Let me be clear, I shouldn’t be here.
But I am.
Not after the abuse, the shame, the silence that almost swallowed me whole.
Not after the sickness, heartbreak, loss, and pain that tried to bury me alive.
But God.
He didn’t just save me once.
He saved me again… and again.
Every single time I thought I was too broken, too far gone, too unworthy, He met me right there in the mess and whispered, “You’re Mine.”
At 47, I can say this with full conviction:
I am living proof that His mercy defies logic, His grace still works miracles, and His love never runs out.
This season of my life isn’t about starting over, it’s about starting fully.
No more shrinking. No more apologizing.
No more living half-alive, or allowing anyone else to call me half – dead.
Healing has taught me:
To truly live is to be fully present.
To love without fear.
To forgive deeply.
To take chances.
To walk boldly in purpose, unapologetically and authentically.
I thank God for not letting my story end in silence.
Because I’ve spent too many years surviving, but not living.
Healing, but not stepping. But 47? 47 feels different.
47 feels like freedom.
47 feels like purpose.
47 feels like grace multiplied.
47 feels like I finally know who I am.
So this year, I’m not celebrating perfection, I’m celebrating mercy.
I’m celebrating the God who kept me when I couldn’t keep myself.
The God who saw everything I’ve been through and didn’t flinch.
The God who whispered “Live” when I wanted to disappear.
Here’s to walking boldly into everything God has assigned to my name.
Because if He kept me this long, it’s because He’s not done yet.
And I’m not hiding anymore.
I’m walking in purpose, on purpose, boldly, messily, authentically.
Not because I’ve arrived, but because He didn’t bring me this far to stay silent.
To the one reading this who feels too broken to be used,
you’re not. God doesn’t waste pain.
He redeems it.
He recycles it.
He transforms it.
If you’re still here, it’s because He’s not done with you either.
47 years of mercy.
47 years of grace.
47 years of a God who refuses to let go.
I’m here.
I’m alive.
And I’m not staying quiet.
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” ~ Psalm 126:3
My challenge to you:
Don’t just survive the years, live them.
Walk in the fullness of who God created you to be.
Because survival proves you’re chosen,
but living proves you believe it.
From my heart to yours,
Join me as I/we Journey 2 Free. 💙
Larissa.
Loved this. Just what I needed to hear right now. Thanks
Thank you very much! But encouraged. You are invaluable! Blessed 💛