Y’all, God is so good! Yesterday, when I shared my “I’m Here” post, I had no idea Bishop T. D. Jakes had preached a similar message on Wednesday. As I said yesterday, the image and message I shared was based on me searching through my pictures on my phone for the word “here.” I had no idea there was so much more God wanted to share with me. Whew!!
Since God shared this message with me, I’m sharing it with you. I hope it blesses you as much as it blessed me.♥️
Good Morning☀️ It’s Self-love Saturday and I decided to sleep in.😌 I hope you decided to do the same.💕
Here’s what I wrote six years ago—
The “social media find” I shared on March 22, 2019. Image credit: Unknown.
When I tell you this Facebook memory is so timely! Although it’s been six years, I feel it more than ever today. You see, next Saturday, I will be attending our state’s annual dietetics conference, where I will be introduced as the incoming president for 2025–2026.
Honestly, I’m not sure how I feel at the moment. Seems like I have been going nonstop since taking on the role of president-elect. So much has changed since I was last president (2016–2017), and even more is changing now that our government is moving in a different direction. We are a nonpartisan organization and have to move as such. Meaning, my personal feelings and opinions have to take a backseat during this ride. It’s a lot, but I’m up for the challenge. As I have asked myself so many times throughout my adult life, “How did I get here?” Laughing. My life and its adventures. As Mario from Mario Bros. would say, “Here we go!”
Honestly, who would have thought I wasn’t done with this part of my life? If I didn’t know it then, I can certainly say it now, this role is a significant part of my dream and future endeavors. I’m not sure where God is taking me—ONLY He knows—but I’m here for it!♥️
Wasn’t sure what I would share this afternoon. So, I decided to search my photos based on the first word that came to mind and that word was “here.” Several photos popped up, but the photo above is the one that caught my eye.
Yes, I’m here! And I’m still standing.
Y’all, God is so very good. If you only knew… I am beyond grateful and blessed that He loves me.
I’m here!!
I pray you’re having a wonderful day, and that you’ll have an even better weekend. Remember, you’re also here and still standing tall. Whatever was meant to destroy you, couldn’t. You made it!♥️
A couple of months ago, fellow blogger Wynne Leon (Surprised by Joy) shared the following quote of questions—
“Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions.” – Henri Nouwen
On that day, I saved it in my notes and have asked myself these questions almost daily. They help me stay aligned with my values, vision, purpose, and legacy. As I move through life, I want to become everything I want to see in the world. I want to become that harmony that I’m seeking. Maybe I sound a bit delusional or naive, but I believe I can become everything I set out to be. Charge it to the little girl within me who dreamed of a world filled with love, peace, joy, and kindness.😌
I’m becoming ME.
This side of 50 is definitely different, and I’m loving the space I’m in. God is good.
Slowly but surely, everything is coming together. Last week, someone contacted me about doing a nutrition presentation for their church. Without hesitation, I said “Yes,” and yesterday evening, I did it.
It may not seem like a big deal, but to me, it is. You see, I did it under my nonprofit, which took me over three years to launch. I kept trying to wait until everything was perfect and in place. Then, several months ago, I introduced it to the public. Right now, my main focus is on promoting it whenever I can. As I’ve said before, it’s my baby.
Y’all, God is so good. I can’t stress it enough—I’m truly blessed.♥️
Treasure your gifts. Not gifts, as in talents, but the gifts—the people—God has placed in your life. They are irreplaceable and one of a kind. Whether for a season or a lifetime, God placed them in your life for a specific purpose that only they can fulfill. Never take them for granted. Life is much too short and precious not to treasure them.
As I mentioned last night, I was with my two hearts (daughter, 30, and son, 21). Words can’t even begin to describe the way I feel about them. As a child, I always longed to feel loved unconditionally and accepted for me. One of the things we talked about last night was me always dancing to the beat of my own drum. I never quite fit in, even when it came to my own family. I thought and moved differently. Not so differently that I didn’t blend in, but different enough to know I didn’t fit. Well, here I am 30 years later with two adult children, and I finally feel the love and acceptance I longed for. They’re not cookie cutters of me. As we often joke, we couldn’t be more different, but we’re so much alike. All three of us dance to our own beat, and we don’t judge. We embrace each other’s uniqueness.
Y’all, they are my gifts.🥰🥰
This was taken in January during my daughter’s 30th birthday weekend.
On another note—I know I never mentioned anything else about celebrating the 30–year breakthrough or rebirth I was experiencing leading up to my daughter’s birthday. I intentionally stopped celebrating when I noticed she had made her celebration mine. I explained to her that I had already lived and celebrated my 30th; the weekend and occasion were all hers. And we celebrated her! Yes, her birthday felt like a great release for me. I finally felt free to release myself from being a mother, provider, and caregiver to being me—a woman taking care of me.🦋
I pray you are treasuring your gifts. Also remember this too—something that took me far too long to realize—YOU are also a gift. Yes…YOU!
It’s Shaun’s World 
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