Some of the relationships that I’ve built over the years, have both helped and hurt me. Some of them have evolved, and others I know I have to let go, which is not always easy.  We have to learn that some relationships are just for a season, but equip us for future lessons.  I told myself in 2015 that I would go hard in 2016.  I don’t make resolutions, but I knew that I had to make some changes in the new year if I was going to walk in my purpose.  I activated my faith, closed my eyes and ears to the naysayers, and started planning.  I began repurposing and rebranding.  I’m sure I’ll still make mistakes, but I took action.

We’re only 3 months into the new year, and I’ve been hired for 3 speaking engagements, and I held my 1st event, Relationship Workshop for Single Ladies in March.  I don’t say this to brag, but as a testament to activating my faith.  As I prepared for my 1st speaking event on Sunday, March 20 for the DivorceN’Me Women’s Conference,  with CEO and Life Coach, Deanna Williams, I was a ball of energy and nerves, all rolled into one.  I got in a still place and meditated and prayed that someone would receive what they needed.  As I stood on the stage, and stared into an audience of strangers, with no familiar faces, it made me very sad.  I thought to myself, “Where are my friends?”   All kinds of negative thoughts ran through my mind, but the show must still go on.  Before it was my time to speak, I was in the restroom, and a young lady said, “You’re Terry D right?”  I said, “Yes.”  She said she recognized me from my Bio.  She went on to tell me that I was as beautiful in person as I was on paper.  She also began to speak into my life.

As I was sharing “My Truth,” I saw the looks on the faces of the audience, I watched the tears flow from some, I received several standing ovations and words of affirmation.  My goal was to inspire someone to restore their hope in love, and to forgive.  I felt God’s spirit, and I heard a voice say, “It was never about you, or those who weren’t there, but about doing exactly what you said you wanted to do.”

I was so wrapped up in who wasn’t there to support me, that I almost missed my blessing and the lesson!  He put the people there that I needed, and that needed me.  Before I left there, I was asked for my autograph, and I was asked to speak at 3 other events.  I built relationships and learned lessons of my own.   I walked away with testimonies from single and married women.

“Girl, you were speaking to me!”

“Thank you for sharing your testimony.”

“God has his hands on you.”

“I just made up my mind that I will no longer allow myself to be used for sex.”

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:8

Terry D.