We had the good fortune of connecting with Michele Rucker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michele, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
Yes, I am a parent. I am the proud mother of three great children, now grown. I have to say that the most important thing I have done as a parent was to give them truth. I was transparent. When there were good times, we celebrated. However, when there were struggles, I did not hide them. They walked through them not with hopelessness but with hope. We focused on getting through not and pitching a tent. I showed them what faith looks like.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I am the CEO of Dancing on the Promise Ministries International. DOP, affectionately called, is a non-profit organization that has a culture of family and community. So, everything we do, we do with that in mind. We are an educational organization that educates, empowers, activates and releases individuals into destiny. DOP works with an individual to impact their family to impact their community to reach the world. We are a faith-based organization. The foundation of the Word of God is taught for victorious living. We also have classes, events and programs in dance, drama, writing, life skills development and mentoring.

What I am most proud of is the DOP Institute for Kingdom Living. It is a school that grew from four little girls in my living room teaching dance to an educational program that teaches you how to live, live well and live for Christ. You will learn your identity, see your value and live out your potential. I love seeing lives of people evolved from someone shattered to someone whole. I get to instill in them the treasures of faith, hope, love that was given to me through my mentors.

As you know working with people is challenging. It can be draining as well however, to see a life transformed is always worth the struggle. I just keep my eyes on the prize. People did not give up on me. I can’t give up on them. Prayer, my faith in Jesus and a healthy community of people keep me encouraged.

I think the biggest lesson I learned along the way is OBEDIENCE. When you are obedient to God through His Word and the people He has put in your life, you cannot go wrong. You will always be in the right place at the right time, doing the right thing with the right people. God wastes nothing. “Everything serves His plans (Psalm 119:91b)

What I want the world to know is, everyone has greatness in you. No matter where you come from or what you have done or had not done. It is never too late to live out that greatness. You are more than a mother, father, employee, etc. That is what you may do or function as. Who you are truly born to be is locked inside you, screaming to get out. Godly mentorship can help bring you forth. Who I am is not as an important as who’s I am. I belong to God. He has created me. He has called me to you, whoever you may be. The only name I want to make great is HIS NAME, Jesus. When you know Him you will know all there is to know about me. For I was created in His Image and likeness. Guess what? So are you!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Wow! Because I am a creative. I love art and culture. I am a foodie too. Our time spent at the ballet, movies, plays, dinner and jazz. Brunch would be a must. If possible, we would visit the mountains of Blue Ridge, beach of Tybee, walk through the Marrietta Square to eat, then we will spend what time we had left, talking until dawn in our pajamas. The excitement will not be the places we go, it will be who I am with. When you are with a true friend, together we can make fun out of anything. The number one place that is the beach. There, we can sit for days and do nothing and have the best time ever.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Funny, you should ask that question. I was just remembering the last 25 years of my life because Dancing on the Promise will be celebrating our 25th anniversary this September. Throughout these 25 years I have been mentored by some the greatness people that you may not see on a large platform, however the impact they had on my life was tremendous. I thank Father God for bringing them into my life for building me up and being excellent examples. First, of course, my parents Albert & Mildred Tucker. They instilled courage, consistency and wisdom. Their wisdom was my compass. Pastors Rayfield and Yulonda Lewis, they help bring out the warrior in me through the developing my relationship with Christ. They were my example of a Godly marriage during my struggles in my marriage. They taught me perseverance, endurance and true love. Then there was the late Apostle Sherida Miller. She brought out the leader and teacher in me. Apostle Miller did not let me say, “I can’t do it.” She showed me what faith can do. God did not miss a beat with me. Around the time of Apostle Miller’s passing, I met Priscilla and Teresa Jones. A mother and daughter team that was and continues to be an anchor for me. These ladies taught me how to walk in the love of God. These women were there for me in every turn of my life. They fortified my purpose in life and would not let me give up. Their prayers keep me on the path that had been set for me. I will remember always these words from them, “Stay humble, Shell.” Finally, the constants in my life, Apostle Gerald & Renee Gordon. I call them Dad & Mom because they have been watching over my soul for almost 20 years now. When I have questions, concerns or woes, I can call them anytime. Dad & Mom have talked me off of many ledges. As far as wisdom, they have continued where my parents have left off. The Godly counsel is priceless. They help me steward what God has given me well.

Website: http://bit.ly/DancingonthePromise

Other: https://linktr.ee/apostlemichelespeaks

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