24 Going On to Be a Quarter

I made it a whole year. 365 days. God has kept me from dangers seen and unseen; stayed with me through the ups and downs. I got COVID for the first time in October 2022. I traveled internationally twice and paid for it myself. I led my first life group at Koinonia and was able to help people get out of their comfort zone. They have helped me as well to encourage me out of my comfort zone and be my authentic self. I published my first book in September 2022, and I was able to impact my target audience, middle school. I helped out with the youth dance team at Koinonia with a couple of performances. I didn’tdidn’t get into a Master’s program about midway into 2022. However, God sent a messenger to explain that I needed to develop my spiritual gifts and recognize His voice. A huge weight lifted off my shoulders. I was able to go on a couple of girls’ trips. I was able to tithe and give more at my church. I got a raise at my job. And so many other amazing things. As I reflect on year 24, my Kobe year, here are some things I have learned.

1. Confidence

At the beginning of 2022, I was shy and lacked confidence in who I was. I didn’t know my full identity. I didn’tdidn’t trust the character of God, and I reacted as if He couldn’t handle my problems or control them. I didn’tdidn’t have a strong relationship with God because of fear and lack of knowledge of how to be intimate with Him. However, God is an amazing God, and He placed the right people in my path to help me develop my walk with Christ by giving a word of encouragement (at the right moment), sending a sermon, recommending a book, giving me a hug, etc. God had placed me into situations that boosted my confidence by allowing people to tell me what I prayed for and spoke to them had come to pass, leading people, being able to hear His voice when I am quiet and still, being consistent in reading His Word and getting comfortable to ask Him questions and talk to Him. I had therapy to help work on issues that allowed me to work on why I lack confidence. I got comfortable letting people know that I needed help in this area.

2. Doing What I Said I Would Do

I told myself that I wanted to travel. And I could travel to Egypt and Brazil (more on this later). I was determined to pay for it myself, and I did it. Back in 2020, while I was developing and writing my book, I wanted to make an impact on middle school students, and I followed through by publishing a book. On December 20, 2022, I completed the mission was accomplished. On a vision board, I wanted to be more consistent with spending time with God. With time, I was more consistent with the help of my sisters in Christ. As a kid, I wanted to be a dance instructor, and I taught for five years at a Greenville Civic Ballet, a studio I grew up dancing.

3. Prioritize

Through year 24, I had to learn to think about what worked best for me. I was nervous about going on vacation to Egypt. I was concerned about their dance recital (towards the end of the school year) because the students couldn’t ask their teacher to help. Plus, I was working a second job as well. Once, I had people to cover for me and ensure both jobs knew in advance that I would be gone in a week. I had the best time of my life. I enjoyed being myself and learning about the world. I took that time to relax and sightsee. I had to step away from being a dance instructor to prioritize myself. I didn’t want to step away from a place that was my second home. I knew what God told me to do, and I had to obey. It was uncomfortable, but I knew being uncomfortable would help me grow.

4. Build Faith

Through Koinonia, I grew in my faith. For the past three going on four years. I learned how to respond instead of react; how to handle my anger; how to study the word; be consistent and spend time in His presence; how to communicate with God; how to find meaningful relationships, how to develop my gifts and talents, and so many other things. I understand that we need others to help us toward to go of God’s purpose. These beautiful people helped me become who God has called me to be, and they help me mature each day. People were placed in my life to give me a word of tough love or encouragement. Without these people, I would not be the person I am today.

5. Having Fun

Life is not always about work and sleep. You have to live to have a life. I took the time to travel and see what the world has to offer. I met some incredible people along the way. I learned a little more about the world God created for us to live in. I planned a dance party, and each person had to bring food based on their chosen color. I incorporated time to spend with my friends. I made plans to go out to dinner to fellowship; some supported me in publishing my first book, serving the community, working on exercising, and doing plenty of great activities. Sometimes fun isn’tisn’t always easy for me because I’m used to doing things by myself, but once God planted the right people into my life, learning to have fun and be social was worth it.