You are not alone.

Let me ask you this.

Do you feel like you are created for more, but somehow are stuck in a place that won’t let you get there?

Perhaps you doubt that freedom and deliverance are available to you.

My friend, you are not alone!

It took me a lifetime to look in the mirror, linger and feel right about who was looking back. I have faced these questions up close and personal. For many years I was successful by external standards, yet I didn’t feel worthy or at peace inside. Sometimes I felt confused and disconnected. I struggled with demons of shame, guilt, and confrontation anxiety. I kept painful secrets. In my times of despair, I was too afraid of rejection to ask for help.

My name is Tyra. I am an author, talk show host, coach and inspirational speaker. I am a survivor. I learned to separate my purpose from my circumstances. The car accident couldn’t kill me. The brain tumor, thyroid cancer, unemployment, homelessness, divorce, and clinical depression could not defeat me. I have arrived at a season I call my best life. I rejoice in the knowledge that I deserve to be here; that I am worthy! And I can say without a shadow of a doubt that your deliverance is possible as well. I am here to encourage you, to listen to you, to walk with you.

I hear your question, “So Tyra, how do I begin?”

Here are three steps to repositioning yourself for living your best life.

Before you begin you must commit to engaging in a process. The first thing you do, and perhaps the hardest, is to recognize and accept, that you were not designed to live in pain, endure abuse, betrayal, rejection and depression. You are beautiful and wonderfully made. You are a designer’s original, a chosen vessel full of grace. There is no one on earth that can do what you were designed to do as well as you can. You were chosen to release your innate ability to nurture, love, and bless others with your gifts and talents.

Step one: believe you are worthy.

Step two: begin making life-saving connections.

• Connect vertically with the Source of all your resources, your God; the Author and Finisher of your life. If the only strength you have left is a surrendering moan in the Holy Spirit, then moan! God will hear you. Ask him to meet you at your point of need and see your imperfections through the eyes of Jesus. Then ask him to have his own way. He will do better for you than you could ever do for yourself. The healing begins with the asking.
• Connect internally with God’s grace that lives within you. It is more than amazing, it is sufficient for all you need to accomplish. Become intimate with its power, promise, protection, and provision. It is a gift, one you don’t deserve, yet one you are obligated to open, use, and share.
• Connect horizontally. Reach out to someone like me who will listen intentionally and not judge you, who will accept you wherever you are.

Step three: as you work your way out of debilitating bondage, you will learn to be courageous enough to be vulnerable and strong enough to be genuine. As you form the healing scar tissue, God will be your band aide. When you struggle, he will give you rest. There is no pillow as soft as God’s promises and no blanket as warm as his presence. If you think it’s too late or too big to begin again remember, God restores and he can do wonders with what life leaves behind. He will deliver you.

I invite you to join the conversation. Take your seat at the table. This is your place. Like and give the gift of your comments about this blog by sharing it with someone special.

    Until next time, remember,

• You are not alone.

• You are not your circumstances.

• You have everything within you to live a purpose-filled life.