Embracing Creativity and Healing: A Conversation with Bishop Gwendolyn Phillips Coates on "The Day with Trae"
Recently on "The Day with Trae," guest host Alicia Crank welcomed the multi-talented Bishop Gwendolyn Phillips Coates for a deeply insightful conversation about faith, entrepreneurship, and the profound journey of grief and healing.
Alicia, filling in for TraeAnna, opened the show on a personal note, sharing that hosting was a lifelong dream and that the day coincided with her late father's birthday, a man who nurtured her ambitions. This poignant introduction set a thoughtful tone for the interview to come.
Bishop Coates, a familiar face on the show, spoke enthusiastically about her diverse endeavors, all united under her business, Creative Lifeworks LLC. Beyond her roles as a bishop and preacher, she's a gifted vocalist, author, and designer. She shared the inspiring story behind her "Ancestral Collection" of handbags, which began when she couldn't find a bag to match a pair of boots. Encouraged by her son, Philip “Sharp Skills” Jacob, she started creating unique, handmade bags, each imbued with intention and love. These bags are not just accessories; they are a "grief project," a tangible way for Bishop Coates to honor and share the stories of her mother, grandmothers, and aunts, all of whom lend their names to the collection's distinct styles.
The conversation took a powerful turn as Bishop Coates discussed her book, "Waiting on My Lunch Date: A Journey Through Grief and a Path to Joy," now in its 20th anniversary. She candidly shared her personal journey through grief after her husband's passing in 2001, emphasizing the importance of allowing oneself to fully process loss, even years after the event. This led to a discussion of her doctoral dissertation, "The Church's Response to Illness, Dying, Death, and Bereavement," a work born from her own experiences and a desire to help others navigate life's most challenging transitions.
Bishop Coates announced an upcoming tour, beginning in September, to teach the principles from her dissertation, offering much-needed guidance on grief and loss. She plans to conduct webinars and support groups, making these vital resources accessible to a wider audience. Both Bishop Coates and Alicia highlighted the societal reluctance to openly discuss grief, underscoring the timeliness and importance of Bishop Coates's work, especially in a world grappling with "unprecedented struggles."
The interview concluded with a delightful dive back into the world of Bishop Coates's "G bags." She emphasized the unique, handmade quality of her designs, crafted in her living room with the "choicest fabrics." Each bag is a testament to her belief in continuous creation and recreation, regardless of age, a philosophy she embodies through her participation in "The Wisdom Strut" fashion show for women in their 60s, 70s, and 80s. Bishop Coates's bags are more than just fashion statements; they are tangible reminders to set aside "other baggage" and embrace beauty and joy.
For those interested in exploring the work of Bishop Gwendolyn Phillips Coates, including her books and Creative Lifeworks LLC handbags, she is active on all social media platforms at https://www.instagram.com/creative_lifeworks_llc. Her inspiring message is a powerful reminder that creativity can be a pathway to healing and that even in the face of loss, there is always room for new beginnings and beautiful creations.
