The past three days I have been learning about fear. A word that has been stricken with negative connotations and positive affirmations against it. As I journeyed through teachings on fear i began to see how it infects and affects us. As I was driving to work Wednesday morning. I happened to see one a mother and her two children at the bus stop. I work at a childcare center and this family happended to be one of the families that attends my center. So as i drove by i thought, i should give them a ride to the center since its literally up the street and walking would take 20-30 minutes versus a 5-10 minute drive. Plus i work there and they see me everyday. So i went to the light made a left u-turn, went to the other light and made a left u-turn and drove to the bus stop. So of course I smile, say hi and begin to ask if they would like a ride to the kindercare. Interestingly enough, the mother politely declined and i gracefully said okay and the children waved and yelled out "goodbye Ms.Jasmine!!" I was stunned a bit by her response and began to ponder why would God have me ask and why would she say.no?! Who wouldnt want to forfeit the bus stop and take a 5 minute ride up the street to get your children to school? That same morning the children arrived at school and i didnt mention it at all to the kids as we all went on our day. That afternoon as the kids and i were playing outside, the oldest child came over to me and said, "my mom doesnt know you thats why she didnt take the ride." And i said, "okay thats okay." And she said "she only takes rides from those she knows." I continue to assure her with a smile that its okay and i understand. So i began to really ponder on every facet of this experience.
In relation to fear:
It was interesting to me that I work with her children every day but she still felt uneasy about accepting a 5 minute ride up the street. Then i begin to see thats what we do sometimes with God and what he desires to give us. You see this lady doesnt know if God had a word for her through me. She doesnt know that the ministry im part of focuses on changing generations one FAMILY at a time and that every child at my church will go to college. Or that we were having bible bootcamp and the children were given dinner,taught a lesson and played many games. It made me contemplate the blessings we forfeit because of Fear. The things God desires to give us but we politefully decline. We often times dont consider what a person had to experience to get to a point where they can freely give. Or maybe God is teaching them how to respond to Him. What blessings, connections,opportunities...have i forfeited due to fear?

Sabbath Margin: Making Room to Breathe

I have spent the last five Tuesday mornings going through a biblestudy written by Priscilla Shirer called Breathe. It has truly been a breath of fresh air. This study has alerted me to the importance of rest. It has also shown me the benefits of intentionally practicing the sabbath not just to prepare for worship, but to reflect and remember where God has brought you from. As I navigate the roads of Motherhood, breathing is often one thing I forget to do. Breathing during tantrums, diaper changes, spilled food and crying fits to name a few. Breathing during the ups and downs that came with being a wife and mother. When I forget or dismiss time for self care to breathe, relax and replenish myself then my perspective in life becomes distorted. My toddler who is just being a toddler could do something little, but since I havent took time to breathe I may become frustrated and irritable. Those feelings are unproductive and self serving. They dont benefit anyone but the self and those negative emotions really dont even benefit you. So how can we learn to breathe ourselves into self care?


First things first! We must breathe! It sounds simple because we do it daily, but taking intentional deep breaths daily will help to refocus how we are percieving our reality. God's word says, "Be still and know that I am God." It is imperative that we have moments of stillness where we can breathe, rest and replenish all of our being. Plus we have something greater intervening on our behalf.

Secondly, we must adopt a practice whether it be yoga, meditation, praying, journaling, exercising to name a few. Prayer and journaling helps to put things in perspective. Its a way to unload your mind and fill it with Gods possibilities and promises. Your mind creates matter. Everything begins in your mind so its important to manifest and meditate on positive thoughts. Your thoughts have the power to create your universe. So what are you thinking that is becoming or has become your reality? Journaling helps also for you to release negativity and it is also a great way of keeping track of how far you have come. This too shall pass. Adopting an exercise practice is necessary and will help you focus more on intentional breathing.

Thirdly, I would say to create a community of individuals who will support and love on you. This community can be other mothers, a therapist, friends, spouse or family members. Create your tribe and lean on them for support when needed. Dont believe the lies that no one cares, you will come off as weak, too afraid to share...because these lies will keep you isolated. Isolation keeps us bounded and imprisoned. Suffering in silence is not neccessary. Lean on your community. Lean on me.


And lastly I would say find a way you can serve others or help others who are experiencing what you experienced. Your experiences are not useless. Ask God to use everything you have experienced for His good.

Remember to breathe. Breathe life back into your body. Rest and Replenish. Self care is not optional but necessary. Continue to create your mamahood narrative. Love yourself. Forgive yourself and Move on to better & greater.

With Love,
Just a Mama journeying through Motherhood