Alisha McKinney
What makes Alisa Wildly Capable?
Even during hard times, Alisha still shows up with such grace, kindness, love, understanding and with a smile that could light up the darkest room. She always goes above and beyond for her patients, her husband, family, friends and even strangers.” JAIMEE LEE
What’s been the biggest obstacle in your life so far?
I was in a 10-year marriage to a man who verbally and mentally abused me for a large part of it, but I tried desperately to make it work and honor my vows. I felt trapped and hopeless, but also afraid to leave him because he would threaten me or threaten to kill himself if I left. He eventually cheated on me and started using meth, which was the final straw. When I finally had enough and snapped back in desperation, I landed in the county jail on domestic abuse charges, and I just couldn’t believe that after all of the abuse I had endured for years. Instead of completely breaking and shutting down, I dug my heels in to save what I had left. I surrendered and put everything in God’s hands and He worked miracles for me and guided me through every step of the long and painful process. On a day I was having a very hard time coping, I opened my Bible to a random page desperate for any shred of hope I could get, and read Psalm 62:1-2: “Truly my soul waiteth upon God: From him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.” It was at this moment I knew that God had my back and was telling me I would be okay. I made it through my divorce and legal battle with a positive outcome and my life was put back together in the best way possible.
What makes you feel proud?
Being a nurse for the last 14 years has left me with some rewarding memories. It’s very satisfying to know you played a big part in saving someone’s life and I’m thankful to have the knowledge and skills to respond to emergencies!
What’s the single biggest problem you’d like to solve in your community?
I truly feel for women who have been in an abusive relationship or are currently experiencing abuse of any kind. There are not many resources out there for help. We need more shelters and ways of getting counseling. Healing from the damage that abuse causes is a long, slow process, and often victims aren’t even aware of the learned behaviors they developed as protective or coping mechanisms.
