The Battle in My Mind

This time it’s personal… This year, as I turn 37, I feel something shifting deep within me. It’s more than another birthday; it’s a spiritual milestone. The number 37 carries profound meaning. In biblical symbolism, it represents completion and perfection intertwined with purpose. It quietly whispers,  “ It’s time to reap .”  Not just the physical blessings, but the harvest that comes after seasons of endurance, lessons, tears, and faith. For years, I’ve been sowing seeds, some in pain, some in prayer, and some in patience. I’ve learned that growth isn’t always loud or visible. Sometimes, it’s what happens in silence, in the spaces where you choose peace instead of proving a point, or boundaries instead of burnout. Turning 37 feels like standing at the edge of a new chapter where God is saying,  “Now, watch what I can do with all you’ve been through.” This year will be  personal . It’s not about proving anything to anyone; it’s about walking in everything God has pro...

This summer, I watched my nephew Cole discover something many adults still struggle to learn: the power of trying your best, even when it’s hard. At just 11 years old, Cole has been joining workouts with the high school football team, lifting, running, sweating alongside teenagers much older than him. It’s been more than just exercise; it’s been a crucible where he’s forged a new perspective on what he’s capable of. He’s realizing that strength isn’t just physical, it’s mental. And as his confidence grows, so does his belief in himself. One day, I talked to Cole and asked how he was feeling about the changes coming to his own football team this season. Without hesitation, he said,  “I feel ready. I know I can do it.”  There was no arrogance in his voice, just calm confidence. I asked him where that belief came from, and without skipping a beat, he said,  “My dad.” That response landed heavy on my heart. His dad is my brother and I’ve had the privilege of watching him grow...

There are seasons in life where everything feels still—quiet, even painfully so. It can feel like nothing is happening, like dreams are fading, and prayers are being ignored. But don’t confuse silence with absence. Don’t mistake stillness for stagnation. You are not buried… you are planted. In the soil, a seed looks lifeless. It is hidden from view, covered by darkness, and disconnected from the light it once knew. But beneath that surface, a transformation is happening. Slowly. Quietly. With purpose. The Silent Test Ever notice how the teacher is quiet during the test? That silence isn’t punishment, it’s an invitation to apply what you’ve already learned. In our spiritual and emotional lives, there are “test seasons” where we don’t feel divine direction, where clarity doesn’t come easily, and where reassurance feels distant. But this silence doesn’t mean you’re alone. It’s part of your growth. It’s where you learn to reflect, not react… and then determine whether a response is even ne...

  Taking time to reflect has been incredibly valuable. Being in a healthy relationship has filled me with hope and excitement for what’s ahead. It’s prompted me to pause and gather my thoughts here’s what’s been on my heart… Yesterday, I met the truth  and she was soft, but unrelenting. She said, “No… you’re not quite ready for marriage again.” And I didn’t flinch. Because she wasn’t judging  she was freeing me. Freeing me to admit what I need, without apology. To stand on things I’ve spoken out loud and things I have whispered in private. I need to feel safe enough… to feel. To break without being broken. To cry and not be labeled “too much.” To speak and not be muted by ego or pride. I need space  space to be human, to be messy, to heal the parts of me no one ever saw bleeding. I need to heal the wounds I’ve carried, the ones I tucked behind strength and silence, the ones I dressed in “I’m fine” so no one would worry. I need to feel loved  not tolerated, not m...

Every encounter in life can promote growth. This includes even those unfortunate circumstances. If you analyze  every capacity of your life you will understand the dimension to which each facet can contribute to your development . Sports have always been a huge factor in my life as I enjoy competition. The indescribable rush that occurs as you mentally prepare and focus  is absolutely necessary to give your best effort. Aha....I've already given two life lessons to learn from it...  Control your rush and  anxieties and you can focus more appropriately. Focusing plays such a major role in life because there are many distractions available to guide one off course. Being from the south, there are only a few common  sports that I did not seriously compete in during school. Those include soccer, golf, and swimming. However, volleyball, basketball, track, tennis, softball, cheerleading, and  powerlifting were all a part of my sporting resume'.  Although t...

The most consistent concept in life is change. One of the most evident and inevitable changes comes from the seasons. Let me attempt to Spring into this blog and with hopes that you Fall right in. I hyperextended my mind trying to make sense of how our lives closely correlate with the seasons. Throughout the different seasons seeds are planted, plants grow, plants become dormant, and the cycle continues. Similarly the weather changes and our lives change. Looking back over the years on the people that were in your life that did not make it to 2014. I am not only speaking of the deceased but also the people that were once connected to you in some capacity and how they are no longer in your life. They may have been in your life for a season.  By definition, Season relates to "particular weather patterns and daylight hours, resulting from the earth's changing position with regard to the sun".   In a similar context of the seasons of our life where we are either in th...