There is Power in Your Testimony

Instead of your shame, you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace, you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so, you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours. – Isaiah 61:7, NIV

“As a child, I was raised by a single mother who battled a drug addiction.”

I’ve found myself repeating this phrase a lot lately in connection with my work as the founder of Living Beyond Our Dreams (“LBOD”) Foundation.

Just a few years ago, though, this truth was one that I only spoke openly about with my husband, Mamma, sisters and with very few close friends and loved ones. 

For so long, this testimony carried with it so much weight.  So much shame and fear.  Fear that my worth and value would be questioned if exposed. 

Through deep prayer and consistent therapy I have discovered the complete opposite to be true.

Not only have I gained a new sense of worth and freedom, sharing my testimony has served as an affirmation to people with similar struggles. 

I have cried (like the emotional being that I am) at messages from other lawyers and non-lawyers alike, sharing that they too had parents who struggled with addictions.  They shared how they felt seen and inspired.  All because I chose to see my testimony for what it is - a part of a whole me.

All along while I was holding onto shame, my testimony was sitting there like a little golden nugget waiting for me to see it shining! 

All along it was a clue leading to the place God has called me to be the most effective and impactful. 

A clue to my life’s mission.

I am no longer in bondage to my testimony. 

LBOD Foundation will transform the lives of families led by single mothers overcoming addiction across the globe (we claiming it now!). 

But to get there I had to shed the shame.  I had to look at the fire for the refinement that it was.

There is not a single class or seminar that can teach the passion, resilience, strength and perspective that our unique testimonies birth in each of us.     

There are stories within us all that show us exactly the areas of this earth we are meant to impact. 

Who is not being impacted because you are ashamed of your testimony?  Because you are afraid to face the pain and hurt of what you’ve experienced? 

What clues are you missing? 

This life is bigger than you and me. 

There are people who will never see their worth until you see yours.  People whose power depends on you seeing yours.  There are lives attached to your testimony.

Today, I am grateful for the power that lies in each of our testimonies. 

I am grateful for each life that will be touched when you decide to follow the clues laid out by circumstances that you thought were sent to destroy you.

Freely,

Latiera