DEAR QUEEN,
Many are waiting to tell their story at the end, when the dust settles, the victories are won, the goals accomplished and it's something worthy to boast about. I, however want to tell a different story, a story about the middle, the imperfect, navigating and still learning the ways of a person on the path, on the journey,
my path...my journey
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When I opened a brand new page of my new notebook, the very first thing I wrote was the renown message of Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 in its entirety. " For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven". This time around it felt like fresh dew, awakening a new fire within me. The concept of seasons and striding. The greatest revelation one can have is understanding the concept of seasons in relation to their lives and the meaning of true success, peace and joy. The key is to maximize said seasons, through embracing, learning and actively participating in every moment in essence moving with the cloud.
" I will lead blind Israel down a new path, guiding them along an unfamiliar way. I will brighten the darkness before them and smooth out the road ahead of them. Yes, I will indeed do these things; I will not forsake them"
- Isaiah 42:16
" I am the One, who opened a way through the waters, making a dry path through the sea. I called forth the mighty army of Egypt with all its chariots and horses. I drew them beneath the waves and they drowned, their lives snuffed out like a smoldering candlewick. But forget all that- It is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?
- Isaiah 43: 16 - 19
" You will have such a surplus of crops that you will need to clear out the old grain to make room for the new"
- Leviticus 26:10
" Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character and character produces hope."
- Romans 5: 3-5
Blessings are often concealed within difficulties.
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With each turning of the clock and beckoning of a new age, we find ourselves looking back, reflecting, restructuring, hoping and wishing for the new, but how do we stretch out for more or new without looking at what we have before us or embracing and releasing what is behind us? Now is the time.. I was blinded by sight but now liberated by faith and courage; crippled by fear and familiarity, bypassing the blessing of now by holding onto the yesterday's.
Paulo Coelho writes in " The Alchemist" that people need not fear the unknown if they are capable of achieving what they need and want. We are afraid of losing what we have whether it’s our life or our possessions and property. But this fear evaporates when we understand our life stories and the history of the world were written by the same hand.
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So, Dear Barbara,
Don't be paralyzed looking for a guarantee, throw some sauce on it and just do it! You are soil, whatever seed is planted in you, will produce and it will harvest. There is value, gifting, assignments and blessings in the seed. Life will try and tell you otherwise, but remember there is power in your thoughts, perception is reality and you crown Him King by the decisions you make. You must reach a level where life does not have to force the best out of you all the time. Acquire the discipline to be better just because it is who you are with or without pressure. Create a rhythm and pattern that is constantly searching for the best of who you are; do not sacrifice the good on the altar of perfection, for the Lord delights in seeing the work begin and His word is a preceding word always lighting the way, always guiding your path. Take up your space, you are made to last and do what matters.
Try and fail and try again, do it bravely and do it scared! Let the Pharisees judge from their seat and you babygirl, you flourish, it is not their job to understand nor approve what has already been permitted. Favour flows it does not force.
We don't live for the applause, just for the smiles of the Creator and the impact of the people. Let your authenticity inspire others to stay committed; to the journey, to purpose, to the task, to being planted, to love, to faith, to get everything promised and more, to maximizing their potential, to God. Never stop dreaming, keep that wide- eyed, curious little girl alive! Dance in the moment, dance in the rain, keep laughing long, hard and loud, swim in the deep end, travel the world, ride the rollercoasters, sing your loudest at concerts, live your best life, it is a blessing from the most High. You are an exceptionally, phenomenal, beautiful woman, imperfectly perfect with your flaws and all.
Make each moment count, you are valued, important, one of a kind, a blessing, you are a Queen, a beautiful, strong, black Queen!
