The Soul That Speaks: What Really Matters

A few months ago, I was invited to share my story with a group of nursing students. That first speech? Absolutely terrifying. But with Jesus leading the way, I made it through. That moment was a milestone in my healing, and I knew I had to keep going.

Fast forward to June 20th, the morning of my second speech. I woke up feeling like Moses — overwhelmed and unsure, desperately needing God to speak for me. I kept praying, asking God to steady my breath, to settle my nerves, and most importantly, to let my words spiritually impact someone in the room. Even though I felt more relaxed than the first time, I still kept those prayers going, right up until the moment I began.

As we pulled up to the building, Ms. A greeted us and said someone wanted to see me. "You might not remember him," she said, "but he really wants to talk to you." I laughed, saying, "I probably won’t! I’m so bad with faces." And sure enough, when I saw him, his face didn’t spark a memory at first.

Then he began to speak. He was in awe of how far I’d come. With tears in his eyes, he asked if he could hug me. That embrace was full of emotion—gratitude, amazement, reverence. It was humbling.

He shared how he had once been asked to come talk to me during my hospital stay but initially said no. He didn’t think he could face me. He felt his pain paled in comparison to mine. Then it all came flooding back. I remembered the nurses telling me that "D" was nervous about visiting me. And I remember thinking, even through the haze of pain meds, why would he be nervous to talk to me?

When he finally did come, I welcomed him: "Hey D, tell me your story." I remember telling him that pain isn’t comparative. His story mattered. His pain was valid. We could support each other.

As he retold that moment and how deeply it impacted him, I felt a divine peace wash over me. God was answering the very prayer I had been praying: Let my words bring someone closer to You.

That moment gave me the courage I needed to speak confidently to the new group. It reminded me that I’m already walking in my purpose. God is using my story. He is answering my prayers in real time.

You never know the impact your kindness can have on another being. When he came to me, I literally had nothing to give—and that’s because I was defining my worth by my physical capableness. But now I see it’s never been about that. What matters is the soul you carry inside of you. Just know that there is no amount that can ever dim your light as long as you’re standing firm in Christ.

I will carry that embrace and that testimony with me forever. It's a living reminder that this journey I’m on is not just about surviving—it’s about ministering, connecting, and planting seeds of hope in others.

2 Corinthians 3:5
"Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God."

🙏 May every word I speak continue to point back to Him.