Warm and passionate; healed and transformed.

Maxine Bigby Cunningham is a Christian non-fiction writer, a mental health advocate and an inspirational speaker.  Through her work, she celebrates her healing from the malady of “Falling” by sharing her story - guiding and inspiring others who seek to overcome impediments to wellness. In March 2008 she published a collection of poetry and prose, prayers and praise songs, scriptural testaments and personal testimonies. This unique inspirational book is called Power Walking, A Journey to Wholeness.  It is the desire of Cunningham that this book will be a vessel of healing for others.

Cunningham is a former Senior Executive with the Federal Government and manager of grassroots community organizations.  She is a graduate of Goucher College and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs/Syracuse University.

Cunningham is an Ambassador for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Center for the Integration of Spirituality and Mental Health.  She has been recognized for her contributions to Christian education, community engagement, and mental health advocacy.

Cunningham resides in Baltimore, Maryland. She has two children and a grandson.

WHAT OTHERS SAY   

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, of love and of a sound mind. Walk into the light … (John 3:16-21). Sister Maxine Cunningham published her personal testimony, and it will help your walk. An inspirational read!” 

Minister Robert L. Brantley, Co-author of Christian Couples, Do the Truth: A Personal Primer to Marriage as Ministry 

“In Power Walking, A Journey to Wholeness, Cunningham shares her compelling story of recognizing, accepting and coping with major depression. She imaginatively and vividly portrays the physical, spiritual, emotional impacts of this biologically based brain disorder.  Cunningham's story is inspiring and empowering for those individuals directly affected by mental illness and for those who love them.  In the end, the journey is celebratory.” 
Kathryn S. Farinholt, executive director, NAMI-Metropolitan Baltimore, Inc.  

“What a vivid illustration of the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit in optimal functioning of each human being.  The journey depicted in Power Walking, A Journey to Wholeness has three dimensions - physical rehabilitation, mental health recovery, and spiritual resilience.” 

Michael A. Torres, M.D., founder of the Center for the Integration of Spirituality and Mental Health 

“Sometimes the words are soft like a whimper; sometimes the words are cutting like a scream; sometimes the words are joyous like a shout-out. This book will help reduce stigma of mental illness in communities of color and will help heal individuals and families in these communities.”  

Tracee Bryant, executive director of the Black Mental Health Alliance for Education and Consultation, Inc.  

“Thank you for sharing your amazing book with me --what a treasure!!” 

Terrie M. Williams, author of Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We’re Not Hurting; Founder of the “Healing Starts with Us” Movement, publicist for celebrities in entertainment and the arts 

“As I read Power Walking I was engrossed from the first page. I felt as if I was on the journey with Cunningham. She weaves practical spiritual messages in an honest and open manner that enables the reader to Power Walk from problems to praise! “ 

Debby Mitchell, author of From the Abundance of the Heart 

“Your words do inspire and I hope they empower others to triumph over impediments. Thank you so very much for being such an inspiration.” 

Patricia C. Jessamy,  Maryland State’s Attorney for Baltimore City 

“I was very … impressed with your writing style. …even your prose is poetic. Your message is inspiring. Your experience brought tears to my eyes.” 

Lesmotsiques, author of Going with the Flow, a Collection of Poems on the Pendulum of Life 

“The writing is warm and the content is powerful. …I stand in awe of your courage and faith.” 

Uneeda Brewer-Frazier, MSW, Executive and Life Coach 

“[T]he book… made me laugh, cry and re-think some of my past. The book is absolutely remarkable. Every woman who has worked, birthed a child, married, divorced, been a mother, sister, or girlfriend will learn from your story. … Thank you for writing this book. Thank you for sharing your story.” 

Shirley J. Wilkins, Publicist for Cool John Ferguson 

“I love the choreography of [the] words.” 

 Deborah Schechter, Poet and Craftsman 

"... a walker myself, I'm all ears when it comes to new ways to think about and practice it. Maxine Cunningham is an inspiration." 

Michael Mack, author and performer of "Hearing Voices (Speaking in Tongues)” 

"Your book has inspired me to think more deeply about … my own challenges. Thank you for that." 

Marion F. Connell, Community Volunteer 

An Interview with Maxine Bigby Cunningham

1. To whom is this book relevant?

2. Why did you write this book?

3. Why did you choose the style of metaphorical writing, even in the book's title?

4. What features distinguish your book from others on the same subject?

5. What do you read?

6. How long have you been writing?

7. Are you working on anything else?

8. What do you ultimately want readers to get from this book?