Editor's Note: His Grace is Sufficient

Secret Single's Mingle Part 4. Charlotte, NC 7.8.23

2 Corinthians 12:7-9 7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

Friends and Family,

"It's been a while since we last spoke. Please excuse my silence as a few things have taken place. The last time we spoke, I had written a post about fiber and its benefits on the gut.  Since then, I have gotten baptized, have been cooking more, visited family in Boston, and just hosted my fifth event in Charlotte, NC. Woohoo!  

On May 28th,2023, I got baptized for the second time after 10 years. I felt a yearning deep down in my Spirit and wanted to finally surrender my life to God. Every time I encountered bodies of water, I wanted to jump in and immerse myself in it. I would imagine myself being covered by the water and it cleansing me. Then my pastor told us at the beginning of May, that our church would be having its first water baptism. I just knew it was my time. 

My Baptism on Pentecost Sunday 5.28.23

"We believe that baptism is an ordinance (a decree)of the Lord by which those who have repented and come to faith express their union with Christ in His death and resurrection, by being immersed in water in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. It is a sign of belonging to the new people of God, the true Israel, and an emblem of burial and cleansing, signifying death to the old life of unbelief, and purification from the pollution of sin.” www.desiringgod.org

   In preparation for my baptism and to the current day, God has been teaching me to trust and rely on Him with my life. I know that I have been talking about this for a while but truthfully, trying to walk a new life compared to what I was used to is not always easy. There are times when I feel confused and anxious, and wonder what is next in my life. For many years I have struggled with anxiety and have asked God to take it away but even as I write this post, He reminds me, "My grace is sufficient for thee". 

Family, Do you ever feel scared or anxious? Do you struggle with doubt or have trouble balancing your emotions? It's okay to admit this, share it with someone to get off of your chest. 

Up until recently, I never shared my struggles with anyone until my friend Dolly encouraged me to talk to my therapist and even exemplified what sharing your feelings can look like. This past Saturday when I felt nervous at my event, I even shared with the attendees how I was anxious. They then encouraged me and gave me some feedback that helped me to look inward. Though I was concerned about what they would think of me, after sharing this, I felt free. God is teaching me to do this more and more. 

I pray that His peace will cover you and give you rest in your mind and body. I also pray that he will show you signs of who He wants you to open up to and where you can feel safe, loved and protected.  

My Brother, Mom and I on my visit to Boston 6.17.23

My Good Friend Dolly and I on my visit to Boston, Juneteenth

Be Encouraged,

Noelani

Romans 10:9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”