From Oakland to Utah, From CEO to inmate

I was new to this. Jail was so far outside of my scope. Never did I think this would happen, and in Utah, a small city with a population of 2,000. Just a day after getting out of the hospital, nearly dying of a heart attack at age 30!

But what God won’t do is let the enemy kill me. Everyone told me not to go. My therapist said, “Do not take your baby out there; I think the family may be racist, it won’t be safe.” Blinded by love and desperate for escape, in the midst of postpartum depression, like a fool, I went.

The whole way, I was sick, like someone had drugged me. I was vomiting, shaking, about to die! This fool told me there were no nearby hospitals. I knew I wasn’t myself because I couldn’t even smoke or roll a blunt. The only other time I couldn’t do that was during childbirth. In severe pain, I wasn’t right. He told me when we got to our destination, he’d take me to the hospital. Then he tried to feed me In-N-Out Burger, which is my absolute favorite. I couldn’t eat it without vomiting.

Fast forward to jail. I entered the holding cell. It’s so real when the gates slam. I saw this woman. We’ll call her Green. She had cuts all over herself and looked scary. My first thought was, I hope she doesn’t try me. I immediately went to sleep; I had been sleep-deprived as a new mom, business owner, wife, and dog caregiver. I had been overextended for some time now.

I slept for 12 hours for the first time in years. I awoke to my nightmare. I realized my reality quickly. I thought surely he’d come get me and drop the charges. That never happened.

But I met a rainbow in jail, praise God. He will always send someone for His people. One thing about God, He’ll never leave you alone. The woman I had presumed scary became my saving grace. She got me through the first two days, but the third day broke me. Another blog.

She taught me everything about jail. Her story I’ll tell later because this woman is destined to be found. I am coming for you, literally, baby. Your story. I pray you’re still alive, and if so, then I got you.

As a business owner, I made promises to this woman. But when I got out, I wasn’t a businesswoman, and she weighed heavy on my heart. Through every homeless night, her spirit not only got me through jail but through my worst test of survival.

Green, I’m coming for you and your three kids. A weakness I shouldn’t share but I will is kids. As a former foster youth, kids have a special hold on me because they’re so innocent, so pure. They don’t ask to be here. And yet we have these kids, and some of you parents don’t protect the very person that shares your DNA!

Don’t forget to follow my Instagram and comment on the videos I’ve created to accompany these stories. I’ve carefully selected music to match what’s happening, so pay attention. Through my book, I’m telling you a story and painting you a picture. With my Instagram, I’m bringing that story to life. My audio podcast read-alongs are coming soon to complete the experience!