Whether we admit it or not, we like hearing stories about those who have overcome obstacles like pain and hardship. Despite those trials they can find a way to turn their suffering into a way to encourage others. Toyna Davis, author of, "Rags To Glory, Everybody Has A Story," exemplifies that ideal within her book.
I asked Ms. Davis about her inspiration for writing the book. As a survivor and a servant of Christ, she felt that it was her responsibility to share her experiences so that others may see it is possible to believe in yourself no matter you are facing.
As we continued with our conversation, she started to recite some of the poetry that was highlighted in the book. Here are a few lines that resonated with me.
“Beautiful, charming, weak, fragile soul
Me, myself and I
Solid as a rock
Needing approval, not receiving.”
It was powerful hearing her put a voice to the pain from which those words were fashioned.
At an early age, Toyna was sexually and verbally abused. Though she experienced this trauma as a child, Toyna saw the significance of that event and recognized the lesson as an adult: She is still here because of God’s miracle working power.
Toyna’s journey towards healing happened in a peculiar place; she was sentenced to thirteen months in a minimum security prison seven states away from home. Initially, Toyna was upset because she felt she was accused falsely, however she came to realize that the isolation was necessary. The time away from everything she was familiar with helped to shape her into the woman she is today.
FEATURE
TOYNA DAVIS: FROM RAGS TO GLORY, EVERYBODY HAS A STORY
by Carol C. Bailey