Releasing the Weight

By Catrina Yvette

How often do you find yourself living life, but feeling weighed down by the circumstances that surround you? Have you noticed the sluggish feeling deep in your spirit, as you attempt to navigate the challenges that attempt to steal your joy and deny your purpose? It's called dead weight. We pick it up while working in toxic environments, struggl

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brittney Holmes Jackson & Co.
• Release date: Nov 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9781737456414

Book preview

Catrina Mason

Releasing the Weight

First published by Brittney Holmes Jackson & Co. 2021

Copyright © 2021 by Catrina Mason

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

First edition

ISBN: 978-1-7374564-1-4

This book was professionally typeset on Reedsy

Find out more at reedsy.com

Publisher Logo

This book is dedicated to people across the globe who’ve had to face or will face unexpected life transitions. To those who feel as if they’re sliding backwards down a never-ending slippery slope, you are not alone. Understand that purpose lies within every adversity that you may face because pain is redemptive.

I did, so that you can!

Acknowledgement

When I first started this journey of writing I thought that the writing itself would be my greatest accomplishment. In reality, coming out on the other side of each experience is by far the greatest. The time of reflection that was allotted after writing this book gave me a chance to give thanks for the many challenges that are now behind me. I have a better appreciation of processes. No amount of money could be offered for the level of peace and freedom that I now walk in, and I couldn’t be prouder. Fortunately, I did not travel this road alone and I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge those who made an impact along the way.

First and foremost, I want to thank my Creator for entrusting me to complete this assignment. I am a perfect example of how God will qualify the unqualified per man’s standards. I could never repay Him for the many acts of love, compassion, and grace that He affords me daily. I am forever indebted and vow to continue to be a mouthpiece for Him, so that others will be able to experience Him in a real way.

To my parents, Edward and Loretta Mason, I’m eternally grateful to you for always believing in me and trusting me to make wise decisions. For always pushing me to be better than you and to create a life of my own that I can be proud of, I say thank you. For praying without ceasing, while looking forward to the finished product of your baby girl, thank you. I love you infinitely and will continue to show you for the rest of my days!!!

To my Godmother, Terry Nathaniel, for the countless number of times that you prayed for me, asking God to anoint my hands, to give me clarity of thought, and to allow the words to flow freely as you give them to me, thank you. I love you to the moon and back.

A very special thanks to….

Johnny Moore, II, when I first heard the words whispered, Write a book, in 2018, I said, Okay, but definitely needed confirmation that I heard correctly. That confirmation came in the person of you PJ (Papa John), as I affectionately call him. Thank you for always saying, Baby girl, you deserve the best. Go get it and never settle. Your words of encouragement and your push are always right on time.

Julia, my prayer partner, my sister, my friend. At moments of frustration and reluctance, you were there to pray me through to the other side of it. The excitement and confidence that you always exude is unmatched. Thank you for keeping me lifted in prayer and for always having my best interest at heart.

Pastor Brandon Clack, the very first day that I stepped foot into All Nations Worship Assembly –Memphis, you had a word JUST for me. Out of hundreds that packed the altar, you walked to the back and directly up to me and delivered what the Holy Spirit had given to you for me. Your words unlocked the fear that had held me hostage for the past two years. Thank you for inclining your ears to God’s voice and for taking partial ownership in how fear would be released off my life. I appreciate you!

I want to express my special thanks of gratitude to….

Tiana, being a creative sometimes calls for a change of scenery. In those moments where I needed a real change, you were only a phone call or text message away. You offered to open your home as a writing lab for me and didn’t think twice about it. I gladly traveled those 200+ miles each time I needed that space. I am forever grateful for the permanent space that you hold in my life. Love you, Tee!

Tenesa, you have been a superb support system down through the years. Your love, concern, scripture references, encouragement, and genuine happiness for me is a part of the glue that has helped to hold things together. I appreciate you and I love you dearly, Niecy!

Vanessa, what can I say? You came into my life at a time when I needed a big sister, and you have been the epitome of that for almost 10 years. You take your role in my life seriously, and I couldn’t be more blessed to call you sister. Your role in the creation of this book…I could never repay you. Thank you for ALWAYS being present! I love you forever, Vee!

Carla, my voice of reason in a quiet storm. Since the tender age of 13, you have always been a listening ear and one of my biggest cheerleaders. Thanks for being there when I needed to pour out all of those stories. You’re something like a vault – secured with lock and key. Those will forever be priceless memories. Love ya, BF!

To the Squad – Shaun, Angel and Kim – if walls could talk!!! There are very few people that I talk to EVERY day, but you three are the cream of the crop. We’ve come a long way since grade school, high school and college. When you all heard that I was nearing the end of writing, you immediately embraced it, and that made my heart glad. I went through a storm at the beginning of the year, but you three were right there to hold me down by way of your prayers, encouragement, and love through deeds. Kimmie, I can always count on you to give me a good laugh and to be a motherly figure. Angel, you always find the good in every situation and are always ready to have a good time, which is definitely needed. Shaun, we share similar hearts for people. Your daily devotions followed by your faith in me keeps me grounded. I love you dearly, Golden Girls!

To my First Lady, Dr. Michelle Elmore Lake, I wish I could hug your neck right now. When I asked you to read my book and to give me your honest feedback, you never hesitated. Despite the many hats that you wear – wife, mom, educator, entrepreneur – you set aside space and time to be there for me and that meant the world to me. You showed a genuine interest and that magnifies just how selfless you are. Thank you for your words and for simply being there. Love you, lots!

To my Pastor and Bishop, Dr. Kelvin D. Lake, I’m not sure how you