I met Ms. Monica Bowman at one of the weekly meetings for our travel project. She had recently become a part of our team. Over time, a friendship between she and I developed and began to flourish. As we became closer and shared a little bit of life with each other, something told me that she had to be a part of the Phenomenal Woman Project. I had always told Monica, "You are in the middle of your testimony. Keep going. Someone else is going to be blessed by your story." Well, all of you get the honor of being blessed by the story of this beautiful soul right here. Read and enjoy!

I am a Washington, DC native born and raised in the Southeast corridor (Anacostia area). As an only child I was very active but quiet, shy at times and love to be around people. My awesome parents were hard workers. My Daddy still is (yes I am a daddy’s girl)..LOL. My Mom is retired and enjoying her life to the fullest with my Daddy and they made sure I had all the necessities coming up. As I grew older and graduated from high school my parents always said “Be careful of the choices you make as well pick your friends wisely!” of course, you listen then in one ear out the other.

In my next life I became a single parent with a beautiful daughter, who I am proud of and look at her every day to say “She is my reason to keep pushing!”. I had my daughter at a good age to me which was the age of 23.You get to grow and learn again as your child grows and learn. I worked two jobs to make it possible for her and I to survive and I did that along with my village which I call my family. After a very bumpy relationship with my daughter’s father and other men I decided to just be by myself. I began to look at my circle of friends and (who I call associates) whom I met along the way of my journey. I began to forgive but not forget those who hurt me and disrespected me. I started back going to church to get myself and my faith in order. This was a bit of challenge for me because I did not always live right after I left my parents’ house.

So as I move on with my life GOD decides to show me who HE was and it was a definite wake up call for me. In 2008, I was laid off from my corporate job of 10 years. Then again, at the end of 2016 from a government contract. So, when the year 2017 kicked in I applied and applied, interview after interview and no job. I started being stressed out, my health was up and down, I was frustrated with everyone and everything. There were nights in which I cried out to GOD and asked Him to show me why I am in this situation. I use to think GOD was punishing me. Then one day my best friend said to me, “Remember what you asked GOD for?” I looked at my best friend and I said, “What are you talking about?” She said “Just go to a quiet place and think about what you asked GOD for.” So, I did and just as clear it came to me “I asked GOD to give me a break from my job”. They say be careful with what you ask GOD for or what you speak into the spiritual world. Because HE is listen.

Today, I have so much joy in my heart, loving me more than ever in this new journey of my life. I am back in college finishing my Bachelor’s program, working another government contract, spending awesome times with my parents, having great quality time with my young adult daughter and building my future. As I am on this journey I have met some phenomenal people, mentors and friends. The best part of this journey is that I am alive to live it and see it.

As a great friend told me… “Remember, ANYTHING is POSSIBLE with FAITH!!”

Monica, you've made it through your journey. I'm proud of you for persevering and believing God for the best, no matter what. Like you said, "Anything is possible with Faith." You are truly a Phenomenal Woman.

Phenomenal Woman- Monica Bowman