Like so many others raised in a world dominated by violence and aggression- I never realized my circumstances weren’t normal.

   My community, saturated with undiagnosed and misunderstood mental illness , left me as a young adult soaked in trauma and neglect. Not only did I discover the extensive, long-term recovery process attached to trauma, but I carried the realization that the healing journey I embarked on would have to be walked alone- without the support or understanding of the world i grew up in...

 But I was never alone; I had Jesus. Even in my broken, hurt, secluded corner of the world, God had me. He had my back and I didnt have to cower any longer.

If attacks were going to come whether you were compliant or not, you might as well put on a show.

Through abuse, neglect and verbal assaults that attempted to tear me down - God always found a way to surround me with joy and laughter until it became my strength. 

"the joy of the Lord IS my strength"

He kept my heart compassionate, and full of zeal for positive impacts no matter how hard suppression tried to wring me dry.

I see trauma and mental illnesses through a new lens now- a  compilation of past hurts that you can fight against or succumb to.  The critical part is, no matter how valorant of a warrior you may be, we all succumb at some point. Christ is who walked me up the steep read of forgiving and accepting myself. He has sustained me all my life and He continues to do so as I advocate and cheer for others like me who struggle with their own tales. 

  As an educator and advid creative, I find so much joy in teaching- bringing beautifully crafted concepts and ideals to life. I find that its powerful to express an idea so passionately that you gave it all that youve got. That's Advocacy.

  -And God's got your back.

You're not wrong for fighting for yourself.