Due to the current COVID-19 guidelines and precautions, most of the world is at home and running out of fruitful things to do with their time on a daily basis. With thousands of schools and businesses shut down, and the high stress levels regarding the unknown details of the current pandemic, we are coming to snag your attention with some interesting insight from a young woman, survivor, mother and now author. Sabrina Lewis is a champion in her victories through life altering experiences, such as growing up with a drug-addicted parent and navigating her way through the system as a victim of abuse and neglect. Today, she shares with us some of the strategies and challenges behind the execution of her first book.
There is no doubt that we are smack in the middle of a worldwide crisis, however, we refuse to shrink the opportunities of each moment to accommodate the energy it takes to be more upset and further out of sorts. Instead, we will keep you fed with valuable and inspiring information, as well as current news and entertainment. — Let’s get into the scene behind the scenes of Sabrina’s book, Running In The Clouds.
What initially inspired you to turn your personal story into a story for the whole world to experience?
The older I get; I realize I have a survivor story. I started hearing a lot of people with a Similar upbringing, who lacked love and parenting… saying I can’t do it. I just want everyone to know you don’t have to be a product of where you came from; we all make our own paths and we all can be better than we were yesterday. Love yourself, fix what you think is wrong and stay focused.
How did your past life experiences help to shape you into the woman you are today?
My mom was on drugs my whole life and me watching that; I never wanted or never did touch a drug growing up. I never had that mother to go to and talk to or just to know my mother has my back. So, today I am very hands-on with my kids. They get extra hugs kisses and “I love you” all day and every day. As long as I’m on this earth my kids will always know mommy got me.
Were there any initial fears when it came to exposing specific details of real stories, passions and pains?
I used to be embarrassed about certain things that happened to me as a kid, but as I got older I noticed I am not alone and I also found out that by telling my story, it made a lot of people open up and now ready to tell their stories.
What was your support system like as you went through the process of curating your book?
I had a great support system! My kids’ father/my husband really inspired me to write it. He has all ways thought of my story as strength and as a way I could help others once I talk about it. My friends couldn’t wait; they were just excited as me.
How has this book release helped you internally?
More and more people are sharing their truths in forms of novels and it seems to be such a freeing process.
It feels great to not have any secret (laughs) my book was raw and uncut; my truth, my story. I just laughed with my home girl Michelle telling her girl I’m an open book, now she said, “Literally you are.” (Laughs).
Would you be so kind to share one of the challenges you faced as you navigated the process of becoming an author, and how you managed to overcome it?
I fought with myself on it. Did I really want to say this in my book, do I really want to tell the world what happened to me? I had fear up into the day I put the book out.
What do you hope/intend for the reader to learn or experience through reading your story?
I want the kids to learn, and to know that if something is going on with you, to tell somebody, and if that person doesn’t believe you, tell somebody else. I want everybody to learn that it’s important to forgive and move on; and I also want the women and men that have faced any unfair run-ins with the law: you are not alone. There are so many of us out in this world that do not have a voice when it comes to the DEA & FBI. It is them against us and we have to stay strong. Don’t give up; life can still be good. This too shall pass.
Please share with us the significance of your book title; Running in The Clouds.
The title Running in the Clouds came from a specific part of my childhood. I was running in fear from my mom; I was running so fast it felt like I was running in the clouds I remember that day so clearly. When I first started writing my book I talked about different parts of my life and this part stood out to Treavion Devonport. She questioned me to help me bring my book out of myself.
What is a piece of advice you would give to the person looking to turn their pain and experiences into testimony and purpose?
My advice would be no matter what you have overcome in the past, it’s always great to tell your story, your good news. We the people need to always hear a testimony; a breakthrough, because a lot of the time you’re helping to heal others that haven’t gotten that far yet.
How would you describe the feeling when receiving feedback and seeing the impact your story has on its readers? Is there any plan for a second book whether the same or different topic?
The feedback I’m getting is breath taking the first thing everybody says is you’re strong, and I didn’t know any of this about you. Yes, there is plans on another book; a part two, because I have more to talk about on the same topic. To be continued.
Running In the Clouds is available on Kindle Read & Amazon.
Stay connected with Sabrina M. Lewis by following her on Instagram today!
Happy you told your story and see you wasn’t the only one going through things as a kid you was brave enough to tell your story and I love you🥰😘🙌🏼💪🏽
Loved this book y’all have to read it
You have inspired so many people. The way you turned your pain into Puropse is most definitely a form of Strength that comes with Growth . Your story is one that speaks Volumes and it gives people a chance to really get to know you outside of WHO THEY THOUGHT THEY KNEW . I am so Proud of You
Sabrina you are now my Inspiration to go foward on writing my book. I have alot to tell as well. When I first met u at the Salon years ago! We hit it off as if we knew eachother for years. We laughed cracked jokes and became friends on Social Media. I never would have guessed the things u experienced growing up. You and your sister were so cool. I can’t wait to get my copy. Congratulations Baby girl on your first novel. ❤😍
Brina a wonderful soul she spends a lot of time with her children she in a good place right now with her self loving herself getting in tune with life making power moves she the kind of lady if she likes you she like you no matter what people say when she don’t like you she will show it an let u know thank for being you🙏🏿♥️♥️♥️💯
I am sooo proud of SABRINA for stepping out in faith and sharing her life stories with others. It’s hard to be an open book, but God uses what we thought as our misery for ministry. I had a mother and father on drugs, and to be able to know someone else went thru this and has shared it as well as overcame it, is BEAUTY!! GOD says he will give you BEAUTY for your ashes. It’s our JOB, to help and support each other. It wouldn’t be called a testimony, had it not been a TEST. To have the courage to speak in details of her struggles in procession to help others is more than a blessing. GOD uses many of his angels to help us all along the way. And indeed SABRINA, is surely one of GOD’s special Angels.
Good book from beginning to end.
Excellent book, I couldn’t put it down once I picked it up! Great read patiently waiting for part 2
I am glad you told YOUR story. So inspiring to see read what you have overcome. I hope more women and men would pick up this book. I guarantee you would not want to put it down. Keep being true to yourself and hopefully you’re will help someone along the way
Great interview❤️ Proud of you❤️
I love how you was open and very blunt I remember us being teenagers and we would talk about our childhood when I read your book I felt like I already knew what was going to happen in the next chapter you left nothing out it’s your story and only you can tell it I’m so proud of you and I’m ready for part 2
Sabina you and your life is definitely a testimony although I haven’t read your book(on my to do list and I can’t wait) I’ve known you a long time. It not even the real struggle cause we all have our own. But I appreciate your diligence in letting yours be known. You are truly a strong woman for even letting people see a YOU. Love you so much soon as I’m back I need this in my life. Love you and your babies so much wish we were so much more as family
Awesome!!!
Sabrina …. I absolutely love the woman who you have became .. For those that really know you knows that you are genuine, fearless, and always been a go getter… You have came a long ways and it most definitely turned you to evolve into the beautiful mother and woman you are today !!!! I wish you nothing but love, happiness and prosperity in life!!!
This is amazing and to personal know you, and watch you overcome every obstacle “IM VERY PROUD OF YOU”. You’re a survivor, you’re strong Love you!!!!! And thank you for sharing an amazing story
Proud of YOU, the woman you are! The mom you are! Now u blessed up with a book! You are an amazing soul! Great book! Keep up the good work babe!! 💙
congratulations may God always bless you and keep going young black beautiful Queen never give up
Great interview can’t wait to read the book!!!!
Well, being a child of God at such a young age my parents always taught me to never judge anyone based on their actions and really to never judge period for that matter because you just never know their story…. I’ve known Sabrina for almost 19 yrs today; man that makes me feel old lol but anyway I’ve always known there was a story behind her… I’ve watched her evolve from a distance from a young teenaged girl, into a beautiful woman, loving, caring mother and role model….The fact that she is willing to share her story with us today is extremely honorable because it allows us to understand that it is absolutely ok to go through things in life because these are the very things that shape and carve us into the people we are destined to become… I am extremely proud of her and the woman she has become and I wish nothing but the best for her and since we are all on outside punishment currently lol I think there is no better time than the present to get started with reading my copy! Keep up the great work girlie!!!!
Glad you told your story, this was a great interview I’ve also read and the book is very relatable I think the book will touch a lot of its readers. It’s one of those books you pick up and read and before you know it your finished within hours. Loved it and this interview .
As a storyteller myself I understand that pouring out your soul on paper is no easy task. It takes patience, strength, PERSISTENCE, time and lots of self-sacrifice. I’m so proud that you never gave up on the process and you faced your fears. I LOVE Sheen magazine and this article was no different. Great job!
Glad you told your story and great book regarding Caterpillar who became a butterfly (beautiful young lady) This will/can be an inspiration and give hope to encourage other women to not let life hold you, just help you to reach for something greater. I love you my little sister. I am so proud of you and your growth.