🎶 My Greatest Hits: A Prayer Strategy for Marriage Preparation

In music, some of the most iconic artists release a Greatest Hits album—songs that define their journey, the ones that still resonate years later. In relationships, we can think of our experiences the same way. Every heartbreak, disappointment, and lesson learned becomes part of our own greatest hits collection. Some songs remind us of pain, but others remind us of the growth that pain produced.

I’ve learned that the blows of past relationships didn’t come to make me bitter—they came to make me better. Adversity is God’s training ground, and every “hit” I’ve taken has become a stepping stone toward the covenant marriage I’m praying for. Today, I look back and realize: I don’t just have scars, I have strategy.

Here are 🎶 My Greatest Hits: A Prayer Strategy for Marriage Preparation.

Hit #1: Submission to Godly Counsel

Scripture: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22)

Lesson learned: A spouse who resists godly counsel will struggle to lead in covenant.

Prayer: Lord, align my spouse’s heart with humility. Surround him with wise voices, and let him be quick to obey You when You reveal me to him.

🎶 Song Pair: “For You I Will” – Monica

Hit #2: Purity of Heart & Clarity of Vision

Scripture: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)

Lesson learned: A pure heart sees clearly. Clouded hearts lead to confusion and rejection in love.

Prayer: Father, purify my spouse’s heart. Remove distractions, deception, and wounds that blur his vision. Let him see me through Your eyes.

🎶 Song Pair: “You mean that much to me” – Chrisette Michele

Hit #3: God’s Love First, Spouse’s Love Next

Scripture: “We love Him because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)

Lesson learned: No one can love well until they’ve been filled with God’s love and they love themselves first.

Prayer: Lord, reveal to my spouse the depth of Your love. May his love for me overflow from his revelation of how much you love him.

🎶 Song Pair: “A Couple of Forevers” – Chrisette Michele

Hit #4: Validation from God, Not People

Scripture: “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God?” (Galatians 1:10)

Lesson learned: A secure spouse isn’t shaken by applause—or the lack of it.

Prayer: Father, let my spouse rest in Your approval. Keep him steady even when human affirmation feels scarce.

🎶 Song Pair: “Give Myself” – Jennifer Hudson

Hit #5: Freedom from Soul Ties & Boundaries in Place

Scripture: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

Lesson learned: Ungodly soul ties suffocate intimacy. Healthy boundaries guard it.

Prayer: Lord, deliver my spouse from every unhealthy tie. Protect our relationship from distractions and ungodly counsel that would influence him to divide us. Help me to not personalize his struggles but to pray and fast for him to overcome them until he is free to be the man you called him to be.

🎶 Song Pair: “Stickwitu” – Pussycat Dolls

Hit #6: God-Conscious & Word-Rooted

Scripture: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22)

Lesson learned: Knowing Scripture isn’t enough—it has to be applied to be transformative.

Prayer: Father, let my spouse be rooted in Your Word. May he not just hear it, but do it, aligning his convictions with mine.

🎶 Song Pair: “Primetime” – Janelle Monáe (feat. Miguel)

Hit #7: Unity of Vision & Purpose

Scripture: “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3)

Lesson learned: We have to continue to grow together. Challenge each other even when the truth is hard and cuts and believe that differences aren’t deficits and unity isn’t uniformity. It’s harmony.

Prayer: Lord, align our callings. Merge our visions. May we walk together in agreement and divine alignment.

🎶 Song Pair: “What I Needed”-Chandler Moore and “Made for me”-Muni Long

Hit #8: Identity & Recognition Without Striving

Scripture: “Then the man said, ‘This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.’” (Genesis 2:23)

Lesson learned: The right spouse recognizes you with Gods revelation knowledge.

Prayer: Father, let my spouse recognize me as Adam recognized Eve. May I never shrink to fit insecurity, but flourish in who You’ve called me to be.

🎶 Song Pair: “For You” – Kenny Lattimore

Hit #9: The Weight of Obedience

Scripture: “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15–16)

Lesson learned: Every decision in marriage carries weight—obedience isn’t just personal, it’s generational.

Prayer: Lord, let my spouse walk worthy of his calling. May he understand the gravity of obedience, knowing each choice impacts our covenant now and in the future.

🎶 Song Pair: “Yes, No Questions” – Coco

Hit #10: A Vessel of Honor

Scripture: “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21)

Lesson learned: A man who prepares himself for God’s use will willing allow God to separate himself to protect us and his future from outside threats to prepare to lead in marriage.

Prayer: Father, shape my spouse into a vessel of honor. Set him apart for Your use, equipping him to carry our assignment faithfully.

🎶 Song Pair: “I Do” – Muni Long & ToosI

Hit #11: Valuing the Work of God Over Worldly Status

Scripture: “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30)

Lesson learned: True worth isn’t in money, titles, or degrees—it’s in God’s work within us.

Prayer: Lord, may my spouse treasure the work You’ve done in me above worldly measures of success. Let him see the value of virtue over possessions.

🎶 Song Pair: “You Are” – Ash B

Hit #12: Covenant Love That Endures

Scripture: “What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.” (Mark 10:9)

Lesson learned: Love in marriage must endure seasons, not just moments.

Prayer: Father, give us a love that is steadfast, resilient, and unshakeable. May our bond reflect Your covenant faithfulness.

🎶 Song Pair: “Never Gonna Let You Go” – Faith, “Still” – Tamia, “Stay Together” – Ledisi & Jaheim

Hit #13: Present & Intentional Love

Scripture: “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.” (Ruth 1:16)

Lesson learned: Love is about showing up, being present, and choosing each other daily.

Prayer: Lord, let my spouse be intentional in love, present in companionship, and steady in devotion. May our love reflect the loyalty of Ruth and Boaz.

🎶 Song Pair: “Where You Are” – Leela James, “Here for You” – Junetober

Hit #14: A Safe Place Called Home

Scripture: “My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.” (Isaiah 32:18)

Lesson learned: Marriage should feel like home—a safe refuge filled with peace.

Prayer: Father, Let our marriage be a home where love dwells, where rest is found, and where Your presence makes us whole.

🎶 Song Pair: “Home” – Syleena Johnson, “Better with You in It” – MAJOR.

Hit #15: A Love That Mirrors God’s Crazy Grace

Scripture: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)

Lesson learned: True love forgives, covers, and holds on even in imperfection.

Prayer: Lord, may our love carry the passion, forgiveness, and grace that mirrors Yours. Keep us rooted in a love that never gives up.

🎶 Song Pair: “Crazy Love” – Brian McKnight, “The One He Kept for Me” – Maurette Brown Clark, “First Time” – TEEKS, “I Love You Too” – Ledisi

Every heartbreak once felt like a broken record on repeat, but God has turned them into a playlist of hope and strategy. These prayers are my greatest hits—born from lessons, matured through loss, and sharpened in waiting.

Love, Betrayal, and Restoration

Love, Betrayal, and Restoration: Jesus and Peter as a Picture of Marriage

When we look at Peter’s relationship with Jesus, it mirrors the same highs and lows we often see in marriage.

Think of how Jesus first encountered Peter. He didn’t find him successful or thriving — He found him weary, sitting in a boat after a long night of fishing with nothing to show for it. No success, no breakthrough, just empty nets. Then Jesus stepped into his world and gave him a net-breaking miracle — so many fish that Peter had to call other boats to help. That moment changed Peter’s life. He left behind his boat, his job, his old identity, to follow the One who had awakened something in him.

That’s like a woman saying yes to a man who believes in her when she has no bag to bring. He sees her potential, invests in her, and gives her a future. Jesus didn’t just bless Peter with fish — He developed him into a leader, entrusted him with vision, and drew him into the most intimate places of His life: the Mount of Transfiguration, the raising of Jairus’ daughter, and even the Garden of Gethsemane. Peter wasn’t just one of many; he was part of the inner circle.

In marriage terms, it’s like a man opening his world fully to his future bride. He’s bought the home, given her the ring, shared his secrets and dreams, and entrusted her with his heart.

But then comes betrayal. For Peter, it was denial. On the very night Jesus needed him most, Peter swore three times that he didn’t even know Him. For a man, that’s like discovering the woman you love has broken trust — maybe she’s still entertaining someone she swore was in the past, maybe it’s financial dishonesty, or maybe she simply didn’t show up when you needed her most. Betrayal cuts deeply because it’s not from a stranger, but from the one you invested your all into.

Most men would have walked away. They’d say, “I gave you everything, and you failed me — I’m done.” But Jesus didn’t treat Peter that way. After the resurrection, He met him on the shoreline and asked him three times, “Do you love Me?” — the same number of times Peter denied Him. Each “yes” became a healing balm for every “I don’t know Him.” Jesus wasn’t humiliating Peter; He was restoring him, reinstating him, and preparing him for purpose.

We see the same kind of love earlier in Scripture through Joseph, Mary’s husband. Imagine his position — the woman he loved is pregnant, and he knows the child isn’t his. Any man would feel betrayed. Joseph, being honorable, planned to put her away quietly. Most men would have walked away, and no one would have blamed him. But God stepped in and told him, “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for what is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” Joseph chose obedience over pride. He stayed when most would have left, and in doing so, he aligned himself with destiny.

Both Joseph and Jesus reveal the heart of covenant love. Ephesians 5 calls men to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her. That means covering her flaws, praying for her faith not to fail, restoring her when she stumbles, and preparing her to stand in her calling.

Covenant love is not weak. It doesn’t walk away at the first sign of betrayal. It restores, renews, and looks beyond present pain to future purpose. It says, “I see your blind spots, but I also see who you are becoming. And I will love you until you grow into it.”

That is the love Christ modeled with Peter. That is the love Joseph modeled with Mary. And that is the love God calls us to in marriage — a love that endures, restores, and redeems.

The question is, Are you ready to love like this?

Blessed

Loving Like Jesus: How to Lead When She’s Doubting

When Jesus heard Thomas express doubt, He didn’t rebuke him.

He didn’t shame him.
He didn’t withdraw His love.
He didn’t say, “After everything I’ve done for you?”
Instead… He came back — just for him.

Thomas missed the first resurrection appearance. And when the other disciples told him Jesus was alive, he couldn’t receive it. His heart was too broken. His faith too fragile. His words were raw:

“Unless I see the nail marks in His hands… I will not believe.” (John 20:25)

Eight days later, Jesus returns — and walks straight toward Thomas.

“Put your finger here. See My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe.” (John 20:27)

Jesus didn’t dismiss Thomas’s pain — He honored it with presence.
He didn’t retaliate for the doubt — He responded with compassion.
He didn’t ask Thomas to earn trust — He extended it, again.

Now let’s talk relationships.

Every man who desires to love his wife like Christ loves the Church must learn to lead through her moments of uncertainty — just like Jesus did.

Sometimes she’s not doubting you — she’s doubting if love like this can be real. She’s doubting if she’s safe. If she’s covered. If she can trust again. Especially if she’s lived through betrayal, abuse, rejection, or silence before.

When you see doubt in her — don’t take it personal. Take it as an invitation to show up.

Because love doesn’t just preach — it proves.
It doesn’t just quote Scripture — it lives it.

Jesus Was Still Wounded — But He Was Healed

Jesus didn’t hide His scars. He said “See them. Touch them.”

So brothers — you don’t have to pretend to be perfect. But can you be healed enough to offer your scars without shame? Healed enough to say, “I’ve been through something too — but I’m here to cover you.”

When your wife or partner is doubting, can you:

• Offer presence instead of punishment?

• Speak peace instead of proving a point?

• Remind her of what’s true — not what’s broken?

Paul wrote, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her…” (Ephesians 5:25)

That means sacrifice. That means leadership rooted in humility. That means loving her in weakness — not waiting for her to be strong.

Gentle Doesn’t Mean Weak — It Means Christlike

You don't have to raise your voice to prove you're a man.
You don’t have to withdraw to teach her a lesson.
You don’t have to retaliate to feel respected.

Love her anyway. Cover her anyway. Pursue her anyway.

Because Jesus met Thomas in his doubt — and called him blessed.

When Consecration Costs: The Lessons of Samson for a Self-Exalted Age

There are moments in prayer when heaven presses a story into your spirit so deeply that it feels as though the text itself breathes. Recently, as I lingered before the Lord, He led me into the life of Samson—a man chosen, consecrated, and set apart, yet undone by compromise.

The Scriptures tell us: “They gouged out his eyes and made sport of him.” Those words are not just about physical blindness; they represent the tragedy of squandered destiny. Samson was no ordinary man. He was born after forty years of Israel’s oppression, announced by an angel, and consecrated from the womb. His very existence was heaven’s answer to a national cry. Samson wasn’t just gifted—he was sent. Yet, though consecrated, he lived carelessly with what was sacred.

Again and again, Samson relied on the residue of past encounters with the Spirit, shaking himself as though the anointing were his personal possession. But there came a day when he rose to fight, and the Word declares: “He did not know that the Lord had departed from him.” That line pierces me still. How often do we treat lightly what heaven has required of us, assuming grace will cover what obedience was meant to secure?

Samson’s final act in the temple of Dagon is often celebrated—“he killed more in his death than in his life.” Yet was that really victory? His death was dramatic, yes, but it was not fulfillment. He was called to deliver Israel, not simply to collapse with his enemies. His incomplete obedience left a nation vulnerable. One man’s inability to honor the cost of his calling had generational consequences.

Even in his brokenness, Samson prayed, “Lord, remember me.” But his prayer was not for Israel’s deliverance—it was for personal vengeance. He asked a little boy to place him between the pillars, never realizing that the boy’s simple act of support would also seal his own fate. How many lives were lost that day because of one man’s self-seeking act? Samson’s story is sobering: calling is not about us, and our failures affect more than ourselves.

And yet—does this not mirror our culture today? In 2025, we live in a world that exalts self above surrender. We brand disobedience as freedom, call self-promotion destiny, and measure worth by applause rather than alignment. We love to boast, “My flex is that God never took his hand off of me” or “everything attached to me wins”—but is that truly the testimony of consecration? Jesus said plainly: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whoever does not is not worthy of me.”

The truth is sobering: our lives are not our own. When God sets us apart, we no longer get to live casually. There are places we cannot go, relationships we can’t be entangled with, and shortcuts we cannot take—not because God is cruel, but because destiny requires consecration. To whom much is given, much is required. Samson forgot that. We must not.

If Samson teaches us anything, it is this: the call of God is holy, and to treat it lightly is to invite ruin. May we not die with unfulfilled purpose. May we not confuse grace for permission. And may we, above all, embrace the cost of our calling—because obedience, not self, is the true mark of power.

✊✋✌️ Rock, Paper, Scissors — and the Blueprint That Still Stands

Choosing Purpose Over Peace in Marriage

In the children’s game Rock, Paper, Scissors, each move beats something and loses to something else. Paper covers rock. Rock crushes scissors. Scissors cut paper.

But in God’s kingdom, when it comes to building marriage and family, there’s only one winning move: the Rock.

Not the rock of stubbornness. Not the rock of “my way or no way.”

The Rock that Jesus spoke of when He told Peter:

“Upon this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)

That rock was revelation from the Father. Not feelings. Not cultural trends. Not even the desire to “just keep the peace.”

🪨 Rock — Building on Purpose & Revelation

In Genesis, Adam recognized Eve not through trial and error or dating compatibility tests, but through a God-given revelation:

“This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.” (Genesis 2:23)

God’s blueprint for marriage has always been purpose + revelation. Adam and Eve were created to walk in dominion, multiply, and steward God’s creation — not just to meet each other’s emotional needs.

When you build your marriage on the Rock (Christ and His word), storms can beat against it, but it will stand (Matthew 7:24-25).

📄 Paper — The Illusion of Peace

In the game, paper covers rock — and in life, paper-thin peace can temporarily cover cracks in a relationship.

But Jesus warned us:

“Do not think that I came to bring peace; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. A man’s enemies will be members of his own household.” (Matthew 10:34-36)

Choosing peace over purpose can look noble but is often dangerous. Peace without truth is fragile — it folds under pressure. The sword Jesus brings is His word, cutting between truth and falsehood, purpose and pretense.

A marriage built only on keeping the peace will crumble when conflict tests it.

✂️ Scissors — Cutting with Emotions & Realism

Scissors represent the sharp, reactive choices we make out of hurt, fear, or so-called “realism.”

Emotions are powerful, but they are not the foundation. Realism can help you plan, but it cannot reveal God’s purpose. Peter didn’t figure out Jesus’ identity with logic or emotion — he received revelation from the Father.

If scissors become your go-to move in marriage — always cutting away when things get hard — you may sever what God joined together.

🔑 The Winning Move in Life and Marriage

If marriage is Rock, Paper, Scissors, the blueprint of God’s kingdom flips the rules: The Rock always wins.

• Paper peace without purpose? The Rock still stands.

• Scissor emotions trying to cut covenant? The Rock still stands.

• Culture’s redefinitions? The Rock still stands.

Like Noah, we must build exactly according to God’s instructions — even when people laugh, misunderstand, or walk away. Because when the floods come, only the marriage built on the Rock will remain.

🕊️The blueprint still stands — and Heaven still backs what it designed.

When the Story Doesn’t End the Way You Thought

Are you the one?

There’s a heartbreak many of us don’t talk about — when the ending we hoped for never comes.

John the Baptist knew Jesus. Not just from a distance — he was family. He leapt in the womb when Mary walked in the room. He heard God say, “The one you see the Spirit descend on — that’s the One.” He baptized Jesus. He saw heaven open. He declared, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”

John knew.

I knew.

But later, locked in a prison cell, with death around the corner and no miracle in sight, John the Baptist sends his disciples to ask Jesus: “Are you the one, or should we look for another?”

"Did I miss God?"
"Was this ever real?"
"Why would He let the story end like this?"

Wait… what?

How do you go from being the forerunner of Christ to questioning everything you believed?

Because the story didn’t end the way he thought it would.

And maybe that’s where you are. You knew God spoke. You were sure God promised. You thought they were “the one.” You poured into a relationship, a marriage, a ministry — only for it to end in betrayal, abandonment, or silence. You labored, supported, and stood in faith… only for them to marry someone else, walk away, or leave you wondering if it was all in vain.

You were certain that God said it — so why didn’t He rescue it?

That’s what John was wrestling with. He had done everything right. He prepared the way. He fulfilled his calling. Yet Jesus didn’t show up to rescue him from prison. No open doors. No dramatic deliverance. Just silence.

And in that silence, doubt crept in.

But here’s what Jesus does in response — He doesn’t rebuke John’s doubt. He honors his faith.

He tells the messengers: “Go back and tell John what you’ve seen — the blind see, the lame walk, the dead are raised, and the gospel is preached to the poor. And blessed is the one who is not offended by Me.”

Translation: “Yes, John. I’m still the One. Even if I don’t come get you.”

Friend, even if the story didn’t end how you thought… even if they walked away… even if the promise didn’t come wrapped the way you imagined — God is still who He said He is.

Don’t let the heartbreak cause you to doubt the promise.

Don’t let the silence make you question what you heard in the Spirit.

Jesus didn’t fail John — and He hasn’t failed you. His ways are higher. His timing is perfect.

Because just like John, even if the story ended — it didn’t end without purpose.

Trust God with the outcome.

Because He sees the full story — and He’s still writing yours.

Gleaning like Ruth

Gleaning Like Ruth — My Journey to the Seat of Expectation

Over the past 2.5 years, I’ve lived in a quiet place like in a box waiting to be given. It hasn’t come with flashing lights or loud announcements, but through the gentle, intentional gathering of wisdom—gleaning in the fields like Ruth. As she faithfully labored behind the reapers, God instructed me to stay in place, to prepare, and to gather what He left for me on purpose.

I’m preparing for marriage—not just a wedding, but covenant. And like Ruth, I’ve learned that the field is where God matures you for Boaz, not because of him. I am waiting for my kinsman redeemer, but I’m not waiting aimlessly. I’m waiting while working. Watching. Listening. Healing. Growing.

One of the greatest gifts during this season has been the voices God used to deposit truth in me. I’m grateful for Pastor John Hannah, Pastor Darius Daniels, Sarah Jakes Roberts and her husband Touré, Apostle Matthew Stevenson III, and Pastor Keion Henderson. These shepherds have watered my spirit and clarified my preparation.

From Pastor Darius Daniels, I learned that “you decrease self-sabotage by increasing self-awareness.” That sentence alone rerouted so many of my decisions. I stayed focused on every prophetic promise. I drowned all my fears. I showed up with unconditional love. I was naked and not ashamed. I waited patiently to be chosen. He also reminded me that “truth without love is mean, love without truth is meaningless, but truth in love is medicine.” Medicine doesn’t always taste good, but it heals—and I’ve taken every dose that friendship, sermons, and silence have given me.

In his message We’ve Got Work To Do, Pastor Darius made it plain: “The devil doesn’t care if you find a person—he just doesn’t want you to find your person.” That shook me. I stopped entertaining options that diluted my purpose. I realized that compatibility isn’t confirmation.

Apostle Matthew Stevenson III challenged my emotions when he said, “The worst place to be found is in your feelings when your future comes knocking at your door.” That was a full stop for me. I began allowing the Spirit, not my feelings, to govern my decisions. Feelings fade. Futures don’t.

His teaching on “The Two” helped me understand that real covenant holds you accountable to the best version of you. Not your comfort zone, not your survival mode—the healed, whole, called you. That’s who I’m preparing to present.

Pastor Keion Henderson’s message Built to Last reminded me that “In this next season of your life, God is calling you to cure what they used to call you.” I’m not who I was. I’ve grown into the kind of woman who can love, lead, and receive. He also emphasized “attention to the details.” Marriage isn’t just chemistry, it’s construction. Details matter.

From Pastor John Hannah, I gleaned a bold truth in The Seat of Expectation: “You didn’t choose that seat—God chose it for you.” He knew I could handle the pruning and the preparation. I now expect what God promised—not from entitlement, but from intimacy. He’s a Father who keeps His word.

Sarah Jakes Roberts and Touré Roberts taught me to claim my inheritance. This is not my story—it’s God’s. He wrote it. I’m just agreeing with the script. As Sarah said: “Stop acting like your destiny is optional. Your destiny is non-negotiable.” And I now walk like it.

This season has taught me that waiting is not wasting. Preparation is not punishment. I’m not desperate—I’m discerning. I’m not stuck—I’m being strategically placed. And like Ruth, I’m not gleaning forever. The Redeemer is on His way. And I’ll be ready. God will remember me like he remembered Ruth with no promise for her future in sight but she sowed.

Takeaway:
Every sermon, every tear, every step has been part of God’s choreography. I didn’t find crumbs in the field—I found covenant instructions. I am becoming the woman that my person will pray for. Until he comes, I will keep gleaning… with expectation.

I see you now

Dear 13-Year-Old Marie,

I want to begin by saying something I couldn’t say then—I love you. I didn’t know how to at the time. I couldn’t see how rare and radiant you truly were. You were the youngest of four, tucked inside a home full of broken pieces, with a mother whose heart was shattered and unaware of her own worth. Because she couldn’t see her beauty, she couldn’t show yours.

But I see you now—sitting on that front porch, wearing that golden yellow, white, and navy striped Esprit dress. The sun is fading, and you’re racing against it to finish your homework. No lamp, no fanfare, just you and your quiet determination. That moment didn’t feel golden back then—but it glows now, forty years later, as I entered this 53rd chapter of my life. I never thought I’d live to see this day, and yet here I am, not just alive, but awakened to you—the girl I never celebrated, but who was the gift all along.

You didn’t laugh much. You didn’t have sleepovers, phone calls, balloons, candles, cake, or gifts. But you were the gift, Marie. Not because of what you had, but because of who you were becoming.

You searched for your worth in faces that resembled your own, hoping someone would reflect your value back to you. But what you didn’t know was that your brown eyes, the ones you thought were just ordinary, would one day be the very eyes through which God would show you the unseen. You would grow to see what others missed—hope buried in despair, beauty rising from ashes.

Your hands weren’t like theirs, because they weren’t meant to be. They would one day hold the broken, lift the fallen, and write truth that touches hearts. Your fingerprints would leave marks that could never be erased—because they’d been pressed into the lives of others by the very hand of God.

Your heart—sweet girl—it was branded in the furnace of affliction. Every tear became oil. Every wound became a well. You grew in the soil of rejection, and instead of turning bitter, you bloomed. You loved deeper because you had been deeply wounded. And it was that very rejection that led you to the arms of Jesus. It’s in those arms you have been pushed back into even now.

Your legs were not made to run with the crowd. They were made to stand strong like mighty oak trees, planted by the waters. No one stood up for you, so you stood for yourself—and became what you needed most. You grew roots. You became unshakable.

Your feet—small but firm—chose a path few could see. You didn’t follow the voice of the enemy, even when it echoed loudest. You walked alone, but you weren’t truly alone. God led you the long way around because He had to teach you how to fight. How to hold on. How not to give up on what—and who—you loved.

When you didn’t know how to love yourself, God gave you your children. At five years old, you said you’d have five babies—and you did. Each child taught you something sacred. And in the process, God taught you how to mother—not just them, but yourself.

You didn’t end your life at 13, though the thought came. And at 30, pregnant with your last son, you almost gave up again. But that’s when purpose began to crown. That’s when the promises, the prophecies, the words spoken over your life began to breathe and make sense. That’s when you gave birth to not just your son but your purpose.

All the weight you carried built strength in your arms. You didn't know how strong you were until you had to hold on to the altar when life came to pluck everything out of yours arms you loved. That’s why you never gave up on love, marriage, family, or your inheritance. You’ve learned to love yourself because you finally understood how much Jesus loves you.

And now, because of that love, you can tell others: Keep going. God is taking you somewhere sacred. There’s an appointment at the altar with the Father, and this time—it’s forever.

You laid your dreams down when they felt dead. You gave God your ashes when you wanted to die. And in exchange, He gave you beauty.

So today, I honor you—not just for surviving, but for becoming. I see you now, my dear one. And I love you—with all that I am.

Forever yours,

Marie

The "X" Factor

She Is the X Factor

In algebra, “X” often represents the unknown — a missing piece that changes the entire equation once it’s found. In culture, the “X factor” is that mysterious, indescribable quality that sets someone apart — the edge that can’t be measured, only felt. Spiritually, in God’s original design, woman was and still is the X factor — not an afterthought, but the finishing touch that completed and multiplied the potential of man.

When God created Adam, He gave him dominion, purpose, and provision. Yet, God Himself declared that it was “not good for man to be alone.” Not because Adam lacked identity, but because his assignment lacked expansion. So, God didn’t make a clone — He made a complement. He reached into Adam and pulled out something sacred: Eve. Formed from his side, not his feet or his head, she was made to walk with him, not beneath him or above him — a divine partner in purpose.

Biologically, the symbolism is profound. Adam had both X and Y chromosomes, but Eve was given two X chromosomes — a multiplication of what was in him. God doubled what man carried in part and introduced something man did not have: a womb — a vessel of life, legacy, and multiplication. God didn’t just add a woman to Adam’s life — He introduced the possibility of exponential impact.

The instruction was clear: “Be fruitful and multiply.” Fruitfulness doesn’t just come from presence — it comes from union. From covenant. From alignment. That’s why Scripture says, “One can chase a thousand, but two can put ten thousand to flight.” That’s not simple addition — that’s divine multiplication. That’s the power of the X factor.

But in today’s red-pill culture, marriage is often mocked, especially by men. They’re taught that a wife is a burden, that commitment is a trap, and that masculinity must be preserved through independence. Yet Proverbs 18:22 tells a different story:

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”

Favor. That’s not just companionship — that’s heaven’s backing. A wife, when walking in alignment with God’s design, brings access to dimensions of grace, strategy, discernment, and spiritual covering that man alone cannot manufacture. She’s not a liability — she’s a launchpad. Not just an add-on — but the X factor that shifts the atmosphere, the vision, and the outcome.

She is the multiplier. The incubator. The intercessor. The mirror that reflects not just what is, but what could be. She can take a house and make it a home. Take a seed and produce a legacy. Take vision and give it voice.

So, to every man questioning the value of a wife in today’s culture: She is not your opponent — she is your advantage. And to every woman feeling unseen or undervalued: You are not optional — you are essential. We are essential as one. 

You are the X factor.

I am the “X” Factor.

The "Y" Combinator

🔬“Finding the Y: How God Wrote Divine Partnership into Our DNA”

In today’s world of dating apps and algorithms, people are constantly trying to solve the mystery of love and connection like a formula. But what if the divine code for partnership was already embedded in our spiritual and biological DNA?

When God created Adam, He gave him everything—dominion, resources, and purpose. That purpose was Adam’s spiritual “Y combinator”—the internal function that powered his identity and destiny. In computer science, the Y combinator is a function that enables recursion—a way for a system to call itself, grow, and build. Likewise, Adam’s “Y” was the part of him that carried the ability to fulfill God’s plan and reproduce purpose.

But even in a perfect environment, God said, “It is not good for man to be alone.” Adam didn’t ask for help—God saw the void and drew the solution from within him. Eve wasn’t added; she was multipled from Adam’s side. This wasn’t romance—it was divine design.

⚙️ The Divine Algorithm

We often try to “solve” relationships like equations:

• If he has x + y = success, does that make him the one?

• If she looks like x and has y values, is she suitable?
  

But God’s algorithm isn’t about compatibility—it’s about purpose alignment. Spiritually and biologically, God hid wisdom in the details. The male carries the XY chromosome, while the female carries XX. It’s the male’s Y that determines the sex of the child. Naturally and spiritually, the male carries the key to direction and identity.

Without knowing his “why,” a man can produce children but not purpose. His “Y” isn’t just a chromosome—it’s a calling. When a man finds his why, he begins to live with vision. That “Y” determines where he’s going—and who is assigned to go with him.

👩🏽‍🤝‍👨🏾 The Woman: Pulled From Purpose

Eve wasn’t found—she was presented. Not based on Adam’s feelings or preferences, but from what God saw he lacked. She wasn’t created to complete a man—she was created to complement him. To amplify what was already inside of him.

This is why men must be careful not to let influence, success, or wealth blind them into thinking they no longer need what God called “help.” A man’s elevation doesn’t remove his need for divine partnership—it magnifies it.

🧠 Heaven’s Matchmaking Isn’t Mechanical

God didn’t use a formula or a compatibility quiz. He didn’t even ask Adam. He looked at His design, saw the need, and solved the problem with a solution- a woman.

So before searching for someone to solve your loneliness or fit your checklist, ask yourself: Do I know my “Y”? Do I understand the purpose I’m called to multiply?

Because just like the Y chromosome determines a child’s identity, your spiritual “why” determines your destiny. And when your “why” is clear, so is your “who.”

The Pearl of Great Price

The Pearl of Great Price – I’m Not Like Them

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” — Matthew 13:45-46

I’m not like them.
And I’ve stopped apologizing for that.

I’m as unique as you.
As rare as that pearl the merchant sold everything to possess.

The Pearl of Great Price is more than a parable — it’s a prophetic picture of our value, especially when life’s trials have tried to convince us otherwise. In Matthew 13, Jesus describes a merchant who stumbles upon a pearl so precious, so rare, that he’s willing to give up everything to have it. He knows its worth. That pearl wasn’t ordinary. And neither am I.

How Pearls Are Formed: The Power of the Irritant

Unlike diamonds that are cut from stone, pearls are formed in response to irritation. A grain of sand, a parasite, or some tiny foreign object finds its way inside the oyster’s shell. The oyster doesn’t reject the pain — it responds by coating the irritant over and over with nacre, the very substance that forms the pearl.

That irritant — the very thing that doesn’t belong — becomes the starting point of beauty.

In the same way, I think of my broken pieces blog, and the many experiences I’ve shared on mariemuhammadspeaks.org — seasons of grief, betrayal, abandonment, emotional storms, and spiritual refining. Life didn’t hand me ease, but it did hand me raw material. Irritants.

Like a pearl, those irritants were not signs of failure, but invitations to be formed.
God didn’t waste a single one. He layered them with grace, with healing, with wisdom, until they became beauty.

Adversity Doesn't Diminish Us — It Develops Us

I used to question my worth in relationships — wondering if my scars made me less worthy of love, commitment, or protection. But I’ve learned something deeper:
It’s the very things I’ve overcome that make me valuable, not defective.

The kingdom of God sees value differently. He doesn’t discard the broken; He transforms them. The world may view adversity as a deficit — but heaven sees it as raw potential. When we allow God to touch our pain, He makes everything beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11). He gives beauty for ashes (Isaiah 61:3). And He teaches us how to see ourselves through His eyes, not through our history.

You Are Worth the Pursuit

If a merchant was willing to sell everything just to buy one pearl, what does that say about how God sees you?
What does that say about your worth in relationships?

You are not disposable.
You are not common.
You are not "too much" or "not enough."
You are a pearl of great price.

Relationships that require you to shrink, hide your past, or silence your growth are not worthy of the pearl God has formed in you. The right people — whether friends, partners, or mentors — will see the beauty behind your layers, not just the surface.

I’m Not Like Them — And Neither Are You

We weren’t made to be replicas.
We were made to be rare.

We were shaped through adversity, refined by faith, and sealed by God's purpose. The pearl isn’t made in a day. Neither are we. But in the process, we gain something more precious than gold — we gain identity, resilience, and anointing.

So today, I remind you (and myself):
You are the Pearl of Great Price.

You were bought with a price.
You are not like them — you were never meant to be.

—

Plan B Is Not an Option

Plan B Is Not an Option: Protecting the Purpose of God in Your Relationship

In today’s culture, the idea of “Plan B” has become both a medical term and a mindset. It’s the backup plan, the escape hatch, the safety net when we’re unsure. But what if I told you that Plan B can spiritually sabotage something God has conceived for your destiny—especially when it comes to relationships?

I know this firsthand.

🔍 A Personal Miracle

When I became pregnant with my daughter, I didn’t know it right away. Out of fear and uncertainty, I took a Plan B pill, not realizing that life had already begun. That little zygote, that new life, should not have survived the hormonal disruption meant to prevent implantation. But God preserved her. It was nothing short of a miracle.

The Plan B pill doesn’t end a pregnancy. Instead, it interferes with progesterone, the very hormone that secures the uterine lining so the new life can attach and grow. Without progesterone, the embryo often cannot implant, and the pregnancy is lost before it begins.

This biological truth mirrors a spiritual reality I’ve seen in many relationships, especially those that God has purposed.

⚠️ Plan B Thinking in Relationships

In relationships, Plan B thinking looks like:

• Keeping your options open “just in case”

• Letting past trauma dictate your trust levels

• Listening more to culture’s opinions than to God’s voice

• Dating without purpose, identity, or spiritual agreement

Many couples today are spiritually intimate but emotionally undecided. They lack the revelation of identity—not just of themselves, but of who their partner is to them in God’s plan.

Just like a zygote needs progesterone to implant and grow, a relationship needs revelation to root and thrive.

🪨 The Rock of Revelation

Jesus once asked His disciples, “Who do men say I am?” After they gave Him a list of public opinions, He made it personal:
“But who do you say that I am?”

Only Peter answered with heaven’s revelation:

“You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”
Jesus replied, “Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father in heaven. And upon this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:13–18)

It was not Peter the man that became the foundation—it was the revelation Peter had. In the same way, a couple must know by divine revelation who they are to each other. This is the only kind of foundation that can survive the gates of hell.

🌊 Violent Storms & Thin Linings

There are times when storms of life—conflict, temptation, outside voices, spiritual warfare—come to violently tear at the lining of a relationship. When there is no revelation, and when people are still entertaining Plan B, the relationship can be miscarried. Some relationships end before it ever has a chance to take root.

Relationships in their embryonic stages are especially vulnerable. The enemy doesn’t wait until you're married to attack—he often comes when purpose is just forming.

🧱 Building with Purpose

If you're dating or in a new relationship:

• Ask God for revelation, not just feelings.

• Know the purpose of your union—what is God trying to birth through this relationship?

• Seal it with prayer, community, and wise counsel.

• Don’t entertain options that look like security but are really escape routes.

• Don’t let fear cause you to abort what God is trying to conceive.

✨ No More Plan B

Let me say this plainly: Plan B is not an option when you're walking in purpose.

Whether you're single, dating, or married, remember: you don’t need a backup plan when God is your blueprint. If He is the author, let Him finish the story. Your relationship deserves the security of revelation, the protection of faith, and the strength of commitment.

Guard the lining. Secure the vision. Choose God's plan—Plan A.

Because sometimes, like my daughter, what survives despite Plan B becomes your greatest miracle.

A Call to Wisdom for This Generation

King Solomon: Wisdom for a New Era

One of the first things King Solomon quickly realized was that he was not his father, King David. David had to fight battles to establish the kingdom, building it with his own hands and defending it with his life. Because of David’s efforts and faithfulness, Solomon inherited a reign marked by peace and prosperity.

However, Solomon also quickly recognized that maintaining peace and prosperity would require a different kind of leadership—one rooted in wisdom rather than war.

When given the opportunity to ask God for anything, Solomon didn’t ask for riches, military strength, or even the downfall of his enemies. Instead, he humbly acknowledged his limitations. He knew he lacked the tools necessary to lead such a great nation, so he asked for something only God could give: wisdom.

Let’s eavesdrop on the remarkable conversation Solomon had with God in a dream:

1 Kings 3:5-14 (The Message)

“That night, there in Gibeon, God appeared to Solomon in a dream: God said, ‘What can I give you? Ask.’

Solomon said, ‘You were extravagantly generous in love with David my father, and he lived faithfully in your presence, his relationships were just, and his heart was right. And you have persisted in this great and generous love by giving him—this very day!—a son to sit on his throne.’

‘And now here I am: God, my God, you have made me, your servant, ruler of the kingdom in place of David my father. I’m too young for this, a mere child! I don’t know the ropes, hardly know the “ins” and “outs” of this job. And here I am, set down in the middle of the people you’ve chosen, a great people—far too many to ever count.’

‘Here’s what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?’

*God, the Master, was delighted with Solomon’s response. And God said to him, ‘Because you have asked for this and haven’t grasped after a long life, or riches, or the doom of your enemies, but you have asked for the ability to lead and govern well, I’ll give you what you’ve asked for—I’m giving you a wise and mature heart. There’s never been one like you before; and there’ll be no one after. As a bonus, I’m giving you both the wealth and glory you didn’t ask for—there’s not a king anywhere who will come up to your mark. And if you stay on course, keeping your eye on the life-map and the God-signs as your father David did, I’ll also give you a long life.’”

The Wisdom to Lead in a New Era

Solomon’s request teaches us a profound lesson. He recognized where he was lacking and didn’t ask for more of what he already had—like wealth or influence. Instead, he sought something that money or power could never buy: wisdom. He understood that the strategies that worked for his father, King David, wouldn’t work for him. A peaceful kingdom required a different approach, one rooted in discernment, fairness, and understanding.

Wisdom for Today’s Leaders

As God raises up new leaders in this era, we desperately need a fresh paradigm and divine wisdom to go in and out among the people. We are living in a time when many are treating life like a movie script. People are shaping their relationship goals, life choices, and decisions based on influencers and personalities on social media.

The world is captivated by a facade—living life like a reality show, while the reality is anything but real. This cultural shift is creating a generation that lacks depth, discernment, and true purpose. To lead effectively in this environment, leaders must possess the wisdom of God to discern between truth and illusion, between good and evil, and to navigate the complexities of this generation.

Solomon’s Most Famous Judgment

One of Solomon’s most notable demonstrations of wisdom came in the case of two women disputing over a child. Their story is as tragic as it is shocking.

The women lived together, and each gave birth to a baby. Tragically, one of the babies died during the night. The mother of the dead child switched the infants, claiming the living child as her own. The real mother protested, and they brought the case before Solomon.

Now, hold up—this isn’t some sanitized story or a Disney moment. This is raw, human tragedy. Imagine the pain and desperation of these women. One had lost her child, and the other was fighting to keep hers.

What makes this moment even more profound is Solomon’s method. He called for a sword and suggested cutting the child in two, giving half to each woman. The true mother, filled with compassion, immediately begged the king to let the other woman have the child—just so he could live.

Through this act of discernment, Solomon revealed the true mother and restored justice.

Lessons from Solomon’s Wisdom

1. Know What You Lack
   Solomon’s first step toward wisdom was recognizing his own limitations. He didn’t try to lead based on assumptions or pride. He humbled himself before God and sought divine guidance.

2. Seek What Money Can’t Buy
   In our modern world, we often chase after wealth, success, or recognition. Solomon reminds us that true success comes from pursuing wisdom, understanding, and a heart aligned with God.

3. Discernment Requires Courage
   Solomon’s wisdom wasn’t passive—it was active and decisive. True wisdom often requires us to make tough decisions, even when the answers aren’t immediately clear.

4. Your Strategy May Differ from Others
   David fought battles to establish the kingdom; Solomon ruled with wisdom to sustain it. Just because someone else succeeded one way doesn’t mean your path will look the same. Seek God for the strategy that fits your season.

5. Lead with a God-Listening Heart
   Solomon’s request for a God-listening heart is a reminder that leadership begins with listening—listening to God, to His word, and to the people you are called to serve.

A Call to Wisdom for This Generation

This generation is facing challenges unique to its time—challenges that require leaders with wisdom, integrity, and discernment. As leaders, parents, and influencers, we are called to rise above the noise of social media and cultural trends to seek God’s guidance.

Solomon’s story challenges us to reflect on our own leadership—whether in our families, workplaces, or communities. Are we relying on our own understanding, or are we seeking God for wisdom to lead well?

Just as Solomon’s wisdom shaped his kingdom, your decisions have the power to impact generations. Choose wisely. Seek understanding. And remember, the same God who gave Solomon a wise and discerning heart is ready to guide you too.

Dying to Live again

I truly love, to truly become one in marriage, we must first learn to die to ourselves. The Word says, though our outward man is perishing every day, inwardly we are being renewed day by day. God builds us and increases us first from the inside out. So many are getting it wrong when it comes to dating. God is love. He placed within the heart of man the desire for love, yet so many of us seek it in the wrong places. Eventually, we come broken, like children who have shattered their favorite toy, hoping our Father can put it back together again. But, what about going to Him first, the one who is love.

I have learned, as someone who has never dated in the traditional sense, that love is not about grand gestures or picture-perfect moments. I have never been wooed, wined, and dined. I have no memories or photos of extravagant vacations with the love of my life, not even from my first marriage. We didn’t celebrate our first anniversary. I have no Valentine’s Day pictures, never danced all night, never stayed on the phone as a teenager whispering, "You hang up first." Yet, I have dreamed of a love that lasts forever—a love that endures all things, believes all things, and conquers all things.

Every since I accepted Christ in my life, I have been dying to live again. Jesus said that whoever finds their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for His sake will find it. I have poured out my life as an offering, believing that God will fill it with the life He always intended for me. William McDowell has a song called Empty Me, where he expresses the desire to be emptied so that God can pour in something greater. In the same way, when we have done whatever Jesus has commanded us to do, He will flood our lives with the new wine—the wine that makes dying to live again worth the sacrifice.

Couples often spend their courtship intoxicated by romance and oxytocin, but real love is built on sacrifice. When you spend the foundation of your relationship laying down your life for one another, discussing the hard topics, and planning with an awareness that every past and present decision will affect your future together, then you begin to understand why you must die to live again. Love, marriage, and unity require the death of self so that something greater can be born. Its about laying your lives down to fulfill your kingdom assignment together.

So many couples struggle because they are unwilling to die to themselves. They hold tightly to their independence, their desires, their way of doing things, and they resist the transformation that love requires. Yet, marriage calls us to surrender—to release selfishness and embrace oneness. It requires forgiveness, humility, and an unwavering commitment to growth. Without dying to self, there can be no true unity.

The breaking, the stretching, and the surrender are not in vain. They prepare us for something greater. When two people willingly die to themselves for the sake of love, they are resurrected into a union that is stronger, deeper, and more beautiful than anything they could have achieved alone. In Christ, in love, and in marriage, we must die to live again.

Hidden in Plain sight

Title: Hidden in Plain Sight for Purpose: Waiting to Be Revealed

In a world where visibility is often mistaken for value, it’s easy to wonder why your gifts seem unnoticed, your prayers unanswered, or your purpose delayed. But what if you're not overlooked… just hidden in plain sight? What if your current obscurity is the evidence of God’s intentionality—not a punishment, but a preparation?

God hides what is holy—even in plain view.
He conceals what carries weight—until the time is right to carry it.
He shields what is necessary—until the moment it must be revealed.

Look at Katherine Johnson from Hidden Figures—a brilliant mathematician, a Black woman quietly solving equations that would carry a man into orbit and bring him home alive. Her mind was unmatched, her calculations critical. Yet, she was tucked away behind the curtain of history, working in silence while others took the spotlight. Hidden? Yes. But not forgotten. She was hidden in plain sight—until history needed what only she could offer.

The same is true of you.

You may be overlooked by people, but never by purpose. You may feel tucked behind the scenes, but heaven is watching every move. Just like the intricate math that ensured reentry from space, your life is being aligned with supernatural precision. Every detail—your timing, your training, your tears—is being calculated by the One who knows the end from the beginning.

You are not invisible. You are intentionally undisclosed.

Scripture gives us another glimpse of this divine pattern. In 2 Kings 11, Joash—the rightful king—was hidden in the temple for six years. He wasn’t lost; he was preserved. While chaos reigned under Athaliah, God had tucked away the true heir, raising him in secret until the time of coronation. He, too, was hidden in plain sight for a purpose.

This same divine strategy applies to relationships.

When God ordains a union for kingdom impact—whether in marriage, ministry, or mission—He often hides both parties from each other and premature exposure. Why? Because what they carry together is too weighty to be mishandled by immature timing or spiritual sabotage. What seems like a delay is divine calculations.

Divine relationships are not built on impulse—they are authored by instruction.
They don’t emerge from convenience—they rise from covenant.

Just as John Glenn refused to launch without Katherine’s confirmation, God is waiting for everything to align before revealing what’s been hidden. One wrong move, and the mission fails. Enter too soon, and the relationship burns in reentry. So God hides. And watches. And waits.

So if you feel unseen—like Katherine working in shadows, or Joash sheltered in silence—take heart. You are not buried; you are planted. You are not forgotten; you are being formed. You are not denied; you are being destined.

You are hidden in plain sight for a purpose.
You are necessary to the assignment.
You are waiting to be revealed, right on time.

Every unanswered prayer, every delay, every detour is a part of the divine equation. And when the moment comes, the world will see what heaven already knows:

That you were created on purpose, for purpose, and hidden in plain sight to be revealed in glory.

Wait with confidence. Grow in grace. Trust the God who sees when no one else does. Because the One who hides you… is the same One who will unveil you.

Protecting Hearts and Building Legacy

The Battle Against Provocation

Have you ever felt provoked—not just by those around you but by Satan himself? If we’re honest, many of us have faced moments where the enemy sought to provoke us into actions that could derail our purpose. But as Scripture says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). What resides in our hearts will manifest when pressure arises.

This truth was revealed in my own life during a dark season when I was tempted to respond to hurt with bitterness and evil. I will never forget a pivotal moment when a prophet called me out and declared that I was at a crossroads—a choice to surrender my whole heart to God or allow the enemy to use my pain for destruction. God, in His mercy, exposed my heart and drew me back to Him before I could fall into self-sabotage.

Likewise, David’s heart was exposed when Satan provoked him to number the people of Israel, an act rooted in pride and self-reliance. This moment reminds us that leadership demands humility, self-awareness, and submission to God. Provocation is inevitable, but how we respond determines the course of our lives and those we influence.

Guarding Against Pride and Self-Sabotage

David’s decision to number Israel in 1 Chronicles 21 was a tragic example of pride overtaking purpose. His focus shifted from God to his own achievements, much like how today’s leaders may obsess over social media followers, public accolades, or worldly success. These distractions can lead us to measure our worth by external validation rather than God’s approval.

As leaders, parents, and entrepreneurs, we must guard against this trap. The applause of man can never replace the presence of God. David’s failure shows us the cost of misplaced priorities—God’s displeasure and suffering for the people under his leadership.

We must ask ourselves: Are we leading for God’s glory or our own? Are we prioritizing the well-being of those we serve, or are we building platforms that exalt ourselves? Like David, we are accountable for our decisions, and their ripple effects extend to our families, teams, and communities.

The Weight of Leadership

The consequences of David’s pride were devastating. Though God forgave him, seventy thousand lives were lost because of his decision. This sobering reality reminds us that leadership carries generational weight. Our choices today impact not only us but also those who come after us.

As we lead, we must continually seek God’s wisdom and weigh the cost of our decisions. We cannot afford to act impulsively or selfishly. Instead, we must humble ourselves and trust God with the lives, relationships, and businesses He has entrusted to our care.

David’s plea to fall into God’s hands rather than man’s shows us an important truth: God’s mercy is great, even when we fall short. But the story also warns us that the consequences of sin, even forgiven sin, can be far-reaching.

Resisting the Enemy’s Agenda

Satan’s agenda is clear—to provoke, deceive, and destroy. He seeks to exploit our weaknesses, distort our motives, and lead us into pride and self-sabotage. But God calls us to resist the enemy’s schemes by staying rooted in His Word, remaining self-aware, and trusting Him with our hearts and responsibilities.

In my family’s history, I have seen how God can take what the enemy meant for evil and use it for His glory. My great-grandfather, the world remembers as the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, became one of the most influential leaders of his time, using his gift of influence to build a platform that impacted countless lives. However, pride distorted the purpose of that platform, leading to teachings that elevated man above God. This serves as a cautionary tale of how easily influence can be misused when we seek the approval of man over God’s truth.

As leaders, we must remain vigilant, ensuring that our platforms, relationships, and businesses reflect God’s glory rather than our own agendas. Success is not measured by the size of our following or the rooms we enter but by our faithfulness to God’s calling and the condition of our hearts.

Protecting Hearts and Building Legacy

The “issues of life” flow from our hearts (Proverbs 4:23), and as leaders, parents, and spouses, we must guard our hearts diligently. When we allow bitterness, pride, or fear to take root, it affects not only us but also those we are called to serve and protect. As we steward our relationships and responsibilities, we must protect the hearts of those under our care, just as God protects ours.

David’s story teaches us the importance of humility, repentance, and reliance on God. As we move forward, let us proceed with caution, recognizing the weight of our decisions and trusting God to guide us.

Great men and women are born for the times they are needed most. To be effective in our purpose, we must remain humble, self-aware, and submitted to God’s will. Let us decrease so that He may increase, shining His light through us as living epistles read by all men. Only then can we fulfill our calling and leave a legacy that glorifies God and blesses future generations.

Restoring Hope to Foster Children: A Nehemiah Vision for Rebuilding Generations

Restoring Hope to Foster Children: A Nehemiah Vision for Rebuilding Generations

In the story of Nehemiah, his burden for the broken walls of Jerusalem is a powerful illustration of divine purpose, compassion, and transformation. Despite 400 years of destruction and neglect, Nehemiah was willing to stand in the gap, weep before God, and act on his burden that led to rebuilding the city walls—a task no one else had attempted with such resolve. This is also my burden, resolve and call. I have stood in the gap for years weeping that God would do the same with my organization. His story reminds us that when God stirs a heart with a burden, He also provides the favor, resources, and strength to accomplish the task, even in the face of adversity.

Our vision will address the ashes left by the systemic failures of foster care is a modern reflection of Nehemiah’s work. Like Jerusalem’s walls, the foundation of care and support for foster children has crumbled, leaving generations vulnerable to cycles of pain and hopelessness. But, as Nehemiah rebuilt the walls to restore security and identity to his people, our vision and organization will restore hope and purpose to foster children through housing, resources, and a new paradigm of care.

Providing Housing and Resources: Rebuilding Lives and Restoring Hope

The first step in rebuilding the broken “walls” of foster care is to create a foundation of stability. Foster children often lack the basic necessities of safety, consistency, and support, leaving them emotionally and spiritually adrift. By providing housing and resources, your organization can act as a "repairer of the breach," creating a space where foster children can heal, grow, and dream again.

1. Safe and Stable Housing
   Housing offers more than a roof over their heads; it provides security, dignity, and a sense of belonging. For children who have experienced displacement and neglect, a stable home becomes a place of refuge where they can begin to process their trauma and rebuild their trust in others.

2. Comprehensive Resources
   Beyond housing, access to counseling, education, mentorship, and life skills training is essential. These resources equip foster children to break free from the cycle of poverty, abuse, and neglect. By addressing their emotional, spiritual, and physical needs, your organization empowers them to dream beyond survival and envision a future of purpose.

3. A Supportive Community
   Foster children often feel isolated and forgotten. Building a supportive community where they feel seen, valued, and loved restores their sense of identity and self-worth. It also teaches them the value of relationships and the power of belonging to something greater than themselves.

Children Are the Future: Investing in Generations

The Bible is clear that children are a gift from God and the stewards of the future. Psalm 127:3 reminds us, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” If we are to invest in a brighter future, we must begin by healing the children of today.

Foster children, in particular, carry the potential to become the leaders, innovators, and visionaries of tomorrow—if we are willing to invest in their healing and growth. By restoring their sense of identity and purpose, we will fulfill the promise of Isaiah 58:12, becoming “repairers of the breach” and “restorers of paths to dwell in.” Each child healed represents a foundation rebuilt, a generation strengthened, and a community transformed.

A New Paradigm: Addressing a Broken System

The current foster care system often perpetuates cycles of brokenness due to overburdened systems, lack of resources, and insufficient support for both children and caregivers. A new paradigm is needed—one that prioritizes:

• Holistic Care: Addressing the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of foster children.

• Family Reunification and Support: Where possible, helping to restore and strengthen families to prevent future trauma.

• Mentorship and Role Models: Providing positive influences who can guide and inspire foster children as they navigate life.

• Community Collaboration: Partnering with churches, nonprofits, and businesses to create a network of care and resources.

Biblical Encouragement for the Mission

Our vision to rebuild the lives of foster children mirrors the call of Isaiah 58:12:

“And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.”

This verse speaks to the power of restoration—not just for individuals, but for generations. By addressing the needs of foster children, we are laying the foundation for a new legacy, one that transforms not only their lives but also the communities they will impact.

Hope in the Face of Adversity

Just as Nehemiah faced opposition from adversaries who sought to thwart his mission, your organization may encounter challenges in changing the foster care system and addressing deeply rooted social ills. However, Nehemiah’s unwavering faith and reliance on God’s favor remind us that no task is too great when God is in the midst of it. With prayer, strategic planning, and a community of support, we can accomplish what others have deemed impossible.

Conclusion: Healing Children, Restoring Generations

When we help heal children, we are not only changing their lives but also shaping the future. By providing housing, resources, and a new paradigm of care, our organization will stand in the gap for foster children, much like Nehemiah did for Jerusalem. In doing so, we will fulfill the call to be “repairers of the breach” and “restorers of paths to dwell in,” leaving a legacy of hope, healing, and transformation for generations to come.

Through this mission, we will build more than homes—we will build futures. We will not just be providing resources—we will be restoring lives. And by choosing to stand in the gap, we are fulfilling God’s purpose to bring beauty from ashes and rebuild the foundations of many generations.

Happy Mother's Day: Push again

Push Again

Motherhood is a journey of stretching, breaking, and becoming. From the moment we conceive, our bodies, minds, and hearts begin to shift. We adjust our routines, our sleep, and even our sense of self. As that baby grows inside of us, we expand—sometimes painfully—beyond what we ever imagined. And then, when it’s time to bring life into the world, we are asked to do the impossible: to push.

We push when we are exhausted. We push when we feel we have nothing left. We push through the pain, the fear, and the uncertainty, until that long-awaited child is placed in our arms. And in that moment, the struggle fades in the joy of the promise fulfilled.

But what no one prepares us for is that pushing doesn’t end in the delivery room.

That same child, once fragile and dependent, will grow and stretch us again in ways we never anticipated. The sleepless nights return—but now for different reasons. The tears we once wiped from their tiny faces turn into prayers we cry in secret. We will feel empty, drained, and ready to give up.

Then, just like in labor, when we think we cannot do it anymore, the Spirit of God whispers: Push again.

Push past the heartbreak.
Push past the disappointment.
Push past the pain of watching them struggle.
Push past the fear that you’ve failed them.

Motherhood is a cross we carry, but it is also a joy set before us. Just as Jesus endured the cross for the joy ahead, so do we. There is purpose in our pain, and though we may feel like the sacrifice, God has not forgotten us.

So to every mother who has labored—who has stretched, broken, and bled for her children—know this: God is still perfecting the things that concern you. Your labor is not in vain. The same God who gave you strength to push before will give you the strength to push again.

Restoration is coming.
Joy is coming.
Morning is coming.

Happy Mother’s Day. Keep pushing. God is not finished with your story. There shall be glory after this.

Hope in the Wreckage

The Titanic: A Marvel of Its Age

In the early 20th century, the Titanic was the epitome of modern achievement—a grand, unsinkable ship symbolizing wealth, progress, and human ingenuity. Its size, luxury, and technological advancements were unparalleled, offering passengers an unprecedented experience. It carried the promise of safety, comfort, and speed, drawing people from all walks of life, united by the allure of new possibilities.

Like the Titanic, a relationship that begins with promise and excitement can feel invincible, full of potential and beauty. The ship’s grand dining halls, lavish cabins, and state-of-the-art engineering can be likened to the euphoric early stages of love—a time when everything seems perfect, unbreakable, and full of hope.

The Dangers of Rushing Ahead

Despite its grandeur, the Titanic’s tragic end was a stark reminder of the dangers of overconfidence and neglect. It was built with the latest innovations, but its creators were so certain of its invincibility that they failed to prepare adequately for unforeseen dangers. Lifeboats were insufficient, and warnings of icebergs were ignored as the ship steamed full speed ahead into dangerous waters.

In relationships, a similar fate can occur when couples rush ahead without taking the time to build a solid foundation. The excitement of new love can overshadow the need for clear communication, emotional depth, and mutual understanding. Just as the Titanic’s builders neglected to account for the potential risks, people often overlook warning signs, assuming that love alone is enough to sustain a relationship. But love, like a ship, needs more than beauty and promise—it needs preparation, humility, and a willingness to navigate challenges.

Chance, Time, and Opportunity

The Titanic’s story also illustrates how chance and timing can shape our destinies. For those who boarded, it was an opportunity to pursue dreams, reunite with loved ones, or start anew. The ship represented a chance for freedom, adventure, and upward mobility.

Similarly, relationships are often born out of chance encounters and moments of connection. The excitement of meeting someone new and embarking on a shared journey can feel like boarding a magnificent ship destined for greatness. Yet, just as the Titanic’s passengers couldn’t foresee the iceberg ahead, couples can’t predict every challenge they will face. Time and effort are necessary to ensure the relationship is strong enough to weather storms.

The Risk of Overconfidence

The Titanic carried passengers of all classes, each with dreams and aspirations. Yet, the very thing that made it desirable—its claim of being “unsinkable”—became its downfall. The ship’s builders believed it was too advanced to fail, and this overconfidence led to a lack of preparation. When disaster struck, the ship’s inadequacies were laid bare.

In love, overconfidence can be equally dangerous. Assuming that a relationship is unbreakable without investing in its growth can lead to neglect. The illusion of security can make people complacent, failing to address underlying issues or take precautions for the future. A healthy relationship, like a well-built ship, requires attention, maintenance, and humility to navigate life’s uncertainties.

The Heart of the Ocean: A Woman’s Heart

The Titanic’s fictional love story, depicted in the movie, centers around the "Heart of the Ocean," a rare and priceless blue diamond. This gem serves as a metaphor for a woman’s heart—valuable, mysterious, and capable of holding immense beauty and depth. In the story, the diamond represents love, sacrifice, and the enduring power of memories.

A woman’s heart, like the Heart of the Ocean, must be treasured and handled with care. It holds the strength to nurture, heal, and inspire, but it can also be fragile. Just as the diamond was lost to the depths of the sea, a woman’s heart can be deeply wounded when neglected, mishandled, or taken for granted.

The Tragic End: Lessons for Relationships

The Titanic’s sinking was a result of human error, overconfidence, and a failure to heed warnings. It reminds us that even the grandest structures can fall if their foundation is flawed. In relationships, the same principle applies. When couples neglect the small, seemingly insignificant details—honest communication, shared values, breaking ungodly soul ties and mutual respect—they risk facing their own “icebergs.”

The Titanic’s passengers had limited lifeboats, and many perished because there wasn’t enough preparation for disaster. In relationships, the “lifeboats” are the tools we build to survive challenges—patience, forgiveness, trust, and a willingness to adapt. Without these, even the strongest love can falter.

Hope in the Wreckage

Though the Titanic’s story ended in tragedy, it also serves as a powerful lesson. It teaches us the importance of preparation, humility, and cherishing what truly matters. Relationships, like ships, must be carefully built, navigated with wisdom, and equipped to withstand life’s unpredictable waters.

For those who take the time to build their relationship on a strong foundation—anchored in mutual respect, love, and faith—the journey can be one of beauty and fulfillment. Unlike the Titanic, a well-prepared relationship can survive the storms, reach its destination, and become a legacy that inspires others for generations to come. Although, the titanic sank, our ship won’t sink.

Dear future husband: If love were a book

📖 If Love Were a Book: A Journey Through Its Pages

Love is often likened to many things—a journey, a flame, a dance. But what if love were a book? Not just any book, but one that invites you to read it over and over, each time uncovering new depths and meanings.

Imagine holding this book in your hands. The cover may be worn, the pages dog-eared, but it's yours—a testament to the experiences, lessons, and emotions that love has brought into your life.

Take another glance.
Turn to the next chapter called Second Chance.
Read the words like an invitation to dance.

Love, like a cherished book, beckons us to return. To re-experience its joys and sorrows, to learn from its lessons, and to grow alongside its characters. It's in these re-readings that we find clarity, understanding, and the courage to continue the story.

I’ll acknowledge you and say thank you.
You didn’t give up—read that again—because you didn’t let it end.

These words resonate deeply, reminding us of the strength it takes to persevere in love. To choose to stay, to fight for connection, and to believe in the possibility of renewal. It's a testament to the resilience of the human heart and the transformative power of forgiveness.

I’d say read it again and again,
Until you understand the content within.
Until you can quote the lines,
Until you can see without the highlights it still shines.

Repetition here isn't redundancy; it's reinforcement. By rereading, we internalize the lessons, cherish the memories, and recognize the growth that love fosters within us.

When the words are not as clear,
And you are uncomfortable and fear,
Until the words leap off the pages
And escort you to places and stages
You thought you’d never stand.

Love challenges us. It pushes us into unfamiliar territories, urging us to confront our fears and embrace vulnerability. It's in these moments that we find strength and resilience we never knew we had.

Until there is no distance between your heart and my hand.
Until you run out of periods and question marks.
Until you are no longer bleeding and out swam all the sharks.

These metaphors speak to the trials and tribulations that love can entail. Yet, through perseverance and mutual support, love can heal wounds and bridge divides.

Read between the lines until you can hear what wasn't said,
When the words are still in my head.

Communication in love isn't solely about spoken words. It's about understanding the unspoken, sensing the emotions that words fail to capture, and being attuned to each other's inner worlds.

If love is as a book,
I’d say open it and take a second look.
Remember every story is not the same,
And every author is not seeking fame.

Every love story is unique, penned by its own set of authors with distinct voices and experiences. Recognizing this individuality allows us to appreciate the diversity and depth of love's manifestations.

Love comes sometimes to reveal your name,
To heal and to restore, to bring honor and expel shame.
Love comes to rewrite history and change the game.

Love has the transformative power to redefine our narratives, to turn past pains into sources of strength, and to illuminate paths previously shrouded in darkness.

Love comes to remind you to take it off the shelf,
To uncover, discover, and recover your best self.

In the hustle of daily life, we might sideline love, letting it gather dust. But revisiting it can reignite passions, rekindle connections, and rejuvenate our spirits.

So if you ever forget why love came,
Read it again and remember my name.

This closing sentiment serves as a gentle reminder: when doubts arise or memories fade, returning to the story of love can rekindle its warmth and reaffirm its presence in our lives and why it was worth giving it another chance.