EVICTING THE SKELETONS IN MY CLOSET

E V I C T I N G T H E Skeletons

I N M Y C L O S E T

Today I am on a mission to live my best life purposefully and intentionally with no regrets or at least very few!

While that may sound wonderful and even grand...it has been a daily battle fought with both missteps and huge challenges along the way to shake my confidence and replace it with fear and doubt. It is interesting that once you finally make a decision to do something different in order to get the results you desire that is the time when all h--- decides to break out just to see if you are truly committed to doing the work necessary in order for me to live my best.

I grew up in a family of four brothers (two older and two younger than myself) and a younger sister along with two parents. In this scenario, I grew up as a middle child. My parents were just entering the real estate business during the 60’s when only a handful of African-Americans had dared to venture into selling real estate. Historically, this was during a time of growing racial tension and discrimination all across the country, especially in the housing sector.

My family moved into a white suburban neighborhood when I was in the 3rd grade. The move came after months of noticing that we seldom received homework or had books to read. My parents with only a high school education were adamant that my siblings and I would be given the opportunity they never had to pursue higher education!

While attending predominantly white suburban schools I saw the education divide immediately. I went from rarely having homework to daily having homework in all of my core classes! What kind of school is this? I would mutter to myself, silently of course.

Self-Confidence. I grew up with a sister and four brothers, two older and two younger. I learned growing up to speak up for myself otherwise you will get left behind. I seldom had to speak up for myself or tell anyone off because the people who knew me saw that I put in the work to accomplish anything I wanted to achieve. In addition, I was not one who was boastful about what I accomplished. I let the results and the recognition speak for themselves! This is especially true when I was preparing for a track competition, playing tennis, or preparing for a piano recital.

S A N D Y

M A L O N E

I am getting ready and preparing myself to get EVERYTHING God has for ME

Sandy Malone

I learned from my mom, who was the youngest and only girl in her family with four older brothers to speak up or else get left behind.

Witnessing my parents fight to keep the business afloat during one of the toughest economic downturns in our nation’s history was devastating…

My father died 5 years ago and my mother died on November 26th, 2020. I was a caregiver to both of my parents and while the work was very taxing on the mind, body, and spirit especially during a Pandemic when hospital visitors was limited to one family member; my family agreed for me to be the designated visitor and to sign off on any medical procedures. The depth of my sadness and grief at witnessing my parents demise was unbearable. I was plagued with fear and doubt about what next and lost 40 pounds and contracted COVID-19 in the process. Ironically, I had no symptoms at the time, except the loss of taste and smell. But God….promised me that He would never leave me nor forsake me...and that I would be rewarded for Honoring my Mother and Father.

He became my refuge, comforter and strong tower...He promised me that the next chapter would be a beautifully woven one for what He is about to do next…I am getting ready and preparing myself to get EVERYTHING God has for ME!!!!

Remember God is no respecter of persons, what He has done and is doing for me, He can and will do for those who believe….Thank you to The Dream Academy for guiding me through a thoughtful and intensive process of learning how to examine the negative strongholds holding residence in my thoughts and actions over the years and replacing them with the proper techniques to lessen the negative influence of those unhealthy patterns and be an overcomer.

I Have Decided to Follow Jesus...no turning back, no turning back...