We had the good fortune of connecting with Rev. Dr. Maxine Osbourne Foster and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rev. Dr. Maxine Osbourne, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
Yes, I do! I read a quote by Anthony Gucciardi some time ago that says: “The Butterfly does not look back at the caterpillar in shame, just as you should not look back at your past in shame. Your past was part of your own transformation.”

Look at a caterpillar, we would say it is ugly, even scary, but look at what it is transformed into…a beautiful, colorful butterfly! So many times, we’ve allowed our past to rob us of our joy, happiness, love, confidence, achievements, self-esteem, peace, emotional well-being, success, destiny, purpose and so much more. But this quote encourages me not to look back at the ugly stuff in my past and allow it to ruin my future but to take all those experiences and allow them to transform me into someone authentic, beautiful, bold and courageous, compassionate, loving, etc.

What I like about this quote is that no matter what my past looks like, I can be transformed into someone beautiful and wholesome. I have decided not to let my past define my future nor my current situation, my destiny. I am being transformed every day!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is TransforMe, LLC. I offer Pastoral Counselling, a unique form of therapy, which uses biblical resources as well as psychological understanding for healing and growth where the basis and focus of all therapy is the Bible, the infallible Word of God. I specialize in marriage & family, and crises and abuse therapy. I also life coaching and motivational speaking and am available for conferences, retreats, seminars and workshops. I am also a wedding officiant. TransforMe is about helping others to experience real transformation by the renewing of their minds and receiving healing and restoration in body and spirit. I pride myself in taking care of the whole man!

What sets us apart from others, is the fact that we are not restricted from using the Bible, offering prayers or having devotions with our clients. In secular counseling, such spiritual enrichment is usually offered only when requested by the client. While the end goal maybe the same, the approach and underlying principles may differ.

What I’m most proud of in counseling is the many lives that I’ve touched, and the great relationships formed especially among the young people in helping them find ways to fund their educational goals, having motivational talks, mentoring, being a good listener and advisor to them. My work in counseling is currently on an appointment basis due to working full time with my husband in his pain management practice. But I’m excited and looking forward to spending more time in counseling in the near future.

I can say I have accomplished a lot to this point, but it was not without challenges. Running any business comes with its various challenges but thankfully, all that I do can be done virtually which eliminates the need for a store front and all the overhead expenses that goes with it. The pandemic has significantly change how we do business and plunged us into a virtual world. In spite of the ease and convenience, there is still no better way to counsel than to have a face-to-face encounter. Overcoming challenges in my world is a balancing act. Balancing church, work, school and community was tough, but I persevered. I’ve had many sleepless nights, no social life, may times I wanted to quit but the drive and passion in me, did not allow it. My success in wearing all these hats and overcoming many challenges took discipline, commitment, consistency, faith and a lot of prayers. So, I’m thankful for my upbringing that gave me a firm foundation to build on.

Along this journey, I’ve learnt many lessons. The first one is that giving up is not an option. No matter how grim things may look, I press on with determination and a persistent heart for the goals I want to achieve. I’ve learnt the importance of Communication, Commitment and Consistency. I’ve learnt that integrity, transparency and accountability are necessary for my business and my personal survival. I’ve learnt the value of collaboration because I don’t know everything, and I don’t have all the skills and resources so working together with others is important.

What I would like the world to know about my story is that it is one of humble beginnings powered by resilience and having a God centered focus. My success hinges on the long-lasting relationships that I’ve build with people, both professionally and personally. I’m a genuine person and I treat others with respect. People confide in me, they trust me with their stuff, I don’t judge them, I pray for them and just show care. People will always remember how you make them feel and if it’s bad, that relationship will be lost, sometimes forever.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Honestly, I am not a big fan of dining out. I’m a very picky eater. But I do enjoy Negril Village for some spicy Caribbean flavors or Ray’s on the River. I’m mostly pescatarian but would be open to other than seafood restaurants . Hopefully my friends are not big on fast foods, or I will be fasting for the whole week!

I would definitely take my friends downtown Atlanta to visit some of our historic sites like the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. historic site and National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the Coca Cola Factory, CNN and the beautiful Botanical Gardens. One of my favorite attractions to visit is the Georgia Aquarium and the best show always is the Dolphin show.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
For me, it was a village that contributed to my success. Family matters! My siblings are awesome supporters of anything I do. My mom is no longer with us, but I must say she was the backbone of our family. She was one of the hardest working, kind, caring, resilient, most charitable person I have ever known. I am thankful for the values, faith and independence she instilled in me in my younger years. I am the woman I am today because of the foundation she set for us.

Shout out to my Purposeful Women sisters here in Atlanta. I am thankful for the bond of friendship and safe space where we share freely in expressing our Christian beliefs and values; offer encouragement, pray for each other, and give back to homeless women in Atlanta every Thanksgiving.

Also, shout out to my husband D. Terrence Foster, MD, Pain Management and Stress Consultant, best-selling multiple award-winning Author for his support in the various charities we engage in and the work he has been doing in helping others manage their pain so they can enjoy their lives.

Website: https://www.transformellc.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxine-osbourne-foster-658395218

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maxine.osbourne.9

Image Credits
Robert Herbert, Atlanta Photographers Network

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