🕊️ “Faith, Family, and Finding Your Peace”

Uncle: Rev. Dr. James E. Terrell

Topic: Faith, forgiveness, and learning to listen for God’s voice

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☕ Meet Great Uncle James

Yes, sugars — this episode’s tea comes from a real OG: Rev. Dr. James Terrell, educator, minister, and father of our very own Auntie M (Marisa Terrell)! 💕 He’s proof that wisdom never goes out of style. From growing up in a big family in Akron, Ohio, to becoming a Rhodes Scholar–level thinker, Uncle James has seen things and lived to tell the story with grace.

“Growing up in a house with ten kids, you didn’t have a teenage phase — you had a working phase.”

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💌 Sugar Q: “How do I know when I’m hearing God’s voice?”

Uncle James says the first step is relationship.

“In order to hear God’s voice, you have to spend time learning who God is.”

That means faith isn’t just about talking — it’s about studying and listening. The more you read, reflect, and stay close to your faith, the easier it gets to tell the difference between your thoughts and God’s direction.

💡 The Tea: 

Get quiet. Stay curious. The more you know God’s heart, the clearer His voice becomes.

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🙏🏽 Sugar Q: “What if I pray and nothing changes?”

We’ve all been there — you pray about the test, the drama, or that friend who’s been tripping... and it still feels the same. Uncle James reminds us:

“You have to study and grow your faith. It’s not magic — it’s connection.”

Faith takes practice, like volleyball or geometry. You don’t give up after one try — you train your spirit.

💡 The Tea:

Prayer works even when it feels like it doesn’t. Growth is happening underground before it blooms. 🌱

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💬 Sugar Q: “How do I stand up for myself without being disrespectful?”

Uncle James keeps it real — life will always have authority figures, from teachers to bosses to parents.

“There’s always someone over us — ultimately God — but we can respond with peace, not pride.”

Instead of reacting fast (like we see on social media), he says pause, breathe, and think. Most people mean well — even when it doesn’t sound that way.

💡 The Tea:  

You can be strong and respectful at the same time. Grace is power in slow motion. 🌸

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❤️ Sugar Q: “What’s one thing you’d redo as a teen?”

Without missing a beat, Uncle James says:

“I’d be nicer to my parents.”

He laughs, but he means it. They were doing their best with what they had — and sometimes, it takes growing up to see that.

💡 The Tea: 

Gratitude is maturity. Hug your parents, your grandma, your guardian — they’re cheering for you more than you know. 🤎

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🌷 Sugar Q: “How do I forgive myself?”

Uncle James closes with what might be the realest advice of all:

“We all make mistakes. The key is to be gentle with yourself and keep moving forward.”

No one gets through life without messing up. What matters is how you bounce back.

💡 The Tea: 

You can’t undo the past, but you can start fresh today. Give yourself grace — you’re doing better than you think. ✨

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💗 Simi’s Sip

Sometimes faith feels like a whisper, not a shout — and that’s okay. Uncle James reminds us that peace, patience, and forgiveness start on the inside. The goal isn’t perfection... it’s progress.

Not a lecture, just a sip of tea. ☕💋

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💁🏽‍♀️ Meet the Uncle — Rev. Dr. James E. Terrell

Rev. Dr. Terrell is a pastor, scholar, and lifelong educator who has dedicated his career to faith and community leadership. A proud father and DC native by heart, he continues to inspire generations through both his ministry and his wisdom.