Last week, I had the opportunity to speak multiple nights for Family Vacation Bible School which was hosted by Nigerian Seventh Day Adventist Church in Lithonia, GA. The organizers were very intentional about wanting to make sure parents were given information on a variety of subjects. Financial literacy, nutrition and healthy relationships were among the topics discussed. I am glad to have had the opportunity to discuss children and safety one night and domestic violence a 2nd night.
It is very important to me that we address child sexual abuse and molestation with our children as well as domestic violence at an early age. I’ve discussed both topics a number of times in church settings. However, this was the first time I’ve ever done it at a vacation bible school, and I think it’s great! Many of our communities are saturated with places of worship. I truly believe it’s a perfect place and opportunity for awareness, education and support. The parents were interactive and asked a lot of questions. Each time I’m able to present is an honor, and I’m extremely grateful to everyone responsible for having me attend what was an outstanding vacation bible school for the children as well as the parents.
I recently had a very long and candid conversation with someone who’s going through a difficult time in their lives. No matter how hard they try, nothing seems to be coming together. Positive affirmations don’t seem to work. Calling certain friends and family have resulted in voicemail or the ‘stay encouraged’ answer which, while meaningful, is actually not very encouraging at all. It seems there’s more month than money. They get up with a positive attitude, pray and do their absolute best to remain positive. Still, the doors of opportunity seem to remain shut. Is God or anybody listening to the outcry of help and support needed? Surely SOMEBODY is listening and willing to help.
How many of us have gone down this same path? You may be reading this and going through some things right now and wondering if anyone is listening to your problems. Does anybody even care? How do I overcome when I believe I’m doing everything right? Here are a couple of points I want you to consider.
Are you consistent? Think about it. Are you consistently praying and asking for support and assistance. Or, are you consistent in your complaining, pity parties and blaming others? It’s alright to have a pity party for a short time. But, the short time should be 5 to 10 minutes. Cry, scream-do whatever you need to do. After that, wash your face, say out loud how you’re ready to move forward (in whatever your personal words of encouragement are) and start again. It’s important to be consistent in your thanksgiving for your valleys as well as your peaks.
Who are you talking to? You cannot tell everyone what you’re going through. There are people who will pray for your deliverance and those who will pray for your demise. Put your pride and fear aside and let people know what you need. Just be mindful with whom you share your information. Ask. Ask. Ask. Talk to people who are doing what you’re doing and learn more about their successes and failure. Trust me. Successful people have failed at something in their lifetimes. Be intentional about connecting with the individuals and resources you need to move forward. It may be uncomfortable, but being in the position you’re in is not exactly comfortable either. You’re struggling to ask, so you don’t ask and remain in struggle mode. Evaluate where you are, consider the outcome and pick a struggle.
Make sure that you take a moment to listen to yourself and examine where you are. Keep pushing forward. Keep saying positive affirmations. Keep putting out positive energy. Keep smiling. Keep an attitude of gratitude. Ask for help. Understand that you will hear the word no. Don’t be discouraged by them. Be determined by them.
This past weekend, I was a vendor at an event for an organization called Beautiful Spirited Women. I learned of this organization while chatting with a young lady affiliated with them. It was a networking function for a company that she nor I are currently connected to. But, the information she shared with me about BSW was inspirational right from the beginning. Eventually, I would meet the Executive Director and that one meeting has turned into years of friendships, sisterhood and a dedication on my part to donate my time, talent and sometimes, finances to them whenever I can. I’ve always done it because I believe in their cause to help tweens/teens to develop the holistic skills they need to grow into powerful, courageous, strong women leaders for themselves, their families and their communities. I’ve not expected anything in return.
So, when the Executive Director talked about this year’s honorary member being a woman of service, dedication to the organization and the work she does in the community, I intently sat there waiting, like everyone else, to see who they were talking about. When she said my name, I was completely caught off guard. I cried…not a big surprise to anyone who knows me. It’s is an honor for me, and I’m extremely humbled by their love and respect for me and what I do.
For anyone who may be reading this, always know that someone is watching what you do-good or bad. Someone’s always paying attention. The key is to be found doing your best. Be a good steward over your finances. Be a listening ear for someone who just needs to be heard. Help those who are in need of kindness, love, support and sometimes, just a big, warm smile and heartfelt hello. Do what you do from your heart and not for accolades and fanfare. You never know who will recognize you and in what way. Thank you to Beautiful Spirited Women for honoring me as I honor you and your commitment to our young people. To learn more about BSW, click here: https://www.facebook.com/beautifulspiritedwomen
