GroupChat saves lives

If any of you are in a GroupChat, this post should take little to no explaining. My girls from back home, my college crew, my line sisters, we all have GroupChats. And the intimate levels of discussion that take place in these chats could probably end some of us if ever made public! The truth is, GroupChats provide a sense of security and openness for many of us to air some of our deepest and darkest thoughts.

Participation in a GroupChat affords us some psychological luxury. First, you typically are in a chat with people who share something in common, be it childhood friends or co-workers; so, there is a trusting relationship in place. GroupChats also provide you with a variety of viewpoints and opinions on topics that you see with tunnel vision. You will have an ally and a nemesis to help you navigate through whether or not to eat that cookie, go on that second date, or smack the hell out of your co-worker. GroupChats also provide a safe space to vent your deepest frustrations, your biggest worries, your scariest fears. On any occasion my GroupChat has kept me from quitting my job, cussing someone out, or giving up on life. GroupChats have saved marriages, saved sanity, saved lives! If someone you love is in a GroupChat, you should probably send all of its participants a thank you card because they've probably saved you!

In all seriousness, the comfort, connection, and trust we find in GroupChats is the same that we should seek in God. I  know from personal experience that sometimes it can be hard to talk to God. We don't know what to say. We can't name how we feel. Or quite honestly, we sometimes forget to talk to Him all together! The Most High wants to hear our deepest, inner-most thoughts. He wants us to cast our cares on Him. He wants us to seek and ask him for the desires of our hearts. When we are struggling in our jobs, in our marriages, in our parenting, in our friendships, in our lives, God is there. Now let's be clear, this isn't in any way a call to abandon the GroupChat! If you are anything like me, you need that thang to keep you sane okay?!? But in addition to, prior to, afterward, let us not forget where our help comes from. Chat on and Be Blessed XOXO

Sister, Sister

For nearly 7 years, I was an only child. As a result, my mom and I were extremely close. However, I longed for a sibling. I would pray for one, ask for one, and even wish for one on birthday candles! Then, my mom told me she was pregnant...with twin boys! Now I was outnumbered! But before I could even pray for what I wanted, my mom was pregnant again with no idea of the baby's gender. I remember getting picked up from my 3rd grade classroom praying that this baby was a girl. After what felt like an eternity, my baby sister was finally born and I couldn't have been any happier!

Whether you are male or female, sisters can be both a headache and a powerful blessing. Big sisters are bossy as hell, but most of the time, they're right. Middle sisters can be mischievous, which also makes them fun. And baby sisters are spoiled brats who will adore you no matter what! (Yes CoCo, I'm talking VERY specifically about you!)

In a world where women are taught to compete with one another, to hate on one another, to talk about one another, to distance themselves from one another, it's hard to cherish sisterhood. In a land where women snatch out one another's weaves and toss drinks in each other's faces, we can sometimes let petty thoughts, words, and behaviors get in the way of humility, respect, and even forgiveness. But sisterhood is an honorable relationship that oftentimes helps to make everything right with the world.

Although my mom only birthed one sister for me, over time I've been blessed with many more. I have line sisters, sorority sisters, close friends who serve as both big sisters and little sisters, a cousin who swears she's our sister, two sisters-in-law, and a host of other women with whom I share a love that is nothing less than sisterly. To have a sister is to have a loyal companion. Someone who will be there for you when the chips are down; who will call you on your mess; who will give you a pass when you are out of pocket or check you when necessary. Sisters are the ones we fight with the most and love the hardest. A sister can offer the best advice, a listening ear, or even a rider when things get hot! Sisters are so important, that in the Word it states one who hates a sister is a murderer!

When Rebekah left her homeland to go be married to Isaac, her family sent her off with nothing less than well wishes. They bid their ado with hopes of increase and protection for her and her offspring against her enemies. That is my wish for all my sisters reading this. That you receive all that you ask God for and more. That your haters become your congratulators. That the windows of heaven open up and rain down new blessings and new mercies with each passing day. No matter how many of ya'll work a nerve, no matter how annoying I can be, no matter what trials come our way...Be Blessed XOXO