Every December, I take some time to read that year’s journal from front to back to reflect on what I’ve been through, what I’ve learned, and to thank God for the ways in which He has blessed me. I also pray and plan for the following year.

I was able to do this by taking a solo trip down the shore. As I reflected, there was just evidence after evidence of how God really outdid himself. I was very aware of His love for me and His intentionality. And I was also met by His intentionality when I looked out my balcony and saw a familiar store outside of my window. It’s called Little Word Project.

Before I was a pageant girl, an author, or a fashion editor, I was building my personal brand as an influencer online. At one event, I received an iridescent  bracelet that said “believe.” When I saw the word, I was like, “Ah, basic!” It was pretty though so I slipped it on and kept it pushing.

At the time, I was reading the Bible and as I read, the colors of my bracelet danced along the pages and caught my attention. I noticed there was a tag on it. “A0942” or something like that. Because I was already in the Word, I immediately wondered: “Is there an Acts Chapter 9 verse 42?” And there was. The scripture points to the healing of a well-loved woman named Tabitha. The healing of Tabitha caused many people to believe in the Lord. 

I thought to myself, “Hold up, is this a Christian brand?” I discovered that it wasn’t; every Little Word Project bracelet has a code so that girls may trade it in when they are done with it. What was a random mix of numbers and letters for them, was the intentionality of God for me.

My jaw was on the floor. If you’ve read my books, you know exactly what I’m talking about and what happened to that bracelet so no spoiler from me. In that season, God was saying, “I know you believe in Me. But do you believe Me.” There’s a difference between knowing there’s a God and trusting in His promises to you. Trusting that He is working all things for your good. Trusting that He loves you.

When I looked out from my balcony and I saw that Little Word Project store, I just chuckled and thought to myself, “I see what You’re doing God.”

My pastor recently encouraged our church to re-read the book of John and there I was in my hotel room doing just that. I got to the story of Lazarus and when I reached John 11:40, the scripture was highlighted to me. Martha was listing out reasons why Jesus should leave the dead thing alone. And Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?”

We’ve heard tons of sermons about this story before but right then, I stopped and highlighted so hard!

If we meditate on this one line, we see that:

• Jesus responded. That’s a word in itself. God still speaks.
• He said, “didn’t I tell you?” That indicates that He said it before. A dedicated follower of Christ is one that has stayed close to Him and remembers what was first taught. They remember the lessons.

Do you remember what God has taught you in the seasons of your life? As I reflected on the scripture, I knew I’ve moved onto the next level. I have graduated faith. I don’t need reminders of what was said, prophesied, promised. I’m going to see it regardless.

That being said, 2024 is my “did I not tell you” year. It’s my…

• Did I not tell you that you would be crowned?
• Did I not tell you that you will have a kingdom marriage?
• Did I not tell you that I will make space for you? 
• Did I not tell you that you will be unveiled?
• Did I not tell you that this will not end in shame?

God is saying to you: Didn’t I tell you that you would see My glory if you believe?

Why should you be declaring the promises of God?

• Well queen, you should be declaring the promises of God because we’re way past the point of baby faith! Want to level up? It’s time to claim God’s promises and declare them with our lips.

How do you declare the promises of God?

• You muster up faith, even as small as a mustard seed.
• You recall what you learned in previous seasons.
• You stand firm and speak aloud what God promised you in secret.

In Verse 42, Jesus thanks God for hearing him. He said, “You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” You can also see that there is an indication of a form of intimacy/an already solid relationship. 

It also inspired me to declare some pretty bold statements before my church on New Year’s Eve. 

Crazy, huh? Indeed, 2023 was definitely my year of exploits; I can go down the list of all the blessings and brag about God—they would really blow your mind! HOWEVER, I wasn’t solely compelled to get on stage to share an ounce of what God did. On NYE, I stood to declare what He is going to do. That night, I testified of what’s not yet seen—the secret things that’ll bring honor and a glory that’s to come. And now, I’m sharing with you. I have to share now so later I can say, “didn’t I tell you?”

I’m thanking God here and now for always hearing me and for giving me the opportunity to share with you all here. 2023 was the year I had to speak on what I don’t see/the secret things to bring honor for a glory that’s to come. 

On my last day near the shore, I went to the Little Words Project store and shared the entire revelation with the girls there. I also got my own bracelet made. My very own keepsake. Truly, God’s word is a crown to me. And that is enough until the full manifestation of His glory comes.

Here’s to unshakeable confidence, declaring the promises of God, and a maintaining hope for the future.