The best gift I was ever given was the arts. My mum gave me those on a silver platter. Growing up, her and my grandmother would take me to ballets, classical concerts, even smoky jazz clubs I wasn't supposed to be in!

For my writing, and because I love talking to young women about life, I often asked them which would they rather have - a father in the house with them while growing up or a big butt? I tell you 86 percent of the time, girls say a big butt because it gets them further.

When I was growing up, my mother would take me to plays and museums, and we'd talk about life. Those times helped shape who I became.

I chose 'No. 1 Ladies' Detective,' or I'll say it chose me, and it was an absolute blessing, for the experience of being in Africa for seven months and learning so many different things, from languages to foods to greetings. On so many levels, it was an incredible experience.

As God took me through the journey that became the Bible study 'Breaking Free', He taught me to look for a common denominator among the things that triggered my destructive habits.

Choosing an attitude of faith will release peace out of your spirit and into your soul.

God doesn't want us to have rigid rituals with Him. In the new covenant, He is more interested in having a relationship with us.

If you want to know what God thinks of money, look at the people He gives it to.