Growing Up When Your Parents Weren’t Really There When you’re raised by people who are too wrapped up in themselves to truly see you, you learn to take up as little space as possible. You quiet your voice.You shrink your needs.You become background noise in your own life. And somewhere…

Here are five personal truths I’ve come to learn about emotional freedom— 1. Feeling My Emotions Isn’t Weakness—It’s Wisdom For much of my life, I equated strength with stoicism. I thought emotional freedom meant being unbothered, composed, and unaffected—especially in crisis or conflict. But I’ve come to see that emotional…

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…

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,…

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…

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,…

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…

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…