“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17
đź’« Intro
There was a season when I felt completely worn out—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
But God has a way of finding us right where we are—in the middle of the mess—and whispering, “I’m not done with you yet.”
That’s how Rough and Revived was born: out of the chaos, the quiet prayers, and the realization that revival starts right where you are.
🌸 In the Beginning
I was born and raised in San Pedro, California—a small port town in Los Angeles County.
It wasn’t the easiest place to grow up. My mom was young, trying to find her way, and life around us was far from perfect.
Now that I’m older, I see how incredible my mom truly was. She didn’t have a great upbringing herself, but she did the best she could with what she was given.
“Children don’t come with an instruction manual—just the instincts God gives us.”
When I was about seven years old, I began spending summers with my Papa, my mom’s biological father. His home was filled with peace, prayer, and structure. I experienced things I’d never known before—family dinners, devotions, and laughter.
✝️ Finding God
In my Papa’s home, I found God for the first time.
The peace, the music, the family prayers—it all felt right. I loved raising my hands during worship and feeling the Spirit fill the room. Even as a child, I knew that love was something I wanted to keep forever.
“When I walked into church, I felt love—pure, unconditional love.”
đź’” Losing God
When summer ended, I’d return to LA and slowly lose touch with that peace.
My mom worked hard, but our world wasn’t centered around church anymore. My neighborhood was rough, and I started to reflect my surroundings—angry, rebellious, and desperate to fit in.
By my teens, I was lost.
And when my Papa stopped calling, I felt like I’d lost both him and God.
🌑 Searching for More
At 19, I became pregnant with my first son, Sean. Suddenly, I had purpose. I wanted to be healthy and do better.
But after giving birth, depression hit hard. I began searching for meaning—everywhere except God.
I explored Buddhism, paganism, yoga, meditation…
All the while, I could feel God tugging at my heart.
“It was a spiritual tug-of-war for years.”
In 2018, I met my life partner, who was also searching for truth. Together, we had our second son, James, in 2020.
🌿 Finding God Again
In 2022, everything changed.
I finally surrendered and returned to God.
It wasn’t a straight path—it was rocky, humbling, and full of moments of doubt.
I feared being judged. I avoided tough conversations with nonbelievers. I still stumbled in sin.
But God never stopped calling me.
He called me to share my story through a blog. At first, I said no.
“I told myself: I hate writing. No one will read it. What’s the point?”
But the calling only grew stronger.
So here I am—finally saying yes.
đź’› Why I Started Rough & Revived
Our testimonies matter.
They remind others that God still redeems, still restores, and still revives.
Rough & Revived is a place for women to find community, comfort, and faith-filled encouragement through real-life stories, practical tips, and biblical truth.
If even one woman finds hope here, every struggle will have been worth it.
“Revival starts right where you are.”
With love and grace,
Kayla
✨ Rough & Revived
💌If my story touched your heart, you’re not alone.
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