The Helping Anchor...

 

Are you in anchor mode? Do you recognize yourself in being an "anchor" ship? By definition  and anchor is meant to make something or someone stay in one position by fastening him, her, or it firmly.
 Many people that go through issues, tragedies, depression or lostness will anchor themselves to SOMETHING (Drug/Alcohol) OR SOMEONE. The weight of the world in that individual is transferred so another object or person to provide; comfort, support, stability OR increase co-dependency. Their mostly likely tired of drifting aimlessly ALONE. That type of heaviness is overwhelming for the "attachment" (person) that's connected... this is why they are called ANCHOR.
We have to learn how and why we are in these ANCHOR ships. The worst of an ANCHOR ship is when depression or mental illness is present.  Imagine that ANCHOR "keeping" you, giving you what could be false happiness or relations of Joy .... then that ANCHOR is so tired of being weighed down because the true reality is; now that person the Anchor is stuck in the middle of their non-movement or non-progression along with the burden of being the happiness for someone else. THAT'S HEAVY!
Once the ANCHOR is at their limit, THEY RETREAT. Sometimes only coming around out of obligation. Now the other person has to deal with ALL the inner issues, battles and struggles ABANDONED (note:this is the reality that their mind recognizes; abandonment). Losing an ANCHOR could be fatal for many people.

Tips to set sail freely within...(Gotta start somewhere): 

- You have to recognize when your not mentally happy OR struggling to cope....and SPEAK

- When Life happens recognize when you're attaching to something or someone

- Learn to love yourself more so that you're healthier to and with those around you

- Use my R.A.C.E Method.. Reflect, Acknowledge, Change and Execute

(You can't comfort what your hiding)

How Anchoring shows in other ways:
- Going from one relationship to another without time to process, heal, and provide love to self.
- Codependent friendships even with family members
- Leaning on others or substance to cope in an unhealthy way
- When your most happy being present or under SOMEONE
- When your crossing boundaries in friendships (Over burdening) without personal changes.

For other inspirational articles and stories... Follow me at instagram.com/lashamariespeaks

For speaking request email: lashamariespeaks@gmail.com

#WomenofAudacity

ReplyForward

Author LaSha Marie's Epic 44th!!!

Weeks prior was the crescendo to my day. Thanks to everyone that came out, called, inboxed, supported me on my day including my vendors. I'm almost off my soap box lol. For those that missed the LIVE or just didn't want to listen to the entire thing. 44 was meaningful because my Mom didn't live past this age. She was wheelchair bound and on countless medications. The two (2) years prior she was in the ICU on a ventilator. I happened to find her as she was entering Heavens gates. She surrounded herself with ANGELS around her house (Figurines, Artwork and Prayer messages). I'm healthy with NO MEDS, Zero surgeries that wasn't elective and not chained to anything that can cripple me.. I leave you with this....

- Healing is a landing rock that feels like the best home EVER; SELF care is essential.

- You don't have to make others believe in your change/work on self to find your placing in life. Stop asking others for permission to SHINE!

- Do the work on self and listen to God's direction. Let others be dead wrong on their assumptions. Most are dealing with their own demons...WE ARE HUMAN BUT; DON'T LET OTHERS DRIP ON YOU!

- Never let anyone make you feel like you're the image of your parents dysfunction. You are Blessed & highly favored.

- Disappear without explanation. Sometimes you have to close doors to enter your quiet place with GOD.

- Depression and Anxiety can be your SUPERPOWER! Wear your cape proudly even when it's wrinkled.

My reassembly started in 2015 but I heard the calling a decade prior. When you come to a crossroads when the devil knows you're better, he will put everything in your way so that you will turn around. (That tricky rascal knows Gods greatness in YOU!) But my Faith wouldn't shake with each fall and the time I should've fell on my knees and cried; I heard his calm whisper say; I CREATED THIS STORM SO YOU WOULD MOVE!

I leaned deeply in my Career, gifts, passions as a distraction to get to my purpose. Share your vision, Share your voice, Share your story and I can help you MONETIZE $$$$$$ that skill/story. If your ready, if you're so moved I can be your Writing Coach, Therapy thru Penning or Personal & Professional Strategist; Someone is ready for their leveling.... schedule your DISCOVERY CALL WITH ME TODAY ...Copy or past OR Click the link👉 https://calendly.com/lashamariespeaks/30min?back=1&month=2020-08

#womenofaudacity #survivor #HRConsultant #thehealingpad #shareyourstory #GreatStorytellers #writingcoaching #personalgrowthcoach #CareerCoach #BookCollaboration #selfcare #SixFiguresBabes #GetOUTYOUROWNSHIT #womenofgod #HUMAN #VisionaryLeader

Credits:

Photography

J. Austin Anderson Photography

Cake

Mandy Isabel

of A Sweet Affair Confectioneries

Dress:

Paula Divinisity Mwenelupembe

of Feschene

Fedora: Piki Williams of Uniqueglamorboutique

Gift giveaway(s) Makers:

~ Pray, Meditate, Journal System by

Caneka Hardon

~

Denise McNair Batton

of Paparazzi

~ Dream Big Pillow Vision Board by

Women of Audacity

~ Ebook "It All Has a Root" Including my first story in my Book collaboration "The Secret That Gave Me Wings"

~ Book Collaboration by

Paula McDade

of @Brilliant Awakenings Anthology; "Beyond Murray Hill"

Special thanks to my AWESOME SON (He will cut you over ME lol), My Daughter that has taught me that JUDGING is not apart of God's plan and self identify. My FAMILY (AUNTS and UNCLES) that gave me a FOUNDATION to seeing what's possible and what can be obtained by BREAKING GENERATIONAL CURSES.

Mitchell Meshia

for being an assistant for the day, MY ENTIRE TEAM including

Shantae White - Gonzalez

of

410 Business Solutions LLC

for teaching, believing and leading with GOD first.

LaSha Marie; Founder of Women of Audacity, LLC
LaSha@womenofaudacity.com
Audacity Seekers Consulting, Inc.

"BE THE VINE"

Interviewing Made Easy: You're Hired!

It’s often said that finding a job is a job itself; whew, such an understatement. But the process can be seamless with directed strategies to calm your nerves so that you stay focused on the goal ahead. Even when you have went on more interviews than you can count, job interviewing never seems to get any easier. With each job interview, you are meeting new people, feeling individuals out and selling your skillset. Sometimes, you’re often left wondering, did I respond to that correctly? Or did I completely answerthe question that was asked? Staying upbeat and personable is the best energy to lead with.   This can be a challenge, especially when you're interviewing for a position that you’re genuinely interested in.

Relax, there’s help on the horizon. As a Talent Advisor and Consultant I've learned a few tricks and I'm here to share my knowledge. Though my Interviewing Strategies are personalized to each individual due to industry specific alignments there are a few basic best practices that are interchangeable within all career levels. Let’s be honest; my advice for a Software Engineer are different than my Service industry professionals. But you’d be surprised how unprepared many individuals are for interviews at all levels. 

So relax, here's some helpful Tips to calm your nerves.

Create a Stellar Resume or TWO!

• Post Resume on multiple sites; Indeed, LinkedIn, CareerBuilder, Monster and other industry specific sites...
• (Update often) REFRESH your resume to the top of the pile.
• Submit.Submit.Submit & APPLY. (In depth resume writing tips coming soon or inbox me to get ahead of the game)

Hot dog, we're getting calls! 📱📱

• The Prescreen & Vetting Process. The first call is imperative that your listening and able to respond so if it's not a good time advice them that you will call them back. This will also give you time to do your research on the position that you applied for and how to answer questions. Afterall, as a Recruiter this call rules out more than 70% of individuals. WOW, that's truth for you!

• Wooohooo!!! Interview scheduled. What's next! Research the position, print the JD (job description) as an reference, research the companies competitors. If the position list specific software experience that you have moderate knowledge on, refresh yourself so that you're conversational while speaking on it when the Manager ask. Please know that most companies will train you according to their specific training guidelines.

• Think about those behavioral based questions. Most companies use the S.T.A.R Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) Basically giving them an example of how you resolved a situation, what did you do and what was the result of it. We will go more in-depth later around these questions. Usually they want to see how you handled a certain issue, customer complaint or convinced a hard to please client or Manager into trusting you.

• Prepare!!!!!!... Do we really need to discuss the obvious!!!! Map the location area, Print extra resumes, JD, arrive early and dress according...We all got that RIGHT? GEESH!!!!!!

Compensation Questions... Show me the money!

• Here's a fact. According to Policy and laws this questions save many of us. An interviewer can not ask you what you're currently making. However, they can ask you what your expected compensation is for your next opportunity. Why do we need full truth in this area? I suggest you ask them up front, what the range is for this position? This is a lengthy questions so we will discuss this in more detail later. NEVER LEAVE MONEY ON THE TABLE!
• More to come: Salary negotiations, Counter-offers (JUST RUN, nothing will change), Asking your worth, Cover Letters (Who needs them) & the on-boarding process.

Spotlight is on! Interview time...

- Sell your skillset. - Don't over talk or ramble. - Speak to the question that's being asked. - Remember the S.T.A.R Method. - Ask questions about the company and/or role, BE ENGAGED! - Ask what the ideal candidate looks like for this role. This is usually a wower... It also gives you a chance to highlight any other stand out qualities they've failed to mention or want to revisit. - Keep in mind... Reframe from bad talking current or past employers OR citing personal issues.

******Closing...You got this! 🤑💰🤑💸
- Show interest

- Thank them for the opportunity.

- Send a thank you email.

- Connect them on LinkedIn

Leave confident and re-assured.
You're HIRED!!!

These tips and more from your HR Expert and Talent Acquisition Advisor giving you the GREEN 🚦light to be AUDACIOUS in your walk!

- Author LaSha Marie

Each Day Keep Saying HELLO!

A new morning filled with possibilities should be a gift. Sun shining and birds chirping outside the window; those are all sounds of a day ready to be taken. I was told once, “seize the day and capture undiscovered blessings”. This is how most enthusiastically tackle each new day. Even on those rainy days some people welcome the peacefulness of hearing raindrops and that slight haze over the sky. If you’re like me, I have checklist or daily routines that become habit. Rise, bath, brush teeth, dress, get kids together all to dash out to the car to actually start the long day. Entering work spaces being greeted by welcoming Hello’s and Good Morning’s by co-workers. I have to admit, prior to working from home, I hated the daily good morning rants in the work place mainly because I just wanted to be invisible. I simply couldn’t understand why or how people was that damn peppy.

Those of us with depression or mental illness are faced with a different fate. Just as the change of the wind, we never know how each day will be. It’s almost like being trapped in your own head playing games to conquer each level. Sometimes that achievable moment is finding the energy to leave the bed. (Win for Shay, one foot out of the bed!) People with a mental illness or depression create strategies on these black days by recognizing triggers. We are the best “head” game players in the world. It’s a way to keep connected and somewhat sustaining throughout the day. These bouts can linger for days, weeks and even months in severe cases.

Mental Illness can control your life if the mind, body, spirit and environment are not conducive to positivity. For myself, it was imperative to firstly recognize that I was “in fact” depressed and face the underlining issues of it. This was the hardest because as I met my hurts, pains, regrets and childhood traumas the surface was cluttered. What I learned by comforting every aspect of my life:

~ You are not to blame; forgive yourself and others

~ Pain is to be healed NOT to keep one bound

~ Don’t hide in others. You will become co-dependant by looking for others to make you feel good

~ Over-giving of self. You give others for gratification. (The maybe they’ll love me more syndrome) 

~ Never be afraid to Fail. We are NOT perfect

~ It’s ok to say NO. Don’t overextend yourself so much that you become lost

~ Put you FIRST. Happiness is a self-selection

There are daily habits so that bleak days are farther in-between. This is the work after the “Comforting”. There were times my mind wouldn’t allow me to get out of bed. Days where I was completely happy floating on life then “Boom”, I wake up sun bright but my head recognizes the darkest gray. Your family would even learn your “good” and “bad” days. The question, “what’s wrong” was the most hated inquiry and my responses was always, Nothing and EVERYTHING! I know, enough to drive anyone bananas, right? The earth never had to shake for my mood to change abruptly. I just know that I simply didn’t want to deal with life. I needed a “reset”. I needed to find some way of balancing it all even on dark days. How did this shift start to manifest change for me?

~ I became more cautious of what entered my body

~ I ended friendships/relationships that were toxic. THIS WAS HUGE FOR ME

~ Create a hobby that relaxes you; I wrote till my soul glowed to LIVE

~ Change of environment… move, relocate or create some space for real reflection

~ Recognize what your triggers are. These are usually connections directly linked to you

~ I began to love me; flaws and all. I now owned all of my mistakes to help rebuild me

Depression and mental illness is a very real subject today. The numbers are increasing in suicides and in younger age ranges. It’s no surprise I haven’t mentioned “medication”. I’m an avid advocate for seeking professional help, some aren’t able to cope without prescription. I’m 3 years with no medication but there were times I just knew I needed that “stabilizer” but I then went back to these methods; just like going back to basics. I had to heal me “whole” inorder to fight days a little less and the work continues.

There is true freedom after an unchained mind.

"Tears Unseen, a Shout Unheard"

I had a neighbor and I often played with her daughter. I still recall the warmth and genuine care this women gave me. Her name was Beverly. So one day I decided to share a secret. Not for sure why this particular day, not sure why not a family member but at the age of 8 maybe almost 9, I decided to unsilence myself. I stood there, spilling my "daddies secret". I'll never forget that Beverly almost fainted when asking me questions for clarity. My heart was beating so fast while standing in her kitchen. I remember the motherly embrace she gave me before I walked out her door. She was devastated and I thought....maybe I could finally be free.

She called my Mother and I sat there watching tears run down her face... after days went by the neighbor called the school to report it. In the 80's, it was a very hush topic and I was given a way "out" while speaking to the school counselor. I just recall just wanting it all to end. I wished I could've taken it back. Through this ordeal, nothing changed at home other then I wasn't allowed to be alone with my step-father that I'd known since the age of 2. I went everywhere my mom went but ofcourse things went back to normal. And though his family knew (his Mom and brothers) from him venting, it then opened up doors for his brother to start preying on me on my visits to their house...My Mother's family never knew and I was discouraged to share my truth again until I was in my 2nd year at Alabama State University and experienced my 1st major breakdown.

I suppressed images of the good times from my childhood, whole life-frames were erased from my memory. It was a way to cope, a way to be something I wasn't; HAPPY!

Then comes JOY! Follow me and help me inspire a nation. 

#EndChildAbuse #SufferNoMore  #SexualAbuseMustEnd #Speakup #NotYourFault #MyStory #TruTestimony #AuthorLaShaMarie

Reveal & Release Your Stains!

I recall walking in the store and purchasing the most beautiful rug; It hung there vibrant and filled with color….to me it was perfect. But as most worldly things over time the color faded and STAINS appeared. Normal wear and tear, right? No matter how many times I tried to scrub the spots hoping to wash away the STAIN it still remained; yet faint but very prevalent in my eyes. To the outsider they may look at the rug and unlike me, they will see a rug filled with brilliance. They didn’t notice that through the years this rug has been ran over, walked on, trotted through and even drenched with different particles of life. But because this rug is so perfect to my heart I refuse to throw it away; sometimes I even tucked it under tables to disguise it’s tethered appearance.

We hold these same principles in our daily lives. As we enter the world we are sheltered, innocent, unflawed and UN-STAINED. Remember that feeling as a young child with bright ideas with a carefree mind; those times felt amazing. But as we grow in an earthly existence we learn that innocence is lost and life evolves and changes in time. Through those changing times we are affected by our STAINS. Rather it’s substance abuse, weight issues, low self-esteem, rape, divorce and many other life occurrences. All these issues leave STAINS upon us and many try to hide them; scrubbing away the pain and guilt by trying to bury all the STAINS under superficial things, objects  items and people.

For a while I didn’t know what to make of my STAINS, so I created a false security of myself. I even buried some of them hoping they wouldn’t fully surface. Just as that rug, once we think we have cleaned one stain, sure enough another one appears; so we become creative in decorating to be less obvious. After all; STAINS are looked at as bad, tarnished, used. Who in the world wants to show that to the world? Each STAIN is your representative on how you view your life. Most likely at first we walk around upset, face frowned, disgusted at something so embarrassing and disgusting. We are so distraught that we push away people we love in fear of them discovering the STAINS.

Then one day, if we are lucky enough not to let the STAINS destroy us totally, we confront them. What gives us the power to finally face all the damages of life?...... Our need to be more than our stains; you start to want the "abundance" of life.  And for me it was my relationship with God!!! Once we seek guidance in him (God/Spirituality) to help us Reveal and Release Our STAINS, is the only way we can truly accept and move on to a more glorified YOU. Now he doesn’t promise to erase these STAINS, those are life lessons; badges of tribulations. And in order to seek betterment in life we have to face some true facts first. Your relationship with God allows you to live with these STAINS at the surface, instead of burying them along with yourself in the process.

Think of your vessel and your relationship with God as a scotch guarded rug. That protectant is your Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. And as long as we are renewing our spirit consistently with him…he protects us even when we are approached with life’s spills; Jobloss (he protects us), Depressions (he protects us), Lusting (he protects us), Alcoholism (he protects us)….Anything that can tarnish our image made of him, he will protect us; as long as we’re seeking him first. But sure enough as the world is filled with SIN we will stray; allowing ourselves to become vulnerable, thus having more STAINS; then we’re back on our knees asking for direction and coverage to get through. God responds; that was your lesson to walk with me as your everlasting protector.

I’m now able to walk brilliantly with all my STAINS. Just as proud and SHINING to the world. I’ve learned that the STAINS didn't define me because there not within the fibers that created me. I certainly couldn’t walk through life inspiring, encouraging, uplifting others without his shelter and faith in me to overcome. He loved me enough to help “Reveal & Release my STAINS” and he can do the same for you. SHINE Through It All!!!!


"He doesn't need your open hand for his shelter; he just needs
the open mind that's receptive of his works"


www.shinethroughitall.com
New Book: “The Secret that Gave Me Wings”

Email: lashamariespeaks@gmail.com

By: LaSha Marie

"An Average American"

 I really wish I understood all the laws, locally, state, government or otherwise. Politics intrigue me but I could learn more. Different parties and their standings, the parties impartialness to world issues on poverty, education, hunger, immigration and international wars. We all want to gain knowledge on stocks and bonds, hedge funds and selling as the NSE looks profitable. 

I guess I'm too average of an American because i can't seem to think or wrap my head around complex processes meant not to help us average folks but instead keep us just below a drowning status... I'm sorry I can't get a blinking heart over misappropriation of information. 

I am American. An Average American.

I can't wrap my head around the CIA, FBI, NSA, DEA, how can I understand the intelligence when intelligence aren't meant to uplift our people. When our sons are being killed or lost in jail systems. Our education quality are based on class levels.. I'm sorry I'm the average American.

I can't think about tapped phones and emails being compromised... When my son is being profiled just for the color of his skin. Can we focus on how sex trafficking exist here in the USA and how a nickel bag of trees give more time to rapist. 

Let's focus that kids walk through war zones just to get to school... That the middle class still struggles with day to day living rather then investing... Family systems are hurting and teenage pregnancies are a result of increased promiscuity. That suicide is on the rise across all social systems and people are hurting and crying for help with screams not being heard. Kids are being abused and molested with a battling of a recovery. Our street are riddled with drugs, alcohol and brand labels that add no value....

I'm sorry I'm just an average American so maybe I can't be intelligent about all these intelligence systems... Cause we have yet to tackle the basic human rights for our people. 

Copyright 2015 ©

By: LaSha Anderson, Founder SHINEgirls Atlanta

Also find us on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shinegirlsatl

2014 Vision and Updated Bio...

At a very young age LaSha was driven towards a caring nature. Taking apart of community events was greatly influenced within her family setting. From volunteering at nursing homes, area hospitals and Detroit’s chapter of the NAACP she developed an awareness of helping others. Her drive and creative vision kept her involved in High School and even receiving medical certifications at an early age. LaSha’s upbringing in Detroit, Michigan was diverse with challenges which led her to the love of writing. 

Afterwards, she would enroll at an HBCU in 1994, Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama. She admits that her time attending a Black college not only shaped her focus towards a Business Management career; it also gave her a sense of pride in being a woman of color. LaSha’s tenure at ASU led her to leading community activism projects along with fostering a passion for speaking.  She would then take the knowledge or sisterhood, self awareness and the history of those before us back to the inner city of Detroit. 

Not soon after returning to Michigan, LaSha found success within the Human Resources profession. Today, LaSha’s dedication and vision has grown much stronger than her HR and Talent Acquisition strategies through (Act-1, Randstatd, Medical Staffing Network) and is now apart of an RPO group which outsource to many fortune 500 companies such as; Bank of America, Coca Cola, ADP, IBM along with a host of others. Her professional career has allowed her to develop skills that she has been able to bring back to the community. 

As a transplant to Atlanta, Georgia as of 2005 her true calling is even more defined. With 8+ years within the staffing agency industry, she would birth her first company. In 2007, she opened, The Reliant Group Inc. a Metro Atlanta based medical recruitment agency. As CEO, she would use her HR methodologies and Sales knowledge to provide excellent consultant services.

As a Detroit native she understands the need to provide empowerment to underprivileged youth with a faith based approach to "Shining Through It All"(c) . Being the product of several tragedies in her life, she often encourages motivation and inspiration on subjects such as; sexual and domestic abuse, rape, depression, suicide, self worth, marital happiness along with many other labels that she has become a VICTOR despite all odds.

Today her focus is to create visions thought impossible within young minds, abused women and those overcoming tremendous odds. As an avid journalist she brings a clear picture to a wide range of readers. Her upcoming projects are; publishing her first daily affirmation book ("My Little Book of SHINE"), along with her life inspired biography ("Shine Through It All"); Including establishing a non-profit organization (SHINEgirls Atlanta) that assists inner-city youth and women with overcoming abuse, self-esteem issues and a host of other topics. She’s enthusiastic about sharing her struggles and triumphs while encouraging others that they too can have the brightest futures with endless possibilities. Nonetheless, her determination not to be a product of her environment and to succeed is her founding faith.

She hopes that her story will encourage others that followed her path. LaSha feels that these adversities along with having a dynamic family foundation are ultimately the blocks that developed her success today. To add to these accomplishments she also gives back to the community by lending her creative talents through the healing works of art and design. Her spiritual and faith based approach is the center of all of her productions.. LaSha is a grounded professional, aspiring novelist, respected columnist, resume writer & interview coach, and within her workshop settings; MOTIVATOR. LaSha is Wife of 9 years, Mother of two, Sister, Creative Writer, Public Speaker, and Entrepreneur. 

Her motto is: "He doesn't need your open hand for his shelter; he just needs the open mind that's receptive of his works"

My focus is to give back; simply give back to the community, to lend my creative gifts. Though I inspire and motivate, give life coaching, hold job placement seminars and organize creative arts classes for kids during the holiday season; my goal and wish has always been to give my First Annual 2014 ShineGirls Christmas Drive. Centered to provide underprivileged girls from ages 7-18 a little extra cheer during the holiday season.

Recent or upcoming event(s):
* Holiday art projects for kids and pre-teens
*Career and resume building skills
*Life coaching
*Writings on life subjects providing daily affirmations
*Public speaking on a varity of subjects that are christian based

More information regarding my bio, writings and contributions to the society both professionally and socially can be found at http://touchedhumor.blogspot.com

Inquires can also be sent to shinethroughitall@gmail.com.

"He doesn't need your open hand for his shelter; he just needs the open mind that's receptive of his works"

"Cleansing For The Soul"

It's easy to think, "what your not" or think negative by saying... "what you'll never be" or even look down on your present. We all know someone like that or this could be you at some point and time in your life. You ever find yourself overly criticizing the things you do? We're so used to believing we're not enough. So conditioned by life to think we're supposed to be more. But what is more? Sure we have goals, dreams with a destination in mind. It's when we look and trust in ourselves, our path, our faith is when we understand that we are where we should be at this moment. Even in despair we have to face that obstacle in order to grow, learn and find strength to conquer all. It doesn't mean that God wants to keep you there. Hes' simply saying: Master the NOW, acknowledge your falls but find JOY in the present.....so we can move forward and fly higher with a defined destination in mind. He didn't make us perfect but he promised that he'll lead us if we follow.

There was a time i thought life damned me. I even questioned why life was so hard. But with growth  and knowing God, i had to accept that it was only me at fault. Isn't it so easy to blame everyone else but "yourself". We should all learn to trust... where you are...; so you can find that burst of fire driven mentality for the next path he's designed JUST FOR YOU.

You can't dwell in the "Why Not's", "Have Not's", and all the "Aint Got's". If you rejoice in where you are (even at the bottom)... you will never find the GLORY in the destination he's ordained to take you. Free your mind:..... If you don't like it....CHANGE IT! If you find life repeating in negativity.....CHANGE YOU!!
It's your "MIND" that takes us where we should be. It's our "Hearts" that will keep our butts right where we are. TRUST, GROW THEN SHINE.

Let me explain the HEART Led life. I believe the devil tricks the heart as it's the most vulnerable. We often think that if someone loves us; life will be better. If i find a husband; my life will flourish.....or If i give my love deep enough someone will give me back. In actuality, If you can't love you, give you, accept the you that's here and now.... You can't possibly find it in anyone else and someone surely won't see it in you. Value thyself as it will surely gleam to the world. Yes, we can find all the JOYS in life if we are leading with a "PURE" mind and spirit which will dictate what a healthy Heart deserves.

It's a work still in progress, MY BOOK and dedication to all my sexual abuse/rape survivors: "Through a Battlefield and Into My SHINE".

"He doesn't need your open hand for his shelter; he just needs the open mind that's receptive of his works"

  Copy written title and story by LaSha Overstreet-Anderson 2014.

Possession of Faith Prayer

With tears in my eyes I pray, I pray that God heals a soul that’s in limbo. I ask that he presents a path of self-righteousness and ever-loving belief in this being (vessel) called ME and YOU . I humbly speak blessings amongst the storms that many are going through. I raise my hands and ask for him to teach me, show me, attest in me that a renew is possible. I ask that he provides strength in me to ignite a passion to others with my motivating spirit. That as I write these words and as others read these words, we will understand and trust the power within you.

That no hole is too deep, That no past is too troubled and no force is strong enough to break the spirit you have given us Lord. I’m a believer in you. I’m a student in your sheltering arms…Help us see (our potential), Help us rebuild (our spirit), Help us breakdown (walls of doubt), Help us SHINE (beyond our dreams)….SHINE alittle bit more towards our unlocked potential and greatness. He is mine.. He is yours and together our vessels will humbly submit unto the will of you Lord.

Here’s the excellent thing about having faith. You don’t have to be anointed, you don’t have to sit on a pew, you don’t even have to be a genius of the bible; but as long as you believe in his working power, it shall be done. Sinner, no sinner; it shall be done. No matter how far you’ve trotted off his path…and UNDERSTAND…because you’re his child, that path will forever be unwavering. He wants it all, so give all to him and it shall be done and that’s HIS PROMISE NOT MINE.

I’ve done, I’ve escaped , I’ve misused, I’ve resisted, I’ve lost and I’ve held onto too much baggage for far to long. And the feeling of being lighter and seeking upliftment feels amazing. The battle is still being fought but the battlefield with Jesus beside me will forever be a winning fight. Take joy in your blessings today; take shelter in your blessings of yesterday but SHINE proudly amongst your blessings that’s yet to come. I say, depression will not hold me, my past abusers cannot capture me…I’m determined to SHINE THROUGHT IT ALL and as women and girls of astute character; you should too.

Just an Inspiration of Praise:)

LaSha Overstreet Anderson

SHINE..SHINE...SHINE...

Working on my website to further inspire, uplift and motivate. Empowering girls and women to SHINE dispite adversity. God has given us something so precious and under estimated....the power to believe and exceed in all things possible. He expelled the breath of PROMISE to his children...now use that gift not only to conquer dreams but manifest them into reality. SHINE with Purpose.

SHINE Through It All means we don't have the right to be captive in fear, wallow in shame, or carry around baggage of the past. It also means that dispite life events we have to remain empowered by the SHINE within us....

Can You Hear My Pain…

It’s sometimes puzzling how life events can happen and alter someone’s life. With every experience is a lesson, even the ones we can’t quite understand. There are many people dealing with baggage from the past that will very well affect their ability to heal while in the process to move forward. How do they cope? They pack all the unhealthy issues into one bag, which over time; doubles and triples until the seams unravel leaving them threads of pain, guilt, shame and loneliness; But how does one recover when tragedy strikes in their adolescent years. When you’re impressionable, confused and unsure about what’s right or wrong. I have a touching story of a girl that reaches out in one single cry for help; to anyone that will listen. Here is her journey for escape:

Nice and clean in her pleated skirt, cotton shirt and ankle socks folded neatly against her ankles; an 8 year old little girl plays in the basement of her friends house. Dolls lined the floor along with many other toys of choice for their day of adventure. Countless days were spent just as this one, nothing different or unordinary played a part on what was soon to come. They stripped the dolls and changed them amongst the array of doll clothes. In one instance the girl looked down and said, “sometimes he touches me there and sometimes it hurts”. Astonished by the words that just filled the air, the friend sat blank pondering what was just said so innocently from the little girl's mouth. Being just 3 years older, the friend knew that something was wrong with that statement. The friend says, “who touches you there and what hurts”. “Don’t you have play time with your daddy, the little girl said?

With a blink of an eye the friend was up the stairs sharing this testament with her mom. The little girl stood there with a racing heartbeat and sweaty palms. The friend’s mother looked with concern as tears formed her eyes with amazement as to what her ears would hear next. The little girl stood there with all the innocence of a child and whispered; Daddy touches me down there and sometimes it hurt. As soon as the words left the little girl's mouth, the friend’s mother hobbled forward and began to weep for the child’s hidden pain. The little girl thought certainly that she was killing this poor lady with her outspoken secret. The mother held the little girl in her arms like she was her own child, while tears filled her face and she began to pray.

There are many just like this little girl hiding in fear, chained in guilt and buried in baggage. The road will be long and hard but survivors should know that their pain shouldn’t be their burden any longer. That your past hurts shouldn’t determine your future. Through adversity comes joy when you have faith in a God so believing in a vessel he created as YOU. I had to learn and build that into the fibers that created this person today. That little girl isn’t some random fictional character or the girl down the street or someone that I interviewed…..That little girl was ME… This is my story …I’m a Survivor and I AM JUST ONE and there are many JUST LIKE ME.


I Am One

I don’t sit alone in this cold lonely world
There are many touched just like me
We all face the same fate
Of recovery from self hate
And shame that they dealt
Upon the little one’s they felt

I Am One
Healing the wounds would hurt just as much
To forget the images of his touch
Locking the door would not keep me safe
But saying my prayers would keep me a saint

I Am One
The images won’t leave and haunts me by eve
Will anyone help this little child please
God has me near so I’ll trust in his sight
To get me through another day’s night
Cause I’m trapped in fear and the memories are still near

I Am One
The step-daddies I fear
Even though I’m his sweet dear
So keep me safe and clear
So I won’t be touched again down near

I Am One
There are plenty just like me
And silent they shall be
Sheltering the pain that was caused
From the innocence that was lost

I …Am… One…

By: LaSha Overstreet-Anderson


Stay tuned..Buffering The Pain; Life As a Touched Child by LaSha Dawson-Anderson

Testimony of Faith

We often go through strides in life where we are content, all is going good and everything in the universe is perfect. But we often forget that life happens unexpectedly and when that occurs we feel isolated and lost. Then we begin to doubt our abilities, faith and the strength needed to push forward. I have always been open with my past adversities of having alcoholic parents and overcoming years of molestation. Through the years I've been blessed to have defied most statistics and for that, I'm grateful. Over time I've learned that I didn't create the circumstance in which I was raised. Because of that I was determined not to let my past hurts determine my future. Like any other person bound by guilt I've battled depression, self esteem issues and have

done things that I'm not proud of. But despite all that I went through I know things could have been so much worse. Most would say, "what's worse than enduring incest or dealing with the affects of being raised in a chemically dependent household"? I believe God made me strong for his purpose and I'm seeing the path so much clearer. Despite all my mother's battles, she gave me undeniable love along with having such an uplifting extended family unit at my finger tips is essentially what shaped the person I am today. Overall, I was blessed to have some type of stability. For that reason, I believe that is the guiding power as to why my core is so motivating to others. My life experience made the inspiring force you see today and my determination is unwavering. I'm content that God has a plan designed just for me.

Occasionally, I have this overwhelming feeling that I'm meant to do more. It's like a power pulling me but my fear holds me back from realizing my true destination. I said all that to say, I've been through a storm and came out a better person drenched with knowledge, courage and strength beyond measure. Even in my current state, I have said; "this is my bottom", that all has been lost and I'm unsatisfied with where my present status lie but today I'm understanding that the picture is much bigger and even grander than "ME". Now, I've never claimed to attend church every Sunday and there is much i need to learn but this power inside of me is quit prevalent.

Today as I was shopping I ran into a stranger which happened to work at the store. He felt the need to share his story of triumph over alcohol and drug abuse. You never know what your purpose is when meeting someone but there is always a reason and I was there lending my ear for his need. As he shared obstacles of his troubled past he began to smile brightly when mentioning his longevity with sobriety. I could sense that he was scared and uncertain of his future. He hoped for better days to keep his faith renewed with flourishing promise. Touched by his story, I began speaking words of wisdom through the power of prayer. I don't know where this force came from or the words that flowed from my mouth. I spoke with confidence as if those words were pre-written just for him. He looked at me with amazement probably puzzled because I'm just an ordinary woman not claiming to be lifted or anointed. The prayer touched his heart and my soul all at once. Even in the midst of my storm I was able to give encouragement to someone of greater need. We sometimes forget that what we go through is minimal to the next person facing; illness, poverty, homelessness, and addiction.

When we look at the bigger picture you began to realize that we are blessed, that the petty things in life doesn't matter. We have power over our own lives and our situations don't have to stay as they are. I was meant to meet this stranger for a reason; maybe that reason was to make me realize my storm isn't really a storm but merely a pass over. Or maybe it was to confirm my rightful passage in life that I have been approaching in fear. Or possibly I was meant to share those powerful words because he was at the end of his rope and began not to believe anymore. Either way, the feeling of helping uplift others through words of prayer felt amazing. I know he continues to work miracles within me and those miracles are now manifesting into a motivating force to share with others. This was my testimony of faith, power and the spirit to bless others.

Sometimes when things are dark and the world seems cornered these are the words I speak on a daily basis. It's my fighting shield:

I am amazing. I can do anything I envision. I'm more talented than my hindering fears. I seek faith in you God to guide my way. My being is more than words can express. I ask that you lay your healing hands on me to guide me through darkness and pain. I am more! I am powerful beyond my imagination, I am courageous because my adversities help build me; I am more glorious than any obstacle that stands in my way. My strength allows me to be wife, mother, sister, counselor, writer, motivator and these are just small titles that you have bestowed upon me. But most of all I'm loved because I'm a faithful believer in you and there's a path that guides me every way of your ordered steps. I am so much more. I AM SO.... MUCH...MORE......


LaSha Overstreet-Anderson
Upcoming Book:
Buffering the Pain: Life as a Touched Child