Welcome, loves, to the P’osies Cafe Series, a new gathering for lovers of language and narrative. Our name, a playful blend of “Poetry” and “Stories,” perfectly captures the essence of what we’re about. In this series, my best friend and fellow writer will join me at our writers’ cafe with our laptops, pens and paper, and a couple of iced mochas or chai lattes. We’ll be sharing our own work—from whispered verse to sprawling tales—and we invite you to listen, reflect, and get lost in the power of storytelling.
Pssss: we are about to conclude our series soon so we hope you have had a great time at the P’osies Cafe. We look forward to seeing your comments and for you to join us at the next series. Hmm. Where will we be next? Stay tuned!!!! We are so excited to bring some more treats your way.
But today, we have a new treat for you!!!! One full of humor and wisdom that you don’t want to miss!!!! So, come on in and grab your coffee or hot chocolate, and enjoy.
When The Walls Started Talking (c) 2025
Written by Saneatra Polk
She didn’t just leave the apartment. She left the heaviness that lived in her head. Some moves start in the body, but the real shift begins in the mind.
Sometimes what people say sparks judgment… or it sparks reflection. Here’s what Ayesha Curry reminded me about fulfillment, identity, and walking with God through it all.
Ayesha Curry is being dragged online for saying she never wanted to be married or have children — that she wanted to be a “career girl.”
It made me think of these statements I heard before: that a curly-haired person often wants straight hair, and the one with straight hair often wants curls. The single woman may envy the married one, and the married woman may envy the single one. You get the point — so many of us wrestle with some kind of discontentment, and we never really know deep down what is going on with someone or what is happening behind the closed doors of their homes.
So, instead of joining the dragging, I felt led to turn this into a moment of reflection — and encouragement.
Ayesha isn’t the first woman to express this kind of longing or unfulfillment. But she must be careful about oversharing and processing deeply personal pain in public spaces. She’s mentioned going to therapy, which is good — but I hope she’s also doing the heart work with God. Because therapy is helpful, but true healing happens when we let Jesus into the process.
When I’ve had to face my own pain, I’ve asked God to show me the root causes — the “why” behind the hurt — and to lead me forward. Healing with Him hits differently.
Here are a few lessons I’ve learned that I think we as women — especially Christian women — can remember when we feel unfulfilled or lost:
1. Only God can fulfill you. No person, title, or situation can do what only the Creator can.
2. Nobody can keep you happy forever. Happiness is fleeting. True joy is rooted in God, not in circumstances.
3. Know who you are outside of your roles. You are more than your job, your family, or your church position.
4. Rediscover what lights you up. Don’t get lost in others’ expectations. Find your God-given passions and purpose.
5. Don’t make “the good girl,” “church girl,” or “career woman” your identity. Those are titles, not your essence.
Note: this is not saying go out and sin. It is not saying go out and be wordly. It is not saying that “good girl,” “church girl,” or “career woman,” are bad. But what it is saying is your identity should not be wrapped up in these titles, positions, etc. Your true identity is found in Christ. And if we fail to maintain perfection, some of us will be crushed under a false standard of perfection that can never be obtained. Instead aim to make right decisions, not forsake the assembling of ourselves with other believers, live life on purpose and in purpose. Aim to please God and not man. Aim to live a life that is full and enriched.
6. Embrace all of life’s seasons. The dull and hard ones often teach us the most about ourselves and about God.
7. Evolve and grow. You won’t be the same ten years from now as you are today. Let God continue shaping your heart to reflect His Son.
8. Reinvent yourself if you need to. If you know you want a simpler lifestyle or to grow more confident, take steps toward creating the life you need — one that also honors God. Maybe you want to freshen up your wardrobe, travel more, or step into your “rich auntie” era — do it! Just check your motives.
Are you doing it to seek validation only, prove something, or outshine someone? If so, pause and reflect. But if you’re doing it because you’re healing, growing, and wanting to live more fully, go for it.
And don’t allow people to box you in. You don’t have to stay stuck in who you used to be or in the image others have of you. Grow, evolve, and glow up — with God leading the way.
9. Develop a heart of gratitude. But don’t neglect the room for grieving the life you thought you should have had, or wanted, or have yet to experience within your healing journey. Sometimes we don’t know what we truly want when we’re younger. Grieving is natural and necessary, but there are things, some so small yet so monumental, to be grateful for.
10. Be quick to listen and slow to speak. And get back to living. Sometimes we need to hear our own pain. And sometimes we need to refrain from constantly rehearsing our pain and get back up and live — living the life that allows us to breathe again. Not perform. Not live in someone else’s image of us. Not constantly going and never stopping to rest and enjoy that which or who is around us.
So be encouraged, Ayesha — and to the rest of the ladies who may also feel lost, unfulfilled, or just need to get off the spinning wheel or out of the box of the world or others’ expectations.
I started reading the Old Testament recently, and today, I made it to Genesis 29. In it, we learn about Leah, who basically isn’t the woman Jacob was going for. He wanted Rachel and so badly that he worked seven years for Laban, his uncle on his mother’s side. And when Laban tricked Jacob and gave him Leah, the older sister of Rachel, he agreed to work another seven more years for Rachel.
Let me tell you a little something about these two women. Rachel was the younger sister who was “fine” and most likely fit the standards of that time, also I suppose. The Bible said that Rachel had a beautiful figure and a lovely face. Ok, Rachel!!!!! And Leah was the older sister and had something going on with her eyes. According to the King James Version, she was “tender-eyed.” Some believe this meant her eyes had a weakness or even a defect. While Rachel was praised for her beauty, Leah’s most notable feature was a flaw. Poor Leah.
Do you ever feel like that? Like your biggest insecurity is the only thing people see? Do you feel overlooked, like you’re standing in someone else’s shadow, or that you’re simply not good enough?
Do you feel like they are pretty, but you are not? Do you listen to the messages that say, “You have hit the wall? “You’re too old.”
Leah probably felt all of these things.
But here’s the truth that changed everything for her:
God saw her.
In Genesis 29:31, it says, “When the Lord saw that Leah was unloved, he enabled her to have children, but Rachel could not conceive.” Leah’s first son was named Reuben, which means “The Lord has noticed my misery, and now my husband will love me.”
It went on to say: So Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named Reuben, for she said, “The Lord has noticed my misery, and now my husband will love me.”
Leah didn’t feel loved. If we are honest, many women want to feel loved and desired, especially by the one she loves.
She kept having sons, and the names she chose for each expressed just what she felt, was experiencing, and desired. When she had her fourth son, Judah, she gave glory to God, for she said, “Now I will praise the Lord!” She had moved from despair to gratitude.
Your Value isnt Defined By Others
We can find encouragement in this story: Yahweh sees us all. He acknowledges the one who is considered beautiful and desirable, and He also tends to the one who is not. Your worth was established when God created you and was confirmed when His Son took your place on the cross. Your value doesn’t increase or decrease based on external circumstances, what others think, or how many years you’ve lived.
When Others Forsake You, God will not
Leah was given children even though Jacob loved Rachel, and through Leah’s line, God’s plan unfolded in a big way. Similarly, God can bring purpose and blessings into your life even if people don’t see your value.
Unloved or Overlooked
When you feel unloved or overlooked, remember: God notices you, values you, and has a plan for you. Your situation doesn’t define your destiny—God’s love and purpose do.
To every woman—rich or poor, black, Asian, or white, disabled or able-bodied, educated or not, desired or not—you are valuable and loved. God says you are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Walk in that truth and become all that God has purposed you to be. Don’t look down on another woman, and don’t think of yourself as less than. Instead, love her as you love yourself.
Prayer:
God, thank You that You see me. Forgive me for the times I fail to see You or acknowledge Your presence, even during times of hardship. Help me to embrace the fact that I am wanted, seen, and loved by you. Help me to realize I am enough and thank You for Leah’s story that shows You acknowledge every woman— the ones desired and the ones who don’t feel good enough and You love us both the same. Thank You for Your unfailing love for all of Your daughters. Help us to embrace Your love and to receive it along with Your providential care. In Jesus’ name, amen.
You have dimmed your light for too long That you have adjusted your vision to the dark. Now I’m going to need you to open up your heart.
And see yourself the way God does. You need to be brave. I know the world seems to cave In, on all sides. I know you feel like you are falling apart But you will rise to the top And all your pieces will come together From a version of you that is healed and better.
Don’t give up. And don’t let go of His hand. He will give you the wisdom and grace to stand. Don’t give up. Don’t give in. Take one day at a time Until you land Where God is taking you to expand And be full of His joy.
You’ve been feeling like a failure But trust — you are going to win. You won’t be the same tomorrow as today Don’t give up You will eventually be okay.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Fight anxiety with love and intention, resilience, and patience.
Sometimes, being anxious is normal. Maybe you are anxious about an exam, and that is okay. But when you are constantly worrying, experiencing chronic stress, and in constant fear and it is interrupting your ability to enjoy life, maintain your emotions, and get out of your head, you may need support to overcome a possible anxiety disorder. An anxiety disorder is a mental health condition where anxiety goes beyond normal levels of worry or fear and starts interfering with daily life. It involves intense, excessive, and persistent worry or fear about everyday situations—even when there’s no clear danger.
Anxiety can be inconvenient, crippling, embarrassing, and overwhelming. But we can fight anxiety, and it doesn’t have to feel like a life sentence.
Here are positive ways to care for your mind and spirit:
Check out the new video! Then, if you too struggle with anxiety, list some other coping mechanisms or things that help you deal with anxiety and overcome anxiety attacks.
My new poem for a new year! Encouraging you and I to make the most of this year and to face one fear at a time.
Check out my new poem:
A Meeting
I stood here waiting for you I moved not one bit I endured cold nights Winter covered me with its blanket I sat here quiet amongst my kind Awaiting our meeting Awaiting our time
Through the valleys Amidst the fog Times of uncertainty And a land full of smog What hindered you from getting here? Your heart full of clog? What or who got in your way? Was it the years of heartbreak and disappointments Or you yesterday?
How about fear? I hear it can cause a delay Year after year But I waited for you patiently to arrive To thrive and not just strive You prayed and prayed There are times you fought And remained Steadfast, Stood on business even when in despair and drained You persevered and yearned Applied wisdom and learned But made it to me and now you froze Is it because you have to again believe And be reminded of past victories
Have you ever seen a mountain of such stature. Am I intimidating? Are you afraid of heights or the unknown? I welcome you here And I know someone who is not visible But has been ever present and will not leave you alone
To the mountaintop and to the other side I welcome you to recover all that has been lost Birth that which almost died Hold on to your faith no matter the cost Uncover blessings you have not seen Reach your full potential and fulfill your heart’s dream
And if you tell me to move with all of your heart And with His word Dont be surprised if I do what I heard Face me. You will overcome Don’t give up and retreat You have already overcome I will surrender to defeat As you stand victoriously.
Tannika Nikeya 