“Listen to me, family of Jacob,
    everyone that’s left of the family of Israel.
I’ve been carrying you on my back
    from the day you were born,
And I’ll keep on carrying you when you’re old.
    I’ll be there, bearing you when you’re old and gray.
I’ve done it and will keep on doing it,
    carrying you on my back, saving you.

                                                                                                   Isaiah 46: 3 – 4

As I find myself growing older, with each passing day I desire to have depth and delight in what one day will be my story. The gracefulness of aging brings change – some cheerful, confident and comfortable, and some shaky, shallow and downright scary. My focus was once engrossed on meeting my own expectations as well as others, finding my place in my chosen career and being the best wife, mother, auntie, and friend possible. Validation was key. Now I find myself intrigued with the complexity of who I have become and the matchless keeping power of Whose I am. Over the last 59 years, I have achieved many accomplishments, survived many struggles and learned many valuable lessons along the way. With my graying hair, thick middle and careful attention to each step, I am ready to embrace it all! 

But along with the high of readiness to embrace comes the reality that this too is a season of being studious. I must be taught how to shed the weight of societal pressures and how to replace that weight with confidence and comfort in my own skin. My skin that is no longer bumpy and full of pimples but slightly wrinkled, beautiful and glowing with the radiance that only comes from lived experiences and a STEADFAST sense of self-worth. I am now ready to learn to navigate the ups and downs of life with grace and resilience realizing that relationships may change, friendships may shift yet knowing that my strength is in loving, nurturing and supporting this right of passage into becoming a F.I.N.E. woman of God. I must learn to be selective of how I spend my time ensuring a focus on what really matters, being sure to let go of trivialities. I must intentionally pass on knowledge to those following while remaining in a role of mentorship guiding them to trails that must be blazed. I envision this journey as one not focused on physical signs of aging but on the richness of the soul, the courage to continue evolving, and the wisdom to know that each day is a gift.

The first discovered coaching gem was recently gifted to me during my period of recovery which you will read about in future blogs. It is a powerful, vibrant, gorgeously designed presentation written by author and founder of We The Urban, Willie Greene. “Not Sure Who Needs to Hear This, but…” is an easy-read and I’m proud to say is the first book I’ve finished in less than 48 hours in a very long time! In his prologue, the author encourages usage of his writings to speak to oneself and to be passed along benefiting all who may need to hear. Women of all ages need beautiful reminders intended to protect the soul. Health is wealth and well-being is a daily, conscious decision each of us makes.

I’m no expert, but I know one thing for sure—God loves you and He loves me too. Blessings!

1. 

   Thank you! Be Blessed.

2. 

   Wow—this is so beautifully honest and full of hope. Thank you for sharing your heart! Your words are a powerful…

3. 

   “Melissa, you’ve truly been a vessel of inspiration! Each title carries such power and purpose—it’s hard to choose just one.…

4. 

   Momma, I just want you to know how incredibly proud I am of you for stepping out on faith and…

5. 

   CONGRATULATIONS Mel on embarking on this new chapter in your Life! I look forward to seeing where this Journey will…