I want to put something out in the universe with the hope that offering what I have will be a way of hope to those who struggle with trauma. I do not intend to write a tell-all book. That is not my intention. My goal is to offer a resource for those like me who faced overwhelming odds in becoming the person I am today.

     I recently sat down with a parishioner and had a lovely conversation about where we came from and how we got here. I covered the basics, but started thinking a little deeper under the surface. I thought about the question, “How did I get to be here?” “What was it along my journey that caught my attention to follow my true path?”

     As I mull these thoughts over, I feel overwhelmed with gratitude. The truth is, I could have taken several other paths that might have led to horrible endings. Praise be to God that my choice led me into the arms of Divine Wholeness. I believe the path I chose leads me to a faith that is rich, deep, and vital.

     I must admit that the child within me is still present. I do not try to hide him in a room with a locked door anymore. When times get tough, and I feel his fear rise to the surface, I now know how to talk with him. I remind him that he is “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps. 139:14). In my mind’s eye, I remind him that he possesses everything he needs to make his point.

     And so, my friends, I invite you to take a unique journey with me. Let us rescue a child who needed security when he felt there was nowhere to be safe. Together, let us remind him that he is a child of the Most-High God. In his doubts, let us remind him that he has many gifts to offer others. The most important thing we must do is to help him redeem his heart.

“Create a clean heart for me, God; put a new, faithful spirit deep inside me!” (Ps. 51:10, CEB).