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Her warm smile says it all. First Lady Crisette Ellis is both caring and considerate of others. She realizes that it’s not about her, but about the impact she can make on others to positively affect their lives. This Detroit native is a shining example of refinement from the great “Motor City.” Mrs. Ellis is the Director of the Powerful Women of Purpose (PWP) Women’s Ministry at Greater Grace Temple, Detroit, Michigan, where she also serves as an instructor in the Christian Education Department, and an Advisor for the Young Ladies of Distinction (ages 12-17).

Crisette is a graduate of Michigan State University where she majored in Public Affairs Management. She is married to Bishop Charles H. Ellis III, Pastor of Greater Grace Temple and Asst. Presiding Prelate of the P.A.W. (Pentecostal Assemblies of the World). They have 2 children Kiera and Charles IV.

As Director of the PWP, her efforts and innovative methods have helped women “tear down the walls” that have hindered them for years. “Some of the barriers that I believe I have helped women tear down are low self-esteem and fear. In my opinion, fear and low self-esteem go hand in hand. Many of the fears that we as women face are due to a lack of confidence in ourselves. It sometimes comes from childhood experiences and negative comments that were made to us as children. Oftentimes, this continues into adulthood with negative boyfriends and spouses.

Many women fear success which makes them afraid to step out of their comfort zones and try to do more and even become more. They have allowed the enemy to deceive them into believing that where they are now in their lives is where they will always be. They have believed lies about themselves: ‘you are too fat, you are ugly, you are stupid, no one likes you, you will never be successful, etc.’

Fear and discouragement are both very powerful tools that the enemy uses to keep women bound and stuck in circumstances that they hate but feel they have no way out. Fear will prevent women from fulfilling their destiny and walking boldly in their God-given gifts and talents. I believe that one of my strongest gifts is the ability to see potential in women; recognizing their gifts and talents and then helping them to work toward setting goals—and achieving them.

I find that encouragement is a great tool to help women see themselves as God sees them. In addition, God has given me the gift of writing powerful, anointed affirmations that I share with women all over the country. I truly believe that death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21) and we have the ability to speak success or failure into our lives. I believe that these affirmations are changing the lives of women all over the country just by reading them, reciting them out loud and then believing that what they are saying is specifically for them. The bible says that faith comes by hearing!” (Romans 10:17)

“My vision for our women is, as the name implies, that they become Powerful Women of Purpose. That we become so empowered and mature in God where we totally depend on Him no matter what issues and struggles we face, and in every case, come out victorious.”

That theme is ever present in her business operations. In November 2002 Crisette made history by becoming Michigan’s first and youngest African American National Sales Director with Mary Kay Cosmetics. With her business, she looks to increase the self-esteem of women and teach them how to love themselves, and be successful. She points out that it’s difficult to love your neighbor, without first knowing how to love yourself. Also, Crisette was presented with the 2004 Business Woman of the Year award by the Alabama A&M University Alumni Association.

We asked Crisette, how she manages to balance all she does.

“How do I balance it all?

First, I believe that to whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). So, if God has put me in the various positions that I hold, He has already given me the ability to balance them all. Now, that’s not to say that sometimes I don’t feel out of control and sometimes things are not in the balance that I would like them to be. It is during these times that I have to re-assess what I am doing and ask myself this one basic question ‘Is God asking me to do this or am I endeavoring to do this?’ Because I know that time is the one thing that you can never get back, I really do ask God for direction, and if it is His will for me to take on certain assignments that I know will require my time and energy, and if I do not feel like He is asking me to do it, than I re-evaluate whether or not to take the assignment or speaking engagement.

I believe that your life should have purpose and that your purpose is ordered by God. I understand now, more than ever, that being busy all the time is not necessarily a good thing. You must make time for your family and even yourself. It is so easy to become consumed in doing things just for the sake of doing things. I have a consistent prayer, Lord help me to stay focused on the things you would have me to do and the things that will bring You glory. Make me uncomfortable in doing things that I don’t need to be doing. I pray for wisdom continually. I ask for wisdom in every aspect of my life, wisdom as a wife, wisdom as a mother, wisdom as a daughter/sister, wisdom as a first lady, wisdom as an entrepreneur and wisdom as a mentor to women. I believe that if you ask for wisdom, God is faithful to give it to you liberally.” (James 1:5)

“I have found that making lists and setting goals also helps to keep you on the right track. God gave me an acronym for GOALS: God Ordained Activities Leaves Satisfaction! I know that only what you do for Christ is going to last anyway. So, how do you balance it all? You can only do it with the help of God and a commitment to staying in His will.”

If you live in the Detroit metro area or whenever you are visiting Detroit, visit the church and tell them First Lady Magazine sent you!

Greater Grace Temple (City of David)

23500 W. Seven Mile Rd.

Detroit, Michigan 48219

Greatergrace.org