WALKING WITH NAOMI: BARBARA A. ROBINSON

Welcome to the WALKING WITH NAOMI blog! This is the very first blog post for the Royal Empress NAOMI Project! As we launch this wonderful and very much needed program for Black Women in America and for Black Women across the globe, it is fitting that I as a co-founder of Royal Empress launch as the first "Naomi" the woman that made me the woman I am today. I launch my mother and my first "Naomi" Barbara A. Robinson.

R.E.:Our Naomi Project is based on a very sacred relationship between two spiritual women who are mentioned in the Holy Bible! It is on the relationship between "Naomi and Ruth," and can be found in Ruth 1:16-17 in the Holy Bible. What experience(s) in your life qualify you to be a "Naomi" at this point in your life?

Barbara: Many experiences in life have qualified me as a "Naomi" for in my days we had a village. We had awesome women of God that was examples for us to strive to be. A community that cared for each other. As a young girl I thought I knew everything, I was smarter than my mom. She told me to beware of men and their motives. However, being a woman of knowledge so I thought, I did what I wanted to do and ended up in a toxic relationship.

A relationship where a man thought he was going to beat me and dominate me, of a "Naomi" that raised me to be strong I was able to survive. I came out smarter wiser and with two beautiful daughters that are the joy of my life.

R.E.: What experience(s) in your life would have been more memorable to you if you had a Ruth by your side?

Barbara: I played the role of "Naomi" to four young ladies. However, only one has stuck with me. One in particular, I wish would have stayed with me.

R.E.: Tell us about the "Ruth" who stayed with you on this journey of life?

Barbara: She has had many struggles in life and has lost so much but through my example, guidance and support has allowed God to keep her on track. She has become my spiritual daughter. An awesome woman of God that I am so proud of and I have learned so much from her. I have learned from my "Ruth" that no matter what is thrown at you it's how you react to it and that thinking will get you through it. You can not let the situation or circumstance dominate you but you dominate the situation.

R.E.: Thank you so much for sharing your experience and insight on the success of your "Naomi and Ruth" relationship.

Barbara Robinson is a "Naomi" with Pen Pal Status meaning that she is available through email at this time. Feel free to contact her at barob@yahoo.com If you would like to learn more about our "Naomi Project" please go our "Naomi Project" tab at www.royalempress.org or email us at info@royalempress.org.