Whitnee's journey with Christ

William and I had walked in to the church about 15 minutes late and Bible study and the various groups were already in session. As I walked into the Women’s support group I was surprised to only see 4 beautiful women and 1 pretty little girl. I could tell by the smiles on their faces something special was brewing. I didn’t know I was about to be blessed with “a hot 16” that received a standing ovation, I didn’t know I would hear the ultimate testimony that would blow my mind, I didn’t know I would see a smile that could light up the whole room, I wasn’t prepared to be wowed by the faith, spirit, heart, and soul of the one I now refer to as a “Shero of faith!”

Cherise had been talking about her journey that is captured on TikTok that inspires, encourages, motivates, and educates those dealing with alopecia and those on their spiritual walk in faith. If you would have seen her smile; it’s like she was staring God straight in his face how brightly she smiled. But that’s just the thing- I always remembered her smile being so bright.

You see I remember the first time I met Cherise, her and her girls had just walked to NST and after the Pastor introduced her, I instantly felt a connection. I had never met anyone whose smile could just soothe my spirit and bring such a calmness and a peace. It took months maybe years for me to find the courage to tell her. I mean I didn’t want her to think I was crazy, obsessed, or had impure thoughts of her. What I told her was well received and those same feelings stay true to this day.

After the crappy last few hours I had, I truly needed the small, intimate gathering we had on last night.

Though I missed the start of the initial conversation, I was just in time for the blessing that well received and to hear the seed that had been planted and is being watered through faith.

Cherise had written a song that she performed in front of a live audience, and rightfully so, she received a standing ovation. Cherise is a talented and gifted singer but she is also a songwriter. The first time I heard Cherise spit bars I was amazed! I’ll admit I didn’t think she had it in her. The words and testimony yes but the way she delivered and rapped with such charisma, poise, conviction, confidence, and honesty would blow your mind. I always said she was one of my “cool friends!”

And so I sat there looking like a kid who is watching an action movie and the bars just kept getting better and better. She mouthed the words as we listened to the recording and then it was over, she could now drop the mic. She shared her desire to record it and told us that she needed $300 dollars to get in the studio for the beat and to put it on track. My mind was racing and wondering how I could use my connections to bless her but at the moment I offered to invest in her financially in order for others to hear what God placed inside of her.

Over the next 45 minutes it just got better and better. I wish I could write down every single detail but we would be here for days so I’ll paste a screenshot of Kelly’s words to us after the group.

Even precious Macie, Cherise’s daughter, was proud of the God fearing woman she was blessed to call mom. I am blessed to call Cherise a friend. And I am humbled to be her sister in Christ!

Now I need to shift gears on you real quick……ARE YOU READY?

Cherise who publicly talks about having Alopecia, decided months ago (or maybe a year now) to shave her head ball. She told us her husbands initial response and his resounding support and her infectious smile and personality just make hair an extra asset but her natural state makes her even more special and beautiful. The message last night was that she a living witness and her story compares to that of Samson.

Let’s go to Scripture. Do you remember the story of Samson and Delilah? Do you remember after much nagging from Delilah, Samson revealed the source of his strength? She had called in the Phillistines whom took Samson hostage, cut of his hair, and gouged his eyes out. Ultimately his strength left him. Samson asked God to give him strength one last time so he could defeat the Phillistines. He knocked down two pillars in the temple killing himself but also thousands of Phillistines and their rulers, freeing those held in captive by the Phillistine rulers.

Samson may have been a judge of over 20 years but he had his weaknesses (one being women and some could argue his ultimate weakness was Delilah). Bonus question: Do you know the Hebrew word and meaning for Delilah? If so share it in the comments section below. I had so much fun studying parts of Judges, Numbers, and Hebrew last night trying to gain inside on Samson and his character so I could relate it to todays message. All in all, Samson was thought of as a “hero of faith!”

That is where todays heading came from because I truly believe Cherise is a “Shero of faith!” Unlike Samson, Cherise is very humble. She asks and prays God give her strength but she doesn’t realize her very being is strength. She reigns strength and is black excellence. The very things she hope God will do in and through her life, she does already, it is simply embedded in her DNA.

The same way God allowed Samsons hair to grow back in front of everyone’s eyes; God is doing the same for Cherise. The huge difference is her strength is not in her hair (in my opinion); it was given to her at birth and her outward influence (her walk to greatness on her hair journey) is yet another testament of how bold, courageous, and faithful she is. Take a look at the cover page, that’s just a small list of things I could say about this child of God.

And so as I begin to close todays message I want to leave with you a few scriptures that I read in my study that I pray bring hope to each of YOU while you are on your individual journeys.

• Hebrews 11:1-3 Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By Faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
• Hebrews 11:11 By Faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.
• Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on earth.

By Faith we can all overcome like Cherise…like Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets.

Hebrews 12:1-2 reads: Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sun which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance with race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Todays challenge: Let us all walk in faith and in boldness like Cherise and Samson. Let our faith be our strength that can be seen, heard, felt from miles and miles away. Let us strive to keep the course of faith like Abraham and trusting in God’s promise. God’s word has been planted to each of us reading todays devotional blog, it is my prayer that His word (scripture and Cherise’s testimony) will not return to Him void. God promised He will reward each of us for our obedience. He is faithful, He is a waymaker, He is light in darkness, He is a promise keeper, He is the best doctor, lawyer, healer, He is King of King, Lord of Lord, He is omnipotent, He is mighty, and He is gracious. I’m so grateful to call Him my Lord and Savior. He is my all in all.

Special shout out to Cherise and the beautiful women of Koinonia’s Women Support Group who walk by faith and not by sight and whom are living examples of God’s grace and love for each of us. They inspire me to a better version of me and they inspire me to allow God to use me and have His way in my life. Keep on pressing towards the mark ladies…the best is yet to come…I see greatness in your future!