Yvonee Capehart / Interview / BlackGospel.com - Your Music Ministry Source! - May, 2006

Interview with Yvonne Capehart
May 2006, BlackGospel.com by Christopher Heron

America is in a very vulnerable state today. And the nation’s susceptible condition has little to do with international threats, the economic climate or domestic policies. It’s the traditional family that’s at jeopardy. With the single-parent family emerging as the norm in the African-American community, a cultural shift is underway that is threatening the economic, social and psychological state of America’s next generation.

Women are the primary victims of this cultural shift, as more women are forced to grow up without the presence of a father. The consequences are devastating with increasing numbers of teenage pregnancy, abusive relationships, school dropouts, etc.

Dr. Yvonne Capehart is one of a number of outstanding women in the field trying to reverse this disheartening trend by introducing spiritual and practical solutions to a crippling problem. Dr. Capehart will also be sharing her life experiences and social observations at the upcoming Women of Wisdom 4^th Annual Conference.

BLACKGOSPEL.COM broke bread with a servant in the trenches and found out that the sisters are truly in need of a helping hand.

Christopher Heron: Dr. Capehart, you’re an important part of a special service and ministry that serves a critical need for women. It’s called the Sister Keeper Ministry. Could you share with our readers the various services the non-profit organization offers and how it is currently serving the needs of women in a very practical sense today?

Dr. Yvonne Capehart: The ministry that God has given me reaches beyond the borders of religion and focuses on a complete life style change. The mandate that God has given me is to “Speak Life” and by that I encourage women to fulfill their true purpose and to walk into their destiny. After they are aware of their destiny, then we can focus on the practical methods such as jobs, careers, home ownership, credit restoration and etc.

CH: There is a cultural shift underway in America that is threatening the conventional family structure and future generations. It’s the single-parent family. Please give us some insight on the growing trend of children being raised by only their mothers (and sometimes only their grandmothers) and how Sister Keeper Ministry is assisting women of all ages in being competent, well-adjusted individuals in every area of their lives.

YC: Of course, we would like to see a dual family home and we are focusing on training and workshops for marriages, families and children. However, due to issues other than divorce we are encountering more single family homes. I’ll explain that, low self esteem, drugs, jail and so many other things are affecting the structure of homes. Some families are suffering and they are equipped with both a father and mother. The ministry that God has given me focuses on men as well as women. When men and women are whole, set free and delivered then they can be the parents that God has called them to be and then can provide a healthy environment for their family. I know that children can still grow up to be successful, productive and well adjusted in a single family home. I am a product of being raised by a single parent.

CH: You’re a very capable educator and motivational speaker offering concerned persons a set of tools on how to be the best person they can be. What has been your life’s journey that has given you a testimony to share for inspiration and valuable life lessons?

YC: I’ve endured countless trials and tribulations. I’ve suffered from low self esteem, abuse and mental battles. At one time, I thought that I would never be free. However, I never gave up. We grew up poor in a little town called Graceville, but I knew that I wanted more. So with all odds against me, I went to college and after I received my Associates degree, I knew that I could finish college, so I received, my bachelor’s, masters and doctorate degree. So I’m a living testimony. In the midst of pain and adversity, Trust God and strive to reach your Destiny in God. I give God all the Glory for what He has done In my life. God did what nothing

CH: In conclusion Dr. Capehart, could you give us a little insight on what your message will be for the many ladies who will attend this year’s Women of Wisdom 4th Annual Conference?

YC: I encourage everyone to attend the conference and hear the Word that the Lord has given me for this year’s Women of Wisdom conference. If you’ve wanted more and you’ve asked God to give you direction, then you need to be there. Meet me there!!!

To contact Dr. Yvonne Capehart regarding her women’s ministry or for speaking engagements, email her at sisterkeeper@aol.com.