Word for the day: “It’s time to try again.”
Romans 8:28 (NKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Dear Leaders,
We are excited about a fresh start at the beginning of each year. We make resolutions in our excitement and desire to improve our lives.
In 2025, I'm committing not to be afraid to “Try again” to fulfill my life’s purpose.
I’ve learned to embrace the difficult times experienced in my life because I know that many of these experiences have cultivated something for me. Yes, I said what I said, “Life has not happened to me, but life has happened not only for me.”
My life story is mixed with surviving living in the Red Hook projects of Brooklyn, N.Y., drugs, divorce, and being traumatized in Corporate America. However, I realize these experiences have now happened to me, not only for me. When it’s all said and done, my most significant takeaway is “I tried again.”
In my relationship with God, it has become crystallized in my mind that life and situations are happening to me and not only for me. I’m not a victim; I’m victorious and have come through some very traumatizing life events.
I’m writing today to encourage someone who may be in a life-challenging situation. The heart of my story is to never give up on myself. I’ve experienced people giving up on me and thinking I wasn’t worth the investment; some might say I was too difficult to deal with, and so many other reasons not to embrace me. All of that was necessary for me and integral to my personal and professional development growth.
HERE’S WHAT “TRYING AGAIN” HAS TAUGHT ME:
Trying again teaches you that your attitude determines your altitude.
Trying again is the fundamental step toward self-discovery. The most successful people are those who know their value.
Knowing and learning your value keeps you fighting for your life (Genesis 1:26-28).
Knowing and learning my value and how God has created me in His image and likeness has been a game changer in my life.
I went back and completed my collegiate education.
Today, I have 36 years of being drug and alcohol-free. I have my own Non-profit faith-based servant leadership organization. Trying again has opened so many doors and closed some other doors simultaneously for me.
I’m the author of “The Journey of Self-Care from the Inside Out 2.o.”
I’m a leadership and mental health coach for leaders and aspiring leaders.
I know how to be there for my family, friends, and those I serve, which is my greatest honor.
Today, I’m compelled to “Try again” and to live a life filled with greatness.
I accept that life will have some hard places and situations. I’ve learned, at times, how to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. I’ve learned to be comfortable with not always knowing outcomes yet not being afraid to try again. I’ve learned how to leverage the lessons from my experiences to improve who I am.
There is so much more to my story, but today, I want you to think of your story and where you need to try again: in life, school, love, relationships, career, etc. Right now, I always do my best to be ready to try again. Today's message reminds you of the greatness that God has invested in you. We’ve survived it all to try again and ultimately thrive in what God has purposed for our lives.
POINT TO PONDER
What do you need to try again?
Is someone depending on you to fulfill what God called you to do?
What will happen if you don’t try again in 2025?
Are you willing to try again in 2025?
Write down what can be accomplished if you try again in 2025?
Special Thanks,
Chief Encouragement Officer (CEO) James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in January 2025 by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. David and Annette Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Ms. Michelle Winder Branch, Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mr. William Jones, Mr. William Buchanan, Mr. William Wilson, Mrs. Angela Harrison, Ms. Rita McGuffin, and Ms. MoNika Ward, Mr. Jeff Ross, Ms. Regina Denson, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Philips, Ms. Angela Battle, Ms. Judith Battle, and Ms. Gertrude Scott.
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