Shine Now! Mag July 2016 Shine Now! Mag July Volume 1 Issue 2 | Page 21

Romans 8:35 and 39 states, “Who shall separate us from
the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution
or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all
these things we are more than conquerors through him
who loved us.” (NIV)
Our authenticity distinguishes us from non-believers.
Allowing others to define us destroys our spirit. We become
empty and hopeless. We must strive for Christ, even if we
have to do it alone. He is always with us.
LaToya’s road to recovery was not easy. She dealt with the
stigma of being a survivor in the public. She states, “Now
you become the topic of everyone’s conversations. They do
not look at you the same. They don’t want to stress you out
so they don’t involve you in things.”
It was depressing for her not to be active. She felt like a
disappoint. But, she took the time to heal. Today, she an
activist for suicide prevention. She speaks all over the
country sharing her story.
Her advice to others, “Don’t feel bad if your loved ones
can’t help you. Keep seeking advice and support. You will
make it through. Be still and know that God has you.”
LaToya changed her life with the following steps:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Value who you are. Accept your uniqueness. Do not seek
validation from anyone else.
Accept your family. Regardless of the differences, love
them as they are.
Be transparent. You are a suicide survivor.
Share your story with others. It connects you to the right
people. You can bless someone else.
Pray for Christ-centered connections. Surround yourself
with spirit-filled friends.

She states, “You are not here to save everybody. You have
to let them go.” Visit her website www.LaToyaRose.com

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