Faith over Fear - Recap of Ciroc Empowerment Brunch

Monday, March 28, 2016

Quick Question - have you ever done something that made you seriously afraid? Have you ever just been soooo nervous that your soul was filled with butterflies? Have you ever been soooo scared of the unknown but you decided to just keep pushing through? Well, that's FAITH + FIERCELY BEING FEARLESS! Let me share my moment.

At the beginning of the year CIROC Vodka partnered with Variety and WWD to host an empowerment brunch series across the nation. The purpose of the brunch was to eat, fellowship, and dish on the topic of empowerment with some of the most influnential women in entertainment, music, sports, and social media mavens. The brunch was the first of its kind because it simultaneously launched 150 events across the nation and toasted to the accomplishments of 100 powerful female role models. The women shared their personal journey and experiences; reminding the invited guests of what it means to be a woman of empowerment.

Friends and Family who joined me. All black with pearls was perfect for the occasion.

By the grace of God, I was selected along with, Aja Evans, to serve as the Women of Empowerment in Chicago. It was simply amazing! I was honored among some of my favs Claire Sulmners, Latoya Lucket, and Keshia Knight Pulliam. All I had to do was thank my guests and give a quick toast of empowerment. OMG!! Public speaking puts the fear of God in me! After giving into my fears for a few seconds, I realized that I was allowed to host the Chicago brunch because of God & HIS hand on my life. Nothing but HIM! So, I was ready...or at least I told myself that I was.

I was prayerful about what to say. I knew that the Holy Spirit would bring the words out of me and aside from that God sent in back up! lol! The night before two of my closet friends helped me prepare an absolutely amazing toast. The speech was very short and to the point. They made me practice all night until I got it right. After that, I pulled together the most fabulous outfit because you have to bring it if you're going to talk about being fiercely fearless.

The day of the brunch, I was super cute. My face was beat, my whole look was popping and I was ready. Nervous, but ready. Hands sweaty, but ready! — or at least that's what I told myself. I had to pull myself together and get ready to share my amazing words of empowerment. As I stood up to give my toast, even with notes in hand, all I could think of was the scripture I had written down 2 Timothy 1:7 which states God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. At that moment, that scripture was my sole source of strength.

Friends that have become family: Mary & Shannon

I shared that my blog was started out of a whole bunch of faith and an equal amount of fear. Everyday I keep going despite that fear. Over time, I have come to learn that having a healthy amount of fear is an indicator that I need God. Our true source of strength and fearlessness can only come from God and that who I turn to for empowerment. When I embark on something new, scary or just something that’s out of the ordinary for me, I try not to allow fear to hinder me. I step up my faith and just do it!

At the end of day, I still can’t believe CÎROC Vodka honored little old me. I encourage you all to walk in faith and live fiercely fearless.

With my lovely Mommy!

{Keep scrolling for more pics and my 3 tips for overcoming fear!}

Lifelong friend ArSheill!

With my GodMommy!

The lovely ladies of Posh Entertainment who assisted Ciroc with the Chicago brunch

The fun and fab Latoya of the FatGirlOfFashion blog

My awesome sister from my church family Kelli

Right after doing a quick interview with Revolt TV!

A dear friend who embodies what it means to be a Godly woman - Tiffany

My Auntie Cynthia who has prayed for and with me since I was born!

If you’re ready to put your fear aside + walk in faith here are three of my favorite tips to channel your inner fearlessness.

1. Pray – The best place to be is in the will of GOD. Spend some intimate time with Jesus and give Him all of your worries. Lay them out and give them to GOD and receive HIS peace.

2. JUST DO IT! – Don’t overthink things. Once you know you are carrying out HIS will, just do it! For example – I knew that God had placed me in this room full of women to speak of HIS name, to give HIM the glory. That's exactly what happened when I opened my mouth to speak.

3. Tell a friend – Find you a trusted source that is also a believer. Share that you are in the midst of conquering a fear. Don’t complain, don't fret, just share your journey. Let your friend know that you are walking in Faith so that you’re held accountable. Good friends will push you when you feel like giving up, encourage you when you feel hopeless, and most importantly keep you lifted in prayer.

Here’s a bonus~

Lastly, don’t forget to testifyyyyyy!!!!! Tell the world if you can! Everyone is struggling with something and often times fear is the basis to that struggle. The more you share how you overcame the more you can encourage someone else that they can do it too!

Tot

TotallyTot.com is a lifestyle and resource blog focused on living and loving life. Here you will find inspiration, fashion and Do-it-Yourself projects all wrapped up in one big Jesus hug! Be prepared to be moved by authentic stories, impressed by my resourcefulness, and inspired by my love for and faith in God. This blog is designed to share, connect, create, and inspire! Browse a bit, leave a comment and don't forget to subscribe!