A Rising Remnant

Author: Latoya Shalon

  • Distractions

    Distractions

    Distractions are the enemy’s way of pulling us away from God

    Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭ESV

    “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
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    Lose Control

    This past week was kind of a tough one. While I’ve been allowing God to refine me and restore years of brokenness, I realized just how much I try to be in control. I know the freedom that comes with letting go and the safety in going to my Father with everything, even with the smallest of my emotions and laying it at His feet. Hebrews 4:15-16 He is not unable to sympathize with me; He understands because only He can bring comfort.

    Even with that knowledge and understanding, my mind stubbornly reverted back to its familiar patterns: to handle everything on my own. I was familiar with this approach and it has never gotten me any positive results; it only worsens the situation.

    So as Holy spirit guides me and shows me how to release control and trust God with everything even though it can be scary, I wanted to share what happened this past week. This walk is not supposed to be easy and though you may start out strong, you can become distracted along the way. This is a shorty testimony of how I’m learning to navigate through life with Christ while living in a world full of distractions.

    At the beginning of last week, I started to notice a shift in my normally upbeat spirit. Negative thoughts started to slowly flood in. I couldn’t seem to get a grip on them. I was lingering around in bed longer than what has been normal for me these days. My attempts to half-heartedly pray it away were only partially helping. I was fooling myself thinking I had it under control, when I wasn’t on top of studying or spending time reflecting and connecting with God. How arrogant of me to think just because I was growing spiritually, that I could slack off.

    The Enemy Is Always Lurking

    “The enemy is sneaky, he creeps up on you unexpectedly like a thief lurking in the night. When your guard is down, in your most vulnerable moment and when you least expect it, there he’ll be, waiting to led you away from safety and into despair.”

    Here I am with my backwards way of thinking like, now that I have Jesus, I’m gonna be blessed, I’m protected, I’m loved, everything is gonna start working out in my favor. I thought I’d just say a prayer and “voila” everything would be fine, unfortunately that’s not how it works. Not investigating where the negative thoughts were stemming from, caused them to spread like wildfire.

    I knew the moment I was at work one night, unable to contain my frustrations and emotions, it was happening again. Panic set in as if the worst thing in the world was happening. I began to pray, “Lord, forgive me for slacking in praying and spending time with you.” I realized I had started to lose focus. I wasn’t reflecting on all the ways God was changing me, how He had been moving in my life, the answered prayers I received.

    My mind was focused on things I wanted and how I didn’t yet have it. I wasn’t trusting God with everything. I started being less intentional about my 1 on 1 time with Him and my prayer life was suffering because of my lack of focus. I was not utilizing the people I had in my life for encouragement and I was slowly becoming a repeat offender.

    The Holy Spirit began to urge me to release it, because if I kept holding everything in I was only giving the enemy more of a foothold than what he already had. So I released my frustrations. Having someone who was able to encourage me and lift me up in prayer at that moment was what I needed. What the Holy Spirit was trying to show me was that there was a breakthrough attached to my obedience.

    Don’t Get Comfortable

    This past week truly revealed to me the importance of never letting myself get too comfortable. I need to always be ready for challenges and open to being stretched. God reached out to grab my attention, reminding me that I had begun to lose focus. If I wasn’t careful, I could easily find myself slipping backwards.

    I am extremely grateful to Him for helping me see what was happening and for guiding me to be obedient to the Holy Spirit. Had I ignored that gentle nudge, I could still be in the midst of this struggle and what was only meant to be a brief test might have stretched on longer than it was supposed to. Now, I understand how to pray during those moments when unsettling feelings arise. The more I grow spiritually, the clearer it becomes when I am about to face or am already in the midst of spiritual warfare.

    God’s Promises

    I hold fast to the promises of God that He’ll never leave me nor forsake me, even when I forsake Him in moments of doubt and uncertainty. His presence is a source of comfort, reminding me that no matter the distance I may feel, He is always near. When trials come, Romans 5:3-5, they only come to strengthen me and build my character, teaching me resilience and deepening my faith. Each challenge is an opportunity for growth, a chance to reflect on where He’s brought me from, and to emerge hopeful in His love and grace.

    Here are a few scriptures to help meditate on to help combat distractions

    1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will provide a way out so that you can endure it.’

    (God is faithful to provide resources to overcome temptation)

    1 Peter 5:8 “Be alert and have a sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”

    (Peter is warning us against spiritual complacency and the need to be watchful for distractions from the evil forces.)

    Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.”

    (It’s important to sit still and reflect to stay connected to God and overcome distractions.)

    2 Corinthians 4:18 “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

    (The glories of eternity far outweigh any earthly suffering)

    Hebrews 4:15-16 “For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted (knowing exactly how it feels to be human) in every respect as we are, yet without committing any sin

    (Because Jesus was tempted in every way just as we are yet without sin we can go to Him boldly and receive grace and mercy. He can help us in our times of need)

  • The Grudge Queen!

    The Grudge Queen!

    “The Scriptures Will Soften Your Heart If You Let It!”

    Ephesians 4:32

    “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.”

    The Struggle Of Unforgiveness Is Real!

    Can you relate? Have you ever tried to convince yourself that you were a forgiving person, only to come to terms with the reality that you really weren’t? I can, I truly believed I was a forgiving person. I was living life as normal as if I also wasn’t walking around with a heart full of offenses and resentment towards others.

    It became a normal practice for me to convince myself that I wasn’t offended anytime I was or that I didn’t harbor resentment. I didn’t want to admit I was bothered. One thing I’ve learned about us humans, we do not like anyone poking at our wounds that aren’t yet healed. We’d rather they be left alone; if they heal, they heal, and if they don’t, then they don’t.

    Quick Story Time

    About a month ago, I had a conviction. The Lord had me confront some unresolved feelings of resentment that I was convinced was no longer there. Not me, not Miss, “I know how to let go of things, because I’ve done the work on myself.” I bet God laughs at me sometimes.

    Last year I went to an old mentor of mine seeking advice. It was a real cry for help at the time and because I was at the beginning stages of my walk I went into the conversation expecting a co-signer. My ears were only tuned into what I wanted to hear. So offense took over quickly and had me feeling dismissed.

    Knowing that the Lord wanted me to let it go made me a little uneasy only because I felt justified in my feelings. Bitterness had taken root in my heart as I held onto the offense, making it harder to confront my feelings.

    I repented, prayed, and asked for forgiveness and after bringing the offense to my old mentor, making amends and much reflection on how I can sometimes be highly sensitive, expecting my feelings to be catered to and understanding that the offense was unintentional, my heart began to soften. Just like that, I felt light and free. This was just one of many times when the Lord had called me to reconcile with someone.

    Offense Manifests Into Unforgiveness

    When you’re unhealed it’s nearly impossible to understand the foundational principals of forgiveness or the immense relief you get once you release it to God. Take it from someone who knows about all the struggle.

    Offense can create resentment meaning that when you feel hurt, insulted or wronged, you have a tendency to develop feelings of anger, bitterness and ill will towards a person or situation that caused you harm. It makes it difficult to let go of the hurt and move towards forgiveness.

    Even hardening your heart towards God, because you’re closed off from any form of reasoning. It becomes hard for you to show your neighbor any grace. Conversations with you are like a volcano waiting to erupt, a person doesn’t know if the next thing they say will be the very thing that triggers you or not.

    When we feel offended, our emotional response is to create a barrier, preventing us from empathizing with the other person’s perspective. The lingering feelings of offense can lead to a cycle of negativity, where instead of healing, we find ourselves clinging to the pain and unable to forgive.

    Freedom In Letting Go!

    I’ve come to truly understand why forgiveness is so important. Before embracing Christ, I was indifferent to the idea of extending grace to others. If someone wronged me without remorse, I felt no obligation to forgive them or I just pretended I didn’t care.

    However, I soon realized that the energy spent harboring bitterness and resentment was extremely draining. Holding onto unforgiveness was robbing me of joy and peace, affecting the way I handled other relationships. It created an emotional wall, leaving me guarded, and others became innocent casualties of this internal conflict.

    You Can’t Do It On You Own

    Forgiveness, as I’ve learned in the Bible, starts with me recognizing my own need for forgiveness through Christ. In order for me to forgive, I first had to pray for the strength to let go of grudges, because let me be real for a moment, I was the Grudge Queen!

    I needed God to help me extend grace to those who had offended me. I reflected often and meditated on scriptures like Ephesians 4:32, which calls me to be kind and compassionate, while forgiving others just as Christ forgave me. I started to understand that it was important to confront issues head on, instead of suppressing my feelings and emotions.

    Studying passages such as Eph. 4:32 gave me the motivation I needed to start expressing my feelings honestly, but in love. I understood that forgiveness is a choice just like anything else in life.

    God won’t force you to forgive, but choosing to forgive, is an act of obedience to God, not just a feeling; it’s about letting go of the hurt in order to embrace healing, which creates a more sincere and lasting relationship with Him and with others.

    Be Intentional

    Forgiveness is ongoing because, let’s be honest, we’re human. We get triggered, and our emotions are real, but when you have a why for what you’re doing, it becomes more intentional for you.

    It gives you a motive to keep it up and think about your actions and behavior before you do them. The most dangerous place to be is in a place where you don’t care or you’re indifferent. The demonic is real, and the enemy thrives off of you making a home and settling in unforgiveness.

    Scriptures For Forgiveness:

    Ephesians 4:31-32 “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

    (Christ calls believers to rid ourselves of rage that keeps us at odds with one another or from creating unity and peace. Instead show kindness and compassion and being quick to forgive. Walking in the fruits of the Spirit and deny the flesh.)

    Colossians 3:13 “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

    (Help each other carry each other’s burden and release all resentment, bitterness and anger towards your neighbor)

    Proverbs 19:11 “A person’s wisdom yields patience, it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

    (A wise man or woman is not easily angered and understands that there is honor in forgiving rather than revenge.)

    Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

    (This is another favorite of mine, because it doesn’t mean God will bless whatever a person does. It means God gives believers the strength to do whatever he asks them to do! So if He is calling believers to let go of offenses and forgive, He WILL give you the strength to do it even though it’s extremely hard at times and we don’t want to release people sometimes. If you are sincere in your prayer while denying the flesh, He WILL do it for you, trust me! I’m a literal living testimony!)

  • The Lies We Believe: Overcoming Self-Doubt Through Faith

    The Lies We Believe: Overcoming Self-Doubt Through Faith

    “Trust in the Lord and He will direct your path. Trust in lies and it will lead you down a path of destruction.” — LT

    “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”— 2 Corinthians 10:5

    Lies always appear real until truth exposes them

    There was a time I believed so many lies disguised as truth.

    Lies that held me back from walking in freedom with Christ.

    Lies that robbed me of peace, joy, love, and true emotional stability.

    I thought if I could fix my circumstances, everything else would fall into place. But healing had to start within.

    How It Began…

    To be fair, I didn’t just wake up choosing to believe every negative thought. My upbringing and life experiences shaped my inner dialogue. I adopted beliefs like:

    I’m a disappointment.

    I’m not smart or good enough.

    People just tolerate me.

    No one truly wants me.

    I have to protect myself because no one else will.

    As a child, I didn’t have the words to express these feelings, but as I got older, I acted out in self-destructive ways.

    An Identity Crisis

    Years ago, I started what I called a “self-discovery journey.” I was determined to fix my life and rewire my thoughts. I consumed all the right content, and while some of it helped, I still felt empty. My peace was shallow. My joy didn’t last. And I was relying entirely on me.

    I believed in God, even accepted Jesus at a young age, but my heart was far from Him. I figured He probably didn’t want much to do with me anyway, so I handled my own problems. I thought I was in control.

    Influenced by self-help culture and society, I adopted a mindset of “protect yourself at all costs.” My thoughts, feelings, and emotions were my guide—God was barely in the picture. And that, right there, was one of the greatest lies I believed.

    Exposing the Lies

    I carried so much emotional baggage and had no clue where to lay it down. Rejection, insecurity, fear, confusion… I felt stuck. Despite everything I was learning, I was still:

    Afraid to take risks Constantly triggered and offended Struggling financially and emotionally Failing in relationships Entertaining suicidal thoughts Isolating myself from others

    I tried to fix everything myself and ended up in deeper pain. I didn’t realize I had opened spiritual doors by agreeing with lies and dabbling in practices that seemed harmless but gave the enemy access to my life.

    Finally… Some Relief

    Eventually, I began to feel a pull back to God. It was subtle at first, but I knew He was calling me. Every time I tried to lean in, something tried to pull me back into the shadows.

    Now I understand that the lies I had accepted were standing between me and God. I hadn’t repented. I hadn’t renounced the things I had opened my spirit to. I was still trying to be my own god.

    But when I finally surrendered and invited the true God of the Bible into my healing, everything changed.

    The Shift

    Once I stopped striving and started seeking, my eyes were opened. I realized I didn’t have to carry everything on my own. God’s promises weren’t just “church talk”—they were real.

    I traded self-help books for the Word of God. I started renewing my mind with truth instead of positive affirmations that left me empty. I began to recognize my sin, seek forgiveness, and ask God for strength. Was it easy? Not at all. But it was worth it.

    I had to:

    Let go of toxic relationships Stop feeding my flesh more than my spirit Replace lies with scripture Take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5)

    Now when fear, anxiety, or insecurity try to creep in, I speak the Word over my life. I’m still growing. I still fall. But I know where my help comes from now and I don’t walk this road alone anymore.

    Scriptures That Help Me Fight

    Fear — 2 Timothy 1:7

    “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

    (I say this when fear tries to stop me.)

    Anger — Ephesians 4:26–27

    “In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”

    (Especially helpful when I’m frustrated at work—I now vent to God instead of bottling it up.)

    Anxiety — Philippians 4:6–7

    “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God…”

    (I quote this when I feel overwhelmed.)

    Every trial, every heartbreak, every lie—I now see them as steps that led me here. And though I’m still becoming, I know this for sure: the narrow road is the only one I want to walk.



    Meta Description: Caught in a cycle of lies, fear, and self-reliance, I believed I had to carry it all. But God showed me the truth. This is my journey of healing, surrender, and renewed identity in Christ.

  • Welcome

    Why Listen to Me?

    You might be wondering… why should you listen to anything I have to say?

    Truth is, you don’t have to. I’m nobody special. Just a small-town girl from Newton, Mississippi, who finally decided to take Jesus seriously.

    I’ve had my fair share of trouble, starting way back in childhood and following me into adulthood. I’ve been through homelessness, heartbreak, and deep hopelessness. I’ve battled suicidal thoughts, depression, and loss.

    I’ve known love and what I thought was love. Happiness and what I thought was happiness. I’ve walked through sexual trauma, emotional trauma, rejection, abandonment, and the kind of grief that makes you question everything.

    So no, my life hasn’t been glamorous. And to be honest, it still isn’t. But at 36 years old, in 2025, I’ve found something worth more than anything money could buy:

    Real change.

    Not the kind of change that just makes your life look better on the outside, but the kind that transforms your mind, your heart, and your soul. The kind only God can bring.

    Looking back, I’m in awe of how much trauma once controlled my life, my thoughts, my choices, my identity. And now, I’m in awe of how miraculous God’s healing really is. I had no idea I could experience the deep, intimate, intricate love of the Father. I didn’t know that building a relationship with Him would be the key to finally improving my mental and emotional health.

    If you’d told me five years ago that I’d be in the best state of mind I’ve ever been in… I wouldn’t have believed you.

    The mind is a powerful tool. If used the wrong way, it’ll lead you into destruction. But used God’s way? It can open your eyes to hope and a future you never thought you deserved.

    So again… why listen to me?

    You don’t have to. But if any part of my story sounds like yours—if you resonate with even one line—I’d love to build a community with you. A place where we can talk real talk about healing, trauma, faith, and hope. A place where you can be honest, even if you’re still figuring things out.

    I’m just a country girl who finally gave Jesus a real try.

    And this is just a blog about healing, God’s way.

    So let’s walk this out together.

    He’s not finished with me yet. And He’s not finished with you either. 💛