Hello Friends!

This is new for me, but here we go…

Not too long ago, our world unraveled to the point of no return, and I found myself [and my children] facing homelessness. I told very few and hit the drawing board. Myself at a loss of income, transportation issues, health issues, and a fear like you would not believe! This is beyond hard for me to admit. I felt like an absolute failure! I have always been full of grit and determination. This was new and incredibly humbling! I wasn’t just struggling, I was drowning! You see, I have only minimal support where I reside and sadly I’m unable to move closer to family AND be able to take my children with me. (Geologically restricted divorce)

So, I chose to stay for my children and war for our stability on my own. I’ve (with God's grace) pulled myself out of the trenches MANY times, but this time was different. Very, very different!!! Despite nearly EVERY odd against me (seriously, you name it), I couldn’t possibly give up because I have 5 other people who rely on me. I’m sure most of you would do the same.

A little back story... as some of you know, a year and a half ago I was diagnosed with a pseudo-tumor causing all sorts of fun brain issues, and that finally led to a micro stroke. From there, I lost two very close support people. (I have yet to truly get an opportunity to grieve.) And as expected, I later lost my job. I also have Lupus SLE that likes to throw curve balls and occasional grenades at the situation, but Luppy is the least of my worries these days. My objective is simply to protect, provide, and set an example for the young lives I’m entrusted with. Despite it all, I refuse to quit. I’ve been in “re-build mode” ever since.

Y’all, I’m not going to lie to you, I STAY in survival mode. The anxiety is like a slow poison at this point. Something REALLY has to give. I’m sure many of you can relate, but seriously... it’s come to a point of no sleep and a lump in my throat that’s taken permanent residence.

Sure, I can say “woe is me” but instead I choose to keep pushing forward and keep trusting in God! I haven’t allowed defeat, nor has He.

So fast forward nearly a year after doomsday...

Yes, I lost. I lost a career due to illness. I lost my home. I lost those I loved. I lost my self-respect in moments like this with raw transparency and humility. I lost hope in humanity at one point, and even quite possibly my mind! (Haha!) I certainly lost any savings for a definitive plan towards our future.

Ask ANYONE close enough to witness my efforts and they would tell you one thing however... what I didn’t lose was my determination. I didn’t quit! I overturned every stone, knocked on every door, humbled myself over and over again. I spent countless hours on my knees in prayer begging God to show up!

AND IT ARRIVED!!!!!!

FINALLY!!! The BIG MOMENT... a door opened to an amazing opportunity. A career with ample opportunity and more close to my heart than the air I breathe!!! A place to ensure others didn’t face the same fear or fate. I was able to accept a position with a non-profit that keeps other single mothers, widows, disabled, and less fortunate from facing the challenges of homelessness. The exhale and celebration that came with that phone call goes without explanation! Though I was also in the process of moving and drastically downsizing, along with much uncertainty, I was determined to take this role with a fire in my heart to help others and my family!

We moved. We mourned. We adjusted.

Week one of my new role... my transmission goes out on my one and only vehicle. CMON LIFE!!!! I know seasons happen, but this is a hurricane season that doesn’t quit, man!!!

I prayed and hit the drawing board. I was blessed to have a kind woman work with me on her newly auction-acquired car to simply get to and from work and the babies to school in order for me to get back on my feet. Within a short amount of time and an entire paycheck liquidized on repair efforts, tows, parts, labor and Uber, along with what I gave upfront, we determined this vehicle was NOT our saving grace! It had become a parasite! That wasn’t a total shocker, but just a major disappointment. We needed just one solid chance here! Again, my hope is simply to catch some real footing, care for my children, and continue to secure my current position. My TRUE hope is to help others do the same. In short... I have to get to work and KEEP this job. I also have to get these babies to school and daycare.

With all that said, I have been able to negotiate a much safer, reliable, and affordable mode of transportation. AND, even work, scrounge, and scrape to get the majority of the cost covered. (Don’t ask me how other than grit and a miracle! Fr!) Unfortunately, this means us forfeiting the Christmas we hoped for, but it would allow for our fresh start to finally unfold!!! We’ve (the kids and I) worked SO hard and sacrificed to get this opportunity! I couldn’t possibly accept defeat now.

I know we’re ALL likely going through a storm in all varieties this Holiday Season... in a way I feel guilty putting my story out there and hoping God shows up in the generosity of others. TRUST ME, I don’t believe the world owes me a THING!

But, if you believe in the gift of second chances, hope for a future, passing it forward, and new opportunities... if you want to invest in someone who REFUSES to give up and won’t let the blessings stop here... I’m humbly and sincerely asking you to prayerfully consider investing in my family this holiday season. Your donation will not only allow me to secure transportation for myself and my children, but it will also do so much more than that!

What I can assure you!?! I can assure you it won’t stop here!!! It won’t end with blessing me! I’m certain the enemy is working tirelessly to stop me in my tracks because he knows if I’m in that position to help families it will only multiply! I vow that! He knows I don’t fold easily, and because I’ve seen the THICK of it, I plan to guide anyone and everyone I come across who is struggling, within my power, to their new beginning too!

(If you’re asking yourself why the non-profit I work for can’t help my situation more; they help with homes, repairs, and mortgages but unfortunately, not transportation.)

Real honest moment... I was afraid to make this post. When I had my tumor and surgery was needed, a dear friend suggested I do a post like this one and I kept refusing. Not from a place of pride, but fear. Fear that I would pour my heart out and no one would acknowledge it. Unfortunately, that was relatively true in that circumstance and my surgery was postponed leading to my additional health issues, but this time... I’m not allowing fear of rejection to trample what God may be preparing on the other side.

And I also encourage any of you to please not allow that fear to ever create a hesitancy in you, in offering your testimony, and watching God work through others! If nothing else, I am grateful for your prayers and the time you took to read my story! I believe the greatest chapter yet is just on the other side!!!

Thank you for considering donating to our second chance!!!

With gratitude and humility,

Christina and The Gang, (Jude, Gavyn, Pierce, Ezrah, and Titus) :-)

Happy Holidays! May the Lord bless and keep you. May His face shine upon you!