Hello Passionista-
Brandi Thompson is a dear sweetheart I had the pleasure of meeting during my days attending The “Unsinkable” Albany State University. She has a joyful spirit that makes you smile every time you are in her presence even if you’re not in the mood for smiles and laughs. I had a change to watch her grow from a freshman to the AMAZING women is she today. I look forward to more of her greatness as she walks in her passion.
Now introducing my FIRST ever Guest Blogger and fellow Passionista, Brandi Thompson….
Living in a world filled with famous sayings, its hard not to start a blog without one… For the longest, my favorite was: “not all who wander are lost”. Little did I know, I was living my “best life” on a lie. For 22 years, I wandered. Truthfully, I was lost. Dangerously, I was so lost I didn’t even realize I needed to be found. Honestly, all who wander are lost.
How lost, is lost?
From the age of 11, the taste of liquor satisfied my curiosity for the “good life” I would see on VH1 and MTV. It was like the stock market – high risk, high reward – The higher the shelf, the better the taste. For 11 years, I struggled with blacked out drunken nights, near death intoxication, and a loose sense of moral direction.
From the age of 13, I chose to jump in and out of relationships with guys just to appease my insecurities. Being touched cured my need to be loved. A title soothed my longing for identity no matter where it came from. For 9 years, I indulged in a series of soul ties with many men (and 1 woman if I’m being honest) whose inner connection gave me “peace”.
From the age of 18, my wandering led me away from the nest of home to a new land to roam – ready to be conquered. With no sense of identity, purpose, and security, my aimless journey led me into the arms of an emotionally abusive man. I convinced myself that ‘leaving was easy’ and ‘my damage has to be worth something’. For 3 years, I endured an emotionally debilitating relationship built off a false perception of mental fortitude all to say I was “loved”.
For 22 years, I wandered and filled my heart with the joys of the world, adding layers of darkness to my heart, building a life on sinking sand. My wandering grew dark, cold, depressing… the person I displayed was never an accurate depiction of the dying person I was on the inside. I was beginning to understand why suicide seemed to be the answer 9 years ago. Being at war with my reality and convictions created a battle of inner conflict that I began to question my own purpose for being here.… After 22 years of wandering, all of the questions I had, the “good life” I was longing for, the “peace” is desperately needed, and the “love” I was searching for all could be found in one place…. The answer to it all was Jesus.
“There is nothing I desire that can’t be found in you. You’re everything that I’ve ever needed… Just give me Jesus!”
The new passion I found to live the life God has called me to live has redefined my life. His plans have surpassed my expectations of the life I thought I was supposed to have. His will has created a new perspective of what really matters in the world.
What good is my business if my family isn’t truly saved?
What good is owning a home & nice car if salvation hasn’t reached all four corners of the Earth?
What good is my life, or anyone else’s, without Jesus?
In Him, you will find your identity – the knowledge to recognize you’re a child of the most high.
In Him, you will find your purpose – the reason He created you to be here.
In Him, you will find your stability – the foundation to stand firm on your purpose.
Inwardly, there has always been a love to help people with a problem and to have a great time with amazing people. No wonder event planning and designing party décor became my career aspiration. As I continue to give my life’s plan to God, He continues to open my eyes of how HE wants me to solve problems by having a great time with HIS amazing people for the Kingdom. There is so much peace in his plan! You may be thinking, “well what about my dreams?”
Be passionate about your business. Be dedicated to your education. Be invested in the present life you are walking in. Embrace the development taking place in each season you are in. Seek correction and direction from the wise ones who surround you. Develop your talent, master your craft, and perfect your gift. Do all of this while posturing your heart to desire the One. In Him, you, your plans, your goals, and your business will have identity, purpose, and stability!
What good are our passions without a true Passion for Christ?
All who wander are lost… but I pray you wander into arms of Jesus.
Shirt can be found at www.dopeanalogy.com
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