Saturday, October 05, 2013
was the first time I’ve stepped foot in North
Carolina in over 10 years.
After checking into our room
on Seymour Johnson Air Force base, we grabbed food and went immediately to my
aunt Bunny’s house. My eyes were basically glued to the window as we drove by
places I was familiar with, places that brought back memories from my child
hood. As we pulled up to Aunt Bunny’s house, I said “wow, I used to think this
little hill in her front yard was so huge” (it’s not even a hill) When I told
her that, she looked at me sideways and said “What hill”. I said exactly, when I
was young everything was huge to me, including this yard lol.
I grew up knowing that as a
child, when adults are speaking you be quiet. Although I’m an adult myself,
when I’m around my parents or anyone older, I know my place. I know I should
let the adults talk. So after chatting with her, I allowed her and my dad to
chat. They were discussing the health issues certain family members were
facing. It really brought to my attention that the things we do to our bodies
in our young age, will affect our bodies in our older age. Now I’ve always eaten
pretty healthy. My mom made sure of it, so that’s not much of an issue. Eating
healthy and exercising isn’t all that it takes to be healthy, going to the
doctor regularly is also. I can be honest and say lately I haven’t been taking
my doctors’ appointments as seriously as I should. Like now, I need to get my
eyes checked. It’s time for a new prescription for my contacts and glasses, but
I keep putting it off because ‘I can’t miss work”. What good will I be at work
if I can’t see properly? Same goes for anything pertaining health. What good
are you to your job, business, company etc, if you’re not healthy and unable to
perform properly? –Also ladies, we know
this month is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Make sure to do your at home self-checks
regularly, and if you meet the “age requirements” go in and get a monogram.
Knowledge really is power and it’s best to know earlier, so the proper steps
can be made. We only get one body, let’s take care of it. - So when I get
back I’m going to make the necessary appointments and if I have to take off
work, so be it. Health comes first!
Sunday, October 06, 2013
Today was a really nice day.
We woke up and drove around some areas in Goldsboro that we used to frequent.
We passed by this old car wash we ALWAYS went to. I told my dad I would never
forget that place, he asked why. I told him about the time we were vacuuming
out the car, and the 2 men I in the car next to us had guns, and were emptying
shell casings over the fence behind it. It was my first time seeing a gun in
person. Of course he didn’t know that, because I was too afraid to tell anyone
at the time. His response, was “wow” lol Somehow we started talking about how
we almost got robbed. Now I mentioned this before in my “My story proves that
God can use me” (my testimony blog post), but I’ll share briefly. One day while
my parents were gone (I don’t remember where they were) my sister was
babysitting me and my brother. All I remember is a man dressed in black, was
knocking on the kitchen window, when I went to the window, he tried to convince
me to let him in the house so he could “play cards” with me.
I don’t remember
what I said, I was a little girl, but I will never forget him asking me to let
him in so he could “play cards”. I thank God for protecting my siblings and me
at that time, because who knows what could’ve happened. I can tell that telling
my dad that kind of bothered him, maybe he forget about it, I don’t know. For
me thinking back on situations where the devil tried to harm me just confirms
that God has a plan for me. It just lets me know that God has ALWAYS had me in
his hands. If he can protect me from the wiles of the devil then, surely he can
and he will now, and for that I Thank him! It also shows how the devil tries to
“get kids” at an early age. Most of my physical attacks (meaning, attacks that
could’ve resulted in death) happened when I was young. This makes me very aware
of praying over my son. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t ask for
God’s protection over my son’s mind, and his body. It’s important that we as
parents get in the habit of praying over our children, and teaching them how to
pray for themselves. Today Daniel told me he was scared of “the monster”, I
said, Daniel what do you do when you’re scared? He said “Pray”. I said let’s
pray then. It was a simple prayer, but he said “Jesus, I’m scared, help me to
not be scared”. I had faith that the holy spirit would comfort him, and
teaching him to trust God helps his faith, even at the age of 4.
After a little bit of driving
around we went to my dad’s friend’s house. They’ve been friends for as long as
I’ve known my dad, basically lol it was so nice seeing him and his family. His
wife is the sweetest lady. She really is a proverbs 31. It was very inspiring
for me to see her and how she interacted with her husband, her son and her
grandchild. Also how she welcomed me and Daniel and made us feel loved and
taken care of. She’s very humble and
down to earth. She took me Daniel and her granddaughter to chuck e cheese and
out to eat. (I wish I would’ve recorded it. Daniel and that little girl were
THEE cutest, holding hands while crossing the street, their little
conversations, their playing together. It was so funny and cute) Mr. Percy and
my dad proceeded to tell us about their football days. All I could do was laugh
and listen because they talk like they were so good (which they probably were,
but it’s just funny to hear) older folks are always reminiscing on their glory
days! Lol (No shade, it’s just funny, I enjoy hearing stories from my elders)
One thing I took note of, and
it’s not from anyone in particular, but in general. People ask me “what do you
do”, and I tell them, I always get the “oh okay”. I see that they are judging
me based on what I’m doing, but more so on what I’m not doing. I also see they’re
comparing me to my parents. My father was a military man, preacher, well
respected, 2 masters degrees. My mother was a day care provider, aerobics instructor,
has her masters and a teacher for years. When you get this type of response to
the efforts you’re trying to make, it can be discouraging. This is why we have
to guard our hearts. I would be easy for me to get down, every time someone
says “oh okay” In regards to what I’m doing or the current situation I’m in.
That’s why we must have confidence in God. We must know that, No we might not
be following the direct path of our parents, but that doesn’t make us less or
greater than them or anyone else. We have to trust God and know that our worth
truly honestly and whole heartedly comes from him, and him alone. It’s too easy
to get caught up on what you look like on paper, and comparing that to others.
It’s too easy to down yourself for not meeting society’s standards, but who are
you living for? This is NOT to say that you shouldn’t have goals or do the best
that you can, because you should. What I’m saying is do not compare your
portion. Keep your eyes on what you have, keep your focus on your mission. STAY
IN YOUR LANE.
When people try to discourage
you from the path you’re on, you have to be strong in who you are and what God
has for you and shut the negativity down! Allow God to regulate your thoughts.
Keep them on things eternal, not on what you are unable to do in this season or
this place in your life.
My trip to North Carolina has
been a great one. We are leaving to go back to Maryland tomorrow morning. I’ve
learned a lot, even in this short time here, and on the way here. I will share
more of the things I’ve learned over time.
If you love someone tell them
I love you
Destaynee
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