Kyia B.

Today, Kyia talks to us about her podcast, the importance of mental health and how God gives her strength.

Tell us a bit about how you grew up and your childhood: I was born and raised in Warrensville Heights, Oh. My mother and I moved to Michigan when I was 4 and then back to Ohio when I was 6. From 9 until adulthood, my grandmother raised me and taught me about life. My father is a pastor and my stepmother is the best mother ever. My childhood was amazing! I would say I had a normal childhood, and I was literally a kid. I didn’t want to grow up too fast, and I was also different from the other kids. Growing up and being raised in church will always make you stand out and different, and it’s a beautiful thing. I sang in the choir as a child, and now as an adult I am the choir directors for the young adult choir at my father’s church.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: “God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.” (Psalm 46:5) No matter what obstacles I face, how much I may get frustrated, sad, may search for answers or when I am hurting, God always has my back and He is always working.

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: My growth focus is to be more patient and more trusting in God and still walking through life and doing what He has asked of me to do.

Profession/Mission: My profession is I work for the government. My missions is to help women build their faith in God, draw closer to Jesus yet to also embrace the seasons of singleness in their life and to know that Jesus loves them despite their mental health, despite their doubts and despite their fears. It will always get better.

If you wrote a memoir, what would the title be? I’m Getting There: The walk ain’t easy yet worth it

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? I first encountered God at 9 when I was baptized but my first understanding time when I encountered God, and I had the knowledge of who He was and what He did was when I tried to commit suicide. I was about 15 and I struggled with depression, and I felt like no one cared and no loved me, I attempted to take my own life and God didn’t let that happen. I remember this feeling of comfort and healing coming over me, and I heard a voice telling me that ‘though others may not love you, I will always love you. I will always be here when you feel like you have failed but you haven’t failed me because I love you unconditionally.’ Ever since then, when I have a small thought of going into a depression or feeling, I think about how far God has brought me and how much Jesus loves me and I say prayer and go about my day.

How would you describe Jesus? Unconditional. Forever faithful. Understanding. My rock when I get weak. My shelter when I’m in a storm. My heart fixer when my heart has been broken into tiny pieces. My EVERYTHING AND MORE!

How has your relationship with Him changed you? My relationship has made me better for me, my friends and my family. It has made me better for my job and it has given me comfort to be able to go out into the world and do whatever it is that I want to do because with Him I can do all things. I have been taught patience but most importantly that God made NO mistake when He created me.

What has been the darkest time in your life, and how did you see God in it? The darkest time in my life was when I seen my friend die right in front of me, and I tried to do everything I could to bring him back alive. I felt like I didn’t do enough and that will forever be stuck with me but how I saw God in it is that in those last moments I spent with my friend, we laughed and talked and really just had a good moment and the fact that I was able to see that smile one last time, that laugh, to see those eyes be full of life and bright, God showed me that He has made some beautiful people on this earth and to never take for granted any person that comes into your life for you never know when it’s the last time you will see them. 

“God showed me that He has made some beautiful people on this earth and to never take for granted any person that comes into your life for you never know when it’s the last time you will see them.”

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Church, my friends, my family and being able to have those talks with my parents especially my dad because I don’t really open up to him. I thank him because when I can’t seem to understand something, God leads me to him.

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): I am reading Discerning The Voice Of God by Priscilla Shirer, and it is teaching me how to determine when it’s my voice and my thoughts that are speaking to me and when it’s God who is speaking to me. I’m also learning that when God speaks, it is not to stop me from doing what I feel I want to do but yet to think about how it represents Him.

Top three essentials: Jesus, family and peace.

How did God speak to you recently? He spoke to me in the best way He always does, when I’m trying to sleep. It’s the only way He can get my attention for sometimes I’m always busy, and He told me some things, and I’m really peaceful about the journey ahead.

“I’m really peaceful about the journey ahead.”

Hobby: I have a podcast, and I share my personal journey with mental health and transparent about what I am going through with life and talk about general topics.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: Praying everyday especially when you are having thoughts about things or situations going on in your life, reading my Bible and doing my devotional and talking to my parents and friends definitely helps and keeps me grounded

Favorite person in scripture? Moses because he was just like why calling me cause I can’t even get myself together lol. But he leaned on God and just walked with faith and freed His people.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? That He is faithful and that, yes, you will get frustrated at times and have some doubts, but at the end of the day, God always comes through, and He is always on time.

“[A]t the end of the day, God always comes through, and He is always on time.”

How do you engage with your community? I make videos and posts encouraging my community and letting them know that I’m just like them and I’ve been through similar things.

Favorite holiday? Christmas.

A goal you have? To open up a place for people in the community to be able to relax, have fun and fellowship with as well as business owners who just need a mental break because mental health is near and dear to my heart. Also, create a safe space for women who want to work having a better relationship with God, themselves and their journey.

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: To spend at least three holidays together.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? Why did God give me the vision and purpose He placed in me.

Thing you want to raise awareness about: Mental health.

What does your morning routine consist of? Wake up, get myself together (depending on the day), and in the car, I’m either listening to Gospel music or having a talk with Jesus about what I’m going through.

What is on your nightstand? My journal and my devotional.

Define Christianity in a sentence: Having the trust in my faith that Jesus will always come through no matter what.

For more Kyia:

Instagram: @Kyiasada_

Business Instagram: @Lifeismental

Blog: https://kyiasada.wordpress.com/

Website: https://msha.ke/kyiasada/

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XX