Good News

For most of my adult life, and maybe even before then, I’ve subscribed to the thought that advises people not to share good news before it’s official. And, after it’s official, still use your best discretion. This advice comes attached with ideas that if you share too early it won’t happen, people will pray for its demise, witches will cast spells against your good fortune and the universe will work out of your favor. You’ll miscarry, snow will cancel your travel plans, he’ll run away the night before the wedding, you’re top school will rescind their decision, you won’t even get the job, etcetera etcetera etcetera. 

Here’s the thing: God is literally in control of the people, the witches and the universe. 

But, there’s also the fact that when you share any part of your life you instantly expose yourself to the opinions of others. And if we’re being honest and true, we all find our identities in the opinions of others that often create what we believe about ourselves. The answer to most, “who are you” questions are the same answers to, “what do you do” questions. Our culture, parents, societies, friends, strangers via social media have taught us to be our accomplishments. We find success in where we’ve gone, where we’ve been educated, our best promotion, who we marry, our financial security etcetera etcetera etcetera. 

Here’s the other thing: ONLY God’s opinion matters. Is He pleased? 

I am coming out a self-proclaimed “career crisis” and just like the character of an on-time God, at my church we’re doing a series on Faith and Work. 

When I first heard the title, I anticipated a few great weeks of teaching on the fact that it’s simply our faith, by only the work of the Holy Spirit that enables us to have a relationship with God, rather than our good deeds, our best prayers and our work to get to God, who really wants to come to us. But just like the character of a God who knows best what you need, the series is about faith and your 9-5, 11-7, 6-5, 8-2 work and how God wants to consume that part of your life and every part of your life. ALL work is GOOD work because God created work, and worked and works Himself.

I was feeling like the work I was doing was beneath me, beneath my experience, beneath my education; which, both, have always defined “me.” And on some (read: most) days that took away from my gratefulness that I had THREE (extremely manageable) jobs. The idea of more consumed me, and if I’m being real, still does. I’m a perfectionist and a slight control freak, so surrendering to God is more than a big idea for me. Surrendering to the fact that my plan isn’t perfect, may not work out, and may not be in my best interest STRESSES ME OUT. Surrendering to a God who is actually responsible for everything good that’s ever happened and everything great I’ve ever “done” is humbling and sometimes, frustrating. Surrender is hard for a driver, a planner, a mover, a more-er. But it’s worth It. 

So, when I told myself that I wouldn’t tell anyone, outside of family and friends, about my latest accomplishments, I had to remind myself, with the help (read: always solid conviction) of the Holiest Spirit, that no accomplishment is mine, all I do is in God’s plan and, I pray, only for His glory. 

With His help, I’ve passed both parts of the New York State Cosmetology exam and I’m an official hair-doer 💁🏽‍♀️. Also, with His grace I’ve been accepted into a Masters of Fine Arts program at Manhattanville College to study Creative Writing. 📝

How I believe it all fits is something I won’t reveal. 

Haha jk. 

The plan is to be the owner of multilevel Black-centric space. It will focus on your beauty needs on one floor, a one stop shop for minority-staffed beauty services and minority-owned beauty products. And on another, your work/life/creative/event needs met, a yoga studio, consulting firm, co-working space and whatever else you may need all in one. 

Now that we all know the plan, we know nothing can stop it, but God. And if He does, I believe there’s something greater, and He’ll be there either way. 

There is more of God than we’re sometimes willing to acknowledge in each part of our lives. My prayer is that you allow your heart to see Him, as I’m beginning to.