John O’Leary welcomes Dr. Bertice Berry on the Live Inspired Podcast to inspire you to embrace your own narrative, find strength in your scars, and share your light with the world.
Dr. Bertice Berry is a sociologist, award-winning author, and celebrated storyteller who has inspired millions through her wisdom, humor, and heart. From growing up in poverty as one of seven children to earning a Ph.D. in sociology, Bertice’s story encourages us to live authentically, reflect our best selves, and shine brighter for those around us.
Today, Bertice shares how her early struggles shaped her belief in hope and blessings, even in the hardest of times. She reflects on the life lessons learned from her mother’s transformation, the importance of forgiveness, and why “cleaning the light” (literally and metaphorically) helps us see life more clearly. Bertice also discusses her challenges with MS and the mental chains that can hold us back more than the physical ones.
My friends, if you need a reminder that your story matters and your struggles can become blessings, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave inspired to embrace your own narrative, find strength in your scars, and share your light with the world.
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SHOW NOTES:
- “Hope is the other side of the coin of despair.”
- Raised by a single mom with six siblings, Bertice grew up in a poor area of Wilmington, Delaware where they faced extreme poverty.
- “No one has a monopoly on suffering.” In learning to cope with her MS, Bertice learned the shame and responsibility that many of us carry from circumstances that we didn’t cause.
- Always clean the light. As a preteen, while cleaning homes before school and banks after school, Bertice learned the importance of always cleaning the light – what reflects everything else.
- During an unspoken request at her church, Bertice prayed that her mother change her ways and start coming to church, and that she could go to college. When teacher Karen Denton read one of her papers and encouraged her to go to college, Bertice believed that God heard her unspoken prayer.
- After another teacher suggested if she make it to college to not unpack, Bertice lived out of her luggage for six months because of fear and anxiety.
- Psychologists study individuals and their behavior. Sociologists study groups and the relationships, the organizations that we live in and the way we interact with one another.
- Earning the President’s Cup for Leadership from Jacksonville University, Bertice almost didn’t attend her graduation because her family couldn’t afford to come. The father of her friend and roommate Rhonda Williams convinced her to attend, and when she was accepting her award, the entire cleaning and cafeteria staff was representing Bertice.
- “ That thing that we thought was a burden is really a blessing.”
- ”Forgiveness is not about letting someone else off the hook. It’s about getting off the hook they put you on.”
- Six months after her mother passed, Bertice finally saw her for who she was after reading the journals she had left.
- During Covid lockdowns, Bertice asked herself, “what do I know and what does my community need?” What started out as one-on-one calls with individuals struggling evolved into Bertice sharing her messages on social media because she was in the process of sewing and distributing more than 30,000 masks alongside her daughter and niece.
- “When you tell a better story, you live a better life.” Bertice helps individuals recognize they’re their own hero in their story and the importance of telling their stories – not someone else’s.
- ”An effective story is an account of the past that’s relevant to the present that gives hope to the future.”
- “ The chains on your wrist are not as strong as the ones on your mind.”
- ”We all have an opportunity of getting better and sometimes that comes with the limp.”
Did you enjoy today’s episode?
You’ll love my conversation with Kelly Corrigan. Kelly Corrigan is a celebrated storyteller and New York Times bestselling author of Tell Me More, Glitter and Glue, The Middle Place and more. As the host of PBS’ Tell Me More with Kelly Corrigan, Kelly shares insightful conversations with thought leaders, pulling out poignant lessons others can use to find their own calling or better understand themselves. Hear Kelly share her heartfelt wisdom and profound lessons on love, parenting, self-discovery, and the importance of laughter in thoughtful reflection. Listen to Kelly Corrigan on ep. 602.
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DR. BERTICE BERRY'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
- Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
A. City of God by St. Augustine and anything by Percival Everett. - Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?
A. I'm still curious but not nearly as curious as I was when I was a kid. - Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?
A. Nothing. - Q. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?
A. Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray. - Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A. Be yourself. - Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
A. Girl, you're going to have an amazing life. - Q. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?
A. I walked with purpose and I collided with destiny.
