Hello Loves!

I am finally back in Chicago and I couldn't be happier. I missed the hustle and bustle of the city and being back a couple of weeks before school starts gives me time to re-adjust and get my mind ready for the year ahead. This year I'm taking on quite a bit more responsibility at school and at times it can be a bit overwhelming, but I constantly have to remind myself that God has been preparing me for this moment for quite a while now. Have you ever thought to yourself, "Lord, I'm not qualified for this position/opportunity. Why would you put me in a place where I feel like I might fail?" Doesn't make since, right? Well every time I ask God this question He gives me the same answer. He tells me that He has been preparing me even when I didn't realize it. In life, God uses situations to make us stronger and build us up in certain areas. Each person's strengths and weaknesses are different because they were all developed in very different conditions.

Hat: Flea Market/ Necklace: Thrifted/ Dress: H&M/ Shoes-Topshop/ Watch: Anne Klein

What conditions were you developed in?

Once you start to think of all the different tests and trials you have had to overcome in order to be the person that you are today, you start to realize that you are way further along than you think you are. Know that God would not call you to a job, city, or organization if He didn't have plans for you to succeed. I had to learn to feel the fear and do it anyway!

Recently, I have been listening to TD Jakes latest book "Instinct: The Power to Unleash Your Inborn Drive" on Audible. In the book he talks about how to find your instinctive purpose by looking at the different gifts that God has placed inside of you. One quote from the book that really drew my attention was, "Instinct likes a challenge more than it likes comfort." That phrase alone took me about 20 minutes to process because it has so many levels in it. My interpretation of it was that I can never become who God has called me to be if I am afraid of the obstacles that I will undeniable face on my way up this mountain called life. The more you walk with God, the more you learn that it NEVER get's easier. The mountains get steeper and the valleys get wider, BUT DON'T BE AFRAID!! The challenges you've had to face have helped build up your endurance. You need a backbone in order to accomplish the will of God for your life. No wimps allowed. Stay encouraged in whatever season that the Lord has you in! God promises that it is all working out for your good.

“The race is not given to the swift nor the strong but he who endures until the end.”

— Ecclesiastes 9:11

SIDE NOTE: If you have never heard of Audible you should look it up! Its an app that reads books to you...it kind've defeats the purpose of reading in general, but whatever. It's effective! I usually listen to books when I'm on the treadmill or just running errands. Instead of always listening to music, its a good way to keep your mind engaged and thinking. Right now, I am also in the middle of reading GirlBoss by Sophia Amoruso (also a great read).

In Fashion News..

This Chicago weather has been way too unpredictable for my liking. One day its 80 degrees and beautiful and then the next day it's cloudy and humid for a week straight (FACT: All black girls hate humidity). So what do you do on those rainy humid days? Snapbacks and floppy hats are my favorite way to stay fashionable without trying too hard. I bought this hat a while ago from Wicker Park and have never really figured out how to style it until today and I love the result! Easy and effortless clothing is what my favorite. BTW: H&M is filled with these cute lightweight dresses. I plan on wearing them just about everyday when school starts for a no fuss school uniform. Throwing on the chain necklace just gave the outfit more emphasis and pop. PLUS, my Topshop Birkenstocks are the easiest shoes I have ever owned. I can literally wear them anywhere!