I was having a conversation with a younger gentleman a few days ago and I was so excited and proud about his commitment to be a full-time student and fully pursuing his dream actively working to create a difference in the world. I remember when I was his age at nineteen, I truly believed I made it I finished school with good grades I was working a full-time job with benefits there was nothing else I needed to do. I learned along the way just how wrong I was and that my whole concept of life was wrong we never arrive we experience things and different levels in life, and our goal should always be mastering this level to get to the next. No matter how much we excel in life there is always something new to learn there is always more to learn and new victories to win. Once I went through that phase of my life where I was counting each day down looking forward to Friday and dreading Sunday, I knew I have not arrived, and this was not it for me. I now look back and I recognize that that was a moment in my life that was necessary I learned a valuable lesson and I knew the decisions I make had to be about what is best for me over what looks good to everyone on the outside looking in.

To everyone else I had it going on  but behind my smile I was angry each day I would wish for Friday  Monday morning I felt like I was being held into a corner with no way out because I was struggling with what every one would think about me if I decided to quit. I was worried about what should be my next move if this is not it what am I going to do, I did not want to be judged or be perceived as a quitter , but I also did not want to spend my life looking like I had it all together when I was slowly fading inside.  I share this because I know that there a lot of people living their lives where their existence and value is based on what other people think of them or expect from them. They are committed to giving their all for nothing in return, they waste a lot of time seeking validation and acceptance from the world that they begin to lose sight of what they want, how are they feeling, and most importantly they forget to accept themselves. Who we are has a lot to do with the stories we tell ourselves and the blue print of our life that we have been following? The only thing that separates us all from accepting our purpose and knowing our worth is our need to please and impress men and not God.

The moment we can respect and accept that our life belongs to God is the moment we will begin to live for only His acceptance and love, we are better equipped find our true self and worth in life. When we were born it is our parent’s responsibility to guide us and provide us with love and teachings to go through life. Parenting does not come with a manual or script, but the word of God teaches us how to live a blessed and purpose filled life, honoring our parents being respectful and kind to others is necessary but living your life for their approval and acceptance is a choice. What is for us will be for us there is nothing that any one  can say or do to can change what God has promised, we are the only ones that can affect or delay when we begin to walk in faith and purpose is when we begin to truly live. I want to encourage everyone reading today to choose to live your life in living color be vibrant, be free, and be on purpose, it costs everything to compromise your life and you lose nothing by choosing to live the life you desire and deserve. Each day you rise repeat these words to yourself out loud “today I allow my steps to be ordered by God I will follow his directions and allow my mind to present to experience each moment I am blessed with today.”  Thank you, God, in advance for your love, your grace and mercy.