Today we’d like to introduce you to Kara Barker.
Kara, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am the new author of Hallelujahs and Hiccups, a 100 Day Devotional Journal for women. I am a passionate leader who enjoys mentoring and coaching women of all ages to remain their authentic self by showing up authentically, leading with humility and embracing their insecurities because through those insecurities we have the potential for tremendous personal growth. I was raised by two phenomenal “Baby Boomer” parents who were the firsts of many African Americans within their local community to create social change. My parents always stressed the importance of faith, grit, perseverance, education and social advocacy. They also told me to be passionate for what you stand for and never sacrifice your character, integrity and personal brand. As a child, I was guided to choose courage over comfort, leverage my voice, never compromise my faith and always look for ways to serve others.
I am a wife, a mother of three and mentor to many women. I have been married for over 24 years to my college sweetheart and best friend, Lonnie. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology and master’s degree in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma. I am also the co-founder of Hope Hop International and “REALationships” a marriage enrichment ministry for couples of all walks of life.
As a child I had a diary and when I transitioned into adulthood I began to journal. Within my personal journal I would write down my daily challenges, worries, motivations and even an occasional pros and cons list when making a big decision. At the beginning of 2020, I made a commitment to personal growth and discovering my purpose. After reading a series of books, I purchased a notebook and started to write down my thoughts and ideas on how I could become a better wife, mother, friend and even leader. It was around February, when I fumbled on the scripture, Ephesians 3:12 and it read “Christ now gives us courage and confidence so we can come to God by faith.” I never intended on writing Hallelujahs and Hiccups, But God had a different plan in mind for me. My journal entries became longer and longer as I would write down my prayers for myself, my children, husband and mentees. The birthplace of Hallelujahs and Hiccups, a 100 Day Devotional Journal was literally from my master bedroom closet which served as my prayer and meditation room. In my new book, Hallelujahs and Hiccups a 100 Day Devotional Journal, I share with readers that some of your worst setbacks can turn into your greatest comeback and that every test is repositioning you for your greatest testimony, for which I call those testimonies “hallelujah moments”. Hallelujah moments are those breakthrough moments when God intervened on your behalf, you got the job without the credentials, your wayward child returns home, your irreconcilable marriage is reconciled, you were accepted into college after applying to over 20 schools, and the list goes on and on. It’s when you know without a shadow of a doubt it wasn’t just you that made it happen because you’re not that good. However on the other hand, hiccups are when you experience life’s setbacks as a result of an unexpected disappointment or misfortune. Truth be told, I’ve experienced so many “hiccup” moments in my life that I just stopped counting them because I had to realize that those hiccups only lasted for a season and sometimes for a reason. Within a short matter of months, the book was published on September 1, 2020 and it became an instant success on Amazon! And now it is available on You Version- the Bible App, Barnes and Noble online, Target online, BookBaby and other national and global retailers.
Has it been a smooth road?
No, my journey has been full of right turns, left turns, curves, roadblocks and even U-turns but by the grace of God, I’m still here. I was in college when I got married and had our first child. During the early years of my marriage, life was not easy nor did it lack any obstacles. We struggled to make ends meet, my husband worked several odd jobs and we barely made it through our first eight years of marriage. As a young adult, my faith was based on routines and religious practices. It wasn’t until my senior year of college when I heard a sermon from a local pastor tell the congregation that God just wants a relationship with his followers and that you’re not required to come to him perfect and blemish free. Once I rededicated my life to God, things did not instantly change but my faith began to grow. I learned that my identity was not defined by material things, my place of employment nor the amount of money in my bank account but in who God says I am. One thing I have learned is that you can’t grow if you don’t share your story because your story of how you overcame could become a part of someone else’s survival guide.
So far, I’ve received so many testimonies from ladies all over the world who have started their journey reading Hallelujahs and Hiccups and some have even started official book clubs. And it reminds me that when you say, “yes”, God will do the rest if you just believe.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a transformational leader with a growth mindset who excels in maximizing the potential of others while creating an inclusive and productive environment for everyone to thrive. I work full time as a Learning Manager with a Fortune 500 organization located in Richardson,Texas. I am strategist and influencer in improving operational efficiencies, identifying business trends, motivating talent and increasing productivity without sacrificing quality results. I am proud to be an advocate for diversity and inclusion and a culture champion who thrives and excels in new and changing environments.
I am a continuous and curious learner who enjoys learning new things and exploring alternative solutions.
What are you most proud of?
There are so many “hallelujah moments” that I’ve experienced during this year alone, which includes my husband returning to college to complete his degree and graduating magna cum laude, and becoming a certified marriage counselor. However, my proudest moment thus far has been me publishing my first book and it being available for global distribution and sales.
What sets you apart?
I am a person who will give you their last bite of their favorite slice of pie, a person who models authenticity and chooses kindness in every situation possible. I am also a cheerleader for the underrepresented group and an advocate for “the kid” who is often picked last for the kickball team. I am passionate about serving in my community and committed to embracing diversity, inclusion and belonging.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Circumstances and conditions are constantly changing and being an influential leader is important for engagement and commitment. I am a “half-full” kind of girl who is optimistic about the future. Finding ways to be optimistic has helped me remain positive even when I have experienced some difficult situations. As I wrote in my book, Hallelujahs & Hiccups, we all will experience “hiccups” in life if we live long enough but you have the choice on how you respond to those setbacks on whether you view them as an opportunity to improve or an opportunity to retreat. We are all in charge of our destiny and we are the only person who can get in the way of our progress. Therefore I encourage you to be a steward of learning and getting back to reading. Whether it is picking up a copy of my devotional book or reading a self-help book you have the ability to change your mindset on how you view your present and future. If negative beliefs are consuming you, then you will be unhappy. On the other hand, if you have a positive mindset (even when navigating tough times), then you will be happy. Ultimately, perception is your reality, so changing the way you look at your life can make the difference.To change your mindset is not easy—but it is one of the most powerful things you can do. Learning how to recognize a negative mindset is the first step. Once you do, you will be empowered to make those changes and start seeking out the positive. Doing this can often turn your entire life around and create an amazing future.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.karabarker.net
- Email: booking@karabarker.net
- Instagram: instagram.com/karabarker
- Facebook: facebook.com/kara.bracybarker
- Other: www.linkedin.com/in/kara-barker-clu-cpcu-mhr-a0498915a/
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