In today’s episode of Living My Truth With Shonnie, I’m getting real about something I still struggle with—apologizing for being me.

Not because I’m ashamed of who I am—I’ve grown way past that stage.

But because sometimes my energy, my voice, my presence feels too big for spaces and people who were never meant to hold me.

And maybe you’ve felt that too.

Maybe you’ve caught yourself shrinking, toning it down, trying to fit into places you’ve outgrown.

Today’s conversation is a reminder:

You don’t have to apologize for your light.

You don’t have to water yourself down to be loved.

You don’t have to become smaller to be accepted.

This is your permission slip to take up space.

To live loudly, boldly, and unapologetically.

If you’ve ever struggled with feeling “too much,” this episode is for you.

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In this episode, I’m not speaking from the mountaintop—I’m speaking from the middle. The quiet space between healing and stepping into something new. Where Fear Ends, I Begin is me sharing the real, unfiltered truth about what it feels like to finally reach a place of peace… and still feel fear trying to pull up a seat.

I’ve done the work. I’ve faced the past. I’ve broken ties and let go of who I used to be. But even now, standing in the very places I prayed to be, there are moments when my heart still races, my mind still spirals, and my spirit still whispers, “Am I really ready for this?”

This episode is for the woman who’s healed but still learning how to rest. The one who’s walking in her answered prayers but still flinching from old patterns. I’m not giving you steps—I’m giving you my truth. Because sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is show up in the middle of your becoming and say, “I’m still here… and I’m not turning back.”

This is where fear ends—and where I begin.

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This week, I’m facing something I thought I was fully healed from. But triggers have a way of showing up uninvited—loud, heavy, and relentless. In this episode, I’m taking you with me as I unpack the weight of returning home, the emotions that come with it, and the reality of healing while still fighting through the echoes of what I survived.

This one is longer, heavier, and more vulnerable than ever.

I’m sharing truths I haven’t said out loud before. I’m giving voice to the pain, the triggers, and the fight to hold onto my peace—even when it feels like I’m losing my grip.

If you’ve ever had to stand in front of the same people who broke you, if you’ve ever questioned your healing when old wounds started bleeding again, if you’re in the middle of fighting for yourself right now—this episode is for you.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes raw, unfiltered discussions about trauma, survival, and healing. Please take care of yourself as you listen.

You’ve already healed from this. This is just an attack. Don’t let it win.

Let’s get into it.

In this episode, we’re getting real about comfort—the sneaky trap that keeps us stuck, stagnant, and settling for less than what God has for us. We’ll talk about how comfort disguises itself as peace when it’s really a prison, why overthinking is keeping you from your breakthrough, and how faith requires movement, not just belief. If you’ve been waiting for the “perfect time” to step into what God is calling you to do, this is your wake-up call. It’s time to stop hesitating, stop second-guessing, and start moving. Because the life you’ve been praying for? It’s on the other side of obedience.

scriptures used:

• Matthew 16:24

• Revelation 3:15-16

• Genesis 12:1

• Exodus 3:10-11

• 1 Samuel 17:45

• Matthew 14:29

Hey my loves! Welcome back to Living My Truth with Shonnie. I know it’s been a minute, but I’m back and ready to dive deep into some real conversations. In this episode, we’re talking about something that hits home for so many of us—distractions, comparison, and learning to trust God’s timing. Inspired by Pastor Mike Todd’s Dating Distractions series, I’m getting transparent about how easy it is to lose focus and how even the smallest distractions can pull us away from God’s purpose.

We’re unpacking the dangers of comparison, how it robs us of peace and joy, and why trusting God’s timeline—even when it feels slow—is essential for real growth. I’m sharing my personal struggles with patience, what it feels like waiting on God, and how to navigate seasons of feeling “stuck” while everyone else seems to be moving ahead.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “When is it going to be my turn?” or struggled with staying focused on your own journey, this episode is for you. So grab your coffee, tea, or whatever brings you peace, and let’s talk about how to stop letting distractions and comparison steal our joy—and how to fully trust in God’s perfect plan.

Let’s get real. Let’s get honest. And remember, keep living your truth.

Scriptures quoted:

1. ​ John 10:10
2. ​ Jeremiah 29:11
3. ​ Matthew 14:28-31
4. ​ Galatians 6:4
5. ​ Ecclesiastes 3:1

Link to Pastor Mike Todd’s Death to Distraction https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transformation-church/id1348831124?i=1000685550922

What do you do when life doesn’t turn out the way you planned? When the relationship you invested in crumbles, the dream you’ve been working toward falls apart, or you find yourself stuck in a cycle of hurt and disappointment?

In this heartfelt episode of Living My Truth with Shonnie, I open up about my own recent breakdown and the moment God reminded me that it’s time to reset. I share what it means to release control, trust God’s timing, and let go of people and situations that aren’t aligned with His peace.

Life can be messy, unpredictable, and heartbreaking. But God isn’t afraid of the mess—He works right in the middle of it. Join me as we talk about resetting our hearts, embracing the process, and trusting that God is always working behind the scenes, even when life doesn’t look like what we want.

This is your season to reset. Let’s do it together.

Scriptures Used:

1. Isaiah 55:8-9 – “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

2. Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

3. Psalm 37:4 – “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

4. Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

5. Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.”

6. Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

7. Isaiah 43:18-19 – “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

Episode Description: Love Bombed into Loving a Narcissist – A Journey from Illusion to Reality

In this raw and deeply personal episode of Living My Truth with Shonnie, I share my journey of being love-bombed into a toxic relationship with a narcissist. From the perfect beginning filled with promises and affection to the manipulation, betrayal, and emotional abuse that followed, this is a story of heartbreak, healing, and rediscovery.

I open up about how he used my vulnerabilities, manipulated my trust, and even involved my son in his lies, making promises he never intended to keep. I reflect on how his need for control disguised as love left me questioning my worth and doubting myself, while cycles of gaslighting and blame kept me tethered to him.

Through prayer, boundaries, and self-reflection, I found the strength to break free, realizing that real love doesn’t manipulate, control, or tear you down. If you’ve ever ignored red flags or felt trapped in a toxic cycle, this episode is for you.

Join me as I share my lessons, my faith, and my hope for those still searching for a love that uplifts and respects them. You deserve more. Let’s get into it.

Scripture Referenced: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Song Referenced: Myself by Layton Greene

Narcissism: https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/personality-disorders/narcissistic-personality-disorder

Narcissist In Relationships: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/a24852650/dating-a-narcissist-signs/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_cos_md_dsa_hybd_org_us_21114831030&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAC5jt3P40ulJ4s5q1xkYJHDThNSUN&gclid=CjwKCAiAl4a6BhBqEiwAqvrqugGdJzZrKjeZUWLCjhHgW8SliZ0Kj1oRj24eX5rt8CugvXg_6Brb5BoCmpcQAvD_BwE

Love Bombing: https://www.prevention.com/sex/relationships/a42100428/love-bombing-definition-signs/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_pre_m_bm_prog_org_us_a42100428&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADA2LlJ4iyOEf2gszFYdhoOSC16Em&gclid=CjwKCAiAl4a6BhBqEiwAqvrquuLgWMaJ302wBN-QD8rJ_SA3a3GVbOITF124oNiL5efDjgXMr9srghoCwEEQAvD_BwE

Gaslighting: https://www.prevention.com/health/mental-health/a44373260/what-is-gaslighting/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_pre_md_pmx_hybd_mix_us_20739785489&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADA2LlLTNlhiETPi5FheiUdD-5M6e&gclid=CjwKCAiAl4a6BhBqEiwAqvrquvxKQze1ERGzYcb_c8dSAEdKWK9CsRGE0eEFshnkoTxOYhIr1CUBPhoCFAoQAvD_BwE

Mental & Emotional Abuse: https://www.1800respect.org.au/violence-and-abuse/psychological-abuse#:~:text=Psychological%20abuse%20is%20behaviour%20that,over%20again%20it%20becomes%20abusive.

In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode of Living My Truth, Shonnie delves into the power of God’s unwavering love, even when the world—and sometimes our own hearts—turns away. Using inspiration from The Lion King, Shonnie reflects on what it would mean if God turned His back on us as we often do to Him during hard times. This episode explores why we drift, how the enemy uses distraction, isolation, and fear to pull us further away, and why it’s critical to fight against these tactics by staying anchored in God’s promises. Shonnie shares biblical examples, relatable stories, and practical encouragement on drawing closer to God even in the toughest storms. If you’re feeling distant, lost, or overwhelmed, this episode is a reminder of God’s enduring presence and His desire to pull you close when everything else feels like it’s falling apart. Stay connected, stand firm, and experience God’s love in a real and transformative way.

Scriptures Referenced:

1. 2 Timothy 2:13

2. Isaiah 49:15-16

3. Numbers 23:19

4. Luke 15

5. Psalm 34:18

6. Deuteronomy 31:6

7. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

8. Romans 8:38-39

9. Proverbs 3:5-6

10. James 4:8

11. Psalm 23:4

12. Genesis 3:1

13. Matthew 14:29-30

14. Romans 8:28

15. Hebrews 12:2

16. Isaiah 61:3

Podcast Episode Description: Stop Chasing Men – Trusting God’s Plan for Your Heart

In this episode of Living My Truth, I’m getting real with y’all about something we’ve all been through at some point—chasing men. Whether it’s their attention, approval, or trying to force something that isn’t God’s plan, we’ve all been there. But here’s the thing: we’re not designed to chase anyone. God has something better for you, and today we’re going to talk about why it’s time to stop chasing men and start trusting His plan for your heart.

We’ll dive into why chasing men stems from insecurity or fear, how it leads to settling for less than God’s best, and why trusting in His timing is key. Proverbs 18:22 tells us, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing,” and sis, that means you’re not the one who needs to be running after anyone. I’ll be sharing scriptures and truths that will encourage you to wait for God’s timing and find your worth in Him, not in any relationship.

Let’s shift from chasing to walking confidently in God’s purpose for us, trusting that He’s preparing the right person to come alongside us at the right time.

Scriptures Mentioned:

1. Proverbs 18:22 – “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”

2. Psalm 139:14 – “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

3. Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you.”

4. Ephesians 3:20 – “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.”

5. Isaiah 55:8-9 – “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways.”

6. Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.”

7. Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.”

8. 1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.”

9. Proverbs 31:30 – “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

Listen in as we talk about letting go, trusting God’s plan, and walking in the confidence of knowing that He’s got your heart and your future under control. Stay strong, keep the faith, and keep living your truth

In this episode of Living My Truth, I’m diving into one of the most difficult but powerful aspects of faith—trusting God when everything in your life is falling apart. We’re talking about having faith like Job—the kind that doesn’t waver even when life feels unbearable.

I share Job’s story, from his immense suffering to his unwavering faith, and connect it to my own 18-year battle with depression. Life was constantly hitting me, and even when things started to look up, something else would go wrong. It was hard, and I questioned God a lot, but through it all, I learned that even in the darkest moments, God is still working behind the scenes.

If you’re going through your own storm right now, this episode will encourage you to hold on and trust that God is still with you. Keep trusting, keep believing, and remember—faith doesn’t mean everything is perfect, but it means believing that God is still good.

Scriptures Mentioned:

Job 1:1 – Job was described as blameless and upright.

Job 1:21 – “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”

Job 2:9 – Job’s wife told him to “curse God and die,” but he held on.

Job 13:15 – “Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him.”

Isaiah 55:9 – “My ways are higher than your ways.”

Job 42:10-12 – God restores Job and gives him double what he had lost.

James 1:12 – “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial.”

Tune in, and let’s get through this together. Trust that even when it doesn’t make sense, God is still in control. Stay strong, y’all, and keep living your truth.