Whitney Nic James

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Fearless Faith Fridays: Introduction + What to Expect

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It’s time for me to make space here to share my thoughts about God and faith. I’ve wanted to share my faith and love for God here on the blog for years. I do weave my faith into most posts, but it’s time to go deeper. So, welcome to my first “Fearless Faith Friday” post.

If you follow my Fearless Woman I Am Instagram account, you may remember my “Fearless Faith Series.” Last summer, I featured seven faith-filled, purpose-driven women. These ladies shared their own faith stories plus offered words of encouragement. This powerful and impactful series was truly the start of something amazing. I plan to revive, revise, and expand that series here on the blog to make an even more significant impact.

What to Expect

On Fridays, you can expect to read my thoughts on an array of topics, each coupled with scripture and a word of encouragement. I also intend to share my testimonies and lessons learned from some of my real-life God moments. In the future, I plan to reintroduce the “Fearless Faith Features” as well.

The Purpose

My purpose is to share the goodness of the Lord with God’s people and to leave you both fulfilled and faith-filled. My goal isn’t to convert or force you to believe what I believe. This is my effort to build bridges, provide understanding, and encourage you to live a less worldly-focused and more faith-focused life.

As I prepare to move forward, I invite you to share this news with your family and friends. If you know someone who can use a quick weekly faith-based pick me up, tell them about “Fearless Faith Fridays.” I’m excited about what’s to come, and I hope you are too.

Until next week, stay safe and be blessed.

The Perfect Summer Playlist: Black Girl Magic Edition

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Black Girl Magic Summer Playlist

While scrolling Twitter the other day, I came across the link to Gabrielle Union’s “Black Girl Magic” Playlist on Spotify. Of course, I clicked the link almost instantly. The playlist was on point, just as I suspected. I mean any playlist that includes Mary J. Blige and Brandy is already on point.

After listening to the playlist, of course, I was inspired to create my own. My playlist, the “Summertime Fine: Black Girl Magic Edition”, includes 40 songs. From Janet Jackson to Chloe x Halle, this playlist is guaranteed to be on heavy rotation all summer long. It’s one of those playlists where you won’t be tempted to skip a song. Just select the shuffle feature and let it play.

As I’ve shared many times before, music is my solace, a safe place. I also believe that music can be healing. With so much turmoil and misfortune happening in our country right now, it’s safe to say that we can all use some healing. So, I’m confident this summer playlist will ignite joy, happiness, and a bit of nostalgia for all of us.

Enjoy!

The “Summertime Fine: Black Girl Magic” playlist is the perfect soundtrack for the summer!

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How to Create a Vision Board Mid-Year

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How to Create a Vision Board

If you’ve been here for a while, you know how I feel about vision boards. A well-thought-out vision board can be significant when goal setting. For years, I’ve created my own, and I’ve even had to pleasure of leading a vision board workshop through my women’s empowerment organization, Fearless Woman I Am. If you still need to, allow me to fill you in.

I created this year’s board at the end of 2019. Before getting started, I already had my word/theme for the year and my anchor scripture. Visually, I knew I wanted my board to be simple, and I also wanted to use both words and images. My complete board now hangs directly on the wall before my desk in my home office. Placement is key.

If you want to create your own vision board or refresh your current one, it’s not too late. We still have six months and two seasons left in 2020. Here are three simple steps:

1. Make it Fun 

Plan a vision board party using Zoom or Google Meet. Invite some friends or family members to join you and make it a virtual party! To start, you will need the following:

  • Old magazines and catalogs
  • A corkboard (you choose the size) or large poster board paper
  • Scissors, push pins, glue, tape, colorful pens, sharpies, & stickers
    • The materials depend on your board base – corkboard or paper

2. Decide on a Theme

This step is important because it determines the images you’ll need to look for to create your board. Think about what you want the rest of your year to look like. Think about what you want more or less of. What words or phrases come to mind? If you need help deciding on a word, here are 30 suggestions.

3. Make Your Board Visible

Once your vision board is complete, hang it where you can see it. I always suggest hanging vision boards in prominent locations (i.e., your closet, home office, near your nightstand, etc.). Your vision board is a tangible reminder of your goals and aspirations. Why would you not have it displayed for daily viewing? If you’re worried about your board clashing with your home or office décor, I suggest using a corkboard. They usually come with black, white, or wood frames. That way, you can match the frame to your décor. * Note: If you make a smaller 8 1/2 x 11 version, you can put it in the picture frame on your nightstand.

All in all, your vision board should motivate you to accomplish your goals. It’s really that simple. So, what are you waiting for? Get started on your board today. And if you already have a 2020 vision board, don’t be afraid to reevaluate your goals, recreate or tweak your board.

3 Simple Ways to Create a Mid-Year Vision Board

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7 Bible Verses to Renew and Refresh Your Spirit

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I meditate on one or more Bible verses whenever I enter a new season. I call these “anchor scriptures.” Sometimes I look them up on my own or, on many occasions, I’ll be led to a particular verse (or verses) during my quiet time with the Lord. Either way, having a scripture to meditate and lean on can be extremely helpful when navigating through a new life season.

Since my theme for July is “Refresh,” here are 7 Bible verses to help renew and refresh the spirit:

Bible Verses to Renew and Refresh

1. Isaiah 43:19 (NTL)

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”

2. Lamentations 3:23 (NLT)

“Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”

3. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

4. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (CEV)

“Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new.”

7 Bible Verses to Renew and Refresh Your Spirit

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5. Zephaniah 3:17 (CEV)

“The Lord your God wins victory after victory and is always with you. He celebrates and sings because of you, and he will refresh your life with his love.” 

6. Psalms 51:10 (NIV)

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

7. Psalms 23:1 (NIV)

“The Lord is my shepherd. I lack nothing.” 

Mid-Year Refresh

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Mid-Year Refresh

I knew July would be the month I’d start to refresh certain areas in my life. After an unexpected April and May and an emotionally heightened June, July just seemed like the perfect month to refresh. After all, July is the official mid-year mark. So, what better time for a refresh?

I’ve decided to focus on the following (4) areas: 

1. Morning Routine

  • Set a specific wake-up time
  • Carve out an hour for devotionals and journaling
  • Move my body for at least 30 minutes (walk/run, yoga, at-home workout)

2. Evening Routine

  • Set a specific bedtime
  • Set aside couple time with Darrius
  • Create (and stick to) a new evening skincare routine

3. Health & Fitness 

  • Drink 1 gallon of H2O a day
  • Move my body at least 30 minutes a day
  • Schedule a (virtual) therapy at least once a month

4. Home

  • Complete home office setup
  • Reorganize kitchen cabinets and pantry
  • Refresh bedroom and finish hanging pictures

I’ve been “winging” it for months in many areas of my life. This is very unlike me, but life happens. Those months of just going with the flow were, however, indeed necessary. I embraced that particular season, and now it’s time to embrace another one.

I don’t like to go too long without structure in my life. I thrive on routine, and I’m much happier and more productive when leading a disciplined life. So, here’s to a month of refreshed habits and a renewed focus!

Using the 5 Senses to Find Joy in the Simple Things

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I’m a sucker for random acts of kindness and small gestures. I’m also someone who finds joy in the most simple things. Lately, however, I’ve realized that finding joy in the little things takes more energy. So, I’ve been challenging myself for the past few months to come up with 2 (simple) things that brought me joy using my 5 senses- sight, smell, hearing taste, and touch.

Find Joy in the Simple Things

Sight

1. Television: Darrius and I recently purchased an Amazon Fire Stick and it has taken our TV watching to another level of sheer enjoyment. We’re both documentary and movie buffs and often indulge in our guilty pleasure of watching (and finding new) reality shows. So, it’s safe to say that I have zero trouble finding joy in watching TV these days.

2. Nature Walks: There’s something about being outside, walking in nature, that brings me so much peace. Nature walks allow me to experience God in another way. Seeing His creations planted, growing, blooming, and flourishing right in front of me brings me to an immediate place of gratitude. Hearing certain sounds of nature is also calming and a gentle reminder that God is always working and always with us.

Lake Kittamaqundi

Smell

1. Fresh Eucalyptus: I started hanging a few eucalyptus branches in the shower a few months ago. I was in search of a natural remedy for my nasal congestion and frequent headaches. So, I found a bunch at Whole Foods and gave it a try. The combination of a warm shower and eucalyptus helped reduce my congestion and headaches. It also served as a natural relaxant for both my husband and me.

2. Africa Miranda Luminous Body Mist: I’ve been using this body mist/oil for almost 2 years and it has become one of my beauty and skin staples. I immediately fell in love with the soft texture and the sweet, lovely fragrance. Spraying on a light layer of this luxurious oil and rubbing it into my skin every morning is indeed a treat.

Africa Miranda Body Mist

Hearing

1. Water Sounds (Rainfall, Waves & Thunderstorms): Before I was married, I listened to music to help me fall asleep. My husband wasn’t a fan of that method, so we compromised. Now, we listen to water sounds to help us (both) fall asleep. The sounds are both soothing and rhythmic, and they almost instantly lull us both to sleep. I actually created a “Slumber” playlist filled with waterfall, rain, and other water sounds using Apple Music. Since then, it’s been much easier for me to not only fall asleep but also go back to sleep if I happen to wake up in the middle of the night. And most days I feel more rested than I have in the past.

2. Praise & Worship Music: As I mentioned in a previous post, listening to certain worship songs has helped me navigate through some really tough moments these past few months. Listening to my worship playlist in the morning draws me closer to God, especially during my devotion time. It drowns out the noise and allows my focus to be on God and God alone.

Taste

1. Hot Tea with Lemon: Every morning, without fail, I have a cup of hot tea with lemon and honey. Once the tea finishes brewing and the ingredients are added, I take the cup to my office and enjoy it during my devotion time. The warm taste is both comforting and soothing. Taking the time to make and enjoy the tea helps start my mornings off in a positive way.

2. Spa Water (Lemon + Cucumber Water): Having access to clean drinking water is a blessing. Let’s start there. There are numerous places in the world that don’t have this luxury, so for this, I’m thankful. I try my best to drink about a gallon of water on most days. If I want to add some flavor, I add some lemon and cucumber slices. Those simple additions give an instant refreshing boost to a regular glass of water. 

Finding Joy in Little Things

Touch

1. Cooking, Prepping & Plating Food: “Playing with food” has brought me so much joy & comfort during the past few months, especially during the quarantine. While I’m not out here trying to be a world-renown chef, I am enjoying being in the kitchen a lot more these days. I’m taking more pride in how I present food & I’m being more mindful about what I prepare. I’ve even started baking again. It’s been hit or miss with baking, but that’s another story for another time.

2. Washing & Styling my Hair: After being diagnosed with Androgenetic Alopecia at the tail end of 2018, I knew I had to “start over” with my hair. So, I made the bold decision to shave my head in January 2019 in hopes to grow my hair back naturally. Today, I’m so thankful for how it’s grown. Not only can I comb through it, but I can wash and style it. Being able to feel my hair in its natural state is amazing. Some days I break down in happy tears while lathering my hair with shampoo. To touch and feel my hair is a blessing. The entire process – shedding, shaving, and watching it grow back – has been like a rebirth. God is faithful and I am thankful for restoration.

Alopecia Journey

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. – Romans 15:13

There are countless other ways that I’ve been finding joy in simple things. These are just a few of my favorites. You can do the same. It’s all about perspective. Just take a look at your everyday life. I promise you, there’s joy to be found. So, here’s to using your 5 senses to find joy in the simple things.

Music | 13 Worship Songs for Comfort & Healing

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Music has always been a solace for me. Without fail, I can always find a song to accompany my mood. Lately listening to music, especially worship music, has been very comforting. Certain songs have helped mend my spirit and heal my soul. Listening to music has also helped me release ceratin emotions that I often try to suppress. Whether I’ve needed a good cry, a hearty yell, or a few moments of peace, music has given me permission to truly experience an array of emotions.

I’ve put together a Spotify playlist of 13 worship songs for comfort & healing. I was very intentional about the songs I chose. Each one speaks to a different part of my journey during this season. These songs have allowed me to experience God’s presence and His voice like never before. The comfort I’ve received from that alone has been a constant reminder that God is always gracious and forever faithful.

 

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.” – Romans 5:3

What kind of music do you listen to when you’re looking for comfort and healing? Are there any particular songs? If so, do share below. I’m always open to expanding my playlist. In the meantime, I hope some of these songs resonate with you. And if you’re journeying through a difficult season, lean into this season. Be open to what God is doing in your life, and trust that what you’re going through is not in vain.

13 Worship Songs for Comfort & Healing

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As of Late | Stillborn but Still Loved

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Life, as we know it, has undoubtedly changed over the past few months. During this time, I find myself in a season of introspection. From experiencing a traumatic loss to fighting a never-ending battle with anxiety, self-doubt, and depression, I have encountered nearly every emotion known to man—all over the course of a few months. From mass hysteria to self-isolation, we all long for life to resemble something we once knew.

Life, as I knew it, would never be the same after December 1, 2019. In less than 48 hours, my water broke, I gave birth to my stillborn son, and I had an unexpected operation. I remember being eerily aware of everything that was happening to me.

Although he feigned calmness, I remember the concern in my husband’s eyes. I remember the soft touch of his hand on mine as I drifted in and out of sleep. I remember the repetitive beeping of the heart monitor—a sound that pierced through my eardrums like a shrill siren. I remember the dampness of my mother’s shirt from the tears I cried as she hugged me and rubbed my back. I remember feeling every single contraction. I remember the pain finally subsiding once I received my epidural. I remember my husband’s tears when the nurse said, ever so gently, “It’s a boy.”

I was present.

I was aware.

I remember everything.

One thing I didn’t feel—couldn’t handle—was the actual pain of our loss. I did, however, feel extreme exhaustion: physically and mentally. Making so many immediate decisions during a traumatic event is anything but easy. I couldn’t fully grasp the magnitude of what I went through. It didn’t seem real. That was until I got home…

No mother ever expects to be leaving the maternity ward without her newborn. Everything became real when I walked into our apartment and saw the nursery. It became real when I stayed in bed for days with the blinds closed and barely ate. When my breasts started leaking, and I had no baby to feed, it became real. It became real when the first person texted me to see how my pregnancy was going.

Through the muck and mire of it all, I clung to this Bible verse:

“I depend on God alone; I put my hope in him. He alone protects and saves me.” – Psalm 62: 5-6

Baby Boy West brought so much joy to my life, marriage, and family. Although it took some time for me to get back to regularly praying and studying the Word, that scripture carried me through my toughest moments. And while I will never get over the loss of my son, I am more than grateful that God chose me to be his mother. I’m thankful I had the chance to feel him kick and move. I am grateful that I was able to talk, sing, and bond with him. Even if it was only in my belly, our connection is something I’ll always cherish. For that, I can’t thank God enough.

So today, on April 18th, Baby Boy’s original due date, I have to thank God for bringing me to a place where I can pray, smile and laugh again. Life, as I once knew it, may be quite different. However, I know God has a plan for my life, and I trust Him completely.

Thank you, Baby Boy, for making me a mother. And, although I don’t deserve it, thank you, God, for your endless grace, mercy, and protection.