“The Battlefield of Belonging” by Rev. Dr. Rutha M. Jackson
“The Battlefield of Belonging“ features the heartfelt story of farm-raised Rutha told with a bold voice of conviction. She confidently recollects her efforts to exist in environments where coexistence meant reducing her belonging to bouts in order to cooperate with the “one size-fits-all” of fitting in. This book will help you to confidently go into Christ-like combat with the disturbances to your belonging.
From its deep dive definition and introduction to belonging, to the equally captivating story of Dr. Rutha Jackson, “The Battlefield of Belonging” proves to profoundly profess the possibilities and necessities of belonging. You’ll feel like a soldier equipped for war and ready to take the win. This book is nicknamed “BOB” (short for Battlefield of Belonging) so that you can have the feel and words of a familiar friend whenever your right to belong has been shaken.
Dr. Rutha Jackson is dedicated to sharing her story of belonging with the masses. She is passionate about using Godly etiquette to go against worldly traditions, Proudly she proclaims, “I need no one’s permission to be or to belong,” in hopes to remind you that neither do you.
A native of Houston County; Clarence Jackson (deceased); three daughters: Nikesha Jackson, Michelle S. Jackson-Johnson (Antonio B. Johnson, Sr.), and Dr. Kimbria Jackson; two grandsons: Antonio Bernard, Jr. and Christopher Mikal Johnson.
Education:
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Education: Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, GA, CUM Laude, 1993
• Education Specialist Degree – Awarded, 2006
• Masters’ of Divinity: Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, GA (ITC)
• Associate Degree: Human Resource, Community College of the Air Force
• Graduate of Senior Non-Commissioner Officer Leadership School: Gunther Air Force Base, AL 2009
• Senior Master Sergeant 33 years: Air Force Reserve Retired; Numerous Awards for Service, 2013
• Doctoral Degree in Education Leadership: Walden University, MN, 2018
• Teacher 25-1/2 years: 1993 Retired (Gifted Certified Social Studies & Science) and Who’s Who Among American Teachers (2 years), 2004 & 2008
Served Numerous Pastoral Appointment: 23 years with the Central Georgia Regional Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME); rebuilt Oak Grove Memorial 1997 after being destroyed fire, Elko, GA; Saint James CME Dublin, remodeling and adding more Sundays; Balls, Jeffersonville, remodeling inside and outside (Pave Parking Lot, Sound Room, Storage, Park, Kitchen Audio etc. & Van) Trinity CME, Macon; purchased land for rebuilding; Sand Hill CME, Barnesville, GA; instrumental in getting a thoroughfare paved after 30+ years of pursuing, served Mt. Zion, Perry, GA.
She now the proud Pastor and Founder of Grace Temple International Worship Center Ministry (GTIWC), Warner Robins (September 2013 until); sublet Fresh Manna Forward Ministry (2022 until).
Community:
• Member of Delta Sigma Theta Inc. (2006), Warner Robins Alumnae Chapter, GA
• President, Houston County Branch National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) 2014 – 2022, Founder of Signature event Unity and Community, Houston County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; Instrumental in helping to Pass Policy for Parental Paid Leave, Warner Robins City Employees, established numerous Community Partners and securing Grants for Voter Registration
• Georgia State Conference NAACP: Only Female ever appointed to be the Religious Affairs Chair for Georgia State Conference National Association for the Advancement of Color People (NAACP) Appointed in January 2010 – 2017. Received numerous awards for having served in this capacity. Served as Co-Chair District 8 Coordinator Assigned (Houston, Monroe, Wilkinson, Twiggs, & Fort Valley), NAACP Georgia State Conference, 2017- 2019; Now 2022, Religious Affairs Chair.
• Entrepreneur: Founder and Owner of the first-ever African American Tri-City Newspaper, Houston County and Surrounding Area, July 2021; Author of Battlefield of Belonging, 2022, www.battlefieldofbleonging.com
Hobbies:
Motivational Speaker/Preaching, Teaching, Walking, Singing, and Traveling
Favorite Scriptures:
Isaiah 61; Spirit of…Luke 4:18: “The Lord has appointed me to preach the Gospel.”
