In this book, you will find words from my heart and soul. You will read about the trials and tribulations that not only hindered and set me back, but caused me a great deal of depression. You will come to know all about God's amazing grace, and how He used some very difficult times to bring about a significant change within me. After having a pessimistic attitude for many years, I finally came to the conclusion that God created me; therefore, He must understand me. I started praying, and talking to God about issues that I did not feel comfortable talking to anyone else about.

This book of inspirational poetry is comprised of my authentic conversations with God. Through my poetry, I was set free to be my own unique self. Throughout my journey and in the midst of trials therein, I have learned to appreciate precious things that I once took for granted such as life, health, and family. God has affirmed that He is in control of my life and has a great plan for me. I do not know the complete depth or details of that plan, but what I do know is God wants me to share my life experiences. I want everyone to know there is life after heartaches and pain. There Is Life At The End of The Tunnel.

Hopefully, this book will serve as a token of God's love and encouragement that helps everyone realize, "you do not have to be a victim or prisoner of your past. You do not have to be held captive by the trials and tribulations in life. You have the ability to turn your pain into power rather than allowing it to control you. You have a choice." Therefore, choose to be a victor and not a victim. I pray that the presence of God is felt while reading this book, He speaks directly to your heart, and inspire you to believe you deserve to live a great life on purpose, in spite of your flaws, and the mistakes that you have made. You deserve the best of everything that life has to offer. Believe it, receive it, and do not settle for anything less. You are not alone.

I was born and raised in St. Louis, Mo. I am the youngest of six children. I have two sisters and three brothers. We were raised in an urban community by our mother and grandmother, two very special people who worked extremely hard to supply our daily needs and wants. I realize now, that I was very blessed. Growing up, I was ungrateful and self-centered. I did not appreciate the love and wisdom that my mother and grandmother shared with me. I took advantage of their unconditional love.

However, today I appreciate everything that my mother and grandmother has done for me, including providing tough love. God has really touched my heart in a way that encouraged me to look in the mirror and examine myself. God broke down some barriers that were causing me to be stagnant in some areas of my life. He shed some light that helped me to clearly see things that I was doing wrong. Because I had been hurt in the past, I believed that my bad attitude was justified. However, God revealed through others, there is no excuse for being rude, and He blessed me with positive coping skills, one being my poetry.

Because of God, I see life in a much different perspective now. I have learned from the majority of my mistakes. I have grown mentally and spiritually. Overall, I am a better person. It is only by His grace, that I changed my way of thinking. God has humbled me in a way that helps me respond to life's challenges in a very honest and positive manner. I am no longer destructive; I am constructive.

My daily life consists of being a mother of four beautiful children, my most precious gifts from God. Additionally, I am a licensed nurse by fate and profession. I love helping people, which is why I chose to share my life experiences with you. I pray that you will learn from my mistakes by appreciating the most important things in life, such as God, family, and your health. I wasted so many years being angry and focusing on past experiences that I did not have time to pray and talk to God, nor did I have the desire to talk to Him. I wasted precious time that I cannot get back. Nevertheless, God decided to give me another chance, and I am utilizing this second chance as an opportunity to share His greatness. I want everyone to know what God has done for me, He can, and will also do for you.

I encourage you to love your life and live it. Please do not take anything or anyone for granted, especially God. Do not wait until something drastic happens to seek God. Praise God for who He is, while you still have a chance.

I thank God for saving my life. I thank God for giving me another chance in spite of me being stubborn and foolish. He did not have to save me. He could have ignored me, just as I had ignored Him for so many years. God is a merciful God. God is a loving, caring, and forgiving God. God is so good to us, even when we are not good to ourselves. Do not rely solely on my word, but seek Him for yourself. I guarantee your life will never be the same.

Now that I have formally introduced myself, I pray that you are encouraged to be the best person that you can be. I pray that you are encouraged to love and live more abundantly, and always make time for God. He is worthy! We cannot do anything without God, but we can do all things through Him.