I’ve been quiet around here lately, and to be honest, I’ve been going through some personal struggles and just haven’t felt inspired to write. But this blog/journal is my antidote and if I can’t be vulnerable here and use it for a greater purpose then what’s the point? I know I’ve been putting off writing about this particular subject because of lies the enemy has tried filling my head with: shame, embarrassment and pride. But today, I lay all of that down at the foot of the cross. Because God's will is sovereign over all- and his ways are of sacrifice, truth and life.
I'm channeling my inner Martin Luther King Jr here but, I have a dream. Many dreams actually, but they all stem from the main one- I want to own my salon (I know, big wahoo right? But to me, it is)- from that I would like to use it to help non-profits and various out reaches but it has to start with the first. This dream is something I've been working on for a couple of years now, (some of you may be thinking "well what are you waiting for" or "if it was that important you would have made it happen by now") But let me stop you right there for a second, because I am in a race with no-one. Over these last couple of years God has shaped me, prepared me, taught me, and molded me into who I need to be in order to make this dream come to fruition and be used for His kingdom.
"I will instruct you and teach you about the direction you should go. I will advise you and keep my eye on you." Psalm 32:8
Really, I believe he’s been preparing me for this my whole life- but it’s just been in recent years that I’ve learned to listen to God and was given an insight to His plan for my life. Since I was 14, I’ve had a job. Since I was 18, I have been completely financially independent from my parents. Sometimes that meant working two jobs and it always meant that there was no giving up. But it created an insatiable work ethic in me. A drive for success and a longing to be able to provide financial freedom for myself, my family and others who need it.
I know, I know… you’re wondering where I’m going with this... I preface with that to say this... it’s been entirely up to me to use the tools, learning lessons, opportunities and divine appointments God has put in my life to accomplish this dream and make it a reality. There are no handouts. But there is God’s hand constantly lifting me up in every trial, tribulation and failure.
I recently threw my heart, soul, vision, time and energy into an opportunity to make this dream come true and while I wish I could say it ended up as a fairytale, unfortunately it didn't- my spirit was crushed. I felt defeated. Has anyone ever gone through a similar experience before? Well let me tell ya, boyyyy was I mistaken! (Trust me, your light is coming!) There are some things in life that we will go through and not understand why.. and we have to learn to be okay with that because with God, his ways transcend all understanding.
"People plan their path, but the Lord determines our steps." - Proverbs 16:9
I believe when you feel God intervene in your life or "your" plans, it’s because He is saving us from something we cannot see.
YALL! The moment I received the bad news regarding my plan of actual for the salon, I immediately covered myself in the Word and in prayer. The very next day, I was presented with an incredible opportunity! A. Blessing. It still gives me the goosies just thinking about it! Now, in order to capture this opportunity, I have to move quickly. So I have re-strategized, re-budgeted and put myself way outside of my comfort zone in order to make this happen. But WHEN YOU FEEL GOD MOVING IN YOUR LIFE, YOU RUN WITH HIM AND DON’T LOOK BACK.
In order to make your dreams come true, you have to get out of your head and shake the lies off that the devil is feeding you! I am having to make some decisions that, to me, hurt my pride- but there is no room for pride in God's will for your life. I could let embarrassment and the worry of what others think of me, set me off the path God has for me and miss this opportunity; or I can take hold of God’s promise for my life, stand steadfast in who He says I am and remember that my job is simply to be obedient to Him- His job is everything else.
I took this opportunity to be vulnerable with you guys in hopes that my story could reach and encourage someone out there whom might be feeling defeated or is letting the enemy rob them of a victory God has in store for them! And to remind you guys that the road to the top isn’t all sunshine and rainbows… but fulfilling your calling will always be worth it!
In the words of Rachel Hollis, “your dreams are worth fighting for, and while you’re not in control of what life throws at you, you are in control of the fight!”
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