One of my favorite songs out right now from the artist, Cardi B., has a line in it that goes, "When life knocks you down nine times, get up ten!" God knows I have been knocked down by life since I came into this world, but to God be the glory. He has put a fighting spirit in this Brooklyn girl. Every time I get up from the pavement, I'm stronger and more determined.
As a leader, I have been asked whether I am a visionary or a strategist. My answer is always both. I can see where I need to go, draw the road map, and execute a winning strategy to get there. I prove this again and again professionally, but most importantly, I have lived this. My God given and ignited talent has carried me on a journey that is hard to believe myself at times. Growing up on the impoverished streets of East New York, continuing through the struggles of overcoming the odds against a teen mom and high school dropout, and arriving where I am today, took His gifts of vision, strategy, and an indomitable spirit.
Self-reflection and awareness have been critical on my journey. I'm an INTJ (MBTI Personality Type...google it), so I do a lot of thinking and talking in my head. My biggest point of reflection and lever as a leader is holding up a mirror. It is the truth about yourself that sets you free. I have to ask Garland, "Who are you being?" on a regular basis. Are the words of your mouth (the content, not the diction--my God is bigger than cuss words) and the meditations of your heart acceptable to the God who has created, loved, and brought you where you are? How and in who are you investing your time? Are you making a positive difference and being a good shepherd/steward to the people God has placed in your life? Are you equally happy to give as you are to receive?
These questions are a gut check, and I have found that they become most necessary when I am betrayed; when people repay me evil for good, and when those I have poured into make time to laugh and mock my pain. My mother told me all my childhood, "Revenge belongs to God." And my bible reassures me no weapon that is formed against me shall prosper and every tongue that rises against me will be proven wrong. This inheritance of God's servants reflects an unconditional love and favor. t's not about me. It's about the God IN me.
Judge me according to my fruit. I have lots. I am gifted in ways I cannot measure. In all things, my prayer is and has been for God to glorify Himself in whatever I lay my hands to. Whether I am at a speaking engagement, talking to students, or mentoring leaders, I invite him to increase in all of His might and perfection, as I decrease. I don't seek the stage, it finds me. This too aligns with His word that says, "Do good in secret and I will reward you openly." My God is real. He sustains me. Nothing that I go through is in vain. Every fall has lessons and prepares me for higher heights.
So how do you respond to hate? How do you respond to people who speak Jesus and wear their own robe of righteousness (judging and condemning others while blind to themselves)? You give them to God. You pray for them, and you turn that bright light that you shine up just little bit brighter. That's right. One of my best big sister girlfriends schooled me long ago, "The best revenge is living well." You choose to smile anyway.
We live in a society where people regularly engage in hateful activity (gossiping and devising the hurt/loss/pain of others--one of the very behaviors that God proclaimed to hate and is an abomination unto him) and expect to be blessed. We live in a world where people are ungrateful and justify their sin in glass houses while throwing stones at their brethren. We are amidst a time when the leader of the free world mocks a woman's right to live and work in the peace, respect, and security of her body and sexuality. But Glory to God, we overcome evil with GOOD!
People will smile in your face and drink in celebration of what they perceive to be a downfall. Meanwhile, you are being set up for your NEXT come up. Join me as a Sky Walker, and commit to living your best life. Be grateful for all of the love God has surrounded you with. I am met with love, support, and reassurance at every turn. My children are well, and they are blessed. I'm dreaming up Chapter 41 and the blessings ahead with the eager anticipation of a child waiting to open their gifts on Christmas morning.
Real friends share a foundation of love. You want the best for one another, and you make each other better. It's like Bey and Jay, "What would I be without my friends?!" They do indeed pray for me, and I for them. I'm realizing more and more that the healing is in love and service to others. I can close my eyes completely assured that I am burying no talents. I'm leaving no dreams deferred. He promised us that even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, he is with us. Whether you are in a season of humility or abundance, you are STILL his.
So, let's make this toast to Him preparing a table before us in the presence of our enemies and our frenemies. Cheers to Him anointing our heads with oil and our cups running over--despite our haters! Work hard, have fun, and LIVE!!! This is His gift to us! He is the joy and rejoicing of our souls, and he has empowered us to fellowship and help each other up--whether by words, means, or example.
Keeping it real, true, and free,
Garland Darling
“Those too lazy to plow in the right season will have no food at the harvest. Though good advice lies deep within the heart, a person with understanding will draw it out. Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?”