Rev Tammy Russell Meadows shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Rev Tammy, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Intelligence is important because it gives you discernment and wisdom to make good decisions. But intelligence without integrity can make someone dangerous — clever enough to scheme, but not grounded enough to do what’s right.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Rev. Tammy Russell-Meadows, and I serve as both the Southeastern Regional Director and National Chaplain of Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc. as well as the CEO of RusMed Consultants. My journey weaves together ministry, leadership, and community service. I’m an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, a proud alumna of Virginia State University and Shaw University, and now a doctoral candidate at South College.
What makes my story unique is that I carry both a heart for people and a gift for building systems. As a chaplain, I provide spiritual care, encouragement, and biblical teaching. As a regional leader, I bring women together to strengthen sisterhood, mentor the next generation, and expand our community impact. And through RusMed Consultants, I’ve created a platform to provide training, mental health support, and organizational development for nonprofits and ministries.
Right now, I’m passionate about creating cultural pathways for women in leadership, addressing inequality in ministry, and building sustainable foundations for community service. My work is about more than holding a title—it’s about legacy. I believe in leaving people, places, and organizations better than I found them.
The core of who I am can be summed up like this: I walk by faith, I lead with integrity, and I love seeing people rise into their purpose.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What Breaks the Bonds Between People
• Betrayal of Trust – When words, promises, or commitments are broken, relationships weaken.
• Pride & Ego – When “I” becomes bigger than “we,” bonds snap under self-centeredness.
• Unforgiveness – Wounds left unhealed grow into walls.
• Miscommunication – Sometimes it’s not malice, just missed meaning — but it can still tear people apart.
In short, bonds break when love is replaced by selfishness, silence, or suspicion.
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What Restores Them
• Truth & Honesty – Speaking truth in love can rebuild what lies destroyed.
• Humility – Dropping pride to say “I’m sorry” or “I was wrong” mends fences.
• Grace & Forgiveness – Not keeping score, but choosing mercy.
• Shared Struggle or Purpose – Working, praying, or even suffering together has a way of knitting hearts back.
Spiritually, it’s love that restores. As Paul said in Colossians 3:14: “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes — there was a time I almost gave up.
I’ve faced seasons where the weight felt too heavy: balancing ministry, leadership, family, and personal struggles. There were moments when doors closed, people walked away, and the very thing I knew I was called to do felt impossible. I remember one season in particular when the criticism was loud, the support was quiet, and I felt like I was standing alone.
But here’s what I learned — sometimes God lets you get to the edge so you’ll lean on Him instead of your own strength. Every time I thought about giving up, God sent a reminder — through a scripture, a song, a sister, or even my own grandbabies — that my assignment wasn’t finished yet.
What kept me was the oil. The call. The quiet voice of the Spirit saying: “Don’t quit now — I’ve brought you too far.”
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
1. Confusing Knowledge with Wisdom.
Smart people can gather facts, stats, and degrees — but wisdom is the ability to apply truth in love and discern what’s right in God’s eyes. Plenty of smart people know a lot, but they don’t know how to live well.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I don’t need people to say I was perfect, because I wasn’t. I don’t need them to say I never made mistakes, because I did. But I do hope they say:
• She loved God for real.
• She served God’s people with her whole heart.
• She poured out every drop of oil God gave her.
If they can say those three things, that’s enough.
Tell the story that I was faithful. Tell the story that I didn’t quit. Tell the story that I walked by faith and not by sight. Tell the story that I fought a good fight, finished my course, and kept the faith!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Rusmed6.com
- Instagram: Rusmed006
- Facebook: Rusmed Consultants
