‘Ladies of Grace’ holds fashion show

Model Catoria Blackman

By Ayesha K. Mustafaa

Contributing Writer

Model Catoria Blackman
Model Catoria Blackman

Ladies of Grace, a women’s auxiliary at Central Community Church of God, 2305 Saint Charles in Jackson, presented its brunch and fashion show May 14.

Their mantra: “We are ladies of grace walking with Jesus. We’re not only amazing…, we’re enough, we’re beautiful, we’re wanted, we’re chosen, we’re called. We’ve got what it takes …, not just to survive but to change the world by our walk.”

First lady of the church, Kimberly Waddy, reflected on “the grace of God” as a year ago she was seriously ill. She said that experience added greater importance to have a day to encourage young women to know what it means to be “ladies walking gracefully with God” every new day.

The goal of the special day was to reach out to the young ladies and girls of the church to be assured the congregation is inclusive of their needs.

Church member Patricia Sanders-Ford reflected on the choice for a speaker to come before the young ladies and represent their theme, “Ladies Walking Gracefully with God,” by saying that Oleta Garrett Fitzgerald was no stranger to her.

“We are childhood friends, make-believe cousins. She and her siblings called my mother and dad Cousin J.L. and Cousin Bessie. When Oleta moved back to Jackson we joined again in the same faith and church in Jackson.”

The theme was demonstrated in words of encouragement from Fitzgerald to young and old. As director of the Children’s Defense Fund Southern Regional office, she spoke primarily of how women with means must reach out to women without those resources.

She prefaced her remarks drawing from women in the Bible: Anna in Luke 2:38, Joel 2:28 and Acts 2:17; Deborah in Judges 4:4; Ruth and Naomi in Ruth 1:16-17; and from the Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus.

From Peter 2:1-15, Fitzgerald read: “… put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation – if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

She explained that to be a “woman of grace,” it must come from the inner self. “Grace is simple elegance, refinement, poise, finesse. Grace is dignity, distinguished honor by favor … It is kindness, love, commitment. Where are you in the days of famine? Do you leave something for the poor among you?”

Reading from 1 Timothy 2:1, Fitzgerald summed the tone of the brunch: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way….”

Sanders-Ford said participants in the fashion show reflected the church’s outreach to be welcoming and embracing of diverse youth. The stream of beautiful fashions ranged from the whimsical to the formal.

“We extend our thanks to Belk at Flowood for playing a big role in our fashion show. The fashion show models consisted of members of Central Community Church of God,” she said.

On Aug. 23, Fitzgerald will be honored by the Mississippi Association of Partners in Education’s Winter-Reed Partnership Awards for 2016.

First Lady Kimberly Waddy gave the mission statement for Ladies of Grace
First Lady Kimberly Waddy gave the mission statement for Ladies of Grace
Oleta Garrett Fitzgerald was the guest speaker.
Oleta Garrett Fitzgerald was the guest speaker.
Miss Mississippi Jr. Teen Kennedy Burks
Miss Mississippi Jr. Teen Kennedy Burks

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Model Julie Ewing
Model Julie Ewing
Model Alexis Knott                    PHOTOS BY BEN LEWIS
Model Alexis Knott PHOTOS BY BEN LEWIS

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