Category: Women

He calls me by name…and steadies my soul.

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A beautiful day in Kauai, Hawaii

Woman of valor…Warrior of God, I hear Him call me by name, and it steadies my soul. I am not diminished by the weight of my wounds, instead I am chosen, strengthened, and lifted to stand in the fullness of who He created me to be.

To my sisters walking this path, you are more powerful than you know! The same God who clothes the lilies in beauty and commands the stars by night has placed His Spirit within you. When the world calls you weak, remember, you are a woman of valor. When the battles come, know this, you are a warrior, equipped with divine strength. Rise, beloved, your life carries holy purpose.

– denise marie 

“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”. – John 8:36

I yelled from the pit of my gut…I am Free….

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As I stood there slightly shaking, nervously sharing my story, I glanced up occasionally making eye contact with an empathizing woman in the audience, her encouraging smile seemed to give me permission to courageously keep speaking my truth. 

Breathing deeply then exhaling slowly;

the words flow like a raging river

from the depths of my soul, 

secrets and shameful

encounters fleeting as they 

no longer keep me bound, 

I yell from the pit of my gut, 

I am free. 

 – denise marie 

“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”. – John 8:36

#nolongerheldcaptive

What would YOU say to your younger self?

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What I would say to my younger self…

You have the gift to

powerfully shine light

on darkness,

to set captives free

by the stroke of your

own pen.

– denise marie

No matter the circumstances of your past or what you may be currently facing, God says that he is able to use your gifts, your voice, your words, your life….to encourage others and give them hope.

I want to encourage YOU to show up in whatever space you are in and be your true authentic self, allowing your presence to make a difference in this world!

“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”. – John 8:36

Pulmonary Embolism…the Beach & Gratitude.

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Enjoying Dillon Beach in Northern California

In 2020 I survived a Pulmonary Embolism, it was such a stressful, painful and scary time.

Since then, I’ve learned to really listen to my body and prioritize my mental, physical and spiritual health.

Visiting the beach with my family is one of my favorite things to do.

Walking on the sand, the smell of salt water, the breeze and watching the waves completely relaxes me and brings me joy.

I am truly grateful for the gift of life.

– denise marie

I am her…

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“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”.
– John 8:36

There was a time, that I didn’t identify with the one who stared at me daily in the mirror.

Sometimes I didn’t like her, other times I felt like I didn’t really know her and many times didn’t understand her. She found herself lost between living to please others and resenting her continued self-sacrifice, even at the cost of her well being.

Ultimately betraying herself.

Numerous times she tried to free her true self, but found it difficult to come out from under the deep despair of childhood trauma and shame.

Today, she realizes it’s ok to choose Her.

She now, carefully cradles her heart, whispering powerful words of truth dripped in non-judgmental love and grace.

She is no longer hidden beneath the layers of trauma, she is emerging, growing and nurturing each space within the weight of her being.

She no longer identifies as an outsider, but acknowledges Her name.

The name her Mother, lovingly graced her with in 1969.

Her name is Denise Marie and I am her.

Time to soar…

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So many wasted moments, overthinking, replaying the “what if’s” over and over again. Constantly talking myself out of doing something for fear of failing or waiting for the “perfect” moment to step out of my comfort zone.

I know many of you can relate to finding themselves waiting for just the “right” time as you hope for just one more sign from God that this is what I am supposed to do next.

If I can be blunt with you….Girl please STOP the madness!! (that statement is gender neutral) we have to put an end to allowing our own limitations to stunt our growth.

We (ME 🙋🏽‍♀️) are more than capable of accomplishing anything and everything we set out to do, it doesn’t have to be prefect or even “pretty” our greatest work aka call is done authentically messy, real, honest, laced with plenty of vulnerability and above all else…Gods grace.

It’s time to silence the lies which keep us bound, stand on faith and soar.

~ denise marie

“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”. – John 8:36

#nolongerheldcaptive

Be Strong & Courageous…

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My new art piece, which is one of my favorite scriptures now hangs on the wall in my bedroom. These words have been on repeat as I continue to recover. I never would have imagined that I would be adding “Survivor of Pulmonary Embolism” to my story. But nonetheless here I stand, believing Gods promises for my life even when things are hard 🙌🏽😭

I have hope and faith as I continue to say:

“I AM Strong and Courageous, I will not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord MY God will be with me wherever I go”. – Joshua 1:9💗

~ denise marie

#nolongerheldcaptive

The rise…

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The rise from depression and anxiety has been a feat in itself. The ebb and flow of the uncomfortable highs and lows of not being able to describe the exact reason for that particular moment of heaviness or the fast pace racing of my mind.

At times my faith seems stronger in the midst of my “fog”, its in those vulnerable moments where I find myself surrendering as I read the words from my favorite book, the verses of hope in my bible seem to jump from the pages, as I grasp onto each message of truth. Its in my realness that I realize, I no longer am depending on my own ability to overcome, but I lean into a deep longing and yearning for the transformation of my heart by the one who calls me his own. The abolishing of “fake it” till you make it or pretending to be “ok”, these strategies no longer work in the midst of my authenticity.

As I grasp the uneasiness of healing from trauma and line up my thoughts and actions to truth, moving forward…my life will never be the same.

~ denise marie

“So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed”. – John 8:36

#nolongerheldcaptive

**Artist Credit: Painting called “Rejoice” by monicastewart.com