Life! Life can be filled with many joys or quite the opposite, much pain. Regardless of which end of the spectrum you might find yourself, one thing I know for sure is that it's not permanent. Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us that there is a time for everything. A time to laugh, a time to cry, a time to live, and a time to die. My life's journey has been filled with the above and so much more. The one moment that jilted my soul was the murder of my son, who was killed by two plainclothes police officers. I could have let that be the end of me, but if I had, my son would have died twice! Who would advocate for him? Who would tell his story and fight for the changes that needed to come to pass?
The love of a mother is like no other. You will do some of the most unimaginable things to fight and protect your children. I found myself fighting systems, racism, people, and sometimes even family, but God stayed constant in my life. I have done things like running for city council, because who could be a better advocate than someone who experienced the pain? I have spoken before the United Nations on behalf of my son. I used to be so afraid to speak in front of people, but my why became bigger than me.
In this month that has been set aside to celebrate women in all the diverse ways that we exist, I hope to encourage you! No matter what situation you may find yourself in, remember that there is someone who has lived through it as well and they made it! You will, too. We can always look to the hills for our help and surround yourself with those who want to see you win. I believe that oftentimes, we get stuck in a place of regret and we don't move forward from that moment. I heard something recently that shifted my mindset when it comes to regret. A Pastor told a young woman, "Stop revisiting what you cannot revise!" As you move forward in your life/journey spend more time being present, plan for your future and little on your past. There's no revision, but there is an opportunity to grow and be great in your own capacity and you're certainly worth it all! God bless!
Adrienne