It's What You Do!

When I was growing up I remember my friends getting gifts for making good grades in school. I used to think that was the coolest thing. Unfortunately for me, marking period after marking period, there were never any cute little toys or trinkets waiting for me when I busted through the door with honor roll report cards. Finally, I asked my parents why was it that they didn't follow suit and do what my friend's parents were doing?! I deserved it!  My dad never looked up from what he was doing and said, "We don't reward you all for what you're supposed to do. Going to school and earning good grades is what is expected of you all. Our job is to work, provide and raise you right and your job is to go to school and bring nothing less than a B in this house." I was livid! I always had to get the last word so I remember mumbling something under my breath like, "Well at least yall get a check!" And then I blacked out from a beating. (Kidding...maybe!😏)  But that's not the reason for this post. 

Although I was perplexed back then as to why God blessed me with parents who didn't believe in blessing me with gifts for A's, I'm so appreciative of them now. I get it. You are not going to be praised for what is expected of you. It's what you're supposed to do! You want money? You go to work. You want a roof over your head? You pay your rent/mortgage. You love and cherish your kids (and don't want DHS called on you? Lol) You provide for the little cherubs.

2 Thessalonians 3:10 says, if you don't work, you don't eat. It's that simple. Do it and do it well. It's what is expected of you. 

Crop Top Frenzy

Crop Top Frenzy

If you're anything like me, you really don't take much notice to magazines anymore. I mean, besides leafing through one rather quickly while waiting in the checkout line at the market, there's really no need to pick one up. Everything is right at our fingertips now. But it just so happened that SOMEONE picked up Oprah's O Magazine and was furious at what she saw. Next thing I know, all up and down my news feed was a picture out of the magazine that reads..."Can I Pull Off A Crop Top? If and only if you have a flat stomach..." Le sigh. 

It comes to no surprise that I've been fat, big, plus size (whatever you want to call it...none of it offends me) all of my life. It also should come to no surprise that I haven't always exuded so much confidence. I wonder why?! Every which way you turn the media pushes their definition of beauty on you. It has taken me twenty-something years to be comfortable in the skin that I'm in. I don't want another young girl wasting so much time letting others define her. 

There are far too many issues in this world to let who wears crop tops become one of them. Of course, the problem is deeper than a mid drift top. I made up my mind a few years ago that I no longer care if my body and how I choose to dress it makes others uncomfortable. 

So my answer to O Magazine's question, is...Hell yea I can "pull off" a crop top...I already have! Didn't  I look fab?! *wink*

As always remember, you are fearfully and wonderfully made!

Psalm 139:14

Look Up

Today was such a beautiful day so I had to take advantage. I decided to put on my sneaks, wireless headphones and head on down to Kelly Drive for a nice walk. The sun was shining, bikers were riding and runners were running (...right past me! Lol)! I walked for awhile and once I decided I had enough, before I turned back to head to my car, I took a seat on a bench to take it all in. 

As I sat to enjoy the breeze, I got distracted by my phone. I got a text, then I decided to check my Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat and Swarm. (Oh yea! Like I'm the only one on every social network out there!) Something (more like SomeONE) told me to "Look Up!" Before I knew it, 20 minutes had passed. I quickly realized that my phone took me away from the beauty that was right before my eyes! I hurriedly put my phone away and focused on what was all around me. Families were enjoying their time together, geese were swimming and yes, the sun was still shining. 

Often, this exact scenario happens in life. We tend to get distracted by our situations and don't focus on the beauty that is all around us. We all have situations but we can't let it consume us so much that we miss out on all of the greatness that is happening everyday. When life becomes too much to bear and you can't seem to keep focused, look up! He's there!

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.

Deuteronomy 31:6

As always, remember, you're fearfully and wonderfully made!!!