As I sit back and reflect on the last 20 years of Bishop T.D. Jakes’ monumental Woman Thou Art Loosed (WTAL) movement, I can’t help but be filled with gratitude and awe for the ways it has profoundly shaped my life. In my 30s and 40s, this movement wasn’t just a ministry; it was a lifeline, a source of strength, healing, and inspiration during some of the most difficult times in my life. I came to know the WTAL conference and the teachings of Pastor Jakes during a season when I needed them most—just as I was navigating the tumultuous waters of relationship brokenness and a painful divorce.
At that time, I was ordained in ministry by one of Quander L. Wilson’s offspring, a lineage that connected me in spirit to T.D. Jakes himself, as he too came from that same ministry. This connection made his message hit even closer to home. I had always admired him from afar, and the impact of his words felt like they were designed specifically for me. His sermons resonated deeply in my soul, especially in a season where everything felt so broken. I was desperate for healing, direction, and empowerment. Pastor Jakes provided all of that and more, creating space for women like me—wounded and worn down by life’s trials—to not only survive but rise above the ashes.
Back then, attending Woman Thou Art Loosed felt like a distant dream, something I longed for but hadn’t yet realized. Little did I know that my first time stepping foot into that sacred event would be in the capacity of press, representing Hustle Mama: The Magazine for Today’s POWERHOUSE Woman. What an unbelievable full-circle moment that was. In many ways, it symbolized not only my growth as a woman but also the power of perseverance, faith, and destiny. I remember stepping into that room for the first time, soaking in the incredible energy of thousands of women ready to be ‘loosed’ from their past and claim their future. It was nothing short of awe-inspiring. To be present in that moment, covering this conference as a journalist, felt like a divine appointment.
My journey through those early years was rocky, to say the least. I was grappling with the aftermath of a divorce that shattered my sense of self and tested my faith in ways I never imagined. But Bishop Jakes’ teachings during that time reminded me of my inherent worth, of God’s love, and the resilience that I had deep inside. His messages spoke to the very heart of my struggles, empowering me to move forward, to find healing, and to trust that God had a plan far greater than I could ever comprehend.
The WTAL movement, over the years, became more than just a conference—it became a space where women were encouraged to confront their pain, break free from the chains of their past, and walk boldly into their God-given purpose. It was about more than just ‘loosening’ oneself from circumstances; it was about being set free to live fully and authentically.
Now, two decades later, it is a beautiful thing to witness the passing of this powerful legacy from Bishop Jakes to his daughter, Sarah Jakes Roberts. Sarah is ushering in a new generation of women who are not only being loosed but are also being encouraged to let loose—to unapologetically step into their power, own their stories, and embrace the fullness of who they are. It is a testament to the lasting impact of the WTAL movement, and it is a joy to witness this evolution firsthand.
The WTAL conferences may have begun as a call to women to release themselves from the bonds of past hurts, but as Sarah takes the helm, the message is transforming into something even bigger. It is about unleashing our potential, about not just being loosed but about being free to live, love, and lead without limitation.
For me, it has been a journey from being bound to being free, from surviving to thriving, and from yearning to participate to being part of the press. Truly, God has a way of bringing everything full circle, and I am eternally grateful for the role this movement has played in my life. WTAL gave me hope, healed my heart, and continues to inspire me as I watch the next generation of women being empowered to step into their greatness. – Dr. Stefany Jones
