This writer shares her story of growing up in West Baltimore in a family crippled by teenage pregnancy, addiction, poverty, trauma and mental illness. It details her journey from severe child abuse, poverty, neglect, suicide attempts and trauma to educational success, freedom from the bondage of her past, recognizing her own royalty and becoming the woman that God created her to be. This story illustrates 1 Peter 2:9 " But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."