BROWN: My Son Saved My Life And Now I’m Dreaming Big

BROWN: My Son Saved My Life And Now I’m Dreaming Big

Shanese Brown on August 30, 2022

That wasn’t always the case, however. Nine years ago, I found myself in Dallas, Texas, alone, with no friends, no family, and no place to call my home. Well, at least not a place with four walls. My “home” consisted of four doors and a steering wheel and every inch of it was stuffed with all my life’s belongings.

I had a local homeless shelter to rely on, but they were never able to provide the peace and comfort that I sought. At that time, “dreaming big” meant nothing more than a place to live.

I eventually found a place and a job at a local preschool, but I still searched for that peace and comfort. My loneliness, however, only led me to dating random guys and eventually to the emergency room.

I sat there as the doctor uttered those three words that had the power to change the course of my life forever. I felt all hope being sucked out of me as fear and worry crashed over my heart and mind.

I was pregnant.

How was I going to provide for a child while I was still learning to provide for myself? How was I going to raise a child, alone, as a single mother?

I left the emergency room and sat in my car, the same car that used to be my shelter and refuge from the world. Tears streamed down my face as I lifted my phone and searched for abortion clinics in my area. The results were illegible as the tears stinging my eyes blurred my vision.

As I sat there, alone and scared, I heard God say, “if you trust me, I will take care of you” I had always been a woman who trusted God, but never had I imagined trusting Him in this way. I would keep my child. I would trust God. But I would need support.

I found a local pregnancy care center where I was welcomed with open arms by people who embodied all that was good and kind in this world. They provided me with a free sonogram, and I was able to hear my baby’s heartbeat. I realized for the first time that I was no longer alone.

The growing life inside of me would be with me every step of this journey, and in return, I would do the best to be the best mom I could for my child. The pregnancy center offered an abundance of resources as well as free classes where I learned how to be that mom.

Woman. Daughter. Sister. Friend. Child of God. These were all titles that I carried in my life. But never mom.

With the help of a colleague, I was put in touch with Embrace Grace, a program at my local church. The women with Embrace Grace gave me the confidence necessary to not only be a mom, but a “super mom.” As if their constant love and support were not enough, toward the end of my pregnancy the women generously hosted me a baby shower which included a mountain of gifts for my child and me.

I realized again that I was no longer alone as I had a community of unconditional love surrounding me. I was witnessing what God promised me that night in the car. We were completely taken care of.

Shortly after, I gave birth to my beautiful son Jasen. Looking at him, I realized that during my struggles, I had stopped dreaming. I now had another life to fight for and had to challenge myself to start dreaming again.

And to dream big. Today, I live in a beautiful apartment and own a small business of making and selling bath bombs to give moms the opportunity to rest and create a luxury self-care experience in their own home because like me, THEY’RE WORTH IT.

Nine years ago, I never dreamed of anything more than a home with four walls. Never did I imagine that God would send me my home in the form of His finest creation with a beating heart and tiny hands to hold mine through this journey of life. I now dream BIG! I dream about owning a luxury house, with a relaxing backyard and a mini golden doodle for Jasen to play with. I dream about making seven figures, investing in real estate, and growing my business to help even more moms around the world.

My son, the child that I once considered aborting, saved my life and has inspired me to never stop dreaming. I may have started at the shelter but that is not where my story ends. Our story is far from over.

Shanese Brown is the owner of Bomb Moms. 

The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the Daily Caller News Foundation.