Grow Girl, Grow!

It may seem like nothing is happening or like your life is at a standstill but that couldn’t be farther from the truth! You have great ideas, you’re working hard, you’re being faithful to God, but you’re not seeing a return. Many nights you lie in bed wondering if it will ever be your turn to shine, to be seen, to be celebrated…

This is where a lot of people give up. They stop working. They stop trying. They become stagnant. They stop creating. They wallow in discouragement. They begin comparing themselves to others. They become self-loathing, bitter, lost, defeated. It’s as if in their spirit, they die a premature death.

Whenever I was feeling down on my luck, my sweet Auntie Eartha would say, ‘Get out your feelings, sis!’ At times it felt like an insensitive thing to say, but I get it now. The longer you stay in your feelings the easier it is to stay stuck in that place. And if you stay stuck, you will never become who God created you to be.

Maybe instead of feeling ‘buried,’ think of yourself as being ‘planted.’ Realize that you have not been wasting time…you have been planting precious seeds that will eventually grow into something quite breathtaking. Flowers don’t spring overnight. Trees don’t grow overnight. And neither do dreams.

Just because you don’t SEE anything happening doesn’t mean that nothing is happening. Something spectacular is happening in the dark. Your gift is sharpening. Your character is being strengthened. You’re learning invaluable lessons of faith, determination, and perseverance.  You learn how to shake hands with integrity and live out your values even when it appears no one is watching.

It is hurtful when those closest to you fail to recognize your worth and value, but it’s not the end of the world. David comes to mind. His own father never considered that he had what it took to become a king. When Samuel came to his father’s house to anoint the next king, Jesse called all his sons EXCEPT for David. But guess what? What God has for you is for you! 

It doesn’t matter who doesn’t think you’re capable, worthy, or deserving. When God says it’s your time, it’s your time! The oil didn’t flow until David stood beneath it! Imagine everyone’s surprise! At the APPOINTED time, David transitioned from the field to the palace. But here’s the kicker. Everything that happened in the field PREPARED him to take his place as King.

And everything you are seemingly doing in the dark is preparing you to take the center stage! Keep working. Keep being faithful. Keep sharpening your craft. Stay hopeful. Stay positive. And no matter what, stay prayerful. When God announces your name, you’ll be ready for the elevation and nothing and no one will be able to stop you! You grow, girl!