"I can't—I have plans with..."
"I can't—I have a work thing."
"I can't—I have to do XYZ at church."
"I have to meet with..."
It was October, and my calendar was PACKED. I could feel the weight of it all. My apartment was a mess. I looked at my husband, glanced at myself in the mirror, and all I could think was, I’m tired. Mentally, physically, and spiritually exhausted. My soul was crying out for a reset, and I knew something had to change. My priorities were shifting—but not for the better.
So, I prayed. I asked God to show me what was happening. And as I sat quietly, it became clear: I had drifted from being present in His presence. Was I relying on my own strength instead of running to the Source? I could feel that familiar tug, the one telling me I was falling back into old habits—piling more and more onto my plate while neglecting the place God was calling me to: the secret place.
Learning to Let Go:
November taught me a powerful lesson: if we truly want to be used by God, we must learn to identify what’s slowing us down and discern what He’s asking us to release—even if that means stepping back.
I remember a few years ago, I avoided stepping back because I feared letting people down. That avoidance caused more harm than good. Neglecting our mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health will never lead to anything good.
When 2024 began, I made a commitment to God: I don’t want to think too highly of myself again. The last time I did, it ended in failure—and sin. In a world that constantly encourages us to focus on ourselves, it’s essential to ask: Why am I doing this?
God has been gently stopping me from starting anything He hasn’t called me to yet. He’s been asking me to simply be with Him. At a recent leadership summit, my pastor reminded us, "Balance isn’t about giving equal time to everything every day, but about discerning and adjusting to the shifting demands of each season with grace."
When we fail to shift with grace, we start acting out of self rather than obedience. And when we do that, we open doors for the enemy to attack our marriages, homes, and finances. Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us: There is a time for everything. And right now, my time is in the secret place—just God and me.
Learning from Peter:
Sometimes, I’m a lot like Peter. Peter—formerly known as Simon—was a bit of a thug! He was impulsive, rash, and didn’t always think things through.
He was brave enough to step out of the boat and walk on water, but fear distracted him (Matthew 14). He impulsively rebuked Jesus for speaking about His death (Matthew 16). He even cut off a soldier’s ear in the Garden of Gethsemane (John 18). And let’s not forget—he boasted that he would never deny Jesus, only to do so three times (Matthew 26).
I know myself. When I’m not giving God the time He deserves, I start acting on impulse, too. Like the time I said I was launching a podcast in January—yeah, that’s not happening. God said “in this new year,” but I assumed He meant January without asking for His timing.
Practicing Presence:
In a culture that glorifies doing and starting, God is calling us to be present.
Last week, I grabbed coffee with my friend Ariana, who leads a similar community called With a Purpose for our sorority sisters of Lambda Theta Alpha. As we chatted about this very topic, she shared something God had whispered to her regarding finding a parking spot: “Why didn't you inquire of me?" All about a parking spot! He cares that much!
That simple statement hit me. How often do we rush ahead instead of pausing to ask God—even about the small things?
This week, I took a step back. I’m focusing only on the assignments God has made clear to me, including you, sis.
Earlier, I was spending time with God, and in the middle of it, I reached for my phone to draft a post. But God nudged me gently: “There are things I’m trying to tell you—just for you and me. Can’t it wait? Can you meet me in the secret place?” And it hit me like a ton of bricks.
The Practice of Being Present Challenge:
Here’s our challenge: spend time with God in your secret place without distractions.
God is calling us to Himself. In a world of constant oversharing, He wants our undivided attention. Some moments are meant to stay between you and Him.
Even as I write this, tears are streaming down my face as I listen to “Hermoso Momento” by Kario Worship. The lyrics translate to: "Take me to the secret place, where it’s just You and me. Let’s enjoy this moment."
God loves us so much that He wants us to experience Him intimately. For me, this season’s challenge is about stepping away from social media. Maybe for you, it’s something else.
How beautiful is it to have secrets only God has whispered to you? No one can take that away.
An Invitation
Sis, I invite you to ask God to pull you closer before this year ends. Ask Him what you need to let go of to dedicate more time to intimacy with Him.
Sometimes, it’s not about an external thing but about what’s happening internally. Do we lack self-control? Do we lack love?
Read Galatians 5 and ask God to show you. Let’s step into the new year grounded in His presence, ready to walk in obedience and grace.
Finally, I leave you with this Psalms 63:1-8
“You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you in a dry and parched land where there is no water.
I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.
Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.
I cling to you; your right hand upholds me."
Our challenge begins January 2-31 and I really hope you will join me and press in. I can’t wait to hear the testimonies that will come out of this! Since I will be off of social media for the month of January, I invite you to join our WhatsApp Chat here to stay connected for accountability.
Love,
The Hem Community
