NY had been home for 30+ years.
I had only left once before to attend undergrad, at the illustrious Howard University, but immediately returned home after graduation.
So why leave now? Why during Covid? Why Charlotte, NC?
In January 2019, like most folks, I made a bunch of resolutions and lifestyle changes. One of them being my participation in the Daniel's Fast. For those who don't know Daniel was a figure in the bible who abstained from eating royal foods, in an effort not to defile himself against God. He instead ate vegetables and drank water. The practice of the Daniel's fast has evolved over the years but my intent for it was to fast from eating unhealthy foods and use it as a time to meditate, pray and petition God for discernment.
It felt like the longest 21 days, but I emerged from that time refreshed, renewed and full of vision. God was leading us to move to NC. Our oldest, Amira, was still in middle school, so we wanted to move before she started 9th grade, in Fall 2020, so that she wouldn’t feel too much of a disruption. At the time my husband was living in Maryland and we were thinking of a master plan for where our family should move so that we can reconnect and be together under one roof. So while not thrilled with the idea of us ALL relocating to NC, as opposed to the kids and I moving to MD with him, he was willing to entertain all of our options.
Fast forward to January 2020,
and the time had finally come to actually give notice to my job that I would not be returning for the 2020-21 school year. This to me, was my feet leaving the ground as I began my leap of faith. The Will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you. These words reverberated through my spirit as My family and I began to make plans for our future.
Then, Covid…now this is so cliché…because as someone that helped students write college essays, this is something I would tell my students not to do…stating the obvious…but it’s my truth. As the pandemonium surrounding this new mystery disease began to spiral, so did my fears and doubts.
Is this still the right move to make Lord?
What if I can’t find a job?
What if my kids can’t go to school?
What if Dewayne can’t find a job?
What if we get sick?
I am a control freak by nature so surrendering to God’s will was all good and dandy when I still felt like I had somewhat of a handle on the situation. This leap of faith was the biggest I’ve ever taken and the one I’ve had the least control over…But God …insert praise break!
While things are still falling into place, life isn’t perfect but it’s getting better and the best is yet to come.
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