Welcome back to "My Cotton Patch Moment," where faith, community, and wisdom intersect. In today's heartfelt episode, I welcome a truly inspiring guest, Pastor Vandy Carl Simmons of Antioch AME Church in Stone Mountain, Georgia. With eight impactful years under his leadership, Pastor Simmons has not only enriched his congregation's spiritual lives but also spearheaded community initiatives like youth literacy programs and the Trinity Early Learning Center.

Together, Pastor Simmons and I delve into the daily practices and spiritual resilience required as a community leader, emphasizing the importance of starting the day with scripture, finding strength in exercise, and the profound value of fellowship. Hear how Pastor Simmons crafts his engaging sermons, inspired by the world around him, and the deep connections forged with his congregation.

The episode also explores themes of vulnerability, liberation through transparent relationships, and the critical impact of a supportive faith community. Join us for an enriching conversation that not only highlights the power of spirituality over religion but also invites you to rediscover the beauty of community and connection. Discover how you, too, can cross over to your 'what’s next' and find hope and joy in every new day.

Find Antioch AME Church in these places:

Website: https://www.antioch-ame.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AntiochAME/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antioch_ame/

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This podcast is hosted by Mildred J. Mills. Mildred writes raw and poignant stories describing monumental highs and devastating lows as she takes her reader and listener on a journey of laughter and tears. Mildred survived a childhood of picking cotton on her strict, domineering father’s farm and thrived in a male-dominant IT industry for forty years.

You can find Mildred's memoir, "Daddy’s House: A Daughter’s Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs & Rising Above Her Roots" here.

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If you would love to connect with Mildred, join her in these following spaces:

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Have you been inspired by this Cotton Patch Moment? If so, Mildred encourages you to leave a review, comment, email and tell her about it! Also, share this episode with someone you love. You never know who needs to hear an inspiring word.

The music and sound effects for this episode came from Epidemic Sound, Soundstripe and/or Pixabay. Crackers In Soup is the audio editor and producer for this episode.