Two years ago, Christians across the globe were thrown into mourning following the sudden and tragic demise of Dr. Myles Munroe and his lovely wife, Ruth Munroe. But no one was more devastated at their passing than the two children they left behind, Charisa and Myles Jr.
In this issue of DOZ That Inspire You, Charisa Munroe speaks about life without her parents, her memories of them, the values they taught her and how those values have helped her to daily push past the pain and walk triumphantly in their shoes. Her desire is to make them proud. Get ready to be inspired.
Tell me a little about yourself. Where were you born? Where did you grow up?
Charisa Munroe was born and raised on the beautiful island of Nassau in The Bahamas. She grew up closely with her younger brother Myles Jr. as they are only shy of 12 months apart.
Where did you go to college? What degrees do you have?
Bachelors of Social Work Degree from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Masters of Social Work from University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Masters of Business Administration from Benedictine University in Chicago, Illinois.
Tell me about your current job. What attracted you to it?
I work as a full-time Medical Social Worker for a private facility working with chronically-ill patients. I have always loved medicine and loved helping people and showing compassion and empathy towards the less-fortunate. I am attracted to anything to do with medicine, hospitals, blood, the disabled, counselling, education and empowerment. Social Work gives me the opportunity involve myself in ALL the above and do exactly that – Empower individuals to maintain their independence and see life far beyond the limitations of the illness and/or disabilities.
What is most rewarding about your job?
Seeing my patients satisfied, happy and smiling is the best reward I can ask for. I love my job and I love what I do. When I know that I have empowered my patients to bring resolutions to their problems and concerns, this is where I get my greatest reward. It’s all about them.
What are some things you don’t like about your job?
The paperwork. I hate paper-pushing, filing and documenting. It takes away from the time I could be spending actually sitting down and talking to my patients learning from them and educating them as needed. BUT, it is a part of the job and comes with the territory, so I do what I have to do.
What job would you choose if you didn’t do what you do now?
Clinical private practice, Fitness personal training and/or Fashion designing and stylist for others.
When and how did you become a Christian?
Having being born in a Christian home, it seems as though I have been a Christian ALL my life. But if I had to pinpoint when it became personal, would be at the age of about 13 during a Children’s Church meeting at my church.
What was it like being the daughter of a famous preacher?
Words do no justice. It was amazing being the daughter of an awesome, loving and wise father that loved God and my mother with all his heart. To me he was not a famous preacher; to me he was just DADDY, a daddy that was the true epitome of what a daddy and husband should be. He was present in my life 100% and would do anything in his power to protect me and make me happy.
What were your father’s expectations of you?
Dad’s expectations of me were to never give up, excel in my school work, and fulfill in life what I was born to do. He expected that I would take the wisdom that I have learned from he and my mom and go further than they have ever gone and accomplish so much more. He was training us up to be even greater than he.
What are your fondest childhood memories?
Family vacations were the best time of my life. Traveling to London, Brazil, Orlando and other places with my parents were some of the greatest times we spent as a family. Even if these trips weren’t vacation for them, it was a vacation for my brother and I. We were truly blessed to be exposed to so much at such a young age.
What values did you learn from your father?
(a) There is nothing named “can’t”. (b) The greatest enemy of progress is your last success. (c) Change is constant. (d) You must spend more time preparing for marriage than waiting to get married. (e) Judge people by what they do not know, not what you think they should know, this minimizes disappointments and surprises. (f) Family is the most important thing of life next to God. (g) Sleep when you are dead. (h) My dad took me out on my first date at the age of 16 and taught me how a man should treat his woman – with respect, understanding, dignity, care, love and like no one exists but her. (i) people are your greatest assets, maintain all relationships. (j) The greatest leaders in the world are those that are servants above all else.
What has life been like for you without your parents the last two years?
I don’t even want to talk about it. It is still very very hard to even have to think about. Because life without them, if I am to be honest, has almost been lifeless for me. But I have had to be strong and push through.
Following the death of your parents, what is your biggest testimony of God’s faithfulness in your life?
My biggest testimony of God’s faithfulness in my life following the death of my parents is finding the strength that I did not even know I had to get up every morning and move forward. Not falling into a state of depression and isolation, because the Lord knows I wanted to. I did not want to be bothered at all. The sting was that great, and still is. But I could hear my parents voice in my ear saying, “you have to get up”, “you are a strong woman”, “We raised you better than this,” “You can do this.” God demonstrated his faithfulness and sent the right people around me to show me the love needed to help me through the toughest time of my life.
How has the death of your parents impacted on your life?
It is impacted me tremendously, beyond words. But it has given me a totally different perspective on life and death. I am more intentional about not taking people for granted and spending more time with my family and close friends – because you just never know. Since my parents’ death I have met so many new people and have developed new relationships and acquaintances that are in support of everything that my brother and I are doing. I appreciate every day and treat every day as though it is my last. So now I am making it a point to travel the world, meet new people, explore and do new things. I now understand that nothing is permanent, but GOD. Having lost the two most important people in my life that were the closest to me, I am now forced to only depend on and put all my trust in God. Life truly is short.
How has the death of your parents impacted on your walk with God?
Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all you heart, and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your path.” The death of my parents has forced me to get even closer to God and His Word and trust him for myself, get to know him more for myself. I would have never imagined that I would be able to get up the next morning after the tragedy and still stand and function to some degree, but I did. And that alone lets me know God gat my back no matter what.
What are some of the challenges you have faced following their death?
Being forced to fill their shoes. Being pushed out of my comfort-zone and into new territory of greater responsibility. At a point in time my parents were my go-to for sound advice and wisdom. Now I struggle to find someone to fill that void.
In what ways has their death altered your plans, dreams and goals?
Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Two years ago, my 5-year plan looked a whole lot different than my 5-year plan looks now. But obviously, God had other plans for me. Since their death, my life has been reset and I have to dream new dreams and plan new plans and goals for my future. Although a little scary, the dreams and plans I have now are far greater than they were 3 years ago. Change is the one thing that we cannot control; we can only manage the effects of change and our responses to it. So I am learning to manage it all.
What is the one thing you have done since their passing that you know they would have been proud of?
The one thing I did that they would be proud of is saying YES, to accepting the baton they passed on and making that decision to continue building their legacy. My brother and I have continued a lot of what they started and we have embarked on building our own legacy.
How do you cope with the pain of your loss?
I am still trying to figure it out. Coping continues to be a hard, cold, lonely, long process that I am faced with every day. People have no idea what goes on in my mind and heart minute by minute. But I have to be strong for everyone around me, so I can’t crumble at every thought. There is absolutely no book for dummies on losing two parents at the same time and how to manage grief associated with it. I am left to truly having faith in God and holding fast on the principles in His Word.
Has your loss made you a bitter or better person?
My loss as definitely made me a better person. As much as I wish things were completely different, because of what I have gone through, and still going through, I am so much stronger and wiser than I was before. My increased love and appreciation for those around me has landed me in the company of great people, and I am humbled.
How has God received the Glory through your life, following the passing away of your parents?
I am now devoted to anything and everything he would have me do. I am so determined to use my gifts and passion for his glory that I have made up my mind to accept this new dimension of life and trust that he will not let me fall, as uncomfortable as it may feel.
How would you advise young Christian women who have suffered a tragedy similar to yours?
We cannot control change. We cannot stop death. However, no matter what we face in life we are much stronger than we think we are to overcome and move forward. God has been preparing you for the next season in your life whether you knew it or not, because he knew that to everything there is a season and a time. Nothing in life lasts forever. You must stay in the fight and stay strong and endure through it all to appreciate every season. It is taking me time to accept the fact that my parents are no longer here with me, but I have found something to keep me going and that’s making them proud. Find something to do that keeps you going. Discover what it is you were created to do and that’s when living begins.
What’s the hardest thing for you about being the daughter of a famous preacher?
It has never been hard being the daughter of a famous preacher. How do you address that? Since the parent’s death, the hardest thing is addressing the issue of filling their shoes and being just like them. Yes, I am my father’s child in looks, mannerisms and a little personality – but I am my own person with my own unique purpose and gifts. And I don’t desire to be just like. It is not my dad’s desire for my brother and I to be just like him. This is why he did not force us to become pastors or ministers. He recognized that we had different passions and dreams; and he strongly encouraged us to explore those passions and dreams.
What comes easiest to you as the daughter of a famous preacher?
Maintaining a level of humility – My parents taught me well.
Tell me one thing about yourself that most people don’t know.
Skydiving is a must before I die.
Name one misconception that people often have about you.
One misconception people have about me is that I am much younger than my true age. So, I thank God daily for good genes (wink).
Who is your role model, and why?
My parents were and will always be my role models, for all the obvious reasons. I will never forget the massive amount of knowledge and wisdom I have learned from them, both directly and indirectly. I was truly blessed to have mentors like my mom and dad.
What’s your life plan? What do you plan to have accomplished in five, 10, 20, and 50 years — personally and/or professionally?
My life has taken a complete turn now and God has started me on a new course of action that requires me to write down new dreams, vision and goals. So, I am working on my 5, 10-year life plan and allowing God to guide me and lead the way.
What are your hobbies?
I am adventurous, love taking risks and I enjoy the gym and exercising, traveling, learning new things, beauty and fashion, exquisite cuisines, and quality time spent with family and close friends.
Where can people get more information about you?
They can follow me on my Facebook public page at Charisa M. Munroe or follow us on the website at www.munroeglobal.com and www.mrmfoudnation.org and www.munroeemergingleaders.com for constant information. There is also a booking link on Facebook to send all speaking engagement invitations.
