You’ve probably heard the saying: “Do as you would be done by.” Or maybe the version you grew up with was “Treat others how you want to be treated.” Either way, it’s a classic. One of those simple rules that sounds easy but hits deep when you really think about it. At its heart, it’s about empathy. It’s a reminder…

I was never the type to rebel. I had been silenced so much growing up that confrontation terrified me, especially when it came to authority. I had learned to equate authority with my mother—with her sharp words and unpredictable reactions. I had a tendency to avoid conflict at all costs, fearing the verbal onslaught that could follow. As I stepped…

When I was seeking God at Youth With A Mission in 2021 and writing about forgiveness, this scripture echoed in my heart. Jesus, nailed to a cross and enduring unimaginable suffering, chose to forgive those who persecuted Him. The crowd, blinded by ignorance and fear, chose offense over compassion, rejecting the very One who came to save them. This verse…

Sometimes, I feel sad for no reason at all.Like a quiet rain inside my chest,dripping, dripping, never stopping.Mama says, You’re too sensitive,but I don’t know how to be anything else. I see it in their eyes—the women in old photographs,their faces frozen in time,their smiles stretched thin like thread.Great-Grandma, Grandma, even Mama—they all look like they’re waitingfor something that never…

I could probably fill a book with the experiences I’ve had with offense and its consequences, but the offense that impacted me most was the one I held against my mother and father. I often bore the weight of my mother’s unresolved anger toward my father. Looking back, I can see that I became a sort of scapegoat for the…

Growing up with emotionally distant parents can leave a lasting impact. When the people who are supposed to provide love, warmth, and guidance feel unavailable—whether due to their own struggles, trauma, or emotional limitations—it can create a sense of loneliness and self-doubt. Many children in this situation grow into adults who struggle with trust, emotional expression, and forming deep connections.…

For much of my life, I’ve carried a complex mix of emotions shaped by growing up with an emotionally distant mother and an absentee father. The imprint of that upbringing still lingers, but over time, I’ve learned to understand my emotions, honor them, and slowly move toward healing. Today, I want to share my journey through the five emotions I’ve…

Embarking on a path of self-discovery and personal growth is a profound and deeply personal experience—one that requires peeling back the layers we have accumulated over time and rediscovering the essence of who we truly are. It is a journey of introspection, healing, and courage—courage to face the shadows, to sit with discomfort, and to embrace vulnerability as a gateway…

Growing Up in Silence Childhood is often painted as a time of laughter, warmth, and unconditional love. But for some, it’s a quieter place — a landscape of longing and unanswered questions. Imagine growing up with a single mother who is physically present but emotionally distant, while a father’s absence lingers like a shadow, amplifying the ache of unmet needs.…