Richella Parham is a speaker, author of Mythical Me: Finding Freedom from Constant Comparison and A Spiritual Formation Primer, co-host of the Friends in Formation podcast, and the founder of ImpartingGrace.com. A former teacher and small business owner, Richella is Chairman of the Board and a member of the Ministry Team for Renovaré, a ministry advocating, resourcing, and modeling formation into Christlikeness. By speaking and writing about the Trinity’s vast grace, Richella humbly guides others to a greater understanding of the goodness and trustworthiness of God. Residing in North Carolina with her husband of 36 years, she is the mother of three young adult sons. She is an active member and leader of her local church, where she serves in worship planning and preaching.
Through her keynotes, workshops, and community outreach, Richella works to dismantle preconceived myths about identity and worth, clearing a path for people to surrender to a compassionate God.
Okay, that’s my official bio. But until recently I might have introduced myself like this:
- I’ve been married for 36 years (but that’s nothing compared to my friend Libby who’s been married for 46).
- I have three wonderful children (but I didn’t do as good a job rearing my kids as my friend Sherry did).
- I’m a blogger and a writer (but I don’t have a big following like my friend Emily).
- I’m a fervent preacher (but I don’t have a D.Min. like my friend Mark).
- I was valedictorian of my college class (but I didn’t go to a top-flight college like my friend Bill).
See how it goes? A litany of constantly comparing myself to other people is the way I used to define myself. And I can tell you from experience: that’s no way to live. Maybe that’s your experience, too.
As I walk a new path of freedom from comparing myself with others, I am passionate about sharing the message that there is a way of escape from the comparison trap. That’s the topic of my latest book—Mythical Me: Finding Freedom from Constant Comparison (click here to read all about it). I’d love to help you find your way to freedom as well!