On American Arrogance, Awakening Authenticity, and Adventurous Advice
Published 2 months agoΒ β’Β 4 min read
Hey reader, β I just got back from celebrating my anniversary in paradise at Ambergris Cay in Turks and Caicos, and let me tell you, I'm feeling rested, rejuvenated, re-energized, and so incredibly grateful. ποΈβ¨ It's amazing what a little time away can do for the soul, especially when you're surrounded by crystal clear waters and endless sunshine.
It was SO SO GOOD for my soul! Now Iβm back in the United States, so please send me your thoughts and prayers for this difficult time. π
RANT
The audacity of Americans complaining about immigration is WILD. β βI did watch the VP debate this week, and one of the things that kept happening was a dehumanization of immigrants (a continuation of cheetoβs fcksht). But in general, the superiority complex that Americans have blows my mind. π€¦πΎββοΈ β Cuz it is wild for the people who live in a country built on stolen land and the genocide of its indigenous people to look down on anyone who wants to migrate here. The HUBRIS. The unmitigated gall. The effrontery. I mean, really? π β We're living on LITERAL STOLEN LAND with soil that is soaked with the blood, sweat, tears and guts of people who built it while they had actual feet on their necks. So to be a US citizen, and stand on a pedestal about immigration is the type of shit that floors me.
It's like someone breaking into your neighbor's house, redecorating it, and then getting mad when the actual owner's cousins show up asking for a place to stay. The cognitive dissonance is REAL. β Unless you're Native American, your people came from somewhere else too. So maybe, just maybe, we could try a little empathy? π€·πΎββοΈ β This country was supposedly built on the idea of being a melting pot, a land of opportunity for all. But apparently, that only applies if you fit a certain mold or come from a certain place. It's giving hypocrisy, and I'm not here for it. π πΎββοΈ When white people migrate, theyβre called expats. When people of color do it, theyβre called migrants.
So yeah, get it TF together, America. Your slip and hypocrisy is showing.
REFLECTION
Sometimes we need to be pushed to grow. β βLast week, I spoke at Sarah Jakes Robertsβ conference Woman Evolve, and it was amazing in so many ways that I am still processing. It felt divine. Everything from the space, to the conversations to the community. God def showed up and showed out. It was a powerful reminder that I am always held, and that part of our purpose is to be used as a vessel for His work. My cup truly runneth over. ππΎ
Let me tell you about a moment that was transformative. First, I gave a 30 minute keynote that Iβd NEVER given before, and it was deeply vulnerable. I talked about how I felt like Iβm learning to SURRENDER, OBEY and NOT DOUBT. How my crumbling from last year was really a personal transformation that has allowed me to now know what peace is. β After that, there was a panel with me, Nona Jones, Gigi Dixon and Sarah herself. At the end of the panel, Sarah turns to me and asks me to pray. ππΎβ€οΈ β I was SHOOKETH. π«£ In front of 750 women, I was asked to give a prayer. And for someone who is a professional speaker, that shouldnβt feel too scary, right? Right. β NOPE. For me, it was scary. I talk about God and my faith regularly butttt my relationship with God is one that is deeply personal. I had a podcast called Jesus and Jollof at one point but I still don't think I've actually ever prayed in public before. β So I said a prayer for peace, ease and alignment. The right words flowed, and when everyone said βAMENβ I opened my eyes and some people were in tears. POSTED THE REEL HERE. βΆοΈ
When I got off that stage and multiple people told me, "You did kingdom work today," I heard God say He is proud. π₯Ή That space shifted something in me, and I am so grateful. β I often say that my life is a testimony of God's grace. I am walking proof of miracles coming true. And this year has been a testament of how I've been shown that I can live in peace as I pursue purpose. ππΎ β Sarah asking me to pray caught me off guard but it was SUCH A GIFT. For her to trust me with that space was a gift. And in that moment, I grew just a little bit more. β₯οΈ
So here's what I want you to take away from this: Sometimes, we need to be pushed to grow. We need to step into those spaces that make us uncomfortable because that's where the magic happens. That's where we evolve. WOMAN EVOLVE indeed. πͺπΎ β Surrender. Obey. Do not doubt. These words have taken on a whole new meaning for me, and I hope they resonate with you too. π
RECOMMENDATION
Get the TravelLuvv Guide. β βAfter coming back from our trip to Turks and Caicos, where we were for 6 days (and I actually went straight from Woman Evolve there), I wanna make sure you know I have created a guide to help make your travel life easier. Itβs called the TRAVEL LUVV GUIDE. βοΈπ§³
Fun fact: I do most of my trips with carryon luggage cuz I donβt trust myself to make it on time to the airport to check in nothing. This trip was no different! β βIf you're anything like me, you're always looking for ways to make your travels smoother, easier, and more enjoyable. πβοΈ β Now, this isn't just any travel guide. Itβs a compilation of the cheat codes I've gathered from visiting 27 countries and clocking over 110,000 miles a year before the pandemic hit. We're talking tips, tricks, packing lists, and more all designed to help you travel with peak ease. π πΎ
This will help you avoid as much chaos as possible while you're hopping on planes and exploring new places. It's the guide I'd write for a friend if she asked me how to fly in a tin can to random places without losing her mind. π β βInside, you'll find everything from my favorite travel gear to my go-to strategies for beating jet lag. Products that are LuvvList Approved are in there. β¨
Before you jet off, I'd love to hear from you π: Whatβs one area where youβre ready to grow and be challenged in the best way possible? π€ β βHit reply and let me know. β Until next time,
P.S. I have something that will be valuable. Iβve built a space called the Professional Troublemakers community, where we support each other to show up boldly and do life and work better. If you love these posts, THAT is the space you should be in, as I drop resources, tools and actionable things for people to use. I'm inviting you to join us: Patreon.com/Luvvieβ