I wanted to follow my heart and share the words of wisdom my grandfather, at the age of 84, wanted to impart. I vividly recall when I was a little girl, and he affectionately called me sunflower and ladybug. As his little ladybug, I observed how his wisdom grew with his great gray hair, blue eyes, and strong handshake. It has always been my heart’s desire to create memoirs and share his words and unwavering faith with the world.
Faith in the Waiting Season
As the year comes to a close, many of us are reflecting on where we are versus where we hoped we’d be. This season can feel uncomfortable — especially when it seems like everyone else is celebrating while you’re quietly waiting.
But waiting doesn’t mean wasted.
God equips us for the uncomfortable seasons. There is purpose in the pause, growth in the stillness, and assignment even when life feels at a standstill. You can thank God for now while still trusting Him for next.
If this season feels heavy, stay encouraged. God will show up, your tears will turn to joy, and His promises will manifest — right on time.
visit http://www.lessonineveryday.com for new Podcast Episode that flows with this post.
Life has a way of surprising us. Sometimes those surprises are filled with joy, and other times they arrive as challenges that shake our routines, shift our plans, and test our faith. In our latest Lesson in Everyday podcast episode, host LaToya Jackson sat down with a very special guest—her mother, Mrs. Vickye Jefferson—to talk about a truth we all face: what to do when the unexpected happens.
Mrs. Jefferson reminds us of a powerful foundation: nothing takes God by surprise. What may feel sudden to us is already known by Him. He sees the end from the beginning, and even in moments of uncertainty, His peace is still available.
So how do we respond when life throws the unexpected our way?
1. Remain Calm
Panic only magnifies the problem. Taking a deep breath, pausing, and reminding ourselves that God is still in control is the first step to keeping steady. Calmness is not weakness—it’s strength anchored in trust.
2. Lean Into the Peace of God
Philippians 4:7 tells us that “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” This peace is not tied to circumstances. It’s a divine gift that steadies us even when life feels unstable.
3. Trust That God Is Never Surprised
The situation may be new to us, but it is not new to Him. That truth alone can ease our anxieties. God is already in the moment, working all things together for good (Romans 8:28).
Mrs. Jefferson’s wisdom reminds us that when life changes in an instant, our faith doesn’t have to. The unexpected may alter our plans, but it doesn’t alter God’s promises.
Takeaway: The next time you face the unexpected, pause and breathe. Ask God for His peace, and remember that what caught you off guard was already in His sight. You are not alone, and you are not unprepared—because you serve a God who sees all and knows all.
✨ Tune in to the full podcast episode to hear more of Mrs. Vickye Jefferson’s heart and wisdom on walking through life’s unexpected moments with faith and calm assurance.
Some things will be kept only in your journal. Everyone won’t have access to it and not everyone will know about it. Some things will be kept dear to your heart. Some memories will only be remembered from the pages you personally wrote in your journal. Not everyone will know every single day of your waiting season. Not everyone will have read about your puddles you set in while you waited, worked, worshipped, and willingly watched. Not everyone will know the amount of love you gave, shared, and expressed through your lowest of low, worse or worst. Not everyone will read about your prayers you sent up every night, throughout the day, and morning sealed with love and sincerity. Not everyone will know or read the pages you wrote personally. Yet, the ones who sincerely stick around, ask, assigned to your journey, or simply listen for it, they will read it.
What happened?
I begin working on changing my thoughts daily in order to improve my positive attitude. Each day after I start with gratitude, I follow up with a conversation with myself. The positive talk starts with self. Each day and throughout the day I talk with myself about positive thinking. I speak words of encouragement, life, happiness, and peace in my conversations with self. Although challenges arise, I take a pause and think about how I am going to respond, what I’m going to say, and how I’m going to react. All of those I been retraining myself to respond, react, and speak positively.
What outcomes have I seen?
I been with better days. I sleep better. I smile and laugh more even when it’s just me. I sing more. I continue to repeat daily because each day the mind has to be renewed for the mind is a battlefield. Yet, the battlefield of the mind you can win. You have to put in the work daily and even when you don’t feel it still do it. Speak life, think positive, and speak positive. The factors and circumstances around may not change and may be out of my control, but my positive mindset changes me. When you can take captive of your thoughts, you can keep overcoming.
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