The Battle in My Mind

Choosing Perspective in Every Season Life has a way of pulling our focus in different directions. Some days it’s easy to see the blessings all around us; other days, negativity feels louder and heavier than anything else. This is where  gratitude  comes in, not as denial of reality, but as a deliberate choice of perspective. Gratitude is not pretending life is perfect. It’s not disassociating from hard times or ignoring struggles. Instead, it’s the practice of choosing to see the good  alongside  the challenges. It’s looking for the light even when shadows are present. Remembering What God Has Done One of the most powerful ways to stay rooted in gratitude is to  look back  and remember what God has already done in your life. Think about the prayers that were once on your heart that have now been answered. Think about the moments you didn’t think you’d make it through, yet here you are. Gratitude grows when we pause and reflect on God’s faithfulness in the p...

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...

Harvey, Let me talk to you for a bit. I know we haven't formally introduced ourselves, I just know what you've done. Now, I am not writing you to complain about all the damage and inconveniences you have caused me, my city, surrounding areas, or state. This is actually a thank you letter for helping me realize what adverse circumstances CAN'T strip from me and the lessons that CAN be gained from such unfavorable situations.  First of all, You can't take my faith or peace. You've actually strengthened them both.  Prior to your arrival, there was a chaotic ball of division and now  I've seen numerous people of different faiths, races, genders, tax brackets etc. unite because of you. You've taught me not to under or over estimate anything or anyone .  You've helped me realize the importance of being prepared for everything, also including blessings.  You've shown me no one is exempt from trials regardless of social status, finances, rac...

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...

Death is never an easy situation for me to overcome. My mind begins  hyperextending from the myriad emotions of denial, numbness, empathy, confusion, surprisingly gratefulness, and the list continues. This past encounter with the death of my grandfather taught me so much about myself and my family. You never know what you take for granted until it is no longer available to you. I never valued voicemails so much until that was the only opportunity I had to listen to a loved one's voice. I never valued watching someone inhale and exhale until I watched as breath exited my grandfather's lifeless body for the final time. This experience has been bitter sweet. I will miss my grandfather tremendously, but I am aware that he is no longer in pain and is cancer free. On the contrary,  I'm so grateful for my family and the spiritual strength that I have gained through this process. I have never felt God's presence so much in my lifetime. He is truly a comforter and peace in the...