Oftentimes we are judged by those who have no clue what we’ve been through. It’s sort of like those movies where someone else is looking through the window at a family gleefully enjoying Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner on a snow-filled day. It appears that the family is truly enjoying one another’s company and that all is right in their world. Lots of times that is farthest from the truth. The reason they’re able to trick someone on the outside looking in is due to the masks we often wear. We’re taught to present a united front to cover up the hell we’re going through. I speak from experience when I advise you to not take everything at face value. I was smiling on the outside and dying on the inside for many years.

Many of you know that I just released my first solo book project Damaged Goods: Damaged But Valuable. In the book I share some really deep things that I’ve experienced. Many people have thanked me for my transparency. Others, those that have known me the longest have accused meet of lying. Mind you none of these accusers (except for my mom) have lived in the home with me. My mom accusing me of lying caused a wedge between us for a season. Many of the things she read in the book caught her by surprise because it was her first time hearing about any of my journey. I hadn’t shared any of what I’d been through with her. I didn’t know how to have the conversation without feeling as though I was responsible for what happened to me. As far as the others, they based their responses on who they believed my mother to be. They didn’t believe she would allow any of the events to happen in her home. Mind you I just told you above that she didn’t know anything until she read the book. It is dangerous to accuse someone of lying about their experiences as you have no idea where that person is mentally. Many commit suicide because of that very thing. If you don’t have facts to back up your accusations, the wisest thing you should do is mind your business. Minding your business will save lots of undue stress and negative energy.

If you’ve experienced or know someone who had experienced any form of rape, molestation, verbal abuse, suicidal thoughts, addictions and or depression, this book is for you. It shows that through it all your able to step out of the darkness into God’s marvelous light. You can rise above your circumstances and live your best life. Pick the book up today.