Life has a way of slowing you down when you won’t do it yourself. And when it does, you have two choices: get bitter or get better.
I chose better.
This week, I want to share four life lessons, a total of 4 days. I’ve learned since the stroke. I’m fine now—Thank God. But I’m not the same. And honestly, I don’t want to be. Because through the pain, the fear, and the stillness, I found something deeper. I found clarity. I found purpose. I found God in a new way.
When you go through something life-altering, you have to take a step back and ask: “God, what are You trying to teach me?” Not “Why me?” but “What now?” Not “What did I lose?” but “What did I gain?”
Each day this week, I’ll be sharing one lesson that changed me from the inside out. These aren’t just words—they’re truths I live by now. They’re the kind of lessons that come from sitting still, listening to God, and letting Him show you who you REALLY are.
So, whether you’ve been through something hard, or you’re just trying to make sense of life’s curveballs, I hope these reflections speak to your heart. I hope they remind you that healing is possible, growth is real, and God never wastes a wound.
Come back tomorrow (( Monday)) for Lesson 1. I promise—these four you won’t want to miss.
I’ve always been the strong one. The one who never gets sick, who powers through life with grace. The last time I was in a hospital was in 1986—giving birth to my only child- daughter. Since then, I’ve caught a cold twice every couple of years. So, when I had a stroke, it didn’t just shake me—it shocked my entire circle. Family. Friends. Even me.
But God doesn’t miss. He doesn’t make mistakes. And in the aftermath of that storm, He gave me something beautiful: a apartment in downtown Detroit. Not just any apartment—surrounded by music, sports, and dog lovers. It’s perfect. It’s peaceful. It’s mine.
My family has wrapped me in love, making sure I have everything I need. And now, I’m ready. Ready to start making candles again. Ready to launch my YouTube channel and share my testimonies. Ready to turn this healing into purpose. I’m funny too.
But here’s the truth: the waiting is hard.
I’m in the middle of tying up loose ends, getting things in order. My needs are met, and I’m grateful. But I get lonely sometimes. I get tired of writing and reading. I want to create. I want to build. I want to pour my energy into something that brings me joy—and maybe a little income too. I want to start back making candles again.
I know my YouTube channel will take off. I feel it in my bones. I know the candles I make will light up more than homes—they’ll light up hearts. But right now, I don’t have the money to buy wax and supplies. And that “right now” feels heavy.
Still, I trust God’s timing. I know He’s aligning things behind the scenes. But I’m ready. I’m so ready. And sometimes, that readiness feels like restlessness.
This is Chapter Two. Chapter One was survival. Chapter Two is preparation. And Chapter Three? That’s the breakthrough.
Until then, I’ll keep writing. I’ll keep praying. I’ll keep believing. Because even in the waiting, I’m walking in purpose.
Five months ago, I woke up from an 11-day coma after suffering a stroke with a blood pressure of 310/138 and bleeding in my brain. But here’s the miracle—my face wasn’t twisted, I could walk, I could talk, and my speech was intact. After being in a coma, Doctors were coming in with at least 10 or more staring at me. I answered all the questions they had for me. I knew it was normal, but I didn’t know they were thinking, “how is she alive with Blood Pressure that high and no surgery in the brain?” And they were right. I was a miracle. I NEVER experienced any pain, not one time, not one day, not one minute. I could feel my feet, my legs, my hands, my face was intact, my speech was off because of the tubes that were down my throat, but it came back. I was confused at times, and my memory wasn’t all the way there. I knew I would gain it over time. But from the moment I opened my eyes, I knew something had shifted. I wasn’t mean, but I was assertive. I knew who I was, and I knew I was headed in a new direction.
I didn’t remember but, my sister told me while I was in the hospital that I told the doctors my birthday was 3/9 when it’s really 9/3. That moment still cracks me up—I can’t wait to tell that story on YouTube so y’all can see my face and what she did when I told her I DIDNT SAY THAT! 😂
As my memory was starting to return, I asked my family and friends to stay home and rest. I needed answers—not from people, but from God. I had questions. Deep ones. And every night after 11 PM, I stayed awake all night to talk to Jesus. It became a habit. A sacred one.
I asked Him, “How is it that I had a stroke and yet I’m not experiencing what others go through? Why am I feeling good, but nothing seems wrong?” And He answered me.
He reminded me of the six years I spent praying consistently, asking for more in life than just waking up, Door Dashing, eating, and going to sleep. I had been saying, “There’s more to life for me.” And He said, “You’re right. There is.”
Then He asked me, “Remember what you told Nesha when she asked what you wanted for Christmas?” I paused. Then it hit me—a tripod. I also told her that I needed another car mount so that i could record when I drive. I wanted it so I could start my YouTube channel without holding my phone. I had planned to do it, but fear held me back. I was scared to even go to the dentist for dental work. I was scared and nervous to make a video. But in that moment, He said, “You are FREE. Fear has left you.”
Instantly, I felt it. No fear. Just freedom. He told me that I was FREE AND FREE FROM FEAR. I knew then, that’s what I’m here to do. Communicate! He said you are not afraid to speak up for the truth. You are BOLD, and can get your point across, but I will show you how to tone it down. Because I WOKE UP AGGRESSIVE. MY FAMILY HAVE LOTS OF STORIES ABOUT THAT HOSPITAL STAY. LOL LOL LOL LOL But you get my point.
I knew then that I would start my YouTube channel this year. I had been nervous I’d forget my thoughts or quit because consistency is hard for me. But this time is different. By the time I left the hospital, I knew my assignment. We talked EVERY NIGHT, It was clear to me. And it felt good. I told my family everything, because when it happens, they will believe me. They could be witnesses of what God told me. To this day things are happening just as Jesus told me.
I prayed, “Lord, please don’t let me leave here and not do Your will.” I knew I had to use my communication skills and personality he gave me to draw people to Him. Going to work and coming home wasn’t enough. My personality is too big for that. I want more. I need more.
This is my season of clarity, purpose, and bold obedience. I’m walking in it.
I have so much to share.
Below are the text messages I sent my daughter* my only child* she knew immediately that I was having a stroke. She FT me and it was confirmed. She beat the EMS to my apartment. I Thank God for her fast thinking, they said things could have been differently.
Inside the mind of cree 