"What tried to break me, God used to build me."
 

Behind the Strength
 

For much of my life, I knew how to keep going. As a wife, mother, and woman in ministry, I knew how to show up, encourage others, and take care of what needed to be done, even when I was struggling myself. I experienced rejection, disappointment, and seasons when I questioned my worth. There were times when I chose silence to keep the peace, shrinking parts of myself because I didn't want to disappoint others or be misunderstood.
 

In 2023, I experienced a moment that has stayed with me. I remember being around people, smiling and laughing as though everything was fine, only to break down when I got into my car. I had become so accustomed to being strong for everyone else that I rarely acknowledged what I was carrying. I loved God, I was serving Him, but I was also hurting. And I had to recognize that being faithful didn't mean pretending everything was okay.
 

The Discovery That Changed Me
 

For years, I thought I was the only woman who felt this way. I looked at other women, especially those in ministry, and assumed they had everything together. But when I finally found the courage to speak openly about my experiences, other women began sharing theirs. Women who felt overlooked, questioned their worth, struggled to set boundaries, and carried burdens they rarely spoke about.

As I listened, I began hearing parts of my own story in theirs. That's when I realized I wasn't alone. And neither were they.
 

That realization changed something in me. I knew women needed a place where they could be honest about their struggles without fear of judgment, but I also wanted them to know they didn't have to remain bound by what they'd experienced. I was learning that I could love people without losing myself, use my voice without guilt, and stop allowing the opinions of others to determine my worth.
 

When My Journey Became My Purpose
 

Those experiences became the foundation of It Was Necessary Biblical Life Coaching, where I help women move beyond past wounds, rediscover their worth, and embrace their God-given purpose. They also inspired my book, A Purpose for Every Thorn, which carries a message close to my heart: what we've experienced may shape us, but it doesn't have to define our future.
 

After more than two decades in ministry, I also understand the pressure women can feel to always be strong, remain silent, and put everyone else's needs before their own. That understanding led me to create Crowned to Lead, a coaching experience for women in ministry who are ready to find their voices, establish healthy boundaries, and serve God's people without losing themselves.
 

Why I Share My Story
 

I don't share my story because I have everything figured out. I'm still learning, growing, and becoming. I share it because I remember what it felt like to believe I was the only one, and I know how powerful it can be to discover that someone else understands.
 

If you recognize yourself in any part of my journey, I want you to know that you don't have to keep pretending everything is fine. You don't have to silence your voice to make others comfortable, and you don't have to allow your past to determine your future.
 

Because I don't just want women to know they're not alone. I want them to know they don't have to stay where they are.
 

Your story isn't over. You're still becoming.