A new chapter

As I start this new chapter in my life, it’s time for deep reflection. I’ve officially been in Atlanta for a whole year! I call this past year my trial period because it tried me. I was tested in more ways than one, but here I am; still standing and telling my story. If no one else is, I am SO proud of myself and how well I’ve managed this whole adulting thing and all life has thrown at me. I have my own place. I handle business and take care of me. I’m developing professionally. I’ve always had an independent mindset, and I’m ecstatic that things are happening the way they have been, especially having experienced all I have since the moment I decided to leave New York about 375 days ago. 

Have you ever witnessed someone who praises God so much that it almost seems like they're overdoing it? It's like the lady at church that just HAS to catch the Holy Spirit every single Sunday, regardless what the message is. After the past few weeks I've had, I can truly understand how and why people are like that (I'm not on that level yet, but coming soon). When God is so good to you, even in the midst of your disbelief and doubt, so much so that you don't deserve it, you have no choice but to praise and thank Him for His goodness. 

Let me explain without writing a novel. I put in my notice to vacate my previous place 3 months ago without securing a new place. I guess you can say I had faith it would work out. Fast forward to late April/early May and I’m slightly starting to freak out, but not enough for others to notice. Between both jobs, I was squeezing in viewings before and after my shifts, leaving me extremely exhausted. However, I was running out of time and it seemed like I was running out of options. Up until early last week, I still didn’t officially have anywhere to move. Every single place I saw and liked came with some stipulation and I ended up not getting any of them. I even remember going as far as crying to my mom about how I was going to be homeless. It wasn’t until last Tuesday that I had confirmation that I in fact had a new home and would be able to move within a couple of days. God is a god of the 11th hour but I joke and say the 12th, because talk about LITERALLY right on time!!

Not only was I worried about finding somewhere to live, I was also stressing about the finances and if I'd have enough to: 1) pay my move-in fees; and 2) consistently pay rent. It all came, right on time. I was fortunate enough to get a promotion at work the week before I got my apartment, after months of pushing for it, guaranteeing that not only will I be able to pay my bills, but I'll be able to start rebuilding my savings that had previously been depleted.

During all of this, though it was hard to see in the moment, there were a great deal of people willing to help in ways that I wouldn't have even expected. I want to take this time to thank you all, whether it was assistance in the physical sense, financially, spiritually – even as moral support. I probably would have lost it weeks ago. But I seriously have to take a moment to be grateful to God for bringing me through this unharmed and for restoring my faith. 

I'm sharing my story with you because we all go through it – the tough times that can have us questioning the what-ifs and where God is when you really need Him. I'm no perfect believer but I can say He's shut me up and gotten me together REAL QUICK. There's not a doubt in my mind that all things are possible through Him, although I may be a little weary of the timing. I want to encourage you all to be faithful even during the hardships, because God gives His hardest battles to His strongest soldiers. We were created to face adversity but not dwell in it. Let this new chapter in my life serve as an example that you can be going through something unimaginable and be brought out at the LITERAL right moment. Not a moment later or sooner. Be encouraged and of good faith! 

​xo TSJ.
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