victory

March was Women’s History Month, and my mind goes back to an event that I attended
to in observance of our contributions to society . During that event, the theme for
Women’s History Month was shared repeatedly and it resonated with my spirit,
Nevertheless – She Persisted.

When you consider all that we as women have encountered and endured, whew! Yes, we have
encountered and endured much, yet we remain. But the we isn’t limited to the famous Sheroes of the world. This we is every momma, grandma, auntie, and sister girl who has taken a licking, yet kept ticking. The words of this theme ring true – nevertheless she persisted!

April is known as Black Women’s History Month. Therefore I dedicate this blog to you my sisters (and brothers). When you look back over your life, I’m sure you will note that we as women have persisted through so many things: trauma, heartache, illness, and death are just a few examples.

I encourage you that despite what may come our way this year, and the rest of our lives, we must persist in the things that we believe and towards those things that we desire. Giving up is not an option. We must persist even in what has become a more negative leaning world.

I remind you that you are enough to persist. You can make it. You can do it. You can pursue it. We will be alright. Persist in your faith. Persist in your principles and convictions. Don’t allow the negativity of this world and this life weigh you down to the point where you give in to the thought of throwing in the towel and waving the white flag.

When all is said and done, may the words of Women’s History Month 2018 be an accurate description of you – nevertheless she persisted. Knowing of course that persistence does pay off! Victory is ours!

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:38

8 Lessons for 48 Years

As I prepare to conclude my 47th year of life, I pondered the things that have transpired and found myself compiling a list of lessons that year 47 has taught me.

Saying farewell to my beloved mother was by far the most difficult thing that I have done this. However it was not the only challenge that I faced. Through those challenges, I’ve identified and compiled eight overarching lessons that I will carry with me as I transition to 48.

I come from good stock, meaning a valuable family. Having a God-fearing, God-serving, praying mother = priceless.
God prepared me for this season even when I didn’t realize what He was doing.
Letting go takes as much courage as holding on. Both will be necessary at some point in life. I let go of three significant people over the past 364 days, and not all to death. While it was difficult, it was also necessary.
Bad days don’t mean that you have to be paralyzed by pain. That being said, there is nothing wrong with taking some time to take care of yourself in order to emerge stronger and better. Just don’t take too long.
Some people will dislike you simply because you have grown and walk in your purpose. Others will dislike the God who resides within you. Despite that, you must keep going.
Some people that I expected did not show up, while others who, I least expected did. Through it all, God has not left me hanging.
Seeing the glass as half full rather than half empty can help save your sanity. In other words, maintain a positive mental attitude. While I cannot determine every situation in life, I am the sole determiner of my attitude.
There is victory outside of the comfort zone! I promised myself that 2017 would be the year for me to break through ceilings, step outside of the box, and smash, then go beyond barriers (some of which were self-imposed). By doing, I traveled to the Middle East, began this blog, embraced new opportunities, and took one of my passions to the next level.

Those are my eight overarching lessons. I trust that you can glean from at least two of them to enhance your life.

Nevertheless – Persist

No Regrets, Just Lessons Learned