Mental Health Starts with Integrity
The Women's Issue
When I think about Mental Health Awareness Month, a lot of people naturally focus on emotional healing — working through trauma, setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care. And I love that. We need that.
But what God placed on my heart for the women assigned to my anointing is something a little different: we also have to make sure we’re not the ones damaging other people’s mental health by the way we treat them. And that’s a word.
Over the last few weeks, I had a front-row seat to this in my own life. I watched someone treat my magazine like it was a bottom-feeder idea. I know for a fact if it were Essence or People, they wouldn’t have handled it the same way. Deadlines were ignored. The last follow-up was disregarded. And ultimately, I had to choose another cover and rework an entire story because of someone else’s lack of respect and integrity.
You know what that taught me? My obedience, my integrity, and my excellence can’t slack just because someone else’s character does. Period.
Let me be clear: I love everyone — even those who hurt me. But part of leading well is sharing my experiences in a healthy, honorable way, so you can learn how to manage your assignments, your spaces, and the people connected to your vision.
That’s why I always choose to honor people, even when they don’t act honorably. Because God honors honor.
1 Peter 2:17 says, “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king” (NKJV). Period. There’s no getting around it. That’s why Jesus tells us to love our enemies and bless those who curse us (Matthew 5:44). Honor isn’t just for the people who deserve it—it’s for everyone.
I won’t sugarcoat it—this Girls Anthem issue (May/June 2025, The Women’s Issue) has been one of the most stressful projects I’ve ever worked on. And I’m convinced that the people who let me down in the process have no idea how much their actions affected my mental health. When you mishandle someone’s assignment from God, you don’t just inconvenience them—you impact their well-being.
Through it all, I had a moment with God. I asked Him, “Why would You let me go through this? You told me to ask her. If You knew it would end like this, why put me through it?”
And His response hit me deep: “Just because you passed the test doesn’t mean they did. In every interaction, every relationship, every opportunity, people are being tested on both sides. You obeyed. That’s the part you focus on.”
Whew. That’s a word.
So this month, I want us all to take some time to seek God’s face. Ask Him:
✔️ Where have I dishonored someone?
✔️ Where have I not shown the fruit of the Spirit?
✔️ Where do I need to grow?
And let’s be clear—this isn’t a bash piece. This is leadership in real time. I’m sharing my lows so you can learn from them, while praying that God reveals how you can show up better in honor.
For my married women, don’t think this is just about honoring your husband. Read that verse again—“Honor all people.” Honor isn’t conditional. God is serious about it.
So this month, let’s be intentional. Sit in the secret place. Make sure you’re honoring God, others, and yourself. Be willing to keep your word, even when it hurts. And treat people according to the Word, not your feelings—or whether you think they deserve it.
Our print issue drops Friday, May 9th. 🖤 Be sure to share this article with everyone you know.
If there’s ever been a word worth passing on, it’s this one—a reminder straight from God’s heart to ours: honor the people He created in His image and likeness. No excuses. No exceptions.
The world is desperate for this kind of wisdom right now. Let’s be the ones who carry it well.
Ya Girl,
