Breaking Barriers!

Hey, friend! This weeks blog is all about breaking barriers no matter how big or small, acknowledging your achievements, and giving yourself the credit you deserve once those barriers are broken. I feel like many of us can agree that we don't always take time to give ourselves the pat on the back we deserve because there seems to always be another mountain sitting, waiting to be moved. This week, God had to remind me that it is okay to be proud of your accomplishments and excited about the next levels He has prepared for you.

This week I was blessed to lead a Zoom Bible Study night for a young woman I actually met through my blog. She stumbled upon my blog, "Comparison Kills," and was led to ask if I could speak on that subject to one of her churches ministry groups. When she first asked me, I was very apprehensive. In earlier weeks, God had given me instructions to begin planning something similar along with a few other things, but I had a huge fear that fueled my choice to be disobedient. And that is my fear of being on camera and speaking live. When I realized I had this fear, I was honestly baffled and confused. I am a teacher by profession, I have given many sermons at church, I even sing solo's every Sunday. In short, I put myself out there boldly in front of people on a daily basis, so for the life of me I could not figure out what the big deal was of being on camera and speaking on a live video platform.

Long story short, after much thought and prayer, I decided that I would do the Zoom Bible Study. I decided to not allow my fear of being live on Zoom with a bunch of people who don't know me, get in the way of the work that God needed to get done through me. All I can say is I am truly grateful to God that I walked in obedience this time around! The Bible Study was amazing, and I can honestly say it was the most comfortable I've EVER been with delivering a message from God. This week, I BROKE BARRIERS, and I am still on Cloud 9 thanking God and rejoicing!

It's Okay To Be Happy!

Overcoming a fear, finishing a project you've been putting off, or finally accomplishing a goal, vision, or dream you've had for some time, is A BIG DEAL! No matter how small or big, an accomplishment is an accomplishment, and this week I had to be reminded of that. Even if you've only conquered step 1 of a 50 step process, you deserve your flowers.

After the Bible Study this week, I was extremely happy and grateful to God. I couldn't stop smiling, I was in such awe of the work God had just done in me, and the feedback I was receiving and just how He showed up and showed out in just that 1 hour and some change. Now, I'm sure it won't surprise you that the thief of all joy came knocking the very next morning! I woke up, with the heaviest heart. Feelings of guilt, hurt, shame, and insecurity were following my every move. Feeling like I was too hype and I needed to humble myself, hurt because people I thought would be there cheering me on weren't, insecure about the feedback I was getting, did people really enjoy the word as much as they said they did? I really had the nerve to be in such a downward spiral after God used me in a mighty way just the night before...

That same morning, in the shower, God spoke to me loud and clear and He told me, "Alita, it's okay to be happy." That I didn't need to pick apart such a beautiful night and find things that were wrong with it. He showed me that all of my happiness, my praise, my thankfulness had been going to Him. That not once did I believe or feel in my heart that any of this was my own doing. I specifically remember feeling an instant wave of relief take over my body. I began to sob and thank Him for knowing exactly what we need when we need it. He began to minister to me and give me revelation about the night before and I couldn't do anything but praise Him and weep. Of all the things He spoke to me about that morning, the one thing that ignited a fire within me, was when He said, "Alita, today you are a barrier breaker!"

This put a motivation on the inside of me that is indescribable. To hear that from the Father meant so much to me. It instantly restored my joy from the night before. It made me proud of myself. It made me excited for what's to come. It allowed me to actually reflect and realize I conquered something that used to conquer me, and for that I am allowed to be happy! I spoke on camera live, to people I know, didn't know, or who know me, but never heard me minister! That is a huge blessing that I am happy about! When I reflect, it doesn't matter who came, it doesn't matter if the feedback was honest, all that matters is that God had His way in me. That my obedience has opened new doors for me in the kingdom, given me a boost of confidence, and has allowed me to connect with God on a new level.

Application

I pray that after reading this blog, you realize that you too are a barrier breaker. And with God you can overcome any obstacle set before you. Don't allow the world to make you feel like your barriers are "too small", or "not that serious." If it matters to you, then it matters to God! Face those things head on, with God as your armor. And when you've defeated them, allow yourself the space and time to be happy. To bask in your win. There is nothing wrong with rejoicing within reason after you've trusted God to fight alongside you.

Go forth! Overcome those fears! Try those things you're constantly led to, but you're too fearful of doing. Take the first step towards that dream, goal, or vision. Make that song, write that book, speak that word, go to that gym. BREAK THOSE BARRIERS! You've got it, because He's got you.

Prayer

Dear God, we thank you for covering and keeping us for yet another week. Lord, we thank you for continuing to make a way out of no way. We thank you for the many opportunities and blessings you lay before us even when we don't deserve them. God today we ask that you give us a spirit of boldness. Boldness to take on everything you have for us that we have been too fearful to step out on. God we come against the spirit of fear in every area of our life that you have called us to conquer. Be with us on our walks Lord. Continue to give us the word that only you know we need to hear. We thank you for creating us a barrier breakers Lord. We are more than conquerors and we owe it all to you! We love you and thank you for all that you are and all that you do! I ask that you continue to cover and keep Hidden Treasures as we continue to Heal, Evolve, and Rise together! AMEN!