My Overt Declaration

"There has to be, at some moment, an overt declaration of who you are and what you believe."

Romans 3:16 (NIV) "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes"

For some time now I have been serious with my walk with Christ. Well, can I really say that? I was "hiding" it in a way, so all things considered...was I really serious? I made the decision to stop drinking, smoking and going to parties, which was a shock to some of my friends. They would ask why and I would just say "I wasn't feeling it anymore" or "It's not fun anymore", which was true. I found no type of pleasure in partying unless I was under the influence and I always regretted getting high or drunk. But the honest truth was that I was getting convicted with the frequency and intensity I was doing it at and I knew I need to stop. I needed to take myself out of the space for a moment and reset/realign because clearly I wasn't disciplined enough and couldn't handle it, but I didn't announce it because I didn't want to be "that friend", the"judgmental" and "too Godly for fun" friend and I didn't want them the doubt my walk if I did I indeed slip up.

I wasn't standing confident at first, but now I am standing up and stepping forward. Even with this blog, why it took two years for me to start I don't quite understand anymore. I knew I was going to start one day but I felt I wasn't ready yet. I was downplaying my obedience because I didn't think I would make a difference, but ya'll oh man! I'm honestly grateful that I was able to touch some people. Literally so happy. I guess I was also scared that I wouldn't be supported by my so-called "friends". I was already getting called boring and a grandma, but I'm no longer concerned on how people will see me or treat me. I am no longer looking to other people for my validation. I want nothing more but for everyone to see that I am on fire for Christ and it's definitely going to be a journey. I know I'll reluctantly have to let go of some friendships that I have been holding on to, that have been weighing me down. There's a saying that goes "evaluation requires separation" and that means separating from the things of the world and may include some people. Although I may feel as if I'm taking a loss, God will replace it with something more fulfilling.

God did not send Jesus to the cross for me to be timid on his presence in my life. God did not save me for me to be silent and hide my testimony. No more hiding, no more hoping that people see Jesus in my actions, I will actively show Him in my actions, I will actively speak on him, I will evangelize by word of mouth and by my life. I will do my part. Answer the calling and do the same!

This is my overt declaration.

Throwback to Dominion Chapel Houston's 2019 Declaration.

I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is the power of God at work in me.

This year I am free, I am fervent, I am full of faith and I am fearless.

Caribbean Medley //Donnie McClurkin

I've got my mind made up and I won't turn back

Because I want to see my Jesus someday

Goodbye world, I stay no longer with you

Goodbye pleasures of sin, I stay no longer with you

I've made up my mind to go God's way the rest of my life

I Won't Go Back // William McDowell

I've been changed

Healed

Freed

Delivered

I've found joy

Peace

Grace

And favor

Right now is the moment

Today is the day I've been changed

And I have waited for this moment to come

And I won't let it pass me by

I won't go back

Can't go back, to the way it used to be

Before your presence came and changed me