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.
I’m rewatching one of my favorite shows, The Walking Dead, and indeed this particular scene from season 6, episode 9 is one of my favorite scenes. (Link to clip is at the end of this post.)
This scene is so epic! And if it was in words it would be words of empowerment, encouraging us to not give up. That we are more than conquerors! That we must fight and persevere through the storms of life.
Well, Rick’s team is fighting zombies in Alexandria but is also taking back their home, their morale, and fighting for their group, their family.
I encourage you to press on. Press on to heal. To grow. To do more than survive, thrive. To forgive. To set boundaries. To accomplish your goals. To live life to the fullest. To fight anxiety. To become a better steward over your time and finances. To develop healthy relationships. To move forward from toxicity and seasons that God is moving you on from. To build your future through prayer, hard work, God’s guidance and His wisdom. Fight. Don’t give up. Be encouraged. Allow your tribe to find you and fight together. Allow God to lead you and guide you through each day.
Get your life with this new planner. Stay organized. Plan your week. Set your goals. Breathe and receive God’s plan to revive the areas of your life with CPR (CALM, PEACE, and a time of REFRESHING).
Tannika Nikeya 