I AM A DIVINE WARRIOR: A Better Life Starts With You

By Alisha Jackson

In "I Am a Divine Warrior," author Alisha Jackson pens a deeply personal memoir chronicling her journey as an African American woman navigating the treacherous terrain of trauma and adversity. From childhood to adulthood, Alisha confronts harrowing experiences of abuse and loss, yet emerges as a testament

• Language: English
• Publisher: A Better Life Publishing Company
• Release date: Apr 7, 2024
• ISBN: 9798989276806

Alisha Jackson

Contributions from www.divinewarriorlifecoaching.com and www.abetterlifepublishingcompany.com.

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DISCLAIMER

The book is a memoir and self-help book. It reflects the author’s present recollections of experiences over time. Some names and characteristics have been changed, some events have been compressed, and some dialogue has been recreated. The author does not attend to intentionally harm anyone but does desire to speak her truth.

This book does provide professional suggestions about self-development. But please seek professional, business, legal, medical, personal advice, or tax advice from your own personal professional you are working with. Although, I am a Social Worker, I am not your Social Worker. Reading this book does not create a Social Worker client relationship between us. Everything in this book should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a competent professional in the areas of expertise you may need assistance in. Please seek advice from a competent attorney, medical doctor, pastor, and mental health professional who is authorized to practice in your local jurisdiction.

The information I share is for educational and informational purposes only. Please note that I cannot guarantee about the results of the information applied in this book or on the website www.divinewarriorlifecoaching.com. The resources that are provided are intended to empower you and help you succeed with life coaching services or products acquired. Always remember the ultimate success or failure will be the results of your own efforts, dedication, and may vary depending on certain other factors of circumstances and particular situations beyond my knowledge and control.

This book is not intended to be a source of financial, tax, or legal advice. Making any adjustments to a financial, legal, tax strategy or plan should be undertaken after consulting with a professional in your local jurisdiction. The author and the publisher make no guarantee of any financial results obtained by using this book.

Copyright © 2023 by Alisha Jackson

I AM A DIVINE WARRIOR is a work of nonfiction. Some names and identifying details have been changed.

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture’s quotations from The Authorized (King James) Version. Rights in the Authorized Version in the United Kingdom are vested in the Crown, Reproduced by permission of the Crown’s patentee, Cambridge University Press.

Excerpts from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®, NIV ®. (2011). Biblica, Inc. by Thomas Nelson. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture’s quotations are from the ESV ® Bible (THE HOLY BIBLE, English Standard Version ®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation, Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

All rights reserved. Uploading or distributing photos, scans, or any content from this book without prior permission is theft of the authors’ intellectual property. No part of this work may be stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission of the publisher and/or author. Please honor the author’s work as you would your own. Thank you in advance for respecting our author’s rights. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright and universal international copyright protection laws.

Every effort has been made by the author and publishing house to ensure that the information contained in this book was correct as of the press time. The author and publishing house hereby disclaim and do not assume liability for any injury, loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, regardless of whether any errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Readers are encouraged to verify any information contained in this book before taking any action on the information.

For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact A Better Life Publishing Company at [e-mail].

To book a speaking engagement with the Author, contact Ms. Alisha Jackson, MSW at Divine Warrior Life Coaching, LLC at www.divinewarriorlifecoaching.com or [e-mail].

Mailing address:

A Better Life Publishing Company

5301 Alpha Road, Suite 80

Dallas, Texas, USA 75240

Divine Warrior Life Coaching LLC

PO BOX 572041

Dallas, Texas 75357

Published in the United States of America by A Better Life Publishing Company, Texas, USA

First edition September 2023

Revised March 2024

Name: Jackson, Alisha (Faith-Based Motivational Speaker), Author, Social Worker, Kingdom Ambassador, Life Coach, Mentor.

Title: I AM A DIVINE WARRIOR: A Better Life Starts With You

Paperback: 979-8-218-28292-9

eBook: 979-8-9892768-0-6

Audiobook: 979-8-9892768-1-3

Edited by A Better Life Publishing Company

Cover Art by Claire Henderson

Layout by Charlyn Samson

Photographs by Alisha Jackson

A Better Life Publishing Company is a faith-based company that actively supports their authors’ rights to free speech and artistic expression in their books. The purpose of the company is to encourage authors to produce extraordinary works. While empowering our culture, society, and humanity as a whole.

Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: Trials And Tribulations

Chapter 2: Overcoming The Issues

Chapter 3: Reflection Time

Chapter 4: Restoring Process

Chapter 5: Shame Stops Now

Chapter 6: Coping Strategies

Chapter 7: Inspiration

Chapter 8: Family

Chapter 9: Friendship

Chapter 10: Desire A Godly Marriage

Chapter 11: Loving Again

Chapter 12: Reaping What You Sow

Chapter 13: Praying

Chapter 14: Declare And Decree

Chapter 15: Keep Going

Chapter 16: Welcome The Renew You

Epilogue: Alisha’s Closing Remarks

Final Note

INTRODUCTION

First, let me say. I am in no way perfect, and I am still learning to become the best version of myself according to God’s will and not mine. Daily I pray to fight my fleshly desires and to not be fooled by earthly ways. Every day is a new day to become better and do better, this is what I embrace. Recently, I have learned to change my mindset, environment, and to reduce any triggers that may affect my well-being. I enjoy being a creative and loving woman surrounded by God’s nature. My ideal environment would be peace over drama.

I’m artistic by heart. I am eclectic when it comes to things, I enjoy. This includes my taste or style of entertainment, music, vocal talent, theatre, art, food, fashion, and cultures. The mind amazes me, so I am drawn to intellectual stimulation when it comes to human interaction. Currently, I am increasing my own level of wisdom through God, life experiences, education, and personal self-development. Every day, I pray for further clarity, wisdom, and understanding with the Lord as guidance to make sound decisions.

Nature brings me peace, as its ones of God’s greatness gifts to enjoy. So, I enjoy being in nature, eating healthy, and practicing herbalist wellness to increase my overall health. Lastly, yes, I am a romantic and believe in love. Love is love; it is the most wonderful feeling you can experience in life. Most powerful love comes from God (Alpha and Omega), Jesus (the Son of God), Holy Spirit (teacher), and Angels (protector). Then family, friends, pets, and/or of a loving partner. Love heals. It feels much better than hate. I have learned these experiences within my 44 years of life, and I am grateful that I did.

Within the last twenty-plus years of my life, I have completed my educational goals which includes the following: Associate degree in Real Estate, Bachelor degree in Liberal Arts, and Master of Science degree in Social Work. Now, I am pursuing my Doctor’s degree. In the human services field, I have over 15 plus years of experience in serving the community. During this time, I have helped various populations involving the following: children, college students, Headstart families, mental health, disabilities, drug/alcohol addictions, single parents, domestic violence, veterans, homeless individuals, and families.

In the mental health field, we are taught to be limited onto how much we can share about our personal lives, unless you are a peer specialist. So, I have not shared my story with any client’s in-depth, at which I had worked with. However, I have been non-judgmental in their experiences and did my best to change their mindset from negative to positive. For them to embrace the now, learn from the past, and to let it go. It is easier to assist someone when you, or someone you know has experienced their situation. Therefore, being able to provide adequate steps, or suggestions on how to overcome a certain obstacle.

My personal and work experiences have allowed me to better understand the perceptive of those whom I am helping, as well as put me in a place of being non-judgmental. Fear and shame have been the two major battles I had to face when it came to overcoming my obstacles in life. It prevented me from sharing on a personal level. However professionally, I have always used my experiences to get into the field to help others. I will continue to advocate for families, women, children, and any individual who is oppressed.

Please note, that we must address the importance of men also getting healed to become better fathers, husbands, and mentors. We need strong men who can lead others to God’s will; by becoming positive leaders, providers, and protectors. The world needs positive male role models within families and communities, which will lead to a better world. Women are great helpers, caretakers, and providers for their families and their communities. Women need to be empowered to know they are more than their past and to let God lead their lives. Both men and women need to heal and move forward toward their greatness. Both need to know they are powerful, wonderfully made, and needed in this world. We need to work together as a unit and stop fighting one another. We are powerful separate, but more powerful together.

Through awareness, African American/Aboriginal Indigenous/Melanated individuals, families, and communities need to heal from the past historic events and generational cycles. Culturally and most importantly, as a human race; we need to say no more to poverty, slave, and victim mindset. We must learn from the past, current challenges, and find solutions to overcome them. This ethnic group that has faced tremendous historical abuse or violence include indigenous groups such as Africans, Caribbeans, black indigenous Americans. As well as other groups around the world who have been oppressed, abused, belittled, and overlooked. Vulnerable groups need to learn to advocate for one another on a local, state, and federal level. This will help to change policies, laws, and statutes to support positive change and decrease oppression. One can only live their best life, when the land, at which you live supports and respects you. Minority groups all need to heal in general. Many have been faced with hardship. We need to live in a world united by love.

Currently, I have dedicated my time to providing guidance to those in need, resolving conflicts, and problem-solving. I use holistic approach when it comes to intervention methods as my top choice, when it comes to a healing plan. These methods consider the whole person, addressing their mind, body, and environment. It is also important to understand their support system when it comes to their beliefs and value system. Most importantly, I have turned my past lessons into blessings by completing many professional and personal goals. While continuing to build a better relationship with God, so my present and future will be aligned by God’s will. So, I can be a part of His plan and do even more to help others.

My first step was to change my mindset from victim, to survivor, and then to overcomer of all forms of abuse, trauma, or pain I had experienced. If from someone else or self-harm. It has been a long journey, but at the age of 44 years old. I understand to stop dwelling in the past. To understand, and obtain clarity on the who, what, why, where, and how the trauma has affected my life. So, I can forgive and release it. Most importantly, holding on to pain can cause physical and health issues, so it is vital to address it, forgive, and release it. Not to hold on to it and allow that pain to continue to grow in your body. It is unhealthy and it is not fair to yourself. Remember to love your body, as the body is the temple, in which God dwells. So, love you, by releasing the trauma from your mind-body-soul.

Next, I learned to be more accountable of my life and stop blaming others. I continue to stop the thoughts and feelings of shame. As well, to not allow the judgment of others to affect me. This allows me to learn to forgive myself, then allows me to learn to forgive others who have caused me pain. Forgiveness was done not because I consented or accepted such behavior. But forgiveness was done for myself, so I could be able to release all the pain and move forward. This allowed me to finally, let go, and allow God to finally have full control of my life. I had to stop doing things my way, which minimized the amazing blessings God had in store for me. So, I learned to ask God and allow God to take the wheel in my life. Therefore, I can be led to a righteous life, full of blessings, healthy love, divine protection, and guidance.

By hearing the stories of others and talking to others about my story. I have learned the importance of sharing my past experiences to others without shame, fear, or judgement. Knowing no matter what our culture, race, gender, income bracket, or demographics are. Abuse should not be tolerated, and it is acceptable to get professional help. Severe family issues should not be silenced and just kept as a secret in one’s family. No more, what happens in the family, remains a family secret, and to take it to the grave. No threats of protecting the family name or image. It is much deeper than this. This goes the same way when something happens to us. We think we want to avoid, ignore, and block that situation. As many of the times, we think it may tarnish such a wholesome, pure, professional, put together, or beautiful image. If we dig deep with everyone in this world, no one is perfect. We all have faced some type of pain if directly or indirectly. We have all done what we assume was best for us to cope and to move on. No matter what you been through God loves you and you are whole by the blood of Jesus.

Don’t let the thought that trauma makes you damaged for life and ruins your value. We must change our mindset. We don’t live in a bubble, and we all will face something. It is how we learn to respond, manage, heal, and overcome obstacles. So, we are better equipped to help others do the same. We must stop giving power to such challenges and fight back through prayer, fasting, and changing our lifestyles to be more biblical-based. Continuously renewing our mind, by learning to take heed to the advice in the Bible. This is the greatest book with so much wisdom. It gives you examples of other stories of pain, lost, struggles, greed, ego, pride, hate, anger, vanity, and yes, my favorite love. So, we can learn and not repeat the same patterns of negativity and embrace the positive ones. This is an ongoing and daily battle we must fight to overcome all with dignity.

The Bible gives you ways how to fight challenges in one’s life and increase one’s overall well-being. All the answers you seek are with God. Create your own support system that involves daily prayers, listening to positive sermons to help you understand, and fighting daily challenges according to the Bible. Implement a healthy regime involving fasting, drinking lots of water, self-care, relaxation, and sleep. Feed your mind, body, and soul with positive and strength-building material. Stray away from negativity to help cleanse out your mind, body, and soul. Otherwise, be careful of what you see, hear, say, and involved yourself with. Protect your ear and eye gates always.

By reading this book, you will be able to understand some of my personal experiences. In hopes, it will help many heal, stop toxic cycles, embrace change, and encourage positive lifestyles. My goal is for this book to reach millions of people or more, so the reader can build a closer relationship with God. The book will provide different strategies on how to have a healthier and happier life. My great passion is helping someone know they are not alone. Allowing them to know, that they will forever be valuable in the eyes of God, even within the battles they faced.

I pray this book provides great support and guidance toward your path of life while aligning with God. We must continue to give gratitude for all we have in life. Continue to give thanks for us being alive and breathing. Know it is a blessing for us to still be alive. So, you can complete your assignment on Earth. Take one’s experiences to help someone else. Learn and stop generational cycles. Bring peace and joy to the world. Again, know you are not alone. You have all of Heaven that is supporting you to fulfill your purpose. You are to seek guidance, protection, wisdom, knowledge, discernment, and love from the Lord to assist you on your journey of life.

Chapter 1

Trials And Tribulations

Key point: Child abuse and hiding the pain

First let’s understand what child abuse consist of. Abuse can be in the form of physical, mental, verbal, spiritual, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse. It also can include the behavior of neglect that can be done by one’s own parents, family members, adults, or other children. This can be done intentionally or unintentionally. No child or adult deserves abuse. Regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, color, disability, standards of beauty, intelligence, family background history, religious views, or income. Remember, you are no longer a victim, but a survivor to overcomer of child abuse. The healing journey can be a long path, but not an impossible path to recovery. Just know you are loved, regardless of what you been through, and you deserve healthy LOVE.

Now, you will get to know a little bit about me, my experiences, choices, consequences, lessons, and blessings. Note, all events listed in this book I have forgiven, and I leave all due judgement to the Lord. In no way, am I suggesting or demanding any form of judgement or justice on my behalf outside of God. God will provide the justice and judgement according to His will, and He will bring all divine assistance in due time.

First event let’s begin with one time I was at an airport where someone attempted to kidnapped me at 8 months old in Texas, USA. My family was on our way to Germany. So, my dad could continue his military duties. This was traumatizing for all parties involved. Thankfully, the airport stopped all flights and locked down the location. Until I was found on a flight by an older Caucasian woman. Her reason for the kidnapping, was due to her own personal trauma, and her not being able to have children on her own. She wanted a child, which is still not a good reason to kidnap someone else’s child. Imagine the impact this had on the family and the child. Therefore, it is important to continue to heal from all situations, so you are not triggered, or end up doing something you will regret from any unhealed emotions or irrational thoughts.

Second event, I was under the age of 5 years old, and we were at the airport again. I had a red balloon and walked away from the family to talk to people. As my mother and father stated, I enjoyed people and wasn’t afraid of strangers. This is what scared them the most. Later, I was found and returned to my parents. As parents we must be watchful of our children in public places and not be quick to trust any strangers. Children will be children and still are innocent when it comes to many dangers in the world. Thank God, He had me found again, another blessing.

Third event, I was a young child under the age of 18 months to 3 years old. I was sexually molested by a family member. Which I only heard about when I was older, and it is often not talked about besides by one family member. So, it was hard to know if it was true or not. As that