An inspiring conversation on "The Day with Trae" this week with guest host Alicia Crank and the incredible Bishop Gwendolyn Phillips Coates! They delved into faith, entrepreneurship, and the profound journey of grief and healing.

Alicia, filling in for TraeAnna, opened with a touching personal note, sharing that hosting was a lifelong dream, especially on her late father's birthday, who nurtured her ambitions.

Bishop Coates enthusiastically discussed her diverse endeavors under 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 handmade handbags. Encouraged by her son, Philip “Sharp Skills” Jacob, these unique bags became a "grief project," honoring her mother, grandmothers, and aunts, whose names grace each style.

The conversation deepened as Bishop Coates discussed her book, "Waiting on My Lunch Date: A Journey Through Grief and a Path to Joy," now celebrating its 20th anniversary. She candidly shared her personal journey through grief after her husband's passing in 2001, emphasizing the importance of fully processing loss. This led to her doctoral dissertation, "The Church's Response to Illness, Dying, Death, and Bereavement," a work born from her experiences and a desire to help others.

Bishop Coates announced an upcoming tour, beginning in September, to teach principles from her dissertation, offering guidance on grief and loss through webinars and support groups. Both she and Alicia highlighted the societal reluctance to openly discuss grief, underscoring the timeliness of Bishop Coates's work.

The interview concluded with a delightful dive back into her "G bags," crafted with the "choicest fabrics" in her living room. Each bag embodies her belief in continuous creation, regardless of age, a philosophy she lives through her participation in "The Wisdom Strut" fashion show for women in their 60s, 70s, and 80s. Her bags are reminders to set aside "other baggage" and embrace beauty and joy.

Explore the inspiring work of Bishop Gwendolyn Phillips Coates, including her books and Creative Lifeworks LLC handbags, on social media: https://www.instagram.com/creative_lifeworks_llc. Her message is a powerful reminder that creativity can be a pathway to healing and new beginnings.