Alexis Barton

What's Really Behind This Smile Alexis Barton

Have you ever felt like your world was flipped upside down and you're about to lose it all? I've been through many ups and downs in my life, from being mistreated, abused physically, mentally and emotionally. I've felt every emotion, from feeling violated to being taking for granted, time after time. I was hurting and empty inside. I was alone, with no one to turn to. So, I turned to all the wrong things to fill my mind, body, and soul. Sex, lies, and betrayal had taken over who I was. Enough was enough, I woke up one morning and faced myself in the mirror. Who am I? I am a mother with children to protect, but how can I protect them when our home wasn't secure? It wasn't enough to protect them from the drug infected, murderous streets of Rochester, NY. I had to take care of myself before I could even begin to take care of them. I had to break the cycle. I was broken, and I needed God to make me whole. It wasn't until I accepted Him into my life, that I became one. Even with all that I've been through, I still smile. No matter what life throws at me, I smile. I smile through the past hurt and I thank God I don't look like what I've been through. Everyone has a story to tell even when it's hiding behind a smile.