Symposium at Texas church helps mothers, daughters improve their relationships
Facilitator Shaneen Jones, left, and Doris Dansby greeted keynote speaker Helen Curtis, right, after her speech at the 26th annual Adolescent and Ladies Symposium on Saturday at Greenville Avenue Church of Christ in Richardson. (Photo by Ben Torres, via www.dallasnews.com)
The Dallas Morning News reports:
More than 700 mothers, grandmothers, sisters and daughters ages 9 to 90, many wearing various shades of pink, gathered Saturday morning for the 26th annual Adolescent and Ladies Symposium at Greenville Avenue Church of Christ in Richardson.
“I’ve always had an interest in people and helping them help themselves,” symposium founder Mildred Bell said.
This year’s theme was “Life by the Spirit: Overcoming Obstacles.” Attendees were welcomed from the Richardson area and from as far away as California. Participants were treated to breakfast before the opening session with keynote speaker Helen Curtis, followed by a chance to attend one of 15 workshops divided by age groups. The event concluded with lunch and time for fellowship.
A popular session designed for mothers and daughters called “Avoiding the Power Struggle” encouraged interaction, open communication and problem-solving through role-play. The workshop was led by mother-and-daughter team Jarilyn and Kimerya Fox of Allen.
“You’ve gotta take the time to spend the time [with your daughter],” said Jarilyn, who has been actively involved with the symposium for 15 years. “Nothing in the world can replace time.”
Bell, who is the mother of two daughters and is retired from El Centro College, where she was a licensed professional counselor, said she created the symposium as a way to follow the teachings of the Bible, “which instructs the older women to teach the younger women to live reverently.”