If you stop,

you will mess yourself up.

Last month, I found myself in an uncomfortable and urgent predicament – I desperately needed to use the restroom. As the discomfort intensified, I suddenly felt weak and dehydrated, making it clear that I couldn't ignore this pressing matter any longer. I attempted to manage the situation, but it was futile. Deep down, I knew I needed to leave my current location.

Without hesitation, I bolted from where I was, determined to find relief. My mission was to reach the nearest bus stop that would eventually take me home, but first, I needed to secure transportation. I quickly located a tricycle, boarded it, and silently offered up prayers to God. My heart raced as I anxiously counted the moments until I would finally found relief.

During that tense tricycle ride, I couldn't bring myself to engage in conversation with the driver or fellow passengers. Instead, I sent silent pleas to God, hoping that divine intervention would see me through. The minutes felt like hours, but finally, the tricycle came to a stop, and I had to continue my journey on foot.

As I hurriedly made my way, my strides became increasingly awkward and erratic. With each step, I sensed that if I took just one more, I would mess myself up – a horrifying thought that drove me to summon every ounce of strength left in me. At one point, desperation got the best of me, and I tried to run, but it only made matters worse. So, I settled for a fast, albeit erratic, walk.

Throughout this harrowing ordeal, my prayers to God continued unabated. I repeated affirmations to myself, reassuring me that I was almost home. "Your house isn't far anymore. You can do this," I whispered repeatedly, as if those words could push me forward.

When I finally arrived on my street, relief washed over me like a tidal wave. However, my elation was short-lived. Two guys walking closely behind me started discussing me, or more specifically, my hips. One of them remarked, "She has hips. I love hips." The other responded, "It's true, but I'm not a big fan of hips." Their conversation about my body continued as we walked, and it felt invasive and uncomfortable. Still, I paid it little mind because my singular focus was getting home and to the restroom.

Upon reaching my front door, I hastily dropped my bag on the floor and rushed to the restroom. Finally, I found the relief I had desperately sought. As I sat there reflecting on the ordeal, a profound realization washed over me. The Holy Spirit gently whispered, "Why didn't you address those guys and tell them to stop talking about your body? Why didn't you pause to confront them?" I pondered these questions. While pondering the Holy Spirit said, "Because you would have messed yourself up."

The Holy Spirit's message became clear – I didn't stop to respond to those men because doing so would have resulted in a disaster. In life, when we're on a mission when we're striving to reach a sensitive and delicate destination, there will always be distractions and unwanted comments from people who may not understand our purpose. Stopping to engage with every comment or disturbance along the way can derail us from our goals. It was a profound lesson.

I had intended to share this experience the week it happened, but life got in the way. It wasn't until recently that I experienced a similar situation, and the memory of that uncomfortable walk came flooding back. This time, in addition to hastily dropping my bag, I asked my roommate to fetch water from the compound because the bathroom tap was dry. Once again, the Holy Spirit reminded me of the lesson, but this time, in an even more advanced form.

In life, when you are embarking on a delicate and important mission, you will undoubtedly encounter distractions, criticisms, and comments from people who may not understand your purpose. However, it's crucial to understand that sometimes, pausing to respond to these noises can mess you up. Taking a detour to confront every comment or disturbance can throw you off course and hinder your progress. Moreover, sometimes you need to recognize when you can't do it all alone and ask for help to ensure you complete your mission successfully.

It can be challenging, but the truth is, you don't possess all the answers or capabilities. When God entrusts you with a delicate assignment, it's essential to stay focused on the bigger picture and avoid getting sidetracked by the noises and distractions of the journey. Don't forget to seek help when necessary; it's a sign of wisdom and strength.

Dear Light, I may not know why God wanted me to share this with you, but I sense that you are on a significant mission. Please heed this lesson: ignore the noises, stay laser-focused on your assignment, and don't allow distractions to mess you up. If you pause, you risk derailing yourself. Your purpose is too important to be derailed by insignificant disturbances. Feel free to respond; I value our connection. Wishing you a week filled with purpose and determination. I love you, I pray for you and God bless you.