I made it through because I always make it through! I am resiliency personified. As I look back at a journal entry from June 2024, I am stunned by the growth. Tears well and fill my eyes because, holy moly, I can’t believe this is my life! This is the life God and I co-created this year.
It took me 41.5 years to see it—to truly see it. To realize that my name is more than 5 lil letters strung together; it’s a purposeful design, a call to more fully embrace the divine strength within me. Joval actually means ‘divine strength’ or ‘my faith in God is my strength’!
I haven’t realized how long it’s been since I’ve been moving so quickly. From nursing school to becoming a “CEO” and a full-time addictions registered nurse, I’ve been running non-stop for. But now, as I urge others to slow down, I ask myself, ‘Am I worthy of rest too?’ This journey of radical self-acceptance and positive affirmations has led me to understand that I am worthy—right now, in this very moment. Not when I’ve achieved more or done more, but as I am today. Join me as I explore this profound truth and embrace the invitation to rest at a 3 day silent retreat that I so desperately need.
“Hi, my name is Joval.” Now, I rarely share the name story at work with my clients because it feels too personal, so I repeat my name or I spell it for my clients. And each and every one of my clients—100%, 10/10, all of them have remembered my name and the correct, accurate, precise pronunciation. Not only do they remember my name, but they pronounce it correctly, too! There’s this special love that exists in this sacred space where I work. My clients see me, respect me, and even tell me they love me. This space has shown me the profound impact of embracing my identity and the power of a name.
Faith and Deeds What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save …
Unaddressed wounds don’t heal. If I cut my arm severely but don’t acknowledge it, it won’t heal, it’s get worse! And healing hurts. After I notice the wound, I have to clean it so it doesn’t get infected and it stings. Whether I apply pressure to stop the bleeding or clean it with alcohol, it’s gonna hurt. But the hurt doesn’t last forever. It’s temporary.
Joval. “Joval, like my parents Joel and Valerie.”
There’s misunderstanding. And then there’s this. Contempt. Disdain. Bias. Discrimination. Hatred rolls off their lips as they insist on mispronouncing my name.
For people who play too small, you will always be too much. Too sensitive. Too smart. Too bold. Too courageous. Too much of everything they think they aren’t, but simply don’t know they are. And it’s not your problem to correct. It’s not your concern. Your only concern is God. And in him, you are. You’re only concern is you. Not selfishly, but lovingly. Love your neighbors as yourself. Patiently and kindly.
First of all, let me say that I didn’t mean to lose 100 lbs. Whose goal is it to lose a hunnid pounds?! OK, probably …
