The Dark Lotus: A Spiritual Memoir of a Silent Overcomer

By Dr. Marine E. Bryan

DARK LOTUS: This is a spiritual memoir of a silent overcomer as I chronicled my journey in life—experiencing life struggles, pain, hurts, and setbacks, such as divorce and domestic violence, including false allegations and arrest. It narrates how I created a path from an impoverished childhood into early adulthood as I migrated to the United States of America for better living and progress. I adamantly, by God’s grace, experienced breakthroughs. I learned to totally depend on God to deliver me from brokenness and by faith, to experience wholesomeness, spiritual growth, and success.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 24, 2022
• ISBN: 9781669852414

Dr. Marine E. Bryan

Dr. Marine E. Bryan is a remarkable and faithful woman of God. Her first motivational and spiritual memoir is a testament and revelation of her challenges in life as a child and how God has allowed for favors and blessings as she migrated from Jamaica to the United States almost three decades ago. One of her objectives in completing her doctoral studies is to write books for various audiences. She desires to be a prolific author of motivational and inspirational books. Be on the lookout!

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Copyright © 2022 by Dr. Marine E. Bryan.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible, Copyright © 1983 by The Zondervan Corporation.

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.

Rev. date: 10/20/2022

Xlibris

844-714-8691

www.Xlibris.com

847576

For my parents, with love and memories.

Izette Bryan (1940-2019)

Hermine Bryan (1939-2021)

For my daughters, my pride and joy with love always.

Ricki-Lee Abigaile-Relaine Riley

Alex-Anne Elizabeth Riley

CONTENTS

Preface

Introduction

A Backdrop of Life Events

Summation of My West Indies College Journey

Illegal Immigration Work-up

Green Card Story

Going Back to School

Shipwreck of a Marriage

Taking Care of My Daughters as a Single Parent

My Dissertation Journey

Epilogue

Preface

I decided to write a memoir about my life experiences because I wanted to share what I have learned in life by providing a historical summation of very important life events from my impoverished childhood upbringing to adulthood and to the time I desired to travel to America to strive for progress and stability. I want to share the inspirations in my life story, its nuances, and my experiences because it will help people going through similar life experiences to be encouraged and motivated to have faith in God. In my book, I discussed my life experiences and how God has always favored me, so I come out on top of my challenges. You will find stories and mementos—such as childhood struggles, challenges of an illegal status to a green card holder, a painful marriage and divorce, dropping out of my PhD program, receiving a second chance, and being left in shambles as a single parent—that I hope will highly resonate with you. I realized that I could help others by encouraging and motivating them with my life story.

My book is intended for everyone facing similar challenges and struggles. For these individuals to discover their purpose in their lives. The message is designed to encourage those who are faced with life challenges to turn to God in faith and experience His loving care. It is for those who are in the process of giving up on themselves so that they develop the tenacity to fulfill their dreams and improve their situation in life. My book contains some of my most challenging personal stories that are designed to let you know that I have rock-solid faith in God, and you can too.

Introduction

E ight years ago, I reached out to a reputable publisher, requesting their service for ghostwriting my book. I was disappointed after learning that ghostwriting service was not available, and I was also told that ghostwriting service was very expensive. I was disappointed because I never thought that I was capable of writing a book. My dream of writing my book never left my mind since I even made a plan of saving to raise the funds because I was adamant that I definitely needed the ghostwriter. Over the years, I had an imaginary ghostwriter, and from time to time, I would pretend that somebody was listening to me while I journaled stories about my life. Years later, when I took a stock of the voluminous content of information, I was surprised. I never imagined that I would have so much information. Up to now, I still discounted my ability to write my book, and I would daydream of getting a ghostwriter in person. It was not until I completed my doctoral program and experienced co-authorship that I realized that I am capable of writing