I grew up in Tulsa Oklahoma in a two parent household with my mom and dad. My family all lived in Tulsa as well so it was always a good time. 

 But at the age of 13, my world came crashing down. I unexpectedly lost my fishing buddy, my source of laughter, my daddy. My daddy and I would sing, dance, and cook together all in continuous laughter. I developed my outgoing personality and huge heart from him. When I heard my aunt and uncle tell me he had gone to be with God, I felt as though a piece of me was torn out and taken with him.

Then just three months later, as I am still coping with my daddy’s death, I sat on the fireplace in my house and watched as my mom took her last breath on the white hospital bed in my living room. 

The day before my 14th birthday, my mom was called home to be with God, leaving me parentless in this world. I lost the best adviser, motivator, and hero to the terrible disease of breast cancer. She fought for a long time and finally she received her crown and was called home. 

Have you ever been punched so hard in the stomach that it knocked all of the wind out of you? Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom so fast, you had no sense of direction or any knowledge of how to get out of the place you had fallen to? If so, you now know how I felt as a young 14 year old. 

Lost, scared, weary, angry, frustrated, confused, and numb… 

I went to live with my aunt and uncle in Dallas, Texas leaving my home, friends, and family behind. 

From this experience I learned lessons of a lifetime. 

1. God’s got me and He loves me more than I could ever imagine
2. Nothing can stop me from living the life I’m here to live out – It’s time to make hell nervous
3. I am capable of doing hard things in every area of my life
4. The strength of my parents runs deep. I’m resilient, strong, and powerful beyond belief
5. God uses what the enemy used to try to take me out and turned for good – into my testimony of healing, trust and restoration.

Listen sis, if God can bring me through something that should have taken me out, He can do the same for you. 

If I can bounce back, so can you. 

That’s why when the waves of business get high I may stumble for a second but soon remember my true strength. Business and going after your goals can be hard but I know I am capable of doing hard and even impossible things. 

What was a moment that should have taken you out but didn’t? DM me on IG @itsandreadenise and let me know!