Joy Ubani

Ever feel sick & tired of the norm? That's exactly how I've been feeling lately lol.

I've been learning a lot about comfort zones, restrictions, limitations, obstacles, and self-expression. I've been paying attention to what gives me true joy: experiences, people, clothes. I've found that I find pleasure in the mundane, in the unordinary, and in things that simply might not make sense to anyone else.

Bright colors make me truly giddy.
Audiobooks give me life (and ease my forever long commutes to and from work).
Sunflowers brighten my day.
Taking walks on a smoldering hot summer day (while wearing my fave shorts and crop top) make me happy.
Going to brunch on Sunday with new friends.
Date night strolls through Old Town Pasadena.
Planning a visit to my second home (Londontown, of course).
Early mornings with Jesus.
Mixed and matched printed outfits (tehe).


This outfit was inspired by my need for self-expression. I loved the first look (worn to church) because of it's brightness. The color block off the shoulder top paired with white wide-legged pants, to me, screamed "Hey, y'all! Do you see me!?" Lol.


The later outfit (worn to Sunday brunch with friends..same day lol), to me, was like "Hey, y'all! I'm over here just trying to be carefree and magical!" Lol.

But anyway, my loves, be free. Express yourselves. Don't be boxed in by comfort zones, "norms", and forget about these things that might try to tell you how to express yourself (in style, and in life).

Outfit details:
Top: Zara
White Trousers: Thrifted
Black & White Printed Shorts: H&M
Black Sandals: Primark (London)

xoxo

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