Her name is undeniably unusual, and even more unique is this young lady's ability to wear the hats of musician, speaker, teacher, counselor and author—all at once!
Libra Nicole Boyd has never been content doing just one thing.
Having devoted more than half of her life to music ministry, God's favor has brought her musical gifts into the presence of many great artists and preachers, including (but not limited to) Pastor Shirley Caesar, Rev. Jackie McCullough, and Bishop George Bloomer. She presently serves as minister of music at New Hope Person Baptist Church in Timberlake, NC. Additionally, she has completed professional music studies at Berklee College of Music.
In addition to ministering in the area of music, Libra has been a requested empowerment speaker at churches, schools and civic events for several years. Audiences agree that she possesses the God-given ability to inform as well as inspire them to press for excellence and balanced victory with her life-changing messages.
"I see a need in the body of Christ to be empowered as well as encouraged," she comments. "Many times we have the desire to go forth, but we lack the determination to persevere. When I speak, I can't help but to challenge others to tap into that realm of their relationship with God that allows them to see themselves through His eyes and to understand that it is often necessary to press in pursuit of purpose. Psalm 27:4 says, 'One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after….' David has a desire, and he acts on it with determination to persevere; we must develop that mind set also."
Libra's love for inspiring others was also influential in her decision to become a teacher, despite having earned the Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. She went on to earn the Master of Education degree and continues to motivate students as a licensed guidance counselor and liaison between students, their families and faculty to ensure strong support networks .
Along with her work in the ministries of music and education, Libra is a published author. Her current book release, entitled, Hidden Manna: Fresh Bread Devotionals for Partakers of the Divine Nature, has garnered two national awards for Book of the Year and Spiritual Inspirational Book of the Year from the Younity Reviewers Guild of America.
“The common misconception is that my involvement and dedication to music ministry would lead me to do something, well, musical,” she says. “The truth is that while serving as a musician, I observed many churchgoers who seem to experience God during the service, but who leave church only to struggle with day-to-day victorious living. Hidden Manna allows me to invite these people to pursue an intimate relationship with God through their devotional time. Worship is more than the two-hour Sunday morning experience; it is a way of life, and I believe that Hidden Manna stirs readers to open the door to that place in Him.”
Assuredly, God has shown favor and faithfulness toward a young lady whose gifts are just as distinct as her moniker. Incidentally, when asked about the parallel between her unusual name and diverse gifts, she unassumingly responds, "In the words of Shakespeare, 'What's in a name?'"
Apparently a lot, especially if your name happens to be Libra.