Carla R. Cannon-Lawrence

Three years ago today, my Grandma Ella passed away. She was more than my grandmother, she was my first Apostle and one of the earliest spiritual influences in my life. Her birthday was June 18 and mine is June 22, just four days apart, and I’ve always cherished that connection. Grandma Ella helped shape my spiritual foundation and played an intricate role in my passion for ministry. But what I remember most about her was the way she loved people. Her love was genuine, generous, and not reserved only for people who fit a certain mold. When I shared my truth with her, she never shunned me, rejected me, or made me feel like I was any less worthy of love. She simply loved me. That has stayed with me.

Her example taught me that faith without love misses the mark and that lesson continues to influence the way I live, serve, and show up for others today. Three years later, I still carry her influence with me. I’m grateful for the spiritual foundation she helped build, the love she modeled, and the legacy she left behind. Although she was my sister’s grandmother (we have different fathers), trust me, you wouldn’t have known had I not told you. And she would argue you down that I was her baby like all the others. Her vibe and aura was similar to ‘Big Mama’ on the movie Soul Food. I just may watch that today in honor of her memory. Although my heart still aches, and the tears still flow, I can rest in knowing that she knew what she meant to me and I know what I meant to her. And that brings me so much comfort.

Some people leave memories. Others leave a foundation. Grandma Ella gave me both and I’m forever grateful.🕊️ 💔

After all I’ve been through, I stayed away from calling anyone ‘friend’ for a VERY long time. Why? Because 99.9% of the knives I’ve had stuck in my chest AND back came from so-called ‘friends’ or people who claim to love me.🙄

But in the midst of my reluctantly to let in new people at this point in my life, God must have had other plans because I swear I met my twin.😂 Her birthday is June 21 and mine is June 22. Not only is she a cancer ♋️ like me, but we have so much in common. and honey, my girl is degreed up and a boss much like myself. Now if I could get her to read a book she’ll be in there!!😝 Nah, I know I know… you’re in a double master’s program therefore, you have enough to read.🙄🤣

But ya’ll, we drive Shon absolutely bananas when we get together whether in person or on the phone. [Pray for him]

Shanda (Rashanda Smith ), in my Golden Girls voice, thank you for being a friend and for saying ‘yes’ to our blossoming sisterhood despite the many knives you’ve had to pull out of your chest and back as well. Although it’s only been a few years, it feels like we’ve known each other forever!

Now you already know how I feel about you so we gonna wrap this up because we are NOT about to be out here crying on Beyoncé’s internet.😂 But I will say this: May our friendship and sisterhood be a reflection of God’s love at all times. I’m here til the end hidey-ho… ha ha ha [What movie is that?👀~insider]

P.S. Enjoying life with my wife & coaching couples to success! thank you for encouraging me to give sisterhood another try. Besides I’m sure you’re tired of me dragging you out to do the girliest things.🤣

There was a time when I was afraid to go deeper in my healing journey. Not because I didn’t want to heal, but because healing from childhood trauma meant confronting pain I had spent years learning how to survive. But when I finally gave myself permission to do the deeper work, things began to happen. My vision became clearer. I rediscovered my voice. I started releasing versions of myself created for survival. I realized what I had been seeking all along was ME.💕

That’s the part of healing we don’t talk about enough. Yes, revisiting painful experiences can hurt, but being disconnected from yourself hurts too. Living in survival mode hurts. Suppressing emotions hurts. Constantly being triggered hurts. Abandoning yourself to keep the peace hurts. There’s no judgment from me about how long it takes to begin. I’ve been committed to my healing journey for the last nine years, and I practice the work I speak about. That journey fuels my work as a Trauma Recovery & Identity Reconstruction Coach.

In 2012 I started out as a business coach, but my sessions kept leading back to the person underneath the goal: their childhood wounds, relationships, identity, fears, patterns, and sense of worth. I learned that sometimes the obstacle isn’t a lack of strategy, but identifying an emotional wound underneath the pattern. After doing deeper healing work and becoming certified as a Trauma-Informed Life Coach, my work evolved. I became less interested in helping people function around pain and more committed to helping people heal FOR REAL.

I help people understand unhealthy patterns, process emotional wounds, reconnect with their voice, rebuild confidence and identity, and create healthier relationships. My inner healing journey taught me that my worTH isn’t contingent upon my worK, for my identity and value is rooted in Christ.

If you’re tired of surviving, repeating the same patterns, or wondering who you are beneath everything you’ve had to become, I’d be honored to support you in finding your way back to yourself.

✨Head over to CarlaCannonLawrence.com to book a consultation and let’s get you moving forward with clarity & confidence!🌱

🚨My new podcast episode is out now🚨

EP 154 | Healthy Boundaries vs Emotional Avoidance Podcast Episode · Healing Conversations with Carla · August 17 · 39m

The older I get, the more I realize that inheritance is about so much more than what people leave behind financially. We inherit love, faith, strength, traditions, family patterns, resilience and sometimes things we’re called to heal.

In my newest substack article, I’m honoring my grandmothers and my mother while reflecting on grief, generational healing, family legacy, and breaking generational cycles.🌱

🚨Read the full article below and let me know what you think!🌻

Let’s keep making THEM mad! For some reason folks think that all gay folks do is sleep around without any morals or values. Nope! This is NOT the L Word which was a poor representation of us in my opinion.

Many LGBTQ+ folks are purpose driven, have character and integrity and loyal to our people. If you’re in love, drop a pic of your person and let’s fill this up with beautiful images of love!!!!

Also, to my trans people. You are loved! To those still struggling due to other people’s opinions, honey listen in the words of Fantasia, “Go ahead and free yourself!”

To the love of my life Shon Lawrence I love you beyond infinity. Thank you for being my light, lover, and bestfriend. You were worth the wait.

True love DOES exist! Don’t grow weary. In due time your paths will cross. You don’t have to be anxious or desperate. Your future has already been written. Let it unfold.♥️🌈