Lessons from the Littlest: Interview with Cherise Bopape
May 18, 2009 by Maria Keckler
Filed under Author Interviews, Books, Connecting, The Whole Nine Yards
I can’t count the times the children in my life — my daughter, niece, or nephew — have amazed me over the years with their profound, childish candor. “I need to write that down,” I said many times. But I rarely did until years later. So when I learned that Cherise Bopape not only saves all the precious gems from the mouths of her children, but has written an entire devotional inspired by them, I knew I had to interview her and share her with all of you. Cherise is one amazing lady. She has mastered the art of taking her life experiences — both painful and joyful — to bless others and glorify God.
Can you tell our readers a little about your background and ministry?
I’m married with three children and haven’t worked outside of the home in three years. I’ve taught Sunday school to elementary students and have been an assistant coordinator for a ministry that serves single mothers.
When I’m not playing cards or board games with my family, I strive to bring laughter, inspiration, and hope to women who endure tough circumstances (i.e., single motherhood, work-life balance, and domestic violence).
Laden with physical abuse, my first marriage ended in divorce and I was left to raise our infant daughter alone. Six years later, I remarried and developed a desire to help single moms with the insight and wisdom I’d gained through my rocky past.
Eventually, I was given the opportunity to help lead a single moms ministry at my church; I agreed. I’ve since relinquished my leadership role in this ministry. However, I keep constant ties with single mothers through a blog that I maintain, Single Moms Care Package .
When did you begin to write?
I’ve always been passionate about writing. However, I didn’t consider it as a ministry until recent years. I’d written computer programs and technical documentation for over a decade. By 2006, though, my IT career had gotten the best of me. Heart palpitations, insomnia, and headaches were everyday occurrences. When my husband’s business travel increased, I often found myself rearing our three children alone. Extended family members lived over 500 miles away, making it difficult for helping hands to reach our home. My hectic lifestyle, long work hours, and lengthy commute had become the norm.
One day while in the shower, I cried out to the Lord. I knew this wasn’t the abundant, purposeful life God wanted me to have. Immediately, he flooded me with ideas that involved writing. Finally, after several months of prayer, I submitted my resignation so that I could begin writing a devotional book full-time. Because of my obedience, a huge leap of faith, and a whole lot of God’s grace, I’m now an author.
In “Five Reasons to Unleash Their Servant Writer” I define the role of a Servant Writer? Would you consider yourself a Servant Writer?
I am indeed a Servant Writer. Although my past is blemished with physical abuse from a prior marriage, fear, a season of single motherhood, and struggles with work-life balance, I know the value and necessity of an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. I’m confident that Almighty God alone was able to get me through tough times by providing for me, maintaining my sanity, protecting me, and showing me how to live victoriously.
Now, I enjoy sharing my life experiences with other women to uplift, encourage, and provide hope. I want women to know that we may be “... hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9, NIV). We do have hope in Christ.
So many parents say, “I should write that down,” when hearing something amazing come out of their kids’ mouths. But rarely anyone does. How did your book come about?
Having three children of my own and teaching Sunday school to elementary students, I was constantly teary eyed — sometimes with laughter after a student’s comment; and at other times, due to a humbling or heartwarming question from a naive child. On other occasions, I realized how the Lord had used my own kids to bring godly perspective to light. Each time I had one of these experiences, I’d jot it down in a spiral notebook. Soon, I had more material than time to write.
I wrote during lunch breaks, before bed, and in the early morning hours on weekends. After leaving my IT career, I began to write full-time while my children were at school. That’s when my writing really took off. I completed the manuscript for my devotional five months after my resignation.
What is your “publishing success story.” How did you break through as a published author?
My first published piece was a story that appeared in the book, How I Met My True Love: Inspiring Real-Life Stories of How God Unites Soul Mates(Xulon Press, 2007). I’ve seen many new writers get their breakthroughs by submitting to anthologies. I’m an example!
Later in that same year, I attended the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in Asheville, North Carolina. There, I networked with agents, editors, authors, and freelance writers. I left with newfound confidence and got my first paid assignment just a few months later. This event gave me the jump-start I needed.
How have your trials helped you build a platform for writing and ministry?
As long as I have spiritual fruit that needs ripening, I know I’ll have seasons of discomfort. During hard times, I’ve learned to trudge through life-changing events with Christ’s indwelling power. Through an abusive marriage, I learned to depend on God for protection. Through single parenthood, the Lord provided for me when money was low. Once my IT career became unbearable, God provided a way out. I know “… that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4, NIV). I want to share my God-given victories with other women to build them up and give them hope. What God has done for me, he can certainly do for others.
How do you find time to write or make writing a priority? What advice do you have for moms who want to write?
Although we may have a desire to write to edify the body of Christ, we must always remember that our first mission field is between the walls of our homes. “If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church” (1 Timothy 3:5, NIV)?
I used to get frustrated balancing time between family, household chores, and writing. Now, I’ve prioritized my schedule such that it honors God. To mitigate frustration, I write on a tight schedule while the kids are in school. I respect my writing time and sometimes give myself a small, inexpensive reward when I complete an assignment. (Sometimes, a trip to the mall for scented lotion is all the incentive I need.)
What are you working on right now? How can we pray for your ministry?
I’m currently building a speaking platform to complement my writing ministry. This will allow me to reach additional women with a more personal touch.
I recently completed an article that will appear in the June 14 issue of The Lookout magazine. In the meantime, I ask the Lord to continue giving me content to build up hurting women, and to show me how to encourage single moms through my blog. Whether writing or speaking, this is my prayer: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14, NIV).
Cherise Bopape is a Christian author, freelance writer, and speaker whose ministry focuses on encouraging single mothers, providing hope for physically abused women, sharing tips for work-life balance, and inspiring moms with young children. Get to know this dynamic mom with a mission. Visit her website and blog.
How about you? Has God spoken to you through the innocence of your children? Leave a note and enter for a chance to win a copy of Cherise’s book, Lessons from the Littlest. Winner will be announced at the end of June.
I was so impressed by Cherise and her ability to take difficult experiences and use them for God’s glory. Prayers for a successful launch into the speaking realm!
Melissa,
Thanks for your prayers. I’ve enjoyed sharing my experiences on paper. Now, I’m also excited about sharing them face-to-face.
I know first hand that your speaking IS as good as your writing. Speaking is a way to reach different audiences in a different way. Doing both is brilliant and I know you’ll be brilliant at it. Good luck and you can count on me for support.
Mike,
Thanks for your generous compliments, encouragement, and support. Really.
This was such an uplifting e-mail & I’m glad Cherise shared her path to publication–makes me glad I’ve submitted to anthologies in the past.
Krysten,
I’m glad you found the interview uplifting. Keep pressing on.
Well, thank you for sharing this interview. I love how Cherise describes herself as being in the ministry of “servant writing”. I also do some servant writing, but… have been in a slump for quite some time. Whatever the case may be, I love the idea of making a devotional book from the witty and often wisdom-ful words of our little ones. I think God uses them to teach some of the most profound lessons ever. I see it and hear it nearly every day in my own five kidlets. I have seen compassion expressed in hands-on-ways, mercy, and forgiveness continually shown through my kids. Many things. It is humbling to see how well they grasp some things, while I, supposing to be the wiser and more mature, have forgotten how to live so simply, I have forgotten how to approach my Jesus with the faith, hope, and joy of a child. May we, as adults, somehow be able to backtrack and get back to basics. May we find rest, joy, and hope in letting our childlike faith grow in our God who loves us so much. Blessings to you..
Celita
http://daysease.blogspot.com/
Celita,
I agree; sometimes we do learn big lessons from little children. In my book, I cover some tough topics using everyday scenarios involving kids. Some of the topics include casting our cares, being thankful in the midst of adversity, having child-like faith, and resisting temptation to conform to the world’s standards.
How refreshing to see and hear from Cherise-a woman on fire to serve God, not only with her writing and speaking, but also with her life!! And what a wonderful reminder of the hope and grace we have in our great God.
Susan,
Your comments are humbling. Thank you for the encouragement. It’s refreshing to hear from so many others—especially those like you who are also “on fire” to serve God.
What a great interview! I’m a self published author of one book, and with a growing family it’s very heard to fit in time to write, but I do hope to find that time. I’d love to read Cherise’s book.
Deborah,
Mothers with kids in elementary and middle school are definitely in seasons of service. As our kids gain their independence, though, we gradually get back bits of our time as well. Keep pressing on.
Wonderful interview. I am so proud of overcomers. Jesus spoke of tribulations in this world and Cherise, it is a blessing to see that you have overcome them with Him. Your love for God and your family is a precious reward isn’t it? And also your teaching the single mom, is a strength that not all of us have who have never been through that. Thank you for your honest heart and your wisdom.
Can’t wait to read your book. God’s blessings always.
Lucy
Lucy,
Yes, I’m an overcomer—victorious only through Christ. You have such an encouraging spirit. Thanks for your comments. I know they’re heartfelt.
Cherise’s work as a writer and speaker reflects her positive attitude and thoughtful spirit. She’s truly inspirational.
Thank you all for stopping by and commenting on Cherise’s interview. I love strong women who refuse to be damsels in distress, but instead take charge of their circumstances with the power of God and then go forth to bless others with the lessons they have learned. Cherise is such a woman! I can hardly wait to see how her ministry will continue to impact many.
Maria
Maria,
I’m humbled by all of the generous comments. It’s truly been a joy to communicate my story and writing experiences with others. Thank you for this opportunity.
The resources here on your site are invaluable. Here, your readers can learn to hone their craft and be more effective in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ through writing.
It is wonderful to read about a positive message and great to see women uplifting others. Self esteem may come easy for some and not so easy for others for whatever reasons they may have. I want to congratulate Cherise for taking the time to make a lasting impression on others. These are the types of things needed in today’s world. Great job and keep up the excellent work.
Nishonn,
You’ve certainly lavished me with compliments and encouraging words. Thanks so much. To God be the glory!
what a lovely interview, and a book that sounds fabulous.
Cherise,
I enjoyed the article and continue to appreciate people that are interested in Single moms. As a single mother for many years, we need to learn how to support one another. Glad to see that the news about your book is getting around. We will continue to pray and lift up your family.
God Bless,
Antonia
Cherise,
How encouraging to hear how God is using you to minister to others! It’s always motivating to see Him make something beautiful and useful out of our ashes. I know you are a blessing to the women you help and to your family at home.
Your speaking at TM is interesting, entertaining, and informative. Continue in your good work!
Scarlet
Hi Cherise, Your interview is awesome. It gives not just women but all peolpe HOPE! Especially during these trying times. And yes, we must focus on our children, as they are our future. Continued success in your mission.
Very inspiring. As I was praying a couple of days ago, I asked God for one role model in this life as to inspire me with single parenthood. God allowed me to read this article and I felt a sudden release of his glory. In my study time last week, God revealed to me to write a book in the midst of my tribulation and trying to master single parenthood. The scriptures God took me to was so profound Isaiah 30: 7-9 and Jeremiah 30. For the past year, I have been reading so many books on single parenting trying to empower myself. Thank God for you Cherise Bopape. I don’t know you personally but this article has been a true inspiration. Continue to be the light God has called you to be in this world. Thank you so much.
I found my way here from FB after I saw Cherise's post there. I am so glad to discover this site, but even more overjoyed to hear about her life and ministry. Isn't it wonderful how Jesus is in the redemption business salvaging wrecked lives then using us for His glory! Way to go, Cherise. Blessings, Cass Wessel