From Toxic Childhood to Breaking Generational Curses
Reflecting on my childhood, a myriad of memories flood my mind, each contributing to the person I am today. As imperfect as I am, I embrace my flaws, acknowledging them as stepping stones in my journey. My life may not align with societal ideals of glamour, but I find it extraordinary in its simplicity. Nestled in the countryside, my days unfold with my loving husband, two remarkable children, a playful dog, and the anticipation of adding chickens to our little homestead.
The extraordinariness of this life, a dream my inner child held but deemed unattainable, can only be attributed to one thing - God.
My childhood was a series of challenges, the complexities of which are hard to encapsulate in a few paragraphs. Born to a mother in the Navy, I came into this world through a one-night stand with my biological father, a fact she kept hidden. Later, pressures from my Catholic grandmother led her to marry a man, plunging us into a harrowing cycle of abuse and turmoil. The struggles persisted through my teenage years as my mom left that abusive husband for a woman. A massive life change that I was to accept and not ask questions about, followed by relentless bullying and my mother's battle with drug addiction.
College introduced me to yet another chapter of adversity – an abusive relationship that left scars, both visible and unseen. However, amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged. My escape from that toxic relationship opened the door to a chance encounter with my now-husband. Initially perceived as just another fleeting connection, he turned out to be the anchor that steadied my tumultuous life and guided me back to God. With newfound strength, I realigned my path, graduated with a degree in Criminology, and secured my dream job as a victim's advocate.
Life, however, had more tests in store. The sudden loss of my grandmother in 2017 sent shockwaves through my world. My mother, unable to cope, spiraled into a cocaine-fueled descent, prompting me to seek a three-year Protection from Abuse order against her. A painful decision, but one that seemed necessary for my safety and well-being.
As if fate had more challenges in store, a serious accident in the spring of 2018 left me physically compromised, forcing me to leave my dream job. The road to recovery was arduous, marked by therapeutic interventions and an unexpected shift to surviving on a single income. But emerge I did, discovering alternative ways of earning online.
Amidst these trials, a glimmer of light appeared in 2019 with the news of our first child, Jemma. Her arrival signaled a turning point, a moment of clarity where I recognized the importance of my role as a mother. She became my purpose, my driving force. They say having a boy first teaches you true love but that having a girl first is a call to maturity, and through Jemma, I learned to embrace adulthood. My husband demonstrated what true love looked like, and my daughter showed me how to navigate the complexities of being an adult.
Fast forward to 2022, and we find ourselves in South Carolina with a two-year-old Jemma and a new addition to the family, our son Henry. The scars of the past, the protection order against my mother, lingered for five years until an unexpected miracle occurred. God worked in mysterious ways, reconnecting my mother and me. She had conquered her addiction, maintained a stable life with her partner, and was genuinely on the path to redemption. Rebuilding our relationship took time, involving therapy, heartfelt conversations, and mutual understanding, but today, I can proudly say that my mother and I share a good relationship – a miracle I never envisioned.
Now, we've circled back to our roots in Pennsylvania, living on four acres, surrounded by both my side of the family and my husband's. Our home has become a sanctuary, and our family has embraced the Orthodox Christian faith. The blessings and hardships of this life weave a tapestry of growth, beauty, and resilience – all made possible only through God.
Against statistical odds, I defied the generational curses that plagued my family. Instead of succumbing to addiction and despair, I'm paving a new path for my children. Our home is devoid of the violence that scarred my childhood; instead, my children witness true love – in the quiet moments, they witness the slow dancing in the kitchen, the soft forehead kisses my husband blesses me with reminding me I’m safe, and the resolution of arguments with grace and respect.
Every day, I thank God for the trials I faced, as they led me to this point – a point where I am shaping a different future for my family.
And so, Myrrh-Bearing Millennial was born. As a millennial, born in '95, I deviate from societal standards, choosing instead to embrace traditional values, strong convictions, and a profound love for Christ. Through my journey into Orthodoxy, Saint Mary of Bethany, one of the myrrh-bearing women who brought oils to Christ's tomb, became my patron saint. My blog represents a departure from societal norms, providing a platform for Christian moms to find support, community, resources, and prayer.
From traditional values to religion, joyful motherhood, scratch cooking, homemaking, and a touch of entrepreneurship, Myrrh-Bearing Millennial aims to be a haven for Christian moms navigating the challenges of today's society. Join me on this journey as we break generational curses, heal our inner child, deepen our love for Christ, and discover the miracles that God is performing in our lives.
Welcome to Myrrh-Bearing Millennial, my beautiful sister in Christ. May this space be a source of inspiration, support, and transformation on your unique journey.
