Dr. Sheron Patterson Preaches Blessings and Bling

Today's post is courtesy of guest contributor, LeeAnne Locken:

Saks Fifth Avenue at the Dallas Galleria held a luncheon/book signing on January 12^th to launch Dr. Sheron Patterson’s latest book, “The Blessings & Bling: How Faith and Fashion Helped Me Survive Breast Cancer”.

When Sheron Patterson put off a shopping trip to drop by a medical center for her annual breast exam, she thought she'd be in and out and back to her shopping. But when the results came back positive for cancer, she was stunned.

Patterson interviewed by Shaun Rabb/Fox 4

That diagnosis eventually produced a life's work focused on helping others face challenges. Bling - fashion—helped Patterson face her cancer head-on. From the depths of despair surrounding her diagnosis to a heart filled with a gratitude as she looks back on her journey, she tells the story of Blessings and Bling to help you see hope.

I was thrilled to cover this event since it brought two of my most favorite things together fashion & faith! The afternoon started off with Jan Strimple sitting down next to me, which ALWAYS makes me immediately question what I am wearing and why I didn’t take more time to look more fashionable!  As if that pressure (self applied, I agree) wasn’t enough there was a quick fashion show and accessorizing session with a Saks Stylist, Becky and two beautiful models from Kim Dawson Agency.

Guests at Saks

With the fashion section complete I sat in awe of Dr. Patterson and her bold, honest answers to the questions put before her by the audience. She spoke of how she broke down, down to the floor, when the doctor told her she had cancer. You could feel her pain.

She said it took more than one person and one time for her to want to see the good in this happening to her. Then she spoke of how lying bed she asked God, “How I can use this for your glory?” That’s when the answer came ~ tell your story!

As she told her story I found myself loving her quotes and saying "AMEN!" a lot!! Here are two quotes that really made me smile:

• Turn your Burdens into Blessings!
• Fake it till you make it!

I left the luncheon feeling so inspired & encouraged! Ready to take any burden before me and find a way to make it a blessing! Grab her book if you need some encouragement ~ it has a TON!

Available on Amazon in paperback or for the Kindle.

About Dr. Sheron Patterson:
Dr. Sheron C. Patterson is an author of eight books that empower and encourage. She has amassed an impressive 20 years as a radio and television host and has been featured in Ebony, Jet and Essence magazines and on CNN and BET television. She is an ordained United Methodist pastor with twenty years as senior pastor.  Her most recent book is, The Blessings and Bling: How Faith and Fashion helped me survive breast cancer.  Currently Dr. Patterson is the Communications Officer for the North Texas region of the United Methodist Church. She holds degrees from Spelman College and Southern Methodist University's Perkins School of Theology. A native of Charlotte, NC. She is married and the mother of two sons.