Second Half

Happy July all. I hope you are all well. Summer is here and has been here and more beautiful than ever. The heavens have surely blessed us with the warm rays.

I have been in great thought about the statement ‘Lean On‘ it has been nagging my brain for so long but I just didn’t have the strength or motivation to share it until now. I could use a bit of light and assurance in the new month ahead. We all get burnt out sometimes, some more than others. But that don’t mean we give up. How many of you have felt disappointed because they relied on the wrong people? The thing is it’s not about relying on the wrong people but it’s about relying on people.

I am not saying we shouldn’t rely on people like our loved ones, friends, the ones we trust with our lives with but looking at the bigger picture who are we meant to really rely on?  As humans we like to blame the next person to us for something happening in our lives. I for one am guilty as charged for that. We have thought mhh, “if it weren’t for so and so doing such and such to me, this wouldn’t have happened to me”,  “if I hadn’t listen to her I would not be in this situation”. As humans it’s the way we function but it’s not the right way to function. We have to take responsibility for our part in the play. Fess up they say.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding” Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)

Before trusting anyone of flesh with your plans, your thoughts, ideas or your worries. Think of the One who listens to you regardless of it being verbal or non verbal plea. You might have something heavy on your heart no one can decipher that but GOD.

I have learnt that to avoid disappointment, rely on no wo/man. This is includes self.  I haven’t been really great at leaning. I have leaned on my own understanding of things without passing it on God and that always ended up in a disaster and lessons were learnt from that.  He is the only assurance you really need to get by. In this journey called life you can do be beyond your best but if God is not included then I can assure you the outcome might not be the one you were anticipating. So Trust. If you still trust in GOD and it doesn’t work out. Try again with a sprinkle of faith and Perseverance. It’s not made to be easy and it doesn’t mean its a No. If it is meant to be and when it happens there is a feeling you get that this is exactly how it is supposed to be. I  can’t explain it but if you are reading this and you’ve been through it, you know.

Lean on the One. Lean on God. It’s sometimes difficult as he is not physically present but spiritually so you think the message will not pass or be received the same way if it were a physical presence. But He knows you more than yourself remember. It’s much better leaning on Him.

Go be great. Have a blessed week .

Keep Standing

Naya x

 

Church hopping, not Club.

This is something I have been dealing with for some time and I’ve been meaning to share this because surely I am not the only one. We are all at different points in our journey therefore ways in which to deal with this will differ. I am lost in a circle of churches. I mean surely I can’t be lost I am being the fed the word no matter what roof I am praising Him under.

So the title might be a dead giveaway or may confuse you a bit. But before I go into too deep yes I have gone club hopping once many years ago and should I say never again lol. Recovery was long. I just don’t understand the concept of jumping from one club to another anymore. I like a good outing but this is too much. I’ve never been really good at clubbing. I mean it was not even that extreme apparently (for me it was). I went out tried to dance the night away but my feet were hurting by club number two and three as per usual like the grandma I am I was ready to go home and sleep. But not the other girls. My prayers were  answered. Thank goodness that last club we decided to go to we arrived a few moments before it was about to close down. Hallelujah.

I grew up in a United Methodist church my whole life. I knew who my God was. But being uprooted from one place to another and then having to settle and finding your place in a community is hard. I am still very much a member of the Methodist church, it will always be home. However finding a new home church where I am today is a big job.

I liked that church because of the praise and worship, but the it lacked substance the teaching of the word. I like this church because it seemed to have people my age maybe I could fit in after all but there was no connection. This was wrong, that was wrong. I needed something to draw me back every time every week. I needed a reason to come back. I know there were a few sermons that I liked. But it just wasn’t enough for me was it? Then it dawned on me; I am a Church hopper!! Does that mean that I am not satisfied with the gospel in each and every church I go to every now and then? Does that mean I have a problem? It must be me. My soul is not satisfied.

“But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29

I love the Lord I really do but I just need him to tell me why I am not settled within myself to find place/church I can call my second home. A community on a mission. Knowing the Lord from your own living room is not a problem. But that is setting self-limitations. Charity begins at home but out there are people, followers of Christ who are doing life and making differences. I can do that too. I can be rooted in a church. But how when I am in between churches and sometimes I’m so antisocial when I’m among people who are trying to do life God’s way. I pray away all the negative energy within. Seriously what is this madness. This is actually a serious matter and in need of help. Something really struck me when I was listening to a sermon when the  pastor mentioned something about the constant change of churches you go to. “Maybe there’s nothing wrong with the churches. Their praise and worship is fine and their teachings can change lives. Maybe the problem lies within you. Something internal needs fixing and you have to open up to allow healing, understanding and growth”, he said (something along those lines).

Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” Hebrews 10:25.

We all have a place and when one seems lost, look to the sun. Guidance is here, the Word is here to lead you to where you are meant to be.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way;walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21.

For those searching I hope you find what you are looking for. Even if it means being lost in the process, the result will be worth it.

Keep Standing

Naya x

Established steps

January  has come to an end YAY. This has been longest month ever I thought it would never end.  Lol. New month is coming and new plans on that calendar. From here on out I feel like the months will  fly by with a blink of an eye don’t, so slumber now or you will miss it all.

Hello all and welcome to Standing The Fall. I’ve notice we’ve been getting a few subscriptions in the past few weeks, thank you to those following and I hope you like the content on this page. I’m glad someone clicked on our page and we appreciate you looking at our content. This is definitely some motivation to post more on this platform.

Surely I’ve been scarce, but some time is needed to gather your thoughts. You know sometimes you get to so inspired and motivated. You got big plans for the new year and you want to do this you want to do that. It does come a point when you are thinking and doing too much. Calm down. Slow it down and do it pace by pace. Better to focus on thing at a time, then it will all fall into place. And with all your plans in mind or on that vision board think about whom you should go to with these plans in order for them to be established accordingly. Someone you can trust who will tell you how it is and not what you want to hear.

Who do you go to when you need constructive advice as well as that assurance? You might me have mentors, counsellors, pastors, your friends, and family. There are people who may have walked the same paths you are about to embark on. People who have more wisdom than you on life. But make no mistake, each path is different and GOD has designed it specifically to suit you so that what he wants to be revealed in you will surely come to pass.

“In all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight” Proverbs 3:6 (NIV). 

I will speak up and confess that sometimes I do not consult GOD with some of my plans and these are usually the small ones I think are too small to require any refining or too much thinking but I have learnt the hard way. I have disappointments, rejections of many opportunities I had jumped and rushed at it because I believed if I didn’t do then I would have missed my chance but rushing is not getting if it is not planned properly with the right intentions as well.

Do you get that feeling when you know something is going right or it’s going to be alright. That feeling of assurance there is a bit to anxiety and doubt or worth in it. But that doubt is overshadowed by hope and faith.

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but LORD establishes their steps” Proverbs 16:9 (NIV). 

I say keep consulting God in everything you do big or small. His guidance will make it bigger and better. Plan it with God in mind. Begin with GOD and end with GOD.

Goodnight all.

Keep Standing,

Naya

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perfect timing ? Why wait?

The New Year is nigh, are you ready for it.  To do what it is you want to do. Nothing begins with perfection unless you are GOD. Which you are not, obviously. Something things are made with the trial and error method. Ever hear of ‘Practice make perfect’? That’s pretty much it. 2017 is coming to an end. How was it? Great? amazing? terrible? struggle? Hard? Lesson? Difficult? Well whatever it may have been, it surely was preparing you for 2018 in someway.

I have to admit december was the most shocking month of all. It’s all sad. Thinking back 2017 has been one heck of a year. It’s been surprising, amazing, emotional, extraordinary, difficult and devastating among many words .

As much December holds a meaningful purpose to me, this time it seemed to just about be shadowed with the madness of the world. Death seemed to be knocking on doors constantly. Not only that but throughout the whole year many live have been lost, taken, snatched from the world some reported, some ignored, some acknowlegded and some weren’t. The sadness the despair and malice. Through it all I’ve tried my best to fix my eyes and thoughts on GOD. It makes you wonder. Well it makes me wonder, how much time do I have left. It could’ve been me it could’ve been anyone. Surely the people who lost their lives were looking forward to tomorrow, they had made plans, work, school, set lunch dates, dinner, a night out in the city, birthday, engagements and even weddings.

They didn’t make it, but they were ready for the next day.  They were not ready for their lives to be snatched unlawfully like that. This is when I often struggle to comprehend with the statement: GOD’s time. I have heard it too many many time when a person passes away. I’m sure the majority of the world might be afraid of death. But then i could be wrong. But I will say it I Am Afraid of Death. But I just don’t give it too much and thought why waste moments thinking about that. Surely our times will come respectively and we have to accept that. We are mere mortals.  If unexpected then the burden is left on the loved ones of the person who has left the physical world.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding”. Proverbs 3:5 (NIV).

Back to that statement again: GOD’s time. I find it difficult to believe that GOD intended on the Manchester attack to happen, I find it hard to believe it was their time to go, and to go in that way. To the people in Westminster, the residents, of Grenfell Tower, the mudslides in Sierra Leone that has claimed live and many are missing and unaccounted for and many more others who have their lives. It can’t be. Its tragedy. Also I find hard to believe that Europe was shocked at the news of Libya’s slave trade market. Y’all know what was happening. It’s disgusting, despicable. To know that we still live in an age where people of colour are still looked down one to a point where its ok to take their freedom away and enslave them. They have been freed who are you to come an enslave them. Give them their lives back. Some have already died the hand of these evil people. It’s not right.

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 (NIV). 

I’m regrowing in my faith and I have to be honest, this shakes me to my core. Answers become hard to comprehend. They become hard to find.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV).

 

Time’s a wasting. My point for this entry is to emphasise on the importance on living the life you have. Do it while you still can for tomorrow is not promised. But I am a firm believer that if a seed has been planted in you, with the right tools and environment to nurture it will grow. All that it’s meant for in life will be. It will bloom and blossom. The enemy might want to come and take from you but GOD has planted a seed of life in us. As we grow it grow. You – yourself believe you will live to do great things. Fulfill it. Live a wondering and wasting the precious time.

^“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 (NIV). 

 

Go out there and live life. Though now it might seem that nowhere is safe. You are protected and you are guided by the One who loves you. I could go on but I do not want to dampen the spirits of joy and anticipation. Talking about death seems to be taboo to many but the time will come for us to go to a place we are yet to know.

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19 (NIV).

For now let’s LIVE in this moment. Love life with every power in you live the ways its intended, the ways GOD intended you to live it. Do the things you love do the things with purpose. I pray that the spirit of procrastination shall not be your portion in 2018. 

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 (NIV). 

Progress. Progress. Progress.

I hope 2018 is everything you are hoping it would be.

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND GOD BLESS

KEEP STANDING

Naya.

 

 

 

Quarter life achievement…

Jumping for joy at a beach in Essaouira

Greetings to all,

It’s been a while since I’ve been here. I’ve been feeling a bit demotivated as much as a there was a lot of inspiration around me. I did not have the strength to act on it. I’ve been counting on it. Holding my breath for the moment, but it never quite came.

This year has been a blessing as every other year has always been. Thus reflection is always needed. I feel like reflection is my go to word, like I say it all the time lol sad but it is true.  I like to reflect a lot as it reminds how far I’ve come and with that giving thanks. It gives me an idea of how and when to make the next step. This year I reached a quarter century (what a wow). I was excited but worried at the same time. I am officially in my mid-20s and the next question that crept up in my thoughts is “what do I have to show for it?”. A lot when I reflect upon it, but half the time I feel the opposite. So many things on my ‘Life achievement checklist‘ have not been ticked. The anxiety begins to surface, but my inner voice, that God voice within begins to whisper “in time. If it doesn’t happen now, it will happen sooner or later. I’m quite pleased with how I have learnt to listen to that inner subtle voice. It saves my life everyday.

Certain experiences have forced to come to terms with the meaning of TIME. That don’t even mean my time, it’s actually never meant my time. It’s always been GOD’s Time. Don’t force it, don’t rush it. It’s like rushing the process of cooking beef stew (I love food),  with it being so chewy like gum instead of it being soft and tender just melting in your mouth, or even baking. The batter is meant to mixed a certain way and then baked at a certain temperature but so sadly as I do, I rush the process when I am not in the mood to cook but have to. I end up not eating the food and becoming annoyed with myself or eating the food annoyed because I’m very hungry (haha). I have learnt the hard way about rushing things. The disappointment, the despair, and the should have could haves. That feeling is the worst.  I am learning. Everyday I am learning, I fall, I rise and I keep on. Most important I listen to my thoughts as I assess situations before diving in.

“but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (NIV). 

I remember compiling my goals list back in April which has about 15 goals or so to achieve. All I can say all is it’s not complete but in progress. I’m even proud of myself in completing just a few of them.  The rest is and will be chaotic progress. One highlight of the year was travelling to Morocco to celebrate my years on earth. This was one thing I was adamant on doing ‘ travel before I hit the big 25‘. The first and one of the best holidays yet. I’m glad I made the trip and it opened me in a way I never thought. It was a breath of fresh air. More travel will come and I’m ready to see the world when God permits to. I am going in bold.

“being confident of this thats he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” Philippians 1:6 (NIV).

As we are near Christmas I hope you have a great one and Happy Holidays to all.

Naya x

Dream Summer Vacay

21 Days of Summer Writing Challenge Day 10: My dream summer vacation

Greece, Morocco, Bali, No New Zealand, Australia, Venice, Thailand ? It’s always summer somewhere so why not escape there.

Once that travel bug bites me then that’s it. I will forever be a wanderer, nomadic. i feel like it is a time to explore the world after all I was not made to be complacent and be comfortable in one place.

My whole life thus far I have always been in one space for quite a long time. Travelling was so far fetched never at the forefront of my mind. But the more I grew the more I realised and understood the expression – “The world is your oyster”. I just have to explore it. Life begins when you travel. A whole new world. You grow as a person and you become aware of the world around you. I am yet to experience that. I am so very attached to my birth home, its like a magnet. And right now as I fiddle my hands on the laptop, I have not set foot on African soil in two years how I have managed to overcome that I don’t know. It’s a painful inside because I can’t stay away from the motherland for too long. So two whole years 😱😫 God help me. There is no way I am making it to three years. The past two years I have been home sick but due to some weird circumstances i didn’t get to see that African sun. But by fire by force I am seeing that African sun soon 🙏🏾.

An image can only tell you so much. An exotic island. A Desert. You know they say “seeing is believing”. But you can never doubt the existence of God when you see the world. Seeing it is just confirms what you already believe in. Like God is an artist everything is created to his liking. From the unique Amazon to the breathtaking Sahara desert.

Make the most of the last sunny days ☀️ or better yet escape to an all round summer destination. Here is to the world.

Naya x

Summer isn’t complete unless I …

Day 8 – Summer isn’t complete unless I …

When summer comes you know you got to make the most of it. It’s not here to stay but at least it’s here for the moment . A little bit of sun a little bit of burn. Way back when I had all the sun I needed,when I could soak up all the vitamin D I needed with no worry at all. When I moved I left the sun behind. *real heavy sun*😏. Well the sun still rises and sets where I am but I t can’t compare to that African crispy scorching sun ☀️😊. These are the sacrifices you make when you move from one hemisphere to the other weather wise.

Summer is almost over. So to make it complete water, pebbles and or sand whatever it maybe is needed. Apparently there are great beaches I am yet to visit on this English island. So before all winter breaks loose I plan on going to at least 3 of them. Will see how that plans out.

1. The beach 🌊 – I need to go for a dip and feel the sand on my feet. Let the waves be my calming sensation.

2. The sunset 🌅 – if I don’t watch the summer sunset throughout summer then something is very wrong. I can only say I’ve watched it a couple of times. But these final moments are the best therefore must be constant. I mean these are the awe moments that get me every time. You want to see God? I say look to the sun. I mean it’s unfathomable really.

“The day is yours, and yours also the night; you established the sun and moon. It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter.” Psalm‬ ‭74:16-17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Have a great rest of your summer guys.

Naya x

Loving my Body with its imperfections

Day 7 #NoBodyShaming : Loving my Body with its imperfections

Hello August

Please stay sunny. I just need summer a little bit longer. There so much to do. So little time. So many summer outfits to wear and not enough days. You know when you got that popping colour maxi dress that you just want to show off. And you flop it those gladiator sandals making sure those toes are dealt for the world outside.

Prompt to write. So back in July Tanikia and Sfbthesiren created a summer writing challenge. So I thought I'd take it on since I'd been in a rut and was blocked from all angles. Lord knows I am trying with my consistency. I started out ok and as the days went by and life was getting hectic. I lost the motivation to keep at it. And to think I could beat it and prevail🙄. But I fear not. It now becomes a continuous writing challenge until its complete. You can check out the first few posts via Instagram >> @nayafaya

So here goes…

Everyone has something negative to say about their body. There's always an area you are not happy with. That muffin top, those chicken legs, those E.T hands etc. That's just some of the words that come to mind for some. But all that filter, photoshop, makeup and fashion life won't change how you really feel inside. It's a facade you can wear well.
It's funny for a short person I got some long legs 🤔. Genetics is one weird but amazing thing. Learning to embrace the imperfections is a trait you will need in life. Be you, not Beyoncé.

Do not! I mean do not body shame other people to make yourself feel better. It won't work because at the end of the day the problem is not with them but within yourself. Look within and find healing and clarity for your issues.

Summertime is when you feel the need to embrace your body. Don't shame it. We like to get summer ready. Get that bikini body, right 😏? Well it's a little bit more than that. But hey summer is only here for a little while so make the most of it.

The two ways I be loving me this summer;

1. Embracing the imperfections – how do I do that? Mhh well stand in front of that mirror. The things you usually see in that mirror and hate just let go and love them. Don't compare. It's only you staring in that mirror. Easier said than done, I know. Instead of pinpointing your imperfections, embrace them.

2. Take care of You – Healthy mind = Healthy body. Exercise, yoga, or any form of physical activity. I do early evening jogs I've tried to switch to morning 🙄. Not working atm. Maybe later. This habit goes beyond summer. It should stick for life. Consistency will be my friend. By fire by force. Release the negative vibes from your system to make room for the positive.

The most important thing for you is health. How you feel about yourself will affect how you want to feel about yourself. (Makes sense?). Thoughts built up have a part to play emotionally, physically. To release those positive vibes you need to release the negative vibes from your system. Emulate good vibes into your life. Learn to accept the things you can't change. And those things you can change don't go through drastic changes or exaggerated changes. Be realistic.

Embrace your imperfections for they are perfectly and wonderfully made. God does not make mistakes.

#NoBodyShaming #GoldenFabulous #Summer17writing

Naya x

Whole in Singleness

From the day you were born you were whole. You were born whole. Spiritually whole. Physically whole. With room for growth however in this great circle of life. With purpose you are on a journey of discovery.

You were born whole. Yes though you relied on the breast milk of your mother for nourishment. The touch and comfort of her embrace. You were made whole. You will grow and be your own person. The bond between a mother and child couldn’t be broken but you spread those wings and soar to have your own and find you. So when did we get the idea that you must find someone, *The One* to become complete. You must be with the *One* to find validation. Like really come on! Is this why sometimes we settle? Just go with the flow? Looking back I’m thinking “what in the world was I thinking”. All I can say is we fall down but we get back up strong. Mistakes made can be rectified by acknowledging them and then doing something about it. After all you don’t want to repeat them again. How many of us has said so many times, “this time it will be different”? ☝🏾 Guilty. It’s sad how times we fall in to the same habits or ways. There is something still missing. Something has not been identified.

Relationships. Mhh what do I have to say about that (Love and Hate) – a lot. Not really into talking about it but that’s one subject that seems to be on everybody’s lips more often than we care to recognise. You might not like it, but you might have lot to say about it. Now I have a had my fair share of relationships. One has to talk about it sometimes assess it. Identify the flaws. Why were they all epic fails at the end of it. Well I thought I knew what I wanted most importantly I thought I knew myself. Been through it, you lived through it though at the times it felt like your world had ended when the relationship went sour, s/he lied to you, cheated on you or took you for a fool. From then on you felt the need to get back at them. Revenge at all costs. Oh boy was I that person. They say it’s nothing but words. But words kill, they hurt in the most excruciating way. That’s how I do/did it *Forgive me Lord* I knew I could never take it back and boy did I not care about the repercussions. When you are hurting all you want is (sweet revenge) for that person who caused it to hurt as well.

Healing is like battlefield sometimes. It feels like you are waging war with yourself. Trying to open up to the new you, stepping out of the comfort zone letting go of the broken. Shed all that you have known to break you down. Healing has to start from within. fro, there

Where does your identity root from. I  am believer. My identity is in Christ. Knowing and keeping are so different. Deepen your relationship. Let it grow. Work on it.

You can’t disturb the process of self discovery. Unless you adhere to  Now as times goes by I am learning the error of my ways.

Lessons learnt:

1. Know yourself. That way no one can tell you who you are and what you should be.

2. Forgive yourself. Forgive them. (easier said than done).

3. It’s not worth it. Let stuff go. (again easier said than done).

4. Contentment is a trait that needs to be attained. You have to master it.

5. Guard your heart – Proverbs 4:23❤️ 🔑. This crucially important. From the start this should have always be trait.

Live for you to the fullest. Find Peace (Philippians 4:7). 

The list goes on. But I will stop there.

I thought I knew what I was doing even when I knew very well that I didn’t. Denial is killer. It’s good to be sure of yourself, but let it be the truth. Don’t fake it. Life’s lessons will wake you. Find where your identity roots from. I  am believer. My identity is in Christ. But it don’t come easy. I may stand but I do fall short. Knowing and keeping are so different. Deepen your relationship. Let it grow. Work on it.

1 peter 5:8: Be sober, be vigilant. (stay clear of toxic relationships, situationships you got no business being in 😔) The enemy comes but to kill steal and destroy…John 10:10. 

I am living and learning.

Live whole, Live full. Stay blessed.

Keep Standing

 

Naya x

Spring Forth

 

He is about to do a new thing. It has begun, embrace it for it is for you. Make way for him. He is making way for you. – (Isaiah 43:18-19)

Hey all. Spring is here. A new thing has been made. It is already here. Do you not see it. How many times must I reiterate this for my own self. See change. See a new thing. Embrace it. It’s a good thing.

A way has been made. So why then am I scared of this new thing. A new thing is change and this comes with new feelings and a new perception of life. If we are still distorted by our troubles and all, there is no way we can see what God intends for us to see. If you like new things you must then embrace, accept it. Sometimes you have to go through a process. Though the motions, the troubles and striving to accept the New. It comes at a price.

Why sometimes I do not trust you enough Lord is beyond me (its the weakness of the flesh). Knowing fair well that you will come through for me always. After all you put me through. How far you have brought me. I trust you, with all I pretty much have. If not then I aim for that. Change can be revolutionary. A way has been made.

You have to trust the process. Trust God. Your intuition is a spiritual, psychological thing. If you can’t listen to it and trust then there will be problems. Things will go wrong for you are not connected with inner being. Therefore you are not ready for what the Lord has prepared for you. Prepare yourself to receive the new thing intended for you.

Keep Standing

Naya x