I often use these two terms interchangeably, but the truth is, they’re distinctly different, though closely related. I don’t know why now, but I do know that now is the time I needed to quiet and answer this persistent, ongoing search. Exploring them here brings me a sense of clarity. And who doesn’t love that?!
What impedes empowers. The solutions always exist within the problem, not outside of it! Trauma isn’t our fault, but healing [sho’ nuff] is our responsibility. When we perceive failure as ‘bad,’ we miss the lesson it carries. Every obstacle is feedback, giving us precise instructions on how to improve.
There is a manna you can’t see flowing like and through the Land of Milk and Honey. To enjoy this Manna– to see it, too!– you must live in community. If you kept this gift to yourself, you wouldn’t need Me and My Great Love. If you hoarded this gift, the Manna would go bad, go stale.
Sometimes in life, things may seem— to you—disconnected and unrelated. So disjointed. But that is to you. To Me, your life is a puzzle. I see the end and have given you the pieces. The more you seek Me, the more you see Me. The more you see Me, the more pieces you place in the puzzle.
Help me not be like Isaac who ran. Help me stand tall, firm, confident. Give me courage to do Your will, Your work—faith and work. Help me work, oh God! Not nurse work, but deep inner personal work.
The truth is also simple, though: I am now who I once needed. I didn’t post or share my blog because I first needed to practice being courageous. To say the things I need to say without worrying whose eyes are reading what I’m saying. This blog is my heart on the screen! It’s my deepest prayer, darkest valleys, greatest hopes. It’s sharing my deep longings that yet remain to be fulfilled. This past year has been a practice run of can I really do it? Can I say the things?
I, along with two Black women—one with 20 years of experience and another with over 20—were all pushed out. We were forced into silence. Our voices didn’t matter to those who had the power to hear them. As a Black woman in Amerikkka, I’ll say this: Black and Brown women are often fired for no longer being a “culture fit.” Interesting, isn’t it? We were hired because our excellence preceded us, and yet months or years later, we’re no longer a fit? If (White) folks were truthful with themselves first and with others, are Black and Brown women not a “culture fit,” or are you simply racist or prejudiced?
God, I thank You. I thank You for the work that I do. I thank You for the lives that I touch. And I thank …
True courage lies in asking boldly and daring to dream of the life you’re worthy of. But do you truly believe in your heart of hearts that you deserve it? It’s time to uncover the depths of your worthiness and step boldly into the life you’re meant to lead.
“You have not because you ask not.” “Ask, and it shall be given unto you.” But do you believe that it should be given to you? Do you believe that you are worthy of the thing that you’re asking for?
