ElevateLife

Dieula M. Previlon
  • 5.0 (1)
  • RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

I write about, dream about and long for healing, shalom, justice, joy, and rest for all God's created beings. A place to find permission and encouragement to start over again. dieulamprevilon.substack.com

  1. Navigating the Art of Sisterhood

    FEB 20

    Navigating the Art of Sisterhood

    More than thirty years ago, I met a group of girls who would become my forever friends. We were young. We were becoming. We had no idea that what we were building would sustain us through heartbreak, marriage, motherhood, ministry, career pivots, grief, and growth. People began referencing us as the WU. If you grew up in the 90s in the East Coast, then you know why we were named after the Wu-Tang. We became the female version and the name has stayed. In this episode of the podcast, I sit down with the women who have shaped my life in ways words can barely hold. Together, we explore the sacred power of sisterhood; especially the unique intimacy found in Black women’s friendships. These are not just surface level connections. These are soul ties built through laughter, tears, truth telling, and showing up again and again. We talk about: * How vulnerability deepens connection * Why conflict resolution is necessary, not optional, for lasting friendships * The difference between healthy sisterhood connection and trauma bonding * How strong female friendships enhance marriage and motherhood * What it really means to find your tribe As a woman who has built ElevateHer International on the belief that healing happens in community, I know this to be true: sisterhood is not indulgent, it is essential. These friendships have sharpened me, held me accountable, prayed me through, and reminded me of who I am when the world presses me to forgot. We also name the hard truths. Not every bond is healthy. Trauma bonding can keep us stuck if we are not careful. True sisterhood requires reciprocity, emotional maturity, and a shared commitment to growth. At the heart of this conversation is one core truth: your self-worth determines the quality of relationships you pursue and sustain. You deserve friendships that celebrate your becoming.You deserve women who can hold your tears and your triumphs.You deserve community. If you’ve been longing for deeper connection, this episode is your invitation to believe it’s possible and to begin building, little by little. Because healing doesn’t just happen in therapy rooms.It happens at kitchen tables.On late night phone calls.In circles of women who refuse to let each other shrink. Welcome to the conversation. Get full access to Starting Over Again at dieulamprevilon.substack.com/subscribe

    50 min
  2. Created For Relationships

    FEB 4

    Created For Relationships

    Dear friends, I’ve been podcasting on and off for a few years, but this is the most consistent I’ve ever been with content creation; so thank you in advance for your grace as I work out the nuts and bolts. I’m also new to hosting my podcast on Substack, which means I’m feeling a little nervous, and exposed. Though I’m feel vulnerable, your girl has some things to say. This is not the time to let fear stop us. I believe the first step toward liberation is speaking your truth.This is my truth.This is our truth. So We’re back for another season. You can listen to the other seasons on Spotify and Apple. This podcast is for women who are starting over again after loss, pain, disruption, or disappointment. It’s a space for honest conversations that help you rebuild with empowerment, purpose, and joy. We recognize that one of the most constant realities of life is transition and the repeated invitation to begin again. Here, we walk with you as you build a new version of yourself, reimagining a world where you are free to fully be who you are, with greater clarity, wisdom, boldness, and life. This season, I’ve invited my sister-in-love, Cherisna Jean-Marie, to join me as co-host as we relaunch. You are going to love her. Together, we’re diving into conversations around what it means to be created for relationships—with God, with others, and with ourselves. I invite you to listen, share your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe if the conversations resonate. And if you feel led, I’d also love to invite you to support my nonprofit, ElevateHer International. Your generosity helps us empower women around the world to heal from trauma and reclaim their lives. Click HERE to learn more and give. Thank you for being here.We’re just getting started. Dieula Get full access to Starting Over Again at dieulamprevilon.substack.com/subscribe

    42 min
  3. Why Engaging God In Your Own Language Matters - With Nohemie Sanon

    05/28/2025

    Why Engaging God In Your Own Language Matters - With Nohemie Sanon

    In this powerful episode, we dive into the transformative journey of using one’s voice for healing, particularly within the Haitian community. Our special guest, Nohémie Sanon Roland, is a global-minded strategist, youth advocate, and leader who shares her inspiring transition from corporate work to nonprofit leadership focused on poverty alleviation and addressing inequity. Together, we explore: The power of personal storytelling in the Haitian community and how it can serve as a catalyst for healing and empowerment. The beauty and significance of seeing Haitian women take leadership in faith-based and kingdom-building work. The courage to question God, a practice often taboo in Haitian culture, but one that can lead to deeper intimacy with the Divine. The vision behind translating Dieula’s book into French to expand access to trauma-healing resources for Francophone communities impacted by oppression and marginalization. The announcement of a translation project led by a Haitian woman fluent in both English and French, ensuring the cultural and emotional integrity of the message is preserved. We also invite our listeners to support the French translation campaign, officially launching this May. Your partnership can make healing tools available to communities around the world who need them most. 🎧 Listen now and be inspired to use your voice, share your story, and take part in global healing. 🔗 Support the Translation Campaign: https://givebutter.com/qxoOR1 📅 Campaign Launch Date: May 8th - June 6th Get full access to Starting Over Again at dieulamprevilon.substack.com/subscribe

    28 min
  4. Does God See Me? French Translation

    05/06/2025

    Does God See Me? French Translation

    In this heartfelt episode, Dieula shares the journey behind her powerful book Does God See Me?, written during a deeply painful season following the tragic loss of her nephew and brother. Drawing from her own spiritual wrestling, she introduces the concept of “sitting in Saturday”; the sacred space between Good Friday and Easter Sunday where questions linger, hope feels distant, and faith is tested. It’s in this space that Does God See Me? was born, offering raw honesty and spiritual insight for anyone navigating grief and uncertainty. What You’ll Hear In This Episode: Dieula’s personal story of loss and how it shaped the writing of Does God See Me? A deep dive into the idea of “sitting in Saturday” and its relevance for believers facing seasons of pain and doubt. The exciting announcement of a new French translation of the book, inspired by Dieula’s Haitian roots and intended for women in Haiti, West Africa, France, and beyond. Reflections on the unexpected reach of the book; from men to white women; who found comfort and connection in its pages. Testimonials from readers who felt deeply seen and understood. A call to join the GiveButter campaign launching in May to support the translation project and bring healing resources to French-speaking women in crisis zones. Why This Matters: This translation project is more than just language; it’s about meeting women where they are, in their mother tongue, during times of war, violence, displacement, and despair. It’s a reminder that yes, even in the darkest “Saturdays” of life, God sees you. Ways to Support: Donate to the Does God See Me? French Translation Project via GiveButter link: https://givebutter.com/qxoOR1 (The campaign will go live May 8th, 2025.) Read and share the English version of the book. Subscribe to Elevate Her International’s newsletter and Dieula's substack for updates and stories of impact. Share this episode and help spread the word. We’d Love to Hear From You: Let us know your thoughts on the project, how the book has impacted you, or how you plan to support the translation effort. Reach out directly to Dieula—we’re in this together. Get full access to Starting Over Again at dieulamprevilon.substack.com/subscribe

    19 min
  5. I Am From... I Am Becoming

    04/23/2025

    I Am From... I Am Becoming

    In this heartfelt episode, I take a reflective journey through two original poems shared on my Substack: “I Am From…” and “I Am Becoming…” Inspired by the poetic prompt from Freeology’s “I Am From” template, I explore the roots that shaped me—memories, places, people, and sounds that echo through my story. The second piece, “I Am Becoming…”, is a declaration of hope, healing, and transformation—a celebration of who I am unfolding into. In a season filled with challenges, we all need spaces to ground ourselves and reconnect with creativity. Poetry has a way of reaching into the soul, giving voice to emotions and experiences we sometimes can’t put into plain words. I hope this episode reminds you of the beauty in your own becoming. ✨ Mentioned in this episode: Freeology “I Am From” Prompt My Substack writings: dieulamprevilon.substack.com 📖 Read the full poems and subscribe to stay connected with future reflections and creative offerings. Get full access to Starting Over Again at dieulamprevilon.substack.com/subscribe

    14 min
  6. Lessons Learned from a 40-Day Fast

    03/12/2025

    Lessons Learned from a 40-Day Fast

    In this episode of The ElevateLife, we dive into the power of spiritual reset through fasting. After feeling disconnected from God, I embarked on a 40-day fast seeking clarity, renewal, and a deeper connection with my purpose. Key Takeaways from this Episode: ✨ The fast involved three key restrictions: avoiding certain foods, limiting unnecessary spending, and stepping away from social media. ✨ This fast was not done alone—it was part of Alfred Street Baptist Church’s annual 40-day fasting community, with thousands joining in spiritual discipline. ✨ From Day 1, I experienced a renewed ability to have prophetic dreams and heightened clarity in prayer. ✨ The fast brought greater understanding of my calling, deeper joy, and a stronger conviction in navigating political spaces with faith. ✨ I emphasize that activism must be rooted in love, not hate, and encourage listeners to consider fasting during Lent as a way to reset and realign. This conversation is for anyone seeking to start over again with purpose, deepen their faith, and find clarity in their spiritual journey. 📌 Connect with ElevateLife: Follow us for more episodes, inspiration, and resources! 🔔 Subscribe & Share: If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to leave a review and share with a friend! Get full access to Starting Over Again at dieulamprevilon.substack.com/subscribe

    24 min
  7. The Church's Response to a Pregnant Teen - Grace or Shame?

    02/24/2025

    The Church's Response to a Pregnant Teen - Grace or Shame?

    In this episode, Dieula discusses a heartbreaking and infuriating situation—a teenage girl in a Church of Christ in Virginia was forced to stand before her congregation and apologize for being pregnant out of wedlock. To make matters worse, the pastor prohibited the church from throwing her a baby shower as a form of punishment. Dieula unpacks the deep harm caused by this kind of public shaming and calls for an apology to this young woman and countless others who have faced similar judgment. Whether or not you believe in church discipline, we must ask: Is this the way of Jesus? Looking to John 8:1-11, we reflect on Jesus’ response to a woman caught in sin—offering mercy, not condemnation. This story also hits close to home for Dieula, triggering her own past experiences with shame and exclusion. She challenges us to rethink how churches should respond when someone doesn’t live according to traditional values. Instead of punishment, the church should: ✅ Love them and draw them closer. ✅ Keep them in community rather than isolating them. ✅ Maintain sacred rituals like communion or baby dedications. ✅ Offer resources like baby showers to help them thrive. When we lead with kindness and inclusion, we foster a community where people stick around, grow in faith, and bring others with them. This is the way of the gospel. Scripture Reference: John 8:1-11 – "Let the one without sin cast the first stone." Join the Conversation: How do you think churches should respond when someone in their community doesn’t follow traditional values? Let’s talk about it! Share your thoughts on social media using #GraceOverShame 🎧 Tune in now! Get full access to Starting Over Again at dieulamprevilon.substack.com/subscribe

    16 min
  8. Women and Church Trauma with Cherisna Jean-Marie

    12/11/2024

    Women and Church Trauma with Cherisna Jean-Marie

    On this episode I'm joined by Rev. Dean Cherisna Jean-Marie. On this episode we discuss her trauma experienced through the Haitian church and being called to pastor. Here's a little bit about Cherisna: Born and raised in Newark, NJ, Rev. Cherisna Jean-Marie is the newly elected Dean of the Disciples Divinity House at Vanderbilt. She is the first woman and person of color to occupy this role and begin her tenure there on April 1, 2024. She is a pioneer in her own right as she was the first to serve as Director of Leadership and Organizing at Children’s Defense Fund, first to serve as the Director of Racial justice ministries at Scarritt Bennet Center, first woman and person of color to serve as Dean of Chapel at Bethany College, in Bethany West Virginia, first woman to serve as Chaplain at Jarvis Christian College the only HBCU affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the first woman to be ordained by the Chirstian Church (Disciples of Christ) at New Covenant Christian Church in 2012. On November 3, 2022, she founded The Co-Conspirator Institute. A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that seeks to create space for individuals to confront and eradicate systemic, social, structural, and institutional racism and provide opportunities for healing from racial trauma. At the heart of her work with TCCI, is hosting grief retreat for Black mothers who has lost their children due to gun violence. TCCI was started in honor of her beloved nephew Christopher Aldy Morand who was murdered in 2019 due to gun violence. In 2001 she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Communications from Kean University in Union, NJ. In 2010, Rev. Jean-Marie completed her Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School. During commencement, she was awarded the coveted Florence Conwell Prize for outstanding preaching. She is a co-contributor for 5 book projects, a mentor, social entrepreneur, community organizer, antiracist activist, an international teacher and preacher but her most beloved role is being “auntie” to her 9 nephews and 1 niece. Get full access to Starting Over Again at dieulamprevilon.substack.com/subscribe

    49 min
See All (21)

About

I write about, dream about and long for healing, shalom, justice, joy, and rest for all God's created beings. A place to find permission and encouragement to start over again. dieulamprevilon.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Dieula M. Previlon
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Dieula Previlon
  • Show Website
    ElevateLife