Author: Guest Contributor

Ron Blake’s Hero’s Journey: The Struggles of a Male Rape Victim

Written by: Ron Blake (TRIGGER WARNING) For many male rape victims, speaking out is a journey fraught with fear, societal stigma, and profound personal courage. Yet, my story is not a story of sadness, anger, hatred, or revenge. It’s an exhilarating adventure of hope, happiness, and success. It’s about defying the odds and overcoming adversity. […]

Breaking Barriers for Generations: Marion’s Children Got Shoes

Written by Dr. Carol Penn In the quiet fields of Congaree, South Carolina, in the waning days of the 19th century, a small girl named Marion Josephine Gilmore stood at a crossroads. She was completely unaware that she would live a life of breaking barriers. Born on September 18, 1895, she was the eldest of […]

Healing Generational Trauma: Reclaiming Your Self-Worth

Written by: Sara Beth Wald This was a really difficult post to sit down and write. Who knew healing generational trauma would sneak up on me this way? In fact, I missed the deadline by three days, which is a big deal for me. Back in my columnist days, I gave birth on a Monday […]

An Infertility Journey: Building Dreams and Facing Heartbreak

Written by: Meg Fatih In 2020, my husband and I took a big leap. After living together in a city for nearly ten years, we moved to the suburbs and bought our first home. We didn’t know at the time that the real risk we were taking in this move was not financial at all […]

Retinal Detachment Surgery: Finding My Vision Amidst Darkness

My name is Alan Cruz, and I’m 23 years old. I’m an entrepreneur, world traveler, adventurer, and someone who believes in living life to the fullest—even if that means dealing with retinal detachment surgery. From a young age, I’ve always had a natural curiosity that led me to explore the world around me. I was […]

From Survival to Summit: A Domestic Violence Survivor’s Journey

Written by: Kim Hansen If you’re reading this, you’re probably a person used to having to climb mountains to get through life. Maybe you are also a domestic violence survivor, someone who experienced childhood trauma, or you know someone who has survived these challenges.  Let me just say: I am with you. It has been […]

Female Entrepreneurs: Jessica Drain, Co-Founder of SewTites

Innovation is a constant driver of progress in the ever-evolving landscape of crafting and sewing. Being innovative is an area where many female entrepreneurs thrive. Jessica Drain, co-founder of SewTites, along with her sister Jamie, have exemplified the spirit of female entrepreneurship by transforming a simple idea into a thriving business that serves the unique […]

The Birth and Deaths That Saved Me: A Healing Journey

Written By: Krista Lindquist (Including excerpts from Krista’s memoir, The Daisy Diaries, and her contribution to The Ancestors Within: Honor and Celebrate Your Sacred Origins) Before turning eighteen, a tragic love triangle nearly ended my life. Within one year, the shock of two unbelievably traumatic accidents involving my former high school boyfriends left me crawling […]

How I Found Radical Self-Acceptance in Overwhelming Adversity

Written by: Chelsey Dotson In early 2018, my life took an unexpected turn that would profoundly reshape the person I was. I had no idea that in a short time, I would be plunged into a world of monumental uncertainties and emotions. I found myself on a journey I never anticipated- one of intense struggle […]

Abandonment Issues: Healing Through Self-Love and Faith

Written by: Kelsey Elizabeth Matthews Looking back on the events and experiences of my childhood, it is easy to see how abandonment issues have shaped me into the woman I am today. There are many themes that I can identify, woven through the tapestry of my life, like the intricate, colorful pattern of a knitted […]