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I am coming to you, live and direct from work again. I am on a break, as I sit on hold with the IRS. Unlike most Americans I usually make my money (good money) during the year and end up with Uncle Sam's hand in my pocket around this time of year. Gee-Wiz. Can I ever get a break? Moving along, I am cold, and fighting the congestion that I have happening. I refuse to get sick. I mean, I don't have insurance yet (Thank you Mr. President for signing the new bill) and I certainly can't take off anymore time. Anyway, I feel like I just won the lottery, I am hungry as all get out and I found some applesauce in my drawer! Yess...

Moving along, I was chatting with a buddy today via messenger and we were discussing the financial ups and downs of life. Lately, I found myself doing some complaining, I've also overheard the complaining from others and I find myself, shaking my head. I want to share an experience with you. It is extremely personal, but true nontheless and it played a HUGE part in molding me into the strong woman that I am now.

It was a cold January early morning in 2008. Snow was still on the ground in front of my Condo in Jersey City, NJ. The wind chill was crazy. There was rain and lightening. In fact the sun hadn't even made it's appearance over the Atlantic yet. This is the morning that I loaded up my Chevy Impala, with everything that I could fit in it. I believe I had about $600 and a Chevron credit card to use. Clothes, a few towels, my trusty red teapot and a crock pot was jammed in my car. In the front seat was Braxton, my traveling teddy, strapped up in the seatbelt. This was the day, I left my life and former Partner behind. I was terrified, hurt and hopeful at the same time. I had work. My Company in NJ transfered me back to Georgia (ATL) and so at least that was ok. I hit 95 South and did not look back. When I finally made it thru the mountains, woods and other awesome things...Like, did you know that there is a "Pochahantas National Park" in Virginia?? I was really in shock to see that. The mountains greatness drowned out my tears and every so often, I would get out of the car and simply scream. Finally, as I merged with I-85 South, I made it into Georgia late that night. 12 or 13 hours of driving. Fastforward, I spent many nights crying or wondering where my next meal would come from. But in the midst of it all, I found a Church to attend and the teachings were right on point. I would give an financial offering every single time, even if it was my last; because beneath it all, I knew that my God was larger than any problem or hurt that I experienced. I learned to trust in the things not seen. I learned to be strong, even when I wanted to be weak.

-----------------Fast Forward-------------------
When I finally got an apartment, I remember sitting on my air matress with my bedroom patio door open, listening to the wind and reading my book. I can remember this moment like it was yesterday. A sense of peace enveloped my body so suddenly. It was like I was made somewhat whole and reminded that I am alive, and thus the fight was not over. I only had that air matress, about 4 towels, my crockpot and teapot, some hand me down plates, a shower curtian and a bottle of white wine. But I didn't owe anything shit for what I did have. From that moment onward, things only went uphill. I received, to date, my largest tax return. I purchased furniture. I put money in savings. I joined a ministry at church. I was promoted to Branch Manager at my Staffing Company and saw about a 20K salary increase, in what seemed like overnight. All of these things happened in about 30-days. That was the year that I turned 29 years old. I learned a few vital things, and if you don't mind I'd like to share:

1. We are stronger than we know. As long as we have life in our bodies we can accomplish ANYTHING which we desire.
2. You don't know who you are, even when you think you know. It's only after extreme test and trial that the real you comes out, and is refined to expose a person that you had no idea existed.
3. Never, ever put all of your eggs in one basket. It's not a good look to be broke and broken hearted.
4. **Seed sowing is real** In the physical and spiritual realm, you can not keep planting the same seed and not see the fruit. Some fruit grow faster than others, depending on the timing, climate and soil. But when you hold your course, fruitful results Always come to pass.

Be well :)