It’s been a few months since I’ve posted here, and honestly, I’ve been soaking up every moment of this summer in my soft girl–mom era.
This summer was different. It wasn’t just sunshine and splash pads, or quick escapes to the beach—It was soul work. Afternoons reading and writing. Long-overdue time with friends and family after years of feeling cut off and isolated. I’ve been breathing in my daughter’s every milestone—her laughs, her little victories—while holding onto the peace of knowing my son is safe and thriving in Texas. It was transformation. It was trusting God, trusting the process, and watching Him move mountains in real-time.
With my son thriving, safe, and close to his dad, he’s been hitting the ground running—literally. Strength and conditioning this summer? A breeze. Watching him return to his prime self, focused and on fire for football season, fills me with pride like nothing else. He’s shining—and that glow reflects on me too.
And then there’s Journee—my sunshine in motion. She took her first steps early May and from there, it was non-stop adventure. She’s a water baby through and through, so our sunny days were spent on the splash pad, where her laughter echoed louder than the fountains. She’s now potty training at just 15 months, speaking Spanish, and lifting her hands to worship. This little girl is walking in favor and light.
On July 7th, I was saved. Glory to God. Since then, everything in me has shifted—my mindset, my spirit, my vision. I’m no longer moving through life reacting to chaos. I’m living with intention. I’ve made time for joy again—for my friends, for travel, for solo dates, for laughter. This summer became about focusing on myself and my kids, viewing everything through the lens of purpose and perspective, as well as reclaiming joy, finding balance, and letting my heart settle into a calmer rhythm. I leaned into my passions, and most importantly, reclaimed my power. That feeling when you realize: the get back is BACK? It’s indescribable.
My confidence? Unbreakable.
Of course, while the summer has been filled with peace and milestones, behind the scenes, I’ve also been navigating the storm—that is the legal system. And on Monday, that fight gave me one of my biggest victories yet: the court granted my protective order.
Great news.
A deep breath.
For the first time in a long time, I can truly say: I feel free.
It wasn’t all of my story—not even close. The hardest pill to swallow was knowing I couldn’t use or even mention most of the abuse or the events that finally pushed me to leave. Not all evidence is “evidence” in the eyes of the legal system. And that’s just how it works.
I’ve been attacked, discredited, and painted in the wrong light. But I’ve never wavered. I’m a mother first. And being a good mother will always trigger those who were never loved right—those with unresolved mommy issues.
Let them talk.
When they can’t touch your truth, they’ll try to tear down what you love most. But with God’s grace, my children are safe, I’m protected, and my peace remains untouched. I’ve learned that patience is more powerful than retaliation. God has been preparing me—quietly and intentionally—to handle what no longer surprises me.
The last year has been a delicate, exhausting dance—planning my exit, gathering every piece of information I needed, and building the courage to walk away for good.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: a safety plan can save your life.
Leaving an abusive relationship isn’t as simple as packing a bag and walking out. There are layers—fear, finances, legal obstacles, and sometimes, children’s safety to protect. That’s why using community resources is not just helpful—it’s essential.
I’ve been blessed with an incredible DV advocate who has mentored me through this process. She’s given me the tools to move forward with protection, not only for myself but for my children. She helped me understand my rights, prepare for court, and stand firm when fear tried to silence me.
Through it all, God has been my guide.
He has not failed me—not once. He prepared me for this battle emotionally, physically, and mentally. I’ve had to find quiet moments just to hear His directions, even when my mind was racing and my heart was heavy.
There were nights I cried in guilt, wondering why my heart still wanted to protect my abuser. Endless hours of therapy have helped me reprogram my mind and heart—helped me ask the hard question: How did I allow a man to convince me that the love he gave was the love I deserved?
No one truly understands an abused woman until they’ve been one.
I’ve been a victim since the day I met him, but I clung to the idea of his “potential.” The red flags were there, waving in plain sight, and I chose to ignore them because I wanted the life I had imagined—not the life God had planned for me.
I stayed blinded by promises of change that came wrapped in vacations, designer shoes, and luxury bags. That’s how the cycle keeps spinning—you convince yourself it’s love.
I had to dig deep into my own spirit and ask why I allowed this manipulation. I’ve been in survival mode most of my life, fiercely independent, but I finally let my guard down. I believed a man could save me from doing everything alone.
It was Gods strength that kept me from falling in all the years I’ve been a mother. I gave the trust that belonged to Him to a man who was never worthy of it.
I thought God had sent me a protector.
But in reality, God was the protector all along.
Winning my protective order was not the end of the story—it was the beginning of a new chapter.
To whoever is reading this: don’t be afraid to take that step. Even if you feel you played a part in the abuse—remember, you still have every right to defend yourself. You have every right to fight back. And yes, sometimes that fight is messy. Sometimes you have to kick, scream, and react in ways you never imagined just to survive.
One day, it will click—just like it did for me—that you’rew tired of fighting to stay alive. You’ll be ready to fight to live. And when that day comes, you’ll know in your soul: Enough is truly enough.
And I promise—once you cut the cord to dysfunction, your life resumes its regularly scheduled program. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.
Keep healing. Keep shining. Your comeback will be louder than the chaos.
With Peace and Love, Jennie
#thejourneecontinues
Heavenly Father,
I come before You with a heart full of gratitude for this soft girl summer of healing. Thank You for the courage and strength You’ve poured into me to stand up for myself and my children. Thank You for surrounding me with a loving and steadfast support system—my mother, my sister, my friends—who have walked beside me through every storm.
Lord, I am deeply thankful for the community resources You’ve placed in my path. I see Your hand in every blessing, every open door, and every kind soul who has stood with me.
Most of all, I thank You for guiding the legal system to grant my protection order. You are my witness, my defender, and my refuge. Every victory is Yours, and I stand here today as a testament to Your faithfulness.
Continue to cover me and my children with Your hedge of protection, peace, and favor. Let my life be proof that with You, healing is possible, and that no weapon formed against us shall prosper.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
LotsofJennie 