Joy Ubani

One of my favorite characters in the bible as of late is Hannah. After a sermon preached at my church this Sunday, I began to adore Hannah's persistence and strength.

Hannah is a prime example of someone who refused to give up although she had been blocked from her dreams. She continued to go after the desires of her heart. She looked her adversary in the face and pressed forward, praying her dreams into fruition.

If you're unfamiliar with the story of Hannah you can find it here. But in summary, Hannah was married to a man with two wives. One wife had a child for their husband, but at the time, Hannah was barren.

I love Hannah's story because I'm reminded that God's promises will always prevail. Hannah's story reminds me that we should stay committed to our heart's desires in spite of discouragement. The spirit of hope within us should never evaporate because God's blessings are fashioned to come to pass at a time where He sees is best.

Like Hannah did in her time of disappointment, we should remain persistent in prayer. Here's why:

1. God has a plan. This seems all kinds of obvious. Yet I'm writing this as number 1 because we often times forget that He does. Well, let me speak for myself. In my time of discouragement, I'm quick to forget Jeremiah 29:11 and what is written in His word. Although your situation seems completely hopeless, you're in that space for a reason. Stay faithful. He definitely has plans for you to prosper.
2. Your dreams matter. Those desires were placed on your heart for a reason. That job you want? That business you're pressed to start? That creative vision you're passionate about? It's all a part of your purpose. Don't allow discouragement or disappointment to make you question your heart's desires. Like Hannah, pour your soul before the Lord. Make your dreams known to Him. They matter.
3. You've come this far. The fact that you're facing the slightest bit of discouragement shows that you've made progress. So take a step back from discouragement and give yourself a round of applause. Don't confuse progress with perfection. Take this time to breathe, reevaluate your goals, do a dance, and go again. You're doing the dang thing! Press forward.

Last week I had the pleasure of attending a wedding and celebrating the union between two of my friends (and got to wear this lovely blue gown!) During this celebration I was reminded that God's plan always prevails. The beautiful couple has been together for 6 years, some of that time was spent apart in a long distance relationship. Yet their love prevailed. God's plan reigned supreme.

What might look discouraging to some might simply be a chance for God to show you His grace.

Your period of disappointment might simply be a chance for you to take a breather and go again.

And as Eli said to Hannah, I'll tell you this: "Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of Him."

I hope Hannah's story resonated with you as it did for me! Oh and if you enjoy my blue gown, outfit details are below!

One of my favorite stories in the bible can be found in Genesis 22 where God tests Abraham.
God speaks to Abraham asking him to "take [his] son, [his] only son, whom [he] loves, and sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain."

After reading Abraham's reaction to God's request, I can never help but to laugh out loud! The next morning, Abraham simply rose and did exactly as God asked. (Find full story here: Genesis 22).

Can you say obedience on fleek!? Imagine God asking you to let go of something that you love dearly. To take your hands off what you thought was yours. To surrender your will, and your possessions. Now imagine you had the same response as Abraham. He asked Abraham to surrender his only son, who he loved. And without any questions, Abraham marched right up to that mountain ready to do exactly what God asked.

I laugh (nervously I must admit) because I imagine myself having obedience like Abraham. Letting go of all I am and all I have and offering it unto God. I laugh because I imagine the unrelenting trust Abraham had for God. I laugh because I wonder how it must feel to be worry-free like Abraham. He didn't contemplate the what ifs. He did not stop to ask God "why?" He did not consult with his wife, or any other human being. He simply did. He simply let go. He simply submitted.
He was simply obedient. 

Sometimes God may require us to let go of and sacrifice the very thing we love- requiring us to only hold on to His promises, requiring us to hold tightly to faith, requiring us to cling unto Him - in order to bring us to the greater thing He has set apart for us.

As this year draws to a close, I urge myself (and of course my dear readers) to consider obedience like Abraham. Imagine how our lives will look if we simply surrendered all?

**Have you heard the Sunday school song: 
Father Abraham had many sons, many sons are Father Abraham's. I am one of them, and so are you. So let's just praise the Lord!

Yup! All those sons are a product of Abraham's obedience! 
lObedience on fleek = blessings on blessings! (lol)

 Outfit Details:
Top: Topshop (London)
Black Skirt: Friends Closet :D
Shoes: Primark

October marks one year since I moved to London. This year has been completely life changing and God-filled to say the least.

Let me tell y'all about my God.

When I first arrived here mid October 2014, to say I was scared would be an understatement. (You can read more about my experience here). Yes, I loved London so much that I wanted to live here (it was not by force loll). However once I did, I was in tears literally everyday for the first few weeks. I wanted to quit and move back to California ASAP. But as luck would have it, God had other plans. I learned to cope with homesickness, depression, and downright dissatisfaction. I learned to be grateful, appreciate life, and vowed to travel the world. I told God that if he wanted me to stay here he would have to give me an amazing testimony. He sure did (and it is still blossoming).

How I coped:

• Having an amazing support system: When I first arrived, I didn't have many friends. Yes y'all. I was all by my lonesome for sometime. I went to school and came home. So I leaned heavily on my stateside family and friends. (Thank God for apps like What's App, Viber, and Skype). My family and friends kept me sane with their love, prayers, and understanding. I knew I could call them whenever..for a laugh, pep talk, or prayers.

• Holding on ever so tightly to the word of God: 'Til this day, I believe that God used my period of loneliness to draw me nearer to Him. It was in the time I was fully able to talk with Him. I read, prayed, read, prayed and repeated. My relationship with Him grew as I learned more about who He is and more about who I am through Him. 
• Therapy: (Okay retail/food therapy is still therapy y'all!!). The weather here can be very gloomy and coming from Southern California, the lack of sunshine led to so many depressing days. I learned what made me happy. Sometimes it was upbeat/inspirational music, other times it was ice cream, but most times I would just shop (or window shop) at my favorite stores. (I know all my chronic shoppers can relate to this! lol).

• Travel!!: I challenged myself to break out of my comfort zone and explore places I've never visited. I found amazing places in London (like coffee shops, parks, etc) to simply sit and do homework. I had the opportunity to travel to some parts of Europe to explore, visit friends, and learn.

St. James' Park, London

Sitges Beach, Barcelona

That dream you've been holding on to..that goal that's on the top of your list...go for it. Allow God to lead you. Trust Him and he will never forsake you. He will provide for you, He will keep you, He will love you.