One of the things I have learned since leaving the home of my parents is that there is always a way to achieve what you need to achieve despite your circumstances.
Melonie Wright is one of those women that we can truly say never let her circumstance dictate her destiny. The now Emory Law Graduate went from a 4yr old special ed kid to homeless to Attorney and in a candid interview with The Root, she shared her story.
What were some of the obstacles you experienced in school and life in general?
I have a very not beautiful, broken, messed-up past, with some things in my control and some not. However, I believe that God used every single obstacle and challenge for good and, more importantly, his glory.
I began my education in a special education class. I dealt with insecurities throughout my childhood, which ultimately influenced me to make very poor choices in high school and college related to relationships. I ran track in college but eventually stopped running my spring semester of my junior year. A month later, I was pregnant with my daughter.
I took the LSAT [law school aptitude test] while eight months pregnant, and I was so exhausted. I experienced instances of domestic violence, with the relationship with her father ending in a terrible and violent way.
Following that incident, I had a two-week period where my daughter and I did not have anywhere to stay and we ended up in a motel. I also dealt with people saying and doing things that were not particularly encouraging.
They questioned my decision to attend law school with an infant; they questioned my decision to remain in college, period, up to that.
While in law school, I had literally cents in my account, sometimes a negative balance. I had to spend money meant for books on my daughter’s medical bills when we were denied Medicaid. The summer after my first year, my car was deemed unsafe by the mechanic.
I had to ride the bus, but I didn’t have enough money to ride the bus at times. I would literally wake up in the morning and believe that God would meet my needs for the day, and I took Matthew 6:34 to heart. All the while, I was struggling to understand my law courses and to heal from my past.
One thing’s for sure Melonie has a whole lot of Faith and when she was asked what words of encouragement she would give to others who face set backs, this is what she said:
I would say give your life to Christ. He will mend your broken heart and give you peace even in the ugliest of situations. Accepting him means you believe his plans are much better than yours. I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I applied to law schools. I pretty much applied to schools that waived the application fee, since I didn’t have enough to pay for those fees.
It was tough, but just because something is tough doesn’t mean God is not there. God has shown me that in spite of everything, he still wanted me. He still values me. He just wanted me to come back to him. So if you have kids and you’re alone, life is not over. Get up and go after God. He still has a plan for you and he will use your story!
We wish Melonie all the best and as she walks her little girl to preschool later this year she can take solace in the fact her her Faith and her sacrifice will always be her little girls’ life lesson.
Melony thank you today for you encouraging testimony. When I wanted to give up when situation after situation didn’t look promising raising two children as a single mother god gave me ghe strength to keep fighting the good fight of faith. …I applaud you.
AMAZING. I AM TRULY AMAZED BY YOU MELONIIE. AMAZED.
Sooo proud of this single mom she has just encouraged me, as a single mom with a special needs adult son I know he has a plan for my son and I. It’s just encouraging to hear from someone who has been there and made it though and is having success!
This story is very awesome. I really needed to read this article. I am going through a struggle in my life right now and my background is very similar to the young lady in this article. After reading this story about her; I am encouraged to keep pressing on and to believe that God will never fail me….
Hello,
God Bless you!!! I’m sitting here overjoyed. I’m the VP of Dream Girls
Mentoring Program, a non-profit program that forces on teen mothers. I would love too connect with you because I feel that your story will encourage a host of teen moms in Baltimore, Maryland. Please if you have any time feel free to contact me.
Thank you so much ?
Thank you so much ..This has made my day you encourage me so much…
that’s awesome love!
Beautiful Soror!
Wow!! This was everything I needed to read while taking a break from my college studies. God truly has a plan, and He is always with us. I applaud your strength and overcoming odds that were meant to take you out. God bless your baby, and your future! There is nowhere left to go but up!!!
Phenomenal testimony. I was just in tears because GOD IS SO GREAT! Thank you for NOT being selfless or ashamed and sharing HERstory. ?
Congratulation you are truly an inspiration to many. So proud of you.
Outstanding young lady. So proud of you. We are who WE say we are!!!!! You determined your destiny. OUTSTANDING !!!!
Thank you for sharing your story, it gives me encouragement. I’m a 56 year old finishing my undergraduate degree, I’m 3 times divorce and in bankruptcy. I want to go to law school and know that I will be 60 years old when I finish law school but I trust God and cannot let anything Deter me from reaching my dreams. Congrats!
God is always there even when we are not. Congratulations and thanks for given God the glory. He has a plan for you.
Melanie you are a remarkable person and know that God was there with your purpose planned for you. You opened your window to receive His blessings. You are inspiring others. OTHERS please know that you have to seek him for yourself and find that purpose for you. To each of us gives a talent, find it and he will direct your path. I think of His goodness and know if i just make that one step He will make two….
I am glad she never gave up. Sometimes Faith is the only thing that keeps you Driven.
Seek ye first the kingdom of God, put him first in everything you do. If you just trust and never doubt what he days, all good things will be added unto you! Thank you for sharing this awesome testimony. If God takes you to it, he will bring you through it. So proud of you. To God will give the glory for all of his many blessings. Now be a blessing to someone else.
This young Lady just show you, that No excuse is not enough, if you wanted , go get it. Life has so much to offer even in the struggle. Never stop trusting God, She proof of that! May God continue to order her step in Jesus name. Her future will be everything she never desired an more.???
Congratulations Melanie. You are an inspiration. May the sky be your limit.
Beautiful story. Struggle, but triumph! Best of all to you and your little one in your futures.