Author Melanie D. Phillip: Using Her Light to Lead Others to Healing

 

by Cyrus Webb

I am glad that we get to feature Melanie D. Phillips as part of our WOMEN WHO ROCK series. She is one of those individuals who has taken her platform and used it to remind others of the possibilities that life has to offer. She has also used her story to remind us that with time, healing is something we can all experience if we're willing to have faith and do the work. 

Melanie, first of all let me say I’m excited to be working with you this year. What has it been 

like to reflect on your journey as an author and speaker?

Reflecting on my journey as an author and speaker, I’m amazed by how far I’ve come. Writing 

has been my way of processing life’s challenges, transforming personal growth into powerful 

stories that inspire others and myself. As a speaker, I’ve seen firsthand how sharing my 

experiences can spark healing and change. Every book and every speech have reaffirmed my 

belief in the strength of the human spirit and the power of transformation. It’s a blessing to help

others turn their struggles into strength, and that is what drives my passion every day.

When did you know that you had a gift that you were meant to share?

I first recognized my gift during my divorce, a time of pain and confusion. As I navigated that 

overwhelming period, I realized I could turn my struggles into something meaningful. Sharing 

my story helped me find strength in vulnerability, and I knew then that I was meant to help 

others facing similar challenges.

Whether speaking to a youth group or CEOs, or writing, I discovered the core message remained

the same: we all face challenges, but with the right mindset, we can turn them into opportunities

for growth. Each speaking opportunity reinforced my belief that we all have the power to 

overcome, rebuild, and thrive. My goal is always the same—to ignite that spark of possibility in 

others and show them that transformation is within their reach.

 Believing in yourself is not easy. What has helped you to do it?

Believing in yourself is not always easy, but my faith and family have helped me do it. My 

strength comes from God, and I rely on the scripture, "I can do all things through Christ who 

strengthens me," to remind me that I am never alone. Through every challenge, my faith 

empowers me to keep going, knowing that God provides the strength I need. My family has also

been a constant source of love and encouragement, helping me believe in myself even when I 

falter. Together, my faith and family have given me the courage to trust in my purpose and 

abilities.

I noticed when I was prepping for this chat with you that you have been connecting with 

organizations both online and offline. How does it feel to know that people are benefiting from 

your gifts?

It feels incredibly fulfilling to know that people are benefiting from the gifts I’ve been given. 

Whether connecting with organizations online or offline, it’s rewarding to see how my 

experiences, words, and guidance can help others find strength, healing, and clarity. There’s a 

deep sense of purpose in knowing that my journey—my faith, my lessons, and my stories—can 

make a difference in someone else’s life.

It’s humbling to witness the positive impact, especially when I see individuals or organizations 

shift their mindsets, overcome challenges, or rediscover their inner strength. The fact that my 

work resonates with people, helping them navigate their own journeys, confirms that I am 

exactly where I’m meant to be. This connection with others is what truly fuels my passion and 

reinforces my belief in the power of sharing one’s gifts with the world.

How does it feel to connect with like-minded individuals from around the world who are 

looking to motivate others like you do?

Connecting with like-minded individuals from around the world who are also passionate about 

motivating others feels incredibly energizing and inspiring. It’s a reminder that we are all part of 

a larger community with shared goals—helping others heal, grow, and thrive. These connections

affirm that the work I’m doing isn’t isolated; it’s part of a global movement of people committed

to making a difference.

When we come together, exchanging ideas, experiences, and strategies, it’s not just motivating; 

it’s empowering. I feel a deep sense of camaraderie and purpose knowing that others are out 

there, just as dedicated to inspiring change and uplifting others. These interactions fuel my own 

passion, reinforcing the belief that we can all be catalysts for transformation, no matter where 

we are in the world. It’s a beautiful reminder that our impact can ripple out far beyond what we 

see.

 The book you and I connected with was And Your God Shall Be My God. What inspired it?

Mothers and daughters don't always see eye to eye, and at times, they may even become 

estranged. But despite these challenges, their bond should remain unbreakable. Even in 

moments of disagreement or distance, the foundation of love and shared history endures. This 

book And Your God Shall Be My God, was born from the understanding that mothers and 

daughters, while different in many ways, are still deeply connected by faith, love, and the desire 

to try and understand one another.

We may not always agree or understand each other’s paths, but we are each other’s keepers. In 

times of struggle or separation, it’s the prayer, the heartfelt moments of connection, and the 

faith we share that brings us back together. This book reflects that dynamic—how, even through

adversity, the bond between mothers and daughters can be a source of strength, healing, and 

renewal. Through poems and prayers, it celebrates the love, wisdom, and support that continue 

to flow, even when life challenges us to grow and change. It’s a reminder that no matter how far 

apart we may feel, we are always bound by love, faith, and the willingness to grow together.

You were the keynote speaker for our STRONGER TOGETHER event on Amazon LIVE this year. When did you know that public speaking was part of your calling?

I knew public speaking was part of my calling the moment I realized my voice carried more than words; it carried healing, truth, and transformation. I had spent years encouraging others from behind the scenes, ghostwriting their stories, coaching through pain, and quietly walking people through their breakthroughs. But every time I did, there was a fire inside of me that wouldn’t go out.

The real confirmation came when I stood in front of an audience, shared my own truth, and watched walls come down in the room. Women began to weep, open up, and confront things they had buried for years, not because I had all the answers, but because I was willing to be real. That’s when I knew, this isn’t just a gift, it’s an assignment.

Speaking publicly allows me to not only share my story but to speak life into others, to help them shift from pain to purpose. Being the keynote speaker at the STRONGER TOGETHER event was more than an opportunity it was a divine alignment. I was reminded that when we show up authentically, God shows out powerfully.

So yes, this is my calling. And every stage I step on, every mic I hold, I carry the stories of women like me; women who need to be reminded that they can rise, they can heal, and they are not alone.

Any advice you want to share with our audience about the importance of believing in 

themselves?

Believing in yourself is the first step toward unlocking your true potential. It’s easy to get caught 

up in doubts, fears, and the opinions of others, but the truth is, your belief in yourself is what 

drives you to act, face challenges, and grow. When you trust in your abilities, even in uncertainty,

you create space for opportunities, healing, and transformation.

Remember, your journey is unique, and there will be obstacles, but those obstacles are not 

roadblocks—they’re stepping stones. Each challenge you overcome builds your confidence and 

resilience. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, seek wisdom when needed, and always 

stay connected to your faith and purpose.

Believing in yourself doesn’t mean you won’t face setbacks; it means you’ll rise from them 

stronger and more determined. The most important thing is to keep moving forward, one step 

at a time, with faith in your strength and the knowledge that you are capable of more than you 

realize. Embrace your worth, your power, and your purpose—you have everything within you to 

achieve your dreams.

Thank you for your time, Melanie. How can our readers stay connected with you?

Thank you for having me! Readers can stay connected with me through my website, 

MelanieDPhillips.com, where you can find out more about my work and upcoming projects. You 

can also connect with me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/strengthenthebond, and 

on Facebook at Melanie RichardsonPhillips (no hyphen). If you prefer email, feel free to reach out

to me at MelanieDPhillips1@gmail.com. I look forward to staying connected and continuing this

journey together!