Be Free;Be You

Over the Fourth of July weekend, I had the privilege of spending time with my family and friends. As I reflected on who I am, I was reminded just how blessed I am to be cross-cultural.

I have people from many different backgrounds in my life. To be trusted enough to be out on the water, floating without fear that anyone would let harm or danger come to me, is something I don’t take lightly. Then I can turn around and be with people who look like me and know that if something happens, because things do happen, we’re going to come together and save one another.

That thought stayed with me after hearing about what happened to Nolan in Mississippi.

It’s devastating. Like many people, I’ve thought about it over and over. But I also don’t think it’s fair to blame either Nolan or his parents immediately. I’m sure conversations have been had about protecting yourself, making wise decisions, and being aware of your surroundings. The truth is, when you’re the only ones there, no one really knows everything that happened.

What I do know is this.

Choose your friends wisely.

Know their character before you need them. When life takes an unexpected turn, you want people around you who will jump in, stand beside you, speak up for you, and help save you if they can.

That’s the America I’ve experienced.

Not one built on everyone looking the same, but one built on trust, character, and people choosing to protect one another when it matters most.

‘We ride at dawn.’

DREAM BIG;ASK WITH YOUR FAITH;START WORKING:
Many times we set goals for ourselves,but do we actually put in the time and effort for them? Whether it’s a small or big dream whenever you start to set those goals you began to plant seeds of greatness. We all dream;We all hope for future things to eventually make our lives better. My question is to you “What are you doing to make those dreams FLOURISH into your reality?” What work are you putting in? Are you watering those seeds? Faith without work is dead correct? Yes! So stop dreaming and not working for what you want. Your excuses turn into pity;and your pity gets you no where but to become a dreamer. Once you’ve dreamed it’s time to start working. You are your own investment! DREAM BIG;WORK EVEN HARDER!

What are you willing to sacrifice to accept the calling God has on your life ? Often we ask God to Grant is certain things in life,but when do get to the point where we give up certain things to get to our destiny? God said submit to him. We have to go through the process of trials and tribulations to get to our calling! That one thing that you may be holding onto could be the one thing stopping you from reaching your full potential. God said I have something special for your life but I need your full commitment to me! You can’t rein in your calling with him if you can’t suffer with him! Getting to the calling he has is never easy,but whenever you have a calling on your life there will always be a distraction ! FIGHT THROUGH! The calling on your life is bigger than those trips your are going through. Sacrifice yourself just like our father sacrifice his only son for us. 

“Forgive and let go so you can embrace the good things God has in store for your future! ”
Seniors the official class of 2017 as  we all began to close our final chapter in high school let go of those unnecessary grudges. God can’t set you apart and open you up to new things,because your still holding on to those negative situations. Isaiah 1:18 says “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. Don’t live in the what if’s. Live your life like it’s your last! Don’t let those negative situations hold you back from going to extraordinary places that God has set out for you 

“Climb the mountain so you can see the world, not so the world can see you.”

DEEPER MEANING:Live your life for YOU! Whether you are choosing the right college for you or just picking out an outfit for the day. Don’t base your life on others or how others see your growth/success. You’ll never be able to please everyone but as long as your satisfied within you can climb that mountain. Obstacles will come but it’s how you get up and recover from that roadblock. Keep pushing and prevail on my friend! 
Have a great day ❤️

Many times in our life we find ourselves at a crossroad. A crossroad of do I go on the same path because others are doing it;or do I finally go off on my own? Whether it’s moving out for the first time or my favorite finding your purpose & the funny thing is when we decide to go on our own path everyone may not agree! Again that’s okay! You are finding yourself and YOUR PURPOSE!Don’t question what God is doing in your life;Sometimes we need that separation to gather ourselves remember being alone is okay.Going your own route is okay. Listen to Gods guidance,because he has a special plan for you!You may say to yourself well I just knew I was supposed to have such and such career,but did you ever think to ask God if that’s what he wanted for you? How about trusting him. You may also say “well I had a time frame for everything in my life.” But did you ask God about what he wanted? For many situations it is about timing,but most importantly Gods timing. When we ask these questions we may not always get the answers we want,but God knows excatly what he’s doing. Things may not be easy either I get it! But know that your pain has a greater reward behind it! Fight through and TRUST HIM! Whatever purpose God has upon our lives it’s for a reason. Listen to that soft voice and know that it’s God. Be patient,because the calling on your life is just for you! 

Who are you? What is your purpose? Are you a follower or are you a leader? Are you making strides towards greatness? These are many questions I ask myself daily! There are many steps to come up with an answer to these questions.Many times people influence how we answer these questions.Whether it’s your peers,family members,or even your own negative thoughts. I learned it doesn’t matter what anyone has to say! Just “Be Free;Be You!” Let’s break this down Be free: Not under the control or in the power of another; able to act or be done as one wishes. You are free to live life how you please. Be You:You are fearfully and wonderfully made.There is only ONE you! You have a purpose in life and how you express yourself is totally up to you! We are all different. Society has always defined what we have to be,and you don’t have to meet these stereotypes to feel like yourself. Take at least five minutes everyday and think of at least 4 good things about yourself. Once you develop the confidence in yourself;no matter what someone says to you it doesn’t break you as easily.

Growing up I was always picked on,because I was taller than everyone else.Yes it hurt me.Words do hurt my friend,but you take all of it in and you GROW from it.Life is all about growing. I learned once people see you with a sense of confidence they respect it and you! So why try to become something I’m not? In high school I see that alot.Girls and boys who try to become something they aren’t just to fit in with others. If you have to try to fit in than those are not your friends! Whatever problems you may be having someone next to you may be experiencing the samething.So why not be yourself and make that connection to someone struggling with the same issue?

You are beautiful! You may not be a Victoria Secret Model,but that’s okay! If every person was alike then the world would be a boring place.Be who you are!Spread those wings and soar! You are FREE!