Deora Clairé shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Deora Clairé, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
On July 24th of this year, I was blessed to turn 30 while releasing my very own first book “Broken to Blossom: How My Mental Health Journey Cultivated My God-Given Purpose” available on Amazon. Birthing my book into the world on the same day I was born made me feel proud to be alive. In my book I tell my testimony of dealing with bipolar 1 disorder (a mental illness where you experience both manic and depression episodes). I also share how God used my mental health to develop my purpose.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
As primarily an Author and Christian Bilingual Singer-Songwriter, my goal is to encourage women who are struggling with their mental health through my creative works such as songs, devotionals, and books. My desire is to serve them with reminders of hope and faith so that they can overcome their challenges because that’s what I needed when I was in the mental hospital, when I was depressed, and when I was thinking I had no future. I felt worthless, scared, and without purpose, but by the grace of God that was a catalyst for discovering how I can serve people who are suffering mentally.
In addition to my writing and music, I am also an Empowerment Coach. I have worked with women dealing with anxiety, lack of confidence, and needing a renewed sense of purpose. I helped them through my Broken to Blossom Empowerment Coaching program which lasts 6 weeks covering 6 pillars to rediscover their identity, renew their faith, and help them step boldly into their God-given purpose. I am currently accepting free consultations.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
My two experiences of being in a mental hospital for bipolar 1 disorder really shaped how I see the world today. July of 2019 was the first time I was admitted into the hospital and March 2020 was the second and final time. In both instances I saw people dealing with different mental health challenges. It was heartbreaking to see so many people, different races, backgrounds, and ages, all suffering from something. I didn’t know then how these two experiences would affect me, but looking back on them, they taught me that everyone has a story and that everyone deserves love and respect. You never know what someone has gone through in their life, so it’s best not to judge them, but instead show kindness and patience. That is what I try to do — show kindness and give patience; love my neighbor as I love myself (Matthew 22:39 NCV).
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I stopped hiding my pain and started using it as power sometime after I had been released from the mental hospital in March 2020. I was experiencing deep depression when I wrote the song “Purpose” which was on my first album “Golden”. The specific lyrics that helped me through my depression were “You were born with a purpose. Distinguished and worth it. No matter what comes your way you wear a crown. You were born with a purpose. Strong and determined. Within you is God’s spirit and power. You were born with a purpose.” This was the first song I wrote since the bipolar diagnosis in July of 2019. The diagnosis made me think that I couldn’t pursue my dreams as a singer-songwriter, but that wasn’t true. Ever since I wrote “Purpose” I’ve been continuing to walk my purpose out — encouraging others to keep the faith and hope alive despite the challenges they face because it will all work out for their good (Romans 8:28 NIV).
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
No matter how long it takes, I’m committed to sharing my faith and testimony to millions of people so that it will inspire their hope and faith for overcoming their own challenges. I want them to know their struggles do not disqualify them from their purpose, and that God still has plans to prosper them (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone from this earth to be with my Lord in Heaven, I want people to say that Deora Clairé was a woman of faith who loved people, was kindhearted, and served others well through her philanthropy. I want to be remembered by my good deeds so that others may glorify God (Matthew 5:16 NIV).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.deoraclaire.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deoraclaire
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deoraclaire
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@deoraclaire
- Other: Amazon Author Page
https://www.amazon.com/author/deoraclaireYouVersion Bible App devotionals by Deora Clairé
https://www.bible.com/organizations/4bbd27f7-f139-4489-9d0f-fb7355e3dfecLinktree of devotionals, music, and articles
https://linktr.ee/deoraclaire
Image Credits
@MadebyGlyde
@deoraclaire
