YOU WILL SUFFER FOR A LITTLE WHILE... Why the heck did I do a vlog?
Y'all are probably wondering where the heck did this vlog come from. Some of you may be like, “What vlog are you even talking about?” Well, I did my very first vlog yesterday (12/8/17) because we miraculously had a snow day here in Atlanta (LOL). The time off gave me the free time to be able to share what was on my heart. For years now, just like this blog, God told me to share videos, to write but also to speak more. Let me tell you though...mental blocks and being in an environment that wasn't nurturing my creativity stopped me from doing so. many. things.
However, in my recent video log (CLICK THAT LINK IF YOU WANT TO WATCH) I wrote the following in the description box: "It’s actually pretty crazy that I did this. The reason it’s crazy is because for a long time I was just experiencing mental block after mental block. I wasn’t allowing myself to be who God called me to be. I was holding myself back for no reason, and at the same time, for so many reasons. Here I am today, overcoming, healing, and being present. I’m not sure what tomorrow will bring but I’m here now. I’m challenging my old mindset and channeling my true identity. Did you notice the part where I said "I'm here now."? I highlight that because I could have allowed the thought to pass by me and go to sleep or something. I was like “Nah, I'm going to do this freaking video and I'm not going to listen to doubts or any excuses.” Y'all, IT TAKES A LOT TO GET TO THAT POINT AND SAY TO YOURSELF: I'M NOT TAKING ANY OF MY OWN EXCUSES. It is a huge sign of God having his way, taking control of my mind and answering my main prayer for MENTAL CLARITY. I know I talk about this mental clarity topic a lot, but does anyone feel me on this? Things get tough but each time I've been lifted back up, I saw that God was actually refining (PROVERBS 17:3) and humbling me.
Now, once you've already watched the vlog or not, you're probably like, “Where did this topic come from? Why did you just start preaching?” LOL JK I didn't preach, but seriously I immediately thought of my brothers and sisters, people I know that may be going through the fire. I know that right now I'm good, but what are others experiencing? I got the title "You will suffer for a little while" from 1 Peter 5:6-11 (MSG). -- In that it states, "Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does."
With all of that said, the reason why there is now a video of me on youtube is because I suffered before. I was suffering to the point I couldn't even speak up for anything and def didn't have the strength do what God called me to do. There was something on my heart, that I couldn't put off for the next day. So if you see me doing random videos out of nowhere just keep in mind I'm doing what I can to keep a firm grip on my faith. I am reminded that my experience can lead others to victory. You will suffer for a little while, but HE has the final say and will RESTORE you. This is not a closing, but an introduction to the woman God designed me to be from jump. I'm constantly working on this thang so just trust and PRAY; WE WILL get through this together.
Here are some things that were really important to me about this post:
1. I really did this video because I said to myself I am not going back into the mental space that was caused by not being obedient. That was caused by not living my best life. I said God's truths over my life are bigger than these doubts. BOOM video done in 30 mins. Now, I can improve and get better for the next one.
2. I STARTED SOMEWHERE! Simple.
3. I understood I'm not the only one going through these things, so maybe I can share my experience to help someone else heal from what they are going through.
4. Don't ignore your own mental obstacles. No one knows you like you know yourself and it shouldn't be ignored, so seek professional help. Truthfully, I process these things ALONE. I wrestle with self, analyze with God, therapist, then share with family. In that order.
My prayer for you this week is that you can find the courage to do what you have been putting off for so long and free yourself.
FINALLY!
With courage and mental clarity,
FE