Rev. Shirley Lawson is a licensed Universal Foundation for Better Living Ordained Minister (ufbl.org). Rev. Shirley graduated from Trinity International University, majoring in Organizational Leadership/Communication. She also received a Bachelor of Metaphysical Science, B. Msc. Degree, and Metaphysical Practitioners Diploma from the University of Metaphysics.
In 2003, she was invited to an open house of In the Spirit (a recovery home for women) by Pam, a woman at Christ Universal Temple (CUT) where Shirley has attended since the 70's. During the tour, she felt so moved. She heard a voice say you will be teaching spirituality classes here. When the doors opened, Shirley started. She was invited by Reverend Dr. Helen Carey. Rev Helen called her into her office and asked her if she would start to teach and she said, wow, yes.
Later, Rev. Lawson founded the Great Lakes Transformational Empowerment Ministries -which provides spiritual support classes for women and men in recovery in 2003. This ministry has been empowering people so that their lives can be transformed. Her message has helped them break free from addictions and realize their divine potential.
Once the person leading meditations at CUT stepped down, Rev. Johnnie Colemon asked Shirley to lead that ministry. She said yes. This was after Shirley's first husband died from an overdose years before. Shirley later would lead Meditators for Better Living at CUT for several years.
Shirley is the Founder and Spiritual Director of the Meditative Life Ministries, Inc. (Meditative Life Ministries | Facebook) - a not-for-profit educational organization dedicated to helping people live more mindful and meditative lives. Its vision is: “People everywhere improving their lives and communities through meditative practices.”
Rev. Shirley learned from her own personal meditative practice. She was happier. She felt less stressed. Depressing thoughts were lessoning significantly. She had better focus. I had more peace within and felt an overall sense of well- being. She knew that they would benefit greatly from learning how to meditate and how to practice the presence of God through prayer and meditation.
Shirley also studied at the Midwest Center for the Study of Oriental Medicine. For years, she studied massage therapy, shiatsu injunction, and more. She does the tapping meditations for people as well, also known as emotional freedom technique (EFT).
One of Rev. Shirley’s grandest accomplishments was to spearhead the honoring of Reverend Dr. Johnnie Colemon with a commemoration service and dedication of a plaque in honor of her work and for being the first African American to live on the grounds of Unity Village. Unity’s Mayor David Vest and the Board of Trustees honored Dr. Colemon with a Proclamation making August 24, 2016 - Reverend Dr. Johnnie Colemon Day at Unity Village.
Rev. Shirley is also the author of “Golden Spiritual Nuggets.” A compilation of inspired sayings that offer food for thought and practical advice to those on the spiritual path.
In October 2021 Reverend Shirley received an “Outstanding Servant Leader” award at the Harvest Online Convention in the Philippines presented by Rev. Reg Tan.
Listen to Rev. Celeste's poem, "Say Yes".