I’m originally from a tiny town in Kentucky. I never fit in, was constantly bullied, and had a very turbulent relationship with my dad. By the time I was nine, living in an anxiety mode—with a smile on my face, was normal.

 

Despite all this, I was strong. I had big dreams! I got a job when I was twelve (you can do that in Ky.!), and moved to New York City when I was barely eighteen. I was ready to conquer the world. And I did some really cool and courageous things. But I had this backstory that was following me.

 

We have to Deal to Heal

 

On the outside, things looked fine. No one knew about my depression, how lonely I was, the eating disorder that plagued my teenage years, or the alcohol that had become my secret companion. I didn’t talk about my daddy issues, my fears, or how broken my “beautiful” heart was.

 

The sting of life controlled my thoughts. And my thoughts controlled my life. If I had known about spiritual warfare, the power in prayer, that healing is real, that our words carry energy. . . If I had admitted I was hurting, trusted my instincts, gotten to truly know God and who I am in Him—you would be reading a different story.

 

Right when my music career was getting ready to take off, I ran away from everything I had ever dreamed of and worked for. Alcohol had never been a problem for me. But it became a habit. And when “life” happened, that habit became an addiction that stole years of my life. As in, I drank twenty beers a day for years.

 

 I don’t believe “everything is meant to be.” I believe God wants to direct our steps, but our free will makes for a lot of detours. God has a plan, but we have to get on board with Him in order for it to manifest. That being said, God can work everything out for our good. When we use our free will in the right way—cooperating, and co-creating with Him, He will restore the years we’ve sown in tears.

 

Purpose is the Key to Breakthrough

 

God saved me to use me. I’m a living example that you don’t have to live with whatever life throws you (or whatever you’ve gotten yourself into), with God—and a lot of work, you can change your story! God has a purpose and plan for your life that is greater than you can possibly imagine. But you have to believe it. And you have to fight for it.

 

It is never too late to change, to heal, to dream, to believe… Your Life is a Masterpiece Waiting to be Discovered.