A New Chapter Begins

I read the final chapter of my book, "The Smiling Puppet - From Captivity to Liberty" again recently, a vulnerable compilation of real experiences that culminated in the vision and mission God gave me to serve you as a counsellor and teacher.

 

As I finished, I heard clearly in my spirit:

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"You're not done. The final chapter has not yet been written. You have to tell the full story before I will allow you to enjoy the fruits of My Glory."

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The book ends with a challenge for those brave enough to accept it, birthed from Proverbs 3:21 TPT:

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"My child, never drift off course from these two goals for your life: to walk in wisdom and to discover your purpose. Don't ever forget how they empower you."

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Who Am I?

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For years, this was the most annoying question I wrestled with. The "proper Christian answer" would be: a child of God. While true, I didn't understand what that meant for most of my life.

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People sang "I'm no longer a slave to fear... I am a child of God..." in church, looking peaceful and content, as if those words completely saved them from life's chaos. I hummed along agreeably, but it didn't seem to change the mess my life was at the time.

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Today, I can shout from the rooftops: I am a fearless warrior-bride for Christ, an imperfect wife to my heart-of-gold husband, and an even more imperfect mom to a young queen God entrusted into our care. And I am just getting started.

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From Smiling Puppet to Fearless Warrior

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I used to be the world's number one people-pleaser or, a Smiling Puppet. I could smile and fake my way through anything until I finally "got" what it meant to be a true woman of God, and I couldn't do it anymore.

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After silently struggling through the effects of sexual, psychological, and spiritual abuse, with a side dose of impostor syndrome for 33 years, I decided I had to "figure out" the numbness that constantly stirred me to discover who I truly was, why I was here, and what it meant to be alive after all of "that."

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It took another 7 years of soul searching, powerfully anointed preaching, counselling, coaching, studying, and falling flat on my face a few times, to figure it out. And now I know:

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Silence makes YOU Sick, but the Truth will Set YOU Free!

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Why I'm Speaking Out

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For as long as I can remember, I heard:

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"If you tell anyone about this then..."
"No one will believe you anyway..."
"If you don't say anything, you're welcome here, but if you do..."

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But I've learned there is a time and place for everything. A time to keep silent, and a time to speak. For me, that time is now, and that place is here.

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Adapted from Esther 4:14: "If I remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the vulnerable will arise from another place, but my family and I will perish. Who knows but that I have come to my position for such a time as this?"

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Let me be clear: I'm not telling my story to cause harm or hurt anyone. I'm speaking out to give those who have suffered in silence a lasting hope. To know that your freedom, your liberation from being a prisoner of your past, has been fully paid for and is ready and waiting for you to receive it.

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You Are Welcome Here

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If you are NOT a Christian and you DO NOT believe in any of this, that's OKAY! All I need you to be is curious, like I was, and to know that:

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YOU, YES you, are WELCOME HERE!

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Justice might not always prevail within the systemic brokenness of this world, but it will prevail under the authority of the only righteous judge and creator of this universe, because He was "there." He is your perfect witness, advocate, and judge, and He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause shine like the noonday sun.

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Why This Space Exists

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I wrote "The Smiling Puppet - From Captivity to Liberty" and created this space, both virtual and physical, for the person reading this who desperately needs a safe place to feel seen, heard, and understood.

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This is a community for people like you who are no longer willing to suffer in silence, but to live out of the only standard of truth that promises a love, peace, and joy you might have never known before, until now.

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I have been called, crushed, and anointed to come alongside you and walk out your victory with you. I've gone through the pilgrimage of experiences, training, and practice to become an excellent practitioner in counselling, life and career coaching, and Bible teaching.

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I am ready, willing, and waiting to serve you.

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What Your Support Makes Possible

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While my story includes difficult chapters, my mission is focused on hope, healing, and transformation, not dwelling in the past, but walking boldly into the future God has for each of us.

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Your partnership makes this work possible. Every donation funds:

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• Counselling sessions for trauma survivors who can't afford care

• Career Direct assessments for students discovering their God-given purpose

• Community programs like the Highveld-Ready Youth Project that break cycles of abuse and silence

• A movement where no one suffers alone

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In 2025, we're reaching 50+ high school students through professional career guidance and life-changing mentorship. From trauma recovery to career discovery, we're building a movement of transformation in Mpumalanga and beyond.

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This story isn't just mine, it's the story of every person we serve. Your donation writes the next chapter for a student discovering their purpose, a survivor finding their voice, or a family healing from trauma.

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Let's Walk Together

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This will always be an interactive space for us to connect, share, and grow together, toward becoming fully mature in who we were created to be, lacking no good thing in our lives and relationships.

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Be sure to keep checking in, connecting, and subscribing to ensure you never miss new opportunities, events, or content.

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I am extremely excited and honored to serve you.

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Riani
Founder, RDARA Counselling & Community Care

 

​Tax-deductible for SA donors (S18A)

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📊 Since 2023:

• Professional counselling for individuals, couples, and families

• Career Direct assessments guiding students to their purpose

• Trauma recovery programs serving survivors across Mpumalanga

• 2025 Goal: 50+ students equipped through Highveld-Ready Youth Project

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Ready to be part of the transformation? 

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