Author Archives: Tannika Nikeya

07.18.25
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Pick Up Your Mat & Walk

I was inspired to write this post after God gave me a word of encouragement for my loved one and subsequently a reminder for myself. We are living in such uncertain times, but God is faithful, and He wants us to trust Him more than ever. The despair can sometimes be overwhelming and leave us in a paralyzed state. But we must believe God to get up. There is also a video of encouragement now up on YouTube, so check that out as well, and please share for those who also need encouragement: https://youtu.be/ltPcmKs92uE?feature=shared

It is hard to come out of despair when depression and sadness weigh you down.

What about the years of disappointment and sickness?

Hopelessness and financial hardship?

Stress and fear that feel never-ending?

When life shifts painfully and unpredictably, we wonder:

Does God still care?

Because honestly, He seems silent… and absent in the pain.

You’ve been waiting on this long road for someone—anyone—to finally stop.
To finally see you.
To finally help you into your miracle.
Your healing.
Your breakthrough.
Your new beginning.
Your change.

You begin to wonder: Maybe God doesn’t care that I’m at my breaking point. Maybe this is punishment. Maybe He won’t come through this time…

You feel weary and stuck. Life has bruised you and kept you in a place where you’re both hurting and somehow comfortable in the ditch of despair.

Yes, trials and tribulations are part of life in a broken world. Sometimes, we suffer because of our own choices and sin. Other times, simply because life happens. And sometimes, we suffer for Christ’s sake. But no matter the reason, God uses every trial to build character, deepen our faith, and draw us closer to Him.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.
And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” – Romans 5:3–4

Still, it can be hard to rejoice and even feel grateful in the midst of suffering — especially when the weight of it all feels like it’s choking the very life and hope out of you.

Yet, we must remember that this too shall pass and that our trials are temporary.
We must also allow ourselves to grieve and give ourselves grace during this time.

And when Jesus walks up beside you — yes, you — and asks, “Do you want to be healed?” Don’t respond with who didn’t help you. Don’t explain why you think healing is impossible.

Just say… Yes

Receive His healing.
Receive His care.
Receive His love.

Let hope beat loudly in your heart again.

“And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit
to fill our hearts with His love.” – Romans 5:5

His love never fails.
His promises are yes and Amen.
His grace is enough.
And His salvation carries a love stronger than any present trouble.

Jesus is on His way, and He sees you. He has counted every sleepless toss and turn.
Every tear is recorded in His ledger. Every ache etched in His book (Psalm 56:8).

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” – Jeremiah 29:11

This season may be dark.
But there is light — because there is God.
He sees you.
He values you.
He weeps with you.
Even if your tears fall in the rain — He will not lose one.

Like the man at the Pool of Bethesda, you’ve been lying there waiting. You may be surrounded by others who are hurting, too. But Jesus sees you. He knows your exact condition. He wants to lift you up with His love and raise you out of despair.

“One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, He asked him, ‘Do you want to get well?’ ‘Sir,’ the invalid replied, ‘I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred…’” – John 5:5–7

But this is not about who helped you — or didn’t. This is about who is standing before you now.

Jesus.

Will you doubt Him because it’s been so long?
Or will you say yes and receive?

Don’t worry about the others who got healed first. Jesus has more than enough for you.

You tried before.
You struggled.
But now, it won’t be by your strength.

And once you say yes…

“Then Jesus said to him, ‘Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.’ At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked…” – John 5:8–9

The man was healed instantly.
But Jesus didn’t stop there. He told him to pick up the mat and walk.

Trust that when God speaks a word over your life, it will not return void. Trust that He wants you whole. Trust Him — and don’t forget your mat.

Because you won’t be in this place anymore.

And you don’t need to leave it behind for someone else to lie on.

That mat will become a testimony: proof that you’re not who you used to be. And proof God stopped beside you, saw you, and brought you out of a place you’ve been too long — all because He loves you.

May God heal you deeply — inside and out.
May your healing overflow and become a blessing to others. May you rise from this place of despair with holy boldness and walk into the future He’s already prepared. May your faith pulse through your steps.

It’s time to get up.

Pick up your mat.

And walk.

In Jesus’ name, Amen. 🙏🏾❤️

07.13.25
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Adventure Is Found In the Midst…

Are you seeking security or adventure?

I am seeking continual healing. As I mentioned before, healing is a process and an ongoing journey. And healing isn’t just for your body, but for your mind, your heart, your spirit, your finances, and your relationships. And I want healing to permeate every area of my life. 

Healing is crucial to have a clear mind, light heart, and a different outlook that allows you to respond from a healed place, not from a place of pain, projection, or fear.

And I am seeking security. When you are healed or continually healing, you feel more secure. Security or feeling secure pertains to feeling safe and having certainty, soundness, and stability.

Like many women, and due to my own trauma, I want to feel secure. But to be honest, I will assume that all human beings, male or female, want to feel safe and sound. I want to feel safe and not just physically. I want to feel safe to be myself and express my heart. I want a stable future. I’m not aiming to always be in survival mode but in thriving mode.

“I am seeking security and healing… and adventure will follow. Life is an unfolding adventure, and I choose to walk it whole.”
– Tannika Nikeya

And so I am seeking security and healing. And I am taking the necessary steps for such. Acknowledge pain, sin, and fears. Seeking counsel and taking accountability. Setting boundaries and learning to enforce them. Doing the work to create the life God and I approve of. Healing my finances and allowing God to also heal my heart. I’m getting my affairs in order as the saying goes. This is all healing homework.

And with the healing journey and our preparations for the future and making things right in the present comes adventure. Adventure will tag along through every lesson, blessing, ups and downs, storms, setbacks, revelations, memories, and moments. Life is one big adventure, and I pray grace for us to all to trust God, grow, heal, learn to pivot and persevere, and live life to the fullest.

07.13.25
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Spending Time With God|A Work In Progress

These past few weeks, I have been reading the Word of God, praying, reading my devotional my colleague got me, writing down what the Holy Spirit has been uploading to my spirit. And doing my reflection, journaling, and planning in my CPR2 planner all consistently. These times have been so sweet and fulfilling. Thank You, God, for drawing me closer and being present. Thank You for also working with me. I am a work in progress and healing continually.

07.07.25
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I Run With Purpose

I run with purpose—
Each step I take is traced
With footprints of mercy and grace.
Even when doubt tries to tag along,
And fear whispers in my ear,
I place one timid foot before the other,
Wipe my eyes,
Adjust my gaze
So I can see things clear.

Sometimes, I fail,
Desperately awaiting hope to appear along the trail.
Sometimes, I grow weary.
The race leaves me fatigued and dreary.

At times, I forget to lay
Down the burdens I was never meant to carry.
I pick up heavy baggage along the way—
Get lost and make wrong turns,
Down roads where I was never meant to tarry.
I linger too long on trails
My Father told me to leave behind.
Yet He still encourages me forward,
Keeping me connected to the Vine.

And with time—and lessons learned,
And a saving grace so divine,
With a word of compass,
And mercy,
And God’s comforting hands:
Steady and kind,
I can finish my race,
Purposefully,
One faithful step at a time.

By Tannika

(c) 2025

06.29.25
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Don’t Let Anyone Talk You Out of Your Position

Yesterday, I had an awesome outing with my family. And, although the zoo closed early on us, we still made the most of our time—walking the Nature Walk, going out to eat, and grabbing ice cream afterward.

But on the walk back, my mom and sister started laughing because now, suddenly, my toddler nephew was sitting in the wagon like a king—on his own, no fuss, no drama. Very smart move, honestly. (We wish we could take a load off and ride in it).  When they jokingly teased him about it, he just said, “Fine,” in the funniest little grown-man voice… then promptly tried to get up and climb out like he was second-guessing himself.

Without thinking, I said, “Stay in the cart. Don’t let nobody talk you out of your position.”

My sister turned to me and said, “Tan, that is a WORD.”

And it really is.

Where you know God has positioned you—stay there.
Where He’s planted you—grow there.
Where He’s pruning you—be still and surrender.
Where He’s leading you—follow.

Don’t let fear, teasing, pressure, poor counsel, intimidation, jealousy, or even your own doubts talk you out of a place God has called you to occupy.

If God has you called you to it and has approved of you being in that position (job, ministry, assignment, time of service, alone for a season, whatever it may be…be still and know that He is God).

Don’t let anyone talk you out of your position. Period.

06.26.25
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Navigating AI As A Writer

Writing

Writing has not only been a hobby of mine but a lifelong companion and confidant: helping me express myself, learn, and now encourage others. Writing allows us to be creative, tap into the recesses of our hearts, and map out the matters within. It gives us space to pour out — although not always seemingly smoothly and freely — the contents of our souls. Through writing, we find our voice. And for me, it’s not just me finding my voice but fulfilling a tentacle of my purpose.

I write to release, to be creative, to learn about the world around me, and more importantly, to encourage and teach others.

Writing is both an art form and a necessity — one that will never be replaced. Writers are essential. We write for speeches, television shows, movies, plays, songs, books, blog posts, research papers, advertisements, news articles, textbooks, obituaries, and so much more.

AI, And the Human Touch

But as the world evolves, so does technology. And its “baby,” AI, has now arrived, rapidly transforming the internet and our world. With a few prompts, one can use AI to produce a paper or even a book.

AI and technology certainly have benefits. They’ve decreased production time, simplified tasks, and brought vast amounts of information to our fingertips. However, the rapid growth and widespread use of AI can be concerning, especially since regulations around its use are still being defined. In the wrong hands, AI can blur the lines between real and fake, and without genuineness or integrity, people can be misled, manipulated, or even put at risk.

Let’s also be honest: many jobs have already been lost due to AI’s rise.

Still, AI is here. And as writers, we can continue to thrive, even in the midst of its rise. We can also use AI with intention and integrity.

Here’s how we can navigate AI as a writer:

  1. Use AI tools like ChatGPT for brainstorming, research, or outlining your ideas.
  1. Let it assist you with editing and tightening your writing.
  1. Generate images to complement your writing projects.
  1. Always fact-check the information AI provides.
  1. Be transparent with your audience about the use of AI-generated content or images.
  1. Cite your sources properly.
  1. Keep your human voice strong and present — that’s your signature.

Remember: AI is a tool, not a replacement.

Freepik: wayhomestudio

To my fellow old-school writers: rest assured that our art form is not lost in the sauce. Keep writing. Keep enjoying the process: the one where you explore and untangle the contents of your heart. Where you take note of the world around you. Where you capture memories and moments. Where you blend words with joy, uniqueness, and creativity. Where you offer encouragement, truth, and hope.

Keep writing.

06.12.25
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For High School Students

In the dream I had last night, this is what I saw myself saying (I woke up and found my phone to immediately jot it down as it I believe it is encouragement from the Lord, so clock it):

High school may be the  best years for some or the worst years for some. However, may you learn and not just academically what you need to learn, learn to pivot, and navigate storms with wisdom, courage, and God’s grace.

And I will add: May you grow and begin to build the foundations of your future. High school is just a small fraction of your life. Your world is and future will be much bigger than high school. And the best is yet to come. Be encouraged and finish strong. Find your safe, God-appointed tribe that Lavell Harris, my former student and speaker at one of my school sites’s recent graduation, says, “corrects you in private and celebrates you in public.” I pray you have the support, truth, and love to usher you into your God-given destiny. May you start and finish strong. May you not give up, and may you learn who God created you to be, in Jesus’ name, amen.

This is encouragement for our high school youth, and congratulations to the class of 2025 high school graduates!

06.07.25
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One Goal, Three Laps, and God’s grace!

Today, I completed my first official 5K walk!

It was a long-time bucket list item, and I’m elated to say—to God be the glory—I finished it.

I’ve always loved walking, especially ramping up my efforts during the fall and summer months. I enjoy hitting the nearby trails, taking in the beauty of nature, and clearing my mind. Although walking is a part of my daily routine—thanks to using public transportation—I also walk to support my mental health and to keep my legs and feet moving, especially given some of the physical issues I occasionally experience.

As the weather started to warm up, I began walking the trail more intentionally—often with my sister, who graciously joined me on a few Saturday mornings and afternoons. What started as casual walks soon turned into preparation for accomplishing a goal I didn’t know was just around the corner.

I started researching upcoming 5K walks in Chicago, and then—unexpectedly—the opportunity came to me. Recently, while visiting one of my loved one’s churches, they announced an upcoming Community Health Fest and 5K walk/run. My sister, who was sitting a few rows behind me, had someone tap me on the shoulder to get my attention. She pointed out that this was my chance—and I jumped on it.

Today, the day of the walk, I arrived on time and picked up my packet, which included a t-shirt, number, and route instructions. I was nervous but excited. The pastor led a prayer before we began, and then we were off.

As I walked the first lap, I started feeling pain in my left leg. I believe it was a spasm, but I pushed through—and thankfully, it went away. During the second lap, my Achilles heels started acting up, as they sometimes do, but I kept going. I had stretched the night before and again that morning, doing my best not to overdo it.

Also, during that first lap, I accidentally followed someone who went the wrong way—and maybe they did on purpose, I’m not sure. I wasn’t confident about the route. I glanced at the paper instructions and debated whether I should go straight. The facilitator had mentioned before the 5K walk began to go past the school. Still, I continued following the person ahead of me. On the second lap, however, I saw the pastor—who had been in the lead the entire time (and somehow I caught up to him!)—take the correct route. So, I followed his lead. When I reached the next checkpoint, a 5K team member was there cheering me on. All the workers posted along the route, encouraging us along the way, gave me the boost I needed.

To make sure I completed the full 5K—roughly 6,000 to 7,000 steps—I did a third lap, just to be safe. And I did it correctly.

I finished exhausted but full of joy. It was fun, and I’m so proud that I accomplished this small but meaningful milestone.