Transforming My Taste Buds

And do not be conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. - Romans 12:2

Warning label: This meal contains raw Christian components. It is organic. Not at all sugar coated, and can not be duplicated in a cook book, but rather it is a special making from the heart of the chef.

January.

My life prior to January 17th, 2017 lacked purpose. Academically, I had achieved. Career wise, I had it all together, but holistically something...some key ingredient was missing from my life's menu.

I found, on the date mentioned above that, that ingredient was/is the salt of the earth Jesus Christ. Truthfully, I have been a Christian virtually all of my life, meaning I knew God, but I desired more. I desired to not just know God, but to WALK with Him. Essentially I got tired of being lukewarm. Now, although some people may be able to tolerate lukewarm food, I can not. It has always been my experience that the hotter the food the better, and that's exactly what I desired my life to be like for Christ, on fire. So on the seventeenth day of January, I was baptized at my now church home of the First Baptist Church of Glenarden. This was a great day, an amazing day actually, that marked the beginning of a transformation that even as I try to type here today, I could never fully describe in words. But, what I can say is that for the first time in my life I truly know that I am on track, the right track.

Let me be the first to tell you that a major life change, is NO piece of cake, but rather it is a true challenge.

My faith had been (taste) tested, over and over again, and I had to endure some really stale states, hand delivered by the enemy, but ultimately prepared by God.

February. It was in this month that I physically lost my Dean, Jerilynn Reid. This amazing, amazing, amazing, and phenomenal woman taught me everything there is to know about Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, and life in general. She was ALWAYS there, never missed a beat only until her heart could no longer keep up with the rhythm. She literally spent her life sowing into others until her life here was no more, and needless to say I questioned God at this time.

March. My neighbor was murdered. I never would have imagined death being {literally} so close to home. I never would have imagined having to use my nursing skill to attempt to revive a lifeless soul lying inches from my doorstep. Oh God, I prayed. Please stop serving me this flavorless food.

April. April showers bring May flowers... or just showers. My God mother, passed. She was my ray of sunshine. Who will call me "Anna" now? Who will continue to sing to me even at my 25 years of age? How will I comfort myself and mother with the lost of our best friend?...Too many questions. No answers. For now it is just pain, disbelief, numbness, and grief.

May. Displaced. Eating out of another's kitchen. Still no place to call my own.

June, the current. Still standing strong in my purpose. Remember that post I wrote, A side of Strength ? Well, let's just say I placed in my fair share of orders.

Once upon a time ago, I would have looked at the past couple of months as some sort of tasteless misfortune and misery, but I had to remember that I was in the process of transforming my tastebuds. I had to remember that the Master Chef, Christ, makes no mistake, and is the one in control of this kitchen.

So let me try this again... transform my tastebuds, if you will.

February. The month of love. Jeri will always be apart of me. Her influence won't and will never depart, for she lives within my heart.

March. God kept me. Being so close to death was no mistake. It drew me closer to God, and provided me with a testimony that attests to God's covering. It was also on March 16th, 2017 (exactly one year to the date of beginning this blog) that God saw it fit for me to transition from princess to Queen. He placed the Queen Esther Ministry in my life, and day after day, week after week He has been showing me how to truly be a woman of God. A prayer answered.

April. Aunt Shirley, I will always be your "Anna". Your unwavering devotion to God, your warm spirit, and your melodious voice will continue to speak and shine over my life. You are a gift, a precious gift for which I am thankful to have had 25 years to unwrap, and enjoy. Having hold of your class, calmness, and charisma is a peace that only God could have provided. I am thankful for your life.

May. I never went with out food or shelter. I was able to abide with family and not be alone. God provided me the necessary time to heal. It was also during this time, that I saw God moving not just in my life, but also in the life of those I dwelled with. He allowed to see day to day what a young, healthy, and God driven marriage resembled. He allowed me to see and learn for my own future. I didn't get it then, but now I truly understand that I was displaced in order to be properly positioned. I Thank you God!

June. New apartment. New beginnings. New appetite. SAME GOD. What was once stale has become fresh, and ready to enjoy!

I say all this to say... if you think I have changed or become "brand new"... it's because I have. No, I am not perfect and never will be, but now I live with a greater purpose. I am not the same. I am a daughter of the King, and no longer does it matter where I came from, but WHO I WALK WITH.

You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. - Matthew 5:13

Yes, it took some time, some growth, and some maturity, but my taste for life has truly transformed, and today I pass the Salt of the earth to you. Choose Him!

#YoungFlySavedandUnashamed

Always served with Love,

Dri ♥