e-Journals by Elora M. Kindred

Welcome to the elorasong® blog—a sacred space of storytelling, recovery, and self-discovery. Here, you’ll find reflections on sobriety, healing after military service, spiritual growth, and personal empowerment. These heartfelt writings are crafted especially for Black women veterans who are ready to reclaim their lives in sobriety.

Honoring Black Women Veterans: Sandra Durbin, My Story, and Our Journey Toward Healing Feb 24, 2025

Amidst the noise of everyday life, I want to take a moment to celebrate Black History by honoring a remarkable woman and fellow veteran: Sandra Durbin.

In 1966, Sandra Durbin joined the United States Navy and quickly made history. Despite facing unimaginable hardships, including accusations of chea...

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From Service to Sobriety: How Writing for Veterans in Recovery Helped Me Heal Jun 26, 2023

Serving in the U.S. Navy allowed me to have and learn from a plethora of lived experiences. Two of the most influential were camaraderie and unspoken relatability.

The same can be said for the experiences felt in the recovery community. Though I’ve chosen this path for over a decade, it was only tw...

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Dear God: A Year-End Letter of Renewal in Recovery Dec 27, 2022

Dear God:

The end of the year has crept upon us, and most people embark on resolutions and promises for the upcoming new year.

While I believe in the importance of becoming, I also realize I must remain realistic with my aspirations. Why not strive for these personal empowerments and affirmations ...

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How Well Do You Embrace Unexpected Change? A Reflection on Transition in Recovery May 23, 2022

I have a question: How well do you welcome unexpected change when it arrives?

Like most, I tend to plan days, weeks, and sometimes months in advance. As of late, I have been called to plan the upcoming years with more diligence and direction. Could it be I’m getting older and desire a fulfillment i...

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Do You Know How Special You Are? An Affirmation of Uniqueness and Worth Mar 28, 2022

I have a question: Do you know how special you are?

Our uniqueness is a priceless quality. It serves as our most valuable possession, standing as a representation of our authentic selves.

» What does uniqueness look like? You.

You are peace.

You are the mist of magnificence.

You are the physi...

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Are You Unfolding Spiritually? A Reflection on Faith Mar 20, 2022

I have a question: Are you unfolding spiritually?

If you’re like me, you’ve reflected on how your life has evolved. Just like a flower, our petals of life extend, stretch, and unfold day-by-day. Not only in the physical sense but also spiritually. With each second, minute and hour, we are flourishi...

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How Will You Bloom Today? A Spring Reflection on Spiritual Renewal Mar 13, 2022

I have a question: How will you bloom today?

The season of spring gives us the opportunity to think about the many ways God has allowed us to enrich ourselves and the lives of others. However (comma), we must also be willing and ready to water the withered areas of our own lives. A few topics that ...

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Will You Plant Your Seeds Today? A Spiritual Reflection on Personal Growth Mar 07, 2022

I have a question: Will you plant your seeds today?

As spring approaches, I can’t help but smile with excitement. The season represents the budding of newness. However, before this happens, seeds are sown in our lives to take root and bloom. Sometimes this is done intentionally through strategic pl...

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How We Pour Into Each Other: A Reflection on Support and Spiritual Reciprocity Feb 24, 2022

I have a question: How do people pour into you? How do you pour into others?

(Okay, that’s two questions … haha!)


When People Pour Into You With Purpose

There is no doubt in my mind our paths cross different personalities for different reasons. Some meet us on the road of encouragement, others ...

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How Adversity Fuels Personal Growth: A Reflection on Spiritual Expansion Feb 18, 2022

I have a question: How has adversity contributed to your personal growth? 

Whether created on my own accord or otherwise, adversity leaps into my life to teach me valuable lessons. During such times I am reminded of the powerful Serenity Prayer:

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I can...

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How Contentment Serves the Soul: A Quiet Reflection on Inner Peace Feb 09, 2022

I have a question: How does contentment serve you?

For me, it serves as spiritual satisfaction in any given area (or all areas) of my life. As I gradually learn to embrace contentment and become hungry for growth, this silent companion replaces calamity with calm.

However (comma), whenever I feel ...

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Books, Plants, and Solitude: My Not-So-Secret Great Escapes Feb 04, 2022

Not so secretly, I am a huge fan of books and plants. Why?

Solitude.

Books readily remove me from disruptive or unexpected life experiences. They also have the uncanny capability of introducing me to new understandings such as introspection, history, and personal development. In the quiet moments,...

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