Purpose

5 years ago I almost lost my life. Dramatic first sentence huh? Well, that was my reality. No, I am not looking for a pity party. Instead, I am gracefully offering encouragement through what I have endured.

My life has had its difficult seasons, but this was one that I'll never forget. I was admitted into the hospital due consuming a recalled medication to help cure severe bronchitis, mild pneumonia and fluid in both ears. Though this medicine understood the assignment, it was an overachiever and created its own bonus questions to fill out.

Needless to say, I became so delicate that I couldn't lift my arms, yet alone, a straw. It was substantially heavy. I couldn't bend down to pet my dog, because I would end up on the floor from falling. I couldn't see clearly, because my eyesight was blurred and foggy. I couldn't walk, because I had sciatic nerve pain shooting down my leg, which caused my foot to come to a halt each time I would try to step foward. Most importantly, I couldn't sing... something I love dearly and do daily. My body was frail and incompetent to say the least. As days went by, I had hope that I was getting better... but verily, I was becoming worse.

If you know me personally, you may know that I am a person who is not fond of pity parties or a person who wears a coat that lacks endurance. I strive to be someone who never gives up and who always sees the light at the end of the tunnel. But during this time in my life, I felt as if my light was flickering and not beaming with purpose, which misted the end of the tunnel from my view. Though in the dark, still, I chose not to dwell on the negative thoughts even though it was clearly true at that time.

After being in the trauma room for three days (in which the doctor told me if I hadn't have gone to the hospital that day, I would not have been alive the next) and not remembering much of it at all, I still appreciate and respect all who came to visit and speak life over me. I knew my time wasn't over and my purpose wasn't insignificant. To have people I love surround me and spoke words of heartening and triumph over me was truly what I needed in that moment.

Though my nerves were damaged and my bones were fragile, I chose to dwell on goodness. Thankfully with a great team of doctors, nurses and prayer warriors on my side, I survived.

My encouragement to you is... be persistent and continue your race. Though life may be difficult at times... never say to yourself, "I cannot do this", "maybe I'm not enough", or "it is impossible". Because if I chose those lies of the enemy, I would not be where I am today.

I didn't give up, I didn't give in. I chose life and believe me, it was no where close to being easy at first... I had to put all my blood, sweat and tears into physical therapy and continue to do so even now... but, it was worth it. Every pain, tear, push, motive, action and embrace. Without trying, I would not be where I am today. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would become a National Champion in the USA Taekwondo... especially at the age of 27.

Another thing... you do not have to do this alone. I will run this race with you, I will walk this race with you, I will crawl this race with you. Whatever it takes to lift you up to a place you were destined and created to be. You can do it. You have what it takes. You are stronger than you think. You are capable of reaching your desired destination. You are young enough. You are old enough. You are enough!

Thank you to my family who are always there for me. Thank you to my friends who are care immensely and are thoughtful sincerely. Thank you to KTMA for the guidance and encouragement that brought me to be where I am now.

Life isn't about living once... it is about living everyday.

Live life.

Love life.

Choose life.

🕊

"If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward."

Martin Luther King Jr.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.”

Hebrews 12:1