You may always see me on the move but for a little while, I felt like I wasn’t going anywhere. The feeling comes back here and there.

You’re probably thinking I’m ridiculously hard on myself and I know I am – I’m working on it! I just want you all to know what’s on my mind.

I’ve said this a lot in the past few years since graduating college in 2016: life has been going so fast. Sometimes, it’s thrilling. Sometimes, it’s overwhelming. Sometimes, I toss and turn thinking about all the things I “have” to do before finally falling asleep. I find myself anxious looking at my schedule, considering it’s weight. I’m so conscious of trying to figure out ways how to maximize every opportunity — not wanting anything to go to waste. That alone, gives me headaches. Oftentimes, I also find I need to do slow breathing exercises due to my tight chest.

I put a lot on myself because I see a lot for myself. Lately, however, I’ve been more cognizant of how my workload and plans make me feel.

About two weeks ago, I graduated with my Master’s from Syracuse University. Yes, your girl got her MASTERS. And guess what I was thinking as I awaited my diploma?

What’s next?

Quite frankly, I wanted to knock myself out! Like, what? “Tarah-Lynn, you got your Masters. YOUR MASTERS and you’re over here thinking about the next thing? Chill, sis.” I did chastise myself but I also took it a step further. I pondered, why couldn’t I be proud of myself in that moment?

Trust me, I enjoy vacations and impromptu “self-care” trips as much as the next girl. I very much am into appreciating life as is but I think because of its speed, my mind is now programmed to not savor but skip on to the next moment.

Maybe you’re dealing with the same thing. If so, let me just tell you: you can want more for yourself but don’t kill yourself trying to get it.

The enemy will work hard to steal your joy. He will work hard to have you think you aren’t doing enough. He will work hard to have you think an achievement is but a small blip in your radar. But anything, everything you’re doing for the Kingdom is worth applause!

I want you to dream to the moon. I want you to dream galaxy-sized dreams. I want you to dream dreams people will laugh at you for. I want you to dream dreams you’ll even laugh at. I want you to dream dreams that can only come to fruition because of God’s hand on your life.

But I also want your heart to burst with gratefulness and pride – I want you to say, “I am proud of me…even right now.”

I don’t know if anyone has ever told you but you are made for more than what you’re going through. This rut you’re in? The fire — it’s all here to refine you. And though you may have some burns, you will come out alive and victorious solely because of who God is… He is orchestrating something great behind the madness!

You are more than a conqueror. You are more than that dismissal. You are more than your denials. You are worth celebrating for the little and big things. So do just that!

Take all the good and take all the bad and be proud of where you are right now. Be proud of the vision you have though there hasn’t yet been execution. Be proud of the job that has nothing to do with your degree.  Be proud of the degree you’re working to get – it does not matter how long it’s taking you to get it!

Be proud you wake up everyday and you are actively walking into who God is calling you to be.

A Prayer on My Heart for You:

God, 

I thank You first, for Your Son, Jesus who died so we could live. I thank You for Who You are and all You have done. I thank You because you bless us though we don’t deserve it. I thank You for your matchless love and for the work You are doing in our lives even RIGHT NOW. You beam at us with pride, like the loving Father You are.

 God, teach us to show mercy towards ourselves. Instruct us on how we should take satisfaction with Your life lessons. Allow us to be patient as we await Your plan.  

I pray you bless this person reading this. May they come to experience Your Sweet Presence even in the midst of chaos. May whenever they feel overwhelmed with the many thoughts running through their minds, that they remember they can run to You. Show them Your Power to restore any broken dreams or expectations. Thank You, Father because we know You are working all things for our good.

In Jesus’ name, amen. 

ARMOR UP, GIRL!

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