MAJOR MILESTONE: Former military soldier Petrice McKey-Reese makes her authorship debut two years after her mother's death

MAJOR MILESTONE: Former military soldier Petrice McKey-Reese makes her authorship debut two years after her mother’s death

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

NEW SEASON, NEW BLESSINGS

**STANDING OVATION —** A native of New Orleans, Pertrice McKey-Reese is one of 90 co-authors who has put her immeasurable writing gifts on the display in Finding Joy In the Journey: Healthy Ways To Navigate Grief 90 Day Devotional.

To her distinctly unique credit, Petrice McKey-Reese had a rather compelling plan as it pertained to becoming a first-time author.

What she had ultimately discovered, however, was that God had a more strategic plan.

“I had been planning on writing a book about my military career,” McKey-Reese told Making Headline News during an interview this week. “This was a vision I had with my mother.”

Unfortunately, McKey-Reese’s mother died unexpectedly in February 2018, a disheartening, life-altering development that had given way to this United States Army veteran having “lost my way,” she recalls.

**HE MAKES ALL THINGS NEW —** A resident of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, McKey-Reese’s contributions to Finding Joy In the Journey: Healthy Ways to Navigate Grief 90 Day Devotional began in January 2020, which officially jumpstarted life after the death of her beloved angel.

Approximately two years removed from having bid farewell to her beloved mother, McKey-Reese was approached by Washington DC author/businesswoman Vernessa Blackwell about an intriguing collaborative book project she had established.

“Vernessa approached me with the ideal of the devotion, and I went into pray and God led me to join her (collaborative project) and I did.”

**AND IT CAME TO PASS —** *“I had been planning on writing a book about my military career,” McKey-Reese told Making Headline News during an interview this week. “This was a vision I had with my mother.”*

For McKey-Reese, it was just the kind of spiritual renewal, of sorts, she needed at the time, considering she’s fully persuaded her mother would have wanted her to move forward with her lofty aspirations of fulfilling her authorship dreams.

McKey-Reese is one of 90 co-authors who has put her immeasurable writing gifts on the display in Finding Joy In the Journey: Healthy Ways To Navigate Grief 90 Day Devotional.

Blackwell’s feature written work that is comprised of 191 pages in length, Finding Joy In the Journey: Healthy Ways to Navigate Grief 90 Day Devotional debuted in August 2020. In this international bestselling book, these Christian-based writers collectively engage in real talk about love, loss, grief, and healing, among other pertinent topics.

**REMEMERING AN ANGEL —** Unfortunately, McKey-Reese’s mother died unexpectedly in February 2018, a disheartening, life-altering development that gave way to this United States Army veteran having “lost my way,” she recalls.

For McKey-Reese, her chapter addresses to the masses the significance to moving forward in life amid the devastating death of a loved one.

“(I’m aiming) to help others know that God will help you to start living your new normal after the loss of a parent, especially your mother,” McKey-Reese said.

A native of New Orleans who resides of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, McKey-Reese’s contributions to Finding Joy In the Journey: Healthy Ways to Navigate Grief 90 Day Devotional began in January 2020, which officially jumpstarted life after the death of her beloved angel.

**VISION UNFOLDING —** Blackwell’s feature written work that is comprised of 191 pages in length, Finding Joy In the Journey: Healthy Ways to Navigate Grief 90 Day Devotional debuted in August 2020. In this international bestselling book, these Christian-based writers collectively engage in real talk about love, loss, grief, and healing, among other pertinent topics.

“God is always in control and will always see you through,” said McKey-Reese, explaining the divine message she’s aiming to send to her reading audience.

As expected, the feedback since McKey-Reese made her authorship debut has been overwhelmingly favorable.

“I have received awesome feedback,” McKey-Reese said. “A lot of people have told me they have been able to relate (to my situation) and I have even been told my chapter in the book is preparing them as they have ailing parents.”

Interestingly, McKey-Reese said plans are in the works to compose a book that depicts her military career, as well as one that recalls her battle with chronic migraines.

**SOLID SUPPORTING CAST —** “I have received awesome feedback,” McKey-Reese said. “A lot of people have told me they have been able to relate (to my situation) and I have even been told my chapter in the book is preparing them as they have ailing parents.”

Having retired from the military in December 2015 after a 30-year stint, McKey-Reese is the only African-American female to have ever be designated a rigger warrant.

As her latest written work, McKey-Reese is grateful of the notion that becoming an author aligns with her divine purpose.

“(This book helps me) by being positive for others and sharing what I have been through to and to let others know that God will always see you through.”

Especially when He introduces a more strategic plan for your life.

**HISTORIC MOMENT —** *Having retired from the military in December 2015 after a 30-year stint, McKey-Reese is the only African-American female to have ever be designated a rigger warrant.*

For more information about Oklahoma Author Petrice M McKey-Reese, to inquire about her book or to schedule her for a public appearance or speaking engagement, connect with her via social media at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petrice.mckeyreese. Also, send email to: [email protected].

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Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to [email protected] or to [email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist or Instagram at @makingheadlinenews.