Making Waves

Sometimes politics can bring out the worst in people. Just downright mean, ugly, nasty, shocking stuff.    The increase of hatefulness stemming from the past presidential elections has been unbelievable. Watching people take sides, stop talking to each other, and experiencing relationships fall apart in churches, workplaces, and different communities has been disheartening and eye opening. For a long time, I was naïve when it came to the ways of the world regarding voting and supporting a particular group. I never had a major issue with someone being  conservative, liberal, nonpartisan, or those who could care less, because I didn’t feel threatened by anyone who had an opinion or belief system that differed from my own. I’ve learned that a huge part of maturity is being able to coexist with others you may not relate to personally and to still respect them when they have different views from yours. Even if and when you don’t understand them.    When the Obamas were in office and as they

The moment I came across the hit OWN series,  Greenleaf ?    I was hooked.   I’ve been in church my whole life and have seen the ins and outs of what a life of ministry can be like, so although  Greenleaf  is fictional, some of the things that have happened throughout the series are relatable and too real. I mean, come on, a megachurch filled with drama, secrets, scandals, and a savage First Lady (yes, I see you Lady Mae). What’s not to like? The Greenleaf family is intriguing, interesting, and complicated. When the series started, it’s learned that Bishop Greenleaf and Lady Mae have four children: Faith (deceased), Grace, Charity, and Jacob.   Although each Greenleaf has an interesting backstory, the one Greenleaf I identify with the most is Grace. I really dig Grace. Not only is her character an anointed and powerful woman of God, but she’s also kind, courageous, and controversial. While anointed and called, she’s also participated in some risky business, had some messy moments, and

I’ve never been a fan of anyone trying to tell me how to live my life or trying to manipulate me into being someone or something I’m not. As I reflect on my walk as a Christian, I’ve grown weary from battling rigidity and living my life up under the attempted control and expectations of others. It’s often felt lonely and suffocating. In recent years, it’s been upsetting seeing so many Christians full of hate, while attacking and criticizing others outside the church and sometimes within it and justifying their hateful actions “in the name of Jesus.”    I just can’t get with that. I know it’s not okay to treat people that way. Their cruelty has taught me how to be kind. And it’s also prompted me to look at myself and be intentional about the kind of Christian I want to be moving forward.    I’ve wrestled with my walk with Christ. Especially with the current events that have taken place in the world and seeing how different Christian groups have responded or chosen to be hypocritical, co

Sometimes you just need a good reset.  I’ve been pushing through a lot of challenges, stress, and frustrations lately and have found that while I can’t worry about what I have no control over, I can decide how I choose to respond and reset. I maintain a regular self-care routine, but now I’ve found that I’ve had to be more intentional than ever about taking good care of myself (spiritually, mentally, and physically) as we all move through this unprecedented season. There are so many ways you can relax and reset, and today I’m sharing three ways I frequently reset in my own life that may help you too. Enjoy! Prayer.  I’m a tenacious prayer. Seriously. I pray every single day, even if and when I have to cry my way through it. This season has tested my faith in many ways, and praying about what I’ve been going through, along with different ways I’d like to see God move in my life and in this world, has been the only thing that’s gotten me through the rough days. Even if you’re

I first found out about Jessica Alba’s company,  The Honest Company , back in 2015.   I’ve been a fan of hers since I was a little girl and always thought she was the coolest. So when I found out she was the visionary behind building a company that develops safe, clean, and quality products for women, moms, and babies, I was totally in .  I’m an advocate of women making boss moves, and what she’s been able to deliver speaks  volumes. Especially with the  Honest Beauty   line. Maintaining a great skincare routine  is a major part of my self-care routine, and while I’ve tried a ton of different products here and there, I’ve continued to see the best results from Honest Beauty’s Prime + Perfect Mask  here , the 3-in-1 Detox Mud Mask  here , and the Magic Beauty Balm  here . These products are absolutely amazing! My skin glows, it’s clean, and feels so fresh after I use them. Honest Beauty also sells makeup, which is nice too. Plus, the products aren’t too pricey. If you’re