Transparent Moments: “The Mini Book”

By LaToya Reneé Jones

Weve all been in a place in life where we longed to hear someone say, I understand because Ive been there. In my life, this comforting phrase has broken down numerous mental barriers. When I sensed genuine compassion, I opened the door, and a connection was made. Knowing someone identified with my struggle encouraged me to allow them access and to get the help I needed. Those moments felt safe and assuring because wisdom was available to assist me. Besides, it felt good to know someone understood what it was like to be in my shoes.

This is especially true in the faith community where being open about lifes hard places can be taboo. For this reason, Im exposing my scars by sharing Transparent Moments. Hopefully, you will see youre not alone through the lessons Ive learned the hard way. I pray my journey will equip you to win in life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 5, 2018
• ISBN: 9781546236542

LaToya Reneé Jones

LaToya is a licensed cosmetologist and business owner with over twenty-two years of experience. Shes founder of True Freedom Connection, an organization that provides a safe place for people to talk about lifes circumstances without harsh judgement. It offers practical solutions that assures individuals, they never have to face a battle alone. LaToya is a graduate of the Soar Mentorship Program under Melva Henderson Ministries, and has training in QPR Suicide Prevention through the Gatekeeper Program. LaToya also received continuing education for substance abuse through Mental Health of America, and served in ministry over several years in various roles. These positions include Intercessory Prayer, Praise and Worship, Connect, Altar Worker, Evangelism, Growth Track, Media, Poets and Writers, Weathering Marriage, and Leadership. She has been married over Twenty-one years and is the mother of two children. For more information and booking contact: LaToya Jones [e-mail]

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© 2018 LaToya Reneé Jones. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 05/04/2018

ISBN: 978-1-5462-3653-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-3654-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2018904257

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Acknowledgments

Dedication

Introduction

Section 1 - An Unexpected Crisis

Life Reflection One

Life Reflection Two

Life Reflection Three

Section 2 - A Revived Dream

Life Reflection One

Life Reflection Two

Life Reflection Three

Section 3 - Having Healthy Relationships

Life Reflection One

Life Reflection Two

Life Reflection Three

Conclusion

Acknowledgments

Before you begin to read this part of my book, please understand, if I begin to list EVERYONE who has impacted my life, this section of the book will be as long as my body of work. So, this is what I’m going to do. I’m going to recognize the people who have solely contributed to this project. A full list of heartfelt expressions that includes the people that I carry in my heart will be in the full completed book (I promise). Hopefully, this will add suspense and encourage you to purchase the next book to see who I listed (smile).

My family I share DNA with:

Mom’s side – The Jones and Reese family

Dad’s side – The Craft family, especially my brother James (Jimmy) and Cheryl Johnson

The Taylor and Hopgood families

My church, spiritual, and support families:

World Outreach Center

Be Great Ministries – Anita Clinton

Writer’s Unblocked – Arnitta Holliman

Special Acknowledgements

My everything! My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is my life in its totality. You are the reason for my existence and the reason why this book exists. I love You and want the world to know that You are my God.

My husband:

Mr. Johnny Jones, you gave me room to make my dream a reality without feeling threatened or intimidated. You are my favorite man alive and I love you. Thank you for encouraging and giving me space to birth this third baby. I love you.

My girls:

Niyah Denise, you are my firstborn and the main reason I believe in miracles. I push myself so you can see, If Mama can do it, you can too. I love you so much and no one can take your place in my heart.

Kadence Shalom, you are my grand finale and the reason why life is sweet. In the short amount of time you have been on earth, I have so many sweet memories of you. Your energy and spunk helps to keep me young. I love you baby.

My sisters:

Sandra Kay, Rebia, and Marlena, thank you for being the best big sisters on earth. Life is easier to live knowing that I always have your love, protection, and support. I love, appreciate, and thank you so much.

My niece:

Rochelle Taylor, thank you for your talent and setting the standard for my concept design that everyone had to measure up to. You rock!

Toni Pharm, you were unselfish with your resources, connections, and answered the abundance of questions I had about the process you were a forerunner in. I can’t thank you enough. Thank you for over twenty-seven years of friendship. I love you bestie.

Wanda Booker and Wanda Jones, you have been my mentors and support system since my teen years. Thank you for your words of wisdom, insight, prayers, and loving me unconditionally. You have always seen the potential in me and you will always love and value you for that.

My Pastors:

Ervin Skip Henderson, you gave me permission to release what’s in me by letting me know, You don’t need my permission to be great. That statement empowered and gave me the fuel tell my story with boldness just like you. Thank you for being you.

Melva Henderson, thank you for your input, direction, and showing me how to have a true servant’s heart. It’s impossible to place a value on the priceless deposit you have made in my life. You are the wind that I needed to Soar in the air. I love and appreciate you.

Soar Mentorship Program’s mentors, big sisters, and classmates, thank you. The meetings, flying instructions, and grooming lessons conditioned me to glide through the air.

Karen Bradley and Dominique Lambright, thank you for help, and helping to make me look good.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to the woman whose legacy is my cloak of honor. By watching you my whole life, I thought breaking barriers was easy. You made it look that way, because your drive and work ethic was nothing short of amazing. I’m still reaching to achieve how you managed life in general. But you gave me a great foundation and example to build on. Thank you for passing me the great things you are made of including your dimples. Not only are you my inspiration, but you are also my angel, and most important my Mother.