It’s been awhile but here is what has been laid on my heart recently.
I purchased a book on amazon called “The Lipstick Gospel” by Stephanie May Wilson, and young ladies if you haven’t read it, you should. She is incredibly talented in how honest and relatable she is. I’ve never read someones work and been able to feel like I was sitting there saying,” girl me too!” and we were able to form a friendship without me even knowing her. Thank you so much for following what the Lord laid on your heart and writing such an amazing book. If you want to find out more about her or purchase the book visit stephaniemaywilson.com
Here are the biggest things I took away from it:
1. Take a breath, and take a chance.
There is a point in the story where she shares about how there is no way she would have picked herself to do what the Lord had planned for her. She says if she had seen what it was going to be like on paper, she would’ve said “no way.” There are so many times where I find myself saying, ” I hear you Lord, but I just want to know if you know what you’re asking of me.” I’m sure He’s like, did I stutter? There are plenty of times I think to myself, how in the heck am I going to spread the Gospel on the Race? My squad can (shoutout to January Route 2 whoop whoop), but not me Lord, you got it twisted. It’s through all this I know He’s saying girl,
“Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told”
Habakkuk 1:5
Then all that pressure I built up in my mind fades away. I’m reminded that there not even going to be my words, they’re His and His word is perfect, and good. It’s not my job to save people, it’s only the Lords. I just have to show up and follow his prompt. Easy enough right? Ha, keep praying for me ya’ll because I’m not there yet, but I’m moving, which is always better than standing still.
2. There are still beautiful things in the world.
She takes a trip to Europe and is engulfed in all this beautiful history, and culture and she takes in every bit of it, letting it really speak to her. This could not have come at a better time for me because I was feeling so down and out from all that has been happening in our world lately. From all the shootings and killings that have been occurring around the world, all I was feeling was the weight of hatred being spread. It seriously brought tears to my eyes and I thought about my Father who is a cop. I cannot for one second imagine getting that phone call saying he had passed away from being shot, by people who wanted revenge. My heart was breaking for all those people who had lost someone, and the people who thought it would be best to try and “even the score” by taking innocent lives. My Facebook feed was filled with so much violence and right as a tear welled up, I scrolled and saw my FCA leaders had their baby boy. I felt like a literal weight was lifted off my shoulders. I was overjoyed for them and I realized that even when everything is going crazy, there is still the one light guiding our way. Jesus is always the light and He can never be put out. He still brings love, no matter what.
3. Everyone gets dirty.
You’re physically and emotionally tired, smelling awful, with dirt on your face and in your hair, but you plop right next to your friend and all they do is hug you. They don’t care that you smell like you haven’t showered in weeks, they don’t care that your hair is a mess, and most of all they don’t care that your ducks aren’t in a row, or that you haven’t crossed your T’s or dotted your I’s. They’re just happy to be with you. They’re happy that you choose them to come to when you’re feeling down. They’re willing to be with you. I’m going to let you in on something. That friend, is Jesus. He couldn’t give a crap that you feel all over the place and feel like you have no direction or the slightest idea which way is up. He says to us,
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
He only cares that we chose to give him our hearts, no matter what condition they’re in. He does this because He truly loves us. It’s not like he didn’t know what He signed up for, and he knew how hard the cross would be to endure but he did it anyways. He decided our dirt was worth saving to be made clean through his saving grace. I don’t know about ya’ll but sometimes I get tired. This life ain’t easy and we all need rest. I’m so thankful that the one who holds the universe allows us to take rest in Him. If you haven’t heart the song I’ll Keep On by NF you need to, and let it paint a picture of what I mean.
The reason I loved this book so much is how honest it was. She didn’t for a second act like she had it all together or that she was a high horse looking down at everyone else. She didn’t try to act like she was perfect. She was honest about every fear, every question, and every feeling she had and that’s what hit me most. I want to be someone who doesn’t try to impress people with my million dollar words, when a nickel one will do. I want to be who I was created to be.I want to be the one who invites everyone into love through Jesus who is constantly teaching me what real love looks like. It ain’t always coming to you with a pink bow wrapped around it. Sometimes love can be riddled with blood, sweat and tears, but if Jesus thought it was worth it, maybe I should too.
Best,
Alisha Allen
