Yesterday, during one of my many talks with momma, I told her how the things I’ve longed prayed for are coming to pass. I’ve always been a huge encourager and have loved and embraced this position wholeheartedly. One of my dreams is to attend a women’s conference or symposium of sort, where I got the opportunity to testify about God, and call others to Him, all the while using my trials and tribulations to empower and help women to overcome their own.

As God would have it, I’m doing just that. On April 29, 2023, I will be one of (8) speakers of a panel consisting of all women, in my home state of Alabama, at a Women’s Empowerment Conference. Talk about a blessing and promise of God that’s about to be fulfilled! Being grateful is putting it mildly. I’m overjoyed, blessed, and thankful that God is continuously making due on His promises, and He’s empowered me to empower others.

I knew early on this year would work in my favor, because I declared to God it was HIS year and not mine. When you give to God the cares, concerns, and worries of your heart, He’ll in turn give you your heart’s desire!

La’Rue

Last week, I had the pleasure of flying to Texas for a work-related event. I was so excited to finally visit the state I’ve felt God has called me to move to (just not yet). Nonetheless, as I went through the TSA preliminaries and boarded my plane, I was all too happy to be seated near the window, which is my favorite place to be. Unbeknownst to me, right before take-off, I experienced one of the worst anxiety attacks I’ve ever had. I felt the plane was swallowing me up and I had nowhere to run. I asked the gentleman on the aisle seat to change with me, but he declined. I then advised one of the flight attendants of my situation, and she frantically sought me another seat. Luckily, a man who was sitting in an aisle seat 6 rows up from me agreed to change seats.

I felt a lot better, immediately, but about an hour later, the anxiety continued. “What on earth is happening to me?” I questioned, because I’ve flown countless of times and have never experienced that before. Needless to say, I was happy when we landed as I couldn’t wait to get off the plane. During my few days stay, I really enjoyed myself and the area I stayed in, although God has plans for me to stay elsewhere. After I fulfilled my work assignment and prepared to fly back out, I became increasingly worried I was going to have another attack. I’m still not sure what prompted the first one, but I was not prepared for what took place during my flight’s departure. Once boarded and an hour into the flight, I felt my breath leaving me and the plane encapsulating me. I was seated yet again by the window, but this time, I couldn’t escape.

All I could do was pray my way through the entire ordeal and try to remain as calm as possible. As I quietly cried for it to be over, God begin to speak to me. “What you are experiencing is growth, and you’ve outgrown the place in which I have placed you. Now has come the time for you to move up.” I thought to myself, “Not now, God. I’m in survival mode at this moment. Can we talk about this once I land?” However, there was no need for a conversation, because God had made it perfectly clear to me. I’ve outgrown the former things and I’m now entering into my promised season. Everything He does for me will only propel me forward and I will no longer be held back. This is my Ephesians 3:20 season!

I still can’t explain why I had those two anxiety attacks on the plane, or why God would use them to get me to see what He’s about to do next. Besides, all He could’ve done was just tell me, and not scare me. Although if I’m honest, when I think of the big plans He has for me, I do get a bit scared. However, I know if He brings me to it, He’ll bring me through it.

Maybe you’ve come to a place in your life where you’ve outgrown people, your job, certain relationships, or other things. Whichever the case, always consult with God and ask Him “What’s next?” or more importantly, “Prepare me for what’s to come.” Don’t let complacency or money be the reason you remain in a situation or environment that God has outgrown you.

La’Rue

As I was in prayer this morning, I felt a huge sense of gratitude and praise. Not just to God and Jesus, but to the many others who’ve helped me as I went through some of the biggest storms I’d encountered. During the times I didn’t know how I was going to make it, they saw to it that I did. During the times I wanted to give up, they made sure that I didn’t. During the times I was low on what I needed, they made sure I never ran out. During the times I felt ashamed and unworthy, they reassured me of my value. Many of us have unsung heroes in our lives and I just want to take this time to say, “Thank you,” to all of mine. I couldn’t have made it without you.

No matter what you are facing or currently battling through, remember you don’t have to do it alone. There are so many people who love you and want the best for you. Although you may have lost hope and trust in people, now is the time to start believing and trusting again, because no one can do for you what God can. You may be in troubling times now, but I challenge you to start a gratitude journal. You’ll quickly see how God has been there for you before and probably won’t question whether or not He’s with you now.

La’Rue

“I guess you’re supposed to be holier than thou, now, because all you seem to do is talk about God,” is a statement I’m often met with. “No, I’m not, but now that I have your attention, I’ll never stop talking about Him,” is usually my response. I’ve mentioned this before, but it needs to be said again. When I first started NBL 4 years ago, I didn’t have a focused agenda of talking solely about God. I’ve always known I had an inventory of testimonies and stories that others would identify with and find comfort in. I will not apologize for professing my love for God and Christ or sharing God’s word, no matter who feels uncomfortable by it or don’t agree with it. I can remember starting out, one of my very first followers were an atheist, and they had the name as their profile identifier.

My immediate thoughts were to remove this person, but God told me not to. Perhaps they came to mock me or blasphemy God, even, but no matter their agenda (or not), I allowed them to stay. Many months later, I no longer saw atheist whenever I accessed my follower count, so I assumed they had enough of God (or at least reading about Him) and left. Unbeknownst to me, they never left; they just changed. I don’t take offense when people judge me based off what I write. If they knew what I went to get to the point of trusting and believe God the way I do, maybe they too would talk about Him more than they question me. It doesn’t matter if they feel I’m the last person (or least) that should be sharing God’s word. It doesn’t matter if they think I’m not qualified. I won’t ever stop talking about God, especially when His word is causing others to get closer to Him and be more like Him.

No matter what you do (good or bad), people will find a way to criticize you. When they do, let them. But don’t ever let them stop you from doing the right thing (whether they agree with it or not).

La’Rue

Talitha Cumi (meaning get up) are the words God spoke to the asleep little girl. But as the people would have it, they all laughed at Him because they presumed, she was d**d and didn’t think He could bring her back to life. Does that sound like you? Many people have written you off because they thought (and hoped) the very thing God placed on the inside of you was d**d, and never to be used again. Well, I say to you, get up! You’re not finished yet. That thing or the people who thought they took you out, only had you (temporarily) down for the count. Your fight is far from over! In life, you’re going to experience some setbacks and get knocked down, but until God finishes what He has started in you, no one can ever knock you out! Despite the negative chatter, laughs, or ridicules, you will arise again. People will write you off, but one thing they can’t do is rewrite your story!

Remember, it’s okay to fall sometimes. Just don’t stay there. Stay in the ring and keep fighting. There’s so much more to you than what you know.

La’Rue