It’s hard to believe, but Fumbled Your Heart is turning 10 years old! This book was born not just from imagination but from vulnerability and deep reflection. Over the past decade, it has touched hearts, sparked conversations, and reminded women everywhere of the power of honesty, healing, and hope.

I’d love for you to join me on Thursday, 2/26/26, for a special anniversary evening featuring:

• 💬 A heartfelt author talk

• 📖 A live reading

• ✍️ A book signing

As part of Soul Entertainment, I want to help women make choices that nurture their hearts and minds. This night is more than a celebration—it’s an invitation to explore stories that matter, to witness truth, and to leave inspired.

Come be part of this milestone. Together, we’ll celebrate ten years of love, lessons, and meaningful storytelling. Check out the flyer below! If you can’t make it, please share with your friends and family!

Open doors to the enemy rarely start as obvious threats; they often begin as tiny cracks—lyrics we overlook, scenes we excuse, or narratives we accept without discernment. We tell ourselves, “It’s just music,” or “It’s just a show,” without fully considering the spiritual consequences. But this year, instead of focusing solely on what to avoid, we felt led to approach entertainment from a different angle.

Rather than highlighting only what we shouldn’t watch, we wanted to explore how certain shows—while not Christian—are not inherently promoting sin, but instead present real-world situations that can open the door to meaningful, biblical conversations within our homes. These shows are not perfect, but they create opportunities for spiritual reframing, healthy dialogue, and practical application of the Word when approached with wisdom and conviction.

We also want to explore how to spiritually “hold down the fort” in the entertainment and media mountain through prayer—praying for creators, writers, producers, and decision-makers to submit to God and resist the spirit of anti-Christ that often seeks to shape narratives in culture.

The three shows the Lord placed on my heart to unpack are:

• A Million Little Things

• This Is Us

• All American

Before we dive in, it’s important to acknowledge something: in today’s world, realistic storytelling will include themes and characters that reflect current culture, and that often includes sin—whether it’s sexual immorality, dishonesty, addiction, betrayal, or LGBTQIA representation.

If you have a personal conviction not to watch something due to those elements, honor that conviction. God speaks to us individually, and obedience matters.

However, we as believers should not demonize or judge others who can watch a show with discernment while using it as a springboard for biblical engagement. There is a difference between consuming content passively and interacting with it intentionally. Sometimes, a show that portrays real-life issues gives us the chance to teach our families how to navigate those issues biblically, rather than pretending they don’t exist.

If you have a family member who is gay, would you erase them from the family dinner table? Would you ban them from Christmas gatherings? Most of us wouldn’t.

We may set boundaries, but distance was never the method Jesus used to transform hearts. We’re called to engage culture without conforming to it, to love without affirming sin, and to shine light without compromise.

With that in mind, let’s look at the shows more closely.

A Million Little Things

A Million Little Things follows a group of friends in Boston who are brought together by shared struggles and unexpected circumstances. Early in the series, we meet Jon, a beloved friend who dies by suicide. His passing becomes the catalyst that exposes secrets, tests relationships, and pushes each character to confront hidden wounds.

Jon leaves behind his wife, Delilah, and their children, Sophie and Danny. Much of the show revolves around the ripple effects of his death and the secret that connects him to others in the friend group. The storytelling weaves together themes of infidelity, suicide, sexual abuse, homosexuality, sickness, and betrayal.

What stood out to me was not just the writing but the intentional way the show allowed space for the children’s questions, fears, and observations. When themes like suicide and betrayal surface in entertainment, many believers feel the urge to turn it off. But what if, instead, we used it as a moment to ask our kids, “How do we respond when someone hurts us deeply? What does forgiveness look like after betrayal? How does God view depression, and how should we care for those who struggle with it?”

Later in the series, Danny, Jon’s son, comes out to his family. I remember wondering how the writers would handle this, given that the show hadn’t deeply explored that topic yet. Danny eventually introduces someone he’s interested in, and one of the adult characters also enters into a same-sex relationship after experiencing repeated betrayal from men.

Now, does that mean we celebrate or excuse sin? Absolutely not. But rather than labeling the show “ungodly” and moving on, we can take the opportunity to talk through these topics with our families.

Here’s how I would approach it with my own children:

• Having a friend who identifies as gay doesn’t change God’s word.

• Loving someone does not mean endorsing their choices.

• We can minister to people by focusing on their humanity, not their sin.

• Forgiveness looks different depending on the situation—sometimes God leads us to reconcile, and other times He calls us to release the relationship while still walking in love.

• Suicide is never God’s will, and conversations about mental health should not be ignored.

Rather than shielding our children from every uncomfortable theme, we can teach them how to see it through a biblical lens.

This Is Us

Let’s move into This Is Us, a show that touched millions and brought many of us to tears with its honesty. The show follows the lives of three siblings—Kate, Kevin, and Randall—who were raised by loving yet overwhelmed parents, Jack and Rebecca. From childhood to adulthood, we watch how the complexities of family dynamics shape their identities, relationships, and faith.

To clarify, Randall is the only Black sibling raised in the Pearson household, and navigating life in a white family with unique challenges shaped much of his personal journey. The show addresses racism, adoption, grief, body image, sibling rivalry, marriage, and generational trauma.

What I want to emphasize here is how the show handles the reality of family tension. When parents don’t receive the emotional support, healing, and deliverance they need, they unintentionally pass pain to their children.

This Is Us gives us a raw look at:

• Parental gaslighting

• Sibling favoritism

• Emotional neglect

• The long-term impact of secrets

• The weight of expectations

It provides an incredible opportunity to discuss how unhealed wounds can create fractures in a family for decades. It’s a beautiful example of how storytelling can open the door for discipleship, not division.

All American

All American is another show that handles complex themes with honesty and emotional depth. When the series first premiered, I had the privilege of writing a cover story on one of the lead actors, and I was struck by how the show explores real-life issues through both teens and adults.

While I don’t want to single out homosexuality as if it’s the only sin Christians react to, there is a powerful moment in Season 2 when Coop, a young woman who identifies as gay, has a tense but honest conversation with her mother.

Her mother has been dismissive and rejecting because of her Christian beliefs, and at one point even put Coop out of the house. Coop’s father, on the other hand, continues to love her, even while navigating the tension.

This is not a moment to dismiss the show—it is a moment to ask ourselves, “What would I do if my child came home and told me they were struggling with same-sex attraction?” Would we throw them out? Reject them? Label them? Or would we do what Jesus does—love them while praying, guiding, and trusting the Holy Spirit to transform their hearts?

As someone who personally wrestled with same-sex attraction from my preteen years into my early twenties, I can tell you that it was not rejection that set me free. It was my mother’s love, prayers, and refusal to define me by what I was struggling with. She saw beyond the label I was trying to adopt and held space for God to do the work in me. That is the kind of discipleship our homes need.

We don’t need television to teach our children, but we can use shared entertainment as a gateway to meaningful family dialogue. Sitting together to watch something and then following it up with open, biblical conversation allows our families to think critically and compassionately. It creates a safe space for discussion rather than silence or shame.

So I’m not suggesting you watch every show mentioned here. In fact, two of them are no longer airing and are only available on streaming platforms. What I’m saying is this: before you dismiss a show because it depicts sin, ask yourself—are they celebrating the sin, or are they simply portraying real life? There is a difference between glamorizing something and presenting it as part of the human experience.

Realism gives us room to respond with discernment, not detachment.

Praying for the Entertainment & Media Mountain

As disciples, we have a responsibility not only to consume content wisely but to intercede for those creating it. We can either stand on the sidelines and complain about the media, or we can partner with heaven and become part of the solution. Here are ways we can stand in the gap:

1. Pray for bold, obedient Christian creatives.

Pray that those called to entertainment—writers, actors, producers, directors, editors—will create what God tells them without compromise, and that they won’t settle for platforms that force them to dilute their convictions. This includes music as well.

2. Pray for Hollywood to repent and return to God.

Intercede for the hearts of decision-makers and financiers in film, television, and music. Pray that God would replace hearts of stone with hearts of flesh and that repentance would touch boardrooms, studios, and sets.

3. Pray for protection over believers already in the industry.

Ask God to strengthen those who are undercover or quietly standing for righteousness. Declare that they, like Daniel, will purpose in their hearts not to defile themselves, regardless of pressure.

4. Pray for discernment among consumers.

We must stop supporting content that aggressively pushes ungodly agendas while still acknowledging there is a difference between storytelling and indoctrination. Real life is messy, and art often reflects that—but agenda-driven content is something else entirely.

5. Pray for resources and excellence in Christian media.

One of the most common critiques of Christian film and television is that the quality is poor or the storytelling is unrealistic. We need to pray for funding, equipment, training, and creative freedom so believers can produce content that is spirit-led and skillfully crafted.

God’s power does not stop at the gates of Hollywood. He is just as present in studios and writers’ rooms as He is in pulpits and prayer circles. The entertainment mountain is not off-limits to Him, and it should not be off-limits to our engagement.

Conclusion

As believers, our calling is not isolation, it’s influence. Instead of hiding from culture, we can approach it with discernment, lead our families with wisdom, and transform everyday moments into kingdom conversations. Entertainment doesn’t have to be the enemy when we approach it with intention. Shows that depict real situations—flawed people, complex relationships, and imperfect choices—can become opportunities to teach, correct, connect, and disciple.

We don’t avoid darkness by pretending it isn’t there. We push it back by turning on the light.

So, whether you choose to watch these shows or not, let this be your takeaway: don’t just consume content, curate conversations. Don’t just turn off what concerns you; use it to train the next generation to think biblically in a world that won’t. And above all, pray. Pray for the storytellers. Pray for the industry. Pray for the gatekeepers. Pray for your own home.

We can complain about media, or we can disciple through it. We can condemn culture, or we can shape it. The choice is ours, and the opportunity is now.

Questions for Discussion When Watching TV

1) What can we learn through this dialogue being presented to us, and how does God’s Word apply?

2) Is this show pushing an agenda/trying to indoctrinate us, or does it give us a chance to approach the content with a Biblical worldview?

3) What sin is being highlighted/condoned in the content? How can we discuss how it goes against God’s Word?

4) How can we use this content to help our children make Godly decisions with their entertainment when we’re not around?

5) Are there alternatives to this type of content that we haven’t accessed? Take some time to research and see.

There are more questions that you can ask, but these are some great starters. I pray this article helps you navigate your streaming.

Looking for something that entertains and uplifts your spirit? My Christian romance novel, Storms of Love, re-releases today!

This story isn’t just about romance. It’s about healing, forgiveness, and discovering the kind of love God intends for us to experience. It’s the perfect weekend read if you’re ready for a page-turner that will encourage your faith while tugging at your heart. 💕

📖 Grab your copy here ➡️ Grab It Here!

Because sometimes, “healthy entertainment” looks like a good story that reminds us that love—even through life’s storms—is still possible. 🌊✨

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After wrapping up 5 days of soulful summer devotionals, here’s the perfect next chapter for your journey.

The new edition of Storms of Love is now available for pre-order on Kindle—and it includes bonus content you haven’t seen before. Perfect for adding a little love, faith, and healing to your next read.

💖 [Pre-Order Storms of Love Today]

Plus, check out this snippet from the bonus podcast, only available to those who buy the book, giving you a taste of the stories and insights waiting inside the new edition!

Ya Girl,
Mya Kay

You’ve journeyed through five powerful days of faith, fiction, and real love — thank you for joining us for Soulful Summer!

Today, we meet Jezzy Watson, a woman whose success and independence mask a heart still wrestling with past pain and broken promises. Her story reminds us that sometimes, the hardest love lessons come not when we’re opening our hearts, but when we’re asked to close a chapter, or fiercely guard the one we’re writing.

When Closure Is Really a Test

Scripture:
“Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.” — Proverbs 4:26

Reflection:
Jezzy was on top of her game—recognized, respected, and engaged to a man she loved. But when Trent, her high school sweetheart and first love, unexpectedly re-enters her life, old wounds and unresolved feelings rise to the surface.

Closure is rarely a neat bow on a painful past. It’s often messy and complicated, especially when the person who once broke your heart now seeks forgiveness or another chance. Jezzy’s struggle isn’t just about an old flame showing up; it’s about recognizing what she truly needs—peace, wisdom, and the courage to protect her emotional well-being.

Sometimes, God uses these moments to teach us that healing isn’t about reopening old doors, but about building new foundations. We’re called to let go of what no longer serves God’s best for us, even when it means standing firm against nostalgia, guilt, or fear.

True closure comes when we invite God’s wisdom to establish our steps and protect the progress we’ve made. Jezzy’s story is a reminder that your peace and purpose are worth guarding fiercely—and that God’s grace always equips us to do so.

Journal Prompt:
Is there a person, memory, or situation I’m holding onto that keeps me from fully stepping into God’s peace? How can I ask God to help me establish healthy boundaries and truly move forward?

Prayer:
Lord, I’m grateful for the healing You’ve begun in my heart. Give me the courage to release what hinders my peace and the wisdom to walk firmly on the path You’ve set before me. Help me trust that Your plans for me are good, even when it means saying no to what once was. Amen.

Fumbled Your Heart drops February 2026! Check out the cover below. Don’t forget to join my book email list to stay in the know when all of my re-releases officially drop!

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Thank you for being part of Soulful Summer! If you enjoyed this series, let me know.

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Today we shift to a new story — The Essence of His Soul — where Essence & Shane discover how God’s plans for love often surprise us in the best ways.

When Love Finds You Anyway

Scripture:
“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” — Proverbs 16:9

Reflection:
Essence Taylor didn’t walk into Mocha Tea & Trends looking for love. She came for productivity, not divine appointments. But sometimes, while we’re busy building the vision God gave us, He’s busy building something else behind the scenes—like love that we didn’t plan for but desperately need.

Shane Bishop wasn’t just a ballplayer with a charming smile—he was a man of faith, carrying his own hidden wounds, family struggles, and quiet prayers. When two preacher’s kids collide in a moment that seems ordinary, God proves He can orchestrate extraordinary beginnings.

But even God-ordained love comes with trials: family secrets, past traumas, public scrutiny. The real test isn’t just in falling in love—it’s in staying rooted when everything around you tries to pull you apart. That’s where faith isn’t just personal; it becomes relational.

Journal Prompt:
What unexpected encounter has God used to grow or change me? Am I open to Him interrupting my plans?

Prayer:
Lord, help me recognize divine appointments even when they look like distractions. Teach me to trust You in relationships and grow through challenges. Amen.

Check out the cover reveal below for the new edition of The Essence of His Soul, dropping March 2026, just three years from its original release date (March 9, 2023)! Don’t we just love full circle moments?

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See you tomorrow for the final devotional!

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Bliss and Montez’s story wraps up the Storms of Love trilogy today — a powerful reminder that sometimes love deserves a second chance, even when fear is holding you back.

When Love Comes Back

Scripture:
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” —Ecclesiastes 3:1

Reflection:
Bliss thought she was done with heartbreak. Two breakups in one year wasn’t in her plan. But God has a way of using heartbreak to prepare the heart for something better.

When Montez returned, he didn’t come to rekindle the past, he came to rewrite the future. But old wounds, family drama, and fears threatened the love she hoped for.

This is the tension of surrender. Can you trust love after it’s disappointed you? Can you try again when your heart still limps? For Bliss, grace, patience, and a God who restores made all the difference.

Journal Prompt:
Where in my life am I holding back out of fear that history will repeat? What would it look like to give God control again?

Prayer:
Lord, I don’t want to miss what You’re restoring because I’m still wounded by what was broken. Teach me to love again, trusting that if You’re in it, I don’t have to fear it. Amen.

You’re one of the first to experience the new In Loving Bliss cover before it re-releases this fall! Check out the cover reveal below.

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See you tomorrow for Day 4!

Share Girls Anthem

Welcome back to Day 2 of Soulful Summer!

Today, we continue with Battles of Love as Ellie & Jeremiah face the storms that come after the “I do.”

When Love Is Tested by Life

Scripture:
“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” — Matthew 26:41

Reflection:
Ellie and Jeremiah had overcome so much together. But three years into their marriage, the storm didn’t stop, it shifted. Distance grew, triggers resurfaced, and temptation started to whisper...

This is what often happens after the “I do”—the test doesn’t end, it evolves. When life gets busy and emotions run low, the enemy plants seeds of doubt and dissatisfaction. But Jesus said, “Watch and pray.” Stay alert. Stay connected to God.

Journal Prompt:
Where am I most vulnerable to temptation right now? What can I do to “watch and pray” more intentionally this week?

Prayer:
Lord, help me recognize the slow drift that leads to destruction. Give me strength to run from temptation and fight for what You’ve blessed me with. Amen.

Sign up for my book email list to be the first to know when the reimagined edition of Battles of Love drops this fall! Check out the cover reveal below.

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See you tomorrow for Day 3!

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Welcome to Soulful Summer: 5 Days of Faith, Fiction & Real Love — a devotional journey inspired by some of your soon-to-be favorite Christian romance stories!

Over the next five days, you’ll receive a powerful devotional that blends scripture, heartfelt reflections, and journal prompts, all drawn from novels about faith, healing, and God-ordained love, by yours truly.

Today, we’re starting with Storms of Love. Meet Ellie & Jeremiah and their story of healing hidden wounds through God’s perfect love.

When Love Heals What You’ve Hidden

Scripture:
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear...” —1 John 4:18a

Reflection:
Ellie Rae McNeal was used to making people look beautiful but she didn’t expect a little girl and a businessman to help her see the brokenness she’d been hiding underneath her own beauty...

Sometimes God answers prayers for love not with flowers and fairytales, but with healing and exposure. Real love holds up a mirror to our pain; of peeling back childhood wounds, unmet needs, and unspoken fears. When it’s God-authored, it stays and gently teaches us to receive what we once believed we weren’t worthy of.

Journal Prompt:
Have I been pushing away the very thing I once asked God for—whether love, healing, or connection—because it’s arriving in a way I didn’t expect?

Prayer:
God, thank You for sending love that doesn’t just feel good—but heals deeply. Give me courage to receive what You’ve sent, even when it touches places I’d rather leave hidden. Amen.

Sign up for my book email list to be the first to know when the reimagined edition of Storms of Love drops this fall! Check out this cover reveal below for the re-release.

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See ya tomorrow for Day 2!

PS Tune in tonight for the first interview in our Behind the Shift series with LaLa Jenkins, “From Sorority to Surrender”. It drops at 7pm in your inbox!

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Love Letter To My Soul

I decided to write a love letter to my soul, thinking nobody would know
But then I put the pen to the letter and I realized I’d feel better
If I explored this feeling with my sisters and brothers
If I could encourage others, help someone to feel something new
Discover an internal strength, one worth the pursuit
Then here I present this love letter to you
Dear Soul, I love you so,
At times I’ve depleted so much from you
Allowing myself to not see the truth, I felt ugly and used
Yet, my own hand was the cause of the abuse
So many times I tried to blame those around me
I felt shamed, yet not once did I take ownership
Of what was mine to claim
I didn’t know I could love myself, better than he could
I didn’t know I could look in the mirror, see beauty beyond my looks
I thought it was worth it to give myself to him
Yet, not once did I consider the pain of my sin
I thought I could not forgive, and still smile
Yet, I was angry and they had moved on, making life worthwhile
I wanted to convince myself that being thick with curves was the way to go
But I realized, even in this size I’m more woman than you’ll ever know
It’s not about the girl on the magazine, but it’s about every woman
Who lives her life as bold as can be
I was stuck on myself, selfish at times, allowing my soul to be undermined
Ready to slit my wrist just because I had been dissed
How could I try to punish my soul like this?
Rejection sometimes means protection,
Yet, what frightened me was the amount of no’s I received,
I felt like I had earned the disease
The disease that says I ain’t worth a thing
Then I realized my worth was more than a man
Now, soul, I’m not saying being loved isn’t beautiful
But how many times have I looked for love in a cubicle?
A cubicle, a compartment of space, that portion of something
Yet God says I can have all this and I settle for nothing
So Dear Soul, before I go, I need you to know
That I vow to grow, never let my pains outweigh my gains
Never let my heart get caught up in the dark
When I fall because something got in my way
I promise to jump up, try again the same day
I refuse to be abused by the pressure of my own muse,
I’ll just lay claim to every promise in the Big Book
And if what you see isn’t something you enjoy
Then allow your soul to employ
Every opportunity it needs, to break free from all negativity

The Skin I'm In

Because my skin is black,
I’ve learned to appreciate my beauty
Actually, what you see is a rare brown cutie
I am not defined, by my race, looks, color or creed
But I am defined by the beauty that flows out of me
From the days of Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks,
Those who’ve led the way to a fresh start,
All honor is due and I take nothing from their mission
But it was more than just a movement
It was freedom, but it was written
That’s what makes this month significant,
But the celebration lasts a lifetime
Never mind that they only chose 28 days to let us shine
Every day, if we choose to win,
We can celebrate until year end
But it’s the color of our skin that seems to keep us locked in
Because instead of recognizing what we own,
We sit around with a moan and groan
Crying over things that don’t mean a thing
Things that don’t make us, but we let it break us
Then WE play the race card, giving out name cards
Of blame and shame,
Not taking responsibility,
Holding others hostage for our accountability
Yet, they did it all
Our ancestors answered the call
They were willing and able
They didn’t question, hesitate or complain
Some were steered from their families
And some endured great pain
Yet we cry about all the things we didn’t yet gain
Oh, what a shame
I’m sorry you feel like that should belong to you,
And I’m sorry you feel like others should cater to you,
Yet, what did you do?
If it isn’t your hand at work then don’t claim the prize
Don’t try to demise those who you despise
Simply work on self,
Take ownership of your own wealth and health
Stop bragging on other people’s stuff,
Cuz whether they buy it or rent it,
If you didn’t spend a dime, then why waste your time?
When will we free our minds?
When will we grow up, man up, woman up?
But don’t give up
Or is that too much to ask?
At last,
I just wish someone would recognize the gift
Of the beauty that reigns through all of our veins
Whether the color is dark or light
We all can participate in the fight
Teaching the younger generations the truth
So when they become older,
They can see too
That the skin I’m in
Wasn’t a mistake from the beginning…

Heart Stain

As the water thrust itself against my window pane
I realize my heart still carries the stain
A stain of pain is all that I gained
And I have no idea how to sustain
But what if I took this pain
Turned it into hurt
And released my heart
So my heart could burst
Burst to get rid of the hurt
And take the pain for what it’s worth
But it’s not worth much
Because now my hurt has become prone to his touch
A touch of glass that scars from my past
Continue to let it last, and so
I can’t move past this painful gash
How I hurt so deep,
Now as I lay me down to sleep,
I remember my God,
My soul to keep
Because the pane is more stained
Than it was when we began
So, I’m mad,
Cause you took my pain,
And you used it for bad
You didn’t think about what it would take,
You just decided to create,
The pain in my heart,
Now it’s back to the start
Of feeling the water
That pours on my heart
On the window pane that glows in the dark
But I’ve taken it in and let go of my sin
Falling in love like this from the beginning,
Meant trying a new thing
Being open to pursue,
A love I never knew,
So though the bucket is full
From the tears of my pool,
My heart stain still remains
But to be loved by you
I’d be willing to do it again

The Ring

We all want one,
Something to flash,
Something to hold,
Something to call our very own
But how much will it cost?
Is the price worth it?
Well, of course it is, right
Cause it pays to be the boss
But little does she know,
The five carats may bling
But she can’t pay for that ring
Cuz it’s about to cost her everything
He wants her life
So he goes for the gold
Taking everything she owns
Her pride, dignity and even her soul
He told her she better not ever leave
And she better take heed
Cause all his records show
He can make someone bleed
But she’s trying to succeed at this
Her momma said once you’re in it
It’s full of bliss
Yet she forgot to mention
The poisonous kiss
Of a snake who can’t wait
To break a young woman’s spirit
Once she’s into him
He makes sure she fears it
Everything about him says he’s gotta going on
But this dude is wack,
How’d she get connected to the lame one?
He roams around like a lion
Seeking someone to kill, steal and destroy
Poor little lady, he’s taken all your joy
Now you can’t go back
Cause mom’s got a new one
And you’d be busting up her groove
But wait, don’t make another move
Seek Him first,
The wisdom from above
Cause what you thought was real
Wasn’t any kind of love
It was strong, it was potent
You got bit by the bug
But it wasn’t ever supposed to last long
Cause this dude wasn’t meant for you
You got caught up in the hype of the ring
The dress, the endless list of guest
Yet, not once did you think
About the price of the bling
Did you happen to notice the ring around your eye,
Is the exact same size?
As the ring that you fling,
In front of all your girlies
Putting up a front,
Talking about “Ooh, girl, that’s my boo”
Yet, he makes you look like a fool
You mentioned he loved everything about you
Yet, you don’t even know his middle name
Where’s his momma, where’s his daddy
Baby, do you not see the pattern
It’s a waste, a sad lost
Yet, you can redeem yourself
Just take a look at all you’ve lost
Pray for a release
Ask Him to give you peace
Be open to the change
It may feel strange
But in the end,
The cost of the ring
Wouldn’t have been worth it to begin
Because you’ll realize the importance
Of never settling for less than the best
You’ll realize once you’ve passed
This was all just a test
A test of love, faith, pain and loss
No matter what it cost
You can gain it back
If you just listen to your heart
Go back to the start
Leave him in the dark
Leave the house, the car, the dog and the cat
Don’t look back
There’s a new vision
A new mission
You don’t have to be afraid of anything
Oh, by the way,
Make sure you leave the ring
Cuz as much as it would be nice
To hold onto the bling
The ring is what blinded you
And you don’t need it to remind you
Of the years and time you no longer have
Just pick up your new bag
Let go of your past
So until the next time
You get a new ring,
Remember,
Real love don’t cost a thing

I Held My Stomach

I held my stomach the day I found out

I walked around with shame

Holding my head down

Feeling as low as the ground

How did I get here?

I wasn’t sure who to tell

It wasn’t like I had asked him

To touch me or love me

He chose me, because he knew

I was empty

And taking what little I had left

Would leave me more helpless

More helpless than before

Just so he could score,

I lost, the pain, what a cost

I have no idea how the door opened

But I can’t close it back

Cause now, I’ve given myself to them all

They don’t have to call

I was standing there,

Ready to receive

I was no longer rushing to leave

It became a part of who I am

I didn’t have to be afraid of them

They wanted, I wanted

Now, we both are happy

Though I sometimes feel low

My currency helps the flow

Of the tears that stream

I don’t yell and scream

I take it all in

And hold my stomach once again

This time, they say I can’t do it

I’m too far along

I thought if I waited

I would change my mind

But then I discovered

I don’t know who is mine

So I can’t take that chance

Being another statistic

So I hold my stomach

Down to the next clinic

Opening the door

I see every face and more

This time I scream and I shout

I just want out

I never asked for this

I never wanted his kiss

But he took it from me

And I pay for it daily

I can make it

I’ve done it before

So I just hold my stomach some more

And hope for the best

I don’t think about the rest

Even though I feel helpless

Because the more I hold my stomach

And the more my body aches

The more I realize the cost

Of all that I’ve lost

But I no longer hold my head in shame

I just bow down to the pain

And wake up the next morning

To hold my stomach again

Locked In

My caged bird doesn’t sing

It cries and it screams

It’s caged indeed

With the pain of all the memories

Crying at night, not sleeping at all

Managing to walk but not first learning to crawl

My heart gets heavy every time I hear them call

Out to mommy, who isn’t there at all

So I’m left to pick up the pieces when they fall

Doctor’s visits, teachers calling, I’m stalling

They wouldn’t understand,

They’d try to judge and take us away

But mommy has bills to pay

I want to live a little,

Enjoy life, but can’t cause every day I fight

Just to keep my head above water

I feel like I have a daughter

But she’s my sister,

But knows nothing about that connection

For her I’m “mommy” and I give the affection

She longs for, but I hurt

For her it’s affection, for me its desert

Its neglect but I don’t fret

That I don’t get to call out to anyone

Then there’s the son,

Not me, but the other one

Mom just figured, the more the merrier

For me, this couldn’t be any scarier

How do I manage with three mouths to feed?

When I myself, am only sixteen

My grades are slipping, but the teachers don’t know

They think I don’t care, but they have no idea

I want to be a surgeon one day,

But how, when the dream seems so far away

I can’t even finish high school

Because the little ones need food

I want to make sure they are okay,

It would be selfish to leave them this way

But why, I’m not a dad

I didn’t ask for this

The frustration I feel,

It’s so real

Neighbors watching, whispering

Don’t lend a helping hand

But will be the first to say

Something bad about this young man

I want out, I could run away

But then she smiles,

And my day becomes okay

But the locked in feeling doesn’t go away

I just wish momma knew how I felt

I wish she was hear to listen

But if she has to be away,

Working and slaving all day

I just need to be let out

I feel empty and I need to see

Somebody, please hand me a key

So I’m not locked in anymore

And I can be free

I Am “Sarafina”

Sarafina Taught Me

She taught me strength, she taught me willpower

I watched her for two hours,

Show others that even if she had to bow down in that moment,

The fight inside would only get stronger

I was eight-years-old when I first encountered racial insensitivity. It was right after seeing Sarafina, the 1992 film that centered around the story of a young woman who refused to accept, along with hundreds of other students like her, a new medium being introduced into their school. The whippings, the brutalizing and the demeaning of people who looked like me, left me disturbed, but not scared. When the movie was over, my mother and I went to the restroom. As we washed our hands, a tall, white woman stood at the sink next to us, turned to my mother with a bold smile, and said, “I’m glad I’m not black.”

Now, that left me scared. My mother didn’t know how to react and neither did I. Not scared to be who I am or scared to embrace my identity, but scared that if people could be this insensitive to make such a dismissive remark, then where would that leave the eight-year-old girl like me twenty years from now? More disturbing than an eight-year-old seeing images that would scare the average child - the blood, the beatings, the dogs let loose to tear into the flesh of students who looked like her - was the comment that left that eight-year-old girl wondering if she would forever encounter ideologies and thinking like this that would make her question her place in society.

What I thought would be a horrible life-long memory, turned into something that made me realize the power of diversity in entertainment. Over the years, my love for my culture and entertainment continued to collide as I witnessed television shows that symbolized the unity, value and importance of embracing a multicultural experience. You see, that same eight-year-old little girl was able to run in the house on Friday nights and catch four of her favorite families on the small screen - The Winslows, Mr. Cooper and the crew, The Matthews and the beautifully blended Fosters and Lamberts.

These four shows created stories with messages that resonated with children and families during that time; consistent messages that spoke to everyday challenges and struggles that parents, caregivers and young people faced. They also highlighted the importance of the family unity. The new journey that lasted for two hours every Friday, would be what caused her love for writing and television to grow; one that made her realize how important it is to appreciate the multicultural, multifaceted way that God created the world and the people who occupy it.

I never wanted anyone to feel what that little eight-year-old girl felt. The seed that was planted that night in the movie theaters could’ve reaped a horrible harvest had I allowed bitterness, anger and retaliation to take root. Instead, I allowed new seeds to be planted as I sat down with the same four families every week. So, when I set out to write my first book, I didn’t shy away from the rawness of the African American experience. I instead wrote exactly what is real. Twelve books later and I know that my pen only has power when I’m truthful to write the experiences that can help shape the mind of another eight-year-old little girl, regardless of her race, in a positive way that allows her and others to embrace our similarities and appreciate our differences.

Bloodline Beats

From our streets to our men, we are filled with hidden gems,

But it’s often covered in grime, crime and hate,

Often shutdown by the media that fills us with fake,

News that bruise, stories that discriminate

Yeah, my city is rough, but it’s also great

Great for you, great for me, great for he and great for she,

The place filled with much life and culture,

Gets overshadowed by the vulture,

Of senseless violence, corruption and crazy pain

You smear our names in blood, but don’t recognize the flood,

The flood of empty homes where father’s leave and don’t return,

Of places where abuse burns and becomes a home,

A place where trafficking is the norm,

Because girls want to be loved by a stranger,

Figuring that love can’t be any danger,

Promiscuity becomes a promise,

And men with blood money becomes honest,

But what if we recognized that bloodline beats,

Aren’t meant to be lived in the streets,

The only way we can create the legacy we desire,

Is to love and be our own sense of fire,

This is my first letter to a love in Philly,

Because I know it exists,

Sometimes it comes in the form of an ironclad fist,

Sometimes it shows up in the midst,

Of a heated fight between two lovers ready to go to blows,

Anger and dysfunction is all they seem to know,

But I know that love exists,

It just comes in a package you may not expect,

A package where bloodline beats are a mysterious concept,

Where blood meets the streets is a finalized precept,

Because bloodline reaps our parent’s trespass,

And bloodline seeps into the folds of our past,

But the love I want and need,

I found in between these streets,

In the puddle of water left after the storm,

And in my heart filled with love not willing to conform

I know many of us feel like as believers we seem to have to give up so much just to follow Christ, and we do. Remember Romans 12:1-2? It’s our reasonable service to give up whatever God asks us to since He gave us His Son. One of the reasons people struggle to live a biblical lifestyle and trust God is that they don’t have a complete understanding of what it means to be a disciple. I started calling myself a disciple a few months ago, foregoing calling myself a Christian. Not because I’m not a Christian but because calling myself a disciple causes me to see things from Christ’s perspective.

Disciples lay down their lives and don’t see the sacrifice as something they had to do. They see it as something they get to do. Christians believe in Christ. Disciples live for Him. The other reason believers struggle to live a biblical lifestyle is because of the way we define fun. I remember when I used to say, “Man, I can’t do anything fun as a Christian”. But then, I had to ask myself, is it fun to drink, hang out at bars, have men dancing all over me, have sex with a man I may never see again, or run the streets just to say I did everything I wanted to do?

Fun isn’t about rebellion. If we look back over our lives, most of us did things out of rebellion. Our parents disapproved of them, and everything they told us to stay away from, we wanted to try for ourselves. I chose to lay the foundation for this article this way because once we understand that we are disciples of Christ, and not just believers in Christ; and we learn to redefine fun, we’ll be able to anchor our entertainment choices in God’s word.

About four years ago, Netflix put the sitcom Girlfriends on their platform. I remember being hyped, thinking I had another great binge-worthy show that I could watch while packing to leave for Atlanta. Three episodes in and I felt the weight of conviction. I couldn’t figure out how I had been able to watch the show when it first came on. Between the sexual content, the spiritual fluidity, and the subliminal vulgarity, I realized that my spirit couldn’t take it. I realized that from college until that point, I had become a completely different woman. I’d grown closer to God and the Holy Spirit was able to send an alarm whenever I was about to cross a point where I’d create a separation between me and God.

To some, it may not be a big deal; however, Ephesians 4:30 does tell us not to grieve the Holy Spirit. I believe we grieve the Spirit whenever we do anything that causes the Holy Spirit to feel sorrow, pain, unhappiness, or distress. Our daily activities can either bring peace or grief to the Holy Spirit. Paul exhorts believers throughout the entire New Testament to live a life worthy of the calling we have received. Whether you agree with it or not, how you move about your day plays a large role in this.

The other thing we have to consider is that while the word of God doesn’t flat-out tell us what shows we can and can’t watch, or what music we can and can’t listen to, Psalm 101:3 says, “I will set nothing wicked before my eyes”. We have to rightly divide the word of truth. If we know that there are verses that tell us to separate the profane and holy, as well as not having fellowship with the fruitless works of darkness (Ezekiel 22:26 & Ephesians 4:11), then why does God have to spell everything out for us? If we’re waiting for God to spell it out word for word, we will always struggle with obedience; not to mention, God reveals a lot through both His Lagos word and His rhema words.

So, how do you anchor your entertainment choices to God’s word? Let’s dive into it. FYI, this also applies to all forms of entertainment, including sporting events.

1) Flow with the Holy Spirit’s conviction, not your feelings. We’ve all been in positions where we feel a nudge from the Holy Spirit, but because we don’t see the issue with what we’re doing, we push it away and move forward. For example, when God told me to walk away from a friendship, nothing had happened yet that would warrant me walking away. I remember God saying, “And you want it to stay that way. Walk away now.” God shouldn’t have to send us a bunch of blinking red lights for us to take heed. It’s the same with our entertainment choices. We may be watching something, and it isn’t inherently a sin, but God knows it isn’t good for us. I stopped watching Law & Order: SVU a few seasons ago because while it’s fun to see the cast solve a crime, constantly being bombarded with images of rape victims and murder wasn’t healthy for my spirit.

2) Write a list of all the television shows, movies, books you read, and music you engage with. Next to each thing, write out which kingdom it builds. If you see that something is building the kingdom of darkness, then you know you should let it go immediately. For those who want to know what it means to build the kingdom of darkness, the simplest explanation is anything that promotes sin, demonic activity, or things that oppose God, builds the kingdom of darkness. I remember that I couldn’t read certain romance novels anymore. While I write Christian romance, I write clean content. When I was signed to a publisher, my pen sisters all had books with sex scenes and cursing in them. I couldn’t support it. How can I maintain my abstinence and purity if I’m sowing the exact opposite into my mind daily? Once you have this list, pray over it. You may find that you were already struggling as you engaged with some of this content and this list will bring confirmation.

3) Ask God for replacement entertainment. Remember, a house that’s been swept clean is left empty unless it’s filled with something (Matthew 12:43-45). Some people may feel better taking time away from entertainment as a way to cleanse, but for those like me who love television (not to mention, I’m in the Hollywood space as a writer), then ask God what you can watch and listen to. I gave up a lot of demonic and secular music. However, Tori Kelly and Chrisette Michele are artists that have pure hearts and while they aren’t gospel artists, their music isn’t tied to anything demonic. When it comes to shows, I’m pretty much binging Family Matters and watching Shark Tank these days, but I’m sure shows are coming out that will be safe to watch.

4) Be intentional about the spaces and places you go and the events you attend. While you can’t control someone else’s home or car, you can be intentional about where you go. I don’t judge people who may not be at this level of maturity in their walk, however, because I’m prophetic and I pick up on spiritual things all the time, I will turn down an invitation to places and spaces that are hosting events tailored to promoting or showcasing demonic or sinful entertainment. Side note: As a disciple, you do have authority (Luke 10:19). I remember being in two different situations where I rose up boldly and asked them to change the channel or music. One was at a friend’s house and the other was at a hair salon. We have to be willing to shift the atmosphere when we’re in the room. The devil should flee in your presence.

5) Lastly, always choose Christ over culture. Let’s go back to redefining what fun means. Ask God what fun looks like for you and write it down. Culture will always try to dictate what excitement and fun look like. Nine times out of ten, it will go against the word of God. Choose Christ over whatever culture deems is cool. This requires dying to yourself daily and recognizing that you can’t make choices without God. Remember, anyone who loves the world has enmity against God (James 4:4). Whenever you choose Christ over culture, your entertainment choices become less of a hassle because you’ll recognize right away what isn’t God. This may mean you need to unfollow some social media pages and clean up those accounts that trigger you.

As you go into this new year, take inventory of your entertainment choices. I pointed out sporting events because I wanted to go to a boxing match last year. There’s a boxer I know that has become a pro and he’s had two fights that I could’ve gone to. However, God explained to me why I couldn’t go. Anyone who knows me knows that my two favorite sports are basketball and boxing. I used to box. While it was hard, I trusted God and chose not to go. Is going to a boxing match or a basketball game a sin? Of course not, but God revealed that the atmosphere at a boxing match would cause me to not have a good time. I’m sure you can imagine what God was referring to.

Being a disciple isn’t a cakewalk, by any means, but Christ didn’t die on the cross so we could become more comfortable with the things of this world. He died so we could make it to our permanent home in heaven looking more like Him.

Side Bar

While this article is being released in our winter issue, writing it made me think of all the cookouts and family summer events I didn’t take part in over the last two years. Our theme for January and February is being anchored to truth and submitting to truth. This means your family may not understand how you move in this new season. Sometimes God will say you can’t go to that family hangout or event simply because He knows what might come up. It’s not always about secular music or liquor being served; sometimes, you’re carrying your next big project and He knows you’ll want to share it prematurely in excitement, which could cause you to abort what you’re carrying.

I had a family member reach out to me recently, and while she wasn’t inviting me to anything, she asked me if I was okay. I said I was, but she proceeded to say that she felt I would tell her that even if I wasn’t. I’ve been home in Philly for almost two years and have only heard from this person a few times. I felt in my spirit that this was her way of trying to find out what was going on with me. I respectfully answered, “Not at all. I’m just in my focused and silent season”. That shut down any questioning that would’ve continued.

How does this matter to turning down family engagements in obedience to the Holy Spirit? It made sense why God wouldn’t allow me to stop by this family member’s home since I’d been back in Philly. He knows that sometimes people will want to know what’s going on with us and when we’re in prophetic seasons or seasons of surrender, we have to be silent. Not everybody is invited into the birthing room. All of this is central to not only anchoring our entertainment choices to God’s word but also making sure we’re not going into spaces where our spirit would be frustrated.

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Share Girls Anthem

Her name is Essence. Her desire to be a music mogul wasn’t just about a dream. It was about breaking free from the chains of bondage in her family that caused her to resent her father’s controlling and manipulative ways.

While I was developing her story for my novel, The Essence of His Soul, I realized the common threads in her story that mimicked the life of so many women that I’ve encountered, along with testimonies I’ve heard about overcoming parental wounds. While the story doesn’t take place during the holidays, I wanted to shed light on the issue that so many people face during the holiday season – family pressure.

Many of you can probably relate to Essence’s story, especially if you were raised as a Christian and found yourself following a path that your parents laid out for you. While I know this isn’t exclusive to disciples of Christ, I do believe the challenge that many people face in the body of Christ as it pertains to this is, “How do I obey God while honoring my parents?”

This ties into so many things, so for the sake of this blog post, I’ll just focus on the following:

How to pursue what God placed in your heart despite a lack of familial support

Essence knew that going into the music business was going to create tension between her and her father, Bishop Taylor. There’s a part where she admits that going into the business was her way of letting him know that he couldn’t control her destiny. Without giving too much of the novel away, I thought this was important to point out. We are always to obey God, no matter what anyone on this side of heaven says, and that includes our parents. To be clear, this is for adult children who are struggling with obeying an instruction from God that their parents don’t understand or support.

Essence’s father wanted her to work in ministry, following his path of ministry leadership. But Essence fell in love with music after interning for a music executive in Philly, where she grew up. Before anyone jumps to say, “She chose a secular path over a godly path,” you can save those opinions, especially if you haven’t read the book.

The point of her story and this article is to highlight how many times we feel pressure from family (sometimes even more than society) to pursue certain paths because they either “look” more godly, or they provide more financial security (or they just make more sense). There are a lot of women out there like my character Essence, but there are a whole lot more who didn’t dare to obey what they felt God calling them to do because they didn’t have their parent’s support.

1) Honoring your parents and obeying God are two separate things. Let’s get this straight out of the gate. When the word of God tells us to honor our parents, God is speaking about how to respect them and steward them well according to biblical principles. Honor is defined as high respect or great esteem. We honor people by the way we talk to them, love them, and respect them with our words and actions. Obeying your parents while they are raising you is of God. You should adhere to the guidelines that your parents set out for you as it pertains to life when you’re growing up in their household. Obeying God happens when you’ve developed your relationship with God and He gives you an instruction to do something that aligns with His word and His plan for your life, and you embark on that. He would never tell you to do anything that goes against His word, so if your parents raised you in Christ, they should be proud that you would do whatever God tells you to do, even if they don’t understand it.

2) Pursuing what God placed in your heart can encourage your parents to take a look at their decision-making. Imagine your mother coming to you and sharing that she realizes she was placing expectations on you the same way her mother did to her, only for her to take a step back and ask God to redirect her steps so that she’s in alignment with Him. I’ve seen this and it’s happened in my own life. My mother and I have grown closer because of my obedience to God and my faith moves. She admires that I discern His voice and know how to flow with Him in obedience. It’s not that I always get it right, it’s the fact that I’m constantly at His feet to make sure I’m in alignment with His will for my life. When I moved to Atlanta in late 2011, my mother and I were both scared. I wasn’t sure, but I knew I had to take a step. Thirteen years later, both of us have a closer relationship with God because one move caused us both to seek God more, study His word more, and listen to His voice regularly.

3) Lastly, part of being in a relationship with people is understanding that we may receive revelation and understanding about something before they do. Don’t let opposing opinions or thoughts about an instruction from God make you think your parents are automatically right. For example, if you’ve been spending more time in God’s word and have matured in several areas over some time, God knows what He can trust you with. He knows how to sharpen your character and what doors He needs to open (or close) to position you for His best. I’ll take the example of Pastor Stephanie Ike-Okafor for this part. If you don’t know who she is, I encourage you to look her up on YouTube and follow her ministry (if God leads you to). In short: Pastor Stephanie is Nigerian. She came to the United States at sixteen and has been here ever since. There were many moves between then and now (she’s thirty-four), that her mother didn’t understand. She’s very vocal about her testimony in this area. She shares how there were times her mother was upset with her, along with other members of her family, yet she knew she had to obey God. Today, she’s walking in her calling in ways that I’m sure she never could’ve imagined, and her family gets to see the fruit of her obedience. It’s hard carving out a path of your own; it’s even harder when you feel pressure from family.

The key is to make sure you’re in God’s word and that you stay at His feet. One of the defining factors in knowing if you’re indeed obeying God and not just moving off your emotions and some whimsical feelings is to know God’s word so you can detect His voice. This is key to moments like this. There will be times when you feel like you’re alone because the support is minimal, or you have none at all (earthly support). Knowing your Father’s voice is pivotal. So whether it’s pressure during the holiday season because you’re not married yet and don’t have children, or if it’s pressure about the career path you’ve chosen, that doesn’t seem to be working out in your family's eyes; or even if it’s family pressure regarding a move you’re about to make that you didn’t share with them, but your parents just couldn’t keep it confidential (side-eyes to the parents who don’t understand that family gossip is gossip), hold fast to God’s Word, His Lagos and Rhema word, and let Him order your steps. Ask Him for the spiritual eyesight to see the second set of footprints when you’re walking your journey alone.

Imagine surviving a school bombing—and finding the strength to forgive. Lori Conger, survivor of the 1986 Cokeville bombing, shares her powerful story of faith and forgiveness.

Amid all the challenges we’re facing in the nation, and in the body of Christ, I believe now is the time to remind ourselves of God’s track record of faithfulness amid uncertainty, adversity, and fears.

“The Cokeville Miracle” is one of the most impactful films I’ve ever seen. I pray after listening to this interview you aren’t just led to watch the movie, but you’re led to ask God how to increase your faith so that you can stand in the face of dark times.

“The Cokeville Miracle” is available to watch for free on Tubi and YouTube. It’s also available to rent on Amazon.

Please note: The Goal Files podcast is no longer available. This interview was done in March 2022.