No matter how big the obstacle, or how rough the road may appear… you have everything you need to FLOURISH in this season! Stop letting fear cripple you! Bring that dream to fruition! Go after what you’ve always dreamed of becoming with every fiber in your being!
A lesson on being right and being married!
The other day my hubby and I ventured to the grocery store together. Everything was going well, until we got to the peanut butter aisle. My hubby reached for the “natural” peanut butter, but I insisted that we get the “creamy” version, since that’s what we had at the house. He paused for a moment, then proceeded to look at the various labels to figure out what we had in the cupboard. He clearly didn’t believe me.
After a few “exchanges”, and a near exit with NOTHING, he finally gave in and said “I’m almost certain we had natural, but just go ahead and get the creamy peanut butter”. I tossed that tube into the cart so quickly, and dashed off to gather the last few items. I was in my feelings, yet and still I kept it together.
When we finally got home, I noticed that my hubby made a very deliberate strut to the cupboard. I rolled my eyes, and started putting the groceries away. I knew exactly what he was doing! I didn’t pay him any mind, other than what I noticed out of my peripheral. He shuffled through the shelves for a few moments, then slowly closed the cupboard door. (He saw truth. lol!) He stood there for a few seconds, before finally admitting that I was right about the peanut butter.
In that moment, in that VERY REAL moment…
All I could think to say was “I told you so”. I knew I was right. I felt the words welling up within my soul, until I remembered being on the other side. Countless moments of being wrong came to mind, and I knew I needed to humble myself and sprinkle my response with love. (UGHHHH). I finished putting the last few groceries away, turned to the love of my life and said, “No problem babe, you know I’ve been there. I’m just glad we got the right one”.
Thank God I passed that test!
What do you do when your spouse is wrong? Do you rub it in their face, trying to “make an example” of the situation? OR do you show grace, put yourself in their shoes, and respond in love? Of course the latter is the best option, but let’s be real… it sure isn’t the easiest! Listen, I don’t always get it right, but let me encourage you (as I encourage myself)! The next time you find yourself in a “creamy peanut butter” situation, and you KNOW you’re right.. respond in love! Nobody is perfect, and the worst thing to do is kick someone when they’ve humbly admitted that they’ve made a mistake. Yes, there will be moments when you need to have a full conversation about certain situations, but don’t give access to the enemy. Proverbs 15:1 says it best, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger”. God already knew! Choose your response carefully. Show grace and fight with every bit of your being to keep the peace in your marriage and your household! You two are one!
I remember when I first started wearing makeup. I found the perfect foundation for my chocolatey complexion, and learned a bit about liner and mascara. Over time, and after countless YouTube videos and convos with my fellow makeup enthusiasts, I finally got it right! Well, in all areas except for one… lipstick. Unlike my other skills, I only gave lipstick a good 5 tries, before I decided it wasn’t for me. I loved how it looked on others, but I just couldn’t figure it out. Lipstick on my teeth, lipstick on my fingers… legit, “smudge galore”!
I was completely done…
Until my beautiful friend came along and got me all the way together. (You know who you are!)
We went out to lunch one day, and I happened to comment on how fabulous her lip color looked! She paused for a moment, and asked “where is YOUR lipstick, friend”? I cringed a bit on the inside, and replied “Lipstick isn’t for me”. She wasn’t buying it. She always commented on my bare lips, but this day was different. She rolled her eyes, and pulled out her lipstick collection. She went over different types of lipsticks, lip liners, and finishes. Basically, she was encouraging me to give it another try. And I did just that! I went back to my vanity and tried again… and again… until I got it right!
LOOK AT ME NOW!
As I think of my makeup/lipstick journey, I can’t help but wonder… “what have I written off in my life, simply because I found it challenging and didn’t invest in the ‘know-how'”? Take a moment, and think about your own life. Have you ever written something off, simply because you didn’t know how to do/use/perform it? You may have tried a few times, but things didn’t go as planned. Now, you’re walking around dismissing opportunities and blessings because you’ve convinced yourself “this/that isn’t for me”, when in reality you haven’t even put in the effort. Lord, help us all!
Today, I encourage you to try again! I understand, we aren’t all gifted to do everything! But, as you read this post, something came to mind that you know you need to revisit. It’s time to stop dismissing, and start refining. (I’m speaking to myself, here! Yassss!) Despite how challenging it may seem, go back and sit down at your “vanity” and try again! Invest in the “know-how”, perfect your skills, and grab hold of every opportunity the Lord sends your way!
Every morning when you wake up, command the atmosphere around you! Despite what may have happened yesterday, today is a new day! You have a choice. You can either speak life, or speak death over your situation. Why not choose life! Expect God to do the impossible…the incredible! He can mend your broken heart, open that closed door, and give you a new perspective! Align yourself with God’s will for your life, and watch Him do magnificent things in your life! Expect it!
After you’ve commanded your morning, and have aligned yourself with God’s will, get up and get dressed like you know who you are! I’ve said this before and it’s worth repeating… You can look “fabulous”, dress well and still live a life of holiness! Oh, yes you can! You can wear your heels, beat your face, and “slay” all while being a reflection of the King! Indeed, God is most concerned with the matters of our heart, and that should be top priority for us as His daughters! Just know… it’s OK to SLAY while we serve our Savior! Put on your best, and slay the day!
Your mind is at peace, your heart is ready, and you’ve adorned yourself accordingly! Now, it’s time to walk it out, and conquer your day! Whether you’re on your way to work, a conference, or preparing to give a presentation… go in there like you run the show! Determine that no matter what happens, this is your day. Celebrate your victories, and learn from your challenges! Hold your head up high, and spread the light with those who need it most. Speak, empower, smile, and slay as you walk through your sphere of influence! You can never sparkle too bright! The Day is yours, so own it!
Slay, Like you Mean it!
The world is waiting!
In a world that is utterly obsessed with perfection, it’s so easy to get caught up in the hype. We consume so much throughout the day, that when we finally look in the mirror we often pick at those things that are seen as less than perfect… my nose is too big, my hair is too thin, my thighs are too thick… and the list goes on and on. Subsequently we strive to fit into society’s “perfect” mold, all in the name of being “Beautiful”… as if perfection were the prerequisite for such a title. It’s a viscous cycle that I’ve known all too well.
But let me share something amazing with you… a powerful truth that will SET YOU FREE!
Yaass! When you truly begin to understand this powerful verse, you’ll never look at yourself the same again. When you look in the mirror, You will finally see what God see, a MARVELOUS WORK OF ART! You’ll see a unique, and beautiful woman of God who doesn’t need to seek the approval of society (or a man) to see and know her true beauty. Listen, when this verse came to life in my situation, I stopped seeing dirt, and I started seeing flecks glitter! Seriously! I’m convinced that God made lil ole’ me with an extra sprinkle of sparkle dust, lol! And He did just the same when He created you… you are special and set apart, created for His pleasure!
So the next time you look in the mirror, don’t you dare pick out your “flaws”. Don’t do it! Instead, speak this verse over your life like the most powerful affirmation you’ve ever created! Ask God to show you the beauty He placed within each and everyone one of us when we were created! And when He shows you, believe Him and give thanks!
Marvelous are His works, and this your soul must know very well!
Challenge: If you know just how marvelous you are, I challenge you to proclaim that over your life in your next selfie post! Connect with me on IG and Twitter (@reese__dennis), and tag #IAFAWM (“I am Fearfully and Wonderfully Made”) to let me know you believe it! Let your girlfriends know, pass along this beautiful truth, you never know who needs it at this very moment!
Be encouraged ladies!
