My name is Monica. I am happy to share my story because I am back to a point in life where I

can share my story. If you have ever stood on faith and prayer and believed in something that

came true in the best of ways then you can understand the devastation when the dream turned

into a nightmare. I stood in front of my family and church to accept a marriage proposal to a

man to whom I had given my whole heart. I thought I had received what I believed for, and I

trusted it.

The happily ever after came crashing down and I found myself staring at the barrel of

a gun, put down on the ground, and taken away by the police. My mind swirled in confusion

because I knew I was not guilty of anything but confused at what was happening. Certain it was

a big misunderstanding, I waited with confidence that the truth would quickly clear up the

confusion. It was not until I was in the safety of a women’s shelter that I learned my knight in

shining armor had totally betrayed me, lied, and put me in danger.

I struggled to understand and accept that I had believed in a lie, and I found myself drowning
in the heartache of it all. I am a smart, successful, and wise woman, but
I lost confidence and strength, and my faith was challenged.
At the end of that rope, I made my decision. I would not lose myself in this loss and

I would rebuild myself despite it all.

It was not easy. I relied on what I knew, which was my faith, my friends, and my family.

I had posted on FB that I was going on a cruise. My friend Alis saw that post and reached out to

ask if I would consider taking some of her jewelry to wear on my cruise and take photos she

could use for future use of her new small business.

Not knowing my struggle, Alis shared her story of rising out of the ashes and of her vision to
encourage people who have survived their own struggles.  Alis told me that this was jewelry with a story
and that I should wear her jewelry and share my own story. I remember saying, “Oh hallelujah, I felt that.”
I then shared my story with her, and we both realized it was a special connection that we shared.
It is a story of survival.
 

Alis sent me some jewelry for my cruise. I wore it, modeled it, and felt proud of myself as I

remembered my story. The steps up and out of that women’s shelter back into my new life were

not easy. But I did it!

I am proud of my strength and courage. I am proud of my story.
I get to choose every day and I choose life and joy. I will wear my jewelry and share my story in hopes it

blesses someone with the strength and courage they might need at the perfect time.