You’re Going To Figure It Out

As we approach the start of a brand-new year, I can’t help but think about the process of setting new goals to accomplish. For some, the start of a new year is an opportunity to tackle new goals and resolutions that have been set. For others, a new year can feel like a time of uncertainty. And while I believe in setting deadlines to accomplish specific and measurable goals, marking calendars for set plans, and having different things in mind that you would like to accomplish in a year, the reality is that life is full of uncertainty.

Sometimes unexpected things happen that can change our lives in wonderful ways and sometimes in painful ones too. But no matter what happens this year, I hope you know that you’re going to figure it out (whatever “it” may happen to be or mean for you). As a Christian, I’m constantly learning (and in recent years) have accepted that God’s already ordered my steps. Even steps that I haven’t always enjoyed or understood. But regardless, I know that I’m going to figure things out and that I don’t have to do it aimlessly or alone because my God knows what’s next for me, what’s best for me, and has already set things in motion. I’m not sure what you’re seeking to accomplish this year, what you’re working on, what you’re praying for, or what your heart’s desires may be, but I pray that you connect and partner with God as you figure things out and that you allow Him to move in your life in the most exciting, encouraging, and intentional ways. Happy New Year and God bless.

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...

Dear Young Black Professionals

As you embark on your career, I want you to know some things and stay woke about what you’ll be up against. Please understand that no matter what, you have value, and you matter. Always remember that. As progressive as this world and different workplaces may seem, every workplace has a culture. You’ll be in different places where a lot of people who don’t look like you will be in the room. But know that you belong in those rooms too. Spend some time observing and studying those spaces and learn as much as you can. There will be people you work with who will make presumptions about your competence, education, and ability to fulfill your job duties. There will be more who will think less of you because of the color of your skin and try to disqualify you the moment you make an error, mistake, or ask questions about things you may not understand. This will all feel uncomfortable and you may get insecure, feel like you’re all by yourself, and think you don’t belong there, but ride it out...

Making Waves