Overcomers Overcoming

Kawan Glover joins us for a second episode during his recovery from a third surgery to remove a cavernous malformation. He developed resiliency after a seven-year period that he describes as being latent in his youth. How can we be resilient to 1) Negative statements made to or about us, 2) Recovering from failures, 3) A dysfunctional upbringing, or 4) Failed relationships? Everyone’s situation is unique. However, resilience has some common traits. Let’s learn from Kawan.

Coach James Johnson (defensive line coach, Calvert High School)football team) came from a broken family in which his parents divorced at age 12. Raised in the “hood,” he could have succumbed to a life of drugs and other illicit activities. However, his mother’s values prevailed along with a teacher and his police officer football coach, who were all three instrumental in his life to instill values and courage. He is passing forward his life experiences with high school students and student-athletes.

Donna Tashjian joins us for the sixth episode, where she explains the impact the Apostle Paul has made with his message in his second letter to the Corinthians. The unseen influences can include the media, people whose values are extremely aberrant from ours, toxic people, and those people who are fundamentally unhappy. As we are intentional to take an introspective look at our life, we can determine our habits that might be negative influences. Donna can be reached at www.ivibrantliving.com.

Kawan Glover describes the inception of and his current progress of overcoming the effects of three surgeries to correct and recover from a cavernous malformation of the brain. The left side of his mouth is numb while having about 40% mobility with his right side. Some people might declare themselves a victim of this type of surgery. Kawan has a very positive attitude. Listen for his resolve. His attitude, prayer, and accountability partners might be the holistic approach to a full recovery.

Rick Bradley felt inadequate early in life. He turned to substance abuse to overcome these inadequate feelings. He learned that drinking was merely temporary relief. His mother had the temerity to ask for professional help because of her father’s alcoholism. Through her efforts and perseverance, Rick is now free of his past. He is passing forward his life experience by encouraging other families to seek professional help early. Do not feel ashamed, and never assume substance disease will cure itself.

Donna Tashjian describes her life journey of forgiveness. As she details in Episode #1, she had a traumatic childhood that robbed her of what would consider a normal childhood. She describes her feelings of and journey to achieve a life of freedom. She describes forgiveness as freeing yourself of the past without feeling the person who wronged you is held blameless. She admonishes others not to compare themselves with anyone else’s journey of forgiveness. Donna’s website is www.ivibrantliving.com

Donna Tashjian experienced a major trust betrayal early in her life. For a period of her life, she could not trust males or females. She has learned the journey to re-establish trust. She is helping others establish and re-establish trust through her life experience. Trust is established through a life journey of emotions while learning to believe in people. Establishing trust requires time. Re-establishing trust requires more time and faith. Our faith in God can bring us through difficult times.

Donna Tashjian discusses in this episode emotions that become feelings. Do those feelings accurately define who we are? Not necessarily. Those feelings may not accurately represent our values. Listen closely to the four aspects of gratitude, self-talk affirmations, self-care such as talk with God, and inspiration as it relates to our feelings. We must be intentional about our self-awareness to ensure we know if our emotions accurately reflect our values. Contact Donna at iVibrantLiving.com.

Donna Tashjian, ordained Pastor and certified coach, has taken the best of her storied past and is applying life lessons to her and other’s future. Being aware of who we are and what inspires us to action are very important aspects of determining if we are performing at our full potential. Thoughts, at times, can negatively dominate our actions. Donna is very inspirational in explaining how she has overcome a traumatic event in her past to live a very positive future.

Donna Tashjian became pregnant at 14 years of age through an unfortunate circumstance. Because of this, she was socially shunned and left partially to defend herself. Rather than choose to be a victim, she became an overcomer. Through her relationship with Jesus Christ, she gained strength knowing He is with her through this life encounter. Take a fear and find a promise from God. “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” (Psalm 37:25)