Chosen Vessel: Living with Lupus: Emily Dixon's Story

"I am not my HAIR".. words from an Untitled poem written by the beautiful Mrs. Emily Dixon. As we listened her testimony and poem at the She's Royal Empowerment Conference held in August 2015, most of us were teary-eyed, emotional, blessed and amazingly awed by the strength and courage of a true Royalty.

Emily Dixon giving her testimony at the She's Royal Empowerment Conference 2015

Firstly, Happy October... Can you believe we only have 2 months remaining in 2015? Am I the only person that thinks this year is literally flying by!!

Anyway, October is celebrated as Lupus Awareness Month. Early this year, a young lady who was diagnosed with Lupus from my high school Miss Tameka Michelin passed away (may her soul Rest in Peace). During her fight with Lupus, she shared many testimonies on social media and that was when I became fully aware of the Lupus disease. Then I learnt that a young lady I met in 2009, when I was apart of the Miss Kingston & St. Andrew Festival Queen, Mrs. Emily Dixon was diagnosed with the same disease. As I read Emily's blog, I was so awed by her transparency and bravery as she shared her testimony. I eventually invited her to the conference to share the testimony with the other royalties and it was simply awesome and such a blessing and encouragement to all the ladies who attended the conference.

October is Lupus Awareness Month

Emily Dixon's Testimony

In her second year of university, Emily found out she was diagnosed with Lupus. Always an active young lady studying psychology, member of the performing arts group doing singing, dancing and playing cello; of course this came as a shocker about the new lifestyle changes that was about to take place in her life.

Lupus is disease affecting the immune system in that it speeds it up, spreads and attacks the healthier aspects of your body. Symptoms include inflammation, weakness, swelling and damage to the skin, joints, kidney, lungs, heart, and blood.

Four days before her 30th birthday in October, she sat in her bathroom and her husband, Julian, clipped and sheared off every last strand of hair. This happened after months of wearing scarves and wigs when she experienced a 'flare' of symptoms which resulting in her loosing her hair. On her blog, With peace in mind she shares her struggles in details. She also shared that she received an overwhelming support from many that encouraged her to embrace her new bald look. Emily says that "the scars still show, but I find myself being less and less concerned about them and more concerned with being confident about my baldness."

During the flare up...

Going bald never looked so beautiful:-)

Emily Dixon, who continues to challenge the odds in living with lupus, through determination, support and sheer positivity. She shared that her family and friends have been a pillar of strength during this time for her and she refuses to allow anyone to throw her a pity party. Emily tries to encourage everyone to truly believe they can achieve their goals and make a contribution to this world, no matter what they look like. Baldness, scars and all.

We are NOT defined by how we look or by our circumstances!!

I'm so encouraged and motivated by Emily's testimony; the level of bravery, strength and confidence has truly been inspiring and without a doubt shows she's a true daughter of the King! My constant prayer is with her and the other Lupus Warriors. These royalties are simply amazing!!!

Few of the Lupus Warriors who attended Tameka's funeral

Two main lessons that I've learnt are God truly gives us enough grace to deal with whatever situation we are going through and we might not be able to control what God allows to happen in our lives but we can control how we respond!!

We can truly Live a Royal Reality, if we allow God to guide our path!!

So this month, instead of complaining find something to give thanks for daily! This month, pray for someone else in your quiet time. This month, smile a little more because God is still good despite our circumstances and He is in control of your life. This month, wear something PURPLE and take a picture to show your support for the Lupus Awareness Month (tag me in the photos too)!

Scripture Encouragement