I Have Been Caught... I Am Being Taught...

In a few days, I will be 34 years old and as you may or may not know or understand- I feel I have only recently (within the last 6 months) come to the place of true womanhood. I wonder, though, how the length of my journey could have been shortened if only someone would have caught and taught me along the way...

 Many women that I have encountered along the way, have passed me by simply because I didn't have the same kind of money (I had no money, at all) or because I didn't have a piece of paper displaying my educational credentials (still don't have a degree in hand) or because my skin wasn't the right color and my speech didn't match my coloring... Yep. All those women walked right on by me, without giving me so much as a second glance. It's true. All those rapidly rising women never had time for me.

Let's not even discuss the pink and green club I wanted so much to be a part of... They flat out told me, I wasn't the type of girl they were looking for...

But, here I am. In spite of all who predicted my failure, my demise and my destruction.

Womanhood, I am finally knocking on your door!

I have been caught (and work to actively catch).

I am being taught (and seek to actively teach).

Sure, my journey may not have been so rough, tough and hard, if someone had extended their hand and said, "follow me. I know the way." But hear my voice loud and clear when I say I would not have it any other way.

Sure, I may have arrived much sooner than I did, if someone had extended their knowledge and said, "I know you must follow your own path and find your own place, but if you follow my steps, I can help you in this race." But see my stance and know- I would never trade my dance.

I have been caught (and work to actively catch).

I am being taught (and seek to actively teach).

A big thank you to the ladies of FNI- my new found friends and my newly established sisterhood, who, with arms outstretched (as if to say, "girl! Come on in here!) have ushered me into the last little bit of womanhood's door.

I am here. With all who strive to encourage, mentor and challenge (in a good way) my drive.

Womanhood, I have finally walked through your door!

I have been caught (and work to actively catch).

I am being taught (and seek to actively teach).

You Go Girl…With Your Sassy Self!!!

You Go Girl…with your sassy self…loving God, loving yourself, loving others!

You Go Girl…with your sassy self…giving back, never giving in, always giving your all!

You Go Girl…with your sassy self…living right…living pure…living life!

You Go Girl…with your sassy self…nurturing…welcoming…befriending!

You Go Girl…with your sassy self…making right choices…being

humble…pursuing your dreams!

You Go Girl…with your sassy self…trying always…reaching for new heights…speaking truth!

You Go Girl…with your sassy self…always learning…always teaching…always believing!

You Go Girl…with your sassy self…forever sassy…forever loved…forever real!

Let’s Get It Together

In the midst of everyone trying to build something, let’s make sure we build one another up as well. Everyone has certain gifts to share and learn from. No one is exempt from learning something new or relearning something of old. God doesn’t place people together for a small thing! We serve a BIG GOD who has big plans for us! So let’s get it together! Let’s make a difference in the lives of others. Let’s watch someone else’s back. Let’s uplift each other to make those big dreams come true. Two, three, four and five and so on is so much better than one. With the different backgrounds, life’s lessons, paths and walks of wisdom, we each have something to give and something to gain. Let’s get it together, work, and build The Net!!!!

Live Lavishly, Love Long, Laugh Loud, Learn Life’s Lessons

Live lavishly- I have learned that living is more than just waking up in the morning and doing the day to day routine. God didn’t wake us up just to live dormant. He allows each and every one of us to wake up for His purpose and plan. Whatever has been plaguing your heart to do; do it! No excuses! It’s time to believe in oneself and seek the tools to make your dreams come true. Have passion about your gift!

Giving and living lavishly go hand and hand. If you want to receive, you have to know how to give whole heartedly as well. No one is perfect and sometimes it takes time to understand the importance of giving. But living and giving are intertwined. Don’t allow anyone or anything to stop you from reaching your goals and being the passionate person you were called by God to be.

Love long- 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 tells us that Love is patient and kind. It is not self-seeking or easily angered. It is not boastful or rude. It does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres. Love never fails. I believe Love- the real Unconditional Love has to be learned in some people. Everyone has a story in this life. When we are born, we are born with a child’s heart, but over time, through life’s experiences, our trust diminishes because of hurt and pain, therefore, our hearts sometimes are guarded. In order to Love long, we must first start with rebuilding and restoring the innermost parts of ourselves. It is a process just like all things in life, but when you Love long, Love will never fail.

Laugh a lot- Laughter lifts the soul. Laughter is one of the keys to happiness. I love to see my son laugh because his joy comes from any and everything. He’s not thinking about what anyone else thinks of him or even if whatever he’s laughing about is funny. He just laughs. Laughter brings joy and peace in any situation. Sometimes as women, we worry too much; and we worry about things we have no control over. It’s okay to take a laugh break!

Learn life's lessons- Life is something that none of us should take for granted. In this life, we are going to go through many ups and downs, sunny days and rainy days, twists and turns and ins and outs. But, that is the beauty about life. For everything there is a season. Some seasons are bright and some are dull, but each and every season has a purpose. Each and every season has a lesson. When we learn to accept the things we cannot change, we learn to embrace who we ought to be. In life, it is so important to uplift another person. In life, it’s not just you that matters, but everyone matters. Life has a lesson around every corner. Let’s each edify the other. 

Some Things Are Caught and Some Things Are Taught

At FishNet International, we believe in the power of unity. In life and business, there is so much empowerment when you collaborate with others to make a vision come to its fruition. It is so important to connect with other women for support and solidarity.

In life, some things are caught and some things are taught. But we all must be willing to teach each other a thing or two or three and catch the other if they fall. "I am my sister's keeper," is the attitude we all should display because when we help each other grow to become great, we're only helping ourselves in the process.

Let's learn and thrive on fulfilling each other's dreams and passions. Let's build each other up to our greatest potential. Let's catch each other with God's net of love and teach each other with God's net of wisdom. Sowing good seeds is really what it's all about because you really do reap whatever it is you sow!