Leaving the Pole, Stepping into the Pulpit…
Let me tell y’all something: jumping into a whole new career at this age is not for the faint of heart. But here I am, Leslie, a Black woman over 50, diving headfirst into my second act as a chaplain. And guess what? I’m taking you along for the ride—messy moments, miracles, and all—through my real-time vlog. Think of it as your behind-the-scenes pass to the life of a chaplain, where every day is a mix of tears, triumphs, and “Lord, help me” prayers.
Here’s the tea: after almost two decades running my own business in a very non-traditional field (let’s just say it involved a lot of pole work—and not the kind politicians do), I felt a deeper calling. It wasn’t some random whim or a midlife crisis—it was a pull. You know the kind where your soul whispers, “Girl, there’s more for you to do.” So, I packed up my spreadsheets and sequins, went back to seminary, and here I am—living out this wild, sacred adventure.
But let me be clear: this path hasn’t exactly been smooth. Starting over? At this age? Whew, chile. There’s been a lot of self-doubt, plenty of ugly crying, and a few “Why, Lord?!” moments. But I’ve learned to channel all of that into creating what I wish I’d had when I started—resources, encouragement, and a space to talk about the good, the bad, and the deeply holy work of chaplaincy. My vlog is where I spill it all, raw and unfiltered, because if I had to figure this out on my own, you don’t have to.
One thing I keep telling myself (and y’all) is this: it’s never too late to answer a new calling. Never. Sure, the process is messy, and sometimes I feel like I’m winging it (okay, a lot of times). But there’s something beautiful about leaning into the unknown and trusting that God’s got you—even when it feels like He’s taking His sweet time.
So, if you’re curious about chaplaincy, thinking about a career pivot, or just nosy about what this Black woman over 50 is up to, my vlog is for you. I’m sharing it all: the highs, the lows, and everything in between. This journey is about faith, resilience, and discovering what’s possible when you stop waiting for permission and just go for it.
Tune in. Get inspired. And maybe, just maybe, let my story give you the nudge you need to start your own next chapter. Because trust me, sis—if I can do it, so can you. Let’s get it.