Gentlewoman, Maricia Perez

You know when you meet someone and you just hit it off?  Well that would be the best way I could describe the relationship that has been established between myself and Maricia.  Maricia happens to be my husband’s cousin, but due to certain reasons, I never got to really know Maricia.  But that all changed on Easter Day of this year, which was the day, my family found our second home at Fellowship Church.  We were unaware that my husband’s family from his biological dad was attending this church and I tell you, it was all a part of God’s divine purpose.  From finding a church that we love, to being surrounded by our family and friends, God really had an amazing plan for us. 

Getting to know Maricia over these last few months has truly been a gift.  She is a FLAVOUR Sisterhood leader (and yes, I’m in her group), an active volunteer at church, her daughters are beautiful and sweet and most recently Maricia found herself a man at church.  (Go Maricia!)  Maricia has become my inspiration to begin volunteering and she’s been someone who I feel so comfortable talking with.  We share so much love for Christ that it has brought us so close together.

Maricia, you are my sister from the same mister (God) and I wish nothing but the best for you and your family. I’m so happy God brought my family to Fellowship so we could keep a relationship with a different part of Chris’ family.  Thank you for your motivation, your inspiration and for everything you do.  You are truly a woman of God!

Me and Maricia volunteering at Fellowship Church

1.   For those who don’t know you, can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

Well, the best way I can describe myself, I would have to say that I am a servant.

I serve in the house = volunteer 

I serve my children = mom

I serve my family and friends = always cooking and having gatherings

I serve my clients = hair dresser for 16 years

2.   You are an active volunteer and church goer. What was the turning point in becoming so devoted to church/Christ? The turning point was during Fellowship’s service at Klyde Warren Park. I took the kids and we volunteered. We meet so many people and had so much fun. It did not seem like we were there for 7 hours. It was amazing to see thousands of people hear the word of salvation. It still gives me chills when I think about it. I made my mind up to put everything in God’s hands. Serving is a reward for my soul. The church is my home.

3.   You are a mother of three girls. Can you tell me about them and what your hopes are for their future?

Erin 15, Julia 11, and Sophia who is almost 3. They are all so different. Erin is a teenager who wants so much to be a grown up. Julia is in that transition stage and Sophia is full of life and energy. My hope for them is to stay grounded with their relationship with Christ, to inspire and be a blessing to others and to have compassionate hearts.

4.  What is the hardest situation you have experienced? How were you able to get through that situation? My breaking point turned out to be my break through point. I was six months pregnant with my third child, depressed, financially broke and my husband decided he no longer wanted to be with me. After a horrible fight with him I was literally on the bathroom floor crying. I have to admit I really couldn't see a future for myself. (I didn't want to see one.) All of a sudden I heard a loud voice "Maricia Get Up!" Thinking it was my step father on the other side of the door I got up, stopped crying, and washed my face. When I opened the door and walked to the front of my house I realized no one was there. The loud voice was my Father, my heavenly father. God was telling me to "get up".  He was there with me at my lowest point and He never left my side. He is my rock. I now realize that was the best moment in my life.

5.  What do you think women in our generation need to hear?

This may sound old fashion but, Go to church! Put God first. Ask Him to come into your life, develop and relationship with him. If you do not own a bible get one. All the answers were left for us in that book.

6.  What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the passion that I have for God's house. It consumes me. I love serving. It has changed my life in so many ways. I love the friendships that I have found, I love what it is doing for my whole family and  I love bringing people closer to Christ. So you could say I am Very Proud to wear my Fellowship name badge.

7.   We both share a love for church, Christ and faith. What was your biggest challenge with letting go of the old and embracing the new?

Letting go of past baggage, embracing what God is doing to me and pouring it out to others.

8.  Who inspires you and why?

There are a handful of ladies at church who inspire me. I look at them and see passion for what they are doing at church. From how they are changing lives in the children's ministry, helping out at the Mix or encouraging women at Flavour - their devotion is inspiring to me. 

9.  Please describe in your words the joy, love and peace that comes from being a Christ follower?

Once I figured out that God loved me so much that he sacrificed his only beloved son that thought overwhelmed my heart and took over my soul with joy, love, and peace. It is truly something great.

10. What is the best piece of advice you have received? 

       God works “MIRACLES". It's up to us to receive them.