(I know I’m late )

After all the good thoughts, I heard this voice in the back of mind say, “What have you done…all of Racine will know a part of your story?” It was great, embarrassing and scary at the same time if that makes sense to you. Why? Well, first of all, this was my first time going public with the sexual abuse and being at the point of suicide. Second, it’s in print; black and white. Third, I couldn’t believe how candid I was during this interview (God set me up). That’s also the skill of a great interviewer. Being a first lady of a church, this is not the kind of thing you just go around saying. Some would understand just going to church alone you better not think about suicide! So, you know this was God for me.

With this article, there was NO turning back. Let’s roll now…talk about the mask coming off? That was it…the big one!

The reward came when I received the calls, emails and text messages saying, “thank you” or “now I can tell someone that the same thing happened to me.” You’d be surprise what people have gone through that you are in contact with each day. So, with that said, I am thankful to God that I shared. With me opening my mouth telling my story ultimately began the process of healing for others. That’s what it’s all about.

To see the front page pictures and read article click here: http://www.sonyavisor.com/content/media.html

To read the article alone, click here:http://tinyurl.com/y8kkd44

What does it mean to be TruU? Exactly that: true to you. The real person is what you allow others to see; no more lies.

When I looked up the definition for authentic these are the two meanings that stood out the most: 1. Not false and 2. True to one’s personality, spirit or character (Isn’t that NOT FALSE definition something?) Check it out for yourself – http://bit.ly/bhTday)

What does it mean to be authentic? It means to be real, true, honest and genuine. Some people live their entire lives wearing masks, hiding behind walls that eventually become bricks building up causing imprisonment. Unnecessary weights.

I know that was my case for years, layers of secrets weighing me down. I was immobilized, bound with a frozen smile. I had a false face for so many occasions, people and situations that I couldn’t find myself if I wanted to. Believe me I wanted to, but I didn’t know how. It wasn’t until I was pushed into a corner to look at who I had become for me to realize it’s time to take off the mask. What about you, are you true? Or are you a pretender?

How are you around family, friends, and outings and what about at work? Are you exhausted when you are done with the professional, church or social events? Are you drained when the event is over because you didn’t allow the TruU to show up? You made a decision to cover up the real you…why? Only you know the answer to these questions. You could be one of those people who “have to be heard” and there’s no one who could call you a wall-flower. But that is the other extreme of hiding who you really are. It is just easier to be you. Simple as that…be the true you. When it’s all said and done or whatever that saying is; people could care less. Get this: they know you are in “act mode” – so come clean. Try it! Try being you, there’s no one on this earth like you. God made you unique!

You’ll hear me say this over and over again…TruU is being who YOU are and WHERE you are in life. You don’t pretend like you are together, when you are not! This is serious. I know because I almost died keeping issues trapped down on the inside. You call it (life) what it is and move forward. Be true to how you feel, give it to God. Respond to life, because sometimes silence is not the answer. Deal with your situations and don’t cover it up trying to act “alright”. Because believe me, it will show up one way or another. To get the total benefit of being TruU it’s to be true to who God created you to be, He will show you how. He showed me and I am real today because of it. You will be glad you allowed the TruU to show up!

Dare to be the TruU today…why not? Something great will happen and it’s called: Freedom!