The Courage to Begin Blogging.

Every new journey begins long before the first step is taken. It begins in the quiet moments—when God whispers to your spirit, when life nudges you forward, or when your own heart reminds you that you still have something meaningful to say.

For years, people have encouraged me to share my experiences, my lessons, my faith, and even my failures.
“Dr. J, you need a space to talk about all the things you know.”
I would smile, nod, and continue doing what I do best—working, serving, giving, teaching, and moving on to the next assignment.

But something shifted.

I realized that the stories I carry, the wisdom I’ve gained, and the paths I’ve walked are not just for me. They are meant to uplift someone, educate someone, warn someone, inspire someone, and most importantly, remind someone that God is still in the business of leading His people.

Today, I choose to begin again—
Not because I have all the answers, but because I have lived enough to share the truth behind the journey.

Why This Blog Exists

This blog is not simply a place to write.
It is a place to:

• Reflect on faith, family, leadership, healing, and purpose

• Share lived experiences that may help someone else

• Discuss topics we often whisper about but need to say out loud

• Create a community where learning is mutual and conversations are honest

In a world full of noise, my desire is to offer clarity, truth, encouragement, and depth.

A Story of Growth I Can No Longer Keep to Myself

For much of my life, I struggled with being outspoken—speaking the truth boldly, directly, and sometimes without cushioning the blow.
That boldness has made me many enemies, both within my family and even in the church.

I prayed for years that God would soften my delivery, give me wisdom in my responses, and make me impervious to the sting of criticism.
Yet for a long time, nothing seemed to change.

If someone criticized me, my instinct was to clap back—
Not with a soft answer that turns away wrath, but with sharp words coated in truth and fire.
Two decades passed, and though life had changed, that part of me seemed untouched.

Then, a few months ago, something happened that revealed just how much God had been working in me.

I was at a church potluck where a group of about five or six members were discussing whether people should have long engagements or simply identify a spouse and move forward with marriage. I had been standing there for more than 45 minutes—listening, contributing lightly, just enjoying the fellowship.

When I finally voiced my full opinion, one sister immediately snapped,
“Who invited her into this conversation?”

Now, the old me would have unleashed a verbal storm.
I would have dressed her down, made her swallow her words, and left her wishing she had held her peace.

But that day… I simply looked at her, ignored the comment, and continued making my point—calmly, respectfully, without animosity.

Later that night, as I lay down to sleep, God brought the incident back to my remembrance.
Suddenly, I began to cry.
Not out of embarrassment—
But out of deep gratitude.

For the first time in decades, the desire to retaliate was nonexistent.
No anger.
No urge to “set someone straight.”
No rehearsing what I should have said.

Just peace.

The next morning, I called a former church sister and told her what had happened. Her immediate response was,
"My sister, I can only imagine how you dressed her down!"

But when I told her I said nothing… she was speechless.

And that is when it hit me again:

That is spiritual growth.
Not where God wants me to be yet—
But certainly not where I used to be.

For that moment, for that shift, for that quiet victory over myself, I whispered,
“Thank You, God… for growth.”

What You Can Expect From This Blog

You will see posts about:

· My experiences in healthcare over the past 30 years

· Lessons in leadership — the good, the hard, and the humbling

· Reflections from my travels as an avid world explorer

· Stories from mission trips that changed my heart

· Perspectives on aging, healing, family, relationships, and community work

· Faith-based insights and the blessings hidden in everyday life

· Practical wisdom from real estate, business ownership, and personal growth

· Conversations around dementia, domestic violence, and mental health

· And of course, food, wellness, and lifestyle inspiration

This will not be a perfect blog, but it will be a real one—transparent, honest, and Spirit-led.

The Heart Behind the Words

If you know me, you know I speak with candor, passion, and truth.
Sometimes my words are bold, sometimes tender, sometimes humorous—but always genuine.

I write because God has blessed me richly, and the least I can do is pour back into others.
I write because our testimonies are powerful tools.
I write because someone out there needs to hear,
“You are not alone, and you can begin again too.”

A Final Word for Today

This first post is simply an open door.

Walk with me.
Reflect with me.
Grow with me.
Agree sometimes, disagree at times, but stay on the journey.

We learn from each other, and together we rise.

Blessings,
Dr. J