30 Things I Realized in 30 Years
Year 30 was a beloved teacher in so many ways. It was very much a transformative year, which means so much opportunity for growth took place. It was a year of transition and with that came changes within myself, life, and relationships. Transition has both joys and sorrows, but through it all God remained faithful. I’m so grateful for every lesson, every blessing, every tear, every fear, every trial, and every triumph. It all made me who I am today. I hope this blog blesses you in some way and reminds you that no matter the year, God will always remain faithful.
Body Image and The Christian
There is so much chatter and pressure surrounding “body image.” In a society like today, it seems to be a major focus, and as a result can bring about feelings of discontentment and even discouragement. But how should Christians handle an issue like this? In this blog, I decided to tackle this topic. Over the years, I’ve had my own personal struggles and challenges when it came to body image and my self-esteem. But by God’s grace, through the Truth of His Word, He has helped me grow and continues to help me grow to understand what it means to be Christian who values their mind, body, soul, & spirit in Christ. So, if you’re wondering, “How should we deal with the pressures of body image and the society we currently live in today?” Then please read the blog to find out more. May your soul be encouraged!
Trusting God in the Midst of Transition
The account of Moses and the burning bush has many things we can learn from it. Moses was in a place of comfortability before God
Ten Tips for Tough Conversations
TIPS for TOUGH Conversations. Even as a Christian, having tough conversations is not an easy feat, but with God we are more than capable of
Into Me See Oh God!
As a Christian, sometimes it can be easy to get into an autopilot state when it comes to our relationship with God. We can perform all the “right tasks,” but with a daunting heart disconnection from God. It is possible for us to do “good things” as Christians, but it still be wrong. This happens when our feet become programmed into performing “Christian duties” but our hearts, while carrying out those “Christian duties” are far away from God. If we are not careful, after a while, our relationship with God can become artificial, superficial, and mundane. We foolishly place God as another person on our checklist to spend time with, not realizing the gravity and depth of what it means to really be in connection with the true and living God.
29 Things I Learned by Age 29
Year 29 has been such a beloved teacher for me. I’m so grateful for every lesson, every joy, every sorrow, every tear, every laugh and every opportunity. God is forever faithful and I am so grateful!
Think Eternity Not Temporary
What is the secret to being thankful and content in whatever relationship status we are in? It is choosing to “Think Eternity and Not Temporary.”
In This World But Not Of It
I want to list 3 things that I believe as a Christian is important to remember when we look at politics in this country. 1.
Resting in and on the ROCK
If we take a moment to look around the world in front of us, it’s not hard to see that our world is in a
28 Things I Realized by age 28
“I said, let days speak and many years teach wisdom.” -Job 32:7 1. Talking to God (in prayer) and allowing God to talk to me
I am Allowed to be Angry BUT
I remember this exact photo. My emotions are almost palpable as a stare at this photo again. The immense grief that was within me as I stood on these steps could not be put into words. The deep historical and far existing pain for my ancestors flowed through every vein of my body. Immense anger, confusion, despair, and anguish plagued my heart this day. I didn’t crack one smile, I couldn’t. When I witnessed the murder of George Floyd, I remember feeling just like I felt when I first stepped foot on the grounds of Cape Coast Castle. I was ANGRY, confused, and numbed by such a sinful act. I was so angry I couldn’t speak. There were no audible words that could possibly articulate what I felt in the moment. But in the midst of my anger I was met with God’s truth and His love. His truth broke through my heart, like the sunrise bursting through the seams of a new day. Then my tears broke through my eyes and ran down my cheeks like waterfalls. The truth was this…”I am allowed to be angry..BUT..”
What the Gospel Says About Racism
It is our duty as Christians to boldly and relentlessly proclaim the truth of the Gospel and align our lives with the Gospel. In the
Faith in the Midst of a Pandemic
How should a Christian respond to this Coronavirus? The answer…. “IN FAITH.” So many people in this world are chasing after things that only God
Singles and Social Distancing
DEAR SINGLES, I want to encourage you. This is a very vulnerable time for so many, including singles. This season of social distancing, isolating, and
5 Things Christian Singles Can Learn From the Life of Joseph
If there is someone who knew what it meant to maximize his life and maximize his single years, it was our bro Joe! Every time
3 Reasons Why Every Nurse Should Practice Self Care
Are you a nurse and feeling burned out, tired, and starting to question why you became a nurse? Then this blog is for you. The joy of nursing is first found within yourself and taking care of yourself. Don’t believe me? Then just read and you will see.
The Grass is Not Always Greener
I want you to imagine that you, or should I say your life represents grass. We’ve all heard the saying that the grass is not
Trust Issues Rehab
I’ve had a couple of relapses since I first entered “Trust Issues Rehab.” But you know the amazing part about this whole journey? God’s faithful love. I just don’t understand why He’s so patient with me. Sometimes I think He’s so crazy for putting up with me. I’m like a stubborn little child, that touches the stove, even after He has told me a thousands times it’s hot and it’s going to hurt me. Lol But He is always there after I touch the stove. He lets me crawl into His lap, weep and wail, and then He cradles me in His arms, and tends to my wounds so gently and tenderly. Then He recites so patiently His Word to me. Then it never fails. His Word covers the wounds of my hurting heart like coconut balm. It purifies, soothes, and heals all at the same time. He literally keeps loving me back to life..EVERY..SINGLE..DAY! I’ve never experienced a love quite like this before. During my rehab journey God has loved me greatly and taught me greatly. Read this blog to find out more.
Trust Issues
I wrote this blog a long time ago when I was in a really bad space in my life. I’m sharing this now in hopes that it may encourage someone else. Trust is something we all desire to have, but it’s one of the most vulnerable things you can do. My prayer is that your soul may be encouraged as you read this.
Broken Lamps Still Shine
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill can’t be hidden. People do not light a lamp and put it under
Healthy Whole Healed
Sometimes the depth of our dysfunction and sin can be so great that when healthy/godly relationships or healthy/godly patterns try to enter our lives, we push them away. When we become so comfortable in dysfunction and sin, being ‘healthy” and “whole” becomes very uncomfortable and foreign to us. But who ever said the road to healing, the road to wholeness, the road to healthy, and the road to holiness would be easy? What if the discomfort we are avoiding can be the very path to our redemptive healing?
Grown Wounded Child
Time does not heal all wounds. Sometimes time further reveals the wounds that haven’t been attended to or dealt with. Wounded children don’t grow up to be adults, they grow up to be still wounded children. No matter how old we get in earthly years, we will never out-grow being a child to God. Our healing is found in our Heavenly Father who created and made us. Don’t believe me? Read more to find out.
Withdrawing to Your Lonely Place
Feeling burned out? Overwhelmed? Tired? This blog is for you. Withdrawing to your lonely place, is the key to revitalizing your soul and finding strength to make it through yet another day.
When FAITH and FEELINGS DO NOT Match
Just being candor for a moment… I would consider myself a very emotional person. I’ve always been this way even as a little child. I feel emotions SO deeply. Happiness, sadness, empathy, whatever emotion it is, I’m ALL in. I’m thankful for God’s intricate design of creating me with a sensitive heart to be able to feel, express my feelings, and connect with others, but therein lies one of my greatest challenges. My emotions are the very thing I’ve had to learn to rear and discipline. That my friends is one of the hardest task of my life! I write this blog currently in one of my splew of “emotional battles” wondering, “Ok Lord, what’s going on in my life right now? Things are not making sense and my feelings say one thing, but my faith says another. What am I supposed to do?” Read more to find out the answer to this question.
Looking into the Mirror
Have you looked into the mirror today? I’m not talking about just any ol’ mirror. I’m referring to the “true mirror.” Apart of growing in this life, is first having the ability, and the humble honesty to truly see ourselves..”the good, the bad, and the ugly.” In this blog, I discuss how we can truly see ourselves if we take the necessary time to look into the “true mirror” of life. Be encouraged!
Patience In the Face of Suffering
“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting
Gripped by Grief
Gripped by Grief Grief has a way of seizing your heart like a Sumo wrestler. It pounces on you and sends you falling to the
27 Things I Realized by Age 27
“I said, let days speak and many years teach wisdom.” -Job 32:7 1. Selfishness will lead to loneliness. (Phil 2:3) 2. The truth of
Knowing Christ Through Suffering
KNOWING CHRIST THROUGH SUFFERING “Even more, I consider everything to be nothing compared to knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. To know Him is the
The Truth About Family
The Truth About Family I recently went on a trip to Atlanta, Georgia for my family’s 26th year reunion. Every two years my extended family
To the Motherless and Fatherless
To the Motherless and Fatherless For many people, days like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day can be some of the most grief-stricken and pain-filled days.
Healing After the Breakup
I can’t believe it’s been two years. I will never forget the look on your face when I told you I was walking away from
Reality Check
Reality Check There can STILL be sadness on the mountain top. There can STILL be loneliness with status and popularity. There can STILL be emptiness
God of Creation
I was reminded of God’s beauty of creation when I visited the radiant country of Ghana. While there, my family and I got a chance
Oh to Be Like Little Children
It’s amazing how little children have the ability to ignite your soul in a way that no one else can. On this particular day, I worshipped
A LOOK INTO DEATH
It was just a few days into my amazing vacation. I had no idea that something life changing was awaiting me. I couldn’t have seen
Marriage is NOT a Fairytale
I’M SUPER EXCITED that my wonderful sister agreed to be a guest writer on my blog. After this blog, you all will see why I
Bloom Gracefully
“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him; for He knows how we are
Limitless
One of the first stops of my vacation was the world renown city of Dubai. I was beyond excited to enter it’s terrains. I was
When THE FACE Comes Off
There is a saying that is referred to as, “Putting ON FACE.” It’s a new millennial phrase that refers to the ability to pretend or
26 Things I Realized by Age 26
“I said, let days speak and many years teach wisdom.” -Job 32:7 Respond from a place of healing and not from a place of hurt.
Do You Really Want to Go to Heaven?
If you were to ask most people if they want to go to Heaven, the majority would respond with an astounding, “YES!” However, most people
The Truth About Modesty
The Truth About Modesty I know when I am dressed immodest, I KNOW. No one has to tell me. I don’t have to wait for
Trusting God In the Midst of Change
“Those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.” -Psalm 9:10 Change for
Ladies Do Not Settle
No matter what, DO NOT SETTLE. I know, trust me I know, you’re tired. You’re tired of the wait, tired of hurting, tired of seeing
It Is Better To Go To the House of Mourning
“It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every
Why We Should Choose Modesty Part II
Why We Should Choose Modesty (Part II) We should choose modesty because… It helps us not to be a stumbling block or hindrance to someone.
Why We Should Choose Modesty
Why We Should Choose Modesty Modesty is not a death sentence, nor does modesty mean that God does not want us to be confident in
The Reality of Death
I remember the night before she passed. I just sat in the room with her. I held her hand, caressed her hair, sang to her,
The Beauty of Healing
The Beauty of Healing 2016 Reflection “Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.”-Psalm 30:2 One word that keeps echoing
Your Season is for a Reason
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”-Proverbs 19:21 To the girl scrolling through her Instagram, Facebook
Moving to Maturity
“Brothers, do not be children in your thinking or be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.” -1 Cor 14:20 One statement
Ladies Stop Looking Pt 2
Women were never designed to look for a man. NEVER. Nowhere in scripture is there an example of a woman PURSUING a man, or
Unexpected Grief
“Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.” -Matthew 5:4 I was somewhat hesitant to write this, but the Holy Spirit kept
Ladies Stop Looking
Writing this blog is very emotional for me. The reason I say this is because, my heart is so heavy for many single women in
Choosing the Better
This morning I woke up with so much on my mind. My to-do-list started to flood every single one of my thoughts. “Ashley you need
25 Things I Realized by Age 25
“I said, let days speak and many years teach wisdom.” -Job 32:7 Life is not about things, status, or money. Life is about relationships and
Your Biggest Problem Is Already Solved
Our biggest problem in life was solved the moment Jesus got on the cross and died for our sins. For every faithful baptized believer, we
Far Beyond Our Ability to Endure
One of my favorite persons in the bible is Paul. His story, his journey… is beyond encouraging. He is someone that understood the struggles and
Life is not about Being Single or Married
Life is not about being single or married. Life is about God. Do I believe that God has the power to bring a wonderful man
God is ENOUGH
God is enough. Life with it’s joys and hurts always has a way of reminding me of this simple truth. I know it sounds like
Beauty In Brokenness
Beauty In Brokenness “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those
On Hiatus
TO ALL MY FOLLOWERS, SUBSCRIBERS, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS: It is with a heart full of love, that I inform you all that I will
Trusting God with Your Past Present and Future 2015 Reflection
Trusting God with Your Past, Present, and Future (2015 Reflection) As I sit here and reflect over this past year, I can’t seem to
You Are More Than A Degree
You Are More Than A Degree I write this with the utmost love and encouragement. I know that many individuals are in the season of
Overcoming People Pleasing
Overcoming People Pleasing (Forsaking The Approval of Men) Somehow we have equated seeking to please people with being a good Christian, when in fact true
Faith It Until You Make It
Faith It Until You Make It! 2 Corinthians 5:7 “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Recently I started at a new job that
God Be My Distraction
Jesus answered by saying, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the
Lord How Do I I Know If A Man Is Into Me
If you have to question it, then he is probably not. Anything of God and from God will bring about peace, not confusion. As a
3 Things You Can Learn About Prayer From Watching The Movie WAR ROOM
I remember sitting in my chair in the movie theater as tears consistently rolled down my face, and I couldn’t help but in that very
How To Have Peace In The Midst Of What You Are Going Through
It is so easy to get bogged down by the chaos of this world, the burdens of your day to day life, the struggles in
RELATIONSHIP STATUS WAITING ON GOD
I wanted to write this blog to all of the individuals who distinguish themselves as “single.” I want to challenge you to think
One Step At A Time
All we have is RIGHT NOW. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is not promised. God did not instruct us to live in the past or
Flashback Friday of F3
Flashback Friday of Fearless Faithful Following (F3) Wow it’s so crazy how time flies! This was the day that I was in the preparation
PURITY 101 “Today’s Guide to Becoming and Remaining Pure”
WHAT IS PURITY? The world often confuses virginity with purity and use the two words interchangeably. This neglects the significance of the spiritual meaning of
FORGIVENESS
Forgiveness is a divine act that cannot be performed using worldly thinking. It is the incomprehensible nature of God. Therefore, we must have His mind
FILL ME UP
FILL ME UP SPIRITUAL EMPTINESS One of the most disheartening states for a child of God is the moment they feel spiritual emptiness. It’s one of those
FEELING INSECURE
GOD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL CREATION You are God’s precious treasure and He loves you so much! You are one of God’s most beautiful creations. The devil
SO YOU WANT TO BE MARRIED BUT ARE YOU READY TO BE A WIFE
DETAILS! The time of year is here where many weddings are taking place. The bride is consumed with creating an unforgettable experience for all her
Dethroning the god of Social Media
“You shall have no other gods before me.” -Exodus 20:3 I believe that no god is greater than the TRUE and living GOD, the KING
WHEN SOCIAL MEDIA BECAME MY GOD
“You shall have no other gods before me.” –Exodus 20:3 I was in a really bad place. My spirit was off, my mood was bothered,
CHARLESTON SHOOTING My Thoughts as a Christian Black Woman
I told myself I wasn’t going to say anything in regards to Charleston, but the Holy Spirit is pressing heavily on my heart so I
Fearful and Faithless
FEARFUL AND FAITHLESS FEARFUL and FAITHLESS… two words that I am oh too familiar with. They used to be words that I kept near and
TO KARRUECHE TRAN AND EVERY WOMAN WHO JUST WANTS TO BE LOVED
A few days ago I watched an interview by Iyanla Vanzant: “Fix My Life” that included the celebrity Karrueche Tran. For those of you who
3 REASONS WHY I STOPPED WATCHING SCANDAL
I’ve been wanting to write this for some time now but I needed some time to collect my thoughts and properly express what was in
“DEAR CHRISTIAN” A LETTER TO EVERY LUKEWARM CHRISTIAN
Dear Christian… A Christian is so much more than a fancy title or a convenient title to use when you want to appear
8 THINGS EVERY SINGLE WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ON VALENTINE’S DAY
8 THINGS… 1. THERE IS MORE TO LIFE THAN VALENTINE’S DAY I repeat! THERE IS MORE TO LIFE THAN VALENTINE’S DAY. Your worth, your
YOU ARE WHAT YOU FEED
FEED THE SPIRIT STARVE THE FLESH “The secret to staying alive and experiencing the true essence of life is to feed the Spirit & starve the flesh!
The CONSEQUENCES of Sexual Sins
THE CONSEQUENCES OF SEXUAL SINS This blog is long overdue…but honestly I wanted to take my time on it and truly allow the spirit
Seeing Things Through Spiritual Eyes..
Seeing Things Through Spiritual Eyes Ferguson and Mike Brown So many individuals are beyond enraged at the actions of officer Darren Wilson. Many believe that
KEEP IT MOVING
“You’ll come to realize, that everything is not worth your time. Sometimes you have to keep it moving. You can’t let everything stress your mind. You have
Putting to Death the Selfish Spirit
“Tired of being the BIGGER person” Have you ever said these words or thought these words? “Man I’m always the bigger person? I’m tired of
“What is MASKING YOU”
What Would We Do Without Makeup and Weave? Sometimes I wonder what women would do if all the make-up and weave in the world disappeared.
Confessions of a Christian Virgin Pt4 “Ways to Overcome and Abstain From Sexual Immorality” 6 through 10
6 USE SELF CONTROL NOT BIRTH CONTROL I know I will probably get A LOT of heat for saying this lol…but I’m going to go
Confessions of a Christian Virgin Pt4 “Ways to Overcome and Abstain From Sexual Immorality” 1 through 5
INTRODUCTION I have written about sexual immorality and what it is, however, now I want to give you practical applications of how to overcome and
Relationships Have Power So Guard Your Heart
Immature and Reckless Relationships God rewards faithfulness, not recklessness of the heart. It’s time for all “relationship games” to STOP. We must stop playing with
Confessions of a Christian Virgin “My Struggle” Pt 3
MY PERSONAL STRUGGLE Before you read this, I want you to know that I’m choosing to open myself up and be transparent with you. I’m going to
Confessions of a Christian Virgin “Sexual Sins” Pt 2
WHAT SOCIETY SAYS ABOUT AND WHAT GOD SAYS ABOUT SEX Within society we see that remaining in a state of purity is not something that
Confessions of a Christian Virgin Pt1
If the only reason you came to read this blog was to find out all my secrets, sins, and mistakes then think again. Yes I
