In the past year, I've seen a very sincere and powerful woman blossom from one tragedy after another. She has been such an inspiration to so many that I'm not sure anything I can say will ever do her justice. The sweetness of her personality shines through online and offline. This interview isn't about her books, or her businesses, or her anything else you'll find all over the internet about her. This interview is about her heart so that we too may find the same comfort and support she has.1. Lacresha, tell me a little bit about your private life. What is a day in the life of Lacresha?
Honestly, Vicky, I probably start my day like everyone else who is a Christian. Sometimes I pray and other times I forget and have to do it on the go. I often struggle to stay grounded in prayer but I have friends who help me to focus on the important things. I'm always busy and have been known to bite off more than I can chew, but God somehow brings me through it all every time. For that I cannot complain.
2. What are your biggest fears? Biggest struggles?
That's a good question. I suppose my biggest fear is being rejected by God. I don't want to miss Him or embarrass Him or disappoint Him. He's the only father I've ever known and so my shortcomings are huge in my eyes because some part of me always wonders how He feels about what I'm doing, saying, thinking. That ties into my biggest struggle. I have a hard time forgiving myself when I slip away from God.
3. What one thing do you wish everyone knew about you?
I'm not really sure. I pretty much live my life as an open book. I have very few secrets left, if any. I seem so bold to others about how I write about my life and the lessons I've learned, but I'm always terrified of putting all my problems out in the open like that. I've just learned to do it afraid and to focus on who I'm helping rather than those who don't like it.
4. Have you suffered a lot of setbacks and opposition that made you feel like quitting? How did you handle it?
I have dealt with and continue to deal with opposition and setbacks. I normally pray and talk to a friend or my spouse. I try to keep my vision before me so that I remember what it's for. I try to be quick to admit when I'm wrong and rectify the bad things in my life. It isn't always easy, but that's the only thing I can do. Quitting won't help. I tried that before and it didn't work for me.
5. What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I'd have to say writing and having books on the market that actually make a difference in the lives of others.
6. What are your goals over the next year or two? What can we look forward to?
I have at least 10 more books that you'll have the pleasure of reading over the next year. I hope that I'll be poised for more community development projects so that I can provide services to those most in need. Who knows? As long as I'm helping others, glorifying God and prospering my family, I'm okay with it.
7. Lastly, the news has been spreading like wildfire about your movie deal for The Rape of Innocence: Taking Captivity Captive. Tell us about that.
Rape was my first nationally published book. It details my life as an abuse victim and how I got beyond the violence, sex, and depression. The movie is going to focus more on the aspect of how abuse led to promiscuity and how I eventually got beyond all the pain to live a victorious life. I hadn't heard the final word yet, but while they plan to keep to the truth of how God impacted my life, they are going to tone down the religious aspects of the book. The rewrite of the book that comes out this year will not include much of what is in this version. So, I'm telling people to go on and order this version why it is available.
8. Give us links and contact information.
I have an author website at http://lacreshatheauthor.weebly.com and a women's empowerment blog at http://learntofeelpretty.blogspot.com. I also blog at http://therapeofinnocence.blogspot.com and http://alwaysthebridebook.blogspot.com. You can email me at lacresha.hayes@gmail.com.
Facebook- www.facebook.com/lacreshahayes
Twitter- www.twitter.com/lacreshahayes
Goodreads- www.goodreads.com/lacreshahayes
Blogtalk Radio- www.blogtalkradio.com/lacreshahayes
