Monday, June 4, 2018

Women of the Word - Michelle Cauley

I met Michelle when I participated in a workshop that Michelle hosted at our church's annual women's retreat. Michelle's demeanor is calm, knowledgeable and engaging. We participated in an exercise where we focused on who we are in Christ, regardless of our scars. This exercise allowed many to open up, share and connect on a deeper level. So impressed was I with this activity, that I spoke with her after that session. She's a busy lady, but after connecting and later interviewing, you, like me will be pleased to have met this month's Woman of the Word - Michelle Cauley.

Michelle Cauley




1. As someone who studies the Bible, what are your favorite tools and resources?
MC: My favorite resource is praise and worship. Often, the lyrics, the music, the expression, and the ministering that comes from a song is a testament and can make a difference in our lives. I love praise and worship. Additionally, the New International Version(NIV) makes for easy reading and understanding and the online You Version of the Bible.


2. Old Testament, New Testament or both?
MC: Both. I grew up studying and exposed to both. I do not have a preference and learn from both. They both show God’s amazing grace.


3. Why do you study the Bible? What was your initial motivation?MC: You know how in the back of each bible, there is an annual reading plan? As a young child, my mother challenged me each year to start January 1st with Genesis 1:1; by the time we arrived at December 31st, we would have completed the final book of Revelations. But honestly, I’ve never made it from start to finish in that manner. My mom completed this task, every single year. It was such an inspiration. She was indeed my first teacher and a daily example of a woman of God.
I study to learn for myself and to deepen my relationship with God.


4. How does inspiration work for you? How do you know that what you're writing or understanding or sharing with others is as if God is moving and you're just the vehicle?
MC: I’ve never thought about how inspiration works for me. But I know it works. It just comes to me. Sometimes, almost like a whisper, other times, an idea out of nowhere (whether I’m asleep or just had an aha moment). As I reflect, I often get inspired when I’ve allowed myself to pause and/or disconnect OR when I’m working with someone and am being completely present and mindful in our dialogue and inspiration happens.
I have had many moments that I think of or were even shared with me, where it seemed as if I had the right answer. How did I know to give that specific feedback to someone during a conversation? Or where did it come from? When I reflect, I know it was God and that I am merely the vehicle and He is working through me. It really is amazing to witness and see and feel when it happens.


5. How do you handle complex topics that may not align with popular views? Can you give an example?
MC: Given the world we live in today and my field as a psychotherapist, I am often faced and presented with complex topics that aren’t aligned with popular views. I think, "who am I to judge?" So, I listen, I ask questions, and try to understand from that person’s perspective.


6. When confronted by the truth of scripture, even for difficult topics, how does it re-orient you?
MC: Well, it all depends on the concern at hand. Sometimes, I can be defiant, sometimes I pout (inside, but maybe outside also), other times, I immediately get it, and I laugh to myself and say, okay, thank you, God. That self-talk dialogue starts in my head and of course, I always come back full-circle. But I am still and always will be a work-in-progress.


7. Who is your target audience and what is your overriding message?MC: My target audience, is people trying to help themselves. Ultimately, I believe that we are all the same on this earth. It is our ethnicity, the color of our skin, our language, our socio-economic status, our background, our teachings and upbringing and our daily experiences that differentiate us. But we all breathe, we all have a human body made of flesh that reside on this home we call earth, and we are no different because we are all made in the image of God.
My message is:
- Be kind. To ourselves and to others.
- Help one another when we are able and help ourselves.
- Work on being open, honest and courageous daily. This will allow us to show-up daily for ourselves and for others


8. Tell us a little bit about yourself, current projects you are working on and where you can be found.
MC: I am a woman. A black woman. A Christian woman. A mom and a wife, a daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and a friend to many I am proud to say. Professionally, I am a licensed Psychotherapist and own and run a private group practice for 14 years. We provide individual, couples and family therapist on a variety of concerns and issues. Aside from working with individuals and families, we are increasingly venturing into working with the corporate client. The concerns are the same issues that come up in our individual daily lives but now they impact the workplace which affects effectiveness and efficiency and the bottom-line, revenue generated. Our corporate work looks like coaching, training, workshops, and crisis management.
Our office is located in the  Miracle Mile District of Los Angeles. 5757 Wilshire Blvd, Ste 635 Los Angeles, CA 90036. http://cauleyassociates.com


9. How do you deal with discouragement and doubt? (Bonus question)
MC:
Discouragement and doubt is something that everyone will come across at some point in their lives. How we react or respond can make a huge difference. Over time, I’ve gotten to a place, where I allow myself to fully feel what’s going on and why (and I question the root cause) for better understanding. I pray. I journal. I meditate. I talk to my confidants.

Please take a moment to comment and encourage this month's Woman of the Word.


--Nylse

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9 comments:

  1. Great post, Nylse! Blessed by my visit with you today! Lots of insight and wisdom here! Thanks so much for sharing! GOD bless you! :-)

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  2. Such a great post that is written so well #inspirememonday@_karendennis

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  3. Michelle sounds like a delightful sister to know! May God bless her in her ministry as she works with individuals and families and now corporate clients too. Thank you for sharing her wisdom with us today, Nylse.

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  4. Thank you for sharing the inspirational life of Michelle.

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  5. Great post! I loved reading about Michelle. Your layout of questions makes it so inspirational!

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  6. I really appreciate Michelle's perspective for a number of reasons. Thanks for sharing this great interview!

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  7. Michelle is a sister I could sit & have a cuppa with both professionally & personally!

    You're welcome to drop by for a cuppa anytime!
    Jennifer

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  8. Thanks for sharing this with us at the #LMMLinkup! I loved reading her answers to your questions. Number 4 especially stood out to me, because I haven't really thought about how that inspiration works for me, but her answer really summed up my experience, too. Blessings to you both!

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  9. What a fun interview!! Love that you're encouraging your fellow sisters in the faith!

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