Finding Purpose Through Faith: Empowerment, Healing & God-Given Worth
Welcome to this uplifting episode of the Rise Urban Nation podcast, hosted by Taryell Simmons. In this episode, we are joined by author and motivational speaker Charmaine Casimir as she shares her inspiring journey of healing and stepping boldly into divine alignment. Listeners will discover how to overcome self-doubt, reframe life challenges as divine opportunities, and courageously pursue their true calling.
Charmaine describes how childhood shyness and feeling invisible in high school shaped her empathy for people who feel overlooked.
Obeying God's instruction during the 2020 pandemic to write her very first book despite feeling unworthy.
Navigating painful criticism from church leadership and realizing that closed doors often lead to broader platforms.
Redefining family as supportive allies who show unconditional love rather than relying strictly on blood ties.
Unpacking the childhood metaphor of powerful petals blooming into full purpose according to God's divine timing.
Overcoming Self-Doubt: Transitioning from feeling inadequate and invisible to embracing your inherent value and purpose.
Radical Obedience: Stepping out in faith to write and publish books despite persistent feelings of unworthiness.
Navigating Rejection: Viewing closed doors not as ultimate failures, but as divine redirections toward a broader audience.
Cultivating Community: Distinguishing between blood relatives and genuine family members who actively support your growth.
Book Publishing: Comparing the financial and creative tradeoffs between traditional publishing and self-publishing platforms.
Purpose is uncovered when you lean into what excites your spirit and what you would gladly do to serve others.
Discard the old garment of self-doubt and depression because it no longer fits who you are destined to become.
Rejection is often divine protection that redirects you away from restrictive boxes toward your true mission.
Failure and setbacks are essential steps in your growth rather than signs to abandon your purpose.
Charmaine Casimir is an accomplished author, speaker, and the founder of Powerful Pedals and the Empowerment Journey Ministry. She has written five transformative books, including Not You, Why Not You and her memoir Powerful Petals. You can follow her inspiring work on Instagram and YouTube at Empowerment Journey One and visit her website at https://www.empowermentjourneyone.com.
Taryell Simmons: Welcome back to another powerful episode of the Rise Urban Nation podcast, the show where we elevate Black and Pan-African voices who are transforming lives, building legacies, and leading with purpose. I am your host, Taryell Simmons. Today, we are diving into a conversation all about purpose, healing, and walking in divine alignment. My guest today is a woman of faith, a published author, and an incredible encourager, Ms. Charmaine Casimir. She is the founder of Powerful Pedals and the Empowerment Journey Ministry, and she is on a mission to help people uncover their God-given purpose. Charmaine, welcome to the show. Let us start at the beginning. Tell us about your journey and what brought you into the work you are doing today.
Charmaine Casimir: What started me off was my own journey of insecurity and not feeling enough or worthy. I knew my heart was always beating for people who felt the same way. I was drawn to people who may not feel great about themselves or who feel like outsiders. In school, I was quiet and shy. I had an experience in high school where someone said they did not even know I was in their class for four years. Feeling insignificant can hurt deeply. I always helped others find their purpose, but I did not see it in myself until 2020 during the pandemic. God confronted me and told me to write a book. I thought only important people write books, but God showed me that He made me with gifts. I was obedient and wrote my first book, Not You, Why Not You.
Taryell Simmons: That is powerful. We all have gifts planted in us, and the key is being obedient. When life happens, instead of asking why it is happening to you, ask how life is happening for you. God uses challenges to prepare you, redirect you, or give you a testimony to teach others.
Charmaine Casimir: Writing that book built my confidence and led to my second book, Spontaneous Kiss, which is about knowing God is close when stepping out in faith. Walking in purpose comes with testing. When I started the Empowerment Journey, my pastor questioned if God really told me to do that. That hurt, but I realized that just because a door closes in one place does not mean your calling is over. It means God has a bigger territory for you outside that box.
Taryell Simmons: Exactly. When God gives you a vision, it was given to you, not to others. They cannot always see it while you are building it. It is your duty to bring it to fruition.
Charmaine Casimir: When doors close, a support system keeps you grounded. Sometimes your biggest support comes from unexpected places, like neighbors and friends, who stand by you more than blood relatives. They keep me grounded when I want to shrink back.
Taryell Simmons: I separate relatives and family into two buckets. Relatives share your bloodline, but family are the ones who share your values, celebrate your wins, and support you unconditionally.
Charmaine Casimir: You stole the words right out of my mouth. Knowing the difference protects your peace so you do not stay hurt when relatives do not support you.
Taryell Simmons: You have now published five books and built impactful platforms. What are the names of your five books, and what habits helped you grow?
Charmaine Casimir: My five books are Not You, Why Not You, Spontaneous Kiss, Finding Your Smile, Powerful Petals, and Jewels for Your Journey. The key habit is determination and staying connected to your 'why.' You might feel self-doubt or depression, but you cannot stay there. You have to take off that old coat that no longer fits you. When writing, just start putting your thoughts down little by little. For publishing, traditional publishing through companies like Trinity Publishing handles editing and formatting but costs thousands of dollars. Self-publishing on platforms like Amazon or Barnes & Noble requires more hands-on technical work but gives you complete creative control over your words at little upfront cost.
Charmaine Casimir: My latest book is Powerful Petals, my memoir. The title comes from my mother telling me as a child that when God is ready, He will open you up like a flower and your petals will flourish. God reveals our gifts in His timing through pruning and growth. My proudest moments come from loving and encouraging overlooked people, showing them that they matter.
Taryell Simmons: What advice do you have for anyone feeling stuck or unsure of their purpose?
Charmaine Casimir: Ask yourself what you would do for free—what gets your heart beating and excites you. Seek God and do not be afraid to step out and try. If something keeps sitting inside of you and will not go away, that is part of your purpose. Dust yourself off and keep following it.
Taryell Simmons: Like Michael Jordan said, failure is simply part of succeeding. Where can our listeners connect with you and get your books?
Charmaine Casimir: You can find me on Instagram and YouTube at Empowerment Journey One, on Facebook at Powerful Pedals, and on Barnes & Noble. If you search Charmaine Casimir, you will find all my platforms.
Taryell Simmons: Thank you, Charmaine. To our listeners, stay rooted, stay rising, and we will see you next week on Rise Urban Nation.
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