If I had to describe my life from childhood to now, I’d sum it up with Langston Hughes’ Mother to Son, combined with a good dose of Maya Angelou’s Still I Rise. Because, truly, “life for me ain’t been no crystal stair”, but “still, like dust, I’ll rise”.

This journey called life has had both ups and downs. And if I’m being fully transparent, it’s had far more downs than ups. But in looking back, I wouldn’t trade one second of it. Because it was my trials that developed both my character and my strength. And without them, I wouldn’t be the woman I am today. A woman with a sound mind who still loves people. A truly empathetic encourager who sees far beyond people’s flaws. A wife who feels the love of Christ every single day through interactions with my husband. A mother who hasn’t always gotten it right, but one who’s striving to do better each day. As someone whose childhood was largely filled with trauma, I am committed to breaking the generational chains of bondage that have plagued my family for more than five generations.

I am a firm believer that I was allowed to endure multiple afflictive trials over the past five decades so that I could encourage others who feel as if they can’t go on. Trust me, I’ve been there. More than once. And it is my prayer that my testimonies will give you the strength you need to trust God in the midst of your own trials, while paying it forward for someone else.

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with this song I give thanks to Him.” Psalm 28:7