On a recent broadcast of the "Wake Up With Dee Morning Show", co-pastor Grace Church International’s Dr. Antoinette G. “Toni” Alvarado delivered a message of gratitude, healing and self-care.
Dr. Alvarado was honored for her work as founder of My Sister’s Keeper Foundation for Women, president of Targeted Living Coaching & Consulting, LLC, and as a dynamic preacher, author and workshop leader. Dr. Toni G. Alvarado.
Dr. Alvarado discussed grief and healing in the context of the holiday season, noting that while holidays often bring joy, they can also resurrect pain for those who have lost loved ones. She introduced her newest book, Tending To Your Garden: Moving Through Grief with Intentional Self-Care and Soul-Care — written after the passing of her mother — as a resource for those navigating loss.
Pivoting into her “Wednesday’s Word” message, Dr. Alvarado turned to 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and urged people to adopt a posture of gratitude even when circumstances feel bleak. “In everything give thanks,” she affirmed. “When everything feels out of control, it is our gratitude that keeps us anchored.” She emphasized that thankfulness isn’t about denying pain or hardship, but acknowledging faith and hope even in difficult times.
Beyond spiritual encouragement, she highlighted the importance of self-care for women, especially women of color. As founder of the Harmonize Your Life Women’s Self-Care Network and retreat leader of the annual Harmonize Your Life Women's Self-Care Retreat, Dr. Alvarado described the retreat as a space to nurture emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual health. “Most of us as women are multitasking … sometimes we’re holding up the world,” she said, urging women to prioritize their own wellness.
Community, connection and compassion were recurring themes. She challenged listeners to see gratitude as more than an inward practice, but as something that “reaches outward,” binding people together with empathy and support. As she said: “Compassion for one another can outlast any difficulty.”
To listen to the full interview, click the link above.