Author Archives: Tannika Nikeya

01.30.17
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Tannika’s Free Writing & Flash Fiction: Help

Welcome to my new series where I will be free writing and writing flash fiction to have fun, to regain my discipline as a frequent writer, and to stretch and strengthen my writing skills.

Recently, I had an anxiety attack. But….I’m happy to say I fought it but not without God’s grace and strategies. Alone in a classroom with worn carpet, ununiformed chairs, desks, and tables, I prayed, sang along to worship music, recited God’s Word with as much confidence that could be mustered, took deep breaths, focused in on my breathing, texted my best friend to share my ordeal, and then I tried to face it. But when the Holy Spirit also led me to pick up my pen and grab my notebook, I was able to release it. (A couple of lines were added after the initial writing.)

Help

She could no longer run. She tried to hide but her breathing was as loud and frantic as the rain.

As the rain pranced on the pavement and tapped against her window, she began to pray that the nerves in her stomach would relax. That the hairs on the back of her neck would comfortably rest upon it instead of standing erect in fear. That her breathing focused and grew patient.

That the intruder would be revealed. What did the intruder want from her? How did the intruder find her? She gave no permission for this being to inhabit her space.

Even if she could, she would not scream. She gripped her knees with one arm as she leaned against the wall next to her nightstand. All the while, she kept her eyes fixed on the door that was shutting out the intruder and his intensions. She reached for her pad and pen to scribble for help.

She needed help. There is an intruder but the intruder feels so familiar. She was being dragged towards despair yet frozen in fear. Her thoughts churned, her pen moved, and the rain continued to tap also for her attention. She needed help.

Little did she realize that help was already present. He had arrived when she began to pray. He was devoted towards saving her life. She paused her pen and closed her eyes. She managed to quiet her soul for it had grown loud with fear. She focused on her savior. “I am a present help in the time of trouble,” he said. She could no longer hear the intruder, no longer feel the intruder. Maybe this was a false alarm, but her body and soul had believed it was real.

For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 KJV

01.28.17
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Wearing Someone Else’s Shoes 

For those who have read my latest book, you are most familiar with its leading poem, Wearing Someone Else’s Shoes Ain’t Never Been Me, for which my book was named from.

For those who have not, here is a chance to read my poem which centers around coming to the realization of one’s one-of-a-kindness and purpose. It details the confidence that God created you with a destiny in mind and that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. If your DNA wasn’t proof enough that God wanted you to take off another’s shoes and embrace the destiny and being that He purposed for you, then your individual spiritual gifts, and talents, and His setting you apart unto Himself has got to be further clues.

So enjoy this poem and be encouraged!
Wearing Someone Else’s Shoes Ain’t Never Been Me

I was meant to be free/Wearing someone else’s shoes ain’t never been me/With whom I carry on the inside, I shall find my way through the dark/I was meant to not only shine, But carry His spark/By allowing God’s Word to take root in my heart

Don’t limit me with your small beliefs and hindering measures/And don’t block the path to my destiny, my heart’s treasure

Don’t assume that I am through/When I am down and nothing’s new/Keep saying “I’m not going to make it”/Before you know it, I’ve made it, And made it past you!

Keep spreading lies ‘cause you can’t handle what’s true/Get back, Get yourself out of the way ‘cause I am coming through/Some of you trying to latch on Might have to let go/‘cause I have to let go too/

I was meant to be free/Wearing someone else’s shoes ain’t never been me

Those shoes don’t fit/And forcing them to doesn’t seem legitimate/The shoes that were framed and molded for me/Will help me embrace my own destiny/I am set apart and unique
No longer conformed/And I took off my uniform/That kept me fitting in and walking the same/I took off my complacency and no longer walk in shame

No longer seeking the approval of man/ Took some practice and stumbling In these shoes/But now I can stand

I was meant to be free/Wearing someone else’s shoes ain’t never been me

Tannika Moore

Visit http://www.stcfpoetrybook.com for more information on Wearing Someone Else’s Shoes Ain’t Never Been Me or my other book.

01.26.17
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Top Ten: My Writing Goals

Ever since I can remember, I have loved writing down my goals as much as I loved writing itself. Writing down my goals gave me a visual and accountability as well as kept me organized and motivated. Checking off or crossing off a goal helped me to feel good about myself. However, sometimes a goal stayed on my list for months; some never met a line or a check mark and have gotten the opportunity to join new goal lists. However, I continue this habit of writing down my goals. According to GoalBand, people with written goals are 50% more likely to achieve than people without goals (http://www.goalband.co.uk/goal-achievement-facts.html#sthash.PldSO1j0.dpuf). 

So with that said, I am going to write down (well type) my top ten writing goals for 2017 and share them with you all. 

                  Top Ten Writing Goals

  1. To write daily or weekly, for the mere purposes of just writing and rebuilding my discipline of a frequent writer.
  2. To reedit/rewrite my children’s book and find an awesome illustrator. 
  3. To write some fiction and revisit my old short stories I wrote in my teen and college years.
  4. To devote quiet and prayer time towards the preparation of the devotional God gave me the idea to write.
  5. To brush up on my editing and writing skills. Got to strengthen my writing and editing!💪
  6. I know this is not writing or editing, but to read more books. It is great ro read the works of inspiring accomplished writers who have been where you have been and have honed their craft.
  7. To write more poetry and try to remember my poems (Help me Jesus!).
  8. To be as authentic and unafraid in writing down what’s in my heart.
  9. To help many of the young people I work with become better writers and thirsty readers excited to embrace books and unafraid to mark a paper with the beautiful arrangements of words.
  10. To remember writing is always fun, well always to a writer!😉 

Are you a writer? What are your writing goals? If you aren’t a writer, share your goals too. I’d love to hear your 2017 goals!

01.13.17
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Flashback Friday: Walking In Your Own Shoes

Today, I would like to share with you my top read post of last year which was originally published on January 8, 2016.

On December 5th, I introduced my second poetry book to the world. It is titled Wearing Someone Else’s Shoes Ain’t Never Been Me. It is a long title but every word is imperative. The theme of my book is “walking in your own shoes”, not someone else’s shoes, but your own.

Walking In Your Own Shoes

So, what does “walking in your own shoes mean”? I define this idiom as walking in your own identity, learning and using your own voice, finding and fulfilling your purpose, and living out the destiny God created for you to walk in. It is not a physical walk but a mental, emotional, and spiritual flow you possess all your own. You are the only you God created and although there may be people who look or act similar, no one can fulfill your destiny like you can, the way you can, if you set out to do so. I love Sarah McLachlan lyrics, from In Your Own Shoes, that says it best, “Time for you to walk in your own shoes/Lay down your footprints wherever you choose/Leave it all behind and move on ’cause you are your own woman” (or man, if you are reading this).

Masks, Enormous Loads, And Broken Heels

“Walking in your own shoes” also means letting go of the baggage that has been holding you down and keeping you from moving forward. Are you walking with an enormous load or a broken heel and a broken heart? “Walking in your own shoes” too means removing the masks we often put on to appease others and keep up a facade of how we want to appear before others. What masks have you been wearing?

Walking In My Own Shoes

I wrote this book, like any other books, poems, or writing I do, to get out whatever I need to sort out within and to put down on paper the things I had been learning about life, people, and myself. I wrote some of the poems years ago and the rest I wrote last year, 2015. I have been learning to grow comfortable in my own skin as well as outside of my comfort zone, and I do stress learning. It has to be true about life after 29 (do I have to tell my age, Laughing out loud) when you start to come into who you are because I am experiencing that, amidst some fear and a little anxiety. Although, I have always been goal-oriented, I would not have been able to tell you my purpose before now. I often let people chime in on what I should do and be. But thanks to my strong mom, who has encouraged me to always get off the couch and live and my pastor who impressed upon me to find my purpose and fulfill my destiny, I would not have committed time to seeking out my destiny and purpose these past few years. In this moment along the journey, I am also learning to deal with my flaws, past issues, insecurities, and emotional wounds I’ve incurred along the way. So, I too, am still learning how to walk in my own shoes.

Named for its leading poem, my book, Wearing Someone Else’s Shoes Ain’t Never Been Me, poetically talks about finding your destiny, living life on purpose, embracing your God-given journey and even allowing yourself to be vulnerable (not naive and gullible, but vulnerable) and trusting God to protect you in doing so. We will talk about vulnerability another time.

As always, I love to encourage, so here are some Tools for your Journey!

Here are 24 Walkisms you should have:

  1. Walk in love.
  2. Walk in forgiveness.
  3. Walk in desperate pursuit of God.
  4. Walk in humility.
  5. Walk in peace.
  6. Walk (or dance) in the rain every now and then.
  7. Walk in justice and integrity.
  8. Walk with patience.
  9. Walk alive, not like the living dead.
  10. Walk, smile, and laugh.  A smile and laughter are medicine for the heart.
  11. Walk out of your comfort zone.
  12. Walk to give a hand to those unfortunate than yourself.
  13. Walk and make your mama proud. Return the love and create memories and moments for her like she did for you.
  14. Walk in confidence.
  15. Walk according to your own pace.
  16. Walk in healthy attitudes and habits.
  17. Walk in faith and trust Jesus who died for you because He has your back like no one else can or will.
  18. Walk to make an impact.
  19. Walk in the present, not the past, not the future.
  20. Walk accordingly to the plan God has for you.
  21. Walk in originality. Be yourself.
  22. Walk up to fear, knowing it’s bluffing.
  23. Walk in your season.
  24. Walk, not looking back.

Put your shoes on honey, our journeys await,

Tannika

How have you begun to walk in your own shoes?

12.20.16
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The Walls Have To Come Down

What a rough year this has been and we keep coming to these mountains and walls. They got to move! So, when we started reading Joshua and then came to Joshua 6, we got the unction to pray concerning those mountains and walls and to pray in the prescribed method the Lord told Joshua and His people to march around Jericho. 

What walls you desperately need to come down in Jesus’s name? Is it recurring debt, low self-esteem, issues on your job, issues with your children or your spouse, an issue that is recurring in the world that God has moved you to pray about, issues in your church, issues with your health? Gather scriptures concerning the matter because without God’s voice, wisdom, promise, Word on the matter, it won’t happen captain. 

Then pray you won’t doubt even when it seems like there isn’t anything happening. We, ourselves, are on day 2 and day 1 yielded no change, but God had to remind us that the wall didn’t collapse on the first day. So keep going! Have courage. Fight the good fight of faith. Pray without ceasing. Sisters and brothers-in-Christ, you are more than conquerors. He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world.

March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of ramsʼ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.” Joshua 6:3‭-‬5 NIV

What walls got to come down in your life? What don’t you want coming into 2017? Declare it be moved in Jesus’s name?

11.25.16
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Writing Tip Jar

Happy Friday and Happy Post-Thanksgiving!!!! I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. Last Friday, I shared some writing tips with all my aspiring authors and fellow writers. Here are some more concerning a favorite method I use during my prewriting stage or even when I am planning an event.

It is called outlining.

Outlining is a great method or tool to use for just about any writing: research writing, creative writing, news writing, etc. Outlining allows you to map out in sequential order your main points. It also allows you to organize your thoughts whether you are writing on a particular subject or character sketching. Outlining also allows you to write concisely, stay on topic and make easier transitions when writing.

Try It

Outline your main points, set up a variable structure of what you want to say, and how you want your writing to flow, and allow it to guide you. You will find it easier to flow in writing once you know what or who you are writing about and have drafted an outline.

Put your shoes on honey; Our journey awaits,

Tannika

Any questions or comments about today’s writing tip, comment below or tweet me using hashtag #WritingTipJar

09.09.16
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Go To War

armor-of-god

Recently, while reading the bible, I realized this wasn’t just my daily routine reading (which it should never become just “I read it just to say I read it”). I was reading Deuteronomy 20. This chapter details Moses teaching Israel the laws for going to war. I realized God was speaking to me. In fact, He was teaching me and revealing to me things I had not come to understand until now.

GOING TO WAR

When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. 2 When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. 3 He shall say: “Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. 4 For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”

5 The officers shall say to the army: “Has anyone built a new house and not yet begun to live in it? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else may begin to live in it. 6 Has anyone planted a vineyard and not begun to enjoy it? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else enjoys it. 7 Has anyone become pledged to a woman and not married her? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else marry her.” 8 Then the officers shall add, “Is anyone afraid or fainthearted? Let him go home so that his fellow soldiers will not become disheartened too.” 9 When the officers have finished speaking to the army, they shall appoint commanders over it.

10 When you march up to attack a city, make its people an offer of peace. 11 If they accept and open their gates, all the people in it shall be subject to forced labor and shall work for you. 12 If they refuse to make peace and they engage you in battle, lay siege to that city. 13 When the Lord your God delivers it into your hand, put to the sword all the men in it. 14 As for the women, the children, the livestock and everything else in the city, you may take these as plunder for yourselves. And you may use the plunder the Lord your God gives you from your enemies. 15 This is how you are to treat all the cities that are at a distance from you and do not belong to the nations nearby.

16 However, in the cities of the nations the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance, do not leave alive anything that breathes. 17 Completely destroy[a] them—the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites—as the Lord your God has commanded you. 18 Otherwise, they will teach you to follow all the detestable things they do in worshiping their gods, and you will sin against the Lord your God.

19 When you lay siege to a city for a long time, fighting against it to capture it, do not destroy its trees by putting an ax to them, because you can eat their fruit. Do not cut them down. Are the trees people, that you should besiege them?[b] 20 However, you may cut down trees that you know are not fruit trees and use them to build siege works until the city at war with you falls.—Deuteronomy 20

BATTLING

Plenty of times in my life, I’ve let the devil intimidate me. I start to focus on the problems, storms, and the SIZE of my God-given assignments and subsequently my weaknesses and insecurities to keep me from fulfilling the things God has for me to do and overcome. I have went to the battlefield trembling and unprepared to put up a fight. I have had battles at work, in my relationships, and with anxiety and fear. Yet, we all have battles and you probably either just came out of a fight or going in one. Real talk, this is life. No journey is all roses and beautiful green grassy fields. Sometimes, your fields become brown and your grass becomes flat because Goliath stepping all in it and messing it up. But God!

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.—Ephesians 6:12 KJV

As always, here are some Tools to encourage you along your Journey!

You have to remember that although some battles you may lose and some fights may wear you out, Jesus won the war and every believer is on the winning team. You are more than a conqueror and God has given you every weapon you will ever need to beat the devil’s behind and walk victoriously. Here is what I learned about going to war:

  • Don’t be afraid.

Naturally, you begin to assess your opponent’s strengths as well as your weaknesses. The devil gets you to do that—focus on the problem, focus on how he can retaliate, and what can further go wrong. He loves to intimidate.

God will neither leave you, nor forsake you.

God will fight for you.

Jesus doesn’t just have the solutions; He is the SOLUTION!

  • Talk with a spiritual authority and especially JESUS FIRST.

A spiritual authority/mentor such as your pastor will help you to get some clarity on the situation.

They will encourage you.

They will intercede for you and pray with you.

  • Get your affairs in order.

Put things in perspective.

Pray for God’s perspective so you can see it the way He does.

Assess how and when you should be “fighting”. Do you just pray and be quiet? Do you seek outside help? Is this a preparation period or a go period?

Have you forgiven others and have you mended what God has told you to mend? Are you walking in love? Are you providing for your household?

Is this really a battle or a diversionary one? The devil loves to distract us.

  • Are you pessimistic?

Do you have disbelief that God can move and do what He said He will do? Are you surrounded by other believers like this?

If you are pessimistic, those fears, disbelief and negativity can rub off on others.

Get with people who not only will help you to search God’s Word on the matter but believe and fight with you and vice versa.

Get with believers who remember that they already won because they are on the winning team.

  • When you are struggling with someone, be a peacemaker.

Don’t go looking to fight naturally.

Handle any wars period spiritually for we wrestle not against flesh and blood. Right? I know some people TAKE you there. Sometimes, I too have to catch even my thoughts because that is where the suggestions of giving someone an old fashioned butt whooping starts. Jesus, helps us!

Perhaps that person is too struggling with something and cannot see clearly. Perhaps they are not. In any event, ask God for wisdom.

God will make your enemies your footstool, but the key is to LOVE and don’t be so proud. Love them anyway no matter the outcome.

  • Check the sin in your life.

Take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ Jesus.

Cherish sin no more.

Ask God to reveal the root cause of any sin in your life and give you grace to repent.

Repent wholeheartedly.

  • Be a life-giver and a fruit-bearer.

When you are hurt and wounded, sick and frustrated, tired and fed up, you can do and say things you regret.

You can make decisions that you would later regret.

You can take every innocent thing a person does and think it was meant for harm, become easily offended, and want to retaliate as well as cut people off for good.

Don’t destroy others around you. Don’t stunt the growth of your love walk and yourself.

  • Finally, OBEY GOD and saturate in His Word.

His Word is synonymous to His wisdom and His will. You need all three: His Word, His Wisdom, and His Will.

God’s Word is a weapon.

Obedience is better than sacrifice. Obedience to God protects you, helps you and brings you prosperity.

JESUS used the Word against the enemy when he was tested. Jesus won! https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+4

  • Bonus: Pray and Praise! Talk with God and praise His Holy Name! Prayer and praise too are weapons!

Now GO TO WAR!

Put your shoes on honey, our journeys await,

Tannika

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To purchase my books, Wearing Someone Else’s Shoes Ain’t Never Been Me or Setting The Captive Free, click here. Kindle versions also available!

07.09.16
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Black Thunder

The enemy tried to take your spirit from your family
And capture your soul

But you survived 

And is fighting daily to make our family whole

You are the lightening that took the world by storm

They were afraid of your spark

And the powerful stature that God Almighty formed 

They took your crown 

But you are still a king

From the bloodlines of Africa your ancestors sing 

Black Thunder 

You are a man

Not a boy

You treat women like queens, not like toys

You show that real men pray

And real men protect their families with the Word

Of God and Blood of Jesus every day.

Black Thunder 

Is like a lion 

Who doesn’t have to roar

His presence is so mighty, his leadership revered

And will not be ignored

He doesn’t lead with an iron fist

His love and confidence speaks mountains

And Black Wonder responds to this 

He works hard and sweat may drip 

From his brow

But he teaches his son 

That patience and hard work 

Produce results that last longer and deserve a bow

But Black Thunder is humble

And mature; 

His growth is one of his focuses and he needs you to believe in him even when he is not sure

Pray for Him and wrap your arms around His back 

And he will make you feel secure

Black Thunder may have lost some friends, sons, a woman’s confidence, respect and time,

But he will speak to the mountain and take his rightful place

Keep his family on track, intact and benign.

Hear the roar of his thunder as Black Thunder keeps his family spiritually armed and sound

Black Thunder, Black Wonder presents to you your crown!    –Tannika Moore

From the book, Wearing Someone Else’s Shoes Ain’t Never Been Me 

05.07.16
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Mother’s Day: A Daughter’s Prayer

mother's day

A Daughter’s Prayer

By Tannika Moore

Lord, I pray for my mother

By first thanking You for her

I acknowledge that You created her for a reason

And it wasn’t just to be my mom

So, I pray

Lord that she seeks

Out her gifts and purpose from You

For You are her creator

Lord, I pray that she realizes

That she is fearfully and wonderfully made

And that she was set apart for Your use and Your use alone

I pray Lord

That You will grant her the grace

To reject all negative and deceptive comments, beliefs, and thoughts Satan tries to inject in her mind

I pray Lord that You will bind up

Every critical spirit that tries to pollute her mind and her emotions

Lord, I pray that she will be filled with joy and peace

Peace that surpasses all understanding

I come against fear that she may have for You did not give her the spirit of fear

But that of power, love and a sound mind

I pray, Lord, that she will see herself the way You see her

And that she surrenders every area of her life to You

I pray, Lord, that she believes without a doubt

And she prays without ceasing

Give her strength, Lord, to move forward and be what You have

called her to be and do what You have called her to do

Grant her Godly wisdom, knowledge and understanding of Your Word

Help her exude holiness and virtue continually so that her girls

may imitate these attributes that You possess

Help her to trust You and depend upon Your strength

for only with You there is stability and security

Give her direction for her children

Help her to be anxious about nothing even when it comes

to her children, but to pray about everything

Lord, help her to forgive and

Love even when it becomes difficult

Build her up and encourage her

And let her learn to encourage herself when others won’t

Let her not lose sight of the visions and dreams You have placed in her heart

Let her have time to devote to You

And let her experience Your presence in her devotion time

Help her to take time also for herself as well as to reflect and laugh

Let her identity be wrapped up in You Lord

Let her know that her prayers are not in vain

Her praise has not gone unnoticed and her tears have not gone unseen.

Now Lord, I pray that Your angels encamp round about her;

protect her, guard her heart and her mind

Lord, I pray that she develops the fear of the Lord

within her heart and the joy of the Lord always

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

And thank You for my mother’s love

because of a mother’s unconditional love

I know how you feel about me

—From Setting The Captive Free poetry book

Happy Mother’s Day to every woman who has birthed a child in love and hope and who has nurtured a child through love and the Word of God!

For more information on author, Tannika Moore, and her books visit www.stcfpoetrybook.com

04.27.16
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Beauty For Ashes

images

Once charred,

Scarred,

and often tired

Smelled of smoke and fire,

Burned to ashes

In so much pain

It felt as I had taken a hundred lashes in acidic rain

I looked in the mirror

My reflection unsure

My soul unhealthy

And only the Lord had the cure

He who is pure

He who saved me

And will revive my soul

He who set out to make me whole.

My hope is in Him

Though I have to guard it from what I naturally see

My trust is in Him

Though I have to arrest those things that will make my trust fade

My identity is in Him

Though I had not realized I am fearfully and wonderfully made

I am blessed

Though distractions may ignite stress

Shame and fear I have known

I am reminded that I am weak and small

But my Lord has justified me when I was eternally wrong.

Jesus took our place on the cross to provide salvation for all.

I am one of many who accepted the call

Of the One who drew me, granted me mercy,

And picks me up when I fall.

He turned my mourning into dancing

He turned my sorrow into joy

Although I was ugly in the spirit and full of void

He made me beautiful

What He had made, He cheered it

He loves us so

That He shares His inheritance with us

And through humility became low

To lift me and you up out of the ashes

And set the record straight

He has dominion over darkness and hell

The keys lie in His hand

And His kingdom has already prevailed

It will forever stand

He is just and gives a garment of praise

He heals the sick, and binds the brokenhearted

And by Him, the dead have been raised

He gifted us with the Holy Spirit

And He blesses us with joy

So although we may not feel so pretty

And may smell like something charred

Always pray and never worry

Jesus will give us beauty for ashes

And remove our scars.

We will display His glory

We will exude His beauty

And worship He who has written new endings to every believer’s story.

–From the book, Wearing Someone Else’s Shoes Ain’t Never Been Me

–Written By Tannika Moore