Shalom beloveds
Have you ever run away from your passion and purpose, in the hopes of finding something that makes sense? Because let’s face it, the things we see with our spiritual eyes do not make any sense in the natural world, until it comes into fruition. I’m sure many of you reading this have, at some point in your life, ran from the things YHVH has for you, and you ran into the arms of the world’s desires. Well, that was me for many years (and more than once might I add). I have more than 2 failed business attempts under my belt. I kept giving into the desires of my own carnal talents and skills. I justified doing things outside of what God had created me to do, with the hope of making some sort of life for me in the world. But none of it worked out. So, when I finally started to live on faith and trust Abba with all I have, He opened the doors for me and made things happen for me with His divine intervention.
I first discovered writing as a child when my parents separated and eventually divorced. I didn’t know how to process my emotions, so I would write how I felt and most of it were sad feelings. I wrote letters, short stories and diary or journal entries as an outlet to the emotions I felt, especially since I grew up in a home where “children are seen and not heard”. As a teenager I started writing again and discovered the knack for poetry and short stories. I dreamed of becoming a writer and even attempted studying further to become one. But then some of my loved ones asked me how I was going to make a living out of writing and slowly that dream died away and I put it on the back seat for the first time. Oh, how quickly that fire within me was extinguished. Fast forward to a few years later when I started writing again. Back then I had my first blog and website. Yes, dear reader, I have been down this world of blogging before. Then I discovered a new business venture in the world of cosmetics. A lot of people don’t know this, but I am an internationally qualified makeup and SFX artist. I had a makeup artistry business in 2017 but it was not successful (this was roughly around the time I became a born again believer). So I asked the Lord “Why is my business not making any money and why is it not a success?” His response: “I never called you to become a makeup artist, that was your own doing. I called you to write poetry”, it was as if a veil had been lifted off from me and it all made sense.
I then closed up my makeup business and replaced the eyeshadow brush with a pen and started pursuing my God ordained gift in poetry and writing. But alas, I returned it to the back seat and started a business in Christian apparel with my own bible based designs instead, thinking this is what I was meant to do with my poetry. This was all a seed planted by the devil, to try to take me off course with distraction and it caused me to overlook what the Holy Spirit was trying to reveal to me. Needless to say, the business wasn’t making much money and it also didn’t feel 100% right: it didn’t feel like it was the right fit for me. So I took it to the Lord again and asked “Why is this happening? I don’t feel that holy passion in my gifting like I used to. What should I do?” and YHVH responded: “Write. I want you to write. That’s what I called you to do”. Finally the lightbulb went on and I could see clearly. I closed up shop, so to speak: I closed my previous business called ‘Godsmacked’ and threw myself wholeheartedly into this adventure and passion before me. I started to truly focus on the heart words of the Father and started to write it. Coming back to the present, I can see the fruits thereof, because as soon as I said “yes” and obeyed Him wholeheartedly without doubt, He opened up opportunities for me that are unexplainable in the natural. Today I am so honoured and blessed to announce that some of my poetry have been published in an anthology for the first time, and is available internationally. It is a collection of hope themed poems by myself and 7 other poets cross the world. It is called ‘Our Hope Remains: Volume 2’. The title is so fitting for the above. Because hope and faith goes hand in hand. I had wild hope, but I did not have the wild faith that was required. With regards to anthology purchases: South African buyers can purchase this book on this website (so watch this space), and buyers outside of South Africa can purchase it on Amazon via the following link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWVG6519/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1GUAXMBL6HPFE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4Je7jCh4D3_Uhq-aA6RSG4Tnccv3z2a-UB7yxCYbiNMbJoSIlbz3WCNbO5bagDb3yppcR8eUhA3LbocMKJOEbCBqVvTcmT5jJzirtmNijaEvr9FtrUDlvOQofPVKv_pZ.MpHh_S4aUSPqTd9AV-D_r7VhjT87qlG9-WdI93zghdk&dib_tag=se&keywords=Our+Hope+Remains+vol+2&qid=1709337698&sprefix=our+hope+remains+vol+2%2Caps%2C136&sr=8-1
It took me a long while to get to this point of complete obedience, wild faith and boldness. But I arrived at its shores and I am here to stay. I could not have done it within my own strength. I am eternally grateful to YHVH for carrying me through the rough seas and storms of life thus far. Honestly, I cannot take all the credit for it, because I see a myriad of mosaic pieces, representing the people and experiences that played a role (whether small or big) in this masterpiece known as my identity and life, in order for me to contribute to the Kingdom. Had it not been for God, His love and kindness, as well as specific people and factors in my life, I would not be here. I’ve realised more today than before that every part we play in each other’s lives contributes to something and this something is the bigger picture. I used to doubt myself and my writing. I used to think I wasn’t good enough. This past week in particular made me feel like that again. But today I realised, more so than ever before, that I am worthy, I am loved, I am included and that I do have a seat at the table. I am a gifted and an inspirational writer and poet. But this would not at all be possible without Adonai parting the waves before me and making clear the path that He has set out for me. This is still a wonderous, miraculous and beautiful adventure, and I am all in. For years, I have dreamed of having my poetry published. Now I can look back and see how YHVH’s hand in all of this was to reap a harvest through me… for His glory and for His kingdom.
Thank you for reading, till next time…
Peace and blessings in Yeshua!
