For months, I’ve seen Absa’s billboard proclaiming, “YOUR STORY MATTERS.” It’s a marketing strategy, yet its message resonates deeply with me. I believe it’s a sign from God, reminding me:

“Karabo, your story matters.”

I recently told Tumi Sole, who shared his story beautifully, this same phrase. It made me wonder: What if I extended that same compassion to myself? What if I believed my story mattered too?

Have you ever considered the impact of extending compassion to yourself and recognising the value of your own story?

My story is one of love and pain, joy and grief, healing and trauma, light and darkness, liberty and captivity. It is a story about God and His goodness.

When we keep God at the center of our lives, He lifts our burdens. That’s the big idea.

My life started rough, like many others. But I have witnessed God restore what I thought was lost. This conviction drives my personal and spiritual work. Having seen what God can do, I am inspired to encourage others to believe in the same truth.

That’s the work.

We have the greatest chain-breaker in our midst. Why not rely on Him to break the generational cycles that hinder our flourishing and prevent us from experiencing joy and gentleness in our families?

Some days, I feel chained by trauma. Triggers make me react in ways that sabotage my peace and relationships. My complex past haunts me, but I am grateful for access to God and scripture as the foundation of my healing, especially emotional healing.

Are you aware of the ways trauma comes to haunt you?

Emotions are essential for survival, decision-making, relationships, motivation, well-being, and personal growth. Trauma profoundly impacts emotions, but with appropriate work, healing is possible.

How do you navigate your emotions, and what steps have you taken towards healing?

No one heals quite like God.

Through a steadfast relationship with God, I was led to therapy, and my life has never been the same. This journey fuels my desire to encourage others to walk a similar path, one that has been pivotal for me.

I am past seeking sympathy. Victimhood was once my survival mode, but Hebrews 12 spoke to me:

“12 Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.”

I share my pain openly because vulnerability is my superpower. Some parts are painful, and I cry about them, but healing is messy, and I embrace it.

Sharing my story is how I make straight paths for healing’s sake.

I pray that we can continue this journey together.