Dr. La’Vel Hardy is the founder and executive director of the nonprofit organization “I Love Me on Purpose Foundation.” She also serves as the pastor of God’s House of All Nations church in Chicago. As a former teacher, Dr. Hardy is passionate about helping people and empowering them to prioritize their well-being before assisting others.
“I have always had a heart for people. Throughout my career and as a member of a pastor’s family, I’ve realized that many individuals tend to put everyone else’s needs before their own. I believe it was God who inspired me to embrace this calling.”
Dr. Hardy founded the organization dedicated to self-care because she strongly believes in prioritizing our well-being.
She often references the instructions given on airlines: if the oxygen masks drop, they advise you to put yours on first before assisting others. This analogy resonates with Dr. Hardy; she believes they cannot help others effectively if they are not in a position to do so themselves.
“You are worth every breath you breathe. I mean, you are worth whatever breath you’ve got. You are worth it. Even in your failures, you were able to breathe through.”
Dr. Hardy’s inspiration comes from seeing how many people rely on others for support instead of first learning to help themselves. She believes it’s essential to take care of ourselves so that we can truly be there for others.
She leads a team of professionals from various fields, including mental health, finance, and real estate, who support the mission of “I Love Me on Purpose.” Dr. Hardy’s church is supportive of the nonprofit, with some members serving on her team and participating in the organization’s activities.
In 2019, Dr. Hardy started the “I Love Me on Purpose” nonprofit to address the need for self-care and personal development, especially among church-going individuals.
“I noticed that many people had become so overwhelmed by church activities that they lost touch with themselves. It seemed like the church had taken precedence over their own lives. As a result, some individuals have not truly lived or enjoyed life—they died prematurely, not in the literal sense of death, but because they didn’t have the chance to embrace life fully, as everything related to the church overshadowed their personal experiences.”
Initially, she faced challenges as a woman and pastor trying to start a nonprofit that encourages people to prioritize themselves over the church. Dr. Hardy has learned to ignore opposition and skepticism, focusing instead on empowering people to love themselves.
“I’ve learned to ignore and not allow the weight of somebody else’s words to have power over my life.”
The pandemic helped Dr. Hardy realize the importance of taking care of herself and her personal life before focusing on the church. After the COVID-19 pandemic eased, she decided to hold in-person Sunday services only twice a month at 10:30 AM, specifically on the 1st and 3rd Sundays, and occasionally on the 5th Sunday of the month.
The experience taught Dr. Hardy to prioritize her well-being. She encourages members to use the second and fourth Sundays of each month, when there are no church services, as an opportunity to focus on their families and take care of themselves.
“If you wake up one Sunday and don’t feel like doing anything, then don’t do anything. It’s essential to put yourself first, to love who you are, where you are, and how you are, even with all your imperfections. We need to learn not just to love ourselves but also to enjoy life. Many people tolerate life instead of truly enjoying it and celebrating their experiences; they often celebrate everyone else’s accomplishments.”
The ILMOP has helped individuals who were suicidal and dealing with trauma, providing them with tools and support to move forward in their lives. – This has been accomplished through her yearly conference and the master classes she offers throughout the year. Dr. Hardy brings in mental health specialists and others who help in the healing process.
“If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, I understand that you might not feel like praying, even though prayer is important to me. While I believe in the power of prayer, there are also practical steps we can take beyond that. Whatever your needs may be, I want to ensure you have access to the right support from ILMOP.”
According to Dr. Hardy, a lady who attended was feeling hopeless. Later, she shared that ILMOP equipped her with essential tools for life. “We inspired her to embrace life rather than succumb to despair; to me, that was a triumph.”
In addition, Dr. Hardy has authored two books: “Speak It Now” and “I Am Her.” Her first book, Speak It Now! Affirmations for Self Care, Self Worth, Self Value released June 12, 2021, available on Amazon. In it, Dr. Hardy emphasizes the importance of applying these concepts in daily life. She shares how forgiveness has helped her overcome self-inflicted wounds, pain, and disappointments.
Her second book, I am Her!: Bigger than My Brokenness! Released March 13, 2024, available on Amazon. “I Am Her,” is a memoir that details her life experiences and highlights the significant influence her grandmother has had on her journey.
The nonprofit is expanding its reach and impact, with plans to be a “catalyst between people and themselves” on a global scale. The mental health aspect is often overlooked in the church. The work of “I Love Me on Purpose” has the potential to positively impact individuals and communities by empowering them through help in personal growth, which can have far-reaching effects on their overall well-being and quality of life. Source: 3:16 Magazine.
“I envision “I Love Me on Purpose” showcasing how to radiate self-love and embrace one’s value, encouraging everyone to love who they are. I believe it’s important for people to share their life stories, as this is what truly matters. We must learn to love ourselves first, once we do, we can share our experiences to help others. There will always be someone facing a mental crisis or undergoing a life-changing situation.”
