Next Level Woman Series: Black, Female, & Rising

You can speak your reality Always speak affirmative words about yourself and your life. Affirm yourself daily. Why? Our words create our reality. Have you ever heard someone always complaining of being broke and it turns out that they’re always broke? It shouldn’t be a surprise- they said it! When I would only have $2 in my bank account, I would say things like, “I’m grateful for my $200,000 that’s coming soon. I’m ready to connect to my increase.” I guess I could’ve said, “Oh no, broke again! But as long as I’m still making it, that’s good enough for me.” I don’t think so. I truly understand that in this life, there are seasons. Just like the 4 seasons in nature- Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall- we too go through winters, springs, summers, and falls. As long as we understand why we’re in a particular season and do what we should in that season and learn what we can, that’s fine. But, if you’re always in a winter, I would suggest checking your speaking patterns. Are you affirming things or speaking negativity into your situation? Are you often in a bad mood during your winter season or are you thinking of ways to be grateful, contemplating your increase, and surrounding yourself with like-minded people? This may seem very difficult at times and I know this to be true. My “speak your reality” story is that 10 years ago, I came into Fayetteville, North Carolina homeless, living in my car with my child who has severe disabilities. I had no money and even after sharing my situation with some church members, I had only 2 who offered to help me find relief for me and my daughter. This is a testament that disappointment, hurt, and pain don’t always come from those that are of the world but from those that are within our Christian walk as well. I did accept the help from the 2 Christian sisters. By doing so, I was able to apply for and get shelter with Cumberland County Interfaith Hospitality Network (CIHN) in Fayetteville, North Carolina. My daughter and I were able to get off the streets and sleep in shelter provided by local churches. The churches prepared meals for us daily and allowed us to attend bible study and prayer services. Even during this time, I continued to pray to God and attend regular church services at my (then) home church. What followed were daily miracles! I got a job, I was able to get assistance with childcare for my daughter at a special needs daycare, and I was able to secure my own housing within 1 month of working. Praise God! Most of my church family didn’t even know my situation because I never missed services and continued to pay my tithes off the little I did have. During the day while staying at the shelter, I continued to speak my reality. I would tell the other families that I was getting out of the shelter soon and I couldn’t wait to move into my new place. I’m sure they thought I was crazy! I knew I wasn’t crazy; I had the belief that my situation had to change. I even offered to take many of them to church service with me and I always prayed with others when they asked me to do so. There was only one of the families who accompanied me to church services. The person was a young mother, age 19, with 2 very young children. She and I prayed together over our children every night and would always share a laugh before bedtime. I can attest that a week after I left the shelter, so did she and her children. She now resides in Atlanta, Georgia and is doing well for herself. I believe that even in some of the worst situations the ability to (1) speak positive about your situation and your future, (2) keep an attitude of gratitude, (3) have a posture of confidence, (4) be a blessing unto others and (5) always have a prayer of thanks for the manifesting increase will bring the turnaround that many of us are looking for in life. The Take Away First, speak only what you want in your life. Throw away the words “can’t” and “don’t want” from your vocabulary when you speak about your reality. Second, even when your present circumstances don’t seem to show your abundance and prosperity, speak it anyway. Third, be grateful for what you do have now. Fourth, always see the increase as being “on its way” to you. Remember, the spiritual work occurs before the physical manifestation comes our way. Lastly, always do the most you can for others while you can. Being a blessing to others will bring in your blessings much faster. Your Assignment 1. Write down 100 things you’re grateful for right now. 2. Write down 100 things you’d like to achieve in your lifetime. Remember: there is no lack in God’s vocabulary. Your Affirmation I have an attitude of gratitude for my life as I continue to connect to my increase.