Stories EX-POSED

I was reading the scripture in 2 Samuel 13: 1-19, where the story of Tamar was told. She was the daughter of King David, and sister of Absalom and she had a half-brother named, Amon. According to the story, Amon had developed lustful feelings for his half-sister and it eventually led to betrayal and rape.

As I continued to read how Tamar’s story unfolded, I was in such disbelief at how it ended. In 2 Samuel 13:15-19, it states, “Then Amnon hated her with intense hatred. In fact, he hated her more than he had loved her. Amnon said to her, “Get up and get out!” “No!” she said to him. “Sending me away would be a greater wrong than what you have already...

There are many things in life that I have grown to appreciate. Without them, I'm sure that I would find myself in some frustrating situations. Yes, I do enjoy my technical gadgets, but that's not what I'm referring to at this time

I'm thinking of warning signs. You know, like the road signs that say, "warning construction ahead." Or, what about the warning signs on prescription medication? I appreciate the warning label that states you can take the pills with or without food.

Over the last year, I've experienced a few feelings that I didn't initially pick up as dangerous, but realized over a period; those feelings were causing harmful side effects. I thought that I would take out time and w...

There are times in life when you don’t know what to do, when you don’t have anyone to talk to, and when you don’t know which way to go. It’s during these times when you must go to the Father and sit in his presence and allow him to speak to you about what he has for you to do. Many times, we are in such a rush to do what we want to do, that we fell to talk to God about whether or not it’s what he wants for us. We have to learn to take time to be in God’s presence, understand and accept that it may take a while for him to speak, but if we stay in his presence long enough, he will eventually lead us to where we need to be. Stop trying to do it on your ow...

I had the privilege of working with Christina, and she is someone that I thought you had to meet. She is creative and has the heart for helping others. Oh, let me tell you that she is oh so creative and comes up with the coolest ideas.

I thought it would be fun for you to read about her latest project. It is a reminder to each one of us to overcome any fears we have and pursue our passion.

God is with us and faithful to guide our steps!

Imani Daniel (left) and Christina McSwain (right) - Tale of 2 Thrifties

We are Imani and Chris, best friends turned business partners. We are haute hunters. Thrifter sisters. Curators of pre-loved pieces. We're the girls that make defining style moments happ...

Do you know anyone that’s experienced a traumatic event in his/her life? Or, maybe…you have? Often, I am surprised when I share my traumatic childhood experience with others and I discover that, after listening to their stories, they have suffered some type of trauma as well. Often, the person I’m speaking with is unaware of what causes trauma. Here are a few common sources of trauma:

• Rape
• Domestic violence
• Natural disasters
• Severe illness or injury
• The death of a loved one
• Witnessing an act of violence

Some of the emotional symptoms I had to work through were denial, anger, low self-worth, sadness and emotional outbursts. There would...

Have you ever been in a situation that was messy? I mean the kind of mess that leaves you feeling uncertain about how to move forward, it leaves you with a vague view of what your future holds. The kind of situation that left you puzzled and asking yourself, "How did I get in this situation?"

If you have, I am sure you will be able to relate to my story. If you have not, keep walking through life and reach out to me if you find yourself in a messy situation. I will be that girl saying, "Yeah, I understand" as you share your story with me.

Imagine a woman who was successful in her career, had loving friends, and family around her but whose heart, filled with a bunch of mess.

I read in Fact...

I love reading stories in the Bible and seeing how God uses those same stories to show us how our lives are not too different. In fact, when faced with challenges, the Bible gives us the answer to our problems and we can learn from those that have already experienced what we are going through. How cool is that?

I was reading Jonah 2:1-10 one morning and I could clearly see how Jonah and I had something in common. No, I did not get trapped in the belly of a whale, but I have had my share of situations that had me feeling trapped and left wondering will I get out of this situation? How can I get out of this? I wondered if God could heal me from the brokenness that had me trapped and hurt?

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I previously shared that my husband and I wanted to start a blog so we could share our stories, the stories of others, and provide hope to those in need of it. I know firsthand what it’s like to be in a dark place and be desperate for hope. I was that child, teenager, and a young woman who desperately needed it throughout my life. At a young age, I was the victim of childhood sexual abuse.

I buried my secret for years until I was at a period in my life where I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I carried around guilt and shame because of it. I can remember lying on my apartment floor as an adult weeping because I felt like I was at the lowest point in my life. Typically, ...

Have you ever had an encounter with someone at just the right time in your life and it changed everything?

Well, that happened to me this year. I will never forget my encounter with a man that I met who left a positive impression on me. In fact, I do not remember his name, but I will never forget his kindness and compassion towards me at one of the roughest moments of my life. You see, I walked in his office, and he did something that surprised me from the start of our conversation. He listened! Yep, he had every reason to take over the conversation and tell me what he thought but instead he listened.

I did not share it with him at the time, but the moment he displayed to me that he ca...