You know that one word, that most of us dread? Well, I got to hear it today. Turns out the lump on my leg is a rare type of cancer.
Well, I guess I can add it to my list of two broken bones, a concussion, two C-sections, autoimmunity and now cancer. But you know what I’ll never add to my list? Defeated, downtrodden or victim.
I am victorious in Christ Jesus, and just like every other challenge I’ve had to face, I will face this one with the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, the almighty Jehovah.
Why did I let anxiety and fear, keep me from my purpose?
When I hit enroll with Plexus two and half years ago, I made the choice because I wanted to feel better and to lose the weight that I had gained. I never dreamt of doing this as a business because I was more concerned about what others would think instead of what this business had to offer me and my children. An opportunity to make a kingdom impact. Even though I was surrounded by great examples of success on my team, I didn’t believe that I was worthy of the same, so I shied away from sharing or leading with the business opportunity and focused on the products, because talking science was my comfort zone. I didn’t have to stretch too much or feel the sting of rejection.
I remember when my friend and mentor told me, to share more of me on my timeline, because as she said, “people want to see you!” Again, I hid behind anxiety and fear because I couldn’t imagine that anyone would want to see me or listen to a word that I had to say.
Guess what? Turns out that I was wrong! People actually do want to see me, in my authentic self. People actually do want to hear what I have to say. Yes, network marketing is about selling products or a service, but at its very core, it’s about serving others. This industry challenges you to identify your true self, to live boldly and with purpose and with a heart to serve. It has helped me to remove the barriers and excuses for not doing what I’ve always been passionate about. It has helped me overcome the scarcity mindset of “anxiety and fear” because there is no room for those two on the road to abundant living.
Today, I am no longer afraid to accept all of the gifts that God has prepared for me. What about you? What roadblocks are holding you back?
For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord- Jeremiah 30:17
It is almost hard to believe that a year has passed since this psychological warfare of SARS-COV-2, was unleashed on the world. In the beginning, I was like most Americans, concerned about what the virus would do to the population, but not scared. I never felt that I needed to cover my face or hide out in my home, because as a scientist by education and experience, I knew that none of those behaviors would decrease my risk of getting infected or sick. So, I just lived my life as though nothing had changed. Of course, all the while supporting my body with proper nutrition, rest, exercise and oxygen.
Today, I am still living my life just as I did before Covid 19, became baked into our vernacular. I have managed to remain alive in the midst of the pandemic without following any of the guidelines provided by the CDC or World Health Organization. Has my stance been challenging at times? Yes! But, I have I never felt endangered by my decision. Unlike, most people, I believe my health and wellness are my responsibility. I do not subscribe to the idea that the government knows more than me. If it did, we wouldn’t lead the world in chronic diseases.
So, why does the majority of the US population believe in these measures that aren’t rooted in logic or reason (the root of science); but can simultaneously spew that “you must trust the science?” How can I be expected to trust in a science that doesn’t acknowledge common sense? Or more importantly, the rights of the individual. That is the very foundation of our Declaration of Independence; the rights of the individual must not be infringed upon by the government. Yet, here we are. Many businesses are still closed or not at capacity, companies that have remained open are unable to hire due to crippling debt. And the churches, are still closed to the very people that need fellowship, restoration and renewal. But the real losers in this debacle are the children and the families. Our children are paying the price of ill conceived ideas forced upon them by ignorant adults. How will history remember this time period?
But the people who I have been most challenged by are not those in the world, but those that claim to be in the household of faith..Christians. From the sidelines, I have witnessed Christians fuel the propaganda and miseducation campaigns as though it is their highest duty. I have even watched them politicize race to coerce or guilt people into following this sham and even still virtual signaling their superiority over the ones that refuse to support or propagate the government agenda. Their behavior reminds me of the religious leaders during Jesus’ day. Where are the fruits of the spirit? Where is the compassion, grace or understanding? Where is the love? Shame!! Your behavior has made a mockery of the Lord’s church!!
Where in the Bible does it say that we will never get sick or experience heartache or despair? As if we can do anything in our own power to extend life. Yet, many will drive a million miles to point out how selfish those who have refused the propaganda are, but won’t take five minutes to offer assistance to friends and family who are suffering as a result of these draconian measures.
It is time for us to remember who we are and fight to preserve our ability to worship in spirit and in truth and to be one nation under God. Let us live set apart, sanctified lives proving to the world that we believe above all else the words of our Father in heaven.
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. Psalm 139:13&14
The past two weeks have been extra tough. The fatigue that plagued me for several years came back a couple of weeks ago and hasn’t relented until today. Just to give a little context, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s on August 1, 2018, which was exactly one month before my husband at the time texted me to let me know that essentially our marriage was done. In spite of that, I have been able to manage it without medication. However, yesterday was the first time, I have ever considered going on medication due to level of exhaustion that I have been feeling.
I don’t recall there being a specific event or activity that happened that would have thrown me off, or caused me to feel this down, but something did happen to remind me that I am not invincible and I shouldn’t expect to do it all. Which sounds completely insane to me, when I have to do it all, because there is no one else to do what I do. Or perhaps, I’m expecting more than I should. Perhaps, it should be simpler.
This is the trick about growth, sometimes when you make the decision to elevate your life, you sometimes have to tap into areas that you may not want to tap into. When I started working with my Business Leadership Coach, I knew that I would have to tackle mindset and vision, but to go to places that I had never prepared to visit has been harder than I thought it would be.
I believe that I am in the land of limiting beliefs and instead of confronting those beliefs, I have allowed my brain to use the avoidance key, so that I don’t have to tackle what I know to be true and that awareness has manifested itself in the physical of overwhelming fatigue.
An overwhelming fatigue that was finally helped by my taking a walk with my daughter this afternoon. While I chatting with her, I realized that in order for her to do the hard stuff, I have to model it for her. When my mind wants to give me the option of avoidance, I have to conscientiously say no, otherwise nothing changes and my daughter will not understand the meaning of sticking with it, even when you think that you can’t.
While I still have more mind clearing to do, I am keenly aware of the eyes that are watching me. While I may get worn from time to time, it’s okay to allow my children the opportunity to see that I am fallible and that I am still learning too. I am learning to walk closer to Jesus and to leave my burdens with him. I am building my confidence by adjusting my habits and my expectations. I am giving myself grace when I fall a bit short and I have accepted that breaks are necessary to prevent the overwhelm and burnout.
My journey has only just begun and I will arrive where I am meant to be at precisely the right time.
I could spend hours writing about food and nutrition, if given the chance, but that is not the purpose of this post.
This post is about being intentional with the food you eat. Keep in mind that the food you consume does matter. You are either contributing to health or disease by what you consume.
The process of digestion begins in the brain, which instructs the release of certain enzymes needed to breakdown the food once it is ingested.
But what if, we took a bit more time to be intentional about our meals? For example, setting aside time to eat with the family instead of eating on the go or in shifts.
Incorporating these small steps into your routine, may make meals much more enjoyable and nutritious for the entire family.
1. Set aside a specific time for every meal. This gives the family a time to look forward to and anticipate.
2. Show gratitude for you are about to receive. In my home, we give thanks to God for each meal. Regardless of your religious persuasion, giving thanks for the food before you sets an intention of appreciation that is beneficial too in the digestive process.
3. Consider mealtime as an opportunity to reconnect with family in a meaningful way. Actually discuss the day, laugh and savor the time you are spending together as a family.
4. Clean away the dishes as a family to continue the conversations. Slowing down and being appreciative allows your body to better utilize the nutrition provided.
5. Finally, just be still. Your body is much more efficient in a calm relaxed state.
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One Mom Growing in her Faith with Grace 