July 9 Notes…
July 9, 2026: 11 years… I have been sitting on a project that I’ve been debated on doing in order to protect the reputation of others who could care less about mine. In those 11 years, I have also witnessed hundreds of wives, husbands, mothers, fathers who have struggled emotionally and financially. I’ve seen so many rewritten, fabricated stories to justify their partners’ actions. I have asked God so many times, when is it time to flip tables? When is it time to finally call out other people who try to pretend they’re doing good while purposely destroying the lives of others? It’s a new kind of evil. I have been praying for discernment, because at the end of the day, I don’t want anyone to ever feel like they need to recover from betrayal or abandonment alone. I know firsthand that even family and friends will choose to enable another side in order to keep their relationship intact, even when they’re in the wrong. I have learned the hard way that God alone has had to separated me at times from people I once trusted to understand that He alone can provide the comfort and protection that no other person can.
Let this be another invitation that if any of the words I’ve written above (or below, they are older posts), to please reach out. Please do not struggle alone.
—-
July 9, 2024: I think 8 years is an enough time to wait to finally tell more parts of the story. 🥹
In January 2016, I became a single mom. Caleah was only 6 months old. I learned a lot that year, raising 4 kids under 7 years old; most days on my own. In order to keep my head up, I immersed myself in my Bible and Jiu Jitsu. I tried to train at least 2-3 times a day and I ended up doing 7 tournaments that year. The short story was that Jesus and Jiu Jitsu was my therapy. I’m actually quite grateful that I look back and this is what I remember the most for that year.
That being said, I share this because I have so many friends who now contact me, knowing parts of these stories and going through similar situations that I experienced. Back then, I didn’t have many people to talk to who understood dealing with separation, divorce, infidelity, single mom life. It was extremely lonely wondering if anyone else besides strangers on Facebook would understand (I was part of a lot of support groups and still am to this day). For those who know me, if you need a listening ear, please reach out and know that you’re not alone. 💕 Have an amazing day! If we’ve connected already, just know how much I love you and grateful that you trust me in your own healing. We are all in this together!
Random Note: I just realized my Devotional verse from yesterday was the verse I posted 8 years ago today. 😭🥹😭🥹
—
July 9, 2016: “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” (2 Chronicles 15:7)
Spent a good couple hours disappointed in myself today, but then I was reminded that this is just another small bump in the Jiu Jitsu journey. Thankful to be training, thankful to be competing and looking forward to coming back home to my girls. My little man @jacobmichaelcusi competes tomorrow in a very tough division, so now off to get this boy rested and ready in the morning. Thank you again @lance_emery_photography for the photo!
#AmericanNationals2016 #IBJJF #JiuJitsu #BJJ
