We often pride ourselves in our faithfulness and loyalty to others. We make sure everyone knows our commitment runs deep. But how deep is our faithfulness and loyalty to ourselves?
Remember this – YOU are the only one who has been rocking with you since day one. Since the womb! No one knows you better than you do. No one will fight for you harder than you will (believe me, that’s how you’ve managed to make it this far). You are still that little girl or little boy who refused to give up. Who was determined to be here. So, stay faithful and loyal to them, to YOU. Nurture yourself. Forgive yourself a thousand times over, and then more. Give yourself grace. Be sure to love YOU. The YOU God created.
Listen, I couldn’t help but smile when I came across one of today’s Facebook memories (included at the end). My only response when I shared the post seven years ago was, “I’m ALL IN!”
Thinking back, I thought being committed to the process would be a cakewalk. That being “ALL IN” meant it was only up from there. It’s funny how I did not account for the unpredictability of life. Nah… when I said I was all in, I just knew I would conquer every obstacle successfully the first time. Laughing because I had no idea of the roller coaster ride that was ahead. No idea that I would go through some of the same experiences (different situations with different people) multiple times before I could actually move forward. I didn’t know that I would self-sabotage opportunities or be used or abandoned by people who I thought had my back. Nah… you see, when I declared I was “all in,” I was at a point in my life where life was good. I was finally coming out of the trenches, and I could only see up from there. And up is where life has gone, but not without a few bumps, hiccups, and lessons along the way.
So, here is what I have learned over the past seven years. Being fully committed is a process. It’s a decision I make daily. No lie. Y’all, there are so many mornings when I wake up motivated and pumped, then by noon I want to throw in the towel because this commitment thing too hard. Listen, when I tell you God loves me! It’s God’s love, patience, presence and guidance that keeps me going. He always sends me just what I need in those moments that give me the strength and confidence to press forward.
Here is something else I have learned. The product of commitment is not for display. It’s not something to take pictures of and post for others to see. No, this commitment is sacred. It’s between myself and God. It’s a space that no one else has access to. Unlike back then, and even up until a year or so ago, I felt the need to show people what God was doing behind the scenes. I thought it was more important for me to show/share what God was doing than to let it happen authentically. I did it to be transparent. I was so big on transparency. Little did I know, my transparency was limiting my experiences with God. I was so focused on sharing the process and my testimonies that I couldn’t fully comprehend or embrace what I was experiencing. Whew!When I tell you I am loving this space I’m in! I am finally in a space where only God and I reside—a space that is exclusively for two. No guests allowed.
Growth!
Anyway, I believe I have written enough. I may or may not delete a few things. However, I believe leaving it as written is probably the most authentic. So, I’ll keep it all. See how easy that decision was.Smile
Here’s the Facebook memory I have been referring to—“Are You All In?” by Bishop T. D. Jakes.
Dedication (Merriam-Webster): Self-sacrificing devotion and loyalty
Whew!! What a definition! Listen, dedication requires heart and commitment. If your heart isn’t in it, consider letting it go. However, if your heart is there, STICK WITH IT!♥️
On this date five years ago (2017), I posted my second blog. Here’s what I wrote in my journal–
Just published my second blog. Some may read it. Some may not. Either way, I have to keep up what I’ve started. We shall see. With God’s help, it’ll be done. Amen
Today’s entry will make 583 consecutive daily posts under It’s Shaun’s World. I’m not sure how many I have in total, which would include my blogs under The Research Diva/I Am LaShaundreaB and Nutrition with LaShaundreaB.
I guess you can say my heart is definitely in it! ~ Shaun
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