Motherly Love: As a single mom, raising 4 kids, there were only a few things that were really important to me. I had to make sure that I went to work, paid all of the bills, put food on the table and checked 4 folders full of homework each night. Everything that I did was for the good of the order of our household. But real life still happened.
Getting Emotional: It was not until I found myself crying on the floor, (with a nine year old hand rubbing my back, telling me that everything was going to be alright), that I realized something: If I’m not okay, then my kids will not be okay. It was rough, but I had to work hard staying focused on being mom, teacher, caregiver. Also, I had to be fund raiser, basketball cheerleader, and taxi person. It seemed that as long as I assumed those roles, everything was up to appearances. But when I tried to free myself from the grind and express who I was, I was met with a surprise. I did not know how to operate outside of those titles without running into walls. Why was it so hard for me to sing, recite, speak, express…. to release things that had been welling up inside of me for years?
But Now: This blog is an opportunity for me to speak about how I have felt and express some of the things that have always been there. It is time to get some things out! God has actually allowed me to understand and acknowledge that sometimes past experiences shape us negatively or stunt and stifle our growth. But His healing can clear our minds. His healing frees us to get the troubling things off of our chests and lets us exhale as we head towards our futures.
Michelle Burks Hogan
I am originally from Brooklyn, NY and became a Virginia resident after graduating from Howard University in Washington, DC.
I wish that I could live in a world where people laughed, loved and dreamed more, but reality has wiped away some smiles. I try to defy that and keep a cheerful, happy glow at all times. I take this positive attitude with me in my position as an elementary educator for a Virginia public school system. Because of the love I have for my “professional ministry”, I have been revered for the nurturing relationships that I form with all of my students.
I have been writing things down since I was in my teens and it naturally became the way that I expressed myself and worked through my feelings. I love to sing and travel as well and I often express myself through these mediums as well. Along with being “Mommy” to my four grown kids, I am often found watching Jeopardy or some mysterious, action packed detective show. But most of all, I love the Lord and I value the importance of connecting to His word every day!
CONVERSATIONAL PEACE 
I LOVE IT!!! When we realize who we really are through God revealing himself to us, then we’re at FREE. I love you. Let’s continue to grow❤️
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Hey Mi… Thanks and I love you too!!
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts and bringing forth some Light! Rejoicing in the Lord right now for all the Beautiful Sisters in Christ who are shining their light in this dark and difficult time. We know Who our help comes from.
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Yes Cuz! Thanks so much for your kind words!!
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You are beautiful and your words are relevant to so many of us! Can’t wait to read more!
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Thanks Lisa! More is coming!!
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Michelle,
I am so excited about what Almighty God is doing with you and in the liberation, freedom, encouragement, and information expressed through your writings. You, being transparent and candor, will be used as an instrument to bring many to know their predestine, purpose, and plan for their lives originally designed by God’s love, joy, and fulfillment in Christ Jesus. Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning. “For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (Amplified Bible). I love you my dear sister and so appreciate your life. This has blessed me. Thank you for sharing.
Great Grace be upon you and your family,
3 John 2
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Deloris,
Your words of encouragement are GOLD!! Thanks so much for taking the time and I thank God that there is so much more to come! Love you too Sis!!
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Michelle this is nice and needed. We are living in a time that people are looking for encouragement, enlightenment and empowerment! I pray God grants you all the success you desire and deserve!!
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Thanks BD!! LOL!!
Your prayers for this journey are needed and welcomed.
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You know you always had dad in your corner and i wouldn’t let anything hurt my daughter.
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Thanks Dad! We have all been through a lot to get where we are today!!
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I am the woman I am today because of you!!! I love you ❤️
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Love you too daughter!! I’m so glad that I did some things right!!
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Beautiful and inspirational Michelle! Thanks for sharing.
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Hey Kenya! Thanks friend. More to come!
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🥰🥰 Yes! EXPRESS YOURSELF! Your healing can and will inspire others’ healing process. I’ve ALWAYS admired your grace and ability to coach us through our feelings all while remaining true to yourself. I am super proud of you as a person; as a mother; as a daughter; as an aunt and everything in between! We all are!
I can’t wait to read future posts 🤗
Love you!!!!
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Hey Neicey!! Thank you so much! Love you too sweetie. More is coming…
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Michelle, wow…thank you for you transparency. Your being vulnerable is like a balm that will heal so many souls. God has invited you to join Him in a very special work. Keep writing! Keep encouraging. Keep giving hope.
I am so proud of you for taking this step of faith.
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Thanks so much “Roomie”! You are very supportive and a great role model to help me get started!!
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Shelly….this is awesome! I just love your honesty and transparency. It’s all so relatable and I can’t wait to read more!
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Thank you so much Brenda! This life thing is no joke, especially after these kids come along. I know that you know that all to well. I’m just trying to stay positive and lead with my head up. More to come….
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Love this!!!!! So happy for you and looking forward to everything you will be sharing!!!
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Hey Reesie…. Thanks so much and I can’t wait to share your works as well!!
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There is something that happens internally when we step out of our comfort zones and share our thoughts, ideas, aspirations or dreams with the world. It’s called transformation. This is your purpose and now you have been placed here in this moment to transform the lives of others! I am proud of you and your courage to be yourself and share pieces of yourself with the world! Love you!!!
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OMG Yes! I cannot think of this man’s name right now, but he said that if we want to be successful, we have to be willing to put our dreams out in the street!! (Or somerhing like that) Love you too!
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So proud of you Aunt Michelle. I’m excited for you to start your journey!! I’m rooting for you ❤️
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Thanks my Bri-ski!! More to come….
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YAY, you are doing it. I’m sure many will be helped and encouraged by your work and words of transparency. Such allows others to trust, hope and grow. Thanks be to God who has given you the courage, content and candor. You’ve always been a blessing; now it’s in public writing to touch the multitude. I see exponential impact. Congratulations! I’m so proud of you for forward movement.
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Hey Vee! Your words say a lot and have always been inspiring. I am so looking forward to sharing with the world and connecting with those who feel the same as I do, and who want to “Talk About It’ just like me!
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