Confessions of God's Most Talkative Child

For the past two and a half weeks, I have been actively participating in Pastor Nathaniel Bassey's Hallelujah Challenge. I have seen this challenge for a few years circulating across social media not really thinking much about it. A few weeks ago, it randomly popped in my head that I want to experience it one day because the testimonies that come out of it are powerful. Also, it just seems like people are filled with so much joy having been part of it. Let me tell you, the hype is not futile, but true. There is something about being in your room and just praising and praying to God with hundreds of thousands around the world that is unmatched.   Day 10 of the challenge was  themed “Dress Like Your Miracle.” In all my years of my walk with Christ, I've never thought to do something like that. I just thought words were enough which is ironic considering I'm such a strong proponent of actions speak louder than words. Yet there is something so profound about physically demonst...

Love lifted me! Love lifted me! When nothing else could help, Love lifted me. This year, for my birthday, my sister collected letters from at least 28 loved ones who shared beautiful messages of love, encouragement, memories, and gratitude toward me. To say I was overwhelmed by all the love is an understatement. My friends and family know me as the writer in their lives, so they went above and beyond in their letters to show how much I mean to them. It's a gift I will treasure forever. It’s crazy how easy it is to forget how loved you are when one or two things don’t go your way. But if this past birthday taught me anything, it’s that even when you don’t feel deserving, you are still worthy of all the love this world has to offer. This one precious gift allowed me to reflect on love in all its forms. Sometimes, we limit love to romance, but in reality, love surrounds us every day. Love is in the friends and family who show up for us. It’s in the parent who makes your favorite meal ...

One of the most remarkable things in the world is watching a baby take their first steps. It’s a process filled with falls, stumbles, and tiny, wobbly movements. Yet, despite the setbacks, these tiny humans are incredibly persistent. The falls don’t faze them—they are simply eager to keep moving forward. After all, they’re finally doing something they’ve watched everyone else around them do for months. I can only imagine how excited they must feel, especially when they see the joyful faces of those cheering them on. Just think about what might be running through their minds as they take those steps: “This feels weird.” “Which foot should I start with?” “Am I leaning too much in one direction?” “Uh oh, this is wobbly.” “Look how happy Mommy and Daddy are!” “Uh oh, I’m about to fall.” Some babies pop right back up after falling—only to tumble again because they stood up too quickly. Others take a moment to pause, almost as if they’re calculating the best way to move forward without falli...

“You just gotta lock in, bro—it’s as simple as that." This was a common phrase I heard over the past two weeks as we prepared our church's Pathfinder team for the area Bible Bowl competition. Each Pathfinder was responsible for reading 5–6 chapters from either the book of Romans or 1 Corinthians. This wasn’t particularly easy for all of them—they were already juggling extracurricular activities, household responsibilities, and schoolwork. Memorizing and understanding their assigned chapters felt overwhelming. However, as the competition drew near, it became clear that not much studying was actually being done. This prompted the assistant leader (and even some team members) to issue a firm reminder: "Lock in." If they wanted to make an impact, they needed to get serious, stay focused, and commit. Granted, it was their first time participating in the Bible Bowl, but nothing is impossible if you truly want it. So, in the final week leading up to the competition, a few ...

"Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love you tomorrow..." my mom would softly sing while tending to tasks around the house when I was younger.  I remember how mesmerized I was by those few words, picturing the original singer and wondering what could excite them so deeply about a day that had yet to arrive. Imagine my surprise when my mom finally introduced us to the red-haired, freckled orphan, Annie, who made the song a timeless classic. For those of you who may not know the song, here's a snippet: Just thinkin' about Tomorrow Clears away the cobwebs And the sorrow 'til there's none When I'm stuck with a day That's gray and lonely I just stick out my chin And grin and say, oh The sun'll come out Tomorrow So ya gotta hang on 'Til tomorrow, come what may Tomorrow, tomorrow I love ya, tomorrow You're always a day away At first listen, it may sound like a simple song, but the words are incredibly powerful and encouraging. It was my favorite son...

"Finally!" "Took you long enough!" "What were you waiting for?"  Those are just a few of the remarks I anticipate hearing from my friends and family when I tell them I finally started putting my writing out there. To be very honest, I don't even know why I have been dragging my feet to do this. I can write the most beautiful birthday messages for loved ones for all of social media to read in awe, but somehow taking the time to write for more strangers to read was scary?? Nevertheless, here I am and I'm excited. So, here we go... My name is Vennesa, and I love to read, to write and to talk- the trifecta. However, for the longest time, I would never talk. I was very quiet- only expressive to a few people. So, writing became my voice. Everything I wasn't able to vocalize, I would splatter it in ink on paper and I was heard. Writing came naturally to me. I could pretend to have any voice when I wrote and that in and of itself was powerful. I didn...