By Latoya Hammond
Have you ever been used to being one way for so long that when you change it feels foreign or out of character? Almost as if you're a different person? Almost like having an out of body experience? If so, then girl, I GOTT U!
I have felt like this several times throughout, what I'll call, my real grown-up life. Over the last several years, there have been times of challenges in all areas of my life and times of growth. The growth came as a result of how I chose to respond to each life challenge I faced. We all have a chance to choose what we will do when faced with negative or unfavorable situations and circumstances. We can either react or respond. Sometimes I reacted and sometimes I responded. When I reacted It was without thought and based out of emotion. However, when I responded, it was a result of taking the time to assess the situation and allowing myself time to come up with an appropriate approach to what I was faced with. A few months ago my husband was in a car accident. Thankfully, he was OK and walked away unharmed. The car, however, was completely damaged.
With the damage done to his vehicle, it only left us with one vehicle to rely on. Now, with two full time working parents, rent, bills, and kids with activities this presented a problem. Insurance wasn't able to cover everything and we were in no position to pay a deductible or get a rental for an indefinite amount of time. So, of course, the question became what are we going to do. I immediately began to talk to God and declare the scriptures over the situation. For a split second fear and anxiety rose up, but I said NOPE…...I’m off that! That's not who I am anymore.
You see ladies there was a time when the fear, worry, and anxiety would completely take over. Maybe after a while, I’d go to God or declare the word, but it lacked confidence and boldness. This time around was different. I was bold, confident in who God was and is, I had no worries. I didn't know how this was all going to work out but I knew God had to do it! This mindset and position was for me to be there for my husband to stand strong with him with every question and with each moment of bad news. My positive thoughts did not change my position, my posture and declaration did not change. It was God, I trust You. You'll never leave us nor forsake us. I have never seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread. You'll bless us in our coming and bless us in our going. What the enemy meant for evil, God will work it out for good. Side Note: It pays to have the word of God in your arsenal!
This situation posed a financial problem for us and, to be honest, that’s one of the areas where I sometimes struggle to trust God completely. So I recognized this as an opportunity to respond and not react and I felt peace, but I also felt weird. Not like myself, the peace felt foreign. I was reminded that the word says, “God will give you peace that surpasses all human understanding.” This woman who was experiencing this peace instead of worrying, feeling anxious, or trying to figure it all out ... I didn't recognize her. The truth of the matter is, I didn't know her. She was the better version of me someone I didn't fully know yet. It was uncomfortable and a little nerve-racking. I was so used to the version of myself who'd worry, be anxious, get mad and cry in these situations and for that person not to be present was new for me. This is when I realized that ya’ girl is for sure growing and maturing! That was it, there was no going back! I had to embrace this new version of me because it came with peace.
But not just any peace, the peace of God.