A Loving Testimonial
You never know who are speaking to.
As I am admiring this adorable African American beauty being a model for a make up application at Kim Sommers Egelsee’s International Women’s Day, I saw sweetness, gentleness, peace and calm within her. Little did I know there was a young beauty who was broken, hurting and oh so lost and in so much pain. You never know who you are speaking to.
As I am admiring this adorable African American beauty being a model for a make up application at Kim Sommers Egelsee’s International Women’s Day, I saw sweetness, gentleness, peace and calm within her. Little did I know there was a young beauty who was broken, hurting and oh so lost and in so much pain. You never know who you are speaking to.
Over the years I have received numerous emails from people sharing how my story of losses and tragedies offered hope and healing to those who are broken. Never, have I received one like this before. I can’t believe that in sharing my story, for only a short moment of my life on this International Women’s Day, could change this young ladies journey, forever. You see, we all have a story and we must share it when we are ready. You never know who needs to hear it. I was in a really bad funk this particular day. It actually took me every ounce of me to get there, but I did it and I would never change the direction of that day. Chiedza, you are a beautiful soul who now can be free to fly!
This is such an amazing and touching testimonial! I’ve never received a testimonial like this in my life. Thank you so much Chiedza! You are so amazing and strong!!
You never know who you are speaking to.
“Dear Tanya,
When I was 16 years I found my father dead in his room. His last words to me where ‘Do you think I’m a bad person?’ I did not answer him. I wish I had said ‘I love you Daddy, you are a wonderful person and I don’t want to live without you’. I remember crystal clear like a movie playing in my head. The ambulance ride. His peaceful looking expression. The time of death someone announced to me. I had no tears. I felt nothing. I was In utter and complete shock. It took me several years to finally break down and cry.
There is a history of mental illness in the family. My little brother is currently on the streets and I pray that I have the resources to help him. I used to find it difficult to breath through the hurt. I turned to allowing myself to be exploited in many ways as if to silently punish myself for the guilt which I carried around in my heart. At 16 I sentenced myself to a life without my Father. A life without joy. A life without forgiveness. I prayed to God and by faith I have lived a life of grace.
I prayed to God but I did not have closure. I asked myself so many times “Why? Why? Why?!”
Today by God’s grace you answered every single prayer. You spoke with such shocking honesty that every single cell in my body surrendered to the truth of your words. I understood the silent war that had raged inside my father’s mind all his life. I saw the shadow that had loomed larger than life. Or so it appeared in the infinite moments that were agony to him. I heard the longing in your voice for a freedom from those ghosts that often torment us all. And In your truth I finally heard his voice.
There is an anointing on your life so powerful it supersedes all else. Your afflictions are your ministry here on this earth and through working on yourself with such brutal honesty you are the custodian of my understanding of what my father had to deal with. Today I gave him what I have owed him all these years… Grace. I will never ever judge him for this his final act again.
You have restored him wholesome in my spirit. I love him and I am no longer ashamed. I can hold my head up high because I am proud to be his daughter. He was a loving, kind, hard working and generous man who battled with depression and I forgive him. By so doing I am finally free of the burden of my self afflicted sentence.
Today you gave me some profound closure.
I pray and ask you to keep my letter close to your heart and on the days that it is difficult. It’s ok. Give yourself grace. We are all fighting the good fight of faith. On the days when it’s hard to get out of bed my these words I never spoke to my Father cover you like a heavenly cloth with the Grace of God.
Tanya Brown you are a bright light in a world of darkness. You are a woman with a spirit as fierce as a Lioness protecting her cubs. You are a hero and an inspiration to Chiedza Mavangira and because of your story you have answered my biggest prayer. You have restored my heart back to me. You have healed me from a wound that was almost 2 decades old. You have given me a renewed hope, a deep peace that passes understanding and a new found wisdom. I now know that God indeed never left me nor forsake me. You are that light at the end of a long tunnel beckoning me to the brightest future. You are so wonderful I cannot find the constellation of words to describe you. I don’t know you but we are kindred spirits. I love the woman whom you are. Never give up hope Lady because today you touched me in a big, bold way. Because of you I have now come full circle in a powerful way and I am now activated to be an Agent & Ambassador of positive Global Change.
Humbly, I say the deepest thank you.
With the warmest & kindest Regards,
Chiedza Ruth Mavangira”
I am so very proud of you, Chiedza. The journey you’ve been through was not an easy one. It’s never an easy road for any of us. Through enough willpower and self-love, you can keep a strong heart and prove that there is always hope!! You are truly an inspiration, and I feel so incredibly happy that I could help you along the way!! HUGE HUGS!!!
To learn more about Chiedza and her story, click here!