About Dhustie Zervakos
My experience has been a multi-layered evolution, pieced together with exciting, emotional, and unexpected circumstances of life. But that's what makes it beautiful. I was born in Dallas, TX on March 6, 1966, the first-born child of Kenneth O'Daniel Hendley and Deborah Ann Boren. As the scene unfolded, our little family grew by one. My sister, Dawne' LaVette Hendley, was revealed at the end of 1968. Sadly, by 1971 our parents split. During our mother's short-lived second marriage to Hugh Thomas, our brother, Anthony Thomas, was born in 1973. Our bond was strong as the sibling triple cord I read about in Ecclesiastes 4:12. We always took up for each other.Over the years, my parents attempted to reunite but no amount patchwork could bring them back together. They were one of the first couples of our large, extended family to separate. Since then, we've seen several of them rip at the seams. My mom has 7 brothers & sisters, my dad has 6. Our family, though torn and mended in so many places it's difficult to recall its original state, remains a close-knit unit. Most remain in North and East Texas area to this day.But I had different ideas. I wanted to shine like sequins and travel the world. Inspired by the cute dimples and bouncy locks of Shirley Temple, I set out to fulfill my dream very early. One of my aunts told me I was "good at the hula-hoop", so I practiced for hours. By the time I was 5, I was wowing the family with my hula-hoop prowess. At 7, I begged for dancing lessons. Intuitively, I knew that if I got better at the things I was good at I would shine...and I did! To my dismay, there was one thing my parents absolutely agreed upon, "No way you're going into show biz!" So as that dream dimmed, I concentrated my efforts on story weaving.I unnerved the neighborhood kids with chilling tales, inspired my teammates with epic adventures, thrilled my friends with romantic anecdotes, and even won a couple of speech contests with a bit of political yarn. But it didn't take much imagination to recount the tragedy that was my teen-aged life.The death of my sister, Dawne', when she was only 14 years old, was the final and most painful prick. I was under a very dark tapestry, which was the crewelwork of Satan, and it threatened to keep me pinned forever in the hem of resentment, bitterness, and unforgiveness.I limped through my twenties and was worn thin by lack of knowledge but at least I knew the One who knit me together in my mother's womb. Finally, I prayed and submitted my life to Him. He was faithful to gather the scraps of my brokenness, He mended my heart, and He caused me to sparkle with a radiance only He can create.Now, clothed in His righteousness, I shine on set and off! I have had the privilege of doing so at the side of my husband, Kevin Zervakos, for over 26 years. Being involved in this latest project, Breaking Strongholds is an honor that allows me to pursue my God-given passions and illustrate how our creator fashions us in His likeness to bring joy to the lives of others.The fabric of my life is a lot like yours -- intertwined with good and bad experiences. I salvaged what was left of mine by allowing God to mend the tears with threads of life-giving words. Now, instead of ripping myself apart at the imperfections, I allow God to strengthen me at the weak spots and break the strongholds that threaten to bind me....