SPOTLIGHT: Reaiah Rose Cubero

One of the best parts of the Lightbeamers Community is to see a woman burst onto the scene and then watch her rise!

Reaiah Cubero of ReeCreation Ministries first showed up during one of our Wednesday livestream days — she appeared quiet, nervous, unsure, yet concretely determined.

She stuck with it.

Week after week her confidence grew and her gorgeous storytelling unfolded.

She surprised us with her talents around spoken word poetry and artistic endeavors!

She’s passionate about mental health, and incredibly grounded in her faith.

She shows shows up regularly on live-streams on her various channels and is making a huge difference in this world, especially for other women who may also be struggling with mental health, conflicts around their faith, and identity crisis.

Take a minute to get to know her better in this months Lightbeamers Spotlight!!

APRIL: Tell us a little bit about your journey leading to the creation of ReeCreation Ministries?

REAIAH: It's been quite a journey of learning to fully embrace my true identity and not let it get affected by any roles, accomplishments, setbacks, or even societal or cultural expectations.

Growing up as a pastor's kid it was ingrained in me to keep up a certain image from a very young age. My identity was often based on who I thought people expected me to be. Then when I started experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety I felt the need to keep it to myself, afraid of what others would think of me, or my family if they found out.

I struggled in silence, for nearly two decades, not knowing where or who to turn to. It took years of pain, breaking down, and an encounter with God to finally begin my journey to healing and embracing my true identity. I learned I didn't have to hide behind images of perfection, I didn't need to feel shame for my struggles, and more importantly, I am not defined by any illness or outside ideas and perceptions of who I should be. I was able to embrace that I am loved, I have value, and purpose - because that's who I was created to be. And that doesn't change no matter what my circumstance is.

Now it has become my passion to walk alongside other women who may be feeling this way. I started ReeCreation Ministries to be able to assist women in their faith and mental health journey. To help them see they don't have to hide their struggles. May they hear from my story "you are not alone," and help erase the stigma around mental illness. My hope is women will believe they don't need to be defined by their roles, accomplishments, illness, failures or setbacks. My dream is to see women embrace their true God-given identities and be empowered to live out their purpose.

APRIL: How does your art fit in with your work? 

REAIAH: I have a degree in graphic design. Even though I did not pursue a career in the field, I still incorporate art in my work with mental health and wellness. It has been a great way to process mental, emotional, and spiritual needs.

APRIL: I remember when I first met you, I was fascinated by your travels as a young adult. Tell us about Africa.

REAIAH: I spent 4 years living in Mali, West Africa. This eye-opening experience fueled my passion for empowering other women and being a voice for women's needs around the world. It was also in Africa that I became aware of the need to speak up about my own mental illness and begin my healing journey.

APRIL: What does being a LIGHTbeamer mean to you? 

REAIAH: Being a LIGHTbeamer to me means to shine my light in a way that others may see and be able to walk down a path that once seemed impossible to walk; To illuminate what should not be left in the dark, even if it is scary or uncomfortable, such as conversations on mental illness. It's being able to walk in confidence and boldness because of the community of support and encouragement from all the other LIGHTbeamers.

APRIL: What have you learned or discovered the most about storytelling and your story?

REAIAH: Everyone's story matters and is worth being heard. There is so much power and healing in telling our story. Healing for myself when I share it, and also healing for others who hear it.

APRIL: What's been the hardest part about learning how to share your story?

REAIAH: The hardest part in learning how to share my story is breaking old habits of only sharing the "good parts." It's learning not to let my insecurities stop me from telling my whole story, and learning to be truly vulnerable. 

APRIL: What is one piece of advice you'd give to another woman about using her voice and sharing her story?

REAIAH: I have a sign that sits on my desk (that I actually won from LIGHTbeamers), that says "I want every girl to know that her voice can change the world." I truly believe that! There is power in your voice and your story! It's a story that people NEED to hear and one that only YOU can tell. When we speak up, and share our stories, and amplify issues that is on our hearts, we can create change.

APRIL: What do you love most about your work? 

REAIAH: I love being able to connect with other women and hearing their stories. Knowing they felt seen and heard because of something I shared. I love that it has opened up doors for conversations within the Faith community to talk about Mental Illness. 

APRIL: What are you busy creating now?

REAIAH: I'm currently in the re-writing and editing stages of my first book - which is on the topic of identity. I've also just released various journals on Amazon, such as daily mental health trackers and prayer journals, to promote mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

I most recently finished a New Hope Trauma Healing training to help people walk alongside one another on their healing journeys, using stories. So now I'm able to lead these healing groups for others who want to learn. I'm also in the process of getting certified to become a life coach and an art therapy coach. 

APRIL: How do you relax after a busy week?

REAIAH: After a busy week it's been nice to just be able to relax with a book, or catch up on some movies with my kids. I also love the days I get to sleep in. 

APRIL: What kind of things do you like doing outside of work? 

REAIAH: My time outside of work is mainly spent with my family, my husband and our two little girls. They keep me busy most days. We'll go for walks, or do something creative. We've been getting into more paintings lately. Pre-Covid, we enjoyed having people over for dinner and game night or movie nights. I look forward to being able to do that again.

Isn't she amazing? Such a bright light in this world. Be sure to follow her and connect with her as she truly is a positive and creative force and influence. I love seeing women like Reaiah shine! 

Website: https://reecreationministries.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reecreationministries/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReeCreationMinistries
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/newhopewithreecreationministries