I was listening to a person sometime ago, and I have to admit that, as they spoke of how they were so blessed because of the way they served God, including paying all their tithes and their other good deeds, I wished that I, too, did everything right. As I wistfully listened, I wanted so much to be "good", but the reality was that I didn't give all of my money to the church and I don't think very highly of the wicked and people who do bad things to children and the elderly. Sometimes I can think of a few things to say to people who are downright disrespectful, mean and rude. Yes, I can think of many ways that I fall short and yet, I know that I have been called by God! Then, God brought to my remembrance that His blessings and His relationship with me do not depend on how good I am or try to project to be, but rather, on His goodness, mercy and grace! Like a roaring train, the truth that none are saved by their good deeds reverberated within, but rather, by faith in and acceptance of a God who is GOOD! Haleujah!!!!Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Bio of Dr. Emily Grant DeCarlo
Literacy Instructor for RoseBridge Community Arts, a program of the Hopewell Museum of Art and Intercultural History
Author, poet, educator, spiritual adviser, evangelist, consultant
B.A. Social Welfare Systems-Hampton University-Hampton, Virginia
M.Ed. Guidance Counseling-Hampton University-Hampton, Virginia
M.Ed. Special Education-Virginia State University- Petersburg, Virginia
Three year Leadership Training Institute- Chesterfield County Public Schools Leadership Program in conjunction with University of Richmond’s Jefferson School of Leadership
PhD.-Christian Education- 2007 Living Waters Biblical Institute-Petersburg, Va.
Special Education Teacher: Chesterfield County Public Schools- 1996-2011
Special Education Teacher: Petersburg Public Schools- 2011-2013
Associate Minister- Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Hopewell, Va. 2003-present
Co-pastor- Bible Covenant Believers in Christ Deliverance Ministries, Petersburg, Virginia
Founder of The Grant DeCarlo Institute for the Healing Arts -2013
Licensed in ministry-July 1998-New Hope Christian Center-Hopewell, VA
Ordained as minister-May2007-Living Waters Biblical Institute, Petersburg, Va.
Inducted into Tau Sigma Delta honor society for contributions to Literature (Virginia State University Chapter)
Book: “Let it Shine” used as supplemental text for English 211 (creative writing class) at Virginia State University
Poem: “Epiphany” published in Essence magazine, January 2008 edition (page 116)
Published works (poetry): “Secret Dimensions”; “Full Moon Rising”; “True Stories”; “So You Can Know Me”; “Come Sunday Morning”
Research based published works: “Using Poetry to Promote Reading and Language Acquisition”
Other published works: “The Crab Effect” (inspirational book on handling the haters in your life based on the story of Joseph in the Bible);
Poetry CD entitled “Journey” 2009
Blog: “The DeCarlo Files” emilydecarlo.blogspot.com
Founder and executive director of WEN (Women’s Empowerment Network)-1992
Guest speaker and lecturer: various colleges, universities and churches throughout the United States.
Poetry for Healing Workshop and Books
Contact Information:
emilydecarlo.blogspot.com
Facebook.com
Myspace.com/emilydecarlo
Selfgrowth.com
Cell:804-605-7227
Email:emlydcrl@aol.com