I found myself adrift…

…searching for an anchor to steady my soul. The more I tried to be someone I wasn’t, the farther I drifted out to sea, searching for a way to anchor my identity amid changing tides. The ocean in its magnitude is beautiful to look at, with moody waves that rise and crash down, creating a landscape of soft peaks and swirls of light mixing in with the water. How can something so beautiful on the surface carry such darkness below that threatens to extinguish lives?

Another life-altering discovery came as I found myself at the bottom of the ocean. It felt as if God, Himself, had betrayed me, all hope was lost, and there was nothing more I could do except give up. I had become unrecognizable as I settled in on the ocean bed, wrapped tightly by the anchor’s chain that held me in place, each link adorned with its tiny little labels of words that defined me. 

Have you ever felt the weight of your identity slipping through your fingers as the world redefines who you are by assigning labels to you? The overwhelming feeling of failure from being misunderstood and incorrectly labeled adds to the weight of the chain. This wasn’t how I wanted my life to go, and if I’m being completely honest with myself, I didn’t know if I wanted the life that lay before me. I had no control over my circumstances, and though I knew I should trust God’s big plan for my life, there was zero chance of me believing that any of this could be for the greater good despite knowing God’s truth.

During my time spent in the depths of despair, I lived life on autopilot—not feeling or experiencing life in the way it was meant to be. The pressure of the waves above and around me was so massive that I couldn’t escape because it, along with the anchor, felt so heavy. Have you ever felt as if you were in a cold, dark place, with no one around you, unable to move or escape? It is there, at the bottom of the ocean, that you find yourself held captive by believing the many lies told by the enemy who tries his hardest to destroy you. You wrestle with your thoughts and ideas of the different ways you failed or didn’t measure up, and you remember all the people who rejected you or told you that you weren’t enough.

Like most people, I had many hopes and dreams. I even daydreamed about a life that I hoped to one day have, only to find myself living a reality far from what I envisioned. I had lost my identity, and my faith in God also began to waver. I longed to discover who I was in this new season. I knew I needed to strip everything back, but starting over felt like an impossible thing to do. 

Perhaps your story is like mine, in that you have found yourself living a life you’ve never imagined. Circumstances beyond your control may have been the driving force that tossed you into the ocean where you feel alone and unsure of what to do next. The grief and guilt you carry keep you captive in the cold murky waters. Grief over the loss of love, friendship, a job, a child, a parent, or a dream. Guilt over the choices you’ve made in your past, the things you did or didn’t say, how you acted, not doing the right thing, or even doing the right thing. 

What if I told you there is a way to escape the bottom of the ocean and find yourself authentically anchored in Christ on the shore, unable to be thrown back in? Finding joy in the life I’ve never imagined has been challenging, but through God’s grace, He opened my eyes to an infinite number of possibilities that await me. I only had to act and reach the shore. I invite you to join me as you rediscover who you are, where together we take action to help you reach the shore too. 

About the Book

Have you ever found yourself adrift in a sea of expectations, drowning in the pressure to be someone you’re not? Have you looked in the mirror, wondering where the person you used to be went?

Shonda Ramsey’s Authentically Anchored is not just a book—it is a guiding light towards a life of joy, purpose, and deep spiritual connection. She invites you to join her through the moments where hope seems but a distant memory as she candidly shares her stories of struggle and doubt—revealing a path through your struggle and doubt. You’ll work together through exercises that bring you to shore and anchor yourself to God on the journey of rediscovering your authentic self.  

 Whether searching for answers, seeking encouragement, or simply longing for a fresh perspective, find hope and guidance within these pages as you take on the adventure of self-discovery and faith.

 Step into the fullness of your purpose and break free from the chains of expectation. It’s time to rediscover yourself, love who you are, and live a life that’s Authentically Anchored in Christ

About the Author

Shonda Ramsey is an entrepreneur and author of Authentically Anchored, who, after overcoming personal struggles, discovered her passion for helping women rediscover their personal identity. With a love for writing dating back to her childhood, Shonda has always found comfort and strength in her words, from speech contests to church devotions.

In addition to her writing, Shonda offers graphic design services for authors and entrepreneurs, specializing in book covers, branding, and book formatting. She is also the host of the podcast "Dear Indie Author," where she shares insights and support for fellow writers navigating the world of independent publishing. Her experience through personal hardships has fueled her mission to connect with women, offering them stories of hope and resilience.

Shonda lives in Ohio, with her husband, Mike, and their Yorkie, Coco. In her free time, she enjoys camping with her husband, laughing with friends, singing, and dancing in the rain. Her goal is to write books that resonate deeply with her readers by covering real and challenging topics while ending on a positive and hopeful note. Through her writing and design work, she aims to inspire authenticity, strength, and the courage to be one's true self.

Connect with Shonda

Find her at shondaramsey.com 
Follow her on Instagram www.instagram.com/shondaramseyofficial 
Join her Facebook community www.facebook.com/shondaramseyoffical 
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