Aretha Tatum Cover Story-Driven by God's Plan

Cover Story: A Woman driven by God’s Plan- Aretha Tatum by Terrie Shayne

Aretha Tatum is a minister, author, filmmaker, actress, and freelance writer. Though she walks in the path that God leads her, she has learned how to balance her gifts.

Aretha said, “I don’t do everything at one time, I follow God’s lead and there is a season for everything.” Her life is filled with gifts that she uses in arts and entertainment. She does not work all her gifts at once. When she is writing, it’s either a book or script. When Aretha is not writing she is usually on a set filming for television or film.

In this life, you don’t meet many people who know what their purpose in life should be. For Aretha, walking into her purpose was an amazing feeling that sometimes made her nervous. When God begins to pull out of you all the gifts that he placed inside you, it just might shock you. We all have these ideas in our head of who we think we are, then God begins to shows us who he created us to be can be surprising.

A perfect example of this is when Aretha recalls when God told her to write her first book, “The Problem with Jesus.” Her reaction to God’s request was “Me, write a book”. The Lord told her to “write the book, and I will help you.” Aretha’s first book, The Problem with

Jesus” was written with God’s help. She has written three books driven by God’s Plan.

I sat down with Aretha to learn more about the ministry, filmmaking, and freelancing in a Q&A. Getting to know this woman of God is truly a blessing. The year 2018 has been an amazing year for women in Media Arts & Entertainment.

Terri Shayne: Tell us about your latest book, Faith & Finance. What inspired you to write this particular book?

Aretha Tatum: Well, I have my degree in Accounting and I have worked in various areas of accounting field for almost thirty years. I was called into ministry in 2010 at the age of forty-three. Our ministry, Free Life – Life Changing Ministries started doing Faith and Finance seminars back in 2010.

At the beginning of 2018, I was led to do a book on the subject and it was published in June 2018. My first book, “The Problem with Jesus “was published in June 2014 and my second book “The Wonderful Counselor “was published June 2016. I didn’t plan for my books to be released in June but when I look back it appears as though God has led me to do a book every two years. It goes back to the fact that there is a season for everything.

Terri Shayne: Your background in Accounting is perfect for leading Faith & Finance seminars and your book. What would you like readers to walk away with after reading Faith & Finance?

Aretha Tatum: I want those who are struggling in the area of finances to be encouraged. To realize that money is a tool, but God is our source. God can and does do what I call “MONEY MIRACLES” all the time. It is not the money but IN GOD WE TRUST!

Terri Shayne: You created your first short film; can you tell us the inspiration behind making a short film?

Aretha Tatum: Through His Eyes- The Insight of Bartimaeus is the name of the short film. It takes you into the life of a man named Bartimaeus on the day his faith changed his life forever. Witness his story THROUGH HIS EYES. It is based on Mark chapter 10.

The inspiration came from when I was at the car wash waiting for my car to get washed and I began thinking about the miracles that Jesus had done. I started thinking about the blind man Bartimaeus and the Holy Spirit gave me the concept of the film right there.

God will inspire you, but you still have to do the work. Later, I wrote the script and shared it with a friend, Alisa Inez and she and I produced the film. The film was blessed to win a few awards at a couple of film festivals.

Through His Eyes was actually the third script that I have written but the first one to be produced. So I have others ready to go. All in God’s timing. My overall mission is to use film to ignite faith.

Terri Shayne: That is truly an amazing inspiration for short film. Tell us about your Ministry, Courage over Fear. What inspired the creation of this ministry?

Aretha Tatum: Courage Over Productions is a facet of Free Life- Life Changing Ministries. My Pastor is Prophetess Sandra D. Bates. I am the Director of Courage Over Fear Productions and our mission is to uplift, encourage, and educate with faithbased seminars and special events.

Terri Shayne: Who has inspired you throughout your journey?

Aretha Tatum: I have been blessed to have my best friend, Tavia Jordan. She and I have been friends since we were little girls. She has always been there with me and for me. I have always admired her open and giving heart, her creativity and her drive to do her best at all times.

When I became a minister at the age of forty-three when I thought I had my life figured out was a major life changing event. My Pastor, Sandra Bates played a major role in helping me to walk in what God had planned for my life. She has also been a blessing.

Last but not least my parents always encouraged and supported me throughout my life and I don’t take that for granted. They were the first ones to make me realize that I can do and be anything!

Terri Shayne: Having loved ones close who support your is key. You are a Chicago native, what has kept you here instead of migrating to Hollywood?

Aretha Tatum: Family first. My mom passed in 2005 but my dad is still in Chicago and he is now eighty-five. He took care of our family and now it is my honor to serve him. Besides that all that I am doing is because the Lord is leading me to do it. I wouldn’t leave until the Lord tells me to go.

Terri Shayne: Good for you Aretha! Move when God says, it’s time to leave. What advice can you share with young people about their gifts and purpose?

Aretha Tatum: You are unique. Be you. Use your gifts in the way that God would have you to use them. Too often people try to copy and follow what others are doing. If you sing, find your style don’t try to mimic someone else.

If you write, tell your story. Not what you think people will want to read. You were born alone, be prepared to stand alone and be what God created you to be!

Terri Shayne: Beautiful advice to our young people! These are words for them to live by and shine by. We have seen women in Film & Television rising from writers, directors, producers, television, films, and short films. Would you say there is a movement right now with more women behind the camera and leading television and film?

Aretha Tatum: I would say as with everything, right now it’s our season. More doors of opportunity have opened the talented and gifted female writer’s directors, and producers who were already there and ready just walked through the open doors.

Nothing really happens overnight. Even when you are just getting started (receiving recognition that is) you didn’t just start if you know what I mean. Most people have been doing things for years before anyone knew who they were.

Terri Shayne: As a writer can you give advice to aspiring writers and women who aspire to want to venture into film/television as writers and actors?

Aretha Tatum: Yes, for the aspiring writers, I say this all of the time to people who tell me that they would like to write a book or a screenplay. Step one write it and re-write it. If you have an idea in your head, get it out of your head and on paper. Don’t talk about writing, write. You can get and editor and make it “pretty” later.

For women who desire to get into film and television as a writer or actress, I say Get to work. Take classes, go to events, learn the industry, and meet people in the industry and network with them. I took acting classes when I was younger. I have taken a studio production class. I attend film festivals and the workshops that they offer. Stay humble, teachable and hungry. See yourself as successful and put in the work to make it true.

Terri Shayne: That is some great advice. Are there any events that you have coming up and how can our readers learn more about you?

Aretha Tatum: I would love for people to check out my #SermonInUnder60. Every Sunday, I post a sermon which is under 60 seconds. I love to encourage and inspire. Sometimes it only takes a minute to ignite your faith. I upload them on Social Media.

You can find me on social media: Facebook page: Ms Respect Speaks Instagram: @MsRespect1 Twitter: @MsRespect1 YouTube: Ms Respect Speaks Ministry website: courageoverfear.org Through His Eyes- The Insight of Bartimaeus Facebook page

It was a pleasure to learn more about this beautiful woman of God who has allowed her gifts to not just be discovered but to be used by the father to serve others. Aretha’s purpose is driven by God to inspire and uplift. We wish you much success with your ministries. You are a powerhouse! Continue to rise my beautiful sister for God’s plan is always the right plan.