Join ESSENCE.com, Sophia Nelson and some of America’s most noted Pastor’s Wives and former First Ladies tonight for a Twitter chat about the real lives of Pastor’s wives, beyond reality TV shows like TLC’s The Sisterhood.
Participants include Pastor Riva Tims (former wife of the late Pastor Zachary Tims), Gizelle Bryant (former wife of Pastor Jamal H. Bryant), Pastor/Lady Bridgette Hilliard, wife of Bishop Hilliard, and Lady Sonya Sloan MD, wife of Pastor Timothy Sloan, Lady/Dr. Tara C. Jenkins, wife of Pastor Charles Jenkins.
All these women and others, such as Lady Serita Jakes and Pastor Deborah Morton, were interviewed by Nelson for her feature article, titled “First Ladies Club,” in the current issue of ESSENCE. In the hotly-debated piece, Nelson examines the oft-exclusive and private lives of real First Ladies. She writes:
“…there is so much more to these women than enduring public scrutiny, shopping for expensive handbags, driving expensive cars, living in big homes or taking luxury vacations. These God-fearing ladies are not so different from you and me. They are fun-loving and loyal. They’ve made mistakes. They are human. Like us, they have struggles and worries; some have challenges in their marriages and, sometimes, in raising their kids… Many have been put on a pedestal not of their own choosing, while giving up careers and ambitions to support their pastor husbands.”
Follow the hashtag #1stLadies to join the conversation.
When: Tonight, January 29, 2013 8 p.m. ET/7CST
Where: Twitter. Follow @EssenceMag