The Road That Reveals My Purpose

As a child, I was very shy and rarely spoke. People would often ask my mother if I could talk, and she would kindly respond, “Yes!” Despite my quiet nature, I always enjoyed reading. During library visits, I would check out as many books as I could carry.

My first educational experience began at a private Catholic school, where I developed a deep love for reading and learned the rigid rules of discipline. One of my teachers carried a ruler that I believed was made of real 14-karat gold. When students misbehaved, the ruler would appear—and be used. We were all very aware of the consequences, and most of us behaved accordingly.

Over the years, I learned to value both reading and discipline. Books taught me new things daily, and determination helped me stay the course—especially during the difficult seasons of life.

When our family moved from an inner-city neighborhood to a suburban community, I began attending public school. There, I participated and enjoyed creative projects like designing and developing my own books. I took great pride in sharing my thoughts and stories, and my love for reading only grew stronger.

These early experiences influenced my decision as an undergraduate student to pursue a degree in English literature. I was fascinated by the way words can shape your thinking, their ability to preserve and transmit knowledge through different historical eras, along with engagement of the readers into meaningful reflection.

I didn’t set out with the intention of impacting young adults. After college, I felt drawn to attend ministry school—but I put that dream on hold to focus on establishing a career. By the time I turned 30, my brother encouraged me to reconsider ministry school since, he had enrolled a few years ago.

During my move, I found an application to the same school I had once filled out—tucked away in a box that had sat untouched in the garage for ten years. As I stared at the application, something shifted. I realized that my purpose was beginning to unfold. God’s timing was different from mine, but I understood then that it’s never too late for a new beginning.

My Grandmothers - Annie Lee and Willie Mae

Studying youth ministry gave me the tools that I needed to support, mentor and pour into the lives of others. Now, I’m rooted and grounded in my calling—and I’m using that foundation to impact the next generation through my writing.

Even while attending ministry school in another state, I tried to help my mother write her own book. She wanted to share her wisdom and experience in caring for children with the world. I recommended that she sort through her handwritten notes and get them organized by topic. I tried to offer guidance whenever I could.

Unfortunately, her health began to decline before she was able to publish.

My desire to help her fulfill this part of her purpose became a spark for my own. It inspired me to write my first book. Along the journey, I discovered that we often have untapped resources—gifts, ideas, and passions that we may not know even exist.

I began attending writers’ conferences, taking detailed notes, and connecting with authors. That consistency and willingness to learn eventually brought me to the place where I felt ready to write. Never would I have imagined—back when I was studying literature in college—that I’d one day write something of my own to impact someone else’s life.

This is my journey—from complacency to clarity, from merely surviving to intentionally living. I don’t share it to impress you—I share it to impart something real and meaningful.

I’m writing to the young adult standing at a crossroads, feeling overwhelmed, unsure, or stuck. I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to carry potential but be paralyzed by doubt and distraction. But I also know what it feels like to break free—to stay faithful when it's hard—and to realize that everything you need to fulfill your purpose is already inside you.

My hope is not just that you feel inspired—but that you become determined to rise, walk, and live with purpose.

​You’re not the only one trying to figure it all out.

Let’s walk this out together!!