What I Learned from T.D. Jakes at the Final International Leadership Summit
The Moment That Shocked Me
The final International Leadership Summit (ILS) by Bishop T.D. Jakes was more than a conference. It was a confirmation. A sacred appointment that gave language to things I’ve been carrying silently. ILS brought me clarity, order, and a reminder of just how intentional God is in every detail of my journey.
It wasn’t the size of the crowd that made it powerful—it was the intimacy of the Spirit. Leaders of all races, ages, and backgrounds filled the room, and yet God made space for me.
At one of the altar calls, as Dr. Joel Tudman reached out and touched me, I was completely immersed in the presence of God. Moments later, I received a text from a woman who said she had just seen me on the big screen. She was a fellow alum from the Community Violence Intervention (CVI) Leadership Academy—Cohort 1—my sister in the fight against gun violence, a woman who has dedicated her life to saving lives.
I had just graduated from Cohort 2, and the last time we saw each other was at the White House in Washington, D.C., where we convened for President Biden’s executive order signing.
She had traveled from another state. I flew in from Seattle. And yet, we found ourselves in the same room, at the same time, for the same reason: God’s pull.
That divine intersection reminded me—when you walk in purpose, God will place people to witness your calling unfold in real time.
Day 1: The Fight Is Part of the Calling
“The fun is in the fight. Until you see the fun in the fight, you’ll be miserable your whole life.” – T.D. Jakes
The theme of the opening day, “Changing of the Guard,” set the tone: this wasn’t just about influence—it was about responsibility.
Key Messages:
Leadership isn’t a title—it’s a commission.
You may be so focused on catching fish that you don’t notice the holes in your net.
The enemy tries to steal your joy, so you abandon your assignment.
Are you doing what you’re pulled to do—or just what you have to do?
“Your net is built around your preferences. But if you want the kind of net God wants you to have, you need to shift.”
This day reminded me that we’re not just called to lead—we’re called to build systems that sustain the weight of our influence.
Day 2: Build Structure That Honors the Mission
“God gives you trouble to train you.”
John Hope Bryant:
“Poor is a state of mind. Broke is economic.”
Wealth is built in your sleep. Not while you hustle—while your systems work.
Action steps included:
Create a will
Get life insurance
Invest in real estate near transportation
Take financial dominion as an act of legacy
“PHDs are good, but PHDoo's are better.”
Melody Hobson & T.D. Jakes Fireside Chat:
“You can't have triumph without tragedy.”
Stay humble while soaring. Her wings were in the air, but her feet were grounded.
“Money talks, but wealth whispers.”
Be a learn-it-all, not a know-it-all.
This day was about spiritual and practical stewardship. It called us to build systems that match our mission.
Day 3: Stand Anyway
“If God can be for you, who can be against you?” – Romans 8:31
This final day was tender. Heavy. Personal.
T.D. Jakes gave a parting charge to every leader in the room: don’t run from the assignment just because it gets hard.
Key Takeaways:
You won't always be surrounded. People take, but don’t always stand with you.
God will give it back—maybe not the same way, but He’ll return what you poured.
“Only way for you to know that God is faithful is to get in trouble.”
Leadership comes with storms, suffering, and seasons, but obedience must remain.
“If I were you, I wouldn’t wait too long. Do it all now.”
That final push reminded me to move with urgency. Every calling has an expiration date.
A Final Reflection: You Are the Answer to the Problem
This summit affirmed something I’ve long sensed but often doubted—my calling isn’t random. It’s a solution.
As a mother, nonprofit leader, survivor, and woman of faith, I now see my responsibility with new eyes. I’ve been positioned—not just professionally, but spiritually—to lead, to build, and to stand anyway.
I left ILS carrying more than notes. I left carrying assignment clarity and a renewed reverence for divine order.
Scriptures That Anchored Me:
If You’re Reading This...
You might not have been in the room, but the word still applies to you.
Check your net.
Build structure.
Fix the holes.
Walk in the pull of God.
And whatever you do—don’t wait.
