It amazes me how much we assume and judge people and their situations off of what we perceive. I guess that is just the human way. I've learned quickly that it is not a fair assessment of someone's life to conclude things about them without a full picture. God took time to use me and show me through a personal situation what the reality is, only He knows what a person is fully capable of and anything other than that is subject to change.Working at Lowes has shown me just how skewed and limited our perceptions are towards each other. Some customers see us as associates at Lowes, treat us like paupers, and appreciate us as much as slaves were appreciated back in the day. Knowing my associates, I see artists, singers, hair technicians, chefs, survivors, and so many other awesome titles. It is fine, because customers aren't suppose to see all of those things. Let's make this personal.
I love when people form their opinions about me or assume things about me off of a few interactions. They look at me and see this chocolate woman, smart, thick, sometimes quiet, sometimes outlandish who works as a greeter at Lowes. Some contractors assume I'm trying to catch a "baller" type, and that if I'm not single, I'm willing to step out on my man for the right price. *I wish you could see my face right now* They think I'm looking for a meal ticket and that I'll give up my sugar if they can afford to be my daddies. *sigh*
They have no idea that I'm a God-fearing, God-loving Christian who is still being delivered from my serpent tongue. *Guard the doors of my mouth, Jesus* They don't know that I've never had a handout, that I'm giving and loving. They have no idea that I'm passionate about community outreach. That I've been working on becoming a travel agent so that I can offer affordable opportunities for people in my community to see something else besides the hood. They have no idea I'm in school full time and working on THREE part time jobs. They have no idea I create style designs and assist in marketing for companies that are blossoming in the fashion industry. They have no idea I'm a poet, writer, someone who loves music and dance. I work for a non-profit that promotes Autism Awareness and support for families affected by it. They don't know my love of fitness and healthy eating. My entrepreneurial spirit is invisible to them. They don't see the ambition and determination. They have no way of knowing that my age has nothing to do with my maturity level, I'm book and street smart, graduated with a 3.89 GPA at a prestigious private academy, I'm victorious over things that should have killed me and the smile on my face was EARNED not given.
I don't mention these things to people unless I'm sharing with them how God has been moving in my life and allowed me to get where I am with a clear focus on where I am going. I don't feel the need to boast about what I do, because with all of those great things in tow, they still don't define me.
ENCOURAGEMENT: Most people will write you off because of what you look like now. That is their ignorance, grace them. Just like God doesn't allow you to look like all the things you have been through, trust that you cannot base your destination on what your current situation looks like. Feelings change, don't base your destiny off of a feeling that with TV, a song, chocolate, or another opinion can change. Trust God to complete the work He started, even if it is behind the scenes. Know that He is faithful to do it, and everything is not always what it looks like.
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