This is my season

One of the photos photographer Mary Margaret Chambliss took for my profile story in Style Blueprint in September 2014.

By Chanda Temple

When good things happen, you want to shout them from the rooftop.

In my case, I think I need a bullhorn. Here’s why:

1) I saw Oprah in person

Oprah recently kicked off her Life You Want Weekend Tour 2014 in Atlanta, Ga. It was phenomenal. Over two days, Oprah and her “Trailblazer” speakers planted seeds of encouragement and wisdom that will bear fruit for not only me but the thousands of folks catching her tour this fall. Be on the lookout for my personal post on this experience in the next week or so.

2) I was featured in an online magazine

StyleBlueprint’s “FACES of Birmingham,’‘ profiles people doing amazing things in the community. I’m honored for the recognition and the story, which ran on Sept. 8, 2014.

3) I’ve been selected as one of Birmingham’s 20 Women Who Make a Difference.

I’m still in shock over this one. So honored to have been nominated and so thrilled to have been selected. All of the women on the list will be recognized during a luncheon on Oct. 22.

4) I organized and moderated my first panel discussion on Birmingham’s civil rights movement.

I work in public relations for a nonprofit organization, which was having a panel discussion on race, redemption and the civil rights movement to coincide with a day of reflection in Birmingham, Ala. When I asked one of the speakers which person they wanted to moderate the session, he said, “Well, I think you’d do a good job.”

I was speechless, yet honored to be considered as the moderator of a panel discussion with two Birmingham authors. In the end, everything worked out well. People said they enjoyed the panel, and one lady said she could tell I had read both books. My organization of the event and participation are both proof that you should never fear the unknown because it will lead to greater things.

I don’t take any of this for granted. I’m truly blessed for all that has happened. In fact, I think of William Murphy’s ‘It’s Working” song. It fits what’s growing for me and around me right now.

“I’ve got a seed in the ground, now I’m knowing and it’s showing,” is one of the lyrics. “This is my season for grace, for favor. This is my season to reap what I have sown.”

So, these are my top four “happy” moments to report right now. But there’s still more in the works. Stay tuned

Chanda Temple is a former reporter now working in public relations. She blogs about being better in business and more at http://www.chandatemplewrites.com. Follow her on Twitter at @chandatemple. Contact her at chandatemple@gmail.com.