BRENDA RENDEROS

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Every week, I get to read and learn about a woman’s journey, and many times, I’ll read their stories (from their own words) and reflect on a time life dealt me a similar hand And here’s a fact, each woman thrives in her truth, her shine In the same way, I read their stories and I’m amazed at their courage and strength, I have to remember that this wasn’t always their reality Everybody has had moments where they didn’t know how they would survive They didn’t know how they were going to raise the kids They didn’t know how they were going to pay the bills But guess what, it worked itself out, somehow

Brenda spent most of her summers as a kid in Mexico and was heavily influenced by her family and the landscape surrounding her Like most kids, she remembers family, running trails, and the crazy things she’d see crossing the border into Mexico As a kid, these can seem like adventures Her mother was an immigrant and her father was black amongst the force of a civil rights movement The strength that was wired within her from conception would later serve her as a mother, a wife, a coach, and as a woman

We often remember the adults who provided a safety net for our younger years, but Brenda had also remembered when she was sexually abused by a family member, physically abused by her father, and neglected by teachers As an “ethnically mixed” person, she had struggled to find a space where she fully belonged “The world to me was the enemy and when the world is your enemy, you live a pretty exhausted life.” This poured over into other areas of herself, the wife, and the mother.

One of the most valuable resources Brenda was provided was knowing that she could be taught anything if she was willing to learn. Her mother couldn’t speak a word of English, so she taught herself Not only that, but she also went on to teach English to other immigrants. This motivated her to learn, understand, and grow

Brenda recollects her father’s death as a huge pivotal moment, she also remembers the birth of her firstborn making a huge impact on her life and the legacy she wanted to create for herself. But it was the moment she surrendered herself to seek professional counseling that sparked the change she needed. She held a lot of anger within herself and she knew she had to get that out to heal and be healed.

After years of therapy and needed self-work, she learned to embrace the rough edges around her fragile core. ”That was the first step to growing in wholeness for me To accept and embrace where I was so that I could embark on my journey of growth and healing.” It's important to show yourself kindness and understanding, especially when your inner child may be feeling defensive.

Of all the lessons she’s allowed herself to learn is to be gentle with herself, “I accept and embrace the person I am in the moment. I’m kind and appreciative of my spirit and body” It's a common belief that failure can be a valuable learning experience. We can even define failure as not learning from your experiences

But it's important to extend ourselves grace. This will allow us to extend grace to others.

Brenda has discovered the importance of leaving room within herself to mentor other women “I had women in my life that we're willing to walk with me and were in my corner cheering me on” She’s seen the value this pours into other people and wants to share the wealth with others She also gives back to her community through racial justice work and caring for missionaries

She’s been able to sharpen the tools given to her as a child, along with some struggles that taught the deepest lessons And she’s devoted her love and support to her family, friends, and community And during Women’s History Month, I wanted to highlight HER story and express the flow of compassion and strength she gives every day of the year

WE LOVE YOU BRENDA!!!

Brenda Renderos

You can check Brenda out on IG: @brenrenderos

Learn more about Soul Care with Brenda, visit her HERE!

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