The Warrior Inside Me - Pt 2

 

No one said life would be easy. In fact, we are bombarded daily with trials and circumstances that impact us on varying levels. When I reflect on my journey, I have had to fight for the things that mean the most to me.  I have had to fight for my family, my relationship, to establish myself in this country, and for my son. I do all of this by being consistent on my knees and petitioning to God.

 My undergraduate years were some of the most difficult years of my life. I was working two jobs, in school full-time while being a single parent. My nights were occupied with studying and during the days I would be working or caring for King. It was tough but I kept pushing as I knew I had to complete my studies. I was not only doing this for me but for my son. I posted a particular scripture around the house, in my books and wherever possible I could see, “Jesus looked at them and said, with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible”, Matthew 19:26. This Bible verse took me through school. When I felt like I did not have the strength to go on, I repeated this verse and reminded myself that His strength is perfect.

Courage and faith are crucial in fighting for what you believe in. In 2017 during parenting time, the act of discipline went too far which resulted in King having several bruises and marks over his body. I was told by many, even a close friend not to speak on what happened so as not to get the other party in trouble. It was at this point I decided I had to do what was right, which resulted in me being an enemy to many. I brought King to the hospital so that he could receive the necessary supports and treatment.

This season was a dark one, physically his marks faded over time but he dealt with the trauma and loss many months and even years after. My fight was not only physical but spiritual. I was fighting to break generational cycles of normalizing abuse. I was fighting as a single mother desperately pursuing healing for my son. I was fighting to teach my son the importance of forgiveness and surrendering his pain to God.

There is a fight in all of us.  As a child of God, I strongly believe this fight will only end the day God calls me home. In the meantime, I will continue to fight by being a beacon of light and hope especially for those who cannot fight for themselves. As Isaiah 1 verse 17 states “Seek justice, rebuke the oppressor, defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.” I am grateful for my trials as it was during these seasons my prayer life became my daily bread and the warrior in me became stronger.

My encouragement to those reading this post is, regardless of what others may think and say of you, know who you are and always strive to do what is right.

~Shan~