Cleaning Out My Closet: How the Truth Will Set You Free

By Angel Bartlett

In Cleaning Out My Closet: How the Truth Will Set You Free, Angel Bartlett courageously takes us through a tumultuous part of her life journey—the good, the bad, and the ugly, without censor. From abusive relationships, to having children out of wedlock, to financial hardships, to total dysfunction, Bartlett shares it all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Purposely Created Publishing Group
• Release date: Feb 27, 2020
• ISBN: 9781644841808

Book preview

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CLEANING OUT MY CLOSET

Published by Purposely Created Publishing Group™

Copyright © 2020 Angel Bartlett

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Dedication

I dedicate my truth to myself.

The hardest thing sometimes about life is being honest. It is so easy to lie and make life appear great when really, we are dealing with demons and strongholds every day. This book is dedicated to my closet and the things I have kept buried and tucked away too long. This book is dedicated to my freedom, my life mistakes, my pitfalls, my shame, my guilt, my condemnation, my depression, and my lies. This book is dedicated to my Father (The Most High). If I owe anyone an apology, it is myself and You. You have loved me despite of me, You have shielded me despite of me, You have kept me despite of me, You have taught me despite of me, You have spoken to me despite of me, You have given me multiple chances despite of me, You have kept your hand on me despite of me, You have blocked things from happening despite of me, You have allowed things to happen despite of me, You have healed me despite of me, You have given me three wonderful children and entrusted them to my care despite of me, You have provided despite of me, You have never turned your back on me despite of me, You have called me despite of me, You have gifted me despite of me, and despite of me, I still believe in freedom and peace that surpasses all understanding, and that is what I long for. I long to make You happy and shield You the way You have shielded me. So this book is dedicated to no more condemnation. You are a good, good father.

I dedicate this book to every broken woman and every broken man who has lived a lie and suffered in silence. I dedicate this book to every woman and every man in ministry who has a sincere desire to do the right thing but can’t get free due to shame. I pray that as you read this, you begin to experience a release in every area of your life! The chains are falling! I pray that you walk in your truth and chase your freedom down.

I dedicate this book to every soul that I ever let down/disappointed, to every woman/sister and every man whom I ever verbally abused, put down, or used. This is my universal apology.

To the man and woman of God: if I ever sat under your leadership and did not do it the right way, please forgive my brokenness and sometimes out right disobedience. Most importantly, please forgive me for not sharing my truth.

To my best friend, Angel Munden. Girl, you are cut from a different cloth. Thank you for never judging me but always keeping it real. Thank you for always speaking life and reminding me of my calling no matter my dark place. You know everything about my closet, and it is an honor to know you can be trusted. I love you.

To my mom, Rigell. I know you are looking down from heaven shaking your head at me, but I also know that you know my strength. I am sorry for the disappointments. Continue to watch over me, because God is not finished with me yet. Pastor Eddie, you guys are probably in heaven both shaking your head at me. I can imagine the conversations. I hear you saying, "This girl gets in and out of the box, but when will she stay out? Your words did not fall on deaf ears, I promise!

To my Uncle Bill and Aunt Gail. You are the real MVPs. Your sound advice and tough love have kept me from jumping. You have no idea what your consistent love has done for me. Thanks for always loving my wild tail and advocating for me.

To my mom, Pettaway. No matter where I go, you travel for those grandkids. I know I can always depend on you, no matter how many times I fall or call. I remember when I first had to break the news that I was pregnant with Marley and the tears we both cried. Now we can’t imagine life without her. I won’t let my gifts go to waste, I promise. And no more children out of wedlock, I promise. If I had ten thousand tongues, I couldn’t thank you enough for loving me.

To my MCM (Malana, Christian, Marley). My love for you cannot be defined. In sharing my truth, I pray that it never brings you shame. I pray that it teaches you never to be ashamed at life and to always honor your truth, no matter what. I also pray that it teaches you to adhere to every warning sign, and when the Most High directs your path, follow with obedience. You three shall never know bondage, and you shall never know lack. You are the head and never the tail, the lender and never the borrower.

Lastly, to my son. You are too young to read this, but as you grow older, I know you will. I want you to know that when I birthed you. God spoke to me influential. I have tears as I write this because I see a gift in you at a very young age. You are keen to the Holy Spirit, and at a young age, you understand worship, warfare, and prayer. I promise moving forward I will do everything I can to nurture your gift and forgive your father because I want you to grow older knowing the power in forgiveness and the power in walking in truth. You are set apart.

No more chains holding me. I am working on my freedom every day, and one thing about freedom is once you get free, you are a dummy if you go back in bondage. Oh, yes, I am talking about me. I have been that dummy! That is why I call myself the expert on how to get free and stay free. It is a lifelong process that requires work.

I am dedicated to my work of getting out of my closet.

Table of Contents

Introduction

C h a p t e r  1

THE CALL TO MINISTRY AND WHY I SAID YES

C h a p t e r  2

GOOD GIRL GONE BAD

C h a