Your Storms are not Just For You

*I feel like I am always apologizing for my absence LOL but let me apologize. I am so sorry. Life has happened since the start of 2022. I just couldn't get ahold of the situations that were out of my control. It literally resulted in me having to put a lot of trust in God. Let me tell you what I have learned in the beginning of this season....

In the middle of a life changing move for a new opportunity, challenges arose that began to make me question if I was doing the right thing. I panicked, cried, freaked out, and really doubted everything that was going on. I was very aware that I could not control my situation. From money issues to possibly facing homelessness in a new environment I was not familiar with, it became super apparent to me how bad this storm was. I had many people who tried to give encouragement, but none had been in a similar situation accept 1 friend. This friend and I had to have a heart to heart talk in order for me to understand what was going on and how to get through. She explained to me what had happened to her 6 months prior and how everything ended. It gave me a little bit of hope when I drove home. This conversation reminded me of a woman I met back in 2019 when I entered into another storm in my life. She was a Lyft driver taking me to work. She informed me about how she had went through many trials a few years back. First her husband divorced her. Then she lost her youngest son, at the age of 20 to a drive by shooting. She began to question everything and her beliefs and realized she had no control over anything that was going on. She had no answers and she prayed to God of what was going on in her life. Crazy thing was, this all turned around for her. She then told me that everything that was meant to destroy her ended up working out for her good. She ended up getting married again and used her tragedy to help other mothers who lost their children in tragic situations like hers. Her testimony was a revelation that you really can get through anything. And mind you she told me all of this with a smile on her face.

I could not help but to think that she was a sign from God that trials and tribulations come to knock you off your feet, but your faith in God will turn so many things around. Till this day, I recognize that her test was not just for her, but it was trusted in her to maneuver through with it because her testimony was going to be beneficial to others in the future. And as I look back at the storm I was facing at the beginning of this year, I realize that my friend's test was for her to endure so then her testimony would help give me encouragement for the difficult time I was facing. I was later blessed with a peace that was desired from God that everything was going to be alright.

I say all of this to say, our 20s are coming with so many trials and test and there is no way to control them. What you go through will be your own individual test and something you can handle. You will be the example for others on how to handle it the best way possible when you come out on the other side. Trust me, it is refreshing and inspiring to see people live through storms that tried to destroy them. It gives your circle and more so strangers an understanding that LIFE HAPPENS, but you will get through it. It also displays who is really in your corner during these awful times. I have to say, this year I am noticing who is really down for me in my season of chaos (I can be really frantic when I don't have control of things) and who is easily able to walk away due to small things. Everything happens through the test of time and loyalty. And you are able to see who is willing to stand with you in the storm and who is not. I had to learn that hard lesson through my storm in the beginning of 2022.

My storm also showed me right after my birthday, the growth in my self love and character. Too many times I allowed myself to be silenced and not speak up on situations. That stopped because as I am getting older and maturing, I realized that the old statement is true, "Closed mouths don't get fed." A better way to say this is, "Tap into every resource that is within your reach." I believe that one came from a friend. I learned to reach out even when I was scared to and many people helped when I needed them during this time. I am grateful for them. I am also grateful for the folks who prayed for me. It was desperately needed and wanted. And through this I grew in age, conduct, character, and maturity. The test edified me as a woman and as a child of God for my sake. For you, it may be for something else, but you will be edified and grow in some type of way through your test.

Remember, test are meant to help us despite how painful they are. And when things are out of your control, don't be afraid to ask for help. Utilize all resources despite your pride and ego getting in the way. There are genuine people who love you and want to support you. These storms come because of a dynamic and divine plan in place. The test are created to make you stronger, wiser, and be an encouragement to another or a few others who will cross your path in their particular season where they need it the most. Your test and testimony is not just for you, but you will be the inspiration to help others feel the hope they need to keep moving and receive peace within their storm.

Much love,

Chevy

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