Kmonaefierce Chapter 30: What I Learned In My 20’s
I couldn’t celebrate Chapter 30 without reflecting on what I learned in my 20’s. To be honest, my faith in God is what got me through these past 10 years. There is a Psalm that starts off like: If it had not been for the Lord who was on my (our) side.. Basically, Psalm 124 is saying, if it wasn’t for God being on my (our) side fighting for me (us) then my enemies would have prevailed, the waters would have overtaken– I would have lost my life.
But God–
Because He is the author and finisher of my faith, on April 3rd, He turned the page to Chapter 30. Philippians 1:6 reads, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
God moves on His time. He doesn’t wait for you to tell Him when you’re ready. Whether you’re ready for the next chapter or not, if it’s His will, He’ll flip the page. Turning 30 for me was like an emotional roller coaster. A part of me was excited, optimistic and grateful. Another part of me thought things would’ve been much different. A large part of me felt like I wasted a decent amount of those years on pointless relationships, things and situations. Then it hit me. Those years were not a waste. They were lessons, blessings, and gifts. So I give you this gift– all the things I learned in my twenties. I’m sure there’s more– I’ll save that for the book *winks*
Reflection: What I learned in my 20’s
⚡Understand the Purpose of Relationships– strengthen your discernment and learn who and what is short term and long term. This is not rocket science. What I’ve learned is when you want someone who is temporary to stay, they will. When they do, it will set you back. Make a decision to release when it is time, even if it hurts.
⚡Move– when God gives you the urge to move, or leave from a place, listen (the first time). From my understanding of the New Testament, Jesus would have been no stranger to the airport because baby, He got up out the way! He also instructs us to Go! Go out into the world and make disciples. That type of God will never tell you to stay put in one place forever. Also, leaving a place for a period of time doesn’t mean you can’t come back. Those same people and places will be there when you get back!
Mark 16:15 NLT “And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.”
⚡Ask For Help– I spent my twenties in pride. Simple as that. I thought that I was my own savior and whole time, God was waiting for me to give Him His job back. Fortunately, He sent His angels, daughters, and sons to help me even when I didn’t know how to ask.
Matthew 7:7 NLT “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.”
⚡Celebrate ALL Your Wins & Lessons– I struggled with this in my twenties so much! I used to think that celebrations were only worthy for milestones and what society deems as huge accomplishments. That is not true. In all things we are to rejoice and be grateful. Even in times where things don’t go the way you expect them. Those lessons are also a gift. I had to accept that in order to move forward in my life. I’m glad that I did- I’m counting it ALL joy!
Philippians 4:4 NLT “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!”
⚡Be Who God Called You to Be– the trap of comparison comes in like a thief in the night. One minute you’re thriving in confidence, the next you’re comparing yourself to others. Slowly you start doing things you would never do. Stop it right now. Embrace who God made you to be. This is where true happiness lives.
Psalm 139:14 NIV “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
⚡Learn to Forgive (QUICK)– the bible says that the truth will set you free, I also believe that forgiveness will too! Learn to forgive others, and also forgive yourself. When you are free, that gives you a certain level of boldness, confidence, and security that you simply can’t pay for. Forgiving is hard, but it is worth it– do it for yourself, your future self, and your legacy.
⚡Build a Strong Family Foundation– family is the one thing in this life we don’t choose– and that’s for a reason. Yes, they can be the first ones to get on your nerves (and that’s okay) but we have to do better! Sometimes it takes one person to take a stance, for everyone to follow through. Encouraging one another to pray, forgive, live healthy lives, reach out, laugh, love, heal, and ultimately build should be the goal.
Psalm 133:1 NLT “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!”
⚡Decide to Live a Healthy Life– in your twenties, you might think you can eat, drink, and do whatever because you’re young. Honey, that is a lie from hell. I’ve seen some people in their twenties look a hot mess. Then, I’ve seen people in their 50’s run circles around those same young people. Your body is a temple and you should treat it as such.
1 Corinthians 6:19 NLT “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself,”
⚡Steward Money Well– learning how to make wise decisions with your money is key. When God blesses you in skill, talent, jobs, opportunities you must steward them. Learn to steward your finances well. Learn about investments, learn about ownership, learn about business, and starting businesses. It’s not intimidating, that’s another lie from hell. God has called us to be the lenders and not the borrower.
⚡Put God First– I know, this is the last clause, however I wanted it to be this way so it’s the last thing on your mind. Put God first. I know for some this can be difficult, and I get it. I also know that the times when I put God first, when I trusted in Him, and when I consulted with Him first, He was there. I’m sure without a shadow of doubt, He has kept me and brought me thus far because of that!
Proverbs 3:6 NIV “in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
I urge those in their twenties to take this advice as a token of love. I urge those who are in their thirties to take this a moment of reflection. Those who are in their 40’s and above, I encourage you to read this with gratitude as God has brought you this far. Thank you for reading, please share this blog with the someone in your life, no matter the age. May it be a blessing, as it has blessed me.
As always, stay blessed + stay fierce
Xoxo- Kmo
