Shame has been a mother tongue because I was taught to be ashamed—ashamed of my body, my size, the fullness of my nose, the width of my hips, the gap in my teeth, the volume of my laughter, the chocolate brown of my skin, and the depths of my joy. But those very things I used to hate, those very parts of me I used to loathe, have become the parts I love the most.
How amazing it is that even as I sleep, God is restoring my body, renewing my mind, and whispering divine truths to my soul! Lord, teach me to trust You more deeply, more fully, more widely. Help me to rest in the peace of Your presence and to embrace the lessons You weave into my life, whether they come through moments of clarity or quiet reflection or loud clangs of cymbals.
It wasn’t until I got home and watched the time-lapse video that it hit me—much to my surprise, I was far more skeptical about doing new things than I had ever realized. Baby, I straight stared at these people while questioning my own ability to do something I hadn’t done before… Because I hadn’t done it before! I stood there, watching, unmoved.
“Your will and mine be one,” I prayed! I didn’t know what I was praying for exactly, but I knew it’d be good. And yet again, here you are doing exceedingly and abundantly!”
You don’t know the way, but you know the way, because I do! Continue to trust me and let Me lead you, even when, especially when!, you’re unclear or unsure.
Be still and know that I am God!
It begins with be. Be still. Be seen. Be known. Be bright. Be bold. Be Loved. Be loving. BE.
Grief goes where I put it, just like anything else. When I set my water bottle or keys down and can’t find them later, they’re lost. But grief is different. Sometimes it’s exactly where I left it. Other times, I wonder, ‘Where did my grief go?’ and feel like I’ve lost it. So now, I choose where to place my grief.
The very thing that they said they would never do is actually the best thing that could happen to them. Have you ever wondered why it is that the things you said you would never do are the best things that have happened to you?
My heart rate soared, even as I sat still—a stark reminder of how deeply stress lives within us. I survived those past moments, but healing only came when I finally chose to live with intention. From recounting stress to rewriting my story, I’ve learned that true health isn’t just the absence of disease; it’s alignment of mind, body, and spirit.
Boundaries aren’t about rejecting others but about inviting healthy, meaningful connections. They’re your protective forcefield, ensuring you and your spaces remain safe, healthy, and secure.
It’s crazy, isn’t it? That in a world full of hatred and negativity, people dare ask a bright light to turn down. Asking me to be less joyful is, at its core, self-centered. Instead, I submit to your consideration: why are you offended by my joy?!
