I am Tsholo Zion, a devoted Christian, wife to Dr. Samuel Zion, and mother to our son, Thierry. I am the eldest of three, a minister of reconciliation, and a psychologist by profession. Alongside my academic journey—holding a BA, Honours, and MSc in Psychology, and now pursuing my PhD—I serve as the founder and Managing Director of Explore Consults (Pty) Ltd, where I provide psychological services, counseling, and professional development.
But my writing journey began not from ambition, but from obedience. I never imagined I could be an author—until God told me to write.
My first book, It Was Necessary (2022), was birthed from one of the most painful chapters of my life. For three years, I was in a relationship with a pastor, teacher, and prophet—a man who was, in reality, a narcissist and abuser. Behind his public ministry, he wounded me deeply—verbally, physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.
I lost myself in that relationship. I walked in shame, guilt, and silence. My weight dropped, my confidence evaporated, and I lived in a shell of anxiety, depression, paranoia, and hopelessness. It was as if I had died while still alive. Leaving him was not easy—the breakup was chaotic and dramatic—but four days later I found myself in court, applying for an emergency restraining order. I was utterly alone, carrying the heavy cloak of shame that kept me from confiding even in family and friends.
But God.
Over the next three years, He healed me completely. Later, I asked Him, “Why didn’t I remember I was dealing with a narcissist, even though I’m a psychologist?” His answer changed everything: “Because you only had book knowledge. I wanted you to have real-time experience, so that when I send people your way, their present struggles will be your past struggles—and you’ll be able to help them.”
That’s how Explore Consults was born. And soon, clients began to come—many walking through the very same valley I had been delivered from. Helping them came naturally, because God had equipped me through my own pain.
Then came His call to write. Though reluctant, I finally yielded. In just 8 days, I poured my story into pages. God sent the right editor, gave me the title—It Was Necessary—and confirmed what I had endured was not wasted. The book has since brought healing and freedom to many.
In April 2025, my second book, It Was Conviction, was published. God had given me the title in January 2023 and, later, the contents. This time, writing flowed in just 3 weeks—because the message was already alive in my spirit.
It Was Conviction is a book of healing, authenticity, and inner freedom. It teaches us to listen to the cry of our hearts, to embrace the joy of authenticity, and to walk in contentment, satisfaction, and fulfillment. It is a book that liberates the soul.
I do not write because I planned to be an author. I write because God tells me to. And when He speaks, I obey.
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