Episode 62: The Power of Hope with Jeanne Celestine Lakin
Tune In: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play
About Jeanne
Jeanne Celestine Lakin was orphaned by the genocide against the Tutsis, which claimed most of her family members. Nearly four years later, at age fourteen, she immigrated to the United States, learned English, and earned two degrees from Eastern Washington University. She now works as an academic adviser, and she and her husband Paul founded the charity One Million Orphans . Refusing to be silenced by the darkness that isolated her, she advocates for the disenfranchised and voiceless children of the world.
Courage Up Moment
It was when Jeanne began speaking about how she survived the Rwandan genocide against the Tutsis people. It was one of the fastest killing campaigns in our modern history. In 100 days, over one million people were killed just because they looked like Jeanne.
Maintaining a Positive Outlook
When she was able to forgive, enjoy the simple things. After the genocide, Jeanne forgot how to be, how to love. Before, she loved nature but afterwards she didn’t feel joyful with the sun, trees. In the morning, she makes a list of things she’s grateful for and that helps start her morning. She is also a strong advocate for mental health so she did see a therapist that was a tremendous help as well. She suggests finding one or two people, a trusted friend, to have someone to really share what's going on.
Courage to Share Your Story
Right after the genocide, she went to her siblings and asked them what did you go through, how did you survive, so they could give her an open window for her to share as well. None of the siblings were open to sharing. She started writing her story, maybe eventually they’ll get to a point of wanting to share, or they would want to read what Jeanne wrote. When she told her husband Paul, he shared that this writing is not just for your family, this is a story for everyone to know what happened in Rwanda.
She started speaking when she was in high school, and was overwhelmed and choking up. She told herself to continue to try, the racial reconciliation needed to be done. If she wants mutual love for one another, somebody needs to take a stand and she needs to be a catalyst.
You lived this life experience. It's no longer about you. It’s about somebody who's going to pick up this book, read how you survived and they too can achieve what they want to achieve.
It’s about who’s going to be able to hear that experience and be encouraged. Jeanne encourages us all to share, and speak up.
Adoption Story
Her twin sister told her she had to get off the streets. Jeanne was used to living in the bushes so she thought the streets were much better. Her sister told her to find a family. She started by getting her first job when she was only 10. Later, a foster family took her in. They migrated to Missouri and she came with them, however she was abused in that house. When she turned 18, she ran away to Washington State. Hope is what kept her alive that tomorrow will be better.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been hurt or been in pain, find the courage to forgive that person.
To have hope. Tomorrow will get better.
To find courage to speak whatever message you have to the world. Final Thoughts
Advice:
From her husband: To really love who God created you to be. To embrace yourself with your scars and your wounds that most people can’t see.
Courage Song:
Waymaker
Book:
The Gift by Edith Eger
Connect With Jeanne
IG: @jeannecelestinelakin
Email: Jeanne@avoiceinthedarkness.org
Connect With Ming:
Instagram: @mingshelby
Facebook: Ming Shelby
Listen to songs on the Courage Up Playlist!
Courage Up Facebook Community
If you're evaluating lightweight MySQL setups, the constraints matter as much as the price tag. This page focuses on two specific providers that cap the free tier at 5MB and run MySQL 5.5, which is useful to know before you build anything around them. Checking the MySQL 5.5 free tier details will clarify whether those limits fit your test or hobby project.
For teams trying to turn raw information into actionable opportunities, the platform's emphasis on connecting data directly to deal-making is worth attention. The interface seems designed to reduce the friction between identifying a prospect and actually engaging them. What stands out most is the focus on progressive business development, which suggests tools that support long-term pipeline growth rather than just one-off lead generation. If your organization is data-rich but execution-poor, the official portal might be the bridge you need.
Listening to stories about the power of hope is truly inspiring and offers a fresh perspective on life. When you are sharing such meaningful content, your personal branding should be as polished as your storytelling. You can consult Best AI Logo Generator to better understand how to manage your design files and font choices for a professional finish. Investing time in your visual presentation helps your message reach more people effectively.