By DOROTHY S. BOULWARE
Word in Black
Rev. LaTeka Graham is a champion at going against the flow.
In an era when a majority of professionals, including ministers, demonstrate their worth through sheer busyness — starting early and staying late, packing the workday with meetings and tasks, refusing to take breaks — Graham’s ministry centers on rest. She sees it as, arguably, life’s most valuable commodity and a spiritual requirement, albeit one that is too often neglected.
She’s seen it often: clergymen and women carrying an invisible burden, “leading others while quietly running on empty,” Graham says. But, she says, rest “is not a reward after the work; it’s a command woven into our calling.”
That dynamic inspired her to write and publish her first book, “With Uplifted Hands — Rest.” It’s a 30-day devotional written especially for ministers, she says, designed to help them “rediscover the beauty of surrender, reflection, and spiritual renewal.”
Although she elevates rest as a spiritual practice, Graham is no slacker.
She’s an ordained minister with a master’s degree. Graham and her husband have been married for 20 years, and they have raised two children. Her ministry helps connect faith visionaries with people and resources and guides them along a trajectory toward their desired outcomes.
“With every sermon, consultation and written word, I seek to guide leaders back to Christ, the true source of rest, renewal and resilience,” she says.
Graham recently sat down with Word In Black for an interview. It has been edited for length and clarity.
Word in Black: What inspired you to write With Uplifted Hands – REST?
LaTeka Graham: “I was inspired by the weight I saw so many ministry leaders carrying. God reminded me that rest is not a reward after the work; it’s a command woven into our calling. With Uplifted Hands – REST was born from that revelation,.
WIB: What makes this devotional different than other leadership devotionals?
Graham: Most devotionals focus on productivity, growth, or endurance. My book centers the conversation on stillness and on being, not just doing. It gently calls leaders to lay down the weight of performance and rediscover the peace of God’s presence. It’s both profoundly spiritual and deeply practical, giving leaders permission to pause without guilt.
WIB: Who is this devotional written for?
Graham: It’s written for pastors, ministry directors, worship leaders and anyone in Christian leadership who pours out more than they receive. But honestly, it’s also for anyone who’s ever felt weary in doing good. If you’ve ever prayed, “Lord, I’m tired,” this devotional is for you.
WIB: Why did you choose the title With Uplifted Hands?
Graham: “Uplifted hands” symbolizes both surrender and strength. It’s the posture of worship and the posture of rest, giving God control while receiving his peace. The title reminds readers that rest is found not in retreating from God’s work but in remaining connected to God’s presence.
WIB: How is the book structured, and how should readers use it?
Graham: Each of the 30 days includes a short devotional, a reflection question, a prayer and a leadership challenge. It is designed to be completed in just a few quiet minutes a day. The goal is to create space for intentional pause, helping leaders shift from striving to resting in God’s promises.
WIB: What do you hope readers take away from this devotional?
Graham: My prayer is that readers will walk away with renewed strength and a gentler rhythm of grace. I want them to realize that rest is not weakness; it’s wisdom. That God does some of his greatest work not in our hustle but in our stillness. Resting is how we remain effective, anointed, and aligned with God’s purpose.
WIB: How does this devotional connect to your ministry, LRG Ministries?
Graham: With Uplifted Hands – REST reflects the heart of LRG Ministries — helping ministry leaders lead from a place of health, wholeness, and holiness. Through our leadership training, mentorship and devotionals, we equip leaders to serve with clarity, confidence and compassion; always remembering that the best leadership flows from a rested soul.
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