellers, international upbringing, and extensive travels. My father's military career had a profound impact on me and my formation. I discovered the power of brevity through Haiku at age 9 and explored art as a medium of expression. But writing became my go-to medium. It helped me to untangle my thoughts, communicate with God, and express myself through poetry and essay. By the age of 12, my diverse experiences provided me with invaluable insights and many life lessons. Interestingly enough though, my college major was not journalism, communications, or English. I simply loved stories. One day I visited a daily newspaper office and asked the head editor for a chance to write. He offered me a job as a "stringer" writing local news stories for twenty-five cents per word. This eventually led to various roles including as a hard-news reporter, feature writer, and editorial page editor and writer. My experience later opened doors to senior leadership positions in communications and marketing.
Genealogy and History In my spiritual formation, writing, and professional pursuits, I have over the last 50 years also conducted extensive genealogical research exploring oral traditions and written records. I have collected a treasure trove of compelling family narratives and historical nuggets that shine a light on many of the pressing issues, including race and class, confronting us today. In this season of my Third Act, I am pleased to announce, I am diligently curating these stories, reflections, and other gems as part of a larger writing project underway. In the meantime, I hope to post pieces as blogs.
Embodied DIVINEPORT This milestone year, I realized that DIVINEPORT, a name bestowed upon me by a dear friend and kindred spirit well before its significance was clear, embodies the essential elements of my identity and journey. Originally envisioned as an external ministy vehicle to connect individuals, groups and communities interested in healing and growing through storytelling, I have come to see that it is a living, beathing entity. I am Divineport. I welcome all who who are interested in healing, growing, learning and leading to join me in the sacred art of storytelling. As I share more of my sacred stories and journey with you, I look forward to hearing from you and learning yours!
Amen.
Rev. Janet Louise Davenport
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