Are We All Sleeping?

By Regina Ruth Riley

This book is framed within a popular Biblical parable of the 10 sleeping bridesmaids and the “woke” culture. The author tells stories of her life with elements involving faith, mental health, and racism in society and the church. The title suggests, we are all sleeping like the 10 bridesmaids. We need to be both awakened and prepared for the Great Day of the coming Messiah.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Mar 27, 2024
• ISBN: 9798385011735

Regina Ruth Riley

Regina Ruth Riley is an alumni of Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary. She enjoys serving in educational ministries and the schools in her community. She is an advocate for mental health, women and youth. Regina Ruth is the mother of three and currently resides in Kentwood, Michigan. For more check out Regina’s YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@TheRriley7

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Copyright © 2024 Regina Ruth Riley.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a true story. Some names have been changed to protect individuals’ privacy.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

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Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version.

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

ISBN: 979-8-3850-1174-2 (sc)

ISBN: 979-8-3850-1173-5 (e)

WestBow Press rev. date: 3/15/2024

Acknowledgment/Dedication

To the Most High God—without Him I can do nothing

I am grateful He sent Yeshuah Messiah

and Holy Spirit to guide me on this journey

To my daughters, Shaunna and Dominique, my son, Mathieu,

all my siblings and their families, and my faithful counselors

for being a blessing in my life

To Jim and Linda Bright for their encouragement,

friendship, and unwavering support

To the millions experiencing the pain of mental health conditions and/or racism,

continue to fight the battle through faith and receive ultimate healing

Contents

Introduction

First Memories

American Christianity

Devotion

High School

Boys

College Days

Fear Every Nation

Mental Health Crises

Who Am I?

Who is Raeesah?

Watching My Daughters

Submitting to Medication (Tegretol)

Dead Endings Can Lead to Bright Beginnings

Becoming an Educator

Let’s Clean Up the Dirt!

You Drilled a Hole in My Soul

Union Street

Seminary

White People Skills

What is Racism?

No Longer A Slave

Relapse

Depression

COVID-19

Surprise Arrest

Conclusion (Preparation)

Introduction

When I decided to tell my story, I realized human beings were being overwhelmed by the woke culture. Although it may mean different things to different people, I was intrigued by the fact people all over the globe were proclaiming how they had been awakened from their sleep. I joined in the chorus for a moment, but my song was quickly interrupted by the reminder of a Bible story.

There were ten bridesmaids waiting to meet the Bridegroom. Five