Terence Lester, Ph.D. @imTerenceLester Twitter profile

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

1 year

I wish I could show my English teacher this picture who put me out of her classroom and told me I’d end up in jail for falling asleep in her class after sleeping in a park the night before. 3 books and one translated into Portuguese. Preorders:

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

One year ago today, I was writing the book "All God's Children" in a hospital after my wife and I were hit by a car, leaving me unable to walk. A year later, I walked into a Barnes and Noble and found out the book will be in stores in 23 days. Preorders:

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

11 months

Very emotional moment. I remember the day when I made the decision to change my life. I was 18 years old, sleeping in my car at a park. I felt alone, misunderstood, and scared about what would happen to my life. I vividly recall saying, "God, if you are real... help me!"

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

11 months

It was surreal to take graduation pictures today. I went from being an ex-homeless teen and ex-high school dropout to a PhD. God changed my life, and now I’m dedicating the rest of my life to advocate for those facing poverty. I’m two weeks away from formally walking. God did!

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

I passed my defense! I’m officially Dr. Lester 🙏🏾😭 . I’ve earned my Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Public Policy and Social Change.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

11 months

One year ago today, I was learning how to walk again while trying to write a book. Today, I got a chance to sign books at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, five days before its release. I never gave up 🙏🏾🥹 But God Preorders:

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

Just reflecting and phew 🥹 23 years ago I slept in a park from time to time 21 years ago I tried to end my life 20 years ago I got locked up 19 years ago I met the Lord 17 years ago I got married to my best friend 15 years ago I went to Bible College 11 years ago I completed…

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

10 months

It's finally here! Tomorrow, I will finally have the opportunity to physically walk across the stage to graduate and solidify this PhD. I did it for the hood—literally🤞🏾

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

11 months

I spoke with the owner/manager of the restaurant, and he apologized, expressing his deep remorse. The owner/manager has committed to rectifying the behavior. I would also like to extend my gratitude to the Twitter community for contacting the restaurant 🙏🏾🥹

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

Today is my 40th birthday, and I am grateful to be alive. Earlier this year, I didn’t think I would make it or know if I’d ever get out of the hospital after almost losing my life. The person on the right is a different person—healthier, softer, and more compassionate 🙏🏾🥹

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

10 months

One of my favorite days of the week is when I get to take my son for haircuts—it’s like a rite of passage, and a way to bond with him. I remember his first haircut when he was one, and today he told me he wanted to be a scientist. Love you, young man!

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

5 years

“I am not interested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full menu of rights.” —Desmond Tutu

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

11 months

I have so much joy right now and will never forget the journey I went through to get here. God, I thank you 🙏🏾 #PhDone

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

My biological father told me he was proud of me for the third time in my life yesterday after seeing this picture 🙏🏾😭 He is battling a life threatening illness and uttered these words. I love you dad! I post this in your honor! I did it for my children, us, you, our legacy.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

Yesterday, I passed my dissertation proposal defense, and when my committee told me, I felt so many emotions as tears welled up in my eyes. Why? Because I remembered this picture and moment.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

3 months

I am deeply heartbroken. This week, I lost my father, Tyrone Lester, and it feels like the wind has been knocked out of me. I wouldn’t wish this grief on anyone 🙏🏾🥹

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

11 months

This morning, I remember the Emanuel Nine whose lives were taken on June 17, 2015, during a Bible study at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC. May their lives, stories, and legacy continue to remind us to stand against all forms of violence.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

11 months

Yesterday, I received my regalia and I can't believe that I'm only three weeks away from formally walking for my PhD 🙏🏾🥹 God did! And I'm still in shock! Never give up. 📷 @imcecilialester

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

Writing last chapter of dissertation! I can. I will. I must. #phdlife

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

6 years

“Something is wrong that we have to feed so many. Why should there be poverty with all of our science and technology? There is no deficit in human resources - it is a deficit in human will.” —Coretta Scott King

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

5 years

Never stop being a good person because of bad people.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

You never know what a person has had to overcome or live through, and you never know how your story might give someone else hope. This is my testimony, but God 🤞🏾🥹🙏🏾

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

10 months

I am so tired of people running into people with a mouth full of scripture and a heart full of hate.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

As I approach another year, I am doing it softly, remembering that we do not control anything. I am planning, but with grace and margin for error. I am dreaming, but know dreams don’t happen overnight. I will show up, but know some days will be hard. I’m starting 2023 with grace.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

@SamObiWon I’m going to keep telling it bro, because maybe some black child will dream beyond poverty 🙏🏾🥹🌱

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

10 months

A message that so many need to hear 🙏🏾

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

I am less than six hours away from defending my dissertation and PhD work. Please say a prayer for me 🙏🏾 I can do this.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

6 years

“Most people need love and acceptance a lot more than they need advice.” — @bobgoff , Love Does

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

10 months

“I, Too” by Langston Hughes I, too, sing America. I am the darker brother. They send me to eat in the kitchen When company comes, But I laugh, And eat well, And grow strong.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

6 years

God had a purpose for you before anyone had an opinion. . Be encouraged.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

10 months

I can't believe we're a week away from celebrating 17 years of marriage. We started young, and we're still growing and building together. @imcecilialester , thank you for being my best friend and the person I could break generational curses with🤞🏾🌱 #HappyInRealLife

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

May everything that made you feel empty in 2022 be replaced with things that fill you up in 2023—and may you have the courage to say “no” to what drains you and “yes” to those things that fill you up.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

4 years

Every single day for the last eight days, we have thought of ways to get water to people living on the streets during this crisis, and we found a way to build and assemble portable handwashing stations that holds up to 10 gallons of water. . #lovebeyondwalls @LoveBeyondWalls

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

10 months

Today, I graduated and physically walked across the stage, but this is my testimony! Remember, wherever you are, don’t give up! God did 🌱🙏🏾 cc: @imcecilialester @zionjoylester

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

10 months

It was humbling to return to the same corner where I overcame hardships and almost lost my life, to take a picture with my recent book that shares my growth. Today, I am reminded that no matter what you have had to journey through, with God, it is possible to rise above it all.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

5 years

Gentrification is NOT the same as community development. . Community development aims at bettering the area for existing residents. . Gentrification aims to replace existing residents. . #lovebeyondwalls

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

Never forget the ones that saw you at your lowest point, and instead of offering judgment and distance, they extended presence and grace—those are your people.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

4 years

I will not lose my hope! “We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope.” -Martin Luther King Jr.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

11 months

One of the most painful things to experience is having to defend yourself for something that happened to you, to people who didn't have your experience. It's exhausting, painful, and, quite frankly, a form of epistemic injustice.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

11 months

OMG! It's official. On Juneteenth, I'll have my first book signing for "All God's Children" at Barnes & Noble. I don't care if I only sell a few books; I've worked so hard to get this message out and be here after the tragedy 🙏🏾🌱

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

6 years

“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

11 months

@TrackCoachJones Frank’s Old Mill

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

11 months

Last night, I got a chance to hang out with my older sister. She has been a huge encourager and support system in my life, and has become an even closer friend. I love you, Dr. Monica Lester!

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

It's the second picture that has the testimony. Almost a year ago, my life was nearly taken from me in a car accident. I couldn't walk, and was confided to a bed for months. And now, yesterday, I received physical copies of the book I worked on while in the hospital.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

dear God, Many of us know the pain of having well-laid out plans crumble and fall apart. As some of us fight to pick up the pieces and find the courage to move forward, we pray that you take what remains and create something hopeful. Amen

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

I got my first banner for my forthcoming book with @ivpress this week! I can’t believe I’m 76 days away from launching my third book into the world. Preorders are live:

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

11 months

@iamroymong Sometimes, I just get so tired of this BS 🥹

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

7 months

This time last year, my wife had just had surgery and couldn't walk and I became her caregiver after learning how to walk again myself after multiple surgeries. This year, we're both healthier and don't look like we’ve been through. And, I thank God for that.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

5 months

Health update: It’s been well over a year since my hospitalization, and I can confidently say that almost losing my life started me on a journey of physical and emotional healing.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

11 months

Today, I found out that Barnes & Noble in Morrow, GA has scheduled my first book signing on Juneteenth for "All God's Children," just one day before its release. Thank you, @imcecilialester , for making this incredible surprise happen 🙏🏾🌱🥹 Sharing details soon! @ivpress

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

10 months

Last year, my daughter and I signed a contract to co-author a children's book. Today, we got the title and the first glimpse of the book cover. It educates children about homelessness, empathy, and belonging. We went from coloring books together to writing one.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

8 years

@repjohnlewis Thank you for your sacrifice.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

11 months

@TUGFansMatter I celebrate. Too often we rush past moments. Then, I continue to serve. Education is one of many pathways to service 🌱🙏🏾

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

11 months

For the next 30 hours, I'll be locked in a booth recording the audiobook for "All God's Children." It's hard to believe last year this time I was confined to a bed, unable to walk, and now about to record a book that launches in 13 days. Preorders:

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

I’m feeling all the emotions. I just learned that my forthcoming book, All God’s Children, with @ivpress , which launches next year, got picked up as an audiobook. And I get to read it with my voice. It’s my first book on racial justice, belonging, and faith. #AllGodsChildren

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

I’m grateful for my wife, she’s literally my best friend @imcecilialester Thank you for staying up with me to pack all these books to mail out today 🙏🏾🥹 Thank you for telling me I could when life made me feel like I couldn’t. Preorders: cc: @ivpress

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

I’m in the hospital today and have been here all morning. If you pray, please say one for my father!

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

8 months

Two years ago, my daughter and I had a dream of co-authoring a children's book that teaches children about having compassion for those who are unhoused. Today we reveal the book's cover and title, out March 2024. @zionjoylester , we did it 🌱 Preorders:

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

7 months

I’ve been in the hospital for six days. Pray for my family. God, we need you!

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

9 months

Celebrating my 17th Anniversary with my best friend, @imcecilialester ! It’s been 17 years! That’s: 536,112,000 seconds, 8,935,200 minutes, 148,920 hours, 6,205 days, 886 weeks, and 203 months. But God.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

I am grateful to announce that I have signed with a new literary agency to work on scholarly books beyond the academy—shout out to my new agency The Bindery and my agent Trinity 🌱🙏🏾 I’m 11 days away from defending my dissertation 🥹 #lovebeyondwalls

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

6 months

I’ve been in the hospital with my family for 18 days straight. Pray for my family.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

I just found out that my book has hit the warehouse. I can't believe I'm only 67 days away from launching this book into the world! Shout out to @ivpress for sending me this picture! I have chills. Pre-orders are live now:

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

11 months

To go from experiencing grief and trauma to believing that I am worth it again is nothing short of a miracle. I thank God for walking with me through depression, grief, loss, and all of the things that could have caused me to be bitter. My testimony is that I am better 🌱

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

11 months

I was just invited to give my first public lecture at an HBCU as a Ph.D. 🙏🏾🥹 Later this month, I'm excited to lecture at Simmons College in Kentucky during the West Louisville Forum on the topic, "Finding Home: Uniting the Black Community to Combat Homelessness." But God.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

Tonight, our family got a chance to watch my wife @imcecilialester receive the Humanitarian Award from The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter!

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

Had to run this message from @thesherylralph back 🌱 “You better love what you see….” Phew 👏🏾

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

11 months

In 2021, I wrote these words for @LoveBeyondWalls after a person our organization was walking with out of homelessness got kicked off a church's property for trying to use the restroom. They were graciously illustrated by @ohhappydani 🌱 #lovebeyondwalls

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

I'm in tears! This morning, I woke up and found out that 275 people have signed up to receive an early copy of my forthcoming book, "All God's Children" with @ivpress 🙏🏾😭 We surpassed the goal by 75. It may seem small to some, but it’s huge to me. But God.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

5 years

“Start now. Start where you are. Start with fear. Start with pain. Start with doubt. Start with hands shaking. Start with voice trembling, but start. Start, and don’t stop. Start where you are, with what you have. Just...start.” —Ijeoma Umebinyuo

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

I swear, when a Black man dies from unjust violence, he experiences two deaths: The first death occurs in his physical body, and then the second is a character assassination to justify the first. Phew. We desperately need help.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

4 years

“Even if no one has checked on you, no one has called you, and you’re not sure if anyone really cares, please know you’re important. Your needs and feelings matter. Your life is sacred.” — @drthema

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

This morning at 5:13AM, I finished the last chapter of my dissertation 🙏🏾 I’m traveling tomorrow to shoot and conduct research for the documentary film that will accompany this creative dissertation. The last task before I defend. This is personal. #phdlife #lovebeyondwalls

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

Be kind to yourself as you seek to heal from everything that tried to take you out but failed.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

The joy in this picture is bringing me so much life this morning 🌱🥹

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

10 months ago, I was in a hospital bed and was told it would take over a year before I could walk again. But with God's help, I found strength to start a healing journey, walk, and will defend my dissertation tomorrow. I never gave up 🙏🏾😭 You don’t give up either!

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

Heal so much that you can recognize when someone's mistreatment of you is a reflection of their own pain, and not a reflection of your worth.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

11 months

May good things find you when unfortunate things happen to you. May peace find you when life gets chaotic. May strength find you when moments seem too much to carry. May grace find you when nothing goes as planned. May you remember you are worth it when others say you aren't.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

True belonging means that you feel safe as you are. May you find safe spaces and people where you don’t have to hide parts of yourself to feel included or seen.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

5 years

I will not stop advocating and educating people. . 74 percent. . #ISeeYou #lovebeyondwalls #DignityMuseum

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

11 months

We live in a time where people hide behind computer screens instead of engaging in healthy communication, wasting others' time with pretense instead of being honest, and using apathy as a weapon, rather than embracing love as a powerful force that can heal and restore.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

11 months

My book, "All God's Children," officially launches tomorrow, and I am so excited! And for Juneteenth, I am grateful for the opportunity to sign books later today at Barnes and Noble in Morrow, GA. There's only one day left to preorder:

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

11 months

Today, I officially launch “All God’s Children.” There were times over this past year when I literally didn’t think I would make it. I endured trauma, grief, and loss of people, all while going through the lowest point of my life.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

10 months

Seeing my brother today was a huge blessing @autismpastor 🌱

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

I am in tears 🥹🙏🏾 I promised myself I’d write beyond the academy once I completed my Ph.D., and 11 days later, I am doing just that.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

6 months

23 days in a hospital was a lot. Life has been unbelievable lately but I still have faith 🙏🏾

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

Been in the hospital for five days! Pray for my family.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

6 years

Be the same person privately, publicly, and personally. Real is rare.

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Terence Lester, Ph.D.

@imTerenceLester

1 year

Dear DEI people: When you engage with a black person who is sharing their experience and discussing their racial trauma, listen attentively without attempting to interject with an alternative narrative, edit, or dismiss our perspective.

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