My journey to "adulthood" has brought me to some paths where I often need a firm reminder of where I am headed and where I came from. My messy past causes me to cringe and question my confidence, but my trust in God allows me to be lifted and stand unashamed.
The thing I like about God (one of the MANY) is that He is kind and loving enough to remind us of our mistakes and sins and allows us the opportunity to repent. I've often found that in my stubbornness, God does not mind taking time to teach me lessons a few times until I have learned them.
Just recently, I began studying the book of Proverbs again as I needed reminders of how to obtain wisdom, knowledge and understanding through Him. Reading these chapters day by day is a constant reminder of this strong and eloquent virtue, described as a "she." I contemplate this virtue and often wonder if my life imitates these characteristics described. Are my ways "of pleasantness" and my "paths peace"? (Prov. 3:17).
It's easy to forgo these characteristics and act in any manner especially when you are tempted and distracted by things that are not of God. These verses remind me daily of the person I aspire to be. Christ.
In Ireland, Brother Thierry talked about one of their main visions as Benedictine monks. Being Christ to others. We are Christ in our actions, in our words, and through our love. By being pleasant and peaceful unto others, we are not only allowing Wisdom to cloth us, we are allowing God's light to shine.
In college, I remember being so closed to new ideas and restricting myself from stepping outside of my comfort zone. Because of this, I depended on worldly ideals to bring me comfort and became closed minded to the comfort I knew existed in God and through His word. Now, because I have these daily reminders in scripture, I am excited to see how God will use my life as a testimony. I am excited to see how He will turn it around and open doors. Mostly, day by day, I am excited to be Christ for others; showing pleasantness, walking peace and maintaining wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.
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Dark colors can be just as fun as bright and shiny ones during the summer. & with a maxi skirt, and blue suede pumps, any style can be fun!
Dressing for the occasion: UCSB African Culture Show
Since my closet wasn't fully stocked with a supply of fashionable Ankara dresses (as my mother's closet is) I had to search for something in mine that would still reflect a "tribal" or African feel. Here's what I came up with:
Head piece: Kente clothe tied into a turban.
Top: Black and white leopard print cropped corset. (Charlotte Russe, $5)
Outerwear: Royal blue blazer (Ross, $10)
Skirt: Black pleated mini skirt
Shoes: "Nude" pumps
Tip: If your adding outerwear to your attire, make sure it looks fabulous both ways! This daytime and nighttime outfit was perfect for this event that started at 4 in the afternoon, and ended at midnight.
I think denim looks great on everyone! On this cool summer afternoon, I chose to spice up my denim tee with cream colored wedges, and black turban, and gold triangle earrings. Add red lipstick for a pop of color!
4 years ago, if you asked me where I would be today, I never would have guessed that I would be here: indefinite plans for tomorrow and no guess for the day after that.
In the past, when I ran into college seniors who said that they didn't know what they were doing after college, I was shocked and thought of them as “ill-prepared."
I ALWAYS thought that I would jump right into graduate school and begin a PhD program straight away. Boy, was I wrong!
Here I am working at the school that I almost despised. Living in an environment that I don’t enjoy. And finally realizing that I may have just been experiencing signs of depression these past 4 years here.
Here I am working at the school that I almost despised. Living in an environment that I don’t enjoy. And finally realizing that I may have just been experiencing signs of depression these past 4 years here.
I always hear the praise song “Abraham’s Blessings are Mine." No one ever sings or proclaims about the struggles that Abraham experienced before his blessing. At this time, I definitely feel as though I am experiencing “the struggle." I've been praying for a huge breakthrough, and patiently awaiting and answer or miracle.
I’m beginning to wonder if it is my own foolishness that has caused me to remain in this physical space for so long. Upon being rejected from 2 graduate schools, not getting an interview at some of the places I applied, I wound up back in the space I started, and disliked so much. I NEVER thought that I would be working at this school.
I’m beginning to wonder if it is my own foolishness that has caused me to remain in this physical space for so long. Upon being rejected from 2 graduate schools, not getting an interview at some of the places I applied, I wound up back in the space I started, and disliked so much. I NEVER thought that I would be working at this school.
The transition from college into the "real world" has been a rough and trying experience so far (granted only 2 months have passed). It's not necessarily that I am comparing myself to my peers, but I am comparing my present situation to goals I set for myself in the past. And that can be self-depleting in itself.
Let me pause and say that I am grateful for the job I have! It’s teaching me various skills that I can translate into any workplace. In all of this, I am becoming more and more dependent on God and leaning on Him for his GRACE and MERCY! I am praying that God lights the path of which I should walk, and directs me toward my goals and aspirations. Whether this blessing comes from a new, full time job that I can use my major with, or admission to a graduate school, I am open-minded!
I just pray that I can soon sing out,
“Abraham’s blessings are mine! I am blessed in the morning, afternoon and evening, Abraham's blessings are mine!
Personal Fashion Faves!
My Graduation Party: #OOTD June 9, 2013I designed this outfit myself and it was sewn by a local Nigerian seamstress.
The top is a white lace, sleeveless with a deep v-cut back. The high waist pencil skirt is traditional fabric from Uganda, sewn with a knee length side split.
I accessorized the outfit with coral African beads, a blue Charles Jourdin, Paris shoulder bag, carried as a clutch (consignment store, $12) and royal sapphire suede Via Spiga pointed toe pumps (thrift store, $4.60).
Tiny. Small. Skinny. Short. Fun-size. Petite. And my all time favorite, “cute.”
The last one is usually used to describe a puppy, kitten, or a small child. Not a grown woman with a Bachelor’s degree.
Those terms have conditioned me to be in a perpetual state of ‘small-ness’ or immaturity (in the eyes of those who reference me like so).
Let me explain the self-fulfilling prophecy: essentially, a prediction about someone (in this case) that will indirectly or directly become true because of the prophecy itself. This prophecy can evoke certain behaviors and demeanor that will in turn pose as true.
Lately, I've been feeling as though not everyone takes me seriously in the work place—that I am not allotted the same amount of respect that my colleagues are given. By regarding me as “cute” and “fun-size” you are clearly not regarding me as capable to take on the same responsibilities as someone who may be taller, fatter, and bigger than me.
So for all of my ladies out there who are small in stature but mighty in thoughts and ambition: do not be discouraged when you walk into an interview and the receptionist looks at you as if you’re lost. Do not pay mind when people question your authority in the work place. But, keep doing what you’re doing. Don’t let people down play your degree and qualifications because of your size. Trust me, one of the easiest ways to allow yourself to fail is by thinking you can’t do something because you “look young.”
Use your youthfulness to your advantage! Surprise your employers— let them be in awe of you! Let them be encouraged by you and let them come to YOU for advise in the work place.
Avoid letting people address you in ways that will perpetuate a label that diminishes your quality.
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