| Vera Smith grew up in the projects of a Midwest town and later had to learn on her own that hope has to come from within. At the age of eight, Vera and eleven siblings lost their pregnant mother to an uncommon tragic family incident where justice was never served. Later on, she struggled as a single parent to raise her two sons and learned yet another powerful truth-- that from the depths of despair, failure, and even shame, God still has a plan for that life.
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Today, Vera is an enthusiastic inspirational speaker, poet, author and playwright. She also graduated from a local community college with Highest Honors and is seeking a BA Degree in Psychology. Over the past 20 years, Vera has taught Bible classes, written and directed plays for local events as well as skits to introduce Sunday morning sermons, has hosted an inspirational vignette on KDYA Radio for Bay Area radio listeners, and along with her two sons, was a puppeteer and made monthly hospital visits to encourage military patients at Travis AFB. Her latest play titled “Which Way Shall I Go?” will debut at the June Teenth festival (2008) in Oakland, CA. Vera has interviewed live on Comcast television and has held book signings throughout the Bay Area. She has taught inspiring writing classes which motivated students to reach back to bring forth an awesome life story from an unsavory past, has had some of her work published through the International House of Poetry-United States and Nobel House-London, U.K. and has received various awards and certificates for her writings. Her next published book she is working to complete this year is titled “When God Spoke to me, He Said. . . .” Her second book is written to help establish more people who can begin to look at life as an adventure rather than a struggle. This book is also written to provide tools for life’s journey and to provide insightful words not only to strengthen feeble steps, but to help keep strong those whose steps are already firm. Vera has formed Shelter In The Spirit, a non-profit ministry of encouragement. Please click on the Shelter In The Spirit link to your left or visit www.shelterinthespirit.org for an encouraging word or to request a speaking engagement.
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Vera’s attendees at weekly workshops attest to her practical insight and inspiring words of wisdom which are spoken. As Ms. A. Green, a participant from one of her classes commented, Vera is “so amazing” and her “willing and motivating attitude will change so many lives.” Another attendee from this workshop, Ms. T. McClain, also complimented her by saying, “Thanks for helping me overcome some setbacks in my life.” Vera is very passionate about touching the lives of others and it shows. She is a member of NewBirth Church with C. Smith as Pastor (no relations).
Vera’s favorite pastimes are writing, reading, going on quiet walks, spending time alone, spending time with family and friends, and rollerblading. She also likes gardening and decorating her home. For those reaching for change Vera remarks “Keep fanning that small flicker of hope because dreams can be born at any season of life. Some will birth dreams in the Fall of life and they are just as beautiful as the dreams birthed in the Spring of life. Birthing dreams take a lot of hard work and perseverance before they become a reality,” and amongst Vera’s treasured realities are her sons, one who is an aspiring gifted lyricist and the other son, a Stanford graduate.
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