What a January!
As we continue to create Black excellence and celebrate Black History Month—365/24/7—what’s the plan, y’all? There are so many issues, so much chaos, and so much fear! Let us always hold close to Micah 6:8 (MSG):
"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Staying the Course
What are we going to do to stay the course? Our elders and ancestors paved the way for us to continue the work. It won’t be easy, but they had a plan—building the Underground Railroad, organizing for human and civil rights, inventing the traffic light—the list is long and deep. But we got this!
We know we must be preservers and persistent in whatever we do! Proverbs 3:5-6 (MSG) reminds us:
"Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He's the one who will keep you on track."
Trusting God’s Plan
As humans, we often want to make our own plans, not fully trusting or believing in God’s plan for us. As I reflect on my journey, I realize it has always been about what God’s plan was for me—not my own! By walking by faith and not by sight, God has guided me and will continue to do so, removing obstacles along the way.
Let us never forget:
"No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against you in judgment you shall condemn." – Isaiah 54:17
I have learned not to lean on my own understanding. As grandmama used to say, “A hard head results in a soft butt!” Many of us have heard this from our elders, experienced it over the years, and some are going through it right now!
Keep the faith, stay focused, and be encouraged—God is in control and with you!
Planning with Purpose
As you plan your next steps, ask yourself:
Are you being strategic or just tactical?
Are you listening or just hearing?
Are you a continuous learner, or do you think you know everything?
Are you loving or hating?
Are you helping or hindering?
Are you about others or just yourself?
These are just a few questions to consider as you plan. Proverbs 21:5 guides us in shepherding a plan:
"The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty."
When constructing and implementing God’s plan, know that it was created specifically for you! Proverbs 24:27 (MSG) says:
"Prepare your work outside; get everything ready for yourself in the field, and after that build your house."
Building Your House
Are you planning to “build your house”? Here are a few actionable steps to prepare and create a solid foundation:
Define a clear goal
Set SMART objectives
Identify necessary resources
Create tasks
Establish a timeline with deadlines
Conduct research
Analyze data
Develop a communication strategy
Build sustainable relationships
Regularly monitor progress and adjust as needed
Trust God!
If there is no vision, the people will perish. So, what’s your plan?
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Thx, Val
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