Hey “God’Sip and Tea” family,

​Today, I want to share something deeply personal, a journey that has been both incredibly challenging and profoundly healing. It’s about a part of myself that was wounded for a long time, but which God is now resurrecting for His glory: my Puerto Rican heritage.

​For years, that label “Puerto Rican” carried a heavy weight of pain. My earliest associations with my culture were intertwined with abuse from my mother, abandonment from my fathers, the trauma of sexual abuse by an uncle and a strangers, and the constant exploitation by “friends” and even social workers who claimed kinship purely based on our shared background. It felt like this beautiful piece of my identity had been tainted, used, and twisted into a source of deep hurt.

​It created a profound disconnect within me. As a Christian, I believe wholeheartedly that I am wonderfully and wholly made in God’s image. Every part of me, every thread of my being, is intentional and important. Yet, there was this significant piece – my heritage, my language, my cultural worship, my very roots – that felt like a source of shame and pain, rather than a gift from God. How could I be whole if such a vital part of me was fractured?

​But thanks be to God, healing has come. Through His grace, I’ve walked the long road of forgiveness, letting go of the bitterness and pain that once held me captive. And now, as I stand on the other side of that healing, a new and exciting calling is emerging.

​I’ve realized that this “piece of me” – my Puerto Rican side – isn’t just important; it’s essential for my complete wholeness. And more than that, it’s a powerful tool for building God’s Kingdom.

​Embracing My Whole Self

​My journey now is about intentionally embracing every facet of my heritage: my language, my worship, my gospel music in my native tongue, all of it. This isn’t just a cultural exploration; it’s an act of faith, a declaration that God redeems all things. It’s about taking what the enemy meant for evil and turning it into something beautiful for His purpose.

​I’m excited to learn how to harness this dynamic of my life – the very experiences that once brought me so much pain – and apply them to the Lord’s ministry. Imagine the power of sharing the Gospel, of offering comfort, of building bridges, with the authentic voice and heart of someone who understands deep pain and profound healing.

​This isn’t just about me. It’s about demonstrating God’s restorative power. It’s about showing that no wound is too deep, no disconnect too vast, for Him to mend and integrate into a beautiful tapestry of purpose. When I fully embrace my Puerto Rican side in my worship and my service, I believe I will truly be made whole, not just for myself, but as a vessel for His love.

​Join Me On This Journey

​This is an ongoing journey, and I invite you to walk with me as I explore what it means to truly integrate every part of God’s wonderful creation within me. I’ll be sharing more about how I’m doing this – from seeking out Spanish-language worship to connecting with communities that celebrate this heritage in Christ.

​What about you? What “pieces” of yourself are you learning to embrace for God’s Kingdom? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

​In His Grace