Work on YOU!

Welcome Back Friends.

Two nights ago,  the Golden Globe Awards Show was on the television.  I was doing something else, but I remember looking up periodically and the movie 'Marriage Story' had been nominated in several categories.  Because my hubby and I host an annual marriage retreat, I was intrigued.

Last night after running around together as a family, we decided to go to our own corners of the house and watch whatever we wanted to watch on television.  I'm really not an action flick chic...I am more the romantic comedy or sappy love story, so I chose the movie, " Marriage Story" and no one dared to bother me. Ha!

I hadn't watched the trailer, so I really didn't know what the movie was about.  I just turned it on, and sat down with a bowl of cheerios, ready to be entertained.  I was surprised after the first scene that this movie was not about a happy, loving marriage building and growing stronger together; but rather it is described as an "incisive and compassionate look at a marriage breaking up and a family staying together".

Break up?! Umm...not quite was I was looking for, as the co-host of a marriage retreat where our goal is to strengthen marriages...BUT IT SPOKE TO ME.

The movie is poetic as it begins from the viewpoint of each spouse writing down and telling why they fell in love with the other individual, then the rest of the movie away from that.  I won't give it away if you haven't seen it, but I will share with you the lessons that were learned.  

Number one lesson:  Be true to who you really are.  This can apply to your marriage, friendships, family, workplace interactions, etc...  So many times we enter relationships and because we've been together for a long time we think that one must begin compromising oneself away, so as not to ruffle any feathers.  Initially, you may have set out building relationship and trusting one another, then you hit a bump in the road and realize that "I don't want to do it like that anymore".  Speak up!  Not to hurt the other individual, but rather to let them know what s going on inside of you.  You are cheating the other individual out of getting to know and love the real you.

Number two lesson:  Give grace to allow others to grow.  First of all, I hope you are engaged in relationships where you can be authentically open and honest with one another.  Relationships are not static, but dynamic and ever-evolving and we must allow grace for the other individual to grow.  Who they were 20 years ago is probably not the exact replica today.  Heck, depending on what happened 2 weeks ago, they have already begun to shift just a little bit.  Take a deep breath.....it's going to be alright.  Change is inevitable...the key is giving grace and allowing that change to take place.  

Number three:  Be clear in your expectations and check in periodically, when you are not in crisis mode.  In the movie, there was a scene where the individuals started out having a cordial conversation, then it shifted totally when they began to share what their experience was within the relationship.  Each one of them had their own version of what had happened in the marriage and they spoke to the other person with such vitriol.  Uh, it was so painful to watch!!!  But when it was over, they both stood in heartache, tears, regret and yes, even forgiveness.  If you work a 9 to 5 job, at some point you've had a quarterly or yearly review.  This is the time when a supervisor has an opportunity to review your work and share (hopefully positive) feedback with you.  It is difficult not to fight back, if the supervisor disagrees with your work; but it is necessary to receive the comments so you can grow and become a better employee.  (Side note: If you don't like the review system, you might want to start your own company and be your own boss. Ha!)  This extremely difficult conversation was the shift for them and they actually began building and working together to create the best environment for their son.  

You might be wondering, "so what are you saying Sharri?' This is not 'happy new year' language!".  But I beg to differ....

The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to reevaluate ALL of your relationships.  Have discussions with your people to make sure that you are being authentic and bringing the best version of yourself to the table.  If you are not being true to yourself,  how in the world can you be true to others?  Take a moment to get away and spend quiet time with yourself, then go back and check in with those with whom you are relationship.  When Mommy transitioned in 2013, I began to see life a little differently.  But Baby.....when Daddy transitioned (almost a year ago), my entire universe sHiFtEd.  I'm so grateful to those around me who have given me grace to hurt, stretch and evolve.  But I'm also patting myself on the shoulder for not allowing myself to become stagnant, but rather giving myself an opportunity to experience new things and take flight.

Do the self-work this January! Set yourself up for authenticity and success, by digging deep and uncovering the better version of yourself.  You are worth it and all of your relationships will be better because you've done the work.

During these 21 days, dig deep and get ready to emerge so you can..... walk it out.

It's a 21-day Journey: Time to Recharge

It is 2020 and I am so grateful to be alive and well.  As my 15-year old would point out to me, "this is your 1st blog of the DECADE Mom". Everything is monumental with that kid. Ha!

The New Year brings about a fresh start and new beginnings for everyone.  A new resolve to eat better, exercise more, pray more consistently and spend less time wasting energy on unnecessary things and inconsequential people.  Even our church family begins the new year with a 21- day fast, a reminder to put God first.  I'm excited for this time because it's a continuation of something that I actually began at the end of 2019.  This fast will allow me to retune and refocus some of the things that I decided to do a little differently.

I came across this quote yesterday and it just centered everything for me.  Theologian Barbara Brown Taylor said, "I have a number of different callings. And I think it's possible to be called away from things I have been called to in the past.  There are goodbyes as well as hellos in our callings.  Because a calling doesn't have to be for a lifetime".  This resonated with me because I KNOW that God's favor and anointing rests on me and over the years God has gifted me to do numerous things.  But I also recognize as the Bible says in Ecclesiastes 3, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;..."  What you did last year may not be what you're called to do THIS year, but you will only recognize that if you stay connected to the power source.  

Have you ever needed to recharge your cell phone?  If you know the charger is already plugged into the wall and all you have to do is walk over and plug the source into the phone, wouldn't you look ridiculous if you stood at the opposite side of the room just looking at the charger and wishing that the phone would miraculously regain its power?  Instinctively, you know to walk your little happy tail over to the socket, plug the phone in and wait for time to pass so your phone can work efficiently.  Standing there hoping and wishing for the phone to charge sounds absurd, yet we do that when it comes to spirituality and plugging our souls back into its true power source.  I invite you to take this journey with me for the next 21 days.  Consider this your opportunity to recharge your battery!  It's been a while since I've blogged consistently, but I am feeling CALLED to do it for the next 21 days.

I'll share that I've also been called to walk my dog for 21 minutes for the next 21 days. (Arby and I started last night and he was soooo happy.)  I've also been called to pray with my kids for the next 21 days.  (They pray first, then I close out our prayer.)  This will give me an opportunity to hear what's on their hearts and for them to hear what's on my heart for them.  So yes, the family-focused journey that I began with them years ago, when I wrote the book, continues. But rather than just praying OVER them, I am praying WITH them. (No longer babies.... but young men. They are 19 and 15 years old now....a totally different calling. My God today!!!)

Each day, my goal is to check back with you and share with you the latest revelations resulting from my own plug-in.  It is my prayer that this will encourage you to reconnect to your power source as you meet me here daily.

Be well, be intentional, get plugged in and WALK IT OUT....

Happy Heavenly Birthday to Nelda J. Mattison

Today, October 6th, Mommy would have celebrated her 81st birthday. Though I miss her like crazy, I do realize that she IS STILL WITH ME  and in me. I am her legacy!

When she didn't trust her own abilities, she kept telling me that the sky was the limit. I do big things, because she told me from Day 1 that I could do ANYTHING!

I am Nelda's babygirl and together, we still have things to do.

Here's a video describing the work that she and I are doing today.

Let's go Mommy, we still have things to accomplish. Love you so much and Happy birthday pretty girl.

Teaching is a MINISTRY....a letter to my students

This morning after opening my emails, I realized how many of my students were simply STRUGGLING as they were dealing with life issues.  They are trying to handle the rigors of college, while simultaneously trying to navigate the vicissitudes of life. The spirit was heavy on me to not only be their teacher, but to offer the healing power of compassion and a hug.

This is the email, I sent both of my classes a few minutes ago.  Please know that my goal is to be your "safe space" if you ever need one, as well.
Be blessed!
____________________________

I am writing this letter to both my Intro to AFAM class and my Gospel Music class...

In the last few days, I have received several emails from your classmates about life struggles.  Many of us are dealing with the hardships of life: the death of a loved one,  sickness of family members, your own illness, high stress levels and the list goes on and on.

I want to stop for a moment and encourage you.  Life is going to happen and sometimes those happenings really STINK!  The challenge is knowing how to come back after a setback.   Do you isolate yourself, stay in your dorm room and cry OR can you recognize that your classmates are struggling with their own life issues and are not scared if you need to leave class for a few moments to catch your breath?

When my father passed in January I told my Gospel music class (no problems), but by the time I told my Intro class, I was in tears. UGH!!!  I didn't mean to "lose control" in that moment, but it happened.  What was so comforting was your classmates (MY students) were so loving and comforting in that moment.  Many stayed to give a hug,  to offer "I'm praying for you" and others sent me an email message.  What a blessing!

Why do I mention this?  I want you to know that throughout your college career and life, you will experience hardship, struggle and loss BUT you don't have to run from it.  Share your feelings with someone you can trust and KNOW that you don't have to go through it alone.  I'm not afraid of tears and I won't run away if you choose to share that with me.

I mentioned, at the beginning of the semester, that my class is always intended to be that "safe space" where we can talk about 'race & class' without feeling judged or ashamed.  That's my job as a teacher.....to be a "safe space" for students as we navigate difficult topics in class.  But my job as a human being is to be a "safe space" for anyone who needs my help.  If I can't help you, I can definitely refer your to professional counselors.

So don't run from life, run towards those who can help you navigate life. 

Tomorrow is our last class before spring break.... Woohoo!  At the end of class tomorrow, I am available for a hug.  I just want you to know that you don't have to be depressed over spring break, but that someone cares for you.  So don't miss class tomorrow, bring your tissues if you need to and recognize that your classmate is going through their own life challenge, so there is NO time to judge you.  (Now, if you're sick.......keep your nasty germs at the house. Do not bring them to class.  I'm just sayin'......Ha!)

Blessings and enjoy the balance of the day.
Dr. C
______________________

Now walk it out...

I’ve reclaimed February 28th!

This has been a physically exhausting and mentally draining week.  Last month, January 18^th, Daddy took his last breath and life changed forever.  Although it may sound strange but, for a while, I felt as if I was alone in the world.  The 2 individuals who shared a love, which ultimately produced my 3 brothers and me, were both gone.  It’s an interesting feeling to say the least.  As I was speaking with one of my brothers, who shared the same sentiment, I realized that we received such a strong foundation from Mommy and Daddy that we had only ONE option….

It is now up to us to use THEIR foundation as OUR launching pad.  As I attempted to encourage him, I was actually encouraging myself and giving myself a “call to action”.

So my week went like this…. I had a cold when I led praise and worship, at my church, last Sunday.  By Sunday evening, the mucus had settled on my vocal cords and I was hoarse.  Monday morning, I caught a 5am flight from OKC to Philly to begin settling Daddy’s accounts and getting the rest of the furniture out of his apartment. (Praise God, we were able to bless people by GIVING Daddy’s items away.  No estate sale; just giving in LOVE.)  It was stressful, because the apartment needed to be cleared so we wouldn’t be charged for another month.   Although my aunts wanted me to stay with them, I needed to be at Daddy’s apartment to give myself closure.  As the apartment emptied, I realized that Daddy’s physical body was just a shell.  His spirit is what gave it life and I know that I carry a part of him with me.  Nevertheless, it was quite surreal to lock the apartment for the last time, to walk down the Parkview apartment hallway for the last time, to catch the slowest elevator (ever) for the last time, to check his mailbox for the last time and to turn his keys into the office.  This was it, but it wasn’t the end of the story!

My return flight back to Philly was leaving Wednesday, Feb. 27^th  at 6 pm.  I needed to get back to OKC because the next day I had been invited to audition for a musical show (I shall not say the name.) and Byron and I had to drive out of town to make the audition appointment.

So let’s go back….

Just a few weeks earlier, I’d heard a commercial on satellite radio about auditioning for a show that we love to watch.  You know when you’re watching shows like that and people say “ you should be there”, I would always brush it under the rug because I was simply afraid to put myself out there. This year, I reminded myself what I’d been preaching all of 2018….my one word…..FEARLESS.  So I opened the website and immediately began the online submission.  I answered questions, had to record myself singing, upload another video and choose an audition city.  Well of course I chose the City closest to me.  What was funny to me .... the date of the audition was Feb. 28th.   

February 28^th, 6 years ago, my mother died.  February 28^th is also the last day to get Daddy’s things out of his Philadelphia apartment.   February 28^th ; Really?!….I JUST HAD TO DO IT!

There was still no guarantee, but I was proud of myself for putting myself out there.  I honestly didn’t think I’d advance because I was sick when I recorded my video.  But then last week, I received a call from a casting agent inviting me to go to the next step…the live audition. Oh my!

So here I was landing back in OKC @midnight on Wednesday (still hoarse), greeting my family, washing a load of clothes, repacking my suitcase and waking up at 4am Thursday so Byron and I could drive to the audition City. What a crazy 24 hours!!!

We arrived in the city an hour before my audition.  I went in Target to change into my outfit and to get a medicine ball tea from Starbucks.  #stillhoarse Ugh!  This whole thing is just so funny to me!  I walked into the hotel, got my legal packet, and sat and waited as I talked to other individuals who would be auditioning.  I smiled, I talked, I laughed, I COUGHED, I listened and watched the other contestants either talking nonstop out of nervousness or sitting quietly.  I listened to stories of how some of them had auditioned in previous seasons or had gone to other musical shows to audition.  In my group, they were so much younger than myself and had this youthful bravado (remember, I am 47 and fabulous).  They talked about warming up and doing vocal acrobatics that morning and I’m laughing to myself....Geesh, I’m just trying to clear this crud off of my vocal cords.  I was so far out of my element, but I was meant to be there!

Anyway, they called me back.  I would have under 60 seconds to sing 2 songs.  Wait, WHAT?!  It usually takes me a whole verse to even feel the song.  Anyway, I walked into the room, stepped into the green box, stood on the yellow square and introduced myself.  Nervous yes, but before I sang I said, “ Six years ago today my mother transitioned, I know she is right here with me and I’m going to sing one of her original songs”.   One lady at the table asked the name of the song, I told her ”So glad He came” and began to sing.  Y’all when I started the 1^st line, I knew I was off…I trembled and then cracked twice throughout the delivery.  But a sista kept going. Ha! I recovered and finished the song, but I knew that when you made it to this level, there was NO room for any flaws.  I stepped out of the room quickly and they called me back in to say graciously, “thank you, but not at this time”.  I smiled, said thank you and proceeded to grab my things.  As I was about to leave the room, the same woman who’d asked the title of the song said, “I’m sorry for your loss, it must be difficult for you”.  I thanked her, stepped out of the room, called Byron to pick me up and walked back to the faces of the group that I’d just sat with.  I told them I didn’t advance, but blessings to them.

I replayed the words in my head….“I’m sorry for your loss, it must be difficult for you”.  And I thought to myself, ma’am you don’t know the half…I’d mentioned my mother in the audition, but I hadn’t told them that I had just buried my father 6 WEEKS ago.  The funny thing was……I wasn’t struggling at the moment!  I stood in my agency and sang a song of Mommy’s and did something that she would have NEVER thought she was good enough to do.  Auditioning that day was not about making it to the final stage (although it would have been pretty cool… I’m not gonna lie); it was about me reclaiming February 28^th, not as a day of mourning BUT rather a day of celebration as I stood in my own truth.  I was fearless, confident, calm and yes, hoarse.  I cracked and recovered.  I exited with my head up and wished others well.  Then Byron and I went shopping. Ha!

I am grateful for the experience!  I stepped out of my comfort zone to do something that, before last year, would have never had the guts to do.  I put Mommy’s music out there into the atmosphere and I’m sure she smiled and nudged Daddy, saying, ‘look out our girl…I always knew she was pretty gutsy’.

Why do I tell you this? ……………to encourage you of course.

Death of a loved one is a funny thing.  You go through so many emotions and sometimes, if you’re not careful, you get lost in your loss.  I have realized that with the transition of Mommy, 6 years ago, and Daddy, just 6 weeks ago, I can’t allow it to swallow me up.  Yes, I miss them.  Yes, I love them.  Yes, I’m tripping because I can’t pick up the phone and call them.  Especially with Daddy! I think I had pretty much accepted Mommy’s death after all of these years; but I was just in Philly with Daddy flying back and forth making sure he was doing alright.  In just 2 1/2 months, he was gone; now I was left with the honor of settling his affairs.  Just crazy!

Many of us are in this sandwich generation and realize that our parents will not be here forever.  We know that is true, but now I KNOW it as a reality.  It stinks and stings, but it’s part of the circle of life.  We can choose to crawl up in a corner, shrivel up and die, trapped in the sorrowful memories of death OR we can use the strong foundation and leap, celebrating the memories of a life well lived.  I choose to leap and I invite you to do the same.

The audition wasn’t the beginning for me.  Filling out the online application was my #SHIFT.  Making myself vulnerable for a few moments has bolstered me into going after even bigger things in the future.  I am no longer afraid!  My parents prayed too much, fasted too long and cried too loudly for me to just sit here and become immobilized by grief or fear.  The farther I go, the more I bring honor to their names.  I didn’t get here alone….James and Nelda Mattison submitted themselves to God and sacrificed for Dr. Sharri Lor Mattison Coleman to walk in her truth and be the ‘bomb-dot-com’(oh yes I am).  I know I will have moments of sadness and might cry when I talk about them, but I will not crumble.  I will stand in my truth and honor them as I honor the God in me.

February 28^th and January 18^th are still great days on the calendar.  I invite you to reclaim whatever your date is.  Do something you’ve never done before. Go somewhere you’ve never been before.  Allow that day to be the beginning of a new YOU!

                                                                 Now walk it out...

Are you living on cruise control? And how's that working for you?

     Have you ever felt like you were living your life on cruise control?  You set a certain speed a while ago and now you are moving aimlessly throughout life, trying to keep up.  Cruise control, in a car, works best when you're on the highway traveling, if it's a pretty simple terrain and not too many other cars around.  It works best when everyone is traveling at a similar pace.  As long as you keep steering and the car is under control, you are moving along just fine.  Let's say that you set the cruise control to 70mph, the car takes over. and operates at that speed.  If the terrain shifts and you now hit an upward hill, the car senses it and begins to accelerate temporarily in order to maintain an average speed of 70.  In like manner, if you are now traversing a downward hill, the car will decelerate accordingly.  Again, this works on the highway when you are alert and able to flow with traffic.  But cruise control is not your friend if you're tired or if there's too much traffic on the highway.

     Each year there are so many automobile accidents because the driver set the cruise control, but fell asleep at the wheel, rendering them unable to give the car a different command.  So the car simply continued cruising and the lulled driver never realized that the traffic had slowed, there was a sharp turn was ahead or that the terrain had changed.  Before you know it, the car and the driver have gone off the road.  The reality is most of these accidents end tragically and take out more than just the driver of this car. This type of tragedy occurs not because the driver was intoxicated or was a distracted driver, but simply because the driver was comfortable and allowed the car to operate on cruise control.

     But how many of us have set our lives up like this?  We've been following the same patterns day in and day out and not much has changed over the years.  The kids are fine, the marriage is fine, the job is fine so we keep doing the same things over and over again.  We 've grown accustomed to operating out of habit, rather than moving with a set goal or purpose.  We missed the exit or the opportunity to get off and travel on a more scenic route a long time ago.  We opt to stay in the center lane and keep up with the moving traffic, even though we know that there is an exit ahead that will allow us to slow down and enjoy the sites.  We know that we need to pause for a moment and refuel, but now we're moving at such a pace that we're afraid to brake and signal that we'd like to get off the highway to take a different path.  I must admit that in my own experience with driving long distances, one of the passengers will say that they need to use the restroom and the driver will drive past a few exits, in an effort to make good time.  It's usually not until the passenger has stated several times that they REALLY need to use the restroom that the driver will finally slow down and pull off the highway.  Now everyone inside of the car is stressed and it usually ends with the passenger jumping out of the car trying to make it to the restroom without embarrassing him/herself. (Yikes...I've been both passenger and driver in this situation.  Now that I stop and think about it....that's not cool at all.)

    We've gotten so used to doing things a certain way that now it's hard to admit that you really would like to change things up a bit and move at a different pace or pull off the highway temporarily.  So the family keeps moving in the same direction, the marriage is maintained, the job is adequate but not meaningful, the finances never change (operating in lack) and relationships don't evolve.  Don't misunderstand me, life is good and manageable, you're still relatively happy, but you've also hit a place of stagnation.  The people (traffic) around you is dependent upon you not braking nor breaking the cycle.  Everyone has gotten so accustomed to you moving, acting, existing at a certain pace that it might be uncomfortable for both you and them to slow down.  You're so fearful to "keep up" that you missed the exit because you were moving too quickly.  You feel the cars behind you bearing down on you and the cars on either side, keeping you boxed in.  You are traveling in the middle of the highway, many times feeling helpless because you feel like you are 'stuck' with no where else to go.

   Well I've got good news for you....

    It takes one decision, one signal, one action to end this trajectory and for you to regain control of your situation. One pause, one idea, one act of bravery to keep from traveling at a speed that could potentially harm you and those around you.  It's time to brake!  I didn't say stop, just tap on the brakes.  In your car, if the car is on cruise control, a gentle tap of the brake pedal signals to the car computer that YOU have now regained control of the vehicle.  This gentle tap forces the car to yield to the decisions and directions of the driver once again.  You can now safely move through traffic at a speed determined only by the driver.

     I believe that's what most of us need....a gentle tap on the brakes to break the cycle.  It's okay for you to want more out of life. It's alright for you to want to slow down and take in the scenery.  It's time for you to regain control of your life and operate accordingly. You think that by braking, you might miss something and will mess up the flow of traffic.  But the truth is, you're probably headed for a crash or burn out because you've been lulled to sleep by operating on cruise control.  You're only doing it because you are afraid to drive purposely again.  In fact, you've been operating like this for so long that you are now fearful of braking and breaking the cycle.  It's time to make a change.

     When you signal that you are changing lanes and moving, it also serves as a wake up call to the people around you to be more alert.  Don't be lulled by the status quo, the normalcy or the expectation of reaching your destination at a certain time.  Take charge and tap the brakes!  Slow down, be deliberate, be contemplative, be mindful and operate with intention, purpose and passion.  You don't want to miss this particular rest stop exit because the next one might not come for several miles.  Don't cheat yourself by going with the flow.  You're destiny is waiting for you!  Your intended purpose is coming up ahead.  Your life's work is calling your name just around the bend, so prepare to exit the busy highway and regain control of your life.  In this instance, cruise control is NOT your friend.  Grab the steering wheel, tap the brakes and regain complete control of your car and signal for the next exit.  Your life depends on it! The future of your family is wrapped up in it!  Your peace of mind is inextricably bound to it!

Now tap it out...

Fearless is more than my "one word"; it's a journey.

     I may have mentioned previously that FEARLESS is my word for 2018.  And Baby when I say that God has been giving me so many opportunities to practice using this word.  I'm being stretched, but not to the point that it hurts though.  I'm being stretched, muscles lengthened and I'm learning how to breathe in all situations, just like yoga.  It's a slow steady stretching in my mind and in my heart.  I am learning to hear my own voice and not the voices of others who have good intentions, but don't know what God said to me.

     I am excited because I'm beginning to trust ME!  How can I solely rely on others who have never  done what I'm thinking about, but have an opinion as to how I might execute?  In all honesty, it's not really about what others have said, it's more about the little voice that plays in my head that projects my own insecurities onto the situation.  They NEVER said that I couldn't do it or won't achieve it, but that voice of  #littlemissinsecure has a funny way of showing up, which makes me talk myself out of the situation, based on the idea of what someone else might say.  Isn't that the dumbest thing you've ever heard?  Just foolishness! (Afraid of a might....HA!)

You're shaking your head because you know what I'm talking about!!! You've been afraid to move because you're waiting for "all the stars to line up"  or waiting to "get all your ducks in a row".  Well SugarPlum....it's time to let that mess go.  I'm about to share an excerpt of my sermon that I preached 3 weeks ago.  Here it goes...

~We’ve been stuck in a precarious situation because we expected someone else to get something accomplished for us.    

~We have been caught waiting on a person to act, when we carry the responsibility to do it ourselves. 

~We have been left on the side of the road, watching others pass us by because we weren’t prepared to go any further. 

Not prepared to write the book…waiting on someone else

Not prepared to start that business…waiting on someone else

Not enjoying your single life… waiting on someone else

Not experiencing joy in your marriage… waiting on someone else

Not applying for a new position, when you know you hate the job… waiting on someone else

Not going back to school to finish your degree… waiting on someone else

Sitting on the side lines complaining, & not jumping in the arena….waiting on someone else

Not ready to market your own ideas… waiting on someone else

Someone else to make us happy

Someone else to bring us joy

Someone else to help us out of our financial situation

Someone else to raise how kids

Someone else to motivate us

Someone else to cheer us to greatness

Someone else to drop everything to tend to our needs

Honey, there is no “someone else”…GOD IS WAITING ON YOU! 
(GOD IS WAITING ON ME)

God is so funny, because I  really thought I was given that word to bless the people, but I was really preaching to myself the entire time.  When I went back and listened to the sermon on Youtube, I realized that I was preaching myself into a frenzy, speaking my way into my NEXT and preparing myself to walk through the many doors that God has with MY name on it.  God be praised!

 I am really learning to trust God with whatever is to come next.  I'm not rushing anything or trying to please anyone.  I simply want to move and watch God unfold the path direction with every step that I take, without even knowing where the step is.  (I'm envisioning Micheal Jackson in The Wiz, when he is traversing the yellow brick road and the cobblestone blocks light up as he steps on them.)  Yeah, just like that!  

The path won't light up unless YOU MOVE.  The path won't light up unless I MOVE!  Let me just sprinkle a little word on it.....Joshua 1:3 says "EVERY place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses".  Or like Martin would say, while stomping his feet around in a circular pattern, "GET TO STEPPIN' ".  (Y'all sometimes I crack myself up. Ha!)

Anyway, let's go through this season of shifting and just be FEARLESS.  Your knees might be knocking as you move, but do it anyway afraid and watch God translate that into Fearlessness.  Let's stay committed to the process as we advance for the Kingdom.  God will get the glory and he'll just give us the opportunity to tell the story.  I'm excited, aren't you?!

So get to stepping and "Walk it Out"..........God's been waiting on you!