Well here it is. I’m Jacqueline Elizabeth Smith born 12/8/43. Raised in the north as a Negro, years later called Black and now African American, experiencing prejudices, racism and bigotry and injustices in every way possible. At a very young age I entered the white world in pursuit of a career in the classical music field which made me an “ice breaker”with much hurt and insults because of the color of my skin. Having a strong Mother to build confidence in me we endured. Employment opportunities were difficult as life continued, but I pressed on and was once again able to be an “ice breaker.” Now let’s fast forward to 1973 when I got saved in the Church of God. I’m now age 30 and thinking things will surely be different the church, but much to my dismay it wasn’t. I found much racism in the Pentecostal Church. The Lord called me to preach 40 years ago and the mantle placed upon me was to break through racial, cultural and gender barriers. At that point I wondered what God had against me. With much reluctance I answered the call. Now, I had 3 things against me; black, female and single. Needless to say, I have been mistreated for all three. Called the “N” word, told I didn’t have a soul, walked out on in services, racist jokes, threatened, trashed on actscelerate when I preached the 2006 General Assembly and believe me I could go on. At one point I told the Lord I wanted out. His response was, “I love them and when I put you before them I’m confronting them about their SIN.” He also reminded me that I had been an “ice breaker” my whole life and now He wanted me to do it for the Kingdom!!! Things have gotten better in the church, but there is still much work to do. I want to thank all of you Pastors that believed in me by having me minister in your churches when it wasn’t easy for you to do so. I especially want to thank Bishop Timothy Hill and my two Pastors, Chris Fraley and Mark Williams for leading by example during this “racial pandemic.!!!!