The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why. – Mark Twain
Do you know your WHY?
Our WHY gives our life a greater sense of purpose and fuels us during our darkest moments when we’re ready to throw in the towel. The obstacles and setbacks we incur throughout life increase our mental endurance, which provides us the steady foundation for our journey towards greater.
Our tests eventually become our testimony. As humans, we forge deeper emotional bonds with one another by connecting with shared experiences. Releasing our stories into the world gives hope to others and sends a resounding message that they are not alone in their struggles.
In the i am a brand® online community, members are getting emotionally nude and sharing their personal testimonies with the world using the hashtag #FindYourWhy. The diverse interest-based community is filled with people from all walks of life around the globe, exploring the fullness of life and collaborating in a safe and inclusive environment.
With permission, I’ve selected a few stories to share. Their testimonies have been edited and condensed.
Domestic Violence Survivor
On Nov. 11, 2008, my life was changed forever. My youngest son's biological father tried to take my life by running my car off the road. As a result of the collision, my truck flipped six times and knocked over a light pole. The accident broke my neck in three places, and my right carotid artery was completely dissected.
I believe God chose to spare my life to share my story and to advocate for victims of domestic violence. My life's mission is to share my story with other victims so that they may be encouraged to find their inner strength to get out of their situation.
– Testimony from Takeda McTear
Cancer Survivor
In 2007 at the age of 48 I was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer. I had malignant lymph nodes with no prior family history of breast cancer. I promised God that if He healed me I would always give Him praise and honor and tell everyone who would listen, the process I traveled to healing.
Being diagnosed was devastating, but I wasn’t ready to leave my four daughters. This was my "Red Sea Experience" and I pondered how was I going to cross it. I learned to live the faith I often sang about. Through my experience, my WHY is to help others make the journey through cancer a little easier through their Faith.
– Testimony from Louise Davis
From Pain to Triumph
When I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, I immediately began grieving the quality of life I thought I would never have again. I believed this challenging diagnosis was more than I could bear. However, as I transitioned through the loss of mobility, income, friends and even a divorce, I discovered the power of the mind and the resilience of the human spirit.
Now I realize, embedded in this debilitating disease is my reason for living – the purpose of my existence. It is my signature life’s work to assist those who suffer from a chronic medical condition discover that there’s still life after a devastating diagnosis.
– Testimony from Michelle Brown
Order From Chaos
My mother was 16 when I was born, and I was my father’s sixth child. According to my birth certificate, he was 22 years of age, and all of his children had different mothers. My father had his first child at the age of 14 to a woman in her 20s, and I later discovered adult women took advantage of him in exchange for food and shelter.
When I was 15 my dad confided in me and sobbed over the guilt he felt of being taken advantage of by multiple women during his childhood. It was in that moment I knew I wanted to counsel others through their pain. Over the years I have been able to help many people who were having issues in their lives uncover the root of the issue.
My mission in life is to help individuals who are stuck in a certain place in their lives find the root cause of the issue and move beyond it.
– Testimony from Veronica Walton
What’s your story and your WHY? Share in the comments.
Are you ready to push beyond self-imposed limitations? There’s an entire global community waiting and willing to support you on your journey. Learn More.
Jamilah Corbitt is an entrepreneur, social influencer, award-winning speaker, and the visionary leader of i am a brand® - a global community of changemakers committed to being the best version of themselves to effect positive change within the world. Join their digital member network where people from across the globe connect and collaborate in a safe and supportive environment.