Meet A Resilient Queen
“Be the Queen that you needed when you was a little girl.”
Share your Resilient Story!
Here’s Her Story:
The first moment I realized how resilient I was was during Hurricane Katrina. I watched the house I grew up in, in New Orleans East, turn to shambles. There was nothing I could do about it but find strength at a time when I felt weak and hopeless. With that being said, I must credit my resilience partially to my hometown, New Orleans. Shortly after Katrina, I was introduced to the theatre, where I used acting as an emotional and healthy outlet and found a great sense of comfort. I realized that this was my gift and I’ve been thankful ever since to realize my gift at such a young age, eleven years old. But I wasn’t aware the amount of determination and the acceptance of failure that was required in my field. I didn’t know I’d be told ‘no’ a million times over before I get the ‘yes’ that I’ve been waiting for. But now, I know. And I’m excited to be rejected. Why? Because that ‘no’ puts me one step closer to the ‘yes’ I’ve been striving towards.
When I decided on acting as a career, I first joined the Anthony Bean Community Theatre, then the Drama Department at my high school, McDonogh 35. I then went on to audition for New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. After graduating from both high schools, I knew my journey wasn’t over. I earned my Bachelors in Fine Arts with honors from Webster University in St.Louis. And here I am now pursuing not only theatre, but film and television as well in Atlanta, Georgia. One thing I always have to remind myself is to never get comfortable. The moment I do, I rob myself of what blessings are in store for me.
Resilience to me is never settling, once things start to go well in your favor; instead always pushing yourself and those around you to do better. As one of my favorite actors, Denzel Washington, once stated, “Ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship.” When things become easy, challenge yourself to dig deeper. That is where your story lies. When obstacles come your way, challenge yourself to not just go through it, but to grow through it. Being a black female, and choosing to be an actress, there have been times where I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression. Self- acknowledgement of the mental state that I was in showed my resilience. Talking to someone about how I was feeling showed my resilience. Telling my story now shows my resilience and I know that this is just the beginning of my story. What’s for me is for me, and no one can take that from me, but me.
Here’s Her Story:
Hi, my name is Patrice and I am resilient! Not because I set a goal to become a resilient woman, but because life's circumstances required it of me. You ever hear the saying only the strong survive. Welp, not only did I survive, I'm choosing to live a life that is not limited by what has happened to me in past.
As a child, I was molested by a relative for multiple years. The damage left behind caused insecurity and created an environment for me where I honestly didn't know how to receive male attention, maintain healthy platonic friendships and ultimately recognize genuine love. By God's grace, this year I have been married 19 years, to a great guy who was patient and loved me while I worked on myself.
Bit by bit, I acknowledged the damage done and learned healthy ways to heal the broken parts (prayer, writing, allowing the hurt to exist without hurting others or self-medicating, etc.). When you see someone who is resilient know that they have been through the fire and come out on the other side. The smile on their face is often in spite of the pain, the swag in their step is because they know others who have been in similar circumstances and were crippled. I'm resilient because I know the strength it takes not to be a victim to your circumstances and what it takes to truly survive and thrive. “they thought they buried you and didn't know you were a seed”
Here’s Her Story:
Hello my name is Nia Smith, I am an educator in the Riverview Gardens School District where I work as an African American Studies Teacher and a Girls Volleyball Coach in one of their Middle Schools.
Being an effective Middle School teacher and Coach I must be a resilient woman. Middle School is a tough time in the lives of most adolescents. Many students at this age are changing mentally, physically, and emotionally at a rate that would drive any sane person crazy. I remember prior to middle school I was a model student and after middle school I was a model student as well but those middle years were by far my worst years! And I see it in many of the scholars I work with today.
I spend countless hours trying to stress to my students how worthy they are! And despite the challenges they face and the daily difficulties they may overcome it is all apart of the process! I sacrifice so much of myself to stay in education and be a teacher. I have to be forgiving and full of grace and mercy for my scholars despite when they do and say the unthinkable! I have to remember the love that Christ has shown me and show that same love to them. There are many days that I want to give up and believe that I should but I remember the calling that God has on my life and I know that this is what he has for me to do and I will continue to press on, and be a champion for my scholars!
Here’s Her Story:
In the wilderness, this wild woman was lost. She tried desperately to piece herself back together. One failed attempt after another. In the wilderness, she was cold. She tried to search for a way out! If she could, she would avoid the wilderness altogether. It could be a dark and scary place at times. Then one day, she found JESUS. Instead of running away from the wilderness, she began to embrace it. She realized the wilderness was a necessity. She realized the wilderness will challenge her to become a better woman. She realized the wilderness is not so scary after all. It was here in the wilderness that she finally made peace with her world, and more importantly God.
I would like to consider myself a survivor of the wilderness. I survived just about everything you can think of heartache, heartbreak, sexual violence, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and attempts.
To be frankly honest, I was too proud to ask God for help. I was extremely self-reliant and full of pride, lust, envy, and jealousy. I was on a one-way ticket to self-destruction and the ounce of hope I had was easily snatched away from me. I would continue in this vicious cycle until April 1st of 2018.
I started attending church and gave my life to God. I accepted the call Jesus had placed on my life and would commit to be a follower. It was here Pastor Alfred Long announced in the middle of a church service that, “God had a call so huge on my life it would break barriers”. I was shook! God has a purpose for someone like me, for real? I accepted, thinking it would be a breeze. However, I was in for quite a treat.
This year alone, God had to show me how big HE was and how small I am. HE had to break down every demonic stronghold that jeopardize me from fully accessing what God has called me to be. HE had to show me how to be humble servant and rely on HIM for anything and everything. HE erased my fears, gave me courage and mounted me on the wings of an eagle. Now I SOAR in the earth realm while bringing honor and glory to the heavenly realm.
Now, that I have accepted my Christ identity, it was placed in me to help bring other women to Christ! So that they too, can experience his everlasting love! Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Return to your first and true love ladies! He is the only one who will love you the way you DESIRE and DESERVE! He is the only ONE who will RESTORE you and return everything that the devil stole. He will elevate you and crown you as his own.
Here’s Her Story:
"34% of physicians are women, but only 2% are black women. It has been my dream to become a physician since I was about four years old. I was fortunate enough to have been placed in “gifted” programs as a young child and I received unrelenting encouragement and support from family and teachers.
That all changed when it was time to apply to college. I applied Early Decision to Washington University in St. Louis against the advice of my guidance counselor who thought it was a poor choice, regardless of my stellar academic record. I subsequently received a full scholarship with room & board included, and I was ridiculed by classmates who thought I was only accepted because I received “that black people scholarship.” (Shameless s/o to the John B. Ervin Scholars Program.) I went on to perform well academically while being involved in research projects and several extracurricular activities.
After college, I decided to join Teach for America as a way to pour back into the community that gave so much to me, and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Now in medical school, I am very active in the Student National Medical Association and serve as a mentor to undergraduate pre-medical students. It is my goal to help minority students feel that attending medical school is an attainable goal, despite the naysayers and even self-doubt.
I am resilient because I remain strong when facing adversity. What God has for me is for me – no matter what. And I will always go get it."
Here’s Her Story:
I am enough. These three words, although short, are extremely mighty! It is these three words that give me the courage to pick myself up after I fall and the strength to press forward through my life journey. As a young girl, I’ve always had my life mapped out for myself and the ways I wanted to take to get to my goal. I envisioned myself going off to college, graduating in three and a half years, becoming an accountant, a restaurant owner, getting married, having children and living happily ever after. Sound good right? Although these goals weren’t impossible, this was not the trajectory of my life. This was not God’s plan.
In the midst of my journey, I became a teenage parent, was forced to stop out of college three times due to financial and academic reasons, I lost all of my financial aid and scholarships for college, and even a few friends along the way. Due to the expectations I set upon myself, those set upon me by others, and the winding roads I experienced rather than the straight and narrow path I imagined, I was embarrassed. I had always soared in almost every aspect of life, and this time I failed. I didn’t live up to the perfect plan I’d originally had and more importantly I’d let my family down. I felt as though I was being judged. By family. By friends. I felt alone mentally and I began to drown myself in the sorrows of life as it happened around me. I had fallen into a state of depression and refused to allow anyone in because the world was against me, or so I thought.
One day a friend asked, “How are you treating the day?” I began to list all of the events and people that were affecting my day and then I was interrupted by my friend. They repeated, “How are YOU treating today?” I didn’t understand. They went on to explain that it’s more important how I decided to treat the day rather than how I let the day treat me. We have
And then it clicked. Life will always happen, but the ways in which we choose to handle life is ultimately our decision. It starts with us mentally making the decision to grow and soar from what life has dealt. It was from this day forward, I was choosing to happen to life, rather than let life happen to me. I was choosing to be my own happiness, rather than find happiness in the world. I was choosing resiliency! And for the first time, in a long time I was choosing to be resilient.
My journey didn’t begin as I had planned but I had to learn that everything happens on its own time and sometimes wrong choices lead you to the right destinations. Sure, some of my decisions weren’t the greatest and took a toll on my outlook of self, but through prayer, mentorship, friendship, and the decision to keep thriving and surviving in the midst of my storms, allowed me to regain confidence and courage in myself. Today, I am everything I originally sought out to be and more. I am a mother, a daughter, a friend, a sister, an entrepreneur, a non-profit enthusiast, a US Army service member, a doctoral student, and I am my number one fan. Everything that I needed was in me, I just had to CHOOSE to see it and believe that I was enough. I am enough. I am a Queen of Resilience.
Here’s Her Story:
When I think of the word resilience, I can't help but think about everything I’ve been through during my college career. When I was in high school, going to college meant that I could reach all of my goals and be the first one in my family to attend college. Once I became a college student; however, times were very tough. In Fall 2015, in response to discrimination, my Black classmates put on a peaceful protest. As a result; there was an uproar on campus that left me feeling afraid and lonely. In addition, I felt isolated. Lastly, I lost my great grandmother. As I think back to that time, I get emotional because what I experienced then was very overwhelming.
At the same time, I can't ignore the fact that God was with me. He not only revealed Himself to me, but he also gave me strength. There’s a quote that says: A strong woman uses the bricks thrown at her to build a firm foundation. And that is exactly what I did. I used the bricks of racism, rejection, fear, and depression to build a foundation that is the basis of who I am today. I know that it was through my situation that I was able to embrace my identity and overcome it.
Today, I am a Resilient Queen because of what I went through. There were several times when I wanted to give up, but after trusting in God and embracing my inner self, I fought through! I decided to share my story with you to encourage you and let you know that there is a story behind the glory.
Here’s Her Story:
I grew up in environments that marked me as an outcast – too dark, too “white,” too skinny, too smart. No matter where I was, I was too much or too less of something. I developed self-esteem issues that carried into my college years and into my marriage. I made a decision to explore my true identity by reading the Word of God. To my comfort, I found that I am never too much of anything, but just the right mix of everything that God wanted me to be. I took that truth and put it into a book entitled “At The End of Me.” This book is for those struggling with their identity and desire a change in how they see themselves.
As a result of knowing more about my identity, I realized the need to help others do the same, which is why I started my business, Fervent Servant. I desire to help others live with intention and serve with passion. Many times, I have felt like giving up. Many times, I have felt discouraged. Many times, I have become overwhelmed by the responsibilities that come along with working a 9-5 and 5-9. In those times, I sought the help of mentors and trusted friends. I realized that I could not manage internal struggles alone. You don’t have to either. Your mental well-being is important and requires you to prioritize it. Honestly speaking, I have experienced so many great things in my life because of my faith in God, my understanding of my purpose and identity, and the support I get from mentors and trusted friends. This is only the beginning.
Here’s Her Story:
Langston said it best, “Life for me aint been no crystal stair,” but for those on the outside looking in, I make it seem that it has. With multiple degrees and certifications under my belt, one might think I have it altogether. The truth is I was blessed in my life to have people: family, teachers, peers nurture my gifts from an early age and motivate me to the best version of myself that I could possibly be. I’ve had my share of losses and failures but because God has His hand in everything, I have been able to overcome with grace.
My style blog, StinaDiorStyle, was launched out of a passion for fashion, engrained in me by my mother, that was afraid to pursue. Partly because my negative self-talk poisoned my belief in my ability to be impactful through my style, so much so I allowed myself to believe no one would be interested in what I consider to be one of my gifts. But the truth is, when you are covered in the armor of God, your outward appearance serves as a manifestation of the gifts you have been endowed with. When you make a statement through the clothes you select, no one can challenge your confidence or threaten your position. When I walk into a space, I command it. Unfortunately, that’s met with an assumption of arrogance on my part but it’s far from the truth. I’ve been told my confidence can be intimidating but you should never dim your light to make others around you feel comfortable. So instead, I hope to share my style with world and demonstrate that we can all be bold in our clothing choices and embody the confidence that is a reflection of our truths.
In high school, I came up with this phrase: All my endeavors are successful because they begin with 3 things: God, Beauty and Truth. My faith is paramount to me overcoming adversity and allowing God to order my steps and when you can confront the truth about who you are and your experiences, success is inevitable and you can walk in your purpose (beauty).
Resiliency is continuing to overcome the noise, negative self-talk, grief, and depression that made it difficult to get out of bed every morning and choose to go after my dreams, no matter how difficult they may be accomplish, so that I may walk in my purpose.
Here’s Her Story:
Throughout my life I’ve been resilient. I had to be! But the biggest resilience came from college. It was my junior year and I was majoring in information technology. I can’t begin to tell you why I majored in that in the first place but I did. I always had a fascination with computers and tech. I worked at TigerTech for three years. Lol. But it wasn’t until I got kicked out of the college of engineering that I found myself lost, hopeless and figuring out what to do with my life! I couldn’t flunk out of college all together. My dad had spent his whole life preparing a way for me to be there. I couldn’t tell my family because they were all so Proud of me! My mom, sisters, grandparents. But here I was, crying, devastated and figuring out what to do. It wasn’t until my best friend saw the gift in me and told me I should get into photography and video. That’s what I truly loved. She said you have to find what you like to do and invest in that! So I did. I picked myself up, searched where I could go with only 1 year left. So I went to my counselor he started me on my way.
I chose communications and I fell in love! I fought for that spot. Literally the first semester in my new major I was on the Deans list. I had never saw A’s like that my whole time of being at Mizzou. I was supposed to be here. I had bounced back like never before! Everything seemed so clear! I went on and graduated and the rest is another story for another day. I hid this story over the years because I was ashamed. Ashamed that I had failed out of the college of Engineering at Mizzou. But if it had not been for that pivotal moment in my life, I wouldn’t be where I am today! It was my testimony. I had to go through that to get to where I am now, being a video editor, photographer and filmmaker. A black woman in a male dominated industry! It’s taught me to fight like never before! To walk in my purpose because that’s the only way I will succeed. I found myself because of college. I found faith when I was in college. My resilience as a woman comes from the nurturing God has given me throughout the years. Nothing for me ever came easy except my calling. But the fight I had to get through to finally get to my calling is what made me resilient.
Here’s Her Story:
The Army was our #1 priority, our marriage an unfortunate runner up. We both made the commitment to our nation long before we made a commitment to each other.Josh and I married in 2006. Soon, we had three kids. With every baby milestone missed, every state dividing us, and every deployment looming, we made the very hard decision for me to end my military career after 14 years.
I took the transition very hard. I lost focus on my priorities and my marriage began to suffer. I started making rash decisions and went into a depression. I didn’t know what I was doing with my life anymore. After 14 years of service, I felt like everything I had worked for vanished.
When Josh and I started talking about divorce, it was a clear wakeup call for me. I needed to set aside my hurt feelings about the Army and put my family first. I was still tethered to the Army through my husband, so I chose to put my energy into something constructive.
I became a volunteer in the unit Family Readiness Group. I created an Instagram page to support military families and guide them through the military lifestyle. I privately counsel military spouses through difficult challenges civilians don’t often encounter. I graduated college and went to work at the VA to continue my service to our Veterans.
I’m still valuable. I learned new ways to serve my country through mentorship and guidance. I may not carry the weapon or go on the deployments any longer, but I’m able to extend my service through other avenues and saved my family in the process
Here’s Her Story:
"My resilience was created through FAITH, HOPE…and A LOT of THERAPY."
Seriously. Lol. If you hadn't noticed my whopping stature that stands no taller than 5'3 and slender, petite frame doesn’t necessarily place me immediately in the category of one aesthetically built to withstand a whole lot. Lol. In fact, my calm and quiet demeanor might immediately lead onlookers to believe that I am meek or even resigned. But, let's set the record straight. There aren't enough hours that I could spend in any gym that could've developed the resilience that I have today.
So where did it come from? As I look back over my life and I remember the tests and trials that came my way, I am reminded of one thing - God's faithfulness. He indeed looks out for "babies and fools" and let's just say I've been the latter far longer. But just thinking back on those memories, proves that I am a living testimony of his grace and love. It also reminds me that if he brought me out of something from my past, then he can surely work on my behalf in the present. My spirit always finds relief when I remind myself that I am not alone in this fight. Why should I stress, worry, and doubt my future when I know who I belong to?!
But I am human and I'll admit that it's not always sunny days when moving through life with uncertainty of what's to come. I often find myself in awe thinking about all of the people and things God placed here on this earth, just for US, to serve as a help meet. I'm reminded of a particularly special group of human beings called THERAPISTS that wear invisible superhero capes and save lives on a daily basis – mine specifically. I can attest that my faith and hope in God gave me greater perspective and helped me press on knowing that there would be better days. But seeking mental help gave me a clear understanding of why I am the way that I am, and taught me how I can manage my emotions and feelings during rough seasons.
It's not always going to be easy, especially when it involves exposing untreated wounds and scars that I personally had done a pretty good job at covering up. But I SMILE today when I look at the ones that have healed because of therapy, leaving only remnants of what was.
I truly have always believed in my heart that God only wants what's best for me. Even when I steer off course, he has a way of guiding me back on the right path in various ways and through various people. Trust me, the journey might just take a lifetime! But I rest in HOPE that better things are coming, and that in his time and perfect will he will give me the desires of my heart. And let's just say, he doesn’t break his promises.
"My resilience was created through FAITH, HOPE…and A LOT of THERAPY."
Here’s Her Story:
I could no longer go sit on their couch and cry because some guy broke my heart. I couldn’t walk across the parking lot to one of their apartments and borrow a pack of Ramen noodles and a hot dog to put together a struggle meal anymore. I could no longer get dolled up and step out with my girls for a night out on the town to celebrate us passing a test. I was left alone to fend for myself…BY MYSELF.
Depression soon set in, and I had no idea how I was going to share this with my mom and grandma; because Lord forbid, in a black family when folks say something about depression, everybody begins to think you’re crazy.
I wanted to move home to be closer to my parents, but I didn’t want to live with them; so I found myself a tiny little apartment in the corner of nowhere. I drank a whole bunch of wine, burned a lot of Bath and Body Works candles, “simped” to a whole lot of Adele, and cried myself to sleep for almost three years straight.
As my mental health declined, so did my physical, spiritual, and emotional health. My relationships with family, friends, and lovers suffered. I was no longer “whole” because I had no idea how nurture those individual parts of my life so that I could properly heal.
In fall 2018, McGlown began to find herself rising above anxiety and depression, and she aimed to create a space where other black girl millennials could come together and provide each other with the love, support, and encouragement needed to push through various phases of their lives; therefore, she created Black Girl Millennial World.
During my battle with depression, I had friends who were much older than I was, and they loved on me and poured into me as much as possible. I’ve always been grateful for my village, but there was no one my age, living in my time, enduring my struggles, and dealing with my barriers that I could connect with; therefore, in hopes that no other “little black girl” would ever have to feel alone and have all of the necessary help she needs to maneuver through life, I created a community and a support system for my sisters to lean on.
Here’s Her Story
I used to give some generic answer. But now when people ask, “How did you get started in the fields of photography and graphic design.” I simply respond, “depression.” I know people are looking for some big fancy story about me always knowing this is what I wanted to do or how I have a BA in Photography or went to art school. None of that is true. I guess if I wanted to take it way back, it was always obvious that I was interested in ‘the arts’. When I was a kid, you wouldn't dare catch me without a notebook and pen. I wrote everything down, even things that might have seemed insignificant at the time - license plate numbers, weird phrases I heard my Nanny say (my grandmother had an imagination and a foul mouth), to-do lists, motivational quotes, etc. I kept my notes fairly organized just in case I ever needed to recall anything or relay information. Intermingled with my notes were always drawings and sketches, color swatches, and my attempts at creating my own typefaces.
For most of my life, I struggled with general anxiety; especially in social situations so, I spent a lot of time with notebooks and sketchbooks just writing and creating images. After high school, I attended Webster University. With no real idea of what I wanted to do with my life, I went in as a Journalism major because all I’ve ever heard is “you’re a great writer.” Depression hit me like a ton of bricks the day I walked onto that campus. Classes hadn’t even began yet. I worked on campus the summer after high school. I was miserable and slowly began to hate writing. Everything I wrote had depression ‘written all over it’. So, I stopped. Completely and abruptly. Though my classes were forcing me to write, I needed something else. My career started with a simple request for Santa (my parents) to bring me a fancy camera for Christmas that year. I was always taking pictures. You remember disposable cameras and those point-and-shoots everyone had in there ‘mirror selfies’ in the early 2000s? Yep. That’s what I considered photography at the time. I knew nothing about cameras but I needed a hobby; a distraction. Santa came through. That was the first semester of my freshman year in college and I never put the camera down.
College wasn’t all terrible. I met some of the most important people in my life during such a dark time. Tyrell Thompson, better known as Rell Finesse, introduced me to the world of graphic design. In the peak of his career and the peak of my depression, we worked day and night to build our hobbies into businesses and taught each other what we couldn’t learn in the classroom. We took on gigs we were underqualified for in order to learn and challenge ourselves - and make money because you seem to get hungrier in college. Go figure. But people gave me opportunities, encouragement, and affirmations during that time that I can never repay them for. Creating helped me survive depression and anxiety. My career was born out of that survival. Creating is why I’m still surviving. I’m Resilient.
Here’s Her Story:
Mental health is something I have struggled in and was unaware. I experienced ptsd triggers, anxiety and had no idea it was not healthy.
You see when I was 6 years old I was sexually abused. This became a playground for mental health issues which followed me as I got older. Since identifying those issues I have decided to work through them. Even so far as to admit the damage those issues have caused others.
Now I am determined to remain resilient to do my inner work and heal so damage to others is no longer done. But also so damage to myself stops as well. I am resilient and it’s paying off.
Here’s Her Story:
My resilience has shown the most in my ambitious five-year college experience. My parents always taught me to dream big and follow through to make those dreams come true. That included going after a double major in Business and Journalism at a university that has the #1 Journalism School in the country and a competitive Business School. As I started college my freshman year, I was determined to make it out in four years as this double major.
But as I continued on each year and my class load got heavier, it seemed that no matter how many challenging classes I barely made it through, it would still take me forever to make it to graduation. Journalism challenged me to the point where almost every semester I would call my mom and tell her I was dropping my journalism major just to get out of college as fast as possible. As a result of my stress and other events, I developed anxiety that prevented me from enjoying my time as a college student. I avoided going out with friends and spent much time at home because that was where I felt most comfortable. When I realized the anxiety was affecting me, I sought out counseling.
I am resilient because I made the choice to no longer allow the stress and anxiety to continue controlling my life and to continue following my dreams no matter how hard it got. After 5 years of hard work, dedication, and resilience, I will be graduating May 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Bachelor of Journalism with a full-time job.
Here’s Her Story:
My passion for fashion runs deep within my family. My aunt Joyce was and still is my muse. Her passion, drive, and love for fashion had a huge impact on me throughout my childhood. My passion for styling came about in my teenage years. I was 15 and standing in Forever 21. I couldn’t find anything to wear, so I started putting pieces together, only to realize a similar version on the mannequin. That day I discovered three important things. One, I wanted to be a personal stylist, two, this was a gift that I had yet to realize all of my 15 years, and three, I wanted to be my own boss.
I started Style Slay in December of 2016, after graduating Fontbonne University. My mission for style Slay is to provide styling services to enhance ones own true self and lifestyle. Style Slay's motto is "A style for every story," meaning Style Slay was created for women of all walks of life, no matter the lifestyle, budget or stature. I took a huge leap of faith, quit my job to officially pursue my passion and never looked back! It was time for a change. I had a gut feeling, and a constant pressure to do something BOLD. That was my sign from God that it was about time I do my own thing. The end of 2016 was scary for me, but I walked on faith the last days of that year. Going into 2017 I was broke, but happy. Style Slay became my one and only priority.
As of 2019, I’m in the process of overcoming challenges, finding myself, pointing out my strengths and weaknesses, conquering my fears and trusting in God. I’ve spent many nights doubting myself, crying, being depressed, and all that comes with that, but today I say no more. I am going to continue letting my talent shine, being BOLD, and being on my Queen ‘ish. Now that to me is the epitome of being resilient!
Here’s Her Story:
It was February 12, 2018 when my phone rang to let me know that my biopsy results came back positive for breast cancer. When i met with the doctor, he said I was in stage 3. All I could think about was my family. How are we going to get through this, I’m only 35? I can’t die. I can’t leave my kids. Why did this happen to me? All of what most would say is normal to think, came into my mind. After that brief moment of uncertainty, I prayed and remembered who truly had my back. (GOD)
I started Chemotherapy and had 8 rounds of that to end on July 5, 2018. I had a bilateral (double) mastectomy on July 29, 2018 followed my 33 rounds of radiation. During all of that, i had fears, low self-esteem, worries, etc. I cried ALOT (still do). But, i keep praying and thanking God for what he has done in my life.
Now, when I cry, they are tears of joy and gratefulness. I thank God everyday for what he has done for me. As a girl on the go, I realized that God has a way of "sitting you down" to hear him. Joclyn's Journey was rough and dark, but now the sun is shining and I have a brand new meaning if what’s really important. I am resilient!
Here’s Her Story:
Never having the validation, affirmation, love and guidance from him kept me longing for the love of a male.
At the age of 19, I was introduced to the love of God and came into a real intimate relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I learned about the love of God in a way that radically changed my life. Since then, I’ve learned that even though I lacked the presence of an earthly father, there is no love that compares to the love of my Heavenly Father. He is my source of confidence, guidance, and emotional security.
Well, even in being a woman of faith, I faced another challenge. I found myself married at the age of 25 and being asked to sign divorce papers at the age of 27. I would have never guessed that another heart break was apart of my story but I learned that it was necessary and purpose even in heartbreak! I’ve had the opportunity to share my story with countless men and women and I found the value in my journey of going from Pity to Purpose. To the ones out there that have experienced loss of any kind, I share this as a testament of what’s possible when you embrace the reality that the painful parts of your journey are the most powerful.
Here’s Her Story:
“Resilience began in realizing that I didn’t have it all together, that brokenness is a place to bloom, and asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but of strength.
The last 2 years I went through a divorce, in the midst of serving full-time in ministry, working a full-time job and managing a small business. I would wipe my tears in the bathroom, then get right back to work with a smile. I served in ministry with a heart full of love but was screaming on the inside for help. I had many lonely nights of crying out with tear-stained pillows. All of the “titles” I had worked for began to crash before my eyes.
I finally made a choice in my mind that I AM ENOUGH without the titles. Although this was the ugliest season of my life, I finally broke through to the authentic me. I gathered the strength to walk away from toxic relationships and systems so that I could embrace this new woman that I’d become.
My faith was all I had left. Repeating His Word is what I stood on to steady my mind in times of panic. I knew I had a promise to get to, lives to touch, and that there had to be a REASON for the pain and suffering I endured. There is purpose for you as well & I encourage you never stop pushing. This is NOT the end of your story, you have major impact to make. Keep going”!
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.“ - 1 Peter 5:10 [NIV]
Share your Resilient Story
These stories are Powerful, Inspiring, Encouraging, and Groundbreaking. We all share our opportunities and wins but rarely do we share how the painful memories brought us to a place of VICTORY!
We feature women just like you and we are waiting for you to pour out your heart and make an impact.
Send us your story today!!!!