a real life mom @ work A Real Mom@Work: CeCe Winans With a gold and platinum, Grammy and Dove award-winning career, CeCe Winans' success in the music industry is noteworthy. Her music spans pop, R&B and Gospel genres. Yet equally impressive is that along with her work as a recording and performing artist, CeCe has diligently raised two fine children. Moms @ Work founders, Lisa and Cindy, had an opportunity to visit with CeCe during a trip to Tennessee. Join us in the conversation… M @ W: Thanks for taking some time to talk with working moms, CeCe. Could you tell us a little about your family? CeCe: I have two great kids. My son is in his 2nd year of college and my daughter is a senior in High School. They are in that stage of finding out who they are, transitioning to adulthood. My son loves music, big-time. I think he will pursue a career in music. My daughter will probably pursue the business-side of the industry. Both my kids are extremely funny---they keep me laughing! M @ W: How do you think your kids would describe you as a mom? CeCe: As a mom, I'm strict. Between my husband and me, I'm the disciplinarian. I live a life of holiness in front of my children as my parents did before me. This is a lifestyle. I would say that I am pretty close to my kids. I strive to be close to them. Unless you really make an effort to be close to your kids, it will not happen. And I stay in their business whether or not they want me to! I pray over them, pray in their rooms, and give them the Word of God. M @ W: How do you balance a busy career and being a mom? CeCe: My priorities are God, family and ministry. Although I travel, I try not to be away too much. When I'm traveling, they stay with my mom. When they were infants, we lived on a tour bus. But the pre-teen years were crucial years. I prayed, "Lord, if you called me to do this, I know my first ministry is with my kids." So we home schooled them those years and brought them along with us. M @ W: How do you handle all the demands on your time and energies? CeCe: When things get too demanding I just slow it down and take off whatever I need to from my plate. It's not like you can put it in place and it stays in place, because life is forever adjusting. When I schedule too much, I slow it down. I might need to cancel something. I'm a lot older than I used to be and I need to slow it down! When you find yourself always doing, think about yourself, too. When you're too tired and worn-out, you're not a good wife and mom. M @ W: How do you stay connected with your kids? CeCe: Every stage [of your child's life] demands certain things. When your kids are in their teens, you just hope to stay in His presence or lose your mind! That's when you must allow them to make their own mistakes, yet still protect them. When I am too concerned about my children, I hear God say to me, "CeCe, I've always been faithful. What you've put in them will take them all the way." M @ W: What keeps you grounded and balanced? CeCe: I have to remind myself whom I serve. When you come off the stage with thousands of people cheering and your kid throws up on you--- that keeps you humble! Who's famous? Who's untouchable? Kids don't care who your are. This is an incredible check for me and has kept me grounded and balanced. You know I think I cheated myself. I should have had more kids. My mom had 10 kids! M @ W: CeCe, your book and CD, In the Throne Room, focuses on worshipping God. Why was this important to you and how can this benefit working moms? CeCe: Worship is one of your greatest weapons. It also allows you to escape as a parent and wife. I go in confused and scared and come out okay-settled. That is where I am reminded that He is in control. I can ride the storm; I can ride with confidence. Worship is when you become who you're created to be (the devil doesn't like that) and there you find peace and joy. And you can smile-it does not matter what's happening around you. Worship is contagious. It is impossible to be a true worshipper and it not affect your kids. In his strength and only in worship do you receive this. I can't pour into them unless it's in me. Thanks, CeCe, for sharing with us through your music, and through your experiences as a working mom. To learn more about CeCe Winans and her music, log on to www.cecewinans.com. We highly recommend In the Throne Room. > back