Navigating Through Difficult Seasons

July 12, 2021July 12, 2021 ~ Briana Kennedy ~ 1 Comment

Difficult seasons can leave people broken, hurt, empty and disappointed. I should know; I have been there.

Certain life situations are humbling, and challenging seasons are sometimes inevitable. Many people come from abusive homes, some go through the system, and some are neglected by the ones they trusted the most. They go through some actual trials and tribulations through their childhood through adolescent years. It is natural to compare your life to someone who has more privilege or opportunities. It is easy to think that God loves someone more than the other. That is not true. He loves us all the same; everyone’s life situation is just different.

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I have heard of real-life horror stories where people burn to death in late-night house fires or lose everything they worked for in a flood, like the victims in Katrina. I can not even begin to fathom the agony and mere pain. I remember, as a little girl in 2008, the infamous Stock Market Crash. It saddened me to watch so many of my classmates and friends move schools because their homes were foreclosed or their family car repossessed. So many people were homeless during that time in America.

Although I never understood the true depth of those situations as a child, now I realize how frail we all are. Some of us are one car accident, one scandal, one housefire, one paycheck, one hard life situation away from losing everything we hold dear to.

Looks and materials can be gone in an instant and never return.

Good looks, fame, money, materials, or even charisma are not enough to sustain a true Christian through the trials of this life (Ecclesiastes 5:10). Yes, having an enormous home or lovely materialistic items is excellent. However, that is NOT going to keep you when life gets rugged or rocky.

Let me say this- we are nothing but dust (Psalm 103:14). We can all be gone in an instant. It’s easy to believe that the things of this world are eternal or that they last forever (Mark 8:36). It is easy to have an ego or mentality of superiority and think trials will never come your way (Proverbs 16:18). But, if you live long enough, you realize that life will throw darts at anyone—regardless of race, social class, wealth, or position. I think of 9/11 in America, how wealthy businessmen to the custodians who swept the WTC were killed or injured on that awful day. But, so many lives were changed that day, and it didn’t matter if you were rich or poor.

A genuine heart for God and a true, authentic relationship with Him is the ONLY thing that will keep you when life begins to get tough (1 Peter 1:7). Some situations are humbling enough to remind us that we are nothing without God. So many of us are only here by the grace and love of God.

Unforeseen circumstances tend to remove our crooked facade and expose the core of who we are. Unfortunate situations almost always expose the integrity and stamina of the inner man.

But those real-life circumstances are rarely talked about in public. Genuine authenticity is a rare characteristic to possess. People hardly ever share their true, raw story testimony. Possibly in fear of embarrassment or to be frowned upon ( 2 Timothy 1:8).

I have vivid memories of one of the darkest seasons in my life. I remember crying constantly and feeling a sense of emptiness. Thinking my entire world had crashed before my very eyes, and everything I thought was true, was a lie. In that dark season, the only thing I had was Jesus. Jesus was the only thing that could get me to the finish line (Job 23:10)

Although I had friends and family to lean on, it was only God that kept me. It was a consistent prayer life and reading the Bible daily that helped me get through dark times. A life entangled with Jesus is the only thing that keeps people through the most challenging seasons of their life. I am a living testament to that.

Prayer works.
The Bible, a book written thousands of years ago, can speak through to anyone at any time.
Trust me on that.

I have learned that I have to pray about EVERYTHING and pray through every season, even if I’m in a season of prosperity. Every tiny thing you can imagine, I need to come to God in prayer about ( 1 John 5:15; 1 Chronicles 16:11). Especially if my feelings are hurt or if I’m in a season of brokenness. If not, I can quickly turn a small mess into an absolute disaster. I could even allow my words or actions to hurt someone that I never meant to hurt.

My feelings change often, my opinion fluctuates, and my heart can begin to shift. But never God’s. He remains stagnant forever (Hebrews 13:8). It is so important to cling to Him when life starts to get tricky.
Focus your eyes on Jesus and talk to Him often. He loves you.

Remain faithful to the precious faith, my friends!

Bri

TWENTY THINGS I’VE LEARNED BY TWENTY

March 11, 2021April 4, 2021 ~ Briana Kennedy ~ 3 Comments

Me?! Briana? Twenty years old? The big 2-0? When did this happen? Haha!

Let me give you twenty things that I have learned in the past twenty years.

Grow your own personal, consistent relationship with God.

This is something that I have always “preached.” You will not get into heaven through a relationship with your Pastor or even serving in your local assembly.

Know God for yourself; I can not stress this enough. Pray throughout the day. Have quality alone time with God and read your Word.

2. Take care of yourself.

God has only given us one physical earthly body! ONE! UNO! Take care of it! Know what is right for your body. Eat well and exercise often. Go to the doctor and dermatologist regularly! Your body will thank you in your old age.

3. Not every friendship and relationship will be lifelong.

This one stings. It hurts my heart, but it is an unfortunate reality of life.
Some people will only be in your life throughout your entire life story, some only a couple of chapters, some a paragraph, and some a mere sentence. Not everyone is permanent, and I had to grasp that concept in some painful seasons definitely.

4. Attend services at your local assembly + be involved.

I never realized how important this was until March of 2020 when COVID-19 hit. For months on end, I was unable to attend my church building physically. If I am transparent, when I stopped physically attending church, I saw myself gradually falling away from my spiritual disciplines. Slowly I started to neglect prayer, fasting, bible reading, and my alone time with God. I would much rather be on Hulu or Instagram. It was to a point where I could not even pray like how I used to, and I would struggle reading His word.

Going to church is vital. Online church is amazing- but there is nothing like going in the building for midweek service, prayer meeting, and Sunday services. I don’t care what anyone says; you need the body of Christ. You need the church. You need your Pastor. You can not run this Christian race alone.

5. Invest in your talents

God gives every last one of us gifts and talents to use to amplify the Kingdom of God and His name! No matter how big or small that skill is, He wants His children to use them!
For me, I’ve always enjoyed writing. I always saw writing as an intricate puzzle with words. To me, writing is constructing sentences and paragraphs to build a fascinating story in someone’s mind. Growing up, my mom always took me to writing camps over the summer, and I would love every moment of it! I am so thankful she took the initiative. Also, during quarantine, I was able to take voice lessons by my amazing vocal instructor, Wedeline Casimir (World Changers Studio: @_wcstudios, check them out)! I learned so much about singing and worship leading in general. I can’t wait to use everything I learned in those lessons in the Kingdom of God one day!

So whatever your gift is, use it for the Kingdom of God to spread the name of Jesus!

6. Materialistic items only give happiness for only a short moment.

It is okay to splurge now and again or to own a few nice luxury items. All of that is nice, but it does not grant happiness or contentment. I can remember once buying an expensive item that I wanted for a very long time. I originally thought I would feel so happy after making that purchase. I was wrong. After I bought the item, I felt nothing but emptiness on the inside.

I then realized that true contentment and happiness come directly from God and not the materialistic things of this world.

7. Travel!

Growing up, my parents invested their money into traveling! Those adventures and the quality family time spent on those trips are permanently embedded in my memory. Toys, gadgets, and clothing will only be in your life for a short fraction. Memories will last a lifetime. Make those memories count by going on an adventure with the ones you love.

8. Social media is a false reality- I promise.

I wrote in my last post how social media is notably deceptive. It can make someone yearn for something that is not even real but a mere illusion.

9. Don’t be ashamed to go to community college.

I would have definitely started at a community college first, rather than a four-year college. Beginning your higher education journey at a community college will save you or your parents thousands of dollars. You will be forever grateful in the long run.

College is a financial investment that puts students in debt for many, many years. Go to community college to find out what you want to do and then transfer to University. The first two years are typically prereqs that are credits that are easy to transfer.

10. Spend your money wisely.

You do not need to buy iced coffee every morning.
You do not need to go to H&M for their 50% off sale.
You do not need that Kate Spade bag.
You do not need to have Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu.

Use your money wisely and live within your means. It goes a long way.

11. Live in the moment

We are in a social media-obsessed world where everyone’s nose is stuck in their phones, obsessing over other people’s online life.

Your phone can wait. Social media can wait. Embrace quality time with the one’s around you.

12. Gossiping is lethal

I never knew how hurtful gossip was until I overheard someone I trusted speaking ill concerning me. Their hurtful words pulled me apart and were uttered in a distasteful way. I was truly heartbroken. Learn how to remove gossip from your conversations and avoid it at all costs.

My motto is, “if it doesn’t uplift or encourage, don’t say it.”

13. Life does not begin with a significant other

Enjoy and embrace your single season, my friends! Don’t rush it. If it is in God’s will for you to be married, it will happen! Even if you never get married, you’re good! Your worth doesn’t come from marriage or being in a relationship. Live your life and be content in whatever season you are in. 🙂

14. Listen, respect, and honor your elders.

Our elders are wiser, smarter, and know more than us. Don’t just listen to them, but follow their advice. They’ve been around longer than us and don’t want us to repeat harmful and toxic cycles.

15. Take lots of photos with the ones you love.

Photos are the closest thing we have to time travel. So take as many photos as you possibly can so you can look back at them in the future!

16. Value your friends and the people around you

I believe that it is so important to value those you call a friend. Call them or send them a quick text every once in a while! Remember their special days such as their birthdays or anniversaries. Acknowledge their good works. Love on them because you truly need them.

17. Sin will only last for a season.

I believe that I am currently at the age where I can see the full long-term effect of sin. I’ve seen it in myself and others. It is ugly and detrimental. If you give your flesh or the adversary a centimeter, it will take it and go ten miles. I promise you that a life of sin, no relationship with God, and no accountability will only lead you to a life of destruction. It will not come out well, I promise.

My mother always said to me growing up that “sin will ALWAYS take you further than you ever wanted to go.” I never understood this as a child, but now I fully understand. Don’t allow yourself to be friends with sin, not even acquaintances. Stay as far away from it as possible. Remove anything from your life that is displeasing to God.

18. Gratitude is essential

It is so important to be grateful. Having an ungrateful heart and never saying the two important words, “thank you,” is so displeasing. Be thankful, even for the little things.

19. Consistency + a good work ethic beats talent.

Working hard and being consistent goes a long way, especially in the workplace and working in God’s kingdom. Those that work hard always go farther than those that are solely gifted.

20. Privacy is so important.

We live in such a “tell-all” society in regards to social media. Not everything needs to be on full display to the entire world. Some moments are so sacred and intimate that they should be left for yourself or those in your closest circle.

I have learned so much in these past twenty years. I can’t wait for the next twenty, if the Lord tarries! He has been so good. 🙂

Idolizing Relationships.

February 16, 2021February 16, 2021 ~ Briana Kennedy

An honest and transparent post geared toward my fellow Christian singles-

Sometimes as Christians, I believe that it can be easy for us to idolize being married or merely having a significant other. You may think that idolatry is a strong word for me to use, but an idol can be anything that one allows to be at the forefront of their mind at all times. More importantly, an idol is anything one puts before God (Exodus 20:3).

My friend, I am here to say to you that idolatry is rather unhealthy to the mind, and in God’s eye, it is a sin. (1 Corinthians 10:14)

Let me be abundantly clear; there is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to be married. Marriage is a beautiful union. However, as Christian singles, we have to be mindful that we do not allow this desire to become an idol in our lives.

As young people, social media is in our face 24/7. How often do we see our friends on Facebook and Instagram starting relationships, getting engaged, and later tying the knot? Constantly.

Social media convinces us that marriage is life’s ultimate goal. That there’s nothing more to life than having a significant other. That could not be further from the truth. Yes, marriage is beautiful and enjoyable, but I promise you that there’s so much more to this life than being married. Being married or having a significant other does not equate to a lifetime of happiness, nor does it guarantee merriment.

As singles, it is easy for us to compare our lives or a lack-of-a-partner to those seemingly perfect couples we see on the internet. Here’s the reality- not many couples are vulnerable enough to share their lowest moments on the internet (which they are not obligated to and, truthfully, should not). The majority of the people or couples online, only share their best moments or their high points. The moments where they look and feel their best. Social media is extremely deceptive and what I believe to be a false reality. Social media can make one idolize something that someone else has, something that’s possibly not even real. Truthfully, you never know what anyone or any couple goes through.

I have also noticed that it is easy to become naïve out of desperation. Some singles believe that once they get married, all of their problems will go away. That once they’re married, they would no longer struggle with lust, pornography, or perversion. That is not true. Marriage will not solve a lust problem, but it could damage and ultimately destroy a marriage if it is not resolved before marriage. One must bring those inner-personal issues to God before even entering a relationship. Carry every struggle to God in prayer and be honest with Him! Jesus truly cares. (Philippians 4:6).

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As I close, I want to say this; it is okay if you have never had a boyfriend or girlfriend. It is okay if you have never been on a date or never got flowers in the mail. That is perfectly okay, and don’t allow anyone to let you feel less than.

Let me remind you that your worth and value does not come from any man or any woman. Your worth only comes from Jesus; you were bought with a precious price (1 Corinthians 6:20).

So to all my friends that saw all those engagements over the holidays and Valentine’s Day post last weekend and felt a tad bit discouraged:

Travel with friends
Read a new book
Try new foods
Learn how to play an instrument
Find your purpose
Learn a new language
Go back to school and finish that degree!

Go live your best life and focus on yourself!

I always believed that it is better to be single, wishing you were married, rather than being married wishing you were single! So, learn how to embrace your singleness, be content in the Lord and never settle!

Wait on the Lord because if it is in HIS PERFECT WILL for you to be married, it will happen! Just trust in God and let Him use you in whatever season you’re in! 🙂

Remain faithful to the precious faith, my friends!

Much love,

Bri 🙂

Help me to never forget.

February 2, 2021February 2, 2021 ~ Briana Kennedy

A couple of nights ago, I had trouble falling asleep, although I was exhausted. I was tossing and turning in the bed and just could not get comfortable. My phone was turned off, and the house was quiet and still. I started meditating on the goodness of the Lord and felt the urgency to pray. I found my prayer corner in my bedroom and started reaching out to the Lord. While in prayer, the Lord laid a song on my heart. It was an old song that I had not heard in a long time.

“Jesus I’ll never forget, what You’ve done for me

Jesus, I’ll never forget, how You’ve set me free

Jesus, I’ll never forget, how You’ve brought me out

Jesus, I’ll never forget, oh never”

As I thought about the song’s catchy lyrics that night, I remembered singing that song when I was a young child. I would clap and worship with the congregation but never thought about the words of the song until that night. Isn’t it easy for us to sing songs without even thinking about the words? That can be dangerous.

That night, the Lord reminded me of a conversation with one of my dear friends earlier. I remember telling this friend that last year, 2020, was the worst year in my life and it appears like nothing was good or memorable about it.

Rumors of World War III in early January
The death of NBA legend, Kobe Bryant and everyone on his helicopter
Canceled summer plans
Murder Hornets that came from China
Racial Injustice
Millions of unemployed Americans
Sahara Dust Storm
Churches not being able to open because of the pandemic
Hurricanes
An ugly 2020 election
Earthquakes
Food Shortages

Then, COVID-19… so many people around the world got sick and died. Many are still dying of this strange, deadly plague and there seems to be no end to it. This deadly virus has dramatically changed the world forever.

As I reflected on the conversation that I had with my peer, I was convicted. The Lord showed me that I was ungrateful and pessimistic.

I questioned myself: Do I really trust God? Do I believe in the power of our God? I quickly repented.

The Lord showed me in prayer that night that I must be grateful even when everything seems to be going wrong. The Lord has kept me through the chaos of 2020. I have MORE than enough to be thankful for! Despite the sadness, sickness, deaths and other painful losses, we must understand that we serve a SOVEREIGN GOD.

The Lord also reminded me of the story of Job in the Bible. Job was a “blameless” and “an upright” man who feared God (Job 1:1). For Job, everything that could go wrong in his life went wrong. Job lost everything. He had circumstances in his life that he had no control over. He lost his properties, servants, and children. Job also got terrible skin sores and had a wife that told him to denounce Christ but Job not. (Job 1:13-19; 2:9-10). Job maintained his integrity with God, “[a]nd said, naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Job 1:21). Through all the losses and disappointments Job experienced, he maintained his faith and trust in God. He never blamed or cursed God. This is because the Lord GIVES, and the Lord TAKES away. (Job 1:21)

God is God! Again, GOD IS SOVEREIGN!

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I know that we are all praying for the healing of the land from COVID-19.

We have been asking God to let us go back to our comfortable, pre-COVID life but positive changes seem to be so distanced. Many feel like our prayers have been ignored BUT have you ever thought about asking God for His perfect will to be done rather than our will?

What if God permits COVID-19 to never go away but only get progressively worse?

What would we do, if we suffered great loss as Job?

What would our attitudes be?

Will we still love and worship God the same way we do, now? (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Do we only love God for blessings and prosperity? Or, do we love God for who He is?

Do we really love the Lord?

I know these are all rhetorical questions but let us think about these questions…

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Please be reminded that as we get closer to the coming of the Lord, life will become harder and more challenging to live for the Lord. Remember that the Bible refers to living in perilous times in the last days. (2 Timothy 3:1) Through every season of adversity, betrayal, and disappointment in life, God always remains faithful. He never fails! No matter what the circumstances are in my life, God will forever be good.

So friend, never forget about God’s love and mercy.

Never forget about His grace.

Never forget about His protection.

Never forget about the times He forgave us when we failed to read His Word and neglected to pray and fast.

Never forget about the times when we were backslidden in our hearts and minds, yet God never stopped loving us.

Friends, I am not here to say that life will get better for us in 2021; I am saying that we have hope. Our hope is not in politicians, vaccines, scientists, or even in doctors. Our hope can only be found in Jesus Christ. He is coming back for His Church, so we MUST be ready (Matt. 24:36).

I urge you, cling to Jesus in these uncertain times. Remain faithful to the precious faith and please, never forget that God will be God and will always be sovereign!

With much love,

-Bri

A Bit About Me!

Featured ~ Briana Kennedy

Welcome, friends! My name is Briana Kennedy, but you can simply just call me, Bri.

I’m thrilled + SO honored that you took the time out of your day to check out my blog. So let me introduce myself to you. ☺️

I was born in the Big Apple, New York City, but was raised in the Peach State, Georgia. As much as I would love to call myself a New Yorker, I’m a southern girl. I love Georgia and have called it my home for the majority of my life.

My parents are from the beautiful island of Jamaica, which makes me a, “Jam-rican”. Haha. My Jamaican heritage has a significant influence on my life + upbringing. I grew up eating all the typical Jamaican dishes such as Jerk Chicken, Curry Goat, Oxtail and Rice + Peas (this list could go on and on, but I must stop now because I am getting quite hungry thinking about all of those yummy dishes, haha). My family also heavily follows track + field, which is huge part of the Jamaican culture.

I love my parents, and God truly blessed me with the best of the best. I would not be the person I am today without them. If my parents never leave me with anything materialistic on this earth, they left me with a strong Apostolic foundation + heritage. That is something money can’t buy. As a child, my mom taught me how to pray fervently in the Spirit. And on the other hand, my dad would give me Bible studies and made sure I knew Jesus for myself. They took me to church every Sunday, made sure I made it to Sunday School on time, and took me to countless choir practices.

I am beyond blessed.

Regarding siblings, I only have one brother who is eleven years older than me. He is a systems engineer (smart, huh?), a gifted musician, and an amazing husband + father.

Currently, I am in my second year of college, majoring in Elementary Education. I absolutely love my major and can’t wait to start my career as an elementary school teacher in a couple of years. I can’t wait to share my love of learning (primarily in reading + history) with the little ones. I know being an educator is not an easy job + not for the weak at heart, but I know God has me!

I am a melomaniac, one who loves music. I wish I could say to you that I play 5-6 instruments, but God didn’t bless me with that gift. So I’m just someone who listens + watches from afar, haha. My favorite genre of music is definitely, gospel. I have an old soul, so I definitely enjoy gospel hymns + gospel music from the 80s/90s . I have no shame to admit that I am a HUGE Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir fan (for those that were wondering- my favorite album is their 1995 Praise Him… Live album). Some other gospel artists that I enjoy listening to are: Fred Hammond, John P. Kee, Kirk Franklin + The Family, James Moore, Todd Galberth, The McKains, Indiana Bible College, Kierra Sheard, and the legendary Clark Sisters.

When I’m not working, at church, studying or in school, I enjoy cooking and baking for my family and friends. It’s so much fun, and one of my passions. I find so much joy in experimenting in the kitchen. Besides being in the kitchen, I also enjoy cycling on my bike, online shopping- my new unhealthy addiction, pinning new ideas on Pinterest, taking care of my natural hair, hanging out with my lovely friends, reading novels, and traveling!

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With all of that being said, I am just a typical 19-year-old trying to navigate on a journey known as life. I struggle daily + definitely haven’t “made it,” but I’m just someone who wants the love of Jesus + His great Gospel to be spread to the whole world!

So my prayer is that something written on this blog will inspire you to grow. Grow into the man, woman, boy, or girl God has called you to be. That something written on this blog will convict your heart + mind to become greater and never settle for ordinary. Because ordinary simply won’t do.

I’m excited to embark on this new journey.

Remain faithful to the precious faith, my friends!

With much love,

– Bri