Meet Marquies Byrd | Social Worker, Author, Speaker

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

Hi Marquies, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Taking risk is scary, yet rewarding when the outcome is what you hoped for or close to it. The unknown and unexpected leaves you in a state of vulnerability and makes you feel weak at times. In my life, I’ve had moments of playing it safe and not wanting to take the plunge but my desire for something better and greater often compels me to push through anyway. I’d rather take the chance than berate myself for allowing fears to hold me back. The primary fear that many people have and I have struggled with is how we would be perceived by others. If we could focus on learning from failures and remembering that as long as we have breathe in our bodies we have another opportunity to succeed then more people would take the risk instead of holding back.

My risk was in not allowing the traumas of my past and unwise choices to stop my education. I was able to earn a bachelors and master degree in social work and even become licensed. In March of 2023, I became a co-author in the book Woman R.I.S.E. In this anthology, I shared my story of overcoming childhood sexual abuse and learning to push past doubts, insecurities, rejection issues, and low self esteem and embrace the woman God created me to be. I shared with the world what I had only recently revealed to my parents a month before the book collaboration. Helping to free another person by sharing my story was very risky for me, yet I felt God leading me to do so. Most recently, I have published an inspirational/Christian book about understanding God’s word. With any new endeavor there are some doubts and uncertainties that will have you questioning your decisions and what you write but when you know your purpose, recognize your passion, and understand how your gift will change lives then the only thing to do is get to work.

I’m at the beginning stages of business ownership and new to the idea of building a brand. It is definitely scary, but my desire in business is to build a brand that will shine the light on God not myself. There is so much to learn and there are times that I feel ill-equipped; however, taking a page from the tortoise and the hare, slow and steady will get me to the finish line every time.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve worked in the social work field for 14 years with children and families involved in the Headstart program, youth/adolescent mental health, and most recently child welfare. In the past my positions allowed me to have direct contact with children and families. With my current position in child welfare I have an indirect behind the scenes role. However, my position is just as rewarding in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children.

I’m am most proud of seeing the joy on a parent or child when what seemed like a hopeless situation has a positive outcome. In social work, we see more negative outcomes than the positive, but those positive outcomes have a way of reminding you of your purpose and your why. I have a spiritual gift of exhortation and this gift has allowed me to reach the heart of a person when nothing else seems to work. I have had the pleasure of meeting children and families from all around the state of Mississippi and knowing that in some way my words, my compassion, and my skills have impacted their life for the better brings me great joy.

Social work is not an easy job and not everyone is equipped to take on the task. When many think of a social worker, they automatically think that all they do is take people’s children. It is so much more than that. Social workers carry a lot of second hand trauma due to being so heavily involved in people’s lives, listening to their traumas, having to make difficult decisions, knowing that wrong decisions could negative impact or potentially cost a life, and still maintain professionalism while having to address issues in their own personal life. It is important to keep the personal and professional life separate and not carry home the cares of the job. In theory, that seems simple. Practically speaking, it isn’t always easy. Having an outlet and practicing self-care helps. My self-care has been prayer, lunch break devotions, and surrounding my environment with positivity. Social workers see so much negativity and it can overload the mind and affect our thoughts. I choose to cleanse my mind. Another great help is therapy to process my own thoughts, feelings, and emotional triggers.

Working with people of various backgrounds and in my own life, I’ve learned that we are all in some way shaped by trauma. Some people are a little better at address or handling the trauma than others and some don’t recognize the trauma exists and think that they have no issues. Remembering my own imperfections keeps me humble because anybody with the right situation could be on the other side of the desk seeking help. Additionally, I realize that I’ve had a certain level of influence with the people I’ve served and have been called to serve. With that being said, God holds me accountable for how I treat people. Whether my day is going well or not, I need to take my problems to him and not the people I serve, the people I work with, or my family.

Social work is my passion but just a part of what I do. I’ve always enjoyed writing, teaching, and helping others. Combining my social work skills, gift of exhortation, and love of writing has me transitioning into becoming an author and inspirational/motivational speaker. My desire is to be a shining light that guides others to Jesus in every aspect of their life. My business is named My Guiding Light, LLC. I’ve started with my first book My Guiding Light: A Four Step Application Guide On How To Use God’s Word To Thrive in Life. This is the first of many books that will be a part of a series. On Tuesdays at 7pm, I teach My Guiding Light Bible Study through Zoom and Facebook live. Lastly, I do speaking engagements for churches, organizations or small groups.

Surviving childhood traumas, overcoming marital problems, parenting struggles, and health issues has strengthened my faith and influenced me to help others overcome as well. Whether it’s in my books, during bible study, or while speaking, I transparently share examples from my own life as an encouragement to others. My passion is to encourage, motivate, and elevate people from all walks of life, helping them realize who they are and whose they are in Christ, regardless of their past.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am very family oriented so many of the places that I visit are family friendly. Around holidays being surrounded by family and playing games is what I enjoy most.

I love grilling at LeFleurs Bluff State Park and the Reservoir on a warm and not overly hot day, playing volleyball or tossing the Frisbee. Walking around the Renaissance in Ridgeland or the Outlet Mall of Pearl is relaxing and you can squeeze in some retail therapy. Although it’s a little scary for me, the challenge of making in through an escape room at 601 Escape Rooms is exhilarating. Duling Hall has live music and great events. Johnny T’s is also a good place for food and live music. First Friday on Farish is a fun and great way to patron and meet local black entrepreneurs as they showcase their food trucks and products on the first Friday of the month on the historic Farish St.

For a down home good southern meal Bully’s Restaurant and Sugar’s Place are great places to visit. I love the oxtails at Godfreys. Jefferson’s Grill is located inside of a gas station and Roche’s ribs are the best. Everything he serves is great but those ribs are what I love the most. I could go on and on about food because I love to eat.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I always have to give thanks and praise to God for His hand on my life.

I want to thank my husband. He is my number one cheerleader, prayer warrior, encourager, and supporter. Through the highs and lows of the past 20 years, he has been the one holding my hand and giving me the love and security I needed.

My parents, who have always been a constant support and encouragement. They’ve are always right there to cheer me on, provide wisdom and guidance, and covering me in prayers.

I’m grateful for my speaking coach Carlotta Taylor and being a part of No More Flinching Academy. Being a part of NMF has enabled me to flourish in my abilities as a speaker.

Instagram: @ladybyrd.inspired

Linkedin: @Marquies Byrd, LMSW

Facebook: @MarquiesPayneByrd

Youtube: @My Guiding Light

Other: Email: myguidinglight23@gmail.com

Image Credits
Brittany Sherrod @ Tiger Bloo Arts Company