In this inspiring episode, Tamara speaks with the trailblazing Bishop Vashti McKenzie about her journey from a family of writers to becoming a leader in ministry. Bishop McKenzie reflects on her days as a social justice writer during the Civil Rights Movement, her unexpected leap into gospel radio, and the pivotal moments when God opened doors she never imagined. She shares how, like Moses, she often felt unqualified but learned that God does not call the qualified—He qualifies the called. This conversation offers powerful lessons on faith, trusting God’s timing, and embracing purpose despite challenges.
Watch Bishop Vashti’s full interview on YouTube!
Have You Ever Faced a Moses Moment?
That moment when you’ve prayed for something, and God finally answers—but His answer feels bigger than you ever imagined? Suddenly, you find yourself standing before an opportunity that seems beyond your capabilities, and the excuses start flooding in:
I’m not ready.
I don’t have the resources.
I don’t have the time.
I don’t have the skills.
But here’s the truth: God doesn’t call the equipped—He equips the called. If you’ve ever struggled with stepping into the unknown, you are not alone.
In a recent episode of The Beacon Show, Bishop Vashti McKenzie shared how she mastered the art of pivoting through faith, courage, and divine timing. From her early days as a journalist to making history as the first woman elected as bishop in the AME Church, she credits her journey to what she calls the Three G’s: God, grace, and guts.
Trusting God’s Timing
One of the most powerful takeaways from Bishop Vashti’s story is that we don’t have to feel ready for what God is calling us to. Readiness is not a prerequisite for purpose—obedience is. Each unexpected turn in your life is preparing you for something greater. It won’t feel like in the moment, but you know what they say: hindsight is 20/20. Trust that the opportunities and blessings you are receiving are all a part of God’s master plan for your life. You’d be shocked how one open door could take you to the next, and trust me—you usually won’t want to miss what’s behind the door.
The key is trusting that if God brought you to it, He will equip you to get through it.
Embracing the Process
We often want the promise without the process. But growth happens in the in-between moments—the waiting, the learning, the stretching.
Think about an athlete training for a marathon. They don’t wake up one day and run 26.2 miles—they build endurance over time, strengthening their muscles and pushing past their limits. The same is true for us spiritually and professionally. Whether stepping into leadership, pivoting in a career, or deepening your faith, the process is part of the promise. Every challenge, setback, and moment of uncertainty is shaping you into the person God created you to be.
Pray for the ability to stay the course, and when you reach your destination, you’ll be proud of where you came from and where you ended up.
Stepping Boldly Into Your Purpose
Bishop Vashti didn’t set out to become a bishop. She was called—and she answered. Her journey is a testament to saying “yes” to God, even when it feels scary or unexpected.
Also, be curious about where the scary things can lead. How many times have you been approached with the opportunity to do something and thought, “This isn’t the right time?” Then, when you felt that the right time arrived, the opportunity disappeared.
Sure, you may not want to dive straight into everything that is presented to you, but take a moment to pray, seek wise counsel, and then take a stab at it anyway!
Consider a moment in your life when you took a leap of faith. Maybe you started a business, moved to a new city, or stepped into a role that felt overwhelming. The question is: Are you ready to stop making excuses and start making moves?
Your Turn: Pivot with Purpose
If you’re in a season of transition or feeling uncertain about your next steps, take on the challenge of embracing your next chapter with boldness and faith.
