Living the Victorious & Blessed Life

Living Through the Transformation

By Regina Stone

Living in a fast paced culture, where everything is "Right now" or "High speed" we forget about life. I recall my days as a young SISTAH, coming up through high school, re-adjusting after my dad's untimely death, and the effects his passing had on the family. I was feeling lost, as though my entire future was a toss-up, and I had no specific direction. I also felt like I had a giant empty void, where my soul was. A deep, dark hole in my spirit cold, and empty. I would never see my dad again. What's worse, his murder was a direct and quite powerful example of how I felt about my family. How there was so much effort in creating this unrealistic image of the "average black television family", while in reality, we were in essence "trashy." What kind of family gets stirred up in a tawdry daytime like drama? A mother/mistress/wife who not only cheats on her abusive husband but whose secret affair ends in his untimely and unexpected murder? Scandalous! Not to mention three children raised in an abusive household, while trying to assure the White privileged neighborhood that "we deserve to be here as much as you do." In reality, we were the exact ignorance my parents worked so hard not to be seen as. In essence, shattering the very "Happy family image" we had attempted to and worked so hard to establish. Brings a whole new meaning to the saying, "Well, there goes the neighborhood." Thus, there was me, the last child placed in the role of upholding what we had left. I was angry, and I was isolated and alone. On the other hand, this force within me began to awaken, it was part of me, so not foreign, but real, authentic, and starved. I began to try new things, and to find things that made me happy. I reveled in the freedoms my mom gave to me. No curfew, learning the joys of life, and trusting me to be responsible. I realized, I had no controlling overbearing parent. I had freedom to find my voice. The void of desolate isolation began to warm into another part of myself (it didn't go away just yet, but it wasn't as intense). I spent time with friends, and discovered I liked shopping. I danced and sang, learning what enjoyment felt like. I connected to God, feeling what goodness is. I was made renewed and able to embrace everything. Throughout the last 13 years, I have traveled, learned and practiced some languages, fell in love, found myself, and most importantly, walked with and embraced God. I am now in the final stages of my masters degree, working with youth and children as I had envisioned myself so many years ago. I write and perform Spoken Word, I'm an activist and an artist. I have recorded three songs and had my own hip hop based event. Blessed to know God and this life He has given me, I live authentically with peace and growth in my heart as I embrace the lessons of life.

I reflect on this to say, I have this constant reminder of how important it is to appreciate time, and enjoy the moments when I can. Its easy to get lost in slow internet, or become restless about a 30 minute pizza delivery. I try to remember, the feeling of waking up, when the void and hurt becomes warmth and love. The hope that fed that transformation. I work to keep transforming because nothing is more painful than being stuck desolate while watching life go by and nothing can be done about it."

©2014 Regina Stone – All Rights Reserved.

After a long winter, it’s once again time to embrace the light, throw open windows to fresh air and bright birdsong, and dive into Scentsy’s new Spring/Summer 2013 Catalog! In its pages, you’ll find a variety of new warmers and fragrances, including the bold colors and whimsical patterns of the new Funhouse Collection and the clear, vivid scents of the new Simply Scentsy Collection. Browse the catalog today to explore these collections, along with all the ways Scentsy can help you say hello to sweet sunshine and delight in spring!

Introducing the Gallery Collection

Fill your home with delicate shadows and light with Scentsy’s new Gallery Collection. Just pair the blank, glowing canvas of a Gallery Warmer with a magnetic Gallery frame of your choice to create your own work of art — on your warmer and your walls. Enjoy a sunny swirl with Rays, an elegant butterfly with Monarch, or a perching bird with Wren. Shop the collection today!

Luci Caston

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