Essence Montgomery
Summary
Essence Montgomery opens up about her challenging upbringing and how it shaped her into a self-sufficient and mature individual. Despite growing up without parents and facing tough conditions, she found solace in the freedom to play outside and enjoy the company of other children. Her difficult experiences also allowed her to develop a deep appreciation for history and music, particularly older music from the '60s and '70s. Essence highlights that growing up surrounded by older generations provided her with a unique perspective and an opportunity to learn from their wisdom. She considers herself blessed to have had the opportunity to be around her great great grandmother and great grandfather, which has enriched her understanding of generational history.
Essence emphasizes the pivotal role that faith plays in her journey. She expresses that her faith in God brings hope and helps her navigate through challenging circumstances and financial struggles. Essence draws inspiration from the Bible verse that speaks of walking through the valley of the shadow of death, seeing her hardships as valleys that God walks with her through. Her faith grounds her mentally and allows her to trust in God's guidance, even in the face of negative thoughts or trauma triggers. Essence concludes by stating that her faith is an integral part of her life, connecting her to God and providing her with the strength and clarity to overcome obstacles.
Appropriate Bible Verses
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Psalm 34:17-18 (NIV) "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Romans 8:28 (NIV) "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV) "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
Philippians 4:13 (NIV) "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
Group Discussion
In Essence's story, we see the profound influence of multiple generations on her life. What can we learn from this intergenerational influence? How have older generations in your own life shaped your perspective or contributed to your personal growth?
Essence's faith plays a central role in her journey, providing hope and resilience. How has faith, in any form, impacted your own journey, and how has it helped you overcome life's challenges? Can you share an experience where your faith has been a source of strength?
Essence's story emphasizes the significance of learning from older generations. How can we encourage more intergenerational learning and support in our communities, families, or workplaces? What specific actions can we take to foster connections and wisdom-sharing between different age groups?