Drop Everything And Read: It’s Not Supposed To Be This Way

Lysa TerKeurst is an extraordinary writer. I’d read one of her books a few years back titled, Uninvited, and loved how she addressed the topic of rejection, so I guess it shouldn’t have surprised me that It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way would be brilliant too. When I read this book, I felt like God was sitting in bed with me as I read each page. Once I started reading and began the first few chapters, I was in tears because I’d never read a book from a Christian writer that was as open, vulnerable, and authentic as Lysa’s story and words were in It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way. If you’ve ever felt as if there were moments or experiences in your life that didn’t make sense, left you heartbroken, or wondering, “God, where are you in all this?” Then this book is for you. I believe that this book is powerful and will speak to you in some special ways if you’re open to checking it out. I’ve been through seasons that have been challenging, painful, and left me utterly disappointed with myself and even God at different times, so books like this let me know that it’s okay to be real with Him and with others we trust about the things we go through in this life.

If you're moving through a season of uncertainty right now, I want to lift you up in prayer through this blog post and let you know that you are not alone. God is with you and I'm praying for you too. I know moving through uncertainty can be scary, frustrating, and uncomfortable, but as Lysa writes in It's Not Supposed to Be This Way, "Sometimes you just have to walk in your I don't know." Again, God is with you, and I hope you will check this book out for yourself and be blessed.

Thoughts From a Black Educator: Qualified, Credentialed, and Constantly Undermined

I’m a Black educator in my fifth year of teaching middle school English, and in my third as the 8th Grade English PLC (Professional Learning Community) Lead. And while I genuinely enjoy the purposeful work I get to do, seeing the growth of my scholars, and continuing to hone my skills in a content area I’ve loved since I was a little girl, I’ve had to confront some unpleasant experiences in this space. I’d been through much worse when I was an academic advisor at a Christian university. Racism, sexism, harassment, and workplace bullying were sadly norms in that environment. However, some of what I’ve experienced as a Black educator hasn’t been normal … It doesn’t seem normal to be the only Black educator in my department – in a predominantly Black school. One of my Black colleagues once said, “It should look like a Tyler Perry movie in here.” But it doesn’t. It didn’t feel normal being reprimanded in a meeting (during my second year of teaching) by an administrator who went in on...

Stop Saying Stupid Stuff To People Who Are Childless

I’m convinced that many people don’t think before they speak. Especially when it comes to interacting with people who don’t have children. Normally, I’ve held my peace with this and felt the need to solely address women when it comes to this topic, but lately this is a message that men can benefit from too. Stop saying stupid stuff to people who don’t have children . I know this might be a difficult task for those of you who are nosey, have concerns that have nothing to do with you, or may be unhappy in your own life, but stop with the questions, jokes, and reckless comments. Even if you believe you’re being funny, making conversation, or coming from a genuine place, you’re honestly out of line. Because someone not having children and why is none of your business. I don’t have children, and I honestly don’t know if I will, but as a woman, I’m good with my life either way. I’ll always be grateful for what I have instead of lamenting about what I don’t. Which is probably why getting olde...

The Day I Made A Will

When I was a teenager, I remember writing a list of my greatest fears. One of the things I listed was death. Looking back, it was an interesting item to list because inevitably, death is something each of us will face at some point in our lives. Even though it’s no longer a fear of mine, I understand why and how it’s not a comfortable thing for everyone to navigate. But regardless, this past summer I completed a detailed will. I signed it, had witnesses sign it, and got it notarized. As I was getting everything done, one of the witnesses looked at me and said, “You know, it’s just that you’re so young…” I’ve learned that death doesn’t care how young or how old you are. You can be five, fifteen, thirty, or fifty, and it’s still something that happens. Completing my will wasn’t scary. It gave me peace of mind having documentation in place stating my detailed directives and requests. A year ago, I had one of my kidneys removed. It was a surgery that came with risks that were presented cle...

Making Waves