Whitnee's journey with Christ

I was headed inside of the church to prepare cooking for Wednesday night fellowship when I was welcomed by the most beautiful sunflowers I’d ever seen (featured on todays scripture verses). This was the first time I had seen such vivid, bright and illuminating colors on a flower and to my surprise it was a present left by my dear, sweet sister! There was a card that followed and it inspired me so, that I had to share you today.

Before I start todays blog let’s list a few things that the sunflower is known for to give some context to todays message:

• They have the ability to provide energy in the form of nourishment and vibrancy.
• They are known for being a “happy flower.”
• Sunflowers symbolize faith and unconditional love.
• Sunflowers track the sun.
• Sunflower oil can be used as an anti inflammatory.
• The tallest sunflower is over 39 feet.

There is so much joy and happiness associated with this flower. I could not think of a more fitting early birthday present than sunflowers once I studied the definition and meaning of the sunflower.

Just as my sweet friend had hoped, the flowers helped to brighten an already marvelous task.

So over the next few hours as William and I worked in the kitchen I wondered how things would turn out. I’m sure I wasn’t the only person that was ready for a nap after the bowl of soup, rice and cornbread. I was so happy the fruits of our labor had so many smiling faces. If only those folks knew the privilege and honor was all mine. Cooking is a way to show my love for others; and it truly blessed me to have this experience with my youngest son.

Special shout out to: Mrs. Barbara for coming in to fellowship with me and then so graciously offering to help; you filling the pans with the cornbread wasn’t an easy task but it sure was a delicious treat. Thanks for getting your hands dirty today! To Robin and Justin who came in and helped serve the food with no questions asked, I thank you! To Mr and Mrs Richard Moore for so graciously allowing Faith and I to have this opportunity I am grateful. To Syndnee and Raekwon for welcoming me into their after-school space and navigating around me in the kitchen, I appreciate you! To Faith for providing our sweet treats to top of the meal, I’m grateful to you. To Tatayana for putting a smile on my face for your generous and on-time kind remarks. To Kelly, Dave, Ms Rita, and D’Etta for opening the door, assisting where you saw there was a need, helping me in the end and taking things to the car, and just being the day of sunshines that you are. To Mrs Sandra and Amanda for being AMAZING, you truly surprised me and your hard work truly helped me when my energy was running extremely low. (I do owe you both a meal as I apologize I did not put a plate up for you both to eat, my sincerest apologies). And last but not least little (but tall) helpers Nygel, Emmanuel and William. Your selflessness is priceless and I pray God richly blesses you all. This could not have been possible without the blessing of our Loving leader, the warm embrace from my church family, or God himself. Just so thankful.

The reason for todays topic is because it’s been a minute since I was able to brag on YOU. Yes YOU!!!! The person reading todays message, yep that’s right YOU!!!!!!!!!!

Your love, your support, your encouragement, your strength, your prayers, your smile, your kind words, your hug, your early morning or late night text, your heart or wherever you fit in MATTERS TO ME! You are God’s blessed creation and I’m glad to be in community with YOU! You help brighten so many people’s lives and YOU allow God’s love and light to shine beautifully through YOU!

The crazy thing is almost every morning I text over 100 people and I never thought in my wildest dreams I could say I knew 100+ amazing folks that I can my friend. Some of you are neighbors, family, friends, work friends, associates, church members, relatives, or just someone I know through someone but you’ve made such an impact on me that make posts like today so warm and fulfilling to write.

On today we celebrate the birthday of some amazing people like my God son TJ, my pal Terri, my ray of sunshine Mr. Fred, one of the coolest kids in town Mekhi…while we celebrate the life of a life well lived who was called to his Heavenly home Mr. Champ Pearson. We honor these great folks today because it’s the birthday but we also bless God on this day for YOU!

Isaiah 35:2 says they shall see the glory of the Lord, the excellency of our God.

YOU are EXCELLENT! YOU are POWERFUL! YOU are BEAUTIFUL! YOU are STRONG! YOU are SMART! YOU are GOOD! YOU are SIMPLY AMAZING! YOU are A BEACON OF HOPE, LIGHT, and JOY!

I thank God for folks like YOU because when we face hardships, trials, and various challenges it’s folks like you who are our biggest cheerleaders. You encourage us to keep pushing and to never give up. You allow us to just be and accept us as we are. We don’t have to fake and act like everything is okay, and it’s folks like you that remind us it’s okay to not be okay.

You are like a beautiful flower that is blooming! Just like a flower, your growth and and beauty are so beautiful to watch!

Your faithfulness encourages folks like me daily.

I could go on and on and on but I don’t want you all to the “big head” now but all jokes aside, YOU ARE AMAZING! This website would not be possible with EACH OF YOU!

Thank you for being the inspiration all around me. Thank you for lifting me up when I felt hopeless and helpless. Thank you for constantly reminding me where my source of strength comes from; only from God. Your love directs me back to Him every time and for that I’m grateful.

Some of you may not agree with me as you think that you don’t do anything to better my life but I want to tell you, YOU ARE WRONG! Like D’Etta said (I should have written it down verbatim) YOU MATTER, YOUR LIFE MATTERS, YOU MAKE A CHANGE, YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE, and I’m so much better because of you.

I want to end todays message by again saying thank you for all the love, all the blessings that flow from YOU, for taking the time to read these long blogs, your feedback, your prayers, your conversation, your friendship, and for allowing YOUR light to shine. Like a flower, we too need to be watered, pruned, absorb the sun (spiritually the son), and have some good soil….I pray as we continue to run this race called life that we can spread God’s love, His Good News, spread love, peace, and hope and we can help to water, prune, and tend to each other’s soil just by being the GREAT PEOPLE GOD CREATED US TO BE!

You are one in a million and I love you all!