Reflection Friday

Hey family. I love you. Are you okay? How’s your heart? How’s your mind? Let’s reflect together. Here’s the mirror.

This is many of us right now. The first thing you see when you look into the mirror is “oh I’ve many pimples,” or “l don’t have the perfect nose,” or maybe “I wish I looked like this or that,” we focus on what we could’ve been more than what we are or what is. The Apple is whole. Looks beautiful and instead of seeing that in the mirror , the reflection is that of an ugly Apple, eaten up (whoever ate that apple was fighting – maybe it’s Eve). But what if I told you that’s many of us right now. Looking at our selves all we see is the bad so much so that even the good doesn’t look so good anymore. Do you see the you that has done his/her best or do you only see the failure?

Do you ever reflect on the good things? Do you ever sit and think about the battles you’ve won? The good decisions you made? The awards you won or the achievements you’ve had thus far? The small and big wins like finishing school? Buying your car? Like keeping yourself holy even when the flesh is screaming for attention? Do we ever look back and say , “Vanessa I’m proud of you?!” Say it to yourself. Don’t rush it. Say it slowly . Intentionally. Loud if you want to!

One of the causes of depression and anxiety especially in the last months of the year is that people only choose to reflect on what hasn’t been done. As much as that is important to realign us with purpose ; when are we going to also celebrate what needs to be celebrated? I looked at my vision board for 2024 and my darling , 70% hasn’t been done. Most of it is literally beyond my control. I had two days of sitting in the dust thinking about my age, the remaining months, what I’ve done with the sermons my Apostle has taught and that I’ve heard all year , I cried. I encouraged others but I was discouraged but on the flip side – man I’m proud of myself!

Celebrating your small wins doesn’t mean we’re encouraging smallness – always remember that excellence is also achieved by falling, stumbling, learning and rising up! Think about it – you got the certificate. You paid the rent. You bought the house. Things you didn’t or couldn’t do in 2023 you did them. I’m reflecting even on Yielded Blogs ! Every win must be celebrated! I celebrate the fact that people take their precious time to read these blogs, do you know how many “unread” messages people have on their WhatsApp?

I’m proud of you. Tired but showing up. Not sure how things will happen but still praying! What a game changer! What a boss! I don’t care what the devil has been telling you but I’m here to remind you, it’s not all bad. Step back and re-center if you ever find yourself overthinking and beating yourself up over things that went wrong. The point of introspection isn’t judgment and condemnation. I’ve a couple of questions that I want us to answer ;

1. List 10 things that you have achieved this year (even if it’s as “small” as getting a free online certificate) clap for yourself .
2. Say I’m proud of myself 5 times! (I said 5 not 2)
3. What words do you need to hear the most right now? Now open your mouth, say them to yourself. If you always wait for people to clap for you , you may have to wait a long long time.
4. Post a picture of yourself and write this caption , l can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. You can tag me on Instagram or yielded tv.
5. What 10 words would you use to describe yourself? (eg I’m beautiful; I’m hardworking)
6. Revisit your vision board and do some declarations and prayer .

Pity parties don’t help anyone. Even the bible talks about how David would encourage himself in the Lord. “My friends are like this and that!” But how are you to yourself? Before looking at expectations from others, do you value you? Do you look in the mirror and see the positive or does someone have to keep reminding you ? Remember, fix the negatives and work hard but also identify the positives and celebrate!! You are not where you used to be!

See you on Monday with our last 4 blogs of the women’s month after which we will be back with our Yielded Blogs. Have a beautiful weekend!

“Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭126‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬