We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Monica Harris a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Monica, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
The defining moment in this journey that I have been blessed to walk happened right after a near fatal car accident in 2009 that left me bedridden for months with the prognosis of never being able to use my upper body again. But, through my faith in God and perseverance I am doing what man said would never happen.
Dr. Monica, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My Scars Ministry was born through my pain of being in a near fatal car accident, bedridden for months and then 5 days after being discharged from almost 3 months of hospitalization and acute rehabilitation; my husband walked out on me! I lost everything, but my faith in God! If I were in the military I would say that I’ve earned more than one Purple Heart. I have been wounded time and time again in this battle called life, but I’m here thanks to the goodness of God! My reward now is being shared with the world through my testimony. I know that we all have scars and many of our scars are not visible to the naked eye. Many of us walk around daily with those scars that nobody can see; those hidden scars that up affect us mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Some are ashamed or embarrassed to share their stories. They feel as though their stories are too grim and contemptible to share. And, that is okay. That is why God has chosen me to share my life testimony to come before you naked and unashamed to encourage anyone who may be in a similar situation and see no hope in sight. I am here to listen, encourage, uplift, push, walk beside and pray for those in need.
I am most proud of my accomplishments since the accident, I have gone on to become CEO/Founder of My Scars Ministry, an Ordained Pastor, a Certified Chaplain, a Published Author and most recently earned an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Emet Global Theological Seminary & College.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
Of course, I would. I have always been a caring and compassionate person. Therefore, helping those who are in need is something that has been close to my heart. Living through many heartbreaking experiencing has given me firsthand knowledge and wisdom on how to overcome and be there for others as they walk through similar circumstances.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Of course I always refer to the car accident that nearly cost me my life when I talk about resilience; because having to learn to do everything again from eating to bathing, along with abandonment by the person who was to be there through sickness and health caused great distress on me mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally. But, through it all I am still here and through the words of my favorite poet, beloved Maya Angelou “Yet I Rise”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.myscarsministry.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myscarsministry/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-monica-kaye-h-1422136/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MyScarsMinistry
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuV-p97VAoyHVnKVi2Fxrug
- Other: https://www.globalchaplainsalliance.org/our-chaplains/united-states-of-america
Image Credits
David Price – 3P Photos (Priceless Photos)