A New Chapter Begins For Me; It’s Handled
Channeling my “Olivia Pope,” ’cause in 2016 I’ll be approaching any challenge with, “It’s handled.”
On this my “25th” (*cough*) birthday, I want to briefly testify of God’s grace in my life. I had no plans to make any of the following information public anytime soon, but I see the need to share it to encourage those of you “going through” to NEVER give up on God.
The past year was one of my most challenging ever – in every sphere of my life! I gave up a “safe” job for what I thought to be a better opportunity but it turned out to be otherwise. I met and fell in love with what I thought to be an amazing man, but he trampled all over my heart and even impregnated another woman. I found myself jobless, financially challenged, heartbroken and broken, dealing with what I like to call “immigrant issues” (some of which I know my fellow US transplants have encountered) and overall going through a dark period of depression, at times shutting close friends out. My faith was tested beyond measure. Sure, I continued to post photos with my ever present smile, but offline, away in my solitude, the tears scarcely stopped.
Through it all, as challenging as it was, I relied heavily on my faith. I thought of all the trials God had brought me through, times where I, in this country not having a single relative or my closest friends here felt alone, painfully lonely, lost, had no solution to the challenge at hand and figured “it’s a wrap” but somehow, He came through. And so over the past few months, I kept challenging God to order my steps, to open up new doors and to teach me to “wait on Him.” I also realized that it was OK to swallow my pride and to let my close friends in, to request their help, to tell them what I was truly feeling and going through and to ask them to pray for and with me for a much needed breakthrough.
God doesn’t always answer prayers in the manner and time we want, but it’s my testimony that He delivers in ways that far exceed our expectations. As I celebrate this birthday, this new year – my 25th for the umpteenth time – God has brought me to what is in many ways a new chapter in life: An incredible new job at an outstanding company working with some of the world’s best journalists; a fabulous new apartment; a new address – in a fantastic new neighborhood. And yesterday, for the first time in a while, I got my first bylined news article as seen here , for NPR, no less! I’m both scared and excited at the possibilities ahead. But most importantly, I’m thankful and give God all the glory.
My favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 40:31: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
Friends, no matter what your situation, please don’t give up on God, ’cause He won’t give up on you.
Please check out video below for highlights of the people, places and things in my beautiful Barbados that made Christmas Holidays and start of 2016 extra special.
~ I Keep it Irie ~
Island Soul City Dreams 
The trials you face, build your character and test your perseverance and fortitude. You have tested and proven worthy.
Thank you, Castleigh and extra thanks for your continuous support and encouragement through said trials. One love. 🙂
My friend…wha gine happen when you reach 2 25’s?? Yuh gine dash wey this idea? 😂😂. Happy New Year Quita! Bless yuh!
Sent from my iPhone
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Hahaha! Carlos, wuh kinda numbers dem you calling. You know how lim it tel me tuh stop saying “Forever 21?” So yuh done know uh sticking to this 25 lol! Thanks, my brother. Bless up!😊
Never give up on God! I glad you never gave and he dint give up on you. I am going through similar events like you but I am not giving up. Continue to be the inspiration you are to yourself and others.
Thank you, my dear friend. I’ll keep you in my prayers. Yes, we have to keep trusting God, keep praying and pushing. He always comes through on His time. Much love sis and God bless you.😊
I use to worry and pray for you and God has delivered. Every situation was a building block in preparation for this day. You are an inspiration to me and I am truly encouraged to hold on to faith. Continue to pray because this wonderful journey of this aspect of you life has only just begun. Stay faithful to God and he will deliver even more.
Frenz 4 Ever
Jenjen
Thanks sooo much, my dear Jenjen – on all counts!!!! Love you! Will do. God bless. 🙂 xoxo
I’ve always known you to be superwoman, a survivor, the rise above girl with the quirky laugh, the sickkkk dreads & the forever smile. It’s all culminated to a new start in 2016. The struggle was all worth it Quits! God has indeed ordered your steps & you have big & amazing things ahead.
Happy Sweet 16 😉
Awwww, thank you sooo much Shami!!! I really appreciate this and you!Much love and God bless. :-)xoxo
This is absolutely beautiful and I can identify in every respect but we land on our feet by the grace of God. Blessings and I have always loved you. xoxoxoxoxo
Thanks my dear, Kimmie! Much love and God bless. 😊
I have a lot of respect for you: a great writer (among other talents) and an amazing perseverence in the face of adversity. I am really glad to know that things are looking up for you! Wishing you all the best for 2016 and beyond.
Thanks sooo much WhiteBellySheep! I truly appreciate your sentiments. Thanks for always encouraging and supporting and being an amazing friend. Much love and God bless. 😊