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

Dying to Live Again: The True Call of Love and Marriage

I’ve come to understand that to truly become one in marriage, we must first learn to die to ourselves. The Word reminds us that though our outward man is perishing every day, inwardly we are being renewed day by day. God always builds from the inside out. Before He brings increase, He brings transformation—and transformation often begins with surrender.

So many people are getting it wrong when it comes to love and dating. God is love. He placed the desire for love within the heart of man, but too often we chase after what was meant to be received through Him. We pour ourselves out trying to make something work, and when it all falls apart, we come to God broken—like children holding the pieces of a shattered toy, hoping our Father can fix what’s been destroyed. But what if we went to Him first? What if, instead of chasing love, we allowed Love Himself to prepare us for it?

As someone who has never dated in the traditional sense, I’ve learned that love isn’t about grand gestures or picture-perfect moments. I have never been wined, dined, or swept off my feet with flowers and candlelight dinners. I don’t have romantic anniversary pictures or memories of extravagant vacations. Even in my first marriage, we didn’t celebrate our first anniversary. I never had Valentine’s Day surprises or those sweet teenage nights whispering, “You hang up first.”

Yet despite all that, I’ve carried within me a vision of love that lasts forever—a love that endures all things, believes all things, and conquers all things. A love rooted not in the world’s idea of romance but in God’s unshakable truth.

Ever since I accepted Christ, I’ve been dying to live again. Jesus said, “Whoever finds their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for My sake will find it.” Those words have become the melody of my soul. I’ve poured myself out as an offering, believing that God will fill me with the life He always intended.

There’s a song by William McDowell called “Empty Me.” It speaks of the desire to be emptied so God can pour in something greater. That’s exactly what this journey has been for me. I’ve had to let go of my own ideas, my own timing, my own dreams of what love should look like. And in exchange, God has been pouring in His kind of love—pure, refining, and lasting. When we do whatever Jesus commands, He fills our lives with new wine—the kind that makes every sacrifice worth it.

Many couples enter relationships intoxicated by romance and feelings, but real love is built on sacrifice. The foundation of any lasting relationship is laid when two people are willing to die to themselves. It’s in the late-night conversations about faith, purpose, and destiny. It’s in the courage to face hard truths, to forgive quickly, and to love deeply.

Love and marriage are not about self-preservation—they’re about self-surrender. To walk in unity, you must let go of the need to always be right, to control, or to win. You must learn to yield to one another, to God, and to the purpose He has for your union. Without dying to self, there can be no true unity.

The breaking, the stretching, and the surrender are not wasted. They are the very tools God uses to prepare us for something greater. When two hearts willingly die to themselves for the sake of love, they are resurrected into a union that reflects heaven on earth.

In Christ, in love, and in marriage—death always precedes life. To truly live again, we must first die.

Hidden in Plain sight

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 not punishment but preparation?

God hides what is holy—even in plain view.

He conceals what carries weight—until it’s strong enough to carry it.

He shields what is necessary—until the moment it must be revealed.

Think about Katherine Johnson from Hidden Figures—a brilliant Black mathematician who quietly solved equations that carried men into orbit and brought them home alive. Her mind was unmatched, her work essential, yet she was tucked away behind the curtain of history while others took the spotlight. Hidden? Yes. Forgotten? Never. 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 this same 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 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 principle applies to divine relationships. When God ordains a union for kingdom impact—whether in marriage, ministry, or mission—He often hides both parties from 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 calculation.

Divine relationships aren’t 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 part of the divine equation. And when the moment comes, the world will see what heaven already knows:

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 people, but by Satan himself? The enemy studies us. He knows our triggers, our wounds, and our weaknesses. His goal is to provoke us into actions that could derail our purpose. But Scripture reminds us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). What’s hidden in the heart will surface when pressure comes.

I remember walking through a dark season when I was tempted to respond to pain with bitterness. My heart was heavy with anger, and I wanted justice my way. But in His mercy, God sent a prophet who told me I was standing at a crossroads—to surrender my heart fully to God or allow the enemy to use my pain for destruction. That moment broke me. God exposed what was hiding in my heart before it could sabotage my purpose.

David faced a similar test. In 1 Chronicles 21, Satan provoked him to number the people—an act rooted in pride and self-reliance. What seemed harmless revealed the posture of his heart. David’s focus shifted from trusting God to counting his own strength. And that one decision cost seventy thousand lives. Leadership always reveals the heart.

Pride and provocation are silent assassins. They whisper, “You deserve more. You’ve done enough. You can handle this.” But God calls us to humility, to dependence, to surrender. David’s story reminds us that leadership—whether in the home, in business, or in ministry—requires a heart that bows before God, not one that seeks validation from people.

Today, many are falling into the same trap. We measure our worth by followers, applause, and recognition. We want to be seen more than we want to be sanctified. But the applause of man can never replace the approval of God. Every platform, every position, every influence is a stewardship. We must ask ourselves daily: Am I building for God’s glory, or my own?

Leadership carries generational weight. Our decisions don’t just affect us—they shape destinies. David repented, but the consequence still touched his people. That truth humbles me as a mother, a leader, and a daughter of legacy. My great-grandfather, the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, was one of the most influential voices of his time. His gift of leadership built a movement that impacted millions. Yet pride can distort purpose when man begins to take credit for what only God can do. His life reminds me that influence without humility is dangerous, and purpose without surrender can lead to deception.

Satan’s agenda has never changed—to provoke, to divide, and to destroy. But God’s call remains the same—to resist, to submit, and to guard our hearts. The Word says, “Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it flow the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) The heart is the battlefield where legacy is won or lost.

As leaders, parents, and believers, we are called to protect not just our own hearts but the hearts of those we influence. To walk in humility, to repent quickly, and to trust God’s wisdom above our own understanding. Greatness is not measured by how many follow us, but by how faithfully we follow Him.

God is raising men and women who will lead with clean hands and pure hearts—those who cannot be provoked out of purpose. Let us be those vessels. Let us decrease so that He may increase, shining His light through us as living epistles read by all men.

Because in the end, the battle against provocation is not won by reaction—but by surrender.

Restoring Hope to Families: A Nehemiah Vision for Rebuilding Generations

In the story of Nehemiah, one man’s burden became a blueprint for transformation. When he heard that the walls of Jerusalem were in ruins, he didn’t just mourn what was broken—he moved with compassion to rebuild. His tears turned into strategy. His prayers became plans. And what had been in shambles for generations was restored through obedience, unity, and faith.

That same spirit is rising again. God is stirring a Nehemiah Generation—a people who see the brokenness in our children, our families, and our communities and refuse to stand by while the walls remain in ruins. This is my burden, my call, and my guard: to weep, to war, and to work until families are restored and the next generation is healed.

We are witnessing an epidemic of broken identity, fragmented families, and wounded children trying to find stability in unstable systems. Yet, just as God used Nehemiah to rebuild what others had abandoned, He is raising modern rebuilders to restore the walls of home, hope, and heart.

Rebuilding the Walls: Restoring Hope and Identity

The first wall that must be rebuilt is stability. Many homes have become battlegrounds instead of sanctuaries. Children are searching for consistency, and parents are running on empty. God is calling us to rebuild safe spaces—places where faith, love, and discipline coexist; where peace becomes the culture again.

The second wall is hope. Generational trauma has convinced too many families that survival is all they can achieve. But God never designed families to simply survive—He called them to thrive. Through mentorship, education, counseling, and spiritual renewal, we can help families rediscover their purpose and break free from the cycles of pain that have defined them.

The third wall is identity. When families don’t know who they are, children grow up searching for belonging everywhere but home. Restoration begins when mothers, fathers, and guardians understand their divine assignment—to build altars, not just houses; to raise sons and daughters who know who they are in God.

Investing in Generations: Healing Homes, Transforming Futures

Psalm 127:3 declares, “Children are a heritage from the Lord.” But children can’t flourish apart from family. Strong families are the foundation of strong nations. When we invest in the spiritual and emotional health of families, we strengthen the entire structure of society.

Isaiah 58:12 speaks of those who “shall raise up the foundations of many generations.” That is the call of this moment—to become repairers of the breach and restorers of paths to dwell in. Every restored home becomes a wall rebuilt. Every healed parent becomes a gatekeeper protecting legacy. Every whole child becomes a seed of revival.

The Nehemiah Generation: Builders of Hope

Like Nehemiah, we may face opposition. But we build with prayer in one hand and purpose in the other. We build knowing God’s favor is on this mission.

When we rebuild families, we are not just fixing homes—we are reshaping the future. We are creating legacies of healing, stability, and faith that will echo for generations.

This is the vision: to raise a Nehemiah Generation of parents, children, and leaders who will restore what was lost, rebuild what was broken, and repair what sin and systems have torn down. Together, we will see beauty rise from ashes and the foundations of many generations made strong again.

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.

The Ultimate T.H.U.G (Totally Humbled Under God)

Jesus responded to the hate directed at Him with total humility under God. In doing so, He embodied what it means to be “Totally Humbled Under God” (T.H.U.G.). He displayed the greatest act of strength and surrender when He revealed to His disciples that He could call twelve legions of angels to rescue Him, yet He chose the cross to fulfill Scripture. Jesus understood that His journey wasn’t just personal—it was for everyone who would come after Him through His sacrifice.

For three years, Jesus ministered and taught about the kingdom of heaven, revealing its nature and preparing us to receive it. He declared that He was one with God, the King establishing His kingdom. Yet, as He hung on the cross—bleeding, beaten, and seemingly defeated—it appeared as though everything He had taught was contradicted.

This can mirror our own experiences. There are seasons in life when everything feels contrary to what God has promised. Even Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, tried to dissuade Him from enduring the suffering of the cross. But Jesus knew the wisdom and power hidden in His crucifixion. He understood that once He gave up the ghost, the Holy Spirit would come, empowering us to destroy the works of the flesh and live as overcomers.

The Cross: A Necessary Process

Jesus told us to take up our cross daily and deny ourselves. This is a reminder that we cannot avoid the process God has for us, no matter how painful it may be. Like Jesus, we must endure and trust that there is divine purpose in the pain.

Many of us have experienced betrayal and hate—seasons where the same people who celebrated us one day turned against us the next. Just as Jesus heard "Hosanna!" from the crowd before they cried "Crucify Him!" we too may face public disgrace and private shame. Yet, even in His suffering, Jesus looked down from the cross and said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing."

Our own crucifixion moments—when we are mocked, judged, or misunderstood—can feel unbearable. But these moments are part of God’s greater plan. Just as Jesus’ crucifixion was necessary for His resurrection and the salvation of many, our process often serves those who come after us.

Perspective in Pain

Pastor Dharius Daniels preached a message called Look Again, emphasizing that sometimes God changes our perspective even if He doesn’t change our circumstances. This principle is seen in Joseph’s story in Genesis 50:20:
"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."

Joseph endured years of betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment, yet God gave him a new perspective on his suffering. Similarly, Jesus tried to teach His disciples that “it is finished” would only be true after the crucifixion.

Becoming a THUG for God

To follow Jesus, we must become THUGs—Totally Humbled Under God. This means trusting God even when others misjudge us or question why we endure suffering. They may call us desperate or weak for staying faithful, but like Jesus, we are not submitting to the crowd; but to God.

Sometimes, staying in position—remaining on our “cross”—requires wisdom and calculated strength. Jesus trusted God to vindicate Him and refused to let the crowd’s noise or the pain of betrayal pull Him out of position. Many of us receive a word from God, but when betrayal or hardship comes, we are tempted to abandon our cross. Yet, God’s hidden wisdom and power are revealed in the process. There is wisdom in every wound. Don’t let your suffering be in vain.

Wisdom to Outsmart the Enemy

God desires to give us the same wisdom He hid in the cross. In the movie Columbiana, the protagonist outsmarts her enemies with precision and strategy. What captivated me about the film wasn’t the revenge but her ability to stay steps ahead of her adversaries. Similarly, God gives us the wisdom to navigate spiritual battles and defeat the enemy.

We must trust the process and remain steadfast. Like Jesus, our crucifixion moments are not the end—they are the path to resurrection and the fulfillment of God’s plan.

The Kindness in God's "No"

At some point in life, every child will accuse their parent of being cruel. The restrictions we place, the limits we set, and the discipline we enforce often feel like punishment to them. But as parents, we know something they don’t—our no is often the greatest act of kindness we can give.

Just as a loving parent must say no to protect their child, so does God. His correction can feel paradoxical, even cruel, yet it is always an act of love. "Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint" (Proverbs 29:18). Without guidance, without boundaries, destruction is inevitable. That’s why God, in His wisdom, sometimes tells us no—not to punish us, but to protect us.

I remember a time when I had to exercise this tough love with my own son. He was 17, and unknown to me, he had been sneaking out at night, taking my truck, and drinking. I was working on my master’s degree at the time and rarely stayed up late to do my coursework. But one night, Jesus woke me up. I argued with myself about whether I needed to get up, but something in my spirit urged me to obey.

I worked for exactly 45 minutes before heading to turn off the living room light. And just as I reached for the switch, in walks my son—bloodshot eyes, tipsy, and holding my truck keys.

I wasn’t even angry. I was grateful. Grateful that he made it home safely, that he didn’t hurt himself or someone else. My first and only question was, “How long have you been doing this?” Without hesitation, he admitted, “About nine months.”

That was it. The keys were now mine, permanently. From that moment forward, neither he nor his younger brothers would ever have the chance of stealing my car keys and gaining access to my vehicle. My no was not an act of cruelty—it was an act of kindness. I never wanted to risk him driving drunk again, never wanted to test how many more times God’s mercy would cover his reckless decisions.

God’s Correction: A Paradox of Love

God’s discipline can feel like a contradiction, just as Shakespeare captured in Hamlet when the prince said, “I must be cruel to be kind.” On the surface, these words don’t make sense. How can cruelty be an act of kindness? But when you look deeper, you understand the truth: sometimes, the greatest kindness requires temporary pain.

We see this in God's dealings with us. His “no” may disappoint us in the moment, but it spares us from long-term destruction. He may withhold something we desperately want, not because He is cruel, but because He knows that having it too soon, or at all, could destroy us. He may discipline us, not to break us, but to build us into who He has called us to be.

“For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son whom He receives” (Hebrews 12:6).

To the child, discipline feels unfair. To the developing believer, God’s correction may feel harsh. But from a place of wisdom, we come to understand that every restriction He places, every door He closes, and every painful lesson He allows is rooted in His unfailing love.

So, when God tells you no, when He blocks a path you were determined to take, when He removes something from your life that you desperately wanted to keep—trust Him. It may only be a season where delay is not denial, it is divine development. It’s not cruelty. It’s kindness.

“What have you done? The cost of aborting destiny”

So many have aborted portions of their destiny — not just naturally, but spiritually. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of what others will say — all of it has caused many to terminate what God was trying to birth through them. Even in the embryonic stage of relationships, ministries, and assignments, the enemy rushes in with his instruments of doubt and confusion, trying to cut away the promise before it breathes its first breath.

I know this warfare intimately. At seventeen, I endured a natural abortion — but years later I realized the deeper lesson: the enemy’s goal wasn’t just to take a child; it was to silence a voice that would one day carry healing for others. Since then, I’ve come to see that spiritual abortions happen every day. Many have been carrying dreams from God, visions conceived in faith, but somewhere between conception and manifestation, fear spoke louder than faith.

Earlier this year, I came across a prophetic word from Nate Johnston (May 5, 2025) that struck me to my core. It was a divine confirmation of the warfare many of us have faced — that sudden wave of discouragement, that pressure to give up, those voices whispering, “You must have heard wrong.”

He wrote, “Sounds textbook for what the enemy does in a birthing season.”

That line pierced me. Because it’s true — when you’re on the brink of birthing something new, the enemy intensifies the attack. He can’t kill what God has placed inside of you, but he will send distractions, fear, mockery, and fatigue to make you abort it yourself.

Nate shared how God is birthing “unusual ministries and movements” that don’t fit the traditional mold — and how many are being labeled rebellious simply because they don’t look like the old system. That resonated deeply. Because I, too, have been misunderstood for stepping out in faith, for doing what God told me to do when others said it didn’t look legitimate. But obedience often looks like rebellion to those who’ve never walked by faith.

He said something else that burned in my spirit: “God gives you the seed, not the whole blueprint.”

That’s the place many of us find ourselves in — walking with only a word, not a map. But that’s how faith grows. If God gave us the full picture, we’d run ahead of Him or invite the wrong people into the birthing room. Some things must remain hidden until it’s time to deliver.

Nate described a dream where the Lord said, “In the birthing season, you must protect what you’re carrying.”

That’s been the warning in my own spirit — to guard the womb of purpose. Not everyone can be allowed in the room when God is bringing something forth. The enemy sends “spies” disguised as concerned voices, people who may mean well but carry seeds of doubt and control. They come to talk you out of what God has called you to carry.

But this is not the time to compromise. This is not the season to dilute the assignment to make it more palatable or “church-friendly.” The Lord is saying, “Do not take the abortion pill.”

Don’t trade your authenticity for acceptance. Don’t water down your message to fit someone else’s mold. Protect the promise. Guard the vision. What God placed in you is pure, holy, and powerful — and it doesn’t have to look like anything that came before it.

You’re not rebellious; you’re pregnant with a movement. So shut the door, silence the noise, and fix your eyes on the One who authored the seed within you.

It’s time to bring it forth.

Dear future husband: The most wanted

Love has a way of eluding us, slipping through our fingers like a fugitive on the run. Many of us have chased after it, only to find it fleeting, leaving behind wounds, questions, and a past archived with heartbreak. But what happens when love, once a shadow in our imagination, becomes real—when it is no longer a fugitive, but a force that apprehends us in the most profound way?

The Investigation of the Heart

Before true love enters, we often go through a deep interrogation of the soul. Every scar, every disappointment, every fractured hope is laid bare. We reevaluate our past, question our worth, must face our fears and sometimes hesitate to believe in love again. But healing requires exposure—acknowledging the wounds so they can be closed for good.

This process is not about artificial connections or rushed emotions or force. It is about divine implantation—love that is pure, intentional, and transformative from God.

Wanted for the Crime of Love

When love arrives, it doesn’t ask for permission; it invades, trespassing into the places we thought were too broken to be touched. It lingers in corridors of our hearts that were blocked and guarded and at times we turn around and wonder how that person got there.  It steals our time, rewrites our story, and breaks the chains that once bound us to solitude.

Love is a heist of the soul, a breaking-in, a transformation that arrests our fears and replaces them with something deeper, something permanent. The one who loves you becomes the most wanted—guilty of unlocking what was long forgotten, of seeing you when others overlooked you, of whispering words that rebuild your reality.

Sentenced to a Lifetime of Love

The irony of love is that while we often run from it, it was always meant to capture us. When love finally catches up, there is no more hiding, no more running. It crowns us—not as victims, but as victors, no longer haunted by the past but healed and made whole.

To be "Most Wanted" in love is to be seen, pursued, and captured—not by fear or fleeting passion, but by a love that is intentional and eternal.

So, if you find yourself caught in the grip of love, don’t resist. Be arrested. Surrender. Be transformed. Be crowned.

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, 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.

God Uses Desperation to Birth Greatness

Rachel and Jacob: Misplaced Anger and Frustration

Rachel, deeply loved by Jacob, was barren while her sister Leah bore many children (Genesis 30:1-2). Rachel’s pain and jealousy consumed her to the point of desperation, leading her to confront Jacob and cry out, “Give me children, or else I die!” Jacob’s anger was kindled as he responded, “Am I in God’s stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?”

This exchange highlights two key points:

1. Misplaced Expectations: Rachel expected Jacob to solve a problem that only God could address. In relationships, this mirrors how we sometimes place unrealistic expectations on our partners, friends, or leaders to fulfill our deepest needs. Like Jacob, they may be unable to meet those needs because only God has the power to address the root of our desires.

2. God’s Timing: Jacob recognized that Rachel’s barrenness was not something he could control. Often, what feels like a delay or denial is God’s perfect timing at work. Rachel’s desire for a child was fulfilled later when God “remembered her” and she gave birth to Joseph, a child destined for greatness.

Hannah: Turning to God in Desperation

In contrast to Rachel, Hannah provides a powerful example of faith and intercession. Deeply grieved by her barrenness and tormented by her rival, Peninnah, Hannah wept bitterly. Instead of turning to her husband, Elkanah, she brought her anguish directly to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:10-11).

The Power of Prayer

Hannah’s prayer was specific, heartfelt, and full of faith. She vowed to dedicate her child to the Lord if He would grant her a son. This act of surrender shows the transformative power of prayer:

• Surrendering Control: Hannah didn’t demand or manipulate her husband to meet her need. Instead, she acknowledged that only God could fulfill the desire of her heart.

• God’s Response to Faith: God honored Hannah’s prayer, and she gave birth to Samuel, one of Israel’s greatest prophets, who would anoint kings and lead the nation spiritually.

Lessons from Rachel and Hannah: Knowing When to Go to God

1. Understanding the Source of Fulfillment: Rachel’s story reminds us that no human being can fulfill the deepest desires of our hearts. Whether it’s a spouse, a leader, or a friend, people are limited in their ability to meet our needs. Only God can fully satisfy us and give us what we need in His perfect timing.

2. The Role of Intercession: Hannah’s story highlights the power of intercession. When we bring our desperation to God, He not only meets our needs but often births something far greater than we could imagine. Samuel wasn’t just a son to Hannah; he was a prophet who shaped the destiny of a nation.

3. The Importance of Perspective: Jacob’s response to Rachel, though harsh, was a reminder that barrenness was not a punishment but part of God’s sovereign plan. Like Rachel, we must learn to trust God’s perspective over our own, even when the waiting feels unbearable.

God Uses Desperation to Birth Greatness

When women bring their deepest longings to God, He often uses those moments of desperation to birth greatness. Hannah’s heartfelt prayer resulted in a child who became a spiritual leader. Rachel’s eventual faith led to the birth of Joseph, who saved nations.

Desperation drives us to our knees, but it’s in that posture of surrender that God meets us, transforms us, and uses our pain for His glory. Relationships, whether in marriage, family, or community, should reflect this trust in God. When we stop looking to man for what only God can provide, we position ourselves to experience His miraculous provision.

Conclusion: Trusting God in Relationships

Both Rachel and Hannah teach us that our deepest longings are best entrusted to God. In relationships, this means recognizing the limitations of others and leaning into God’s unlimited power. Whether the need is for a child, financial provision, spiritual growth, or healing, desperation should lead us to the One who can truly fulfill our hearts.

Through intercession, God births greatness out of barrenness, transforms pain into purpose, and uses our waiting to prepare us for His plans. As we trust Him, we can rest assured that He is working all things together for our good and His glory.

The long route

The Long Route: Trusting God’s Timing

God knows exactly where we are and how to bring us to our expected end — even if He takes us the long way around. His promises are generational, His word is sure, and His timing is never off. In Genesis 15:13–16, God told Abraham:

“Know for certain that for four hundred years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own and that they will be enslaved and mistreated there. But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with great possessions.”

That promise wasn’t for Abraham alone. It stretched four generations forward. By the time the children of Israel came out of Egypt with Moses, they were walking in something God had spoken long before they were born.

What God didn’t tell them, though, was that there would be giants in the promised land. He didn’t tell them they’d have to fight to possess what He had already given.

When the Promise Requires a Fight

We often celebrate the promise but forget that possession requires process — and sometimes a fight. How many of us have walked away from relationships, businesses, or dreams simply because the journey got hard?

The Israelites faced the same temptation. After God split the Red Sea and delivered them with miracles, He didn’t take them on the shortest route to Canaan. Instead, Exodus 13:17–18 says,

“For God said, ‘If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.’ So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea.”

God knew they weren’t ready. The wilderness was His training ground — a place to humble, test, and reveal what was really in their hearts (Deuteronomy 8:2). It wasn’t punishment. It was preparation.

Waiting for the Promise

In the year 2000, God gave me a glimpse of my future — much like He allowed the Israelites to spy out the promised land. It was so vivid that I believed it would happen immediately. But, like Abraham who waited twenty-five years for Isaac, I’ve spent nearly that long waiting on prophecies spoken over my life since I was eighteen.

At the close of 2024, I found myself wrestling with disappointment. I had believed that 2023 was the year my promise would finally manifest — yet it hadn’t. In that moment of questioning, God gently reminded me of a prophetic word I received back in April 2021:

“You will enter your great harvest in 2025.”

Suddenly, it made sense. The waiting wasn’t wasted — it was womb time. God wasn’t denying me; He was developing me.

There have been moments where hope felt deferred, and my heart grew weary. But through every delay, I’ve learned that delay is not denial. God has been refining my faith, healing my heart, and preparing me for what I once thought I was ready for.

Refined Through the Fire

Recently, I received confirmation through a prophetic word from Prophet Tomi Arayomi and the RIG Nation prophetic team. They spoke that I had been through the fire, endured the tests, and come out as pure gold. That word hit my spirit — because I knew it wasn’t just about me.

This season of refinement wasn’t just for my breakthrough; it was for those I’m called to help break through. Every detour, delay, and disappointment has been part of God’s equation for destiny.

Just as He took Israel the long way to strengthen their faith, He allowed me to walk through a prolonged journey to deepen my roots and mature my trust.

God’s Faithfulness Across Generations

God’s promises don’t die with delay — they stretch through generations. What He spoke to Abraham, He fulfilled through Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. And the same God who kept His word then is still faithful now.

So if you find yourself on the long route, take heart. God hasn’t forgotten you. The waiting is not wasted. The testing is not punishment. It’s preparation.

You’re being humbled, strengthened, and equipped to carry the very promise you’ve been praying for.

Hold on — because the long route is still leading you home. And when you arrive, you won’t come empty-handed. You’ll come out with power, wisdom, and great possessions.

God’s timing is perfect. His word never returns void. And His faithfulness doesn’t skip generations — it continues through them.

Dream Again: The Power of Reaching

Andy was growing up, outgrowing toys and childhood habits—but not his deep connection to Woody. Woody was his favorite, and Andy was Woody’s. As summer approached, Andy eagerly prepared for camp, just as he had done for years, never leaving Woody behind. With excitement, he grabbed Woody, swinging him high in the air, celebrating their tradition.

But in an instant, their joy turned into heartbreak. A tear. Woody’s arm ripped, and just like that, Andy’s excitement shifted. He placed Woody on a shelf, leaving him behind as he rushed off to camp without him.

It’s a moment that mirrors real life. How often do we find ourselves reaching for something we love, only for it to tear apart in our hands? A relationship. A business deal. A long-held dream. The pain of unexpected separation can leave us feeling discarded, forgotten, or even betrayed.

In Psalm 126, the people of Israel spoke of a time when they had lost everything, yet God restored them:

"We were like those who dreamed again."

They were torn from their land and captivity had stolen their hope, just as life’s disappointments can make us afraid to dream again. But God specializes in restoration. He promises to mend the tear.

Healing the Tear

Sometimes, we hurt one another without fully realizing the depth of the wound. Like Andy unintentionally tearing Woody’s arm, people unintentionally—or even intentionally—cause harm. Instead of doing the work to repair the damage, some choose to walk away. Others, like Woody, are left on a shelf, feeling abandoned and broken.

I know what that feels like. I once had a business deal that could have made me a multimillionaire, but betrayal cost me the opportunity. I’ve felt the sting of rejection in relationships. I’ve experienced the devastation of an adulterous affair in my previous marriage. Each of these situations left a tear—one that only God could heal.

And He did.

God’s promise is not just to comfort but to restore—to fix the tear so we can reach again.

Reaching Inspires Others

Yesterday, I was grocery shopping when I spotted my favorite black bean tamales on the very top shelf. They were just out of reach, but I was determined. I stepped up into the freezer section, stretched as far as I could, and grabbed them.

A man nearby had been watching me closely. As I stepped down, he said, “Had you not reached up there, I would have never looked that high to see those.”

That moment struck me. When we reach for what God has for us—even when it seems impossible—we inspire others to reach, too.

If life has placed you on a shelf, if past wounds have made you afraid to try again, God is calling you to dream again. The pain may be real, but so is the healing. The tear may have happened, but God is restoring you to reach again—not just for yourself, but for those who will follow your lead.

So reach. Stretch beyond the hurt. Go after what God has for you. And as you do, you’ll inspire someone else to dream again.

Love will leave it’s mark

Last week, I was mindlessly scrolling through Instagram when I stumbled upon a post that unexpectedly captured my attention. It was a young woman, a new mother, standing confidently in a sports bra and panties, holding her newborn just a few weeks old. But this wasn’t just another sweet mother-and-child moment; it was something much deeper. She went beyond the polished smiles and the carefully curated postpartum pictures that flood social media. She was raw, unfiltered, and unapologetic. She bared not just her body, but her truth—a truth many of us know but rarely speak about.

The comments section was split. Some applauded her bravery, while others criticized her for showing too much. But she was unbothered, standing in her vulnerability with a bandage still covering her second C-section incision. Her belly, darkened by the aftermath of birth, bore fresh stretch marks that told the silent yet profound story of her journey. Her body was a canvas of love—a testament to the stretching, scarring, and sacrifices required to bring forth life.

I couldn’t help but relate. I have undergone four C-sections myself, yet I would never have had the courage to take such a picture. Still, as I look down at my own scars, I am forever reminded of the immense stretching I endured not just physically, but in every way possible—to birth my children one by one.

God, in His divine design of a woman, intricately wove within us the ability for our cervix to stretch ten times its normal size to bring forth life. Yet, for mothers like this young woman and myself, medical necessity required a different kind of opening, a different kind of stretching. Where others could quickly recover and return to their pre-pregnancy bodies, we were left with incisions, with scars, with reminders of the cost of love.

And isn’t love always like that? Whether in motherhood, relationships, or marriage, love will stretch you, reshape you, and leave its marks. It requires you to change—your sleeping habits, your diet, your lifestyle, your budget, your mindset. It forces you to grow in ways you never imagined. It is uncomfortable, often painful, and sometimes requires being cut open, exposing your deepest vulnerabilities. But just as childbirth brings forth something beautiful, so does love.

Love is not just the euphoria of passion, the glow of romance, or the dreamy ideals we hold. It is labor. It is sacrifice. It is stretching beyond what we think we can endure. It is counting it all joy, even when it hurts. Because in the end, the scars and the stretch marks are not just reminders of pain—they are proof that we gave everything we had to bring forth something worth loving.