Collected My Tears

Collected My Tears

tearsTears collected in a bottle. An unusual idea, but David used this phrase in Psalm 56:8 to describe how God keeps a record of human pain and suffering. He cares for us when we are hurting. 

Rhonda* clung to

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5 Responses to Collected My Tears

  • WOW! What a beautiful story of how God heals the broken hearted. Much needed in this day and time to not give up on life or family. Thank you for sharing.

  • It was a hard journey to get to the point of being capable of sharing this. I am happy it impacted you!

  • We are currently going through a very rough season with our adult son. We brought him home to live with us over a year ago as he was suicidal and in the throes of addiction. Rhonda, your article encourages me to keep pressing in to HIM, keep praying, keep trusting that He is working even when we can’t see what He is doing.

    • Cheryl, I think we forget that God’s hand IS on the wheel. Let Him carry you and this burden. Take it minute by minute. You have to break it down like that some days. Keep your hands up to the sky in praise and prayer. For when our hands are down, we are drifting away from Him.

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Redemption

Redemption

In July of 2017, Atlanta Redemption Ink was launched so the redemption Jessica* found when she covered her trafficker’s logo with a new tattoo could be shared with countless others.

* Her real name is used with permission.

Over 160

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13 Responses to Redemption

  • Jessica, so glad you got your tattoo covered. I had my property tattoo removed a couple years ago. It was a long process, but so worth it. It was freeing! So glad you were set free by God’s overcoming love! Blessings to you!

  • Maureen, thank you for sharing your experiences. So glad you were able to be free and experience freedom through the removal. Praying blessings over you!!

  • This is something that I never thought about. I can’t imagine the nightmare this brings to everyone. I hope more attention will be brought to this to stop it.

  • Jessica,

    I’ve read your story a few times now and each time it hits me harder— you are such a brave and inspiring woman! Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability in sharing your story. I wish you and your family the best!

    Kit

  • Wow. As the mother of two young girls this story scared the hell out of me. To think they could innocently go on a job interview and end up essentially kidnapped is terrifying. And they say Atlanta is a major hub for human trafficking. Terrifying. This story should be given to everyone who escapes so they can see the redemption and hope. Amazing.

  • Jessica ,

    Unbelievable! Your story is powerful! Surviving your nightmare is definite proof that God has great plans for you. I admire your courage in allowing your story to be told. I’m personally familiar with some of your struggles and know others who have faced similar life threatening situations. I hate hate hate that you have seen such darkness but am encouraged to know that your overcomer story is going to impact lives for Jesus.

    Diane

  • Jessica, I am so proud of you. You have found how to take some of the most challenging times in your life into something so beautiful. I appreciate you sharing your story for others who may need to hear it. You are a blessing in so many ways. Overcomes United is an amazing group and you have made it even better. Welcome!!!

  • Wow! Your story is so timely. My radio station is supporting this very cause right now. I’m so glad you were able to overcome this horrific event and put your talent into God’s hands. I know He is going to bless you for the work you do. You are amazing! God bless.

  • Jessica, what a strong young woman you are to be able to overcome all of this! I know you could not have gotten out of the abuse without God’s help. I’m so glad you knew that’s who you had to turn to. He was just waiting for you to ask. God is so good and I am sure he will continue to bless you in your work.

  • Thank you everyone for your kind words, support and love.

  • Wow. I cannot believe all that you endured by the time you were 23. Thank you for bravely sharing your testimony. You have opened up my eyes more to sex trafficking. It’s so sad how common it is. I bet by sharing your story you are saving lives. So happy of where you are now. You are a true overcomer.

  • Princess Jessica. I’m so proud of you! More importantly, Jesus is proud of you!! May you always walk in the knowledge of your royalty.

  • I never would have thought or considered. Thank you Jessica for being willing to share your heart!!!

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Ticking Time Bomb: Moyamoya Disease

Ticking Time Bomb: Moyamoya Disease

A ticking time bomb. What if it were in your brain? And it could explode at any moment? Unbeknownst to you. Sounds like an intense TV drama, doesn’t it? While those shows mimic real life, this WAS real life for

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22 Responses to Ticking Time Bomb: Moyamoya Disease

  • Wow! What a story of perseverance! Sorry you struggled so long but so happy for you now. And yes, you absolutely have to be your best advocate. I’m a fellow overcomer and #fistsup was a common hashtag through my fight! Continued blessings Kit.

    • Thank you for reading my story, Cori! Your support means so much to me. #fistsup always! Best wishes to you! ?

  • “There is strength in vulnerability…” What a powerful statement! Thank you for sharing your story. God bless you!

    • That statement means a lot to me- I’m glad it struck a cord with you, Holli. Thank you for reading my story! <3 <3

  • What a powerful testimony from an incredibly strong young woman. I have so many friends who suffer from migraines and headaches from all types of issues. Thank you for sharing your story so that others may be made aware.

  • Such an inspiring story!! So glad to have met you, Melony and our other “Moyamoya Sisters” last year @ our First Moyamoya Georgia Meeting last May. Excited you have a little one on the way, Kit! Congrats!!

    • Thank you, Jane!! I am so happy we were all able to connect. I would love to see all of you again soon! Hope you are doing well, MM sister!

  • Kit,
    Thank you for sharing the story of your long struggles. Yes, I agree, you are your own best advocate when you cannot get others to get to the root of the problem. You are very brave and I know you will enjoy being a wonderful Mother!

  • Thank you, Jane!! I am so happy we were all able to connect. I would love to see all of you again soon! Hope you are doing well, MM sister!

  • Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story, Sandra! I am so looking forward to becoming a mother soon! <3 All my love!

  • You are a very strong person and I hope you both enjoy your new baby!

  • Bless you! So thrilled your second surgery was a success. My heart hurts for all enduring the hardship and struggle of Moyamoya. We are in our first year of knowledge (my 14 year old daughter dx’ed in 1/18). She’s had other major medical issues but this one has left us reeling. Thank you for sharing your story; you are s brave young woman and I wish only the best for you. Healing and Love from Chicago, Illinois. Tanya, mom to Skylar

    • Tanya- Moyamoya can be quite unpleasant at times, but the support from amazing people like you makes such a huge difference! I’m so sorry that Skylar has been dealing with multiple medical issues– stay strong and vigilant. I am here for you guys and will offer any advice that I can! All my love to you and your family <3

  • I can’t begin to tell you how proud I am of you! Your strength, courage and persistence to get to the bottom of your health issues has been so incredibly inspiring. Reading this article reminds me just how much you’ve been through, for many years. I thank God everyday for the honor of being your mom. I know your candor and willingness to share your story will be so uplifting to many Moyamoya patients. Let your light shine, sweetie!! ??
    Melony, well done!! Your mission to bring awareness to this rare disease is simply beautiful .

    • Oh, mom! Thank you! Your support means the world to me. I learned how to fight for what I believe in from you, and for that I’m forever grateful. Love you <3 <3

  • I know Kit!!! she is awesome!!

  • What a struggle you have endured. May God continue to give you healing and a wonderful life to experience his love for you.

  • Such an empowering story!!! So glad you were able to get to the root of the problem!!! Having health issues myself I am now even more determined to get down to the root of my health issues!!! God bless you and congratulations on your bundle of joy!!!

  • I had a hemorrhagic stroke in January and indirect and direct revascularization surgery in March of this year. Blood flow back, but I still get tired and weak. I returned to work in May of this year and I plug along. It was good at first and I was energetic, but I seem more tired and my energy level is off. Are you energetic and back to whatever normal is?

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Embrace the Child You’re Given

Embrace the Child You’re Given

Ava* and Matthew* knew their son Sam’s* disruptive and violent behavior wasn’t like the other children his age, but they didn’t understand what was causing it or how to discipline him each time it occurred. These parents, like many others,

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5 Responses to Embrace the Child You’re Given

  • As an educator, I see parents with children like this who simply place blame or avoid the problem not wanting a diagnosis. I applaud these parents for being vigilant and putting their child’s needs above their own fears of the dreaded diagnosis. They need to beat themselves up with a feather, not the hammer of bad parent guilt. They are far from bad parents!

  • Such a wonderful story. As an educator for over twenty years I have been able to witness first hand the “signs” of ADD/ADHD in children. It is very hard for some parents to acknowledge there may be a problem with their child. I like to ask these parents if they thought their child was a diabetic would they seek medical advice? A child having a learning problem or behavior problem is no one’s fault. Seeking medical advice is the first step to helping all involved.

  • Nothing frustrates me more than when people negate ADD/HD as a ‘parenting problem’. I have three kids and my oldest is textbook ADHD. School was fun for him-as he is a smart, funny kid that other kids like. He struggled however with following through on assignments, standing in line, controlling impulsivity-from getting up in the middle of class and wandering around the classroom to hugging his friends when he was happy and excited. Some of his friends at younger ages did not know how to handle that demonstrative affection. We had one counselor tell us to take him to the local police station and file an ‘unruly child’ report. He explained that the police would then take him into custody and hold him in a cell for four hours. HE WAS FIVE. Who would do that to a five year old?? He told his dad one day leaving kindergarten that he TRIED to listen to what his teacher was saying but that it was hard to look at her because “she vibrates.” We sought different professional opinions and finally found a wonderful therapist and psychiatrist and when he was six we started medication. School was still a struggle from year to year and very much teacher dependent. I had to be noisy sometimes and be his advocate when he could not. He had a teacher that would punish him by taking recess away. Hello?? The “H” stands for hyperACTIVE-he needed that activity. We came up with an alternative for when he acted out that was not punitive, did not draw attention to him that other kids noticed and worked much better. I did have to have the principal get involved in that fight that year. And I would do it again. School was not fun for him but he did it. Puberty changes made for some hurdles too. He had frequent ‘temper tantrums’ if you will will until the age of 12. Frustration manifesting itself. Teen years and the impulsive behaviors were not something I want to do over for sure…but by God’s grace we all made it.

    He is now 19, a high school graduate and working full time as a certified welder. He loves being outside and working with his hands. As most ADHD kids, his ability to hyper-focus is amazing and serves him well. We have talked through the years and I have gained great insight the older he has become and the more able he has become to put his feelings into words. He is off his medication. He is considering college but not a big fan of organized education right now. He says he needs a “break from school and filling in circles on tests.” I can respect that. HE is a fun, loving kid, always has a smile on his face, game for just about anything, he loves loud and proud! I always know where he is when he is around and he always makes me smile. I would not change ONE THING about him. I adore him. And I respect him too. He is making his way in this world HIS way.

    I would tell Ava and Matthew to just tie a knot in the rope and hang on. Its not an easy ride with an ADD kid but its not boring for sure!!! It hurts to see your kid struggle and we used those moments to teach Adam empathy and compassion. Teachable moments will abound!!!

  • Such brave parents! I know their story will help many!

  • It takes very dedicated parents to help these children and loving teachers.

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