"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