STOP RUNNING FROM YOUR GIFT!

Let’s use my life as an example—an invitation for you to reflect on your own past and present concerning your gift.

Growing up, my mother used to tell me stories from when I was in preschool—how I would get in trouble for running to comfort or help other children who were crying. The teacher often wrote notes home saying she had warned me repeatedly about leaving my desk or even the classroom to help others in need. But nothing could stop me.

By third grade, I had a close friend I’ll call “Daisy.” One afternoon, while we were playing in my room as usual, she looked at me with a sad expression and said, “I want to tell you something, but I’m scared.” I begged her to tell me because I could see she was hurting deeply. With her head bowed, she whispered that her father had been touching and molesting her since she was five years old. Mind you, we were only eight or nine.

We both cried, and I told her she couldn’t go back home. I promised that I would help her. So, I grabbed the yellow pages and looked up places that could help abused children. (Did I mention I was only eight or nine years old? LOL.) I found a place called The Bridge for Homeless Youth, called them, and explained the situation. They asked to speak with an adult, so I told my mom everything. My mother called them back, and they said, “Bring her in.” We dropped Daisy off that day—and that was the beginning of my gift.

As the years went by, I noticed that everyone came to me with their problems—in junior high, high school, and beyond. Honestly, it became overwhelming. I was always there for others, but rarely did anyone show up for me. I didn’t understand why I had become everyone’s sounding board.

Eventually, I started running from my gift. I just wanted normal conversations—free from the emotional weight of being everyone’s counselor. I remember my Aunt Anita saying, “La-La, stop saying you don’t want to be around people or make new friends. One day you’ll see that this is a gift God has given you.” But I didn’t want to hear it.

Regardless of where I went—church, the club, the grocery store, anywhere—people would open up to me. Strangers would say, “There’s just something about you that makes me feel comfortable,” or “I don’t know why, but I trust you with my deepest secrets.”

So even though I thought I was running, I wasn’t. Because I still listened. My heart was still invested in helping people.

Later, I opened a modeling agency with the goal of teaching people how to walk the runway and build confidence. Surely this would be different, right?

Wrong!

I became “Dear Abby” to every model—beautiful, fit, and glamorous on the outside but struggling with low self-esteem and deep insecurities within. At that point, I realized I couldn’t run from what was inside me. I was created for this. Still, you couldn’t have convinced me of that back then.

I tried everything to escape my gift. You name it, I tried it. I was, as the saying goes, “a jack of all trades and master of none”—or so I thought.

I’ve always had a strong desire to be in the Lord’s presence. (At one point, I even wanted to be a nun—true story!) Eventually, I sat myself down and said, “Self, you can either keep running from what God is calling you to do, or you can keep running into brick walls.”

I thought I had a choice, so I kept trying other things. Silly me. Nothing worked. This went on for years.

Then I met my now husband—a man of God who drew out everything that was already within me: my deep relationship with the Lord, my love for church, my passion for the Word, my sense of worth, and, most importantly, my true gift.

There’s nothing like finding your soulmate—the one who will carry you on his back to the feet of Jesus.

Through him, I was encouraged, counseled, loved unconditionally, and reminded that we were walking this journey together. His presence reignited all the things I had placed on the back burner—the very things that truly mattered.

And for the first time, I was on the other side of the healing process. With him, I wasn’t the counselor; I was the one being cared for, heard, and healed. What a breath of fresh air.

That’s when I realized what God had been doing all along. No matter where I went, what I tried, or how much I resisted, my gift was woven into everything I did—because it was a part of me. I used to cry, “But what about me?” and God gently showed me that what’s in you can never be removed. You cannot escape what’s meant to be.

I can’t end this story without sharing how I finally stepped fully into my calling. I began reading my Bible daily—even when it was hard to retain the words. I prayed sincerely, letting God know this wasn’t lip service—I was all in.

Then something amazing happened: I started noticing changes in myself that I knew could only come from Him.

For those who know Dr. La, you know I’ve never been a public speaker. I’m actually quite shy (hard to believe, but true!). I never wanted to be center stage in any part of life. But after pressing into God’s Word, He began testing me.

The first test was launching H.O.P.E. 4 Marriages & Singles, a ministry that placed me in front of people. The second came when my pastor began calling me up to pray or speak before the congregation. And there were more.

For years, I had no problem saying “no.” But now, I choose obedience—and every closed door has opened.

Sometimes what we think we’re called to do isn’t what God has planned. There’s no way I would’ve ever imagined standing before people as part of my ministry. But God knows best—and I’m so thankful He saved me from myself.

Today, I walk fully in the gift God has given me, without ever asking, “What about me?” I’ve learned a powerful lesson through all that running: I can’t imagine how many people I might have helped sooner if I hadn’t been focused on myself.

Now, there’s no greater feeling than hearing my clients say they’re truly blessed to have found me, that their lives are changing for the better. But I always remind them—it isn’t me changing you; it’s God working through me.

All the praise belongs to Him.

I’ve never felt more complete or sure of my purpose. My work is rewarding because it reflects exactly who I am: a child of God and a counselor to the hurting.

Remember when I said, “I’m a jack of all trades and master of none”?Well, I now know I’m a jack of all trades—and a master of one:A counselor for God’s temporarily broken.

Lastly, if you don’t yet know what your gift is, pray.If you’ve been running from the inevitable, stop.Walk in your true gift—without fear, doubt, or complaint.

God knows best. And if we just listen, we’ll finally find true happiness and inner peace.

I hope my story encourages you. As always, I’ll continue to be transparent.

God bless.