I am a strong advocate of learning and development. One of the best foundations for achieving personal success is knowing who you are and what your purpose is on this earth. “A healthy mind, body, and soul” has been my mission statement since I was 17 years old. Much was expected of me, and I was not going to fail.

In my youth, I was quickly labeled as an “Achiever.” In my mind, I awarded myself a letter grade at the end of each day. My primary goal was to make it an “A” day each day. Realistically, I knew that every day was not going to be an “A” day, but I would give each day my very best. Each day, I strived to be a representation of God’s kingdom.

I practiced veganism in my teens and was very active in sports. I worked out and practiced meditation regularly for several decades. I was active in my walk with Christ as well. I have been blessed with an awesome life.

Ten years ago, I experienced a serious health crisis. I conquered that illness with the determination of David, the shepherd boy who sleighed Goliath. I held on tight to my faith and fought through adversity. My professional career mirrored the favor of God in the land of adversity. I thought I was doing the work God wanted me to do on this earth. I assumed that all of my hard work would pay off in dividends in my older years of life.

So how can this be?!?…cancer.

During my yearly mammogram appointment this fall, something strange appeared on my X-ray. After several additional tests and a biopsy, a small tumor was found. I was devastated, dazed and confused. This was not one of my goals for 2024, and this must have been some sort of mistake.

I honestly did not believe it. I practiced my mission statement for decades…and this happened to me? This diagnosis tested my faith in ways that I could not even explain to the average person. I was in the throes of a full-fledged faith crisis. About a week after my diagnosis, my brother made a surprise visit to see me. My brother knew me well and sensed that I was struggling to find answers. He knew it was probably the first time I had ever experienced a struggle that I could not resolve myself.

My brother was diagnosed with prostate cancer in July and had recently completed radiation treatments to cure him of this disease. We sat at my kitchen table in silence before he said: “I know you – You are waiting for that call from the doctor’s office telling you that this was some kind of mistake. Believe me, I waited for that call too, but sis, that call is not coming”.

My brother told me I was a fighter, but this was a very different type of fight. He shared that we would both beat this disease, but we needed to adjust our battle plans to win. The first thing I needed to do was know with certainty that God’s plan was the ONLY plan that would work, and I had to carry out His orders and abandon mine. My conversation with my brother on that day shifted something inside of me.

I realized that there was still work to be done and that God had assigned me particular tasks to complete. I began to ponder the important matters to be addressed. I refocused my thoughts on what mattered the most to me. Of course, The results of the 2024 elections had me hurt, dazed, and confused. I grappled with thoughts about the future for our younger family members. I was worried about the state of black and brown people in America, but I began to refocus my worry and pain into action.

I am greatly disappointed that many people from around the world view America as a country of violence, racism, and hate. Since 2023, 14 anti-DEI bills have become law. These bills primarily focused on restricting DEI offices/staff, DEI training, diversity statements, and identity-based hiring practices. The Chronicle of Higher Education is currently tracking 86 bills in 28 states and the U.S. Congress.

It is disturbing that America seems to be proud of its “F” grade, and they are willing to double down on their failures. I have faith that I will be healed and healthy again, but now is not the time to rest. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” I will not let the last quarter of 2024 define God’s future for me in 2025 and beyond.

I have decided to run for a public school board seat in 2025. I want our young people to know that diversity, equity, and inclusion matter in our educational system and life. Luke 12:48: “To much is given, much will be required.”