ABOUT RENÉE

In 2012, my life changed drastically, in a one week period from Tuesday to Tuesday. I was let go from my position as an on staff Elder at one of the largest churches in Las Vegas. One week to the day my husband started divorce proceedings.

Both events knocked the wind out of me, because both had become my identity. I felt unplugged from life, hurt, embarrasses, ashamed, all of that, and eventually I experienced a form of depression. I moved breathe and got from one point to another but there were times when I felt almost lifeless. I stayed in Las Vegas another eight weeks before heeding my daughters suggestion to come home to California. I came back with $4,800, my clothing, some books, my spices and my Certificate of Ordination. Everything else connected to ministry, my journals, CDs & DVDs of me teaching, and preaching, ministry notes, I threw them in the dumpster. I felt ineffective as a minister and a failure as a wife. I slept on my grand daughter’s trundle bed for 3 months..

I remained stuck in that mindset far too long, depression is a scary and dark place. I was in my 50s and had never lived alone, except for the temporary space between separation and divorce. Sometimes I would hear the words of my ex-husband saying, and I quote “you'll never be able to take care of yourself, Renée, you'll be back.” And, once I almost did go back, until I asked myself the hard questions and said a final ‘No’. My No, meant I had to stand up, with shoulders back and become the courageous, independent, woman I had never been before.... I cried, I prayed, and cried some more, until one day I realized I'm not alone God is with me, He knew I would be here on this day.

Following the three months on Brooky’s trundle bed, I was grandfathered into a lease, a one bedroom 689 sq.ft. apt. for $650.00 per month in Berkeley, unheard of. It was truly a noted Ravenomic experience. I had enough funds for a few months, which gave me time to continue entrepreneurship training at Women’s Initiative. I would pick up odd jobs here and there, at one time I worked 5 jobs at one time without a car, and took my amazing breads and granola to the Farmer’s Market on Saturdays. With all of that going on, I never seem to have enough to do much more than pay out. I was stuck again, this time in poverty, it lasted for years, but I learned how to be abased, and I took advantage of 3 community outreach programs that provided food and utility assistance. My apartment was tastefully furnished with street treasures, DIY projects and yard sale finds. After so many unexpected blessings and freebies, I created a word for the provisions that seemly attract themselves to me, Ravenomics, I felt and still do that God commanded the Ravens to take care of me. It was in this apartment in 2017, during a very lean period, I heard these words “this apartment is going to be a blessing to you” In November 2019, I asked the Lord if poverty was His will for me, if not I needed a change. In 2020 my nephew and I started Panoramic Learning Academy, an in home family daycare. Yes, in the 689 sq ft apartment. In our second year, my ex husband’s decree over me became null and void.