By Valerie Simmons-Walston
Special to The Truth
St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church celebrated its 2026 Women’s Day on Sunday, September 20, under the inspiring theme “From Restoration to Elevation.” The service was a celebration of faith, healing, perseverance and the power of women moving forward in purpose.
The morning opened with Praise and Worship led by Sister Daisy Fisher and the St. Paul Deaconesses, followed by the processional featuring the Women’s Day Choir. Sister Katrina Barry, Worship Leader of the Walk the Word Ministry, delivered the Call to Worship and Sister Elaine Vonner welcomed the congregation.
Sister Cherine Mitchell led the Women’s Day Litany, while the Women’s Day Choir provided music throughout the service. Prayer was an important part of the celebration. Rev. Barbie Harrison of United Missionary Baptist Church offered the Altar and Offertory Prayer. The service also included a Candlelight Memorial led by Sister Kimberly Cunningham, providing a sacred moment to remember and honor those who are no longer physically present.
One of the most moving moments of the day came through a surprise tribute presented by First Lady Linnie Willis to Sandra R. Ezell. Ezell was presented with the Restoration to Elevation Award, recognizing her courage, bravery and perseverance.
First Lady Willis shared Ezell’s remarkable journey of healing after suffering a stroke at only 38 years old. Her Story served as a living representation of the Women’s Day theme. What could have been the end of one chapter instead became a testament to restoration, resilience and continued elevation. Her presence reminded the congregation that healing does not always happen overnight, but faith and perseverance can carry us through seasons we never could have imagined we would face.
The celebration continued with the introduction of the Women’s Day speaker, Minister Tierra Armstrong of Canaan Manifested Word Church. Minister Armstrong delivered a charismatic and extraordinary message using the imagery of basketball to challenge everyone in the room: “Take your shot!”
She asked a simple but piercing question: “What are you waiting on?” Her basketball analogy spoke directly to the seeds of greatness God has planted within each of us. Sometimes fear, disappointment, uncertainty or the memory of what we have already endured can cause us to hesitate.
Minister Armstrong reminded the congregation that the enemy cannot hold down what God has destined to rise.
You cannot make a shot you never take.
Her message encouraged women to stop standing on the sidelines of their own purpose. Whatever God has placed in your heart – a ministry, business, education, dream, relationship, new beginning or calling – there comes a moment when fith requires action. Take the shot and trust God with the outcome.
The service also recognized new ministry opportunities and guestm with Bishop Marcia Dinkins participating in this portion of the program and Sister Debbie Dean offering remarks.
As Women’s Day Chair, I was honored to share closing remarks on a theme that God placed in my heart: From Restoration to Elevation. Restoration means more than returning to where we once were. Sometimes God restores us so that He can take us somewhere we have never been.
The celebration concluded with remarks from Pastor James H. Willis, Sr. From Saundra Ezell’s testimony of surviving a stroke at 38, to Minister Tierra Armstrong’s challenge to “take your shot,” the message of the day was unmistakable: we are not restored simply to remain where we are. We are restored so that we can rise.
The question now is: What are you waiting on?”
Take your shot. It may be the very next step that moves on from restoration to elevation.