My diary

In today’s world, where beauty trends and personal grooming are increasingly emphasized, young girls are often introduced to makeup at an early age. While experimenting with makeup can be a fun and creative activity, it’s crucial to educate them about the importance of not sharing makeup and lip gloss. I say all this because  I've been working a lot lately, and initially, I thought I was having an allergic reaction to something on my lips. The cold weather hasn't helped either; it's been hard for me to look people in the face because my lips look pretty gross. This morning, I finally connected the dots: my daughter has been sharing my lip gloss. Last night, she came to me crying about her lips hurting, and this isn’t the first time she’s mentioned it. It just dawned on me that her lips look exactly like mine, and out of everyone in the house, she’s the only one going through this. I know she’s curious about makeup and wants to fit in with her friends. I’m really upset about...

As many of you know, I am a mother of six, with my youngest being just six months old. It has been quite some time since I re-entered the workforce. While I have remained active through volunteer work in my mentorship program, nothing could truly prepare me for the transition back into a professional environment. I anticipated working alongside individuals who hold diverse beliefs, both faith-based and secular. However, I found myself facing unexpected challenges, particularly with a coworker who professes to be a believer.  This individual exhibits a level of arrogance and self-importance that is disheartening. It’s unfortunate to witness someone who identifies as a Christian embody traits that are contrary to the values we strive to uphold. This experience has forced me to confront my own insecurities—not about the job itself, but about my identity and contributions. Working alongside many younger colleagues, I have come to realize how much I have let aspects of my life slip away...

Oh boy, where do I even begin with this parenting gig? At first, I thought it was all about raising my kids until they were old enough to wave goodbye and set off on their own adventures. But now? Now I realize that a parent's true job is to teach their children about who they are so the world doesn’t mold them into something they’re not. As the proud parent of five amazing kiddos, I’ve discovered that I’m not just a teacher; I’m a perpetual student in this wild classroom called life. Reflecting on my upbringing, I can’t help but think about how my parents provided the basics—food, clothes, and shelter. I mean, hey, I never went without! But let’s be real: not all traditions are good ones. I’ve got to shake things up a bit! So, I’m making it my mission to engage with each of my children and build relationships that cater to their individual needs and wants. Because let’s face it, growing up in a divided household caused a lot of hurt, and I’m determined to create a united front in ...

Today, I took some time to reflect on my journey and the realizations I've had about myself. It wasn't until I found my faith that I truly acknowledged the fear I had of men. Before, I thought I was strong and in control, but once I started applying God’s Word to my life, everything changed. I realized that the power I thought I wielded—through sex, lies, and manipulation—was actually rooted in fear. Fear of what men thought of me, fear of rejection, and fear of being seen for who I really am. I often worried about how they would perceive me. Would they think I was ugly? Too weird? Would they see me and decide that there was no future with me? Those thoughts consumed me and dictated my actions. I never allowed myself to see the truth: my worth was never tied to their opinions. One area I’m still grappling with is my thought process. I’ve recognized that many of my fears are exaggerated and stem from a lack of emotional control. I was never guided through my thinking, which left...