My Testimony: "Trusting... Through it all"

Coach La La V
Aug 23, 2015
4 min read

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To say the year 2015 has been a whirlwind for me would be an understatement. This is the year I officially started working for myself, which entailed pursuing personal training full time and also the year I experienced a traumatizing situation with the unexpected death of my father due to obesity.

I am a BIG believer in the saying, “everything happens for a reason”. God makes no mistakes, and I do not think it was a coincidence that I joined One Body Dance Company this year as a form of ministry. One Body Dance Company is group of individuals brought together under one purpose, the purpose of ministry and union. Each month, One Body Dance Company releases a testimony specific to a member as a form of praise. Every testimony, performed by the group, symbolizes the obstacles and triumphs one may go through, and this month, I share my unique testimony with the world as a step for recognizing my life, where I’ve been, and where I am bound to go.

The death of my father remains in my memory like a vivid dream. I remember it as if it happened yesterday. It was February, One Body Dance Company’s second month of practice, and we all orchestrated which month each of us wanted to release our testimony. I picked July since it was my birthday month, but had no idea what my testimony would be. Shortly after this decision, my father passed away. I came into practice asking for prayers and continued to dance. Some may have thought that it was weird, but for me, dancing was my outlet and therapy at the time. It helped me unwind from the hectic grieving process.

My piece "Trusting... through it all" was an arduous and daunting task. I’ll admit, I am very uncomfortable with opening up and letting people see my emotions when I am hurt or in pain. I have always tried to “keep it pushing” and look on the bright side even when I know I didn’t want to. Every day I was pushed by the visionary Amber and April to dig deeper, to let go, and to be organic. They reassured me that it was okay to cry even though I did it behind closed doors. I knew something was holding my piece back and it was me. I had to have vulnerability, emotions, and dependence on others to help me get through my testimony. I had to keep faith, let go and let god.

Although I am still working through the many emotions my father’s death has caused, I immediately knew I wanted my testimony to be about the process I went through and is still going through so it can hopefully help others. My testimony depicts my struggle, triumph and the emotions during this time. If I did not start working on my relationship with God, about a year and a half ago, who knows how I would have handled my dad’s death. At first it was business as usual to get done what needed to get done and to make sure all my ducks were in a row for the funeral. Initially I was in shock, numb, and just in a daze. When the first holiday arrived without his presence, I felt angry, frustrated, selfish and then bad about feeling angry (my flesh side), but I knew he was in a better place; my dad was back at home with HIM ,and I should be okay about it (my spiritual side).

Speaking the truth, I have not been myself, and although I may not feel like doing anything, I always found my spirits lifted every Wednesday by being able to do the one thing I love, dance. Having the support of my One Body Sisters along with the love and support of my family and friends,Things have been improving. I full heartedly keep the word of the Lord in my heart and mind, and I will have victory “After This.” There have been days that if I did not have the physical presence of family and friends, I could feel the presence of God giving me comfort. It’s like He takes my pain away.

Other than the loss of my dad, I feel like everything else in my life has INCREASED!!! My god has given me purpose, a companion, and my career. This event in my life has driven me more to fulfill my purpose in life and to continue on the path God has designed for me.

I hope you enjoy this piece. It is my journey, and I am proud to share it with all of you.