FIERCE.

Let me tell you about this girl right here. She is FIERCE (just a nicer word for 'badass' which it what I really want to say but don't want to curse LOL). Here's why:

Not only is she beautiful, but super smart like her Daddy. At only 27 years old, she has already accomplished more than I have in a lifetime. She has three degrees. She has been a teacher, a model, a private tutor, a copyeditor and worked in marketing. She juggles her work calendar and social calendar like a boss. She has traveled to Paris, London, Mexico, the Caribbean, and been all over the US for work, play and mission trips. She volunteers with and supports a variety of causes in her area (Atlanta). What's so special about all that? Sounds like a lot of millennials you know? Well, this is what makes her FIERCE: She does this while fighting clinical depression.

There. I said it. As a mother watching her struggle for the past 8 years with this illness, I just wanted to cover it up, fix it, make it go away by not talking about it. But she has no problem talking about it publicly. And that is another reason she is FIERCE. She uses her fight to help others with the same diagnosis. She opens her heart, door and phone to ANYONE who needs a shoulder to lean on. She understands their struggles and loneliness and hopelessness. She knows the right words to say and not to say. She has taken this affliction and used it for good, helping others to know that they are not alone and that it can be managed.

She has a solid group of family and friends who have stood by her and I want to thank them all for their support, patience and prayers. Some of her friends I have never met, but she speaks of them all with love and gratitude. It's this support system that has continued to mold her into the strong and beautiful person she is today. So THANK YOU.

Even with all this on her plate, she continues to move forward and live a full and rewarding life. If you know someone with depression, you know that any major life change is usually a challenge. But next week, this young lady is taking the bull by the horns, moving across the country AND starting a new job. Wow. That's a big step for anyone, but for someone with depression/anxiety, this is a major hurdle. One that she has made the decision to CRUSH! Again, FIERCE. She's checking off things on her to-do list daily.  She will be rooming with a dear friend (of hers AND mine!)who is already in Los Angeles preparing the way for her arrival. She already knows what church she is going to attend there. She's excited to start a new job with a great company that she has done contract work with in the past. She's making the rounds of family and friends, saying her goodbyes.

Of course, as her mother, I don't want her living that far away. My personal fear and worry for her is only normal, but by leaning on the Lord I know I will be fine. I am really excited for her new adventure, new job and the new friends she will make in California. Heck, I would do it if I were in her shoes! You can bet I will be going to visit in the coming months. And if it doesn't work out, I have no problem with her coming back to the south LOL. But I feel sure she's got this handled. Her determination and drive are unstoppable. FIERCE.

Can I ask a favor of you? Can I ask you to pray for her? I would love for her to be showered with prayers over this next phase of her life. For her moving preparations to go smoothly. For safe travels as she drives across country with a friend next week. For a great place to live and an easy commute to work. For low anxiety and positive energy. And peace for John and I as we send her off on this adventure. God's got this. And she does too.

FIERCE.

I love her. Can you tell?