Tag: 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

My healing journey…

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I’ve been battling some anxiety, and I’ve realized that walking outside and praying has given me some relief. I didn’t plan for it to become my refuge, but it has.

One morning, when the heaviness felt unbearable, I put on my shoes and walked. I didn’t know where I was going only that I needed to move. I found a trail near my home, and as I stepped into that quiet space surrounded by trees and sky, my soul instinctively whispered a prayer. At first, it wasn’t anything profound, just a desperate, quiet “God, please help me.” And He met me there. Something sacred happens with each step, I feel like I’m leaving behind the pressure, the overthinking, the fear. My breath slows down, my thoughts soften and my prayers become less about begging for relief and more about being held.

– 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

      to be “seen”….

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      Several years ago, I attended a women’s retreat in South Lake Tahoe. Being one of only a couple black women there, I felt lonely in a room full of women who seemed to be connected.

      Our human desire is to be “seen”, experience connection & to show up in our true authentic self.

      As an empath & encourager, I intentionally try to “see” the gold in others, praying quietly asking God to help me “see” & love others as He see’s & loves me.

      I hope you quietly whisper the same prayer. 🩷 – denise marie

      Spending time in prayer amidst Gods beauty…such a welcomed gift.

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

      #nolongerheldcaptive

      Deep Belly Breathing…..

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      This tree sits just beyond a fence in my backyard. Many evenings, I find myself sitting in its beauty, which is such a welcomed gift.

      At times I struggle with feelings of anxiety, so I have been practicing mindful breathing.

      I love being outside on a summer evening enjoying the slight breeze cooling off the end of a hot summer northern California day. I find myself sitting comfortably in my lounge chair, slightly leaned back with my legs elevated, and place one hand on my chest and the other on my abdomen.

      I inhale slowly through my nose, allowing my belly to rise as I fill my lungs with air. I exhale slowly through my mouth, letting my belly fall. I focus on the rise and fall of my abdomen, ensuring that my chest remains relatively still. The release of endorphins brings me immediate calmness and a sense of joy.

      I’m truly grateful!

      ~ denise marie

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

      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

      Her own crown of beauty…

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      I wanted to share with you my poem titled “her own crown of beauty”. My prayer is that you no longer hide or shrink, but are comfortable in your own skin, accepting your own crown of beauty.💗

      – denise marie

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

      The beach…a gift to be treasured.

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      I recently took a drive with two of my kids to a beautiful beachfront in Northern California called Dillon Beach.

      Being at the Ocean, I feel free! Laughing so hard as I skip around the beach, searching for seashells and taking in every detail of its beauty.. What a gift to be treasured…it will always be my happy place. 💙

      Your presence matters…

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      liberation…the act of setting free

      YOU matter….

      Even when you feel like no one notices or cares. Your presence on this Earth is important…your voice, your opinion, your ideas, your disappointments, your shortcomings, your accomplishments, your defeats, your best qualities and your worst character defects, your talents, your stories, your laughter, your hugs, your smile. Every aspect of YOU, is a gift to this world. You are valued, cherished and needed.

      And even when it doesn’t always feel like it…

      I encourage you to grab on and hold tight to this truth…YOU are loved…overwhelmingly loved, undeniably loved, forever loved.💗

      ~ denise marie

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