Walking in Freedom

Being My True Self

At the precipice of my 30s, I was still painfully single and reeling from a terrible breakup. After receiving and reading Dr. Phil’s Love Smart from my grandpa, I felt a release from the Lord to begin walking in the freedom of truly being myself. What began as figuring out what I valued in order to better identify the right partner, quickly turned into me discovering what filled my life with so much JOY.

These joys included: driving while singing Mariah Carey at the top of my lungs with the windows down, eating poké bowls at least two times a week, climbing at the local bouldering gym daily, taking theology night courses, and filling my closet with athleisure outfits. For the first time ever, I felt comfortable in my own skin. I was no longer simply trying to attract men. I felt like when I had on a pair of leggings, some booties, and an oversized off-the-shoulder sweater, I could be ready for whatever the day brought my way. I loved the versatility of these outfits: able to be dressed up or down while authentically matching my personality of being comfortable, aesthetically cute, and functional for being active.

This particular season marks a time when I felt both my strongest physically & spiritually. As I grew closer to the Lord, grabbing onto the reality that I didn’t have to be more than myself for someone to like me, I felt content to be in the season that the Lord had me in. I was no longer burdened by when I would get married. Even if I had to wait until my 60s to meet my man, I began feeling that I was in fact a treasure worth being pursued. I wasn’t worried anymore, and I laughed without fear for my single girl days to come.

Reflection

What is filling you with joy in this season? What scripture do you feel the Lord speaking over your life in this season?
What do you like to “clothe yourself in” to feel strong and capable?
When do you feel most like yourself? What kind of activities bring out your strengths, gifts, or talents?

Goals

Whether you are single, dating, or married, commit to spending the first 15 minutes of your morning this week seeking the Lord’s heart by choosing an activity that brings you joy and makes you feel like your most authentic self.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” (Proverbs 31:25 NLT)