Grief and loss are recurring themes in my life, often accompanied by the dark night of the soul. This past season was the darkest and most profound, profoundly impacting my spiritual journey and calling me toward a faith-centered walk of self-love.
For many years, I cared for and loved others as best I could. As I reflect, I realize I was traumatized at an early age, and much of what I did was driven by fear-based beliefs learned in a violent world.
There are caring, good, and kind people in the world. Unfortunately, my experience did not always reflect this, especially regarding children of color.
Since I’ve known myself, I have loved the Holy Spirit, God, and my elder brother, Jesus Christ. The teachings of Jesus centered on love, caring, sharing, and helping one another. In reality, the world tries its best but often struggles to do this wholeheartedly.
This created grief in my young mind that later led to depression, anxiety, and panic attacks throughout my life. I did not know how to do things differently. I gave everything to the Holy Spirit, God, and leaned into the promises of Jesus Christ.
Through this process, I discovered that the Holy Spirit is the greatest force in my life and that knowing God's purpose is essential. I've learned the importance of focusing on what I can control, understanding what matters most, and embracing healing as an internal process. This realization became a turning point in my journey.