"The Prayers of Black & Brown Mothers" includes prayers from eight women - 1 from Gainesville

A common belief of people of faith is that prayer changes things.

It was with that in mind that nine prayer-warriors united to publish a book to educate and inspire mothers about the power of prayer.

"The Prayers of Black and Brown Mothers" is a book compiled by Barbara Whitehead, Ph.D., with eight co-authors who each wrote a biography about their lives and how prayer helped them overcome difficulties in life.

Brenda Jackson Darling, 64, said she is the only co-author from Florida who was featured in the book that was published last year. The other co-authors are from Georgia.

Prayer warriors:Ministry fuels the fire for conference

Watch Night:2 northeast Gainesville churches join to celebrate the New Year during Watch Night service

Mother's Day:Breakfast fit for a queen

Darling was born and raised in Gainesville and settled back in the city in 2017 when her first grandchild was born.

Darling said it was always a dream of hers to write a book, and a prayer line helped her to fulfill her dream of becoming an author.

A woman on a prayer line introduced her to Whitehead who was looking for women with a heart for prayer to be featured in her book.

“She (Whitehead) knew prayer saved us and has brought us from generations to generations,” Darling said.

The book has a range of prayers for mothers to refer to who are going through similar situations. For example, there is a prayer for single mothers, a prayer for unborn children and a prayer for mentally-ill children.

“This book touches lives and there are prayers for people who never prayed for them,” Darling said.

Darling wrote a prayer for single mothers and hopes the book will be used to enlighten and empower readers on their journey.

“I know how to write from that experience and pray on that experience,” Darling said. “A mother’s love is universal. All mothers want the best for their children.”

Darling is also a women’s support group leader of “Grace To Be,” which she started because of all the trauma she has experienced in her life and her desire to be there for women who have faced similar experiences.

Darling said GTB is a safe space for women to come and heal together.

The mother of two and grandmother of five, Darling said she is also in the process of writing her own book titled “Lessons for my Granddaughters,” in which she will share words of wisdom for her granddaughters and girls to live by.

“I do believe prayer changes things,” Darling said. “Prayer can change families, nations and the world.”

Whitehead, 63, who is originally from Cordele, Georgia, and is currently living in Macon, Georgia, said the inspiration behind the book comes from the experiences of Black and brown mothers.

“The news shows what Black and brown mothers pray about,” Whitehead said. “Prayers help us to access heaven to influence the situation on Earth. This book gives validity, visibility and a voice to mothers.”

Whitehead’s prayer in the book is for the protection of unborn children.

Whitehead was born to a 15-year-old mother who wasn't prepared to feed another mouth and suffered through trauma fueled by the treatment she received from her culture and community. She said her mother was advised to have an abortion, but chose to keep her pregnancy.

“In the womb, the baby can hear and be a recipient of the mother’s words,” Whitehead said. “The fetus experiences life before being born in this world.”

Whitehead said when her mother was rejected by people she knew, her mother used prayer for strength.

“The church shunned her and the school kicked her out,” Whitehead said. “The only comfort was prayer. She dedicated her baby to the service of the Lord. If she received comfort from prayer, I received that through the womb.”

Whitehead received the Distinguished Author’s Guild Award in the Faith and Religion category for “The Prayers of Black and Brown Mothers” book a few months ago.

“I would like Black and brown mothers to not be ashamed of their experiences,” Whitehead said. “They have the power to stand in the middle of any situation and come out victorious. This book is not to negate the motherhood of other people, but to give a voice and visibility to those who do not have it.”

Co-author Gloria Crowder, 60, was born and raised in Thomson, Georgia, and moved to Macon in 2000 as a caretaker.

Crowder is an evangelist for the Church of Living God Outreach Ministry and is the CEO of Gloria’s Soul Food.

Crowder’s prayer in the book was for mothers who have children with a mental illness. The mother of 10 said one of her sons was diagnosed with bipolar and schizophrenia.

Crowder said she and her son were not on good terms for a decade and that they "did not hug each other for 10 years.”

She said he went to prison for a year after attacking his landlord.

“I felt so much grief,” Crowder said. “I didn’t want to hate him. I love all of my children. I prayed to move all ill feelings. When I heard him call me mother again I was happy. We got here by the grace of God. The Lord answered my prayer.”

Crowder said being reunited with her son lifted her spirits.

“When I tell you prayer works — it works if you can believe,” Crowder said. “My son embraced me. A good shepherd goes back for that one sheep even when you have 99.”

Crowder said praying for her son’s mental health strengthened her faith and love for the Lord.

“If it had not been for the Lord on my side, I don’t know where I would be,” Crowder said. “I want this book to let people know to never give up and to keep praying. If I gave up, I don’t know if he would be alive. Never give up on your loved ones no matter what they’ve done.”

“The Prayers of Black and Brown Mothers” book can be purchased on Amazon for $15.99.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Brenda Jackson Darling, of Gainesville, help author book of prayers