I had the joy of having dinner and sharing the green room one night with Star Parker before taping the television show, “Life Today, with James and Betty Robison.” The outside marquee read, “Star Parker” with the second line saying, “Gail McWilliams.” It looked like I was being honored as the valet super-star of the month.

Stars first words to m’e were at dinner when she looked me over as I stood up and said, “Girl! I love those threads.” How funny that this last year I ran into Star again at the NRB Convention. It was a thread theme that continued again because she was hemming her long skirt–while wearing it–before the night meeting started. Now it was my turn to say to her, “Girl! I love your thread.” We both laughed and hugged, excited to run into each other again.

There is a word that comes to mind when I think of Star and her articulate voice, message and passion. Authentic! Her story of coming from hardship and on welfare to the success and major conservative voice piece that she is for reformation and life issues is irrefutable. She is a fighter and unwilling to coast.  You would think this would make her admirable to the world and not controversial. Read her life story and see what I mean.

Star’s books Uncle Sam’s Plantation and White Ghetto, along with her commentaries on major news networks, display her goal to shake up the status quo. Star Parker is the founder and president of CURE, the Center for Urban Renewal and Education, established to fight poverty. Star’s own story includes seven years of being dependent on welfare but now a sought after social activist and consultant in D.C., being interviewed often. Her efforts are timely on leading our nation in policy discussions on how to transition America’s poor from government dependency.  Her passion is real and her story proof that there is more.

Star’s accomplishments and the well-known names she has worked with are beyond common. Some of her major accomplishments include speaking at the 1996 Republican National Convention, hosting a documentary on poverty with the BBC in London and debating Jesse Jackson when she was a guest on “The View.” She is a syndicated columnist in many publications and has a host of other tributes.

I know this about Star Parker: the threads of her life and success are a role model to many who want a better life. Star’s strong stance on choosing life places her on the frontlines of valuing life. She is one amazing woman and her influence will be seen for years to come.

Thank you, Star, for giving hope and direction to people who feel stuck. Thank you for modeling courage and overcoming the system of our culture.  Thank you, Star, for your life message and courage to lead. May you see your dreams come true as you throw a lifeline to those who are looking for answers beyond any government handout, no matter the obstacles.

From my view you are a rising Star. May you go far. You have shown us that our lives are not just hanging by some flimsy thread. Isaiah 54 says it best: “May your tents be expanded and your cords lengthened.”