Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Duell
Hi Monique, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
This Ability was an idea I sat on for years after God gave it to me. Honestly, I didn’t think that I had anything to offer anyone else because I was still trying to navigate life with 2 sons who had different needs as a divorced, single mom. I was scared, ashamed, depressed, exhausted and the last thing I wanted was for God to tell me to minister to anyone. I didn’t want anymore responsibility. I was suffocating in my own world for years. I lost sight of who I was because I overcompensating because my youngest son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. I was angry at God for “allowing” this after all of the trauma I’d already experienced in childhood and in marriage. I had an AHA moment as I sat in my van one day crying for hours like I’d done for months on end, unbeknownst to my family and friends. I was contemplating suicide because for me, life was simply unbearable. I felt like God failed me, I failed God and death was the only relief and peace I was going to get, but I thought about Ronald and Jeremiah. I had a moment with God that changed everything. I let it all out! All of my pain, anger, disappointment and fear. For the first time, I felt the burden to minister to other parents/caregivers who are in the same situation as me. I had to go forth with what God told me to do, thus, This Ability was born. My trauma became my testimony.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
At first it wasn’t a smooth road because I was being disobedient. I did everything else except what God told me to do! I struggled within myself because I thought that I was damaged goods, unfit for God to use. Once I gave God my full yes, my life did a 180 for the better. It all fell into place from the branding to the finances. I’m grateful for the people who helped me get to where I am. This Ability’s impact has been global. Our ministry has connected with people from countries I’ve never visited from the United Kingdom to Nigeria.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Aside from serving special needs families through This Ability, I am the Author of Grief is a Gangster, Caregiver CPR, Jeremiah the Jackrabbit, Handicapped Mom: Lessons I Learned Through Cerebral Palsy and How Do I Handle a Special Needs Child? I am also the Host of Having a Momen With Moni Radio Show that airs on the HOD Radio Network from Benin, Nigeria. I am an advocate for cerebral palsy for my son and autism awareness for my brother. I am also a former recording artist. I sang with the incomparable Jeffrey Allen Polk & New Worship. I serve in ministry full-time, doing seminars and conferences based on my grief and caregiver books. I wear many hats as you can see, but writing is my God-given specialty. I am known for my gift of gab and my love for people. I am most proud of the fact that I didn’t quit, even when quitting was warranted. What sets me apart from others is that I am designer’s original. There’s no one else like Monique Duell. I am the same person on/off social media, in person, at church or wherever I am. I have always been a people person who has a genuine heart to see people healed and whole.
Any big plans?
I am looking forward to greater impact for This Ability. I have a vision that is so massive, only God can do it. Being at the helm of such a great work has matured me in so many ways. I thank God for trusting me with such a phenomenal vision. My plans for the future are to follow God’s lead. I have a new book coming soon as well as some other things that I can’t share just yet, stay tuned!
Pricing:
- Jeremiah the Jackrabbit $10
- Caregiver CPR $10
- Grief is a Gangster $15
- Handicapped Mom: Lessons I Learned Through Cerebral Palsy $10
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/moniqueduell
- Instagram: @msdeereign
- Facebook: @moniqueduell
- Youtube: Monique Duell
