Showing posts with label a faithful moment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label a faithful moment. Show all posts

1.19.2019

19 January

ME?Toxic?

When I'm recording my weekly radio show (insert SHAMELESS plug here: It goes by the same name as this blog, Faithandfashion360 Live on WFNKRadio.com, Sundays from 7pm-9pm. Here's the link.), I usually peruse the social media airwaves and timelines for the things people are talking about, the things they may divided on, as well as the things that just need some JESUS. My sites of choice are typically fashion forward, millenial friendly, etc.

I was scrolling down Instagram the other day and I found a post on one of my sites of choice (one that sometimes I'm almost ashamed to say), and I saw a post that had me pleasantly surprised. TheShadeRoom, the place you love to hate, for its constant celeb post and infinite shade, posted a thought provoking question that forced me into a few minutes of self-awareness. It was so much so that here I am, writing to you about it, and eventually asking you to think about as well;

What is a toxic trait that you possess and would like to work on getting rid of in 2019??


 Whoa.
1st of all, I felt personally attacked. They asked assuming that I would even have any! *insert fake disgust*

This question spoke to me in a number of ways and there was a wave of emotions and feelings that swept over me as I thought about an answer.

The fact of the matter is, we all have some things that aren't so great about us. We all have traits that have caused an argument. Things about us that people rightfully don't like. Parts of ourselves that, if we're honest, can stand to hit the trash. It was difficult for me to say out loud, but once I got real with myself, I could name a few.

Moment of transparency: I have a spending problem. I mean a forgo-my-car-note kind of problem. It's something I've realized over the years, especially as I've grown my blogging and fashion brand. There were times where I would even make justifications and excuses about why spending money on the latest shoes were necessary.

"My followers need these looks."
"I have a 10 day grace period."
"How can I grow my brand if I don't invest?"
We've gotten very used to justifying our nonsense in this day and age. The world tells us that we are a work in progress, and arms us with resources to halfway fix ourselves for their monetary gain.

We have become so very good at justifying our bad behavior, even our sinful behavior. In reality, we can justify just about anything in our lives to help relieve the pressure of the Holy Spirit bringing things to light for us to deal with them before Him in humility and self-sacrifice.


The problem with this behavior is, we never quite get around to the issue because we've adopted this really nice pair of rose-colored glasses (or shoes) that are blocking us from seeing our wrongdoing, and eventually getting down to the good things we can be. By not acknowledging that there's a problem...it's almost like it isn't happening?

 I'll share a secret with you: God loves imperfect people.


That's right I said it. He loves all of your binge-spending, binge-eating, eye-rolling, nay-saying, negative speaking ways. We all make mistakes. We will unfortunately (and fortunately depending on how you see i) continue to do so. But because Jesus died and rose from the grave, every mistake we will make or ever make has been paid in full. Don't allow ego and pride keep you from receiving God's love any longer. Don't allow blinders to keep you from acknowledging your sin and moving forward  with God and receive His love and mercy.

I task you today to think about something you could do differently. I then task you to consistently pray and ask God to remove that from every part of yourself. Then, I want you to forgive yourself and do better. Who knows what's on the other side of your awareness? Salvation?Success? 

Sounds like a win  to me.

Faithfully,
Brieana



Scriptures of Reference
1 Peter 1:13-16
John 3:16
Romans 5:8
Hebrews 10:24-25
Romans 14:10-19
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1.09.2019

09 January

Things I Learned in 2018



Unfortunately for a lot of us, the year 2018 was written off as a total loss, a fail, a meme depicting infinite sorrow, etc. I saw status and quote after quote about re-inventing the wheel of life in 2019,entering anew and refreshed for all of the visions and goals that slipped from our fingertips down the drain in the grueling months of 2018 past.

Personally, I disagree. 

Romans 5:3-5 talks to us about glorifying even in our sufferings, for this produces perseverance and motivation even through the storm. During these times, we're able to truly see the glory of God outside of what WE want, but what HE knows we need for our lives. It's easy to pray, dance, and shout when you got that rent check in the nick of time, but what about when things look a little darker?

No worries, I've gotten some totally relate-able moments I had in 2018, and why you shouldn't look at the past 365 days as a reason to start over, but an opportunity to keep it pushing.

1. People will let you down.
For all of my faithshionistas (do we like it?) that don't know me personally, I got married this year. It was fabulous and everything I could have ever dreamed. Getting a group of reliable people together to ensure that I didn't pull out all of my hair was...pretty difficult to say the least. I learned the hard way that not everyone will be happy for the milestones in your life. I also learned the objective way that not everyone is in a position, mentally, physically, or all of the above, to be there.When I took a moment to speak to God through my anger an disappointment, I was amazed at how he opened my eyes to putting myself in someone else's shoes. It made for a less stressful year, and an easier time meeting people where they were at. #goGod

2. Thing don't always go how you plan.

If you haven't been here for a while, you'll know that my OCD, Type-A behavior truly knows no bounds. This year, I became increasingly aware that my plans just DON'T always cut it. And when I tell you that God is hilarious and comical in reminding us that, you have no idea. I'm talking wedding venue payment plans, savings goals, dress ideas, centerpiece plans, THE WORKS! The thing is, no matter how much you plan, there's always going to be something that doesn't go the way you want it to, for a few reasons;
1-You didn't place God at the center and he's the ONLY one capable of executing perfection.
2-  Sometimes you just have to sit back and appreciate the moment for what it is-- a milestone, a win, a VIBE!

3. YOU are your worst enemy.

Some obstacles that we deal with aren’t even real because we have let our fears, worries, or lies from others keep us paralyzed from dealing with obstacles. Many times the key to overcoming a major obstacle is to first deal with what we allow our minds to focus on and realign our thinking to be on par with the Word of God. I'm ashamed to say that some of 2018 goals I set became a little scary to me as the months started to dwindle in the year. I got scared. I didn't feel ready. And I didn't do them. My biggest regret of 2018 was not that the year was 'tew much", but that I allowed the path ahead of me be so big that I curled up in the fetal position instead of throwing on my gear and getting down to business. These goals have since transferred over to "Bella's Back 2019" goals, but you get the point. 


 The funny thing about scars are that they heal. Slipping, falling, and stumbling are just a part of the process to being your best. Nothing good comes easy, and I learned that in all of the 'easy' ways in 2018. So my pray for you is that wherever you are, you allow the tests of today be your testimonies of tomorrow. After all, what's a harvest without rain? 

   


Happy New Year! Here's to 2019.

Verses of Reference

Isaiah 12:2

Genesis 50:20

Romans 8:28

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Faithfully yours,

Brieana
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

5.31.2018

31 May

Distractions: When the Only Light Left is God's

DISCLAIMER: I wrote this post in minimal lighting and a lack of electricity.Please excuse any typos in advance. The struggle was real, but needed to be told. 

I've been a resident of the Poconos, Pennsylvania for the past 10 years. I was uprooted from my quaint urban city of Paterson New Jersey at the tender age of 16 to be acquainted with bears, deer, and lots and lots of trees. Those trees became quite a problem two weeks ago, when rural Northeast PA was hit with a tornado of sorts that snatched all power and electricity from my home and power outlets for a grueling 4 days. Though at first I started to create a laundry list of things I wouldn't be able to get done, those four days turned into an enlightening experience, and showed me a lot about removing distractions, intentionally or forcibly.

Distractions are EVERYWHERE. Those subtle time wasters can be the difference between 10 minutes and an hour of meme browsing.


We laugh and joke about it, but getting too distracted can really derail our visions, dreams, and the path that God has set out for us. I had a lot of time to think about this while I was unplugged from civilization. Talk about the light through the darkness!

 Distraction from God is extremely dangerous. As believers we believe that God is the captain of our ship. When you start losing sight of your captain, you start trying to steer your own ship. Not only does this lead to going the wrong way, but it can lead you in the direction of trials, sin, missed opportunities, and missed blessings.

 So what are some things that can distract us from what's REALLY important? 

Social Media

It may be more fitting to change this to all media! This is a personal struggle for me. How many times do we find ourselves rolling over at 7am, entranced by how many likes our last post got, our the hottest tea for the day? I'm ashamed to say I've done this so many times that I'm kicking myself around 2pm when my day is going ALL THE WAY to the left and I realize I forgot a little something. The media is so dangerous because it is so easy to get consumed in. Everywhere we turn, some sort of media is right in our face. And the worst part; it’s littered with filth. Almost every commercial on TV, and every advertisement on the Internet is trying to convince us that we are missing something, and they are the ones that can fill the need. Our young girls and women are bombard by the media with how they should look, feel, and act…movies, music, TV shows…they all are horrible influences on us because they can subliminally tell us how to live, what's right and wrong, etc. Unplugging from those influences for a few days gave me such a sense of relief and peace, I was almost hesitant to rejoin the social word and images when the light was shining again.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.       -Romans 12:2

Routine

This is a common thing I allow myself to get distracted by all the time. The most important thing is that spending time with God should be in your routine! Far too often do we just squeeze God in when we have down time. Its so easy to get caught up in all the things we have to do, like work, eat, sleep, etc. I often find sleep getting in the way! I mean, if I didn’t spend that extra hour sleeping in, I would have a whole hour with nothing to do but seek God! But what I've learned along the way is that when I allow Him to be at the beginning (and End) of my day, it leaves very little room for error and the disasters that are possible to go wrong. 

 Being "too busy"

I think this could be another post all on its own, but too many times, we're guilty of using the "'B" word in concerns to our daily lives and how much we can (or can't) get done. Its almost like there's this secret society we all hope to join by proclaiming how busy we are at all times. I, for one, don't think, it's anything to brag about. We are overworked, overstressed, and spiritually undernourished. Our culture promotes “bigger and better” and subtly challenges us to keep up. Whew! Who made these rules anyway? Satan loves to keep us running in circles trying to beat the clock. If he can distract us, he can minimize our usefulness to the Kingdom of God. Satan may be the Prince of Darkness, but he is also the Duke of Distraction. As Christ representers, we have to be careful not to get caught up in the rat race that has become so popular in the 21st century. The Bible actually praise a peaceful and easygoing lifestyle, especially in Mark 6:31


I'll be the first to admit that it can be a struggle not to be distracted. I've jokingly said to people that I'm not sure how I've earned so many degrees because I have a very small attention span. But its in that moment of self awareness that I'm able to focus even more on the things that should keep my attention; God being the first. If we are aware of what, who, and when can keep us from a closer walk with God, we're even closer to being a force of focus.

1 Corinthians 10:13  No temptation has overtaken you that is unusual for human beings. But God is faithful, and he will not allow you to be tempted beyond your strength. Instead, along with the temptation he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to endure it.

Faithfully,
Brieana
.
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

12.18.2017

18 December

Preparation, Perseverance, and God's Plan: When Your Plan Doesn't Cut It

peter pan dog GIF

Here's a fun fact about me: I am a Type-A person. Type A and Type B personality theory describes two contrasting personality types. In this theory, personalities that are more competitive, highly organized, ambitious, impatient, highly aware of time management and/or aggressive are labeled Type A, while more relaxed personalities are labeled Type B.

Being so hyper organized and detail oriented has always been a blessing for me. It's just the way my brain operates. I can tell you how long it going to take me to get to the gas station and hit the ATM (barring a line), down to the very minute. Running late gives me anxiety. And being on time for things? If you tell me 4pm, I will religiously be there by 3:40pm, trying to find out what I missed. I can't help it. I've always been this way. And its worked for me.

For the most part.

In the past few years, my life has taken a few turns for the better---a thriving blog, modeling gigs and shows left and right, sponsorships, collaborations, international flights, the list goes on. Saying that I was prepared for this elevation in my life would be a lie. I didn't know that I was going to be here.

We all have plans for ourselves. This could be a plan for the day, week, month, or even the next year. We have plans for our fitness, as well as plans for eating right and drinking more water. We have plans on finding our Boaz and finding family, or even a plan to cut off relationships (romantic or platonic) altogether.

Sometimes these plans are written down.
Sometimes they're just in our head, without any concrete bullet points or planners to accompany them.
We all do it. Whether its the Type-A or Type-B way.

One thing I've learned about "planning" as a child of God is that my planning holds the assumption that I'm in control. It holds the assumption that my successful planning puts me as the front runner of accolades or praise for getting it right. Do you remember that saying from Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith of the A-Team? "I love it when a good plan comes together." We automatically feel these overwhelming sense of pride when we painstakingly plan something and it...works out?!

The adrenaline rush of making it happen.
The relief in it being over.
The determination as we play with the thought of doing it again.

On the flip side of that is the fear, anger, and disappointment we feel when things just don't work out.

THAT is where I learned I am just a passenger in the grand scheme of things. A few of my brothers and sisters in the Bible could definitely empathize with these feelings as well.You guys know I'm into annotated versions of Bible stories, so look for the corresponding Bible books and scriptures to follow.

Joseph-Sold by His Brothers into Slavery (Genesis 37)

God really messed up Joseph’s life plan. His brothers threw him into a dry well, then sold him into slavery. The wife of his Egyptian master tried to seduce him. When he refused her advances, she turned him over to the Egyptian cops, who then tossed him in prison. He spent years in prison, waiting to be released. I don’t imagine that Joseph included prison time in his life plan. Finally, after many years of painful waiting, God exalted him to the second in command in all of Egypt.
Abraham and Sarah
God really messed up Abraham and Sarah’s life plan. He allowed Sarah to be infertile and barren for years. He took them out of their homeland, away from their family and friends. Finally, after the couple waited earnestly for many years, God promised them a son. Then God made them wait some more. Finally, their hopes and dreams were realized when their son Isaac was born. Then God told Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. Talk about a wrench in the life plan. 
After God rescued Isaac, and all was said and done, God made the following astonishing declaration to Abraham:
“By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” (Genesis 22:16–18)

The "monkey wrench" list could go on. These were firm believers in the Lord. People who trusted His will and way at every step. So as I increase my prayer life and my reading I just ask God to give me the spirit of trust. To help me to let go of my need to control variables around me. Because...sometimes you can do all you can in the flesh, and He has a better plan for you in the Spirit.

My prayer today:
Father God, I thank you for the blessings you have bestowed on me thus far. I thank you for your never ending  love and adoration for me, that you have loved me so deeply to provide me with all of the things my heart never knew I wanted. I beg your forgiveness for all of the times I tried to snatch the driver's wheel out of your hands, as you rode this unsafe vehicle (my plans) into safer terrain (your plans). I ask that you forgive me when I forget what your word states in Ephesians 3:20

                            "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly
abundantly above all that we
ask or think,
according to the power that works in us,"

I thank you God for being the first and final say in every step of my life. And I thank you for being a better planner than I could ever be. 

Faithfully,
Brieana
Posted by at 1 comment:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

7.13.2016

13 July

I Was Angry Too...

It was about 2:30AM when I stumbled upon the 2nd most disturbing video I had ever seen. It was only 2 days after the murder of Alton Sterling, and I had done my best to avoid the gruesome video at all costs. I got an idea of the nature of it from my FB and Instagram friends and I knew I wouldn't be able to stomach it. But at 2:30 in the morning,my inhibitions weren't as alert to be able to look away from the bloodied body of Philando Castile,as a visibly shaken cop (or from what I could see, gun),screamed out from what Philando's girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds described as 4 rounds to the chest for complying with orders.

I wanted to look away. So badly. But I couldn't.

So what ensued was another 20 minutes of looking through the hashtag #PhilandoCastile, as my eyes looked through news snippets, more pleasant pictures of Philando,and a video that originally came from Facebook of Diamond Reynolds and who I later found out to be a 4 year old child, in the aftermath of their loved one's shooting by a Minnesota police sergeant.
I couldn't believe it. And what I did next wasn't something familiar to me in the wake of killings of Black men by police officers.

I cried.

For hours. I cried and I screamed as the visions of these two men swirled around in my head as I put the faces of my boyfriend, brother, and best friends on the bodies of other Black citizens whose lives were gone so soon.

For a busted tail light.
For selling CD's with permission.
For Skittles and an Arizona Iced tea.
For [insert justification here].

I mourned the death of these two strangers so violently at 2:30 in the morning that when the well of tears had run dry...the only feeling I had left was anger.

Another black man. Another hashtag.
WHY DOES THIS KEEP HAPPENING?

That seething and relentless anger didn't really allow me to function for the rest of the day. I went to work with a headache. I cried some more. And I looked at all of the Caucasian people at my job like they held those guns themselves. I became cynical. I locked myself in my office. I didn't care who noticed.

But then something happened...
My office manager came into my office after a Facebook post that called for no debates, just empathy. She came into my office and said "I just watched the video of that man and I am so pissed off. These cops are getting out of control."
I looked at her for a quick second. And beneath the tears I began to cry again,I saw a few of her tears. It was then that I realized...I wasn't alone.
Now when I say I wasn't alone, I mean it in more of an ally sense. The notion that a white woman could empathize with how I felt definitely wasn't a far-fetched notion, but at that time, in that mindset, it was what I needed. Because after seeing one of my black brothers killed and the idea of the same happening to the other, the only person who could understand my pain would be someone Black, right?

Wrong.

The next few days went by quickly as I wrapped my brain around the fact that others besides African-Americans could be upset and enraged about what they've seen on TV,Facebook,Twitter,etc. What I realized in those few days though, was that my mind went to a place where many of my comrades minds still are.

Anger.
Rage.
Blaming.

Those WELL warranted feelings took me past thinking clearly. I hated cops. I hated the system that bred them. And I was one of those Facebook users silently reading through the comments of people who supported them and hating them too.

My snap back into reality was on July 9th, when a protest claimed the lives of 5 Dallas, Texas police officers. With all of my burning rage, I wanted to be excited that they "got what they deserved." Just typing that today makes me shudder with fear that even for a second, I felt victory over another's death. That was when it hit me.

It's ALL wrong.

Now stay with me. I am an avid Black Lives Matter supporter. It is evident that there is a systematic misfire when officers of the law are dealing with Black men versus White men. I've seen it. I've heard it. My loved ones have been prey to it. The strength of the Black man may likely be the most jarring existence to institutions.

But all cops are not bad. Most cops are not bad. There is an enormous lack of accountability and lack of responsibility on these particular police departments that requires a systemic change. But the change does not come by being anti-cop. The change does not come by being anti-black. The change comes by being pro-justice-accountability, and pro-life. PERIOD.

There's a call to action for us as a nation to account for everyone's life. Because if you celebrated the death of the cops, while morning the lives of your brothers, you’re a part of the problem.

Our nation is in a state of unrest. I call out to all of you to find out how to be a part of the solution. Take that anger and fear and do your due diligence to find out what we can do next. As Blacks. As cops. As human beings. .Do not spread more propaganda of hate. And do not cast down your brother who disagrees with you. Ignorance only breeds more ignorance.  Do not succumb to your anger. Re-purpose it instead. Be educated. Be safe. Be knowledgeable.


"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only love can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." -Martin Luther King Jr.
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1.27.2016

27 January

The Power of Words

So for those who have been with me on this journey since the beginning, you'll notice that I didn't post anything last Wednesday. Wednesday is normally that day where I post a testimony or something laid upon my heart during the previous week. However, last week I didn't really "have" anything. And that's not to say that I didn't have any miracles or wonders happen to me during the week (because those are never ending and plentiful) ,but I did t have a topic or something to share that I felt would touch someone in a way that my posts had dine previously. Now while I know that's not the right way to think, I stuck with that notion because I didn't want to write or post something just the sake of doing it. And it got me thinking: How many of us are guilty of this? Conversation is one of the last human casualties that are afforded us in this day and age of being drowned in technology. And unfortunately, many of us waste that scared gift by doing things with that are not pleasing of the tongue. Things like gossiping, back-biting, assuming, and most importantly, speaking just for the sake of it.

Many people who know me will describe me as sarcastic, witty, colorful, and high energy emotion. I usually say what's on my mind without hesitation and always have a joke to break the ice in my repertoire. On the flip side of that, those who don't know me so well will normally say things like, "You're so quiet." or "Are you okay?" I don't normally say to them because I don't want to come off as rude, but my response to them is something to the effect of "I don't really have anything to say" And I promise I don't mean it as an insult. In addition to everything else, others will describe about me, they'll also say that I genuinely enjoy quiet. I genuinely appreciate when two (or three or four) individuals can sit around in silence, just enjoying one another's company. I don't find many people who are able to do that. Oftentimes we feel like we have to exchange pleasantries and formalities with one another. That opens us up for half-hearted conversations and empty quips about our day and the weather. I have one question: Why do we do that?

The Bible teaches us that our words have immense power. What we speak and the things we allow ourselves to confess should not be taken lightly by any means. Our words have the power to destroy and the power to build up (Proverbs 12:6). The writer of Proverb tells us, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21). Are we using words to build up people or destroy them? Are they filled with hate or love, bitterness or blessing, complaining or compliments, lust or love, victory or defeat? Like tools they can be used to help us reach our goals or to send us spiraling into a deep depression.


How do you use your words? And are you guilty of speaking positivity into your life or "stinking thinking"? And if you're guilty of the latter, how can you change that?
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,

1.13.2016

13 January

Rest Assured

Story time!

The other day I was having a conversation with my boyfriend, and he said a very profound thing to me. He said, as human beings we tend to worry about things and that's where we normally lack in our lives. One of the most popular things we tend to worry about are our finances. And I can say this for myself that money is one of the things I think about all the time. Am I going to be able to afford this? How much will that cost? And the most pressing question: Will I have enough? He continued on with saying that we need to operate in rest over things that we would normally fret over.


I didn't know then that this discussion would ring true for me in just a few short days. I'm a Supports Coordinator at the county mental health office in East Stroudsburg. I had gotten this job just 7 short months ago after a hiatus of not working full time. It was a long time coming, and I was so thankful and grateful to have one. On Monday though, exactly one month from my 25th birthday, I got fired.

YUP, you read it right. Fired. Me. In my 25 years of living, I had never so much as gotten suspended from school or a note sent home. And on Monday, I sat looking unemployment in the face.While I could get into that story, I'll save it for another time. And as I left my now, former place of employment, I did one thing; I adopted a state of rest.

I know what you're thinking: BUT WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO NOW?! And for a split second, I thought those same things. Where will I go next? Is this termination going to impact my ability to get another job? WHAT ABOUT THE MONEYYYYYYY?!

Fast forward 10 hours later, I had calmed down (even more than I already was, again Praise God) some more.  I placed a phone call to an outpatient clinic that I previously interned for when I was still  getting my Master's degree. I had built quite a rapport with the director and one of the secretaries there. During my conversation with her, she told me "You're always welcome here. He's available today if you want to come in and chat."

At this point, I still wasn't expecting anything, and I wasn't worried.On the drive there, the song "I Won't Go Back" by William McDowell was laid upon my heart. As I drove and listened to the song, the words "there's nothing to go back to." resonated with me. And I thought to myself, that while I would love to go back to my old job and explain that there must have been some kind of mistake, it wasn't worth it. The sense of calm that came over me as I left that place was one clue to that.

So I arrived at the clinic, with nothing in hand, again ready to tell the story of my departure from my old gig. After about 20 minutes of casual conversation and catching up, I was handed a job application. And coupled with this stack of paper were two simple questions.
1. How many hours a week are you going to work for us?
2. How soon can you get this back so that we can get you started?

It took me almost a full two hours later to process the roller coaster of the day before and this moment. Fired and then re-hired that quickly.So I essentially had one door slammed in my face, to be met with another door wide open and waiting. All of these life changes were possible because I never left the presence of the Lord. The peace that I felt during the most trying hours of Monday into the more triumphant hours of Tuesday was not my doing. For me, the type-A individual who likes to plan out breakfast to what pajamas I'm going to wear to bed, could never stay that calm. But in his presence, I was at rest. And what blessings awaited me! I say all of this to say that it's very easy to praise and adore the Lord when it's easy. It's easy to do when you're on top of the world. But what about when it doesn't seem so great? Will you stand firm?

Exodus 33: 14- And He said, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."
Proverbs 3:5-7- Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all you ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct your paths.



Stay encouraged,
Brieana. 
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1.06.2016

06 January

#WCW: The Importance of Sisterhood in Christ




On this wonderful WCW (also affectionately known as Woman Crush Wednesday in social media land),I want to reflect on the relationships I was able to build (and leave behind in 2015. When you're new to a place,or rather unfamiliar, it's difficult for our flesh to look away from past experiences in hopes of a better today. It's easy to look in the mirror and lament over the scars and cuts we've received from trusting someone too freely or giving information too willingly. Sometimes,we make the mistakes of forming relationships that aren't in line with our journeys. It's important though to remember the rhyme,reason,and season of some of those relationships and allow ourselves to be open to increase. This past Sunday,I was invited to be apart of my sister in Christ's birthday celebration. Through my time of praise and servitude at Faith International Church  I have been fortunate to meet some amazing 
THE BIRTHDAY GIRL!


and fierce women of God. The importance of sisterhood was something I didn't think much of up until some years ago. The word sisterhood almost literally means covered in love by the family of God. I was almost sad that I hadn't realized the importance of this sooner. Women are not typically synonymous with sisterhood am I right? More so relative to the words "catty" or "gossip". I brought those worldly notions into church with me and thus welcomed some uncomfortable thoughts and feelings bred by notions of what someone else said i should be as a woman. The idea that a Christian woman must fit the mold of a perfect Bible toting, 10 inch skirt wearing being has for generations drawn our sisters out of church for not being able to live up to the unspoken expectations

Women,by nature are the breeders. We breed children. We can breed positivity and alternatively negativity.  Once we as women are able to accept the vessels of growth that we are, the sisterhood we are intrinsically built to form will follow. Here's 5 ways that I've become a better sister this year. 

1. Be Generous (2 Corinthians 9:11)
2. Be quick to hear (James 1:19)
3. Seek forgiveness (Colossians 3:13)
4. Tell the truth (Ephesians 4:25)
5. Pray for them. (James 5:16)

Are you a good sister in Christ? If the answer is no,think about how you can be better. It's never too late to be a blessing to others. Your sister is waiting.

Faithfully,
Brieana. 
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

12.23.2015

23 December

Don't Settle for Knockoffs

       Think about something you REALLY want. Something that you normally see on a window shopping excursion( I know I'm not alone). It could be the newest Vera Wang,or even the latest pair of Jordans (A blessed afternoon to my male readers! *says a quick prayer for increase*) For me it's this trench jacket from Kierra Sheard's new line eleven60. 


If you're like me,most likely it's something you normally only dream of having. You've walked past the store several times and the price remains the same ridiculously high price as it was months before. Now,you've decided that you're going to get that item if it's the last thing you do. You picked up a part time job specifically to dedicate your paychecks to the item of your dreams. You work day in and day out until finally you're 90% of the way there. You can smell the new and unused amazingness right beneath your nose. But then...you happen to be online window shopping one day,and you find said item on Aliexpress for 70% of the 90% you have. So you get to have what you've wanted AND you'll have some coins leftover! What a steal! 
Except...you know this store to sell some pretty convincing name brand items only for them to wind up being not so authentic. You knew this as you pressed "Place My order",but you did it anyway. And as you unwrap your new purse,or pair of shoes,you're not feeling so satisfied anymore. So you went all that way and essentially you cheated yourself for a less than mediocre version of the same. When you could have worked an extra day or two and that shiny new object could have been yours. 

Depressing right? 

So I have a question. If you wouldn't settle for a less than authentic Coach bag,or a knock off pair of Loubs....why then do we settle for a less  than authentic relationship with God? 

Joshua 24:16-18 Then the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the Lord to serve other gods! It was the Lord our God himself who brought us and our parents up out of Egypt, from that land of slavery, and performed those great signs before our eyes. He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled. And the Lord drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites, who lived in the land. We too will serve the Lord, because he is our God.” 

      I'm not here to speak of other religions,or even my own. I speak only of the consistent nature in which we do other things during our day or even in our lifetime. We can get up and go to work. We can remember to watch our favorite shows. We can remember to get our nails and eyebrows done. Religiously. But when it comes to saying a simple prayer in the morning or attending a Sunday service,we save these special activities only for a week or two out of the month. My biggest problem with that is,we (myself included) work so very hard and diligently in forming a relationship with others before our God. Our boyfriends or girlfriends,or the friends who don't step foot into a church except for Easter and New Year's Eve. Are you satisfied with that? No? So why settle? 

       I want to give you a homework assignment. For the rest of this week,I want you to do more than you have in solidifying your relationship with God. Haven't been to church in a month? Go this Sunday. Did you pray this morning when you woke up? Say a prayer tonight. Were your words the reason behinds someone's tears? Ask forgiveness. Whatever you were today,aim to be better tomorrow. Just as you wouldn't settle for anything less than the best appearance, don't settle for a half relationship with the Lord. He's waiting. 

Leave a comment,quip,or anecdote  below at the end of this week about that experience. How did you feel? What did you take from it? I can't wait to hear from you. 


Stay encouraged,
Brieana. 
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

12.16.2015

16 December

Be Anxious for Nothing





    
 
I was talking to one of my best friends the other day. I'm so proud of her. She just graduated from a Medical assistant program. She moved out of her family's house into her own apartment. She has a full time, good paying job. Still, despite all of those accomplishments and blessings,my best friend was sitting before me talking about going to the military
  

      Now...before I continue let me prefix this by saying I have no problems with the military. I believe it truly grooms and yields some courageous and wonderful men and  who I cannot thank enough for their service. That being said, I know a few of those individuals who were ready for a commitment like that out of the womb, or as a continued tradition in family lineage. None of the above was the case for my friend. When I asked why...it was the story I had heard many times before. "I feel like I should be doing more." So at that moment..I had to say a quick prayer to speak the right words. And what was laid upon my heart was "Let God do his thing." 

Jeremiah 29:11-13 states,
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 

      Growing into adulthood, this scripture has really been one of solace for me. Because at the age of 25,I look around and find that a lot of people my age come to a place of uncertainty when "WE" feel within ourselves we haven't got it all together just yet. When "WE" feel like we should be driving around in a BMW instead of a 2005 Toyota. When "WE" feel that we should be owner of Fortune 500 company...right this second. But in that,we often forget who has allowed us this far. I attest ALL of my success to the grave and mercies of my Lord and savior. And while it's easy for me to look at what may have gone wrong,I have prayed for the discernment to instead look at what have gone right. A bachelor's degree. A master's degree. My own vehicle. My eyes,my ears,my hands,and my feet.  Are you with me? 

       Sometimes our flesh leads us to be anxious about the future. Anxious about how great we will be. How fast we will be great? I say to that...slow down. Take the time to allow God to mold you into receiving the success that you will inevitably be. Read,meditate,and continuously pray that what he has for you will be so great it'll even exceed your own expectations. Life comes with its uncertainties. But what we can be certain of is that the everlasting and one true God is for sure. And for us. Stay encouraged. 

Faithfully,
Brieana
Posted by at 1 comment:
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

12.11.2015

11 December

Stepping Out

*deep breath* 

 Have you ever...wanted to try something new? And before you even take that first step you imagine all of the worst case scenarios within that something new that can and will go wrong? 

 What will they think?
What do I write?
What if I get writer's block?
What if?..What if...What if...

 *cue inspirational music* Here I go..

In a couple of sentences...I am what you would call a former ratchet, hailing from Paterson, New Jersey who takes a special interest in learning, leading, and shopping. My thighs take up half my body.I have 2 degrees and am currently working on my License in Social Work. I love the Lord. Sarcasm is my 2nd tongue. With all of that said, what do I do with that package of fantastic?! Answer: SOMETHING. 

 I made a vision board at the end of 2014. On that board I had all of these fantastic pictures of apartments, degrees from various universities, and California (I'm a Valley girl at heart). Missing from that board? Starting a blog! It wasn't apart of the plan. But that's what's so wonderful about life. Sometimes your plans are not God's plans. So here I am, at the end of the year, humbly writing to the masses, praying that you find my package of fantastic as great as I think it is. 

 My prayer for this blog is to keep and increase the faith. In myself. In my choices. In sisterhood. In women. In my style. And in you. By no means am I a fashionista. Or the next prophetess come down to teach my sisters in Christ how to slay and pray. What I am is someone who is stepping out. With the confidence of 1,000 moons to present the package that is me. Withholding nothing. Except those "what if's".
Faithfully,
Brieana 
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , ,