
Words have the power to heal, inspire, and transform lives, and few understand this better than Ramona Powell Dennis. As an author, teacher, and speaker, she has dedicated her life to lifting others through storytelling and spiritual wisdom. With an authentic voice and an unshakable faith, she encourages individuals to embrace their journeys, find purpose in life’s twists and turns, and trust that every experience—whether joyful or challenging—carries a lesson worth sharing.
A multi-genre writer and sought-after speaker, Dennis has followed a path filled with surprising turns, each leading her closer to her divine calling. In an interview with VBD Magazine, she opens up about her journey, sharing how faith shaped her writing, the lessons she has learned along the way, and the wisdom she hopes to impart to readers and aspiring writers. Her story is a powerful reminder that when you walk in your calling, the destination is always greater than imagined.
CHILDHOOD OF ADVENTURES
Growing up in Tallahassee, Florida, Ramona developed a natural curiosity, a bold spirit, and a deep-rooted faith that would shape her journey in unexpected ways. She was the youngest of ten children—a fact she proudly acknowledges with humor. “Yes, I’m spoiled, but I’m not a brat; there is a difference.”
As the youngest, she often found herself at the mercy of her older brother, who was just two years ahead of her. “He got me into a lot of trouble by daring me to do the things he was too afraid to do. But because of my naivety, I did them. And then, of course, he had to do them too, because he didn’t want to be outdone by a girl,” she recalled.

Through these playful sibling challenges, Ramona developed a bold spirit—one that would serve her well in adulthood as she navigated career shifts, caregiving responsibilities, and stepping into the unknown as an author.
FINDING HER CALLING
Ramona’s early career path looked very different from where she is today. She graduated from Florida A&M University in 1986 with a Bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems and began working in information technology (IT) for Florida Power Corp. She spent 15 years in IT before relocating back to Tallahassee and transitioning into Human Resources (HR), where she found a passion for working with people.
Her move back to Tallahassee marked a turning point, as she became a caregiver for both of her parents, who suffered from Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Balancing work and caregiving, she found herself drawn back to the ministry. Her deep-rooted faith and love for God’s Word naturally led her to teaching, speaking, and ultimately writing.
A LIFE OF TEACHING AND SPEAKING
Ramona’s path as a teacher and speaker started in her teenage years when she began teaching Sunday School. This continued into adulthood, where she moved from teaching youth classes to leading adult Bible studies. Her ability to engage and inspire people with the Word of God led to frequent invitations to speak at women’s and youth ministries.
“My love for God and His Word made me a natural when it came to being a guest speaker for the women’s and youth ministries,” she said. This passion for teaching and speaking ultimately influenced her journey as a writer, where she sought to encourage, educate, and uplift others through her words.

WRITING AS A MINISTRY
For years, Ramona filled journals with poetry, personal reflections, and short stories, but she had never considered publishing them. The turning point came at an HR event, where someone asked her if she had ever thought about writing books. The conversation sparked something in her. “I was reminded that I had all this poetry I had never done anything with,” she shared. It wasn’t long before she rediscovered those journals while downsizing, and a friend’s encouragement convinced her to publish her work.
Interestingly, Ramona’s first published book was not the poetry collection she had envisioned. “I thought my first book was going to be poetry, but God had a different plan,” she said. “I tried to do the poetry book first, but God said no and blocked everything I tried until I did what He told me to do first.”
That first book became "In the Morning When I Rise: 31 Days of Inspirational Reading", a devotional that she initially doubted anyone would read. “I prayed and asked God to give me peace about my work and let the words fall on the ears of those who needed it.”
After its release, the doors finally opened for her poetry books. She has since published a six-book poetry series called Love and Such series, a memoir Love Trust Live, a novella Naomi’s Secret, and a life organization book Adjusting to Life After I Do. She has also contributed to anthologies, including Breaking the Silence and Hold on: Help is on the Way.
Ramona’s books carry messages of faith, healing, and perseverance—themes that reflect her own life experiences. Her upcoming release, Whispers of Faith: In Hopeless Times, Trust God!, was born out of conversations with people who were struggling through grief and hardship.

“My desire is for the book to give hope and to let people know that no matter how bad it may seem, God has not forgotten them,” she stated. “They should pray, ask God for clarity, and trust Him to deliver in His time, not theirs.”
THE POWER OF PRAYER
For Ramona, prayer is more than a habit—it’s a lifestyle. “I believe that we all must have a close relationship with God. Prayer is how we communicate with Him. Praying is second nature to me,” she shared. “I talk to God all day long. Sometimes I think He gets tired of me aggravating Him, but He doesn’t. He wants us to talk with Him.”
Her faith influences everything she does, from writing to speaking to daily decision-making. “My prayer life used to only be one of asking for what I wanted, but now my prayer life is true communication. He speaks, and I listen. I speak, and He listens.
“Know that it’s never too late to have a relationship with God through salvation,” said Ramona before quoting John 3:16, ‘For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believe in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.’
“To be saved, acknowledge that you are a sinner and need a savior, believe that Jesus died and rose again to pay for your sins, and confess by declaring Jesus is your Lord and Savior. Through faith in Jesus Christ, you can be forgiven and have eternal life. You can build that relationship with Him. Make Him your best friend. He will keep your secrets, He will forgive your sins, and He will keep you in perfect peace, if you keep you mind on Him.”
OVERCOMING DOUBT
Ramona admits that self-doubt has been one of her greatest challenges. “My biggest challenge has been getting out of my own way. Self-doubt will keep you stagnant.”
She constantly asks God for confirmation that she’s on the right path. “I always ask God to let me know that I’ve helped somebody. That’s enough to keep me going.”
Her message to aspiring authors: “If you have something to say, say it. Put in the work and share your story. If it only touches one life, it’s worth the effort.”

BEYOND WRITING
Ramona’s creativity extends beyond writing. She loves to crochet, knit, sew, decorate, cook, bake, and can food. “My mom was a gardener, a cook, and a baker. I inherited the cooking and the baking. I’m not a fan of gardening because I’m afraid of critters of all kinds.”
She finds joy in creating personalized gifts—wedding dresses, homemade jams, and artwork—sharing these gifts as a way of honoring her mother’s legacy of giving.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Ramona has exciting books in the works, including The Power of a Man’s Love, which is a poetry companion to The Power of a Woman’s Love and Naomi’s Pain, the second book in her Naomi series.
Her passion for writing continues to grow, and she remains committed to following God’s direction in every endeavor.
As she reflects on her journey, she holds firm to one truth: “No matter what, God knows what is best. I may not understand it at the time, but when I look back, it all makes sense.”
CONNECT WITH RAMONA POWELL
Website: https://www.ramonapowelldennis.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rppoolei
Comments