MISSION
We provide nationwide advocacy, education, and support to victims, survivors, the faith community, organizations, and businesses invested in expanding their knowledge of the dynamics of intimate partner violence.
VISION
To eradicate domestic violence and create a world where all women are safe and respected.
HISTORY
In 2003, Rev. Marguerite Lee wanted to provide help and resources for women affected by domestic violence. Being a survivor herself, Rev. Lee wanted to use her experiences and her platform and influence as a clergy member to help the women, their families, and the faith community expand their knowledge of intimate partner violence dynamics. Beauty for Ashes Ministry started as a domestic violence program at her local church. Led by a passion for hurting people and the unction of the Holy Spirit, Beauty for Ashes Ministry became incorporated by the state in 2006. By 2007, Beauty for Ashes Ministry, Inc. attained its non-profit status.
MEET the BOARD
A team commited to eradicating domestic violence
Rev. Marguerite Lee
President/Founder
Tonya Frye
Treasurer
Danielle Nicholson
Secretary
Pamela Pate-Franklin
Board Member
Min. Debora Blakney
Board Member
Joan Dunn
Board Member
Annette Porter-Wilkins
Board Member
Tony Porter
Advisor
Judge Keith Smith
Advisor
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The Purple Corner
February 2026
…but the greatest of these is love (1Cor. 13:13)
It is no coincidence that this thirteenth chapter on love follows a chapter on spiritual gifts. We get the connection when we study the climate of the times and find that the Corinthians were aware of their spiritual gifts and were operating in them. The problem was not that they were unaware of what god had given them, but with how they were using them.
The chapter begins with, "If I speak with the tongues of men and angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal?" This leads me to believe that perhaps speaking in tongues, a gift from God, was an issue with the Corinthian church. Why? Study reveals that the people were using this gift, but something was missing.
Can one have a spiritual gift, use it, and still be out of the will of God? The people have forgotten or perhaps have not been taught the purpose of the gift. All gifts are for the edification of the body, not building up oneself or comparing one's gift to that of another. Since it is God who gives the gifts, it is also He who decides the purpose. It is he who judges the motive behind the use of the gift. Sometimes we think it is enough to have and use the gifts we have been given, but this chapter impels us to examine how and why we are using our gifts. If it is to gain recognition for ourselves and boast in and of ourselves, we have surely missed the point.
When our gifts cause division among the body we must stop and assess our own motives. We must ask what is driving us to do what we do? We must answer the question and ascertain who is benefiting from the gift. If the gift is not drawing the body closer to Christ and to each other, what is the point in using it? I think these are the questions Paul is asking these believers to consider.
There is something missing in this community of believers as they exercise their gifts. Careful examination reveals that what is missing is LOVE, and without it, the Apostle Paul equates this to being a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.
Is love a part of your serving? If not, reassess your motive(s) and cease from simply making noise. Show the love of God in all you do and say.
…but the greatest of these is love.
BFAM © 2026
