Tell us your name and where you're from?
T: Toccara Bailey, and I am from Riverside, Ca.
Hey Tocarra! What is your faith story? What can you tell us about your personal life testimony?
T: Growing up I battled insecurities self doubt and inadequacy. I never felt enough. I pushed my way through life trying to gain validation from others the entire time, striving for acceptance and Never Feeling Fulfilled.
When I lost my one and only brother in 2015, my life changed dramatically. I realized that life was a gift. My perspective changed; I valued my time and most importantly, my worth. I allowed that loss to let me feel every emotion (good or bad), and I knew it was the only way to heal. Vulnerability lead to my healing. The Lord spoke to me in that time and he held me closer than ever. The more I would seek God, the more I would begin to feel whole. My priorities began to shift, confidence began to grow, and my value began to change.
All I know is my life has never been the same. My faith story is simple: The more that you abide in the Lord the more he will abide in you.
Wow. What is your favorite scripture and why?
T: I actually have two:
Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
This scripture is one that I meditate on daily. It reminds me that I’m not alone and that my Father has a plan for my life.
Psalms 46:10: "He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
This scripture reminds me to be present in the moment. To quite myself to hear from God.
If there was one nugget of wisdom in your walk and growth in Christ that you would want to leave us with, what would that be?
Always seek God in every situation in your life. Every decision (every choice you make), take it to Him 1st. I learned that the price for making decisions in your own strength are far too expensive.
Do you have any resources (devotionals, books, studies) that have helped you that you would recommend?
T: I’m a huge fan of Sarah Jakes Roberts. I’m a part of the Woman Evolve Ministries. I would recommend reading her books; they have all helped me on my journey to wholeness. Her husband, Toure Roberts, also has a wonderful book called Wholeness. That book really blessed me after my divorce.
Thank you so much sis! Where can we find you online?
Instagram: @bird_3morgan; business page: @prvrbsxxii
Books/ publications: coming soon (book)
Takeaway:
Abide:
1 : to remain stable or fixed; in a state of love that abided with Him all his days. 2 : to continue in a place : sojourn will abide in the house of the Lord. abide by. 1 : to conform: to abide by the rules. 2 : to accept without objection : to acquiesce in: will abide by your decision.
Tocarra's story is an Isaiah 61:3 one: How God beautifully replaces in beauty what were once ashes. Her advice to simply abide in Him during times of loss, heartache, confusion, doubt- all of the emotions that come with the living, not only gives us direction on what we should do, but promises a call and response relationship between us and the Father: the more we abide in Him, there is a promise that He will also return that by Abiding with us. He will also remain stable and fixed in a state of love with Him all of our days. When I think of this sweet encounter in times of heartbreak; where God has met me and sat with me and the Holy Spirit has comforted me, I always picture the secret place that is described in Psalms 91. When we get there, and dwell there, like Tocarra mentioned so beautifully above- healing begins.
Prayer:
Lord, I thank you for speaking through Tocarra this morning. Today I lift up every reader that is seeking out healing in you, Lord. We pray in agreement that you also meet them right there where they are right now. That as you call them to just abide today, that they are comforted and held as they dwell in you, Father. That they are surrounded by love and reminded of that throughout their day to today. Lord, we also rejoice with them because we know that you are near; you are close to the broken-hearted. And in that close space, as they are still in You, healing is not only coming but it is happening right now, in the name of Jesus. We thank you for the hope found in you that their worst days are behind them, in you its already done. And we are looking toward their future that you have already planned, you have already designed, with plans not to harm them, but rather to work it all for their good.
In Jesus' might name, Amen!
May you be encouraged, and Tocarra: may you continue to use your story to speak into others as you continue to walk in your calling with women. Love you Selah fam! -R.
コメント