Disconnect to Connect

On Friday’s I stay off social media to connect with God. I began doing this a few weeks ago and noticed that when I wasn't checking my phone or concerned with what anyone else was doing, God continually dropped things in my spirit and spoke to me in ways He's likely been waiting to do without the interference of social media in my life. God may be trying to get through to you too. Can you hear Him? I enjoy social media but I want all of my readers to know that while you’re scrolling through social media and see really great photos and different milestones in other peoples’ lives, understand there are always things happening that you cannot see. The people you think or perceive to have wonderful lives also have battles, challenges, and struggles that don’t always make it (and truthfully shouldn’t) to their social media accounts. The couple who are new homeowners could be struggling with their mortgage payments, the woman posting cute pictures of her newborn baby could be up all night, every night, trying to adjust to life with a baby who has a demanding eating and sleeping schedule, the recent college graduate could be anxious about finding employment in an economy that has little to no job openings in sight, the friend that just went on a vacation might be struggling financially, the co-worker who got a new promotion could have anxiety so intense they can barely sleep through the night, the couple that just got engaged might be questioning if they’re really in love or about to ruin their life, the girl who takes stunning photos may struggle with constant doubts and insecurities, the couple who takes cute selfies may fight and argue a lot and be on the verge of a split, and the person you think “has it all” may very well have every material item and opportunity you could imagine, but is so miserable, empty, and unhappy you’d never know they’re truly lonely and chasing the wind -- see Ecclesiastes 2:11. There’s always something happening behind closed doors that you cannot see. Consider limiting the amount of time you spend on social media and instead, spend that time with the Lord. Disconnect to Connect with Him. He’s worth it.

The Day I Became A Kidney Donor

About a year ago, I had a dream my dad wanted to talk to our family about something serious. I wasn’t sure what he wanted to discuss, but I knew it was something I needed to prepare myself for. Around the time after I had this dream, I remember stopping by my parents place and sensing something was going on that they weren’t telling me. I tried to dismiss what I’d been feeling, but I couldn’t shake it. Something serious was happening. As I returned to my home after visiting them one day, I was in my kitchen washing dishes when a heaviness hit my heart like nothing I’d ever felt before. Something’s wrong with dad. That’s what that dream was about. God, what’s going on? As I continued washing dishes, I started crying and praying. Then in mid-spring, my dad held an unexpected family meeting that would change all our lives forever. He hesitated at first, and as his voice started cracking and he started crying, he said, “Well, I wanted to talk to ya’ll to tell you that I have kidney disea...

I’m Glad I’m Not Married

When I was about five years old, I was sitting in the backseat of my dad’s car when me, him, my older cousin (my aunt’s son), and my aunt (my dad’s sister) caught my aunt’s fiancé with another woman. My dad had been driving my aunt out to run some errands since she didn’t have a driver’s license or a car. When she spotted her man with another woman, she told my dad to pull the car over, got out of the car, and immediately addressed him. She wanted the keys back to her apartment and was done with him. The other woman she caught her fiancé with slapped him when she realized what was happening, and that was that. When my aunt returned to the car, she was clearly and understandably upset, and the ride back to her place was quiet. Although I was too young to fully grasp what was happening at the time, I knew it wasn’t good. And now, at 34 years old, I can’t imagine how much pain she was in. Her wedding had been planned and paid for – and she never made it down the aisle. My aunt was a beaut...

Twenty Pieces Of Advice & Wisdom For The Twenty-Something Women Of The World

Years ago, a friend of mine asked me for advice regarding a life change she was considering. She explained her situation and shared, “I wanted to talk to you because you give really good advice.” I was flattered and surprised by her statement. Mostly because while I’ve been approached by family, friends, colleagues, different students I teach, and sometimes even strangers who have asked me for advice regarding whatever it was they happened to bring my way, some haven’t always listened and then proceeded to make regretful decisions that could have been avoided if they had listened to what I shared in the first place. And lately, a group that’s heavily been on my heart and mind are women in their twenties. I’m only 33 but I remember what it was like for my friends and me moving through our twenties. It wasn’t the easiest decade to navigate, and it certainly had its ups and downs, but armed with the experiences, advice, and wisdom I have now, there are definitely things I believe we ...

Making Waves