Granny was born in 1924 and didn't have a lot of opportunities for a formal education.  She only completed the 3rd grade before having to join the workforce (fields) to contribute in supporting the family. Granny's education was forged by living through some of America's darkest periods including the Jim Crow South and Civil Rights.  She experienced racism, hatred, and oppression of women firsthand.  Her professional (career) life only offered her positions as a domestic. Yes, she was "The Help"!

However, Granny never let any of those circumstances pierce the veil of her faith.  She often recited two scriptures and lived by them until she took her last earthly breath. 

If you don't understand anything else about life, Granny would say stand on 1 Thessalonians 5:18, " In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you"; Philipians 4:11, "Not that I speak in respect to want, for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” and… JUST KEEP LIVING.

Just keep living. That's the wisdom that Lisa Bennett's grandmother shared with her, and it's the message that she explores in her book of the same name. After battling with depression and attempting suicide, Lisa began journaling about the lessons that her grandmother had taught her.

Granny, born in 1924, was a woman who unapologetically spoke her mind on America's toughest topics. Using wisdom and laughter, she taught Lisa how to deal with grief, sexuality, caretaking, marijuana, and race. Though Granny's thoughts and conversation may have been comedic, there was true depth in the simplistic, straightforward honesty of her words. Just Keep Living is not just a book; it is a journey through the mind of Granny—and a reminder that we are products of the wisdom that we acquire from life's most challenging moments.

Lisa M. Bennett is a transformation specialist, an international speaker and award-winning author. She is known for turning around underperforming organizations – blending interpersonal savvy and on-the-ground visibility to ensure employee buy-in and high morale. A collaborative, yet decisive leader who builds, leads and empowers cohesive, high performing teams that rally around a common vision and repeatedly outperform expectations. Formerly an executive with a multinational Global Fortune 500 consulting firm, she now uses her gifts to help people gain the confidence to turn their faith into action. She believes that with the correct mindset anyone can become fearless. In fact, as the CEO of Fearless Coaching LLC she helps everyday dreamers seeking to find their path, maximize their potential. She is also a partner and executive coach with C-Crets, a career advice platform offering career coaching services, online courses, and topical content through blogs and a podcast. In February 2022, she authored her first book, "Just Keep Living: Conversations with Granny''. A book filled with life-changing, and in her case, life-saving conversations and wisdom-filled anecdotes her grandmother shared. Bennett wrote the book as part of her therapy during her recovery from depression and a suicide attempt. The book has garnered industry endorsements from influencers like former Burberry CEO and SVP of Apple Retail, Angela Ahrendts. OWN Network actors, Timon Kyle Durrett (Queen Sugar) and William Bryant Jr (Greenleaf) have also endorsed the book and have appeared with Bennett for book signings. The book has won several awards in the Inspirational Book category and was considered for a 2023 NAACP Image Award. In October 2022, Bennett was deemed a "Sister with Super Powers'' by Rolling Out Magazine and Chevrolet. Bennett has appeared on several celebrity podcasts including the Michael Colyar Morning Show, The AC Green Show (local Chicago Radio) and is a guest host on DopeliveinTV: LIVE (stream). Lisa still finds time to serve her community as Chairman of the Board for the Gary Alumni Pathway to Students (G.A.P.S) and various other community service organizations. Currently, Bennett, who's parents both served in the United States Armed forces, is concerned with the alarming suicide rate of veterans (44 per day) and the increasing suicide rate (1.8 million attempts) of LGBTQ youth per year. She hopes her efforts and book will help guide people through those difficult times. She says the book illustrates how her grandmother's love, laughter and wisdom provided a blanket of protection for her.