Randa Hicks "Leading By Example"

What is your stage/ministry name?

Silent Mime Ministry

How did you come up with that name?

Well for so many years as a child, I was kept silent and had to internalize whatever trials I was encountering. But six years ago, God told me to transition out of my silence and confidently minister in his name.

Where were born and raised?

Hampton, Virginia

When and how were you diagnosed with leukemia?

Initially, it was discovered in my ovaries and I temporarily recovered. But then one day, I began vomiting blood to the point where I was unresponsive for at least an hour and almost died. Thankfully, God had different plans and helped restore me by giving me the will to fight back against my illness.

Leukemia is cancer of the body's blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. Many types of leukemia exist. Leukemia usually involves the white blood cells. Your white blood cells are potent infection fighters — they normally grow and divide in an orderly way, as your body needs them. But in people with leukemia, the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells, which don't function properly.

How did you feel when you were diagnosed with leukemia?

I was very emotional, but I received immense support from my ministry, family, and even other mimes. Matter of fact because we were dealing with similar illnesses, Cryshaunda and I forged a very strong bond and we continue to motivate and empower each other everyday.

When did you realize that sharing your artistic/creative gift was God's purpose for you?

Unofficially, I was miming for a minute but I had to pray and fast to realize the magnitude of ministering. I just didn't want to mime, because it was popular. I wanted to be precise in my delivery and genuine in my intent.

Did ministering help you deal with the effects of leukemia?

Yes it did. I would actually watch videos of myself after surgery and in those moments, I feel a presence and connection with God. It makes me grateful for this ability, because God's helping me so I can help others.

Was there ever a moment you wanted to quit, what kept you motivated to minister?

I've faced a lot of adversity in my life, but my most recent episode happened at the end of my conference. It seemed at the end, everything negative from that week culminated in one overwhelming moment, but my team and my family rallied around me ,as always, and I finished the event.

Why do you feel getting a yearly checkup is important to ministry?

Because in order to minister effectively, you have to be physically able. You also have to understand that properly scheduling yourself is a major component to having longevity in ministry. It's not about having the most bookings or trying to headline or participate in every event. Ministry is best illustrated when you operate from a place of quality over quantity.

Were you ever bullied for being different?

Yes I was, but I realized because I dressed and thought differently this was why these things occurred. But once I began to grow in Christ, people started to understand and respect me for not what I wore but who I was on the inside.

Besides your battle with leukemia, has there been anything else in your life that was difficult to endure?

Yes, my relationship with my father. For so many years, he was cheating on my mom and mentally and physically abusing all of us. My father was a pastor and we would forced to sit in church and smile, thinking about the pain he was going to inflict once we got home. But in order to get to my destiny, I had to let go of the past and that meant forgiving my father for his deeds and how they effected me.

Why do you think society and even the church have a negative perspective of mime ministry?

I believe it's a lack of education. Many misconstrue the significance of miming and just label it as church entertainment, but there is purpose to our form of praise. Everybody cant do this. It should be respected like every other method of ministering because the goal is the same....helping and saving souls.

Do you think your gift plays an intricate role in your healing and in the healing of others?

Yes, I believe through my prophetic style, God is not just using me as a vessel for healing but also for enlightenment. As others have prophesized over my life, I can prophesy through my motions and portray whatever message God has for somebody else.

To the next generation of mime artists, what advice would you give them about the industry?

First of all, you must remain humble. It would also be beneficial to have a mentor. You need someone that can help you train, create, and critique your progress and shortcomings.

Do you think constructive criticism is helpful?

Yes, because it helps with your growth and creativity which in turn helps you to be more effective in your ministry.

Do you have a favorite quote that youve either created or heard somewhere else?

" I dont entertain, I minister!"

How do you create such amazing choreography?

It starts with the music and once I connect with the song, I'm able to visualize each step as they correlate with the words in the song. You must also practice with the same dedication you do when youre performing.

What is the message you have for someone dealing with an illness?

You have to keep fighting. You have to stay faithful and surround yourself with positive images, thoughts, and people.

What would you want for your legacy or message to be once you retire?

I want the next generation to understand their lives matter in some capacity. Im hoping whatever difficulties they face, the y'll have the courage to ask for help and be receptive to whats offered to them.