We had the good fortune of connecting with Vernet Clemons Nettles and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vernet, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?

“One is glad to be of service.” From the movie Bicentennial Man

There is so much packed into this statement. Each of us is one person, one unit. However, when we allow ourselves to be of service, the one can serve so many. We never know how our “one” can impact the masses. There is also much to consider regarding service. Individually, each of us should be willing to serve, to help, and to support each other; after all, we are our brother’s keeper – and we should be glad about it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I am a recently retired 33-year education professional. I have wanted to be in education since elementary school. My first-grade teacher spent additional time working with me on my reading skills. She saw my potential and the extra time she spent with me has blessed my life and career. As a child, my parents insisted that we spend summers and extracurricular activities being productive. During some of those classes, I wrote poetry. In high school and in college I continued to write, although I never expected to publish.

When I finally decided that I would seek publishing, my personal experiences and life trials bubbled over into a devotional, which began my journey as a devotional author. My book of poetry was published along the way, and my children’s books are my most recent explorations.

I can truly say that my biggest challenge was getting over myself. I have not always wanted to share my life story. I didn’t believe that my challenges were ‘large enough’ to share. However, on this writing journey, I have realized that ‘Life’ happens to all of us, and it is our charge to share it. We don’t know who needs to hear our story. As readers have approached me to say how much they enjoyed the devotionals and poetry, or how much the devotionals helped them, or how inspired they are about what I have been doing – I am becoming convinced that I MUST tell my story. I must speak and write because it is not for me to know who I encourage; however, they cannot be encouraged if the story is never told. Scripture tells us that our struggles are not about us. The struggles are an opportunity for people to see God’s glory in his deliverance. I must admit that sharing my story – in writing or during speaking engagements is still a challenge. But I truly believe that it is a part of my purpose – to encourage others.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Montgomery is a great place to discover. I would be so very excited for my best friend or my sisters to show up. As I am not native to Montgomery, I have wanted to complete the traditional Civil Rights tour in the city. To explore EJI’s The National Memorial for Peace and Justice and The Legacy Museum, or to pass through Martin L. King, Jr’s home is a walk through heritage and history. Being retired will actually give me more time to finally explore the heart of Montgomery.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This Shout Out is for my daughter – Ariel. Ariel supports me and loves me despite our missteps. It is amazing to realize that as a parent, we focus on what we should be teaching our children – they are also teaching us patience, perseverance, and the true meaning of unconditional love. Raising Ariel, I have had to rethink my automatic responses and behaviors. I have become more thoughtful and accepting because of the conversations we’ve had as we sought to understand each other.

One of my favorite moments was listening to Ariel introduce me at my first book signing. I was amazed as Ariel articulated my writing journey – the sleepless mornings, the all-night episodes, and the trials and errors. It was amazing how much she paid attention and how much she cared about each step I had been making. Although Ariel struggles with her personal emotional concerns, she finds time to pay attention to and support her sister/friends that she has invited into her personal circle. As I watch her continue to build her friendships and her future, I am constantly amazed as she continues to grow and mature into all that God has planned for her.

Website: www.vernetcnettles.com www.vcndailypray.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vernet-nettles-edd-b2547b33/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vernet.nettles

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