The Lotus Flower Podcast, where we explore life's challenges with resilience. I’m Dr. Pamela Robinson, your host—a licensed clinical social worker associate, ordained minister, and mental health advocate. Join me as we delve into comedy, religion, music, mental health, fitness, and more, with a focus on African American voices. Each episode is packed with helpful tips, useful tools, and vital discussions. Tune in during your commute, on a walk, or even during your lunch hour.

Join us on this journey toward mental wellness and personal development. Blooming through difficult situations is a metaphor for navigating life's trials without being overwhelmed by fear and anxiety. In Matthew 17:7-8, Jesus reassures his disciples, saying, "Don't be afraid," reminding us to trust in divine presence even in our darkest moments.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about mental health and behavioral health issues, and to reduce stigma. The 2024 theme is "Take the Moment," which encourages open dialogue, empathy, understanding, and sharing resources to support individuals and families on their journey towards mental wellness. Our aim this month is to educate the public, fight stigma, provide support, advocate for policies that support mental illness, remove treatment barriers, celebrate recovery, and raise awareness of the impact of trauma.

Tonight we will have another esteemed guest, my cousin Ms. Amber Roberts, MSW, RCSWI discussing "The Impact of Technology on Mental Health." Ms. Roberts is a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern in the state of Florida. Amber has been working as a social worker since 2011, specializing in at-risk teenagers. She obtained her Bachelor in Social Work (2011) and Master in Social Work (2016) from the University of South Florida. Throughout her career, she has served in various roles including case manager, school social worker, care advocate, counselor, and school-based mental health therapist. Amber is passionate about instilling hope in those who have lost their sense of hope due to past experiences. ______________________________________________________________________________________

Resources

Headspace: A mindfulness and meditation app that helps reduce stress and anxiety.

Calm: Provides guided meditation, sleep stories, and relaxation techniques.

BetterHelp: An online counseling platform connecting individuals with licensed therapists.

Common Sense Media: Provides reviews and advice on age-appropriate media and technology usage for children and teens.

Child Mind Institute: Offers resources and articles on how technology affects children's mental health.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Guidelines on screen time and media usage for children and adolescents.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Information on the impact of technology and screen time on mental health.

Tools for Managing Screen Time

Family Link by Google: Allows parents to set screen time limits and monitor app usage on their children's devices.

Apple Screen Time: A built-in feature on iOS devices that helps monitor and control screen time.

Bark: A parental control app that monitors texts, emails, and social media platforms for signs of cyberbullying and other issues.

Website

Helplines and Hotlines

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 – Provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress.

Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741 – Offers free, 24/7 support via text.

Local Mental Health Services: Contact local hospitals, clinics, and mental health organizations for resources and support in your area.

School Counselors: Utilize school-based counselors and psychologists for additional support and resources.

Greetings, beloved listeners! I'm Dr. Pamela Robinson, your host on the Lotus Flower Podcast, where we embark on a journey of enlightenment, empowerment, and profound healing. Tonight, as we gather in the spirit of understanding and compassion, we shine a spotlight on a crucial yet often overlooked issue: mental health within the African American community.

In honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month, our May episodes are dedicated to raising awareness and fostering dialogue around this pressing topic. It's a moment to confront sobering realities, such as the fact that the suicide rate among Black individuals now exceeds that of whites—a poignant reminder of the urgency of our conversation.

At the heart of tonight's discussion is the powerful narrative of resilience and recovery. Dr. Robinson brings her personal journey to the forefront, having tragically lost her sister, Kimberly Haymon, due to a misdiagnosis of schizophrenia in 2015. Through her experiences and her book "African American Mental Health in the Church," Dr. Robinson illuminates the systemic challenges and underscores the critical need for greater understanding and support within our communities.

Joining us as our esteemed guest is J. Barrett Lee, MACS, BA, an esteemed healthcare chaplain based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, whose multifaceted career includes roles as a pastor, college professor, and counselor. Mr. Lee is deeply committed to destigmatizing mental illness, drawing from his own experiences living with Clinical Depression and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder to advocate for societal understanding and acceptance.

Mr. Lee's dedication to community involvement extended far beyond academia. He actively participated in various workshops, including several held at the Annual Emerging HOPE Ministries Community Mental Health Forum in Kalamazoo, Michigan, hosted by Dr. Robinson and her late husband, Reverend Curtis L. Robinson, Sr. Through his dynamic presentations, he ignited engaging conversations and inspired action, contributing to enhanced awareness and backing for mental health concerns.

In summary, Mr. J. Barrett Lee's diverse contributions reflect his unwavering dedication to promoting understanding, compassion, and positive change in the realm of mental health advocacy.

Together, we'll delve into a range of thought-provoking topics:

Dismantling Stigma: How can we challenge the stigmas and misconceptions surrounding mental illness, particularly within communities of color?

Reclaiming Narratives: In a world where external narratives often dictate our self-perception, how can we reclaim our own stories?

Intersectionality: Recognizing the intersectionality of identities— How can we ensure that mental health resources are accessible and inclusive for all?

Holistic Healing: "Take Your Meds & Say Your Prayers" How can we integrate medical and spiritual practices to nurture the health of body, mind, and spirit?

So, join us on this transformative journey as we illuminate the path toward healing and empowerment. And remember, you are never alone—your journey toward wholeness begins here, with us, on the Lotus Flower Podcast.

Remember to like, comment, and subscribe to the Lotus Flower Podcast.

The Lotus Flower Podcast is more than just a podcast; it's a multimedia, biblically-based platform that sparks unfiltered conversations covering a myriad of topics including comedy, religion, music, mental health, and fitness. We're proud to provide a platform that amplifies African American voices and interests, delivering high-quality content and thought-provoking discussions.

Tonight's episode promises to be exceptional as we delve into the topic: "A temporary inconvenience for a permanent improvement." Get ready for an empowering and life-changing conversation!

Special Guest Spotlight: Minister Doris Hope

Tonight, we celebrate the birthday of a remarkable individual, Minister Doris Hope. Join us in wishing her a blessed day! Minister Doris is not only my ministry colleague and sister in the Lord but also an incredible Special Education Teacher for Accomack County Schools. Her heart of flesh and compassion for serving others truly inspire us all. Tune in to hear her invaluable insights and wisdom.

About Minister Doris Hope:

As an ordained Elder and CEO of Doris Hope Ministries Inc., Minister Doris is dedicated to empowering and encouraging others through her prayers, teachings, and writings. Her dedication to her faith and community is truly commendable. Learn more about her journey and explore her inspiring works on her website: www.dorishope.com.

Join Us Live for an Enlightening Experience!

Don't miss out on this opportunity to engage in enriching discussions and connect with like-minded individuals. Remember, if you can't catch the live broadcast, you can always watch the replay 24/7 on The Lotus Flower YouTube Channel or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe to The Lotus Flower YouTube Channel to stay updated on our latest episodes and content!

Let's come together to bloom and thrive in the face of adversity, just like the lotus flower.

Warm regards,

Dr. Pamela Robinson

Host, The Lotus Flower Podcast

@lotusflowerpodcast

My special guest Mr. Wayne L. Bond II, MA. is the Assistant Director for Campus Engagement at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Wayne Bond joined Career and Student Employment Services in 2017 as a Career Development Specialist. He brings experience of collaborating with people from all over the world. In that role, Wayne sought to establish a culture in which the decisions and roles taken on by students at Western Michigan University could be refined to prepare them for their aspirations after graduating from WMU. Prior to joining CSES, Wayne spent over six years coordinating events, programs, and activities with WMU’s Haenicke Institute for Global Education.

In 2022, Wayne took on a higher role as the Assistant Director for Campus Engagement. He is responsible for the shared development, implementation, and supervision of a comprehensive campus engagement program that promotes student development and meets the needs of a diverse university community.

He completed his undergraduate degree at Albion College, where he was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity and the Collegiate Basketball team. Wayne completed his master's degree in 2015 within the political science department with a focus on international administration development.

When he is not working or studying, Wayne can be found relaxing with a book or catching up on his favorite shows like Game of Thrones or My Hero Academia, writing and directing online video essays and going on all kinds of amazing adventures.

Mr. Bond’s Specialties: Budget Management, Organization, Office Management, International Relations, Problem Solving, Event Coordination, Creative writing, Student Worker Supervision, Schedule Coordination, Proposal Development, Career Coaching, Presentation Development, Oral/Written Communication, Student Evaluation and Development Programs, Program Assessment, Networking & Leadership.

Wayne's YouTube Channels:Runaway Warlords Anime Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RunawayWarlords

Wayne Reads Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WayneReads

Dr. Pamela's Contact information: Dr. Pamela Robinson via email: emerginghope@gmail.com or via Dr. Pamela Robinson’s Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/emerginghope Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reginavituou... Facebook: Emerging HOPE Ministries https://www.facebook.com/emerginghopefsp Instagram: dr_pamela_robinson Twitter: @HopeEmerging WEBSITE: https://www.emerginghopefsp.org/

My special guest today is Joyce A. Brown, Ph.D. Dr. Brown established ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT SOLUTIONS, a consulting firm specializing in enhancing the effective management, governance, and leadership capabilities of organizations through program development, evaluation, assessment, and training. Dr. Brown has worked as a counselor, President/CEO of the Southwestern Michigan Urban League, and Regional Director, Kellogg Youth Initiative Partnerships for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Dr. Brown has more than forty years of experience working in diverse community settings, nonprofit organizations, and philanthropy. She has a broad range of nonprofit management skills including team building, staff development, budget development and monitoring, assessing and preparing for future needs.

Joyce A. Brown is a motivational speaker and author who uses her creative energy to give voice and meaning to the challenges women face in all walks of life. She grew up in Rockford, Illinois in a household of strong women, but her professional career expanded her reach into Peoria and Battle Creek, Michigan. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and has served as a direct services worker, executive director, program director for a major foundation, and entrepreneur. Joyce has experienced many uplifting moments as a professional and as a dedicated parent and strives to bring those events and lessons to life through her characters in the contemporary fiction novels she pens.

Dr. Brown served as part of the project management team using an approach that democratizes research, planning, and decision-making. The process included more than 40 African American leaders’ participation in goal setting, information-gathering, analysis, and decision-making. She learned that community issues are extraordinarily complex and embedded in the dynamics of the social, economic, political, and environmental systems. She also learned within communities there are complexities of values, perceptions, and the relative power of the various stakeholder groups affected by these decisions, as well as uncertainties and urgency surrounding issues. They developed a theory of change to guide the work, a shared values statement and covenant agreements to guide the participants’ behavior during the development of the Community Renewing Agenda.

EDUCATION and CREDENTIALS:

Ph.D Research, Measurement, and Evaluation Educational Studies; Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI M.A. Counseling and Guidance Bradley University, Peoria, IL B.S. Psychology Bradley University, Peoria, IL

To purchase Dr. Brown's books you may reach out to her via email @ Joycebrown.ods@gmail.com or by searching on Amazon under her name - Joyce A. Brown. Garden Spice Magazine - a bi-monthly magazine that Dr. Brown writes for. The topic for this issue was "Building Community."https://www.gardenspicesmagazine.com/post/creating-and-sustaining-community

Thank you for joining us! In wellness, grace, and humility,Dr. Pamela RobinsonDr. Pamela Robinson’s Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/emerginghope

Terris Todd began his motivational speaking career with quite a critical audience – 30 sixth graders in his classroom. More than 20 years later, Terris has significantly expanded his public speaking portfolio to include topics including politics, education and ministering the gospel to crowds who are inspired by his message. Terris was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, and grew up there with his mother and two brothers in the home. His grandparents lived nearby and played a significant role in raising Terris, as well as his father, with whom Terris spent school breaks or weekends in Detroit. In the fall of 1991, he attended Norfolk State University before returning to Michigan to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Western Michigan University. He later received from WMU a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership. Terris launched his education career as a sixth-grade teacher. His student data showed student successes in reading comprehension and writing, but many of his students have shared anecdotal stories with Terris and will tell you that Mr. Todd’s motivational stories played a much larger role in their classroom success than did a history book or classroom notes. After teaching for six years, Terris moved into middle and high-school administration for more than a decade. During this time he also was an adjunct professor at the collegiate level, was a top-level administrator at an alternative high school and was director of programming at a youth residential treatment center. Terris and his wife, Karen are the co-founders of My Brother’s Keeper, Inc., a guardianship and conservator enterprise. In addition to owning a business, Terris is an ordained minister. Along with his wife, the two founded The Green Pasture campus ministry at Michigan State University and ministered the gospel to college students for several years. In 2020, Terris was appointed by The White House to be the Executive Director of White House Initiatives on Educational Excellence for African Americans, where he highlights successful educational initiatives across the nation and spotlights them on a national platform. His initiative also aims to strengthen the nation by improving educational outcomes for students. One of his first initiatives after being sworn into office was hosting a Virtual Roundtable on “Fatherhood as an Essential to Student Success, viewed by educators and fathers across the country. Terris and Karen reside in Michigan, and have one teenage daughter, and two young adult daugthers Destinny Marie, Naomi Leigh and Taren Elise.WEBSITE: https://www.terrisetodd.com/Dr. Pamela RobinsonContact information: Dr. Pamela Robinson via email: emerginghope@gmail.com or via Dr. Pamela Robinson’s Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/emerginghopeSOCIAL MEDIA INFORMATION:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reginavituou...Facebook: Emerging HOPE Ministrieshttps://www.facebook.com/emerginghopefspInstagram: dr_pamela_robinsonTwitter: @HopeEmergingAudio PlatformTune in on RSS Feed:https://rss.com/podcasts/lotusflower/

My special guest today is Ms. Monica Adele, Life Coach

I am Ms. Monica Adele, the founder of Monica Adele Coaching LLC. I have a Bachelor's of Science in Human Sciences and a Master's of Public Health specializing in Social and Behavioral Health. Additionally, I have a Coaching Certification specializing in Goal Success!

In 2010, I embarked on this journey of Coaching and Mentoring Women and At-risk youth.I was able to identify my passion as I always found myself in an advising role professionally and personally. As I began to advise individuals, more doors opened for me to work with entrepreneurs to help them streamline their businesses.

Through working with individuals and their businesses, I was able to pinpoint an important niche. Personal Development is the foundation of success and I was able to identify that there is a large population not operating in their purpose or don't know how to identify it.

From this discovery, I was able to shape my framework for my coaching business.I have a natural desire to see everyone conquer and live everyday on purpose! I provide solutions regarding challenges or obstacles with goal clarity, limited beliefs, low confidence; and much more!Additionally, I work with clients to turn their passions into income, by giving them a roadmap to success starting with business ideas and how to generate income.I currently offer digital products and strategy session packages for needs relating to confidence, mindfulness, and success.Coaching is a true passion of mine.

While experiencing grief, loss, financial hardships, the pandemic etc., I put my own goals and dreams to the side. I then had to find the motivation to keep pushing towards my purpose. I am now sharing that same motivation, boldness, and determination to others

.Fun facts:

I take pride in being relatable!

I encourage entrepreneurship and enjoy traveling.

Most importantly, I cannot go a day without coffee!

My heart is for God, Service and People.

Click the link below to book with me and to view my current offerings.

WEBSITE: MONICA ADELE:https://about.me/monica.adele

Thank you for joining us! In wellness, grace, and humility,

Dr. Pamela RobinsonContact information:

Dr. Pamela Robinson via email: emerginghope@gmail.com or via

Dr. Pamela Robinson’s Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/emerginghope

SOCIAL MEDIA INFORMATION:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reginavituou...

@lotusflowerpodcast

Pastor Mae Davis, a real, relevant, and straight forward woman of God, who possess the ability to minister to and empower the lives of others. Pastor Mae Davis has over 35 years of experience in ministry, receiving her license to preach in 1994. In 1995, she graduated from The Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, with a certificate in Christian Ministry. She was ordained in 1998 into the Gospel Ministry by Bishop William J. Scott at Second Pilgrim Baptist Church, where she served as the assistant to the Pastor. Elevation in the Lord’s church continued over the years as she was ordained an Elder in 2006 and an Overseer in 2019.

A playwright, author, conference and seminar speaker, Pastor Mae has a passion for pouring into the lives of Wives, the Engaged, Ladies in Waiting, Ladies who want to do it again and to all the Queens she encounter who may need a “Naomi” in their lives. If she is not preaching and teaching the gospel, she is coaching others in the areas of relationships, marriage, and intimacy.

Pastor Mae has been married for forty plus years to Pastor Eugene, and they have three sons, raised her two nieces and nephew as her daughters and grandson. They have 13 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Pastor Mae, along with her husband Pastor Eugene Davis are the Founders and Pastors of the Greater Works Christian Ministries as well as Founders of Evenly Yoked School of Marriage Ministry.

Pastor Mae is also the visionary of The King's Daughters Ministry. She is a certified Intimacy Coach and has launched Solomon's Chambers Ministry for Sanctified Intimacy.Pastor Davis' Website:www.pastormae.com

Thank you for joining us! In wellness, grace, and humility,

Dr. Pamela RobinsonContact information:

Dr. Pamela Robinson via email: emerginghope@gmail.com or via Dr. Pamela Robinson’s Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/emerginghope@lotusflowerpodcast