Sisterfriends,

As I started the newest chapter in my life, completely depending on God’s Grace for my provision, I needed indubitable encouragement. I needed the word of God! I came across this scripture Deuteronomy 31:8 “Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged for the Lord will personally go ahead of you, He will be with you He will not fail you or abandon you”.

I exhaled. I surrendered. I calmed tf down. For the most part, I embrace new beginnings with excitement and depending on the change, sometimes trepidation. Nonetheless, I embrace it! my belief in God’s grace and vision, coupled with a hair trigger cringe reflex, just doesn’t allow me the peace of backing down.

In actively engaging in the pursuit of my dreams, I find the challenges of the manifestation of what I envisioned being monumentally successful is sobering. I love waking up to purpose and pushing myself on purpose, meditating on my power, authority, and ability to do all things thru Christ. I’m evolving every day. I love that my tribe is manifesting as well as, becoming a part of theirs! As the verse above gave me great comfort, it also brought peace to my sissy that survived Hurricane Harvey. And I’ll just leave it right here for you.

Interestingly enough, Issue 5s’ Fresh Batch of Dopeness has organically materialized its goal of emphasizing the importance of obtaining and maintaining peace. You can read DeCelles Designs piece Getting Centered: Design Basics with Feng Shui or sharing what you have and have access to, to bring peace and comfort in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey with “In Beauty, We Unite”. You can also read the basics to picking the right cleanser and toner to care for your skin, authored by our impassioned contributing esthetician Zina DeMonde.

At the end of the day, there is a tremendous amount of peace in knowing believing that Grace, irrespective of our behavior moves intentionally on our behalf to better our lives.