Latoya Mathews: Beauty into Ashes

Latoya Mathews

Episode Introduction

Going through an abortion can be a traumatic experience. It distorts one’s emotional balance and scars one’s mental health. In this episode of Redefining Grief, transformation coach Latoya Mathews opens up about her own personal experience going through an abortion. She shares the challenges she had to face to completely reconcile from her past. From originally being broken, burdened with guilt and shame to ultimately being on a path to restoration, Latoya reveals her inspiring journey of self-healing and rebuilding. 

Herdyne gives an introduction to her episode and announces her new masterclass on how to unlock your purpose in life by healing from grief. 

Latoya Mathews is an inner healing coach, author, and transformation speaker who specializes in helping women who had abortions. In this episode, she joins Herdyne and reveals her life's truth, sharing that no matter what challenges we pass through, god carries the strength to reconstruct our ashes into beauty. Healing is available to those who are eager to receive it.

Latoya recalls the time she found out she was pregnant. Being a senior in high school, who had two college fellowships, she recognized she would be giving up too much if she hadn’t decided on getting an abortion. She wasn’t in an atmosphere to support a child. She recalls going to the abortion clinic which was crowded with protesters, making it extremely humiliating for her. “And I remember being in that waiting room, feeling so small, waiting for them to call me back for the procedure and being on to fill this paperwork and just being there with no one there".

Latoya talks about the shame and guilt that showed with her judgment. She recalls asking God for forgiveness. “I don’t know if you have ever sat in a room that feels so big, but all of a sudden it felt so small."

She was enlightened with her ultimate quest to rebuilding. She speaks about the pastor that escorted her to self-healing.  “And I prayed every night for God to forgive me. Immediately, my pastor told me, God forgave you. God forgave you the very first time that you said that I prayed.”

Latoya talks about the seriousness of establishing a safe space for women who had gone through a similar traumatic past. She describes the consequence of the presence of a proper community in supporting self-healing and improvement. She places emphasis on the importance of openly communicating the concept of abortion. 

Latoya reveals her path to strengthening back her relationship with God.  “I had to start all over. I had to pray and ask God to give me eyes to see what he saw."

Tune in today to learn more about restoration. For Latoya, "Restoration was releasing those very things that have held you bound, releasing those things that you have held on for too long.” 

 

About Our Guest 

Latoya Mathews is an inner healing coach, author, and transformation speaker who specializes in supporting women who had to go through abortions. With a mission to enlighten and educate the community, Latoya is determined to empower women who had similar struggles by building a safe space to assist their mental healing and emotional recovery. Latoya wishes healing, hope, and forgiveness to women all over the world by creating an impact of wholeness and freedom.

 

Episode Quotes

• “There's always a wound, there's not a wound that can't be healed” –Latoya [12:46]

• “I don't know if you've ever sat in a room that feels so big, but all of a sudden, it felt so small?”- Latoya [21:04]

• “And I prayed every night for God to forgive me. Immediately, my pastor told me, God forgave you. God forgave you the very first time that you said that I prayed.”- Latoya [23:30]

•  “And so I just really had to learn to accept that. I'm imperfect that I'm a person that makes mistakes because I would work just thinking that everything had to be perfect to put on this facade that nothing was wrong.”- Latoya [39:40]

• “Something has to be broken in order for something to be released, and I had been broken before, so that I can release whatever is inside of me.”- Latoya [42:30]
• “You know, so I realized that I'm stronger than what I actually thought I was.”-Latoya  [46:50].

Redefining Grief Pearls of Wisdom, P.O.W., Questions

• One word to describe your grief journey.[45:50]

Hard, It was hard.

• What have you learned about yourself during your cross-role?[46:09]

I'm actually stronger than I thought I was.

• What truth are you holding on to today?[47:01]

I am holding on to Luke 1312. That is my truth. “Woman, you are free”.

 

Episode Time-Stamps

• [12:17] - Latoya reveals her truth.
• [14:33] - Latoya shares her own personal experience with abortion
• [26:24] - Latoya talks about her trust issues
• [30:26] - The importance of having the right community.
• [36;34] - Strengthening back relationship with god.
• [41:57] - Latoya talks about restoration.

 

Reference Links

• Book: True Measure of a Woman by Lisa Bevere.
• Latoya Mathews- “31 Days Devotional Journey for Women”  

Connect with Latoya

• Website:  https://www.latoyaMathews.com/
• Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/thelatoyamathews
• Instagram:  http://instagram.com/thelatoyamathews
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/thelatoyamathews

This episode is brought to you by our supportive, informative, and complimentary Grief Crusader Community. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GriefCrusader

 

Recommended Resources

• To learn more about Redefining Grief: http://herdynemercier.com
• To advertise on the podcast: herdyne@mercierwellness.com 
• For questions about booking or sponsoring the podcast: info@mercierwellness.com 
• To schedule a consultation: https://calendly.com/mercier-wellness/consultation or http://herdynemercier.com/contact-me/  
• To check out all our past episodes: http://herdynemercier.com/#podcast 

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