Today we’d like to introduce you to Ronavia Williams.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ronavia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
What a Journey! When I was born, my mother said that the doctors cut off all my hair without her knowing. It was said that I needed immediate surgery on my brain as they had seen a growth. It’s still unclear on what happened exactly however, my mother says that another doctor provided a second opinion and I was fine. Nonetheless, I attained the name Peach because my family said that’s what my head looked like after all my hair being shaved off. That name still has not grown on me.
From the moment I came in this world, there was turbulence. Fighting has become a second nature for me. When I was six months, my father was murdered. This alone growing up has left me confused, feeling rejected and lost to what a daughter was supposed to feel. As a woman, how important it is to feel protected, cared for and loved. How to believe in the words of my father without second-guessing. My view was distorted to say the least. One thing for certain, I never used the lack of having a father as an excuse.
Going into middle school, it was tough. Why? By this time, my mom had settled in with her husband who had said “He wasn’t around for myself and siblings, but only my mother.” Here I am this young girl who grew up without a father and this man to say such a thing. The magnitude of rejection and the ability to feel loved, protected and cared for was out the window.
I take nothing from my mother and her choice. Without a doubt, along with my late grandmother… They taught me what it meant to have a relationship with God and why it was so important.
I remember as a child crying and imagining myself sitting on God’s lap and weeping on His shoulder. If there was never anything consistent in my life. The love of God and presence of the Holy Spirit has always been my safe place and comfort to regain strength, hope and peace.
I’ve been writing since I was seven years old. I had a hard time speaking. My mother said that as a child, I would point all the time opposed to speaking. Writing was my outlet.
If I had to think of a starting point, I would think of how I entered this world. If I had to think of the in-between leading to my now… I would think of my accomplishments, such as. Being a bag girl at Publix and purchasing my first car, graduating high school in National Honor Society and National Honor Roll. I would think of when I worked at American Express and was promoted from Triumph Customer Service to Platinum. I recall making it a goal to get a ten on every Tbass survey. I would think of becoming a mother at 19 and standing on my two feet. Recently, performing at the Adrienne Arsht Center for SWAN Day Miami with Spoken Soul Festival. Also, having the privilege to open up for Dionne Warwick, Mario Lopez and Wendy Williams in Washington for The Second Chance Partnership confronting the opioid drug crisis. I think of my accomplishments despite my hardships. God has been the center of my strength and my hope for tomorrow.
Has it been a smooth road?
What does that smooth road look like? I have yet to see her.
I have struggled with acceptance, neglect, rejection, depression and so much more.
I was that woman who kept everything bottled up. The person who can inspire anyone I come in contact with yet, dying on the inside.
For so long, I wore a cover-up and buried my emotions so deep, If something was wrong… I never expressed it. As long as everyone around me was okay, nevermind how I felt.
This came to a halt after my divorce of nine years and off and on 17-year relationship.
I truly had to rediscover myself. I had to ask myself tough and unanswered questions. Questions that has been in reserve for far too long. Self-love has been an instrument to my growth and ability to be confident and at peace with my decisions.
To my sister’s! You have what it takes. Regardless of who do or don’t think so, you are beautiful and a force to be reckoned with. Life will always throw hardships your way. Allow those moments to make you and be fume to your fire. I know it gets lonely and sometimes you become frustrated and misunderstood… You are not the first and will never be the last. Surround yourself with positive energy and individuals whom have your best interest at heart. Your time is valuable and so are you. Love yourself enough to respect yourself and how you feel. Once you can do this for you… you will teach others how to treat you. You are loved, protected and cared for by the Most High. Step forward and become the absolute best version of yourself.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Come Forth has become a movement that had only started last year as just a poem. The spokenword piece was a call of action and me freeing myself from deeply inflicted burdens.
Through Come Forth, I spend my time using the gift of writing, keynote speaking and spoken word poetry as a means to inspire, encourage and uplift men, women and our youth.
I’m most proud of how courageous I’ve become. How authentic and transparent I’m not afraid to be. I love God and I love working with people.
When I was young, I was picked on for acting like a white girl or not being black enough. I went through an identity crisis for being myself.
Put me in the room now with anyone from any background. We will find a common ground, connect and build a solid foundation. This is a gift that I’m most grateful for.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I enjoy listening to Oprah Winfrey Super Soul Conversation. They are always enlightening and thought-provoking.
I have two new favorite books, which have both helped me to press forward in life. Own the Moment by Carl Lentz and The Hollywood Commandments by Devon Franklin.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.Comeforthrw.com
- Email: infocomeforthrw@gmail.com
- Instagram: @comeforthrw
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ronavia.williams.184
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCewzchCv35ZhY4PPWlgIdDg
Image Credit:
@tanixlopez
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