I was first exposed to the conversation on mental illness when I began dating my husband in 2016. When we met, he was writing an article about the church, and it’s often, poor response to mental illness. Very early on…

If you’re reading this, you’re either in mandatory self-quarantine, social distancing, or at a healthcare facility. We’ve been avoiding travel and keeping to ourselves.  The more I watch the news or step into an empty grocery store, the more nervous…

At the start of the decade, I graduated from high school. At my graduation prayer meeting, my then almost roommate and I made a vow that we would “blossom in college.” And genuinely, I thought I would. I was ready…

A friend of mine thought I had “snitched” about an issue important to her. That wasn’t the case. Somehow, someone found out and that news had gone through the land. Often the way it does when you belong to a…

Charles and I left New York City in a bit of a frenzy. We had abruptly lost a job and couldn’t afford to live in our Manhattan apartment. We hadn’t planned to leave New York, and we sure as hell,…

Most of my life, my mom never sat still. There was always something to put away, wipe, clean, and check off her to do list.  This is a quality I inherited from her.  As much as I’d love to be…

I built a fortress in the name of being enough. The walls were written and engraved with the names of those I loved. I crafted them with my own hands, spending hours laying foundation, designing mirrors, walls, and art that…

My mom and I are in a high-maintenance, long-distance relationship. She is my life confidante and was the ultimate cheerleader to my wedding year.   She had been watching and praying for this moment her whole life. Charles’ walking into…

When I was applying to college, my parents didn’t loan me money to go away for school. My mom and dad, who have always known what is best for me, decided this wasn’t what they were willing to spend money…