Daily writing prompt
What is something you wish you could tell your 20-year-old self?
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Just as the title suggests, I'd hug my younger self. The self who has sustained a brain injury on February 22, 1992, the one who is seventeen. The one who is going through emotional, physical, and mental changes. I'd tell her that years later, she will realize the Lord protected her, despite the personality changes she is going through. I would be with her to encourage her through the shame, guilt, and embarrassment she holds inside herself, but behind a smile or during the night when she cries herself to sleep. I would be the friend who doesn't desert her when her behavior isn't her normal self. I would tell her that one day she will gain something she doesn't know she has. She finds writing is a way for her to be heard. I'd give her a fresh start. I'd tell her to enjoy the journey more by not comparing herself to anyone else. All brain injuries are different. I'd give her hope, love, and a shoulder to cry on

If you have never had a traumatic brain injury, be thankful to God for a "normally functioning brain life."

I am thankful I did have a TBI (1992) through my sustaining one, and the survival I have had, the Lord's Protection, Grace, and Mercy. All the college training was for what the Lord has called me to do in my present-day-to-day- My husband's caregiver and wife, my mom's best friend, and helper, and Zach's Mom- promise of true love.

In all things give thanks.

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

James 1:2-3 – "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."

Philippians 4:6 – "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." 

Psalm 34:1 – "I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips." 

Colossians 3:17 – "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.” — Brené Brown positivity.org

I’d hug her, younger me. This is My Testimony.