I used to believe my purpose was solely rooted in the church. I sang, preached, led youth ministries, and organized devotionals across the church organization. I found deep fulfillment in guiding others spiritually and witnessing hundreds from around the world come together to worship. It felt like I was walking in my calling.
But everything changed after I experienced a traumatic sexual assault at the hands of the Bishop of that very church. I wasn’t alone—eight other victims came forward—but instead of finding support, we were met with betrayal. Hundreds left the church, including myself, but I walked away empty, lost, and deeply traumatized. The one place I thought was safe had failed me. I found myself asking: Who do I run to now?
That’s when I turned to counseling. I was diagnosed with PTSD, a result of the trauma I endured within that spiritual environment. And while therapy helped, what truly became my sanctuary—my new place of healing—was the gym.
The gym became more than a space to work out. It became my refuge, a sacred space where every lift felt like I was releasing pain, shedding the weight of betrayal, confusion, and grief. I poured everything into fitness. Every time something in life went wrong, I knew there was one place that wouldn’t judge me, abandon me, or lie to me: the gym.
It taught me discipline, emotional control, and gave me space to reflect on my past choices. I started to rebuild myself, one rep at a time. As my body changed, so did my mindset. I began to feel powerful again. And that’s when I started sharing my journey on social media.
In 2021, I had fewer than 100 followers. But the more I shared, the more people connected. Fitness companies took notice. Soon I was receiving brand deals, sponsorships, ambassador offers, free supplements, clothing, and even invitations from local gyms for partnerships—all with just 2,000 followers. I began training a few clients and took a certification course with ISSA. But due to financial hardships, I couldn’t complete it. Instead, I turned to YouTube, books, and self-study to sharpen my knowledge.
Despite the momentum, I faced setbacks. Although I helped one female client go from 600 lbs to 250 lbs, and another male client transform from slim to muscular, I struggled to keep most of my clients motivated. Many would quit before reaching their goals. Discouraged, I stopped training altogether and shifted focus to healing myself—rebuilding my self-worth and confidence after everything I had endured.
Still, I stayed consistent with my content. I kept posting and slowly regained clarity. Eventually, I found a new church community—one that uplifted me, supported my events, and inspired me to coach again. That community reignited my fire.
Today, I train clients battling MS, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, joint pain, and even those on dialysis. I used to think my only purpose was spiritual. But now I know I’m here to transform lives both spiritually and physically.
I design fitness meals, wake up at 4 AM three times a week to train clients, and stay in touch daily to keep them inspired and accountable. It’s in these moments that I realize: the lowest points in our lives often hold the seeds of our greatest strength. They test our resilience and reveal our comeback power.
You are not weak. You are not lost. You are not empty.
I was always present—I just had to rediscover myself.
My future goal is to own my own gym. A space dedicated to those who have been told their illnesses, traumas, or past hurts would hold them back. I want to create a haven for people who feel defeated, showing them they can thrive in their fitness journey.
To anyone going through a low point: don’t see it as failure. See it as a setup for your comeback. Whether your outlet is the gym, journaling, meditation, reading, or affirmations—find your space, and let it guide you back to yourself.
Being weak is not an option. You can do this. You will get through this.
You will rise, and you will conquer.
