As a homeless mother of six children, LaTarsha Holden began having dreams that she was speaking to people all over the world. On today’s episode she shares her journey from homeless to PhD and motivational speaker.
Episode Discussion Points
- How she went from being homeless and being squatters living in an abandoned house to getting her PhD.
- What a pastor told her (that made her mad) and was the catalyst for her journey.
- What to do when your struggles outlast your strength.
- How she got help when she felt like she was drowning by going to the hospital
- Sometimes you can’t give your children all the fancy things they want—but you can give them love and teach them to serve and give back.
- Even when you don’t have anything, you can serve.
- Lead by example because children are watching you.
- aTips to young people and mothers: Lead well and leave a legacy
- God gives each of us gifts—be the best you that you can be. You have the power to change your gifts. Your gifts are your legacy.
- Teach your children your emotions and talk through hard times with them. Help them see how you struggle and keep going.
- “You are the generational curse breakers.”
- “Its not about who gets to the finish line faster. . . There is no competition when you are authentically you!”
- If you are wondering what your gifts are, ask: What really makes you happy (if money weren’t an issue) and pursue those things. “Just be who you are. It doesn’t have to be something grand.”
- God would tell you, “Use what I gave you.”
- “If you are faithful to God, God will take you places man cannot.” But don’t give up because its not overnight.
- Fulfill your vows to God.
- Will you serve when people don’t know you? Can you serve with the little that you have?
- Sometimes you can be delivered from homelessness or other challenges, but the residue, the doubt is still there.
- When she asked God why He allowed to her struggle so much and so alone she learned two things:
He didn’t want others to take credit for her success when it was God helping her.
She realized she needed her wilderness experience to build up her muscles and not give up as easily, to prove to herself she was strong.
- Sometimes when you are in the purging process, you feel like God is trying to kill you. But the purging process is there to purify and strengthen you and make you a warrior.
- Best advice to kids: Get to know God for yourself. Learn how to cry out to Him. Ask God for wisdom and guidance because He is the only one who knows about tomorrow.
- Focus on what God thinks about you—not what the world thinks about you.
- You walk and talk different when you know God has been with you and gotten you out of a struggle. There is an inner confidence.
Favorite Bible Verse
“Jesus wept.” Jesus had a human side and it is okay to cry and have human emotions. He is Lord of Lords but he cried. He isn’t so above us that He can know what we go through.
Dr. Holden Resources
- Her book, “No Longer Lost.”
- “Leadership Principles” book
- Parenting Guide, “Nurture Me So I Can Grow.”
- All of her books are on Amazon or on her website: https://www.drlatarshaholden.info/)
- She is also an excellent speaker and can be booked on her website.
- She is also a coach if you need personal coach.
Connect with Dr. Holden
#tamarakanderson #storiesofhopeinhardtimes #podcast #hope #God #hardtimes #homeless #singlemother #Godshelp #NothingisImpossible #success #dontcompare #reachingyourdreams #workhard #change
Transcription
You can find the transcription of today's episode here: https://www.tamarakanderson.com/podcasts/dr-latarsha-holden-from-homeless-to-phd-with-gods-help