What happens when pain becomes purpose? What happens when the scars we try to hide become evidence of God’s healing power?

In this powerful episode of Heart Sleeve, I, Octavia | The Surrendered Gem, sit down with special guest Minister Kia Goodson, Founder of SiStars Speak for a real, raw, and redeemed conversation about grief, healing, identity, and restoration.

Minister Kia opens up about navigating multiple forms of grief — from broken relationships to the incarceration of her son and other life-altering experiences that have tested her faith and stretched her heart. Together, we unpack how childhood experiences can shape the way we love, show up in relationships, and move throughout the world.

But this conversation doesn’t stop at pain.

Minister Kia reminds us that true healing and clarity are found through identity in Christ — and that God is still able to straighten every crooked path.

This episode is filled with wisdom, transparency, encouragement, and powerful gems that will resonate deeply with anyone who listens.

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🖤 Connect with Minister Kia Goodson: SiStars Speak Website

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We’re back for Season 2!

In this episode, I sit down with Nicole Ebony—a mother, entrepreneur, and woman walking out her healing with God. She shares openly about her journey through trauma, identity struggles, and what it’s looked like to let God restore the places she once hid.

We talk about childhood wounds, people-pleasing, self-image, and the layers of identity that were shaped through pain—and how God began to rewrite that story.

🎙️ In this episode:

🤍 Healing from trauma and early life experiences

🤍 Struggles with identity, worth, and belonging

🤍 Breaking cycles of people-pleasing

🤍 Marriage and how God uses it to refine us

🤍 Learning to set boundaries and walk in truth

🤍 Rooting your identity in Christ

Nicole’s story reflects the reality that healing is a process—and God is faithful in every part of it.

If this episode speaks to you, take a moment to like, comment, and share with someone who needs it.

“I’m done doing this on my own. I’m ready to lay it down.”

And from that moment on… God showed UP.

In this bold and transparent conversation, my high school friend Vanessa Jackson shares her story of trauma, addiction, loss, and healing. She reminds us that we don’t have to be perfect to be pursued by God—we just have to be willing to surrender.

🤎 If you've ever questioned your worth...

🤎If you've ever wondered if your story is too messy...

🤎f you've ever felt too broken to be used… This episode is for YOU.