Many years ago, in 2010, God woke me up. I was physically awake, but not truly aware.
Being born again comes with its own set of challenges. What I’ve learned on this journey is that awakening is not a one-time event—it’s a process. Every day, you have the opportunity to learn something new. And when God allows you to see more, to understand more, you also have the responsibility to change your perspective in light of that new understanding.
Growth is humbling. Revelation requires adjustment. And true spiritual maturity is being willing to say, “Now that I know better, I will think better, live better, and love better.” I also know, its better to not see yourself the way others do. It keeps you from getting puffed up.
In 2011, I started working for Veterans Affairs. I told them when I took the job, I would do my best and emphasized my love for God. I recall signing this one document, about ten or eleven times, in orientation. I mean, how many times can a signature be verified?
The more I would learn, the more I wanted to learn. I was what you call "A worker bee". At that time, I was very competitive, as were others. Only, I did not realize then, many of the staff and Doctors, were previous and current military personnel. "Told y'all I was green as a cucumber, and pure as gold". I think getting out of an emotionally exhausting marriage, gave me a new lease on life. I found happiness in caring and loving on others, in a godly way.
I recall one patient, I believe his surname was Felder. Although, I cannot reveal too much info to breach confidence, he had cancer. I remember moving him to a private room one day. I would check on him, just because. Who doesn't need encouragement or love, when they are fighting for life? He told me, "Be Good". I checked on him a last time before leaving for the day. He was sitting with this man, whom has a striking resemblance to Colin Powell. Mr. Felder said, "See, she's nice for no reason at all".
The man came out of the room, into the hallway. He stopped and looked into my eyes. I thought to myself, what did I do? Ther was another day, a lady in full military uniform watched me, as I turned her uncle to another side. I could see he breathed better, on his right side. She later brought me "The Purpose Driven Life", as a gift for my care to her uncle.
From covert ops in Tennessee, California, Atlanta, Utah, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and New York and Alabama, my memory never escapes me. I used to wonder what it was all for—every conversation, every city, every “assignment” that didn’t make sense at the time. A Nigerian military police officer, in Alabama, asked, "Is the government responsible, for what happened to me." I once would forget, but now, I remember everything. "I went on a military base, in Alabama, in 2015. They always scan your identification, before entering the base. If I knew what gifts I held then, I would already be at my destination.
Army Intelligence in Kentucky 2020, to Naval Intelligence in Tennessee 2021; I was always awake.
Then this week, while resting, God gave me a glimpse of what my future holds.
From meeting DOJ officials in 2013, to crossing paths with FBI field agents in different cities, to my short time at the VA—what I once saw as random chapters, I now recognize as the beginning of purpose.
I may not be where I’m headed yet, but I am on my way.
And this time, I’m walking with clarity, calling, and discernment.
There was one man in D.C., 2019, who once told me, “The VA underestimated you.” I stood up for my right to religious freedom. I won that case, with MSPB, Judge Brian Bohlen was the judge.
Looking back, I believe he was right. I was always conscious—but I wasn’t yet aware.
As we grow in God, our awareness grows with us. I was always worthy, always called, but I had to get closer to God to finally see myself the way He sees me.
I thank God for His Word and for life experiences. I didn’t earn a PhD in a classroom— 👉🏾 I got my PhD in life.
And with that, I understand something very clearly now:
To whom much is given, much is required.
I remember a moment in an Atlanta Starbucks—a man in military dress looked at me and said, “You will not have an ordinary life.”
Without hesitation I replied, “I know, because my life will be extraordinary.”
And today, I’m walking in that truth.
I was never paranoid; I was not yet fully awake!
"The spirituality of LaTrice Hughes"
#processcomplete