This past weekend my family came together to attend the Soul Bowl in Jackson, MS — the classic matchup between Alcorn State University and Jackson State University. Our family theme this year was “We Are One… Just Not On Game Day,” because half of us ride for JSU and the other half proudly scream “Go Braves!” This year I became creative as I attended both universities. My shirt depicted a Brave Tiger—a blend of both mascots—because that’s exactly how I felt. The confusion of a divided family on game day mirrored. My mother was the first in our family to attend Jackson State University, graduating high school at just 16 years old. My aunts and uncles followed behind her — all of us growing from the seed she planted. And maybe that’s why this trip felt different.
Being back home, surrounded by family, tradition, and everything she loved, stirred something deep in me. Lately, I’ve felt a longing to hear my mom’s soothing voice — that funny laugh she’d let out after teasing me, the comfort of being in her presence, or the safety of her advice. I miss seeing her when I’m home in Mississippi — the home-cooked meals and doing her hair while we watched TV. She loved my scalp massages, and I loved watching her relax into them until she fell asleep. She had the best hugs and I love laying under her and touching that cold part of her arm. Being in familiar places without her made the memories louder.
I cherish those moments so much more now, especially when life makes me crave a place to be vulnerable or when I need the kind of wisdom and embrace that only a mother can give. Her love was steady, faithful, and rooted in God. Her morning texts with scripture or a word of encouragement were the heartbeat of many of my days. She was an OUTSTANDING mother and friend. Her love wasn’t always soft or easy — it was sacrificial, patient, correcting when needed, and shaped by the Word of God.
The way my mother loved me shaped the capacity and grace I’ve learned to carry when interacting with people — even those who have caused pain, lied, or mistreated me blindly through their own brokenness. Her love taught me how to hold others with compassion without losing myself in the process to their spiritual battles. She was a faithful servant. Her love built something in me that will stand the test of time and keep me in good standing with God. Because, I’m convinced that the way we manage mismanaged hearts in other humans is a deep reflection of the state of our hearts and souls. This is one of the most obvious and hard lessons I learned from her. She had a way of listening and loving people beyond the state of their heart. She didn’t allow the actions of others to affect how she loved or carried herself. I’m my mothers child, honey.
Because of the way my mother loved and lived, I founded Grieve On Purpose in honor of her transition to the most beautiful place—Heaven. The ministry she planted in me continues to grow even in her absence, and I am committed to carrying her legacy forward. This is how I embrace the other side of pain. On December 13, 2025, I will be hosting my second annual Brunch With Purpose at Concord Church in Dallas, Texas, where I will unveil my brand theme: Embracing the Other Side of Pain. We have partnered with some amazing entities for this year’s experience and are preparing for dynamic collaborations with additional organizations in 2026 to expand the impact of this work. I’ve invited a diverse group of panelists and guests to share their stories, their hope, and their personal growth through grief.
If you would like to sponsor or attend, registration is now open on Eventbrite. My prayer is that this gathering becomes a space where hearts are strengthened, healing is activated, and purpose is rediscovered—just as my mother taught me.
With Love,
Patrice Thomas