Seasons Change

In the weather world, meteorologist say the month of September is a fight between summer and fall. Some days the weather is hot and sunny and then there are other days when its cloudy and cool. As humans we too sometimes have that fight within ourselves trying to decide if we are going to believe what God says or those around us who may say that we are not smart or good enough.

In this life we all will have storms that may make us stumble or ones that will literally knock you on your ass. Yet it is in those times that we really find out what we are made of. Ron and I had a home built about ten months before he passed. Now mind you neither of us expected his sudden passing but the day we got our home we dreamed of all of these things we'd be able to do with family and friends. So to only get to see him enjoy those moments for such a brief time has been hard. However when I look back on pictures and reminisce with friends about him being outside on the grill and cracking jokes, it makes me smile. That man had such a zest for life that you wanted to be around him. His laugh and loving spirit couldn't help but rub off on you.

As I sat today preparing to sign documents to sell what was to be our dream home, I had a fight within myself wondering if I was making the right decision. I mean this home was to be our legacy to our kids, grandkids and generations to come and now I'm throwing it away. Throughout this whole process I'd been asking God to make something fall through so the sale couldn't happen but in the end His will be done. You see sometimes we try to hold onto things or even people that are keeping us from reaching the next destination God has for us, and as hard as its been the past few weeks packing and remembering moments I know this is the best move towards my continued growth.

A few weeks ago my friend Oliver told me "Sis, you can't outrun grief, it's a process that must be dealt with and no matter where you try to relocate to it will be there. You just have to stop fighting it and grow through it. Just know that happiness is coming and you have friends that are here for you."

Life will not always be rosy, but every morning that God wakes you up is a new day for you to give thanks and smell the roses. Father God I thank you for the new season that's coming and I trust that you will guide me in the right direction. Peace and Blessings.

Elaine

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#LivingNotExisting

Your Circle Matters

Recently I had the pleasure of attending the Power Up Summit in Gulfport, MS. The theme was Unleash Your Power, and it's funny because sometimes that word power is looked at negatively. However in this sense I took it to mean taking ownership for your happiness, your peace, and your dreams. For too many of us we've become settled into doing what's best for everyone else, while grasping to find our own way. What I loved about attending this summit was seeing that people were genuinely encouraging and praying for the best of every one in attendance.

I came to the Power-Up summit not sure of what to expect, as I was just there to support my sister Shaunda. She keeps saying I have this gift to encourage and motivate people, however personally I’ve been drowning in quicksand my whole life. Meeting Kearn Cherry and the other Power Up Summit attendees was eye-opening. Hearing the encouraging speakers, business leaders and meeting the awesome vendors helped me towards understanding who I and what I'm capable of if I give way to fear. A few ladies circled around me and prayed for God to guide me to my gifts. I left the Power-Up summit being renewed and inspired to create avenues for sharing my talent and stories. I even got a request to speak at the I AM Woman summit. Talk about stepping outside my comfort zone.

The people you surround yourself with can have tremendous impact on your life, therefore be mindful to be in the presence of those who will circle you in love and prayer vice those who will circle you in negativity. Peace and Blessings.

Elaine

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#LivingNotExisting

Who are you?

I say again who are? I’ve never been sure of who was and truthfully still not sure. I know I’ve worn a mask for most of my life showing people what I wanted them to see and what I needed them to see. So that I could feel comfortable with myself all the time knowing I was scared as hell. The truth is I’m not as strong as everyone assumes I’m just a gentile Pisces who knows how to ebb and flow just like the water. When I need to be gentile and calm it’s like a lazy river and when I need to be strong and protective then I’m a crashing wave. The thing is regardless of what you think I am or what I think I am, I know that I am a child of the most high and there are low and high moments of my life but through it all I’m still standing and growing. What I’ve learned is God is bigger than any circumstance and as long as I lean on him, I will be alright.

The best is yet to come. Keep dreaming, hoping, and planning. -Joel Osteen

Elaine

✌🏾❤️🙏🏾

#LivingNotExisting