Calling all friends! Man, how long has it been since we’ve last chatted?
Before I begin this diary post, I have to first THANK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU for being there for a sista! All the love shown made me feel so incredible and am honored to have such an army of women who from all over, (some I know, some I don’t) went out of their way to send me songs, scripture, sharing your stories and the prayers…I felt them!
Thank you instagram family.
Second thing, this diary post has been in the works for a while now. I held off because I needed some time to really be honest with myself and make sure I was living in the truth before encouraging you to do the same. I’ve been studying this sermon for the past month. I’ve watched it at least 10 times and the note taking has been major. I’ll be sure to include the link at the end of this post so you can watch for yourself. I hope it gives you drive and lights up your spirit as much as it has for me.
Save your strength. Let’s chat.
Have you ever felt so drained? Like, soooooo drained and deflated that you just feel like all your energy is so far gone that you’ve told yourself, “I’ve got nothing left”. Whether it might be a self-thing, a job, a relationship or just life? I have. Why do I feel like I’m the only one in the room raising my hand?? I believe it’s safe to say that we’ve all been there, #amiright? (Bueller…Bueller)
What I’ve learned is that life is going to throw some crazy curve balls. Some we didn’t expect and some, because of decisions we’ve made, we got blindsided.
When this happens, what’s the first thing that happens to us? Our minds start going 100 mph and we start giving life to a thought that does not help us, then we speak on those thoughts, soon after that we are reacting and using energy and strength in areas we shouldn’t only for it to take and take more of what we can’t emotionally and physically give.
So what’s the plan here? How do stop the madness and save our strength for what really requires our attention? Glad you asked! Well, let’s start with getting intentional about our thoughts. I get it, easier said than done. We have to start somewhere and that somewhere is our thought process. There’s a responsibility here, we have to make a choice and continue to choose what you allow in your mind and what you won’t. This is where we own our strength and owning our story.
Whatever it is, no matter what the situation, you have to ask yourself, “Who is the source of my strength?” Is it God? Is it this situation? Is it a person? Because if you’re putting all your strength into something or someone that DOES NOT grow you, better you, encourage you…then you have your answer. Any time we take God out of His rightful position – we go blind. When God is 2nd then 3rd, we don’t see straight. When we don’t see straight, we begin to start putting energy into the wrong things.
It’s time to draw a line in the sand and tell yourself (or shout it out) that you are NOT going there any more! Your strength will be used for the areas that will get you to His promises. Cut out the delays, stop looking back, stop repeating the past and get out this “stuck” place you’ve allowed yourself to be in!
Bad day? They’ll come. Your thoughts running wild and keeping you up at night? I’ve been there and I believe in speaking and praying out loud to the one who has never left me and will be there for me. I don’t answer to the enemy and will take every negative, crappy, hurtful, painful, unkind thought captive and toss it out before it attempts to keep me stuck. Nope!! You got the WRONG gal, and YOU should have that strength and confidence too! It’s in you!
Who’s ready to focus on NEW endings? Yes, things didn’t turn out the way we thought they would but that’s not your story. God will NOT be limited by what we lost. He will bless what we got left.
I wrote down what I had left and the list brought so much joy and positive energy to me. I still have my AMAZING family, stellar army of girlfriends, new opportunities, a business that I LOVE and get to do with my sister. The enemy wants us to focus on what we lost that again, we can’t see straight and concentrating on the things that do not deserve the attention.
You have a life to live and live it to the very full. You have to meet God halfway and ask Him, “What are my standards?” Because if you’re lowering them and yet ask God to give you strength, that doesn’t work. You need to raise your standards and watch your strength begin to flow like the margaritas on Cinco de Mayo (sorry, currently craving a marg). Back to what I was saying…
“How can I expect God’s strength, if I do not embrace God’s standards?” – Steven Furtick
Your standards and what you allow in your life and in your mind are not up for negotiation. Greatness runs through your veins and it’s time you start living like it.
Save. Your. Strength.
You turned me on to Steven’ s sermons and I absolutely love them. I listen almost everyday bc I have so many to catch up on. His energy is out of this world and I can clearly see and feel Jesus speaking through his voice. I am new to walking alongside Christ and I know it’s a not a way of life. It is life. Although, I believe in God all of my life, I never let him take the wheel of MY LIFE. I am forever his child.
Word!!!
Wow! Thank you!
Somehow right when you need something it comes to you!
I went through a life changing break up a year and a half ago. I was cheated on by a man who I thought was my world(first mistake) it has taken me all this time to find the blessing in it and turn my life around. This is exactly what I needed today!
I thank you for showing me the door! And having the courage to share your story to help others!
I’ve been waiting on you to post this, and it’s even better than what I had hoped. Sharing with my army of girls who need this today. You are so loved.
Thank you, for sharing♥️ Needed this..
Needed this. tonight especially. Thank you, amiga.
Beautiful! Sharing with friends
Hey Tori!! What a great post, it’s so good to see you encourage others to hear to God. Big hug, your Brazilian roommate! Xoxo
Saturday, my boyfriend broke up with me. He is a great person but never incorporated me in his future. He also dropped the ball several times but I pushed forward, wanting it to work so badly. When we broke up, he said it was because we weren’t a good match. Retrospectively, I agree. I had put in my heart and soul to someone who was giving me their bare minimum. These past few days have been painful. However, with the support of my amazing family and girl gang, every day gets better.Your words also speak volumes to me. I need to save my strength to things that deserve my time and energy. Thank you.