Keri Whitetail
What makes Keri Wildly Capable?
Keri is an overcomer. She is stronger than she even realizes. I am constantly encouraged by her resilience.” JORDAN HUMPHREY
What makes you feel proud?
I feel proud when I know I have done the Lord’s will, whether it be picking up a gum wrapper or telling someone about the freedom He gives. It doesn’t matter which, as long as He is honored by the life I now live.
What keeps you up at night?
Knowing I missed an opportunity to make someone else’s life better. A missed opportunity represents a life that remains unchanged. If I can help another person reach peace and joy in their life and I avoided it because of fear, pride, or laziness, I am restless and unsettled.
Who is the biggest influence in your life? Why?
Bishop Dr. Ilinda Jackson without question. She saw me when no one else did and loved me with the pure, unwavering love of Christ and continues to do so. No matter what I’ve done or haven’t done, she loves and supports me still.
What’s been the biggest obstacle in your life so far?
Overcoming the consequences of overwhelmingly poor choices that have life-altering and long-lasting effects. There was a time in my life when I had an extreme lapse in my character that led me down a dark path. I was blessed, however, in that experience to arrive at a raw place of truth within myself. It was there that I learned Godly love, compassion, grace, and kindness were the characteristics I was lacking. I determined I would not stay in this place of lack and would spend every day I had left becoming a better person than I had been the day before.
What’s the single biggest problem you’d like to solve in your community?
Societal leprosy. I would like to help bring awareness and understanding to the overwhelming discrepancies and inconsistencies between stereotypes, media portrayal, and the actual reality of the currently and formerly incarcerated.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
You are what you think about. If you don’t like who you are, think differently.
