KISH: Tell us about you.Sonja: My name is Sonja Prince-Ward, I am a mother, wife, and minister. I love the Lord with all of my heart, and I love sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. I am a contributing author on a book project entitled Empowered to Win, and my inspirational word called “Morning Glory with Minister Sonja”can be heard every morning on the Gospel Time Machine, an internet radio station (www.gospeltimemachine.com). I knew God was going to have me share my incredible testimony about my battle with mental illness and medication management. For the first time in my life I speak candidly about what I call my deep dark secret. I share how God has miraculously changed my perspective when it comes to my condition and how I have been able to cope and thrive as a successful business owner, mother and wife.
KISH: What is your dream and how will accomplishing your dream benefit you and others?
Sonja: My dream is to help people who are suffering in silence to understand that they are not alone. It is important for them to see a success story and realize that no matter what the enemy throws your way, you can overcome it and walk in Supernatural Favor. In my chapter of Empowered to Win entitled “Supernatural Favor”, I never name my particular illness because I want people to relate it to whatever it is they are dealing with. I want my testimony to help others become free.
KISH: Who or what inspired you to pursue this dream?
Sonja: I knew that God was going to have me share my incredible testimony and all my life I have been told, you need to write a book. When Reverend Allison Daniels approached me to be a part of her Anthology, I knew this was my opportunity to share my story. So many people who battle with Bipolar struggle to lead a normal life. But God has blessed me with a greatjob, a successful business, a loving husband and wonderful kids. I knew I had to share my story of triumph.
KISH: What challenges have you encountered while pursuing your dream?
Sonja: I faced many challenges along the way. I talk about being diagnosed at 13 and not wanting to take my medication because it reminded me of how different I was. I recall hiding this secret and feeling so much shame. I battled with bouts of depression at an early age and then more recently the incredible highs associated with this illness. It is indescribable to explain the roller coaster of emotions someone with Bipolar experiences. Despite many hospitalizations, I finished high school with honors and received a full four-year scholarship to my University of choice. Despite it all, I still managed to excel in my Federal career, and become a successful entrepreneur. My mother and I own and operate four Assisted Living Facilities in Maryland and I recently was honored for over 25 years in the Federal Government. My biggest challenge was having children. I always wanted to be a wife and a mother. When I got pregnant with my daughters, I had to stop taking my medication and this can be extremely dangerous for a person with Bipolar. Being able to raise 2 healthy girls, who are well rounded, and exceptional students is definitely my biggest accomplishment. My illness would often get in the way of my romantic relationships and I found myself being a single Mom and raising my girls without their fathers. I always had a wonderful Village who continues to help me today. In 2015 God blessed me with the perfect husband and I often share my testimony of how we dated 20 years ago and broke up and reconnected like no time had ever lapsed. Being a wife and a mother is by far my greatest joy.
KISH: Who or what inspired you to keep pushing regardless of the challenges you’ve encountered?
Sonja: My biggest inspiration is my desire to be in God’s perfect and holy will for my life. It is so important to me that He be pleased with everything I say and do. Becoming a Minister and being able to teach God’s word in a way that anyone can understand and relate, is the most important thing to me. I am also inspired by my children. I want them to have a healthy Mon that they are proud to call their own. When I went through my last episode, I remember the hurt I saw on my youngest daughter’s face when I had to be hospitalized. She asked me to sleep in her bed one night and she told me I was her best friend. I am sure that may have changed by now, but I will never forget that conversation. I want to be her best friend and in order to be that best friend I have to be my best self. That means managing my medication effectively and doing what I need to do stay healthy. I recall telling my husband, this is going to get rough.He grabbed my hand and told me we will get through this together.
KISH: Please provide final thoughts/advice for others by finishing this sentence… dream.
Sonja: I love 2 Timothy 1:7, which says “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” If you are afraid, know that fear is not of God, replace that fear with power, and love and move forward and tell your story. Someone is waiting for you to share your testimony so they can also be empowered. I love the title of our book. When I was afraid and anxious, I replaced that fear with power (I was empowered to write), and love (I have a love for God’s people and I want to see them win) and a sound mind (I knew that God did not deliver me, just for me). I was empowered to win and I knew my story would help someone else dream!
Sonja Prince-Ward – Facebook
Morning Glory with Minister Sonja – Facebook
blessed_princess003 – Instagram
