We had the good fortune of connecting with Johnedra Walls and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Johnedra, so before we jump into specifics about your story and work, let’s start higher level. What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Ain’t nothing wrong with crying……. I mean it just like that, “aint nothing wrong with crying” You will forever chase the wrong love until you learn to really love yourself. Most important lesson I’ve learned along this journey!! Making sure whatever made you cry never make you cry again. Crying out to God, seeking help from the man above has taught me alot. I was told treat people how you want to be treated, but it doesn’t matter how good you treat someone, if good is not in them or they don’t have good intentions they will forever treat you bad. This journey called life started at a early age when my mother became addicted to drugs, I remember walking the streets of acres homes with her seeking drugs at all times of the night, holding in tears from hunger pains or fear of being left with strangers. If I cried or even looked like I was going to cry , a fist came with it across my face. Times being at my grandmothers on my dad side and wondering when our next meal was coming, biting into chicken with maggots, defecating on newspapers, urinating in cut off plastic milk gallon containers, missing school. Being beat unconsciously by my mother and locked in the house so I couldn’t tell. Again holding back tears, building a hard outer core so nothing could hurt or harm me. I took out my frustration doing underground boxing, playing sports and whatever else that could keep me away from home. I built a immunity to pain but internally I wanted and needed love in which had me seeking it in the wrong people. My need for love drew me into the arms of a abusive spouse, hospital visit after hospital visit. I kept returning because all I knew was toxic love, again chasing something that I could only give myself. Looking for love in all the wrong places. I finally realized I had to quit allowing people to walk through my mind with their dirty feet, people will only do what you allow them to do. You have to set boundaries,goals have standards. If the plan doesn’t work, change the plan not the goal. Some people are real, some people are good, some people are fake and then you have those who are real good at being fake. I found myself constantly trying to tell my side of the story but realizing my side didn’t even matter cause the real story will unfold in due time. Stop trying to defend you character to people who genuinely don’t know your heart. I had it all in my relationship, 3 cars, brand new home on 1 acre,children, spouse well known in the community, but I was getting beat. After going through abuse growing up and then a abusive relationship. I packed up my 3 children and left. I decided to help others who developed the silent cry, those whom are scared or embarrassed to speak up and speak out. Read my whole story in my book coming soon “Damaged Goods”….

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart is I was made to stand out not fit in. I survived everything the enemy tried to throw my way, throw me to the wolves and I came out leading the pack. Was it easy?? Heck no but I carried that load of bricks called life like it was a bag of air. Just know I just don’t talk the talk, I actually walked this walk. God has brought me a mighty long way and this journey not over with.. Its more of Johnedra to come!!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Omg right now we are living in the new norm, (masks, gloves, sanitizer, and lysol).. So the only good time we having is watching lifetime and drinking mimosa’s through zoom cause its no visiting. ITS CORONAVIRUS TIME!!!! Stay home..

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost I want to thank God for giving me the boldness, the strength, the knowledge, courage and belief that I can do all things in Christ which strengthen me. Secondly My three children ( my heroes) Ishmael my oldest from the very first sound of his heartbeat, brought out a power and will to keep pushing. Ishmael (God hears)!! My daughter who is a spitting image of me who constantly reminds me how great of a woman I am and its a blessing for anyone to know me. Destiny (Certain fortune,Fate). My youngest son, the boldness, the fearless, the trendsetter, I named you the name I gave you because I gave my life to christ while pregnant with you and the pastor was preaching out of this book in the bible. Corinthian (power,strength). Next to the man whom I miss soooo much, the man who never stepped away or stepped down from his responsibility. R.I.P. Rickey Charles Gulley you taught me these streets not made for everybody, that’s why they made sidewalks. I love you daddy and not a day goes by that you are not in my thoughts. Lastly R.I.P. Marcus Kemp you told me a week before your death that everyone needs to hear the Jennie Bee Story and to put my pen to paper. Im doing it brother, Im doing it!!

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