My organization Fashion the Mind, Fashion the Figure was birthed from a long journey of disappointment with my outer appearance and low self-esteem. 

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How many of you can truly understand that mindset? 

 

   As sharp of a young lady and woman that I have become, I’ve learned that anytime a person has a displeasure about themselves, it will manifest in toxic thoughts and actions.  My toxicity was demonstrated through an abusive marriage that ended in an amicable divorce.  I always tried to convince others to love me (particularly men as I was in search of a father replacement). This behavior coupled with food addiction spiraled out of control.  When I didn’t receive the love I wanted, food became my comfort and relationships with men became extremely negative. I have mastered both behaviors which have made me better and not bitter. 

 

Now, I help others build a level of class, confidence, and courage. 

 

Webster’s dictionary states,

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Class: A set or category of things having some property or attribute in common and differentiated from others by kind, type, or quality. Showing stylish excellence. 

(synonyms: category · grade · rating · classification · group)

 

Confidence: The feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust.
(synonyms: trust · belief · faith · credence · conviction)
 

Courage: The ability to do something that frightens one: strength in the face of pain or grief
(synonyms: bravery · courageousness · pluck · pluckiness)

 

    There’s a greater power in a person that possess these three elements in their life and here’s why.  Have you ever heard the cliché “in a class by yourself?”  Oftentimes that means you have set yourself apart from mediocrity or normalcy (hopefully in a positive view) and you have not allowed yourself to be reduced to commonality. Your character has been disciplined and refined. 

 

    “Confidence” has become one of my favorite words. The reason it has is due to my personal engagement with handling certain matters.  I had to become comfortable with being uncomfortable with taking risks. This requires a level of confidence in knowing and trusting God more than ever.  My confidence is in God and the abilities He has provided me so that I can make continued progress in life. Do not cast away your confidence…(Hebrews 10:35) is one of my favorite passages. It affirms that I will be richly rewarded in time. 

 

    When I look at the bible story David and Goliath, you see a boy develop confidence and courage in the face of the adversary, Goliath. David utilized his slingshot and a smooth stone to assassinate Goliath.  David rose up and declared “who would dare defy the armies of the living God?” and then stepped up and let the giant know I’m here to destroy you. Now that takes a lot of courage, you think? 

 

  Courage is best cultivated when you feel the fear and do it anyway.  I’m sure David felt some degree of fear but he had enough hope in God and in himself to pull it off.  That’s how we must be. 

 

    Will it be easy – NO WAY!  But when you trust in a higher power, you’ve prepared yourself to the best of your ability  then you can go to work and watch courage manifest when you most need it. 

 

   Class, confidence, and courage takes time to build but I ask you “are you ready to transform your life by adding these elements to it?” 

 

    Now is the time to make the switch. We have generations to follow that need for us as women to lead by example.  In the book of Titus, it tells us to let the older women teach the younger women.  I leave you with this thought: who and what are you teaching to those that are around you?  Will your message be clear and concise on class, confidence, and courage – the power of the three?