Rosalind Y. Tompkins is recognized for her humanitarian works in helping others in the battle against alcohol and drug addiction. A former addict herself, she is an accomplished author, Spiritual Lifecoach, Motivational Speaker and Pastor, as well as Founder of Mothers In Crisis, Inc. (MIC), a non-profit, community-based organization serving the needs of her community. Rosalind can do it all.
Tell us about your efforts in helping communities overcome drug and alcohol addiction and MIC (MothersIn Crisis)? Tell us about your personal victory and how that has inspired you to be a pillar of hope forothers?
Mothers In Crisis mission statement is: “MIC is committed to linking families and communities together in order for families to live drug free and productive lives.” My personal testimony was the motivation for me to help others because once I was clean and sober I asked myself the question, “If I am free but my sisters are not, then am I really free?” The answer for me was, “No!” I started MIC in 1991 when I was four years clean and sober.
I used and abused drugs for twelve years starting when I was only 12 years old. I totally stopped using everything when I became pregnant with my daughter Janar who is now 26 years old. I surrendered my life to the Lord Jesus Christ and I did not look back.
Mothers In Crisis started simply as a drug education support group for women but it quickly became a full fledged non-profit organization receiving grant money from the City and State to deal with multiple issues surrounding addiction including families and communities. I developed and implemented various grass roots community-based programs designed to strengthen and support drug free lifestyles. This was done at the height of the crack-cocaine epidemic and was very much needed. Mothers In Crisis provided prevention, intervention, and support services to families in need. As a result we impacted over ten thousand documented families empowering them to live drug-free productive lives. Early into my work with Mothers In Crisis I saw the power of my testimony and the impact that it had to produce positive change in many of the women. I was able to say to them that I had been where they were and made it out. It brought them hope. I even did a series of Public Service Announcements that aired locally for over a decade highlighting my trademarked saying. “As Long As There Is Breath In Your Body, There Is Hope®!”
When you founded Turning Point International Church, was their a catalyst that lead you to do so or avoid that you felt like was not being met elsewhere?
I started TPIC in 1998 as a chapel for Mothers In Crisis. I realized early on that the other family members of the women who I was ministering to needed to get what the women were receiving. I also realized that many of the churches did not accept the women and their families because of the fact that they were often coming right off the street or jail and the churches did not know how to properly empower them. I was an ordained minister of two years and after running from the idea of becoming a pastor I finally gave into my calling and started Turning Point International Church. We filled a void and continue to do so to a large extent because many of our members are either struggling with addiction or in recovery from drugs and alcohol or have family members who are addicted or in recovery.
Tell us about Rosalind the poet?
I love words and I am a very passionate person. I feel and think deeply. One of the ways that I express those thoughts and feelings is through poetry. I usually hear it inside my heart and then I write it and it flows from my spirit. Powerful words have the potential to create and shape destinies and I love to speak, preach and teach. Poetry is another way to communicate my truth.
How did you begin writing?
I’ve always liked to write my thoughts and feelings down since I was around 10 years old. I wrote my first book to share my story about going through the many perils of addiction and coming out with pearls of wisdom that I share in “As Long As There Is Breath In Your Body, There Is Hope”. Once I wrote that book it was easier for me to write the others and also share my poetry in each book. I now write blogs for my local paper and the words flow from inside. Writing for me is a gift from God that I cherish and plan to continue to use for a very long time.
Tell us about your family/home life?
My family life is very different these days because I recently married at the beginning of this year. I spend time between Florida and Maryland now because my husband currently lives in Maryland. It makes for a very interesting and exciting life. When I’m home in Florida I’m usually ministering at my Church or just chilling at home reading and writing or Skyping with my husband.
When you feel like giving up, what do you do to get back on track?
When I feel like giving up I pray. Sometimes I will pray all day long until peace comes. I also talk to positive spiritual people who will remind me of who I am and give me something to think and smile about.
Who is your support system and how to they hold you accountable?
I have a spiritual covering that I consult with from time to time; I have a group of sister friends that I have known a very long time that I talk with and pray with about everything; and my husband is also a great supporter. All of these relationships help to hold me accountable to the truth and the real things that matter in life. When I need to be course corrected these are the people that God uses.
What is a fun day for Rosalind?
I have several fun days. Every day is fun because I have the opportunity to wake up and live life on life’s terms without self-medicating. I especially like spending time with my husband doing things that we like to do together. I also have fun alone rollerblading on the nature trail. Sitting outside looking out over the beautiful scenery of nature is also fun. The all-time greatest fun is when I get to minister and help people in the Lord. I love to smile and laugh and enjoy life.
What about you or your story makes you a connected woman?
I am connected to the Creator and therefore through Him I am connected to all of His creation. I am especially connected with women because of our similar experiences and the stories that we share in common. I can meet a woman for the first time but have no need to be introduced because we are already one in spirit. Our collective truths make us one and our connections are deep and powerful. Because of that I have no need to be jealous or envious, no need to compete or compare, and no need to fear or be distant, because I am her and she is me and we are one in Christ.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I want my legacy to be a legacy of hope with continued positive passionate love and support to others to help make this world a better place. I pray that my daughter and granddaughter can spread my legacy and carry on the work of the ministry. I also pray that the Young Sisters In Success group of young ladies that I mentor and coach will continue the work and spread hope to other women and girls.
Anything you would like to add?
My latest book, “What Is It? Defining, Finding, and Obtaining Your It” is about finding your “It” or purpose and destiny for this season of your life. I believe this is very important for women who are going through various transitions because our “It” changes and sometimes we can get stuck in last season. “What Is It?’ Is an excellent resource to help navigate through those changes. For more information please visit: http://www.Whatisitbook.com
For information on Rosalind visit www.rosalindytompkins.com. Visit her blog at http://blogs.tallahassee.com/community/author/rosalindtompkins/ or email at RosalindYTompkins@gmail.com
