Turning Pain into Purpose: My conversation with Sharon Lee Williams.
Every once in a while, God opens a door that reminds you just how far you’ve come.
Recently, I had the incredible honor of being invited by Sharon Lee Williams to share my story on her podcast-a space filled with light, healing, and truth. The moment I received the invitation, I felt both humbled and grateful. To be thought of… to be seen in this way… it was more than just an opportunity. It was a reminder that my pain wasn’t wasted. That the road I’ve traveled—every broken piece of it—is now being used to help others.
During the interview, Sharon and I talked about something incredibly close to my heart: my experience in the foster care system, and how I survived trauma that could have crushed me, but instead, shaped me. We spoke honestly about the hard parts - the confusion, the pain, the abandonment. But we also leaned into the beauty of what came after: healing, restoration, and forgiveness.
Forgiveness, for me, has been the most unexpected blessing. It didn’t come easy, and it didn’t come overnight. But choosing to forgive others, the system, and even myself; was the turning point that allowed me to start walking in purpose. It allowed me to turn my story into something that could uplift, educate, and empower others. That’s what I hope my life does now. Not because I’ve “made it,” but because I’ve survived—and that survival is a testimony.
As we talked, I could feel the weight of my story settling into the hearts of listeners. And I realized something: this is why I’m here. This is why I speak up. To spread awareness about the realities of the foster care system. To give voice to those who are still in it. And to show others that while the journey may start in brokenness, it doesn’t have to end there.
It was such a beautiful honor to use my platform to amplify this message. There is hope. There is healing. And there is power in telling your story.
To anyone who’s ever considered becoming a foster parent, do it. Open your heart. Open your home. You may not have all the answers, but your love, stability, and presence could change a child’s life. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to show up. That’s what someone did for me. And now, I get to do it for others.
To Sharon Lee Williams, thank you. Thank you for creating space for voices like mine. Thank you for helping me share a piece of my heart with the world. And thank you for reminding me, once again, that turning pain into purpose is one of the greatest gifts we can offer.
-Chenita Tayborn
