Too Much Cream in My Coffee
Breaking free from shame, cultural expectations, and past influences.
by
CHRISTINA A. CUSTODIO
About the Author
Christina Custodio is a speaker, author, teacher, photographer, and encourager who has a gift for seeing God’s hand in every detail of life. She lives in Greenville, SC, with her husband, Ozzy, and their three young adult children. Her journey took a profound turn in 2015 when her son nearly died, an experience that led her into ministry and inspired her to write When God Changed His Mind. Known for her humor, authenticity, and unwavering belief in God’s presence, Christina shares real-life struggles and victories with grace and joy.
Growing up in a predominantly white community, Christina wrestled with self-worth and identity, struggling to see where she fit in and whether she was enough. Over time, God led her toward healing, self-acceptance, and a deeper understanding of her worth in Him. That journey—unlearning the lies, embracing her brown skin, and stepping fully into who He created her to be—gave her a unique perspective on how we often allow outside influences to shape us in ways God never intended.
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Christina contributed three chapters to She Writes for Him: Black Voices of Wisdom, a powerful collection of stories amplifying the voices of Black women in faith. Along with her book When God Changed His Mind, she shares her insights through online platforms and speaking engagements, encouraging others in faith, identity, and purpose. Her writing is deeply personal, infused with humor, honesty, and a strong foundation in God’s word, making faith relatable and accessible.
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Christina has a unique gift for drawing people in with her warmth, honesty, and storytelling. Whether through her writing or speaking, she has an innate ability to break down walls and create a space where people feel seen and understood. She doesn’t force tough conversations—she invites them, weaving truth and insight into her words in a natural and disarming way. Before they even realize it, her audience finds themselves reflecting deeply, challenged in the best way, and ready to embrace a new perspective.
Endorsements
​Karen Abercrombie, Wendy Speake, Carol Kent, and Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith will provide endorsements for Christina Custodio after receiving the ARC.
Hook
For too long, shame, cultural expectations, and past influences have diluted our true identities. What begins as self-doubt or insecurity can turn into a lifelong struggle to fit into a mold never meant for us. It’s time to break free, transform, and strip away the false narratives. Take back your true identity.
Summary
This book is a collection of personal stories intertwined with messages inspired by God's word, inviting readers to reflect on their true identity in Him. Who did God create us to be? What influences have we allowed into our lives that have diluted His original design for us? And most importantly, how do we rediscover and reclaim His intentions for who we are? Through heartfelt experiences, biblical wisdom, and honest, sometimes brutal reflection, this book offers a path back to the fullness of life God intended—one where we walk in His truth, embrace His purpose, and live in the freedom of whom He’s called us to be.
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The year 2020 stirred deep emotions and ushered in a season of reflection for many. As Christina looked back on her life, she took an honest inventory of who she had become and what had shaped her—some of which she was proud of, while other parts carried deep shame. But she knew she wasn’t alone. Everyone was struggling, confronting the truth of who they were. The real question was: were they willing to change? Christina felt a deep conviction to create a space where people could freely acknowledge their own shortcomings and find the courage to grow. That conviction led her to share her own difficult truths—so others could find a path back to who God always intended them to be.
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This book is designed to meet readers right where they are—amid their questions and struggles. It serves as a reminder that they are not alone. It challenges them to take an honest look at their lives, not through the lens of shame, but with a desire to rediscover who God created them to be. Through Christina’s personal stories and the truth of God’s word, readers will see how subtle influences can dilute their identity—and how they can reclaim the fullness of who they are in Him.
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This book isn’t just about self-reflection. It’s about connection. This book will bring people together, even those who may not see eye to eye, and open the door for meaningful conversations about faith, identity, and who we were created to be. Christina believes that allowing ourselves to be honest about our struggles, doubts, and failures creates space for growth, healing, and transformation. She hopes this book sparks those types of conversations, breaks down walls, and encourages readers to see themselves and each other through God’s eyes.
Marketing
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Christina’s platform has gained momentum since 2020. Her primary social media platform is Facebook, where she has 4,395 followers, and she has maintained an excellent engagement rate and a loyal following. She also has a following on Instagram, with 1,458 followers and growing. She has sold over 1,200 units of her book, When God Changed His Mind (Redemption Press, 2022).
Christina encourages women by traveling the country and speaking to groups large and small. She is well-versed in book signings, podcasts, and media interviews. She has a published article on inspiration.org called Other Mother’s Sons. Christina has spoken for conferences, churches, retreats, and companies like Ramsey Solutions. She has also shared the stage with actress/writer/producer Karen Abercrombie and has plans to speak with her regularly to address racial reconciliation through love and compassion.
She has a good relationship with two of her local TV news stations (WYFF and FOX Carolina), which have supported and interviewed her about her book and writing. Christina and her family were also featured on the 700 Club. She also has a connection at Focus on the Family.
FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS
Website: christinacustodio.com
Facebook page: facebook.com/christina.custodio
Twitter: twitter.com/Mrs_Custodio
Instagram: instagram.com/christina_custodio/
E-mail: 343 addresses
Comparisons
Be the Bridge by Latasha Morrison (PRH Christian Publishing, 2019) Both explore identity, personal growth, and faith, encouraging readers to engage in honest self-reflection and meaningful conversations. However, Too Much Cream In My Coffee focuses on reclaiming one’s divine identity by examining the subtle influences that dilute God’s original design, using personal stories intertwined with scripture. In contrast, Be the Bridge is specifically centered on racial reconciliation, providing a structured approach to addressing racial divisions within the church and society. Too Much Cream In My Coffee invites readers to rediscover their identity in Christ while acknowledging that of others. Be the Bridge equips them to become active participants in racial healing and unity.
Colorful Connections by Dr. Saundra Dalton Smith and Lori Roeleveld (Kregel Publications, 2022) Both use faith-based insights to encourage self-reflection, meaningful conversations, and a deeper understanding of identity and race. They challenge readers to examine how cultural influences shape their perceptions and provide a path toward personal and communal growth. However, Too Much Cream is a collection of personal stories intertwined with biblical messages, focusing on reclaiming one’s divine identity and addressing the various influences that dilute it. In contrast, Colorful Connections is specifically designed to facilitate structured discussions about race, privilege, and unity through guided questions. While both books encourage deep reflection, Too Much Cream invites readers on a personal journey of self-discovery with discussion questions at the end of each chapter.
The Color of Compromise by Jamar Tisby (Zondervan, 2020) Both explore themes of identity, culture, and faith, urging readers to confront uncomfortable truths and seek transformation through a biblical lens. Both books challenge societal influences that have shaped perspectives and encourage meaningful conversations about race and history. However, Too Much Cream is a deeply personal collection of stories that examines how various influences—both racial and non-racial—have diluted God’s original design for identity. In contrast, The Color of Compromise is a historical and analytical work that examines the American church’s role in systemic racism, providing a call to action for racial justice and reconciliation. While Too Much Cream focuses on reclaiming individual identity in Christ, The Color of Compromise highlights the historical complicity of the church in racial injustice and urges collective responsibility for change.
Contact
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