Find Another Way

I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been rejected for things, overlooked, and underestimated. It’s really a story of my life. I’m always fighting to get a seat at the table, but not fighting when God has told me a thing isn’t his will for me, but fighting when I know that I must.

I’m Black and a woman, and for some, when you’re these two things you often don’t matter to certain groups of people in this world. I also come off as quiet, kind and harmless. And I am quiet, kind and harmless. But with these judgements from people, I’m often overlooked. However, I’m never ever overlooked by God- ever. And you must know that you aren’t either. What I have learned in being overlooked is that it is an opportunity to finding another way. And in finding another way, the most beautiful opportunities in life come.

As I’ve gotten older, I realize that being overlooked and underestimated is a blessing. It’s always better to be underestimated. I heard former U.S. President George W. Bush say this once because people who think they have you figured out, or that you’re not important won’t try to mishandle you because they don’t think much of you.

I used to let this get me really upset, being overlooked. But now, in my 30s I love being underestimated and I don’t say this with arrogance. Being resourceful and fighting to find another way makes one stronger. My reliance upon God has made me see that he is my provider of opportunities, and, He is my advocate of helping me find a plan B when someone has blocked plan A.

When I interned at the White House as a university student, I was the only Black intern. I was overlooked by the team I was on. I wasn’t invited to go out the lunch with my fellow White female interns from the Communications team that I was assigned to. One day, a girl on my team asked me in front of others, “how did you get here to be at the White House, who let you in?” And even when my fellow interns didn’t notify me when opportunities to listen to lunchtime lectures were available, someone else saw me and took notice of me in the First Lady’s Office, and I was invited to work in First Lady Laura Bush’s Social Office during my internship. The profile photo for today’s Friday Post shows an opportunity I had to meet Mrs. Bush in the White House Diplomatic Room. Not one of the interns from my Communications team is in the photo. That moment was a moment provided to me by God.

Even in fashion, I have been rejected and mishandled. But, I always find another way. God is my advocate in this industry. I think that in my 20s, being overlooked and underestimated made me feel bitter and resentful. But not so much anymore because what God is teaching me in the school of life is to hand over injustice to Him and let Him sort through it all. He knows all our mistreatment, and He leads me to other opportunities, better opportunities. And, I’m confident that He does the same for you!

So, friends, I encourage you to not get bitter and be filled with thoughts of revenge. When a door closes, take it to the Lord and ask Him what’s your next mission and assignment, and start looking for another way. Finding another way in life are tests to show ourselves and others that we are indeed strong and with God’s help we will endure and prosper.

Happy Friday and with love! God bless you and go bless someone else this weekend!