In the 6th segment of our TRUTH SERIES we will be hearing from numerous strong and resilient men and women who will each share their own powerful stories in tackling a life changing battle head on & their journey on how day to day life has been for them ever since. I pray this segment empowers many people who come across it and that it also gives strength & courage to those facing the same or a similar obstacle at present.
“My intentions for all various segments of the TRUTH series is to educate others who may not be aware of such issues, whether it’s because it has never been a challenge they themselves have faced, to educate those whom are aware but choose to ignore the issue/s and lastly to help encourage others in being brave in speaking out. As we know, knowledge is key.” – Natasha
I would like to introduce you to our 5th Special Guest for this segment, India. 25-year-old India who currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, was born with a condition known as Treacher Collins Syndrome. Today she is giving us an insight into her life by sharing some of her story below.
Hi! My name is India Walls, and I am here to share a bit about my story. I wanted to share my testimony because I know there are so many women out there who have been allowing society to define their beauty. I want to send encouragement to others that we are not defined by what others says about us, but our identity is found in Christ, and in God, what his Words says about us defines us. Life has definitely had its ups and downs. Growing up I never fully understood why I looked different from others. I used to tell myself, “I’m not normal.” I downgraded and criticized myself because of the comments that I would receive on a daily basis. There’s been bullying, laughters and cyberbullying constantly throughout middle school, passing on until my junior year of high school. I almost committed suicide at the age of 15, but somehow that thought went away. I just want to thank God for that.
Speaking of bullying, I remember the time that my mother had put my sister and I, at this summer camp we would attend during the days while she worked. It was very saddening; the bullying had only gotten worse. Kids would throw balls at me, they would corner me and hit me, kicked me, whatever they wanted to do with me, until someone called on the teacher to make it stop. My sister was there but couldn’t physically defend me as there were about three other girls. I would always remember that day, because why didn’t I stand up for myself?
Treacher Collins Syndrome is a very rare condition. But surprisingly, I have met some beautiful people who also have the same condition as me. Treacher Collins is a genetic disorder that most often affects the cheek bones, jaw, chin, and ears. Symptoms include downward-slanting eyes, a very small jaw and chin, hearing loss, and vision loss. Some babies may be born with a hole in the roof of their mouth. Usually, there’s no cure for it, but it’s typically treated with correcting facial structure, and can involve plastic surgery, orthodontics, and dental care.
Back in middle school, my mother had asked me if I wanted to get surgery, at that time I was very insecure and I thought why not? My mother had surgery as a child, and I always wondered how she looked different than me, until she explained that she had surgery. But however, that plan never succeeded. As I got older, I decided to accept my appearance and be okay with who I am. I didn’t want to change myself for anyone’s approval or someone to like me. I never had friends, but I was okay with that.
In todays generation, you’ll come across nice people and mean people. I’ve experienced both, it hasn’t been a nice journey, although it had pushed me to my cores to where one day, I woke up and decided I wanted change. With change, it starts within me. It starts with changing my attitude and how I response to negativity. Being more loving towards myself and showing gratitude every day.
I am thankful for being made different because I knew I was meant to stand out, and not fit in. Needless to say, with being bullied in middle throughout high school — I came to my senses that it wasn’t me that was the problem. It was the people who projected their insecurities onto me that caused me to think I was unworthy. I am thankful every day of the wisdom, the understanding and discernment that God implemented in my life. I am thankful for allowing God to put me through this journey because without the circumstances that I had to face, I wouldn’t be where I am at. Confident, brave, and compassionate. I wanted to advise everyone, that it’s okay to be brave, it’s totally okay to stand out and show what you’re made of!