sunday sentiments - serve someone today
if everyone helped someone else, all needs would be met
Happy New Year!
I pray that you all experienced a smooth transition into 2025. I spent it quietly and intimately in the comfort of my four walls with the usual suspects. My mother-in-law and cousin came over, we cooked, and watched our church service online.
I’ve actually spent the past few New Years Eve’s at my house with my family and prefer it that way.
I shared in a previous substack how my word for the year was Follow-Thru : only focusing on the tasks that I created in 2024 (or before) and working to bring those things to completion. I know me - I am a stickler for new car smells (metaphorically). In fact, one of my top 5 strengths from the Strengthsfinder is Activator. I can start some amazing things.
Now, the follow through and the finish - this is the area I need the greatest support in. Especially with a toddler.
But a recent conversation I had with a friend and creative-colleague sparked something in me. She said, "I am doing NOTHING alone this year. Everything I aspire to accomplish, I will have help.”
I know that’s right.
I always subscribe to the notion that aint no such things as “self-made.” Even in times where you feel like you are operating in isolation, there’s always someone working on your behalf. Advocating for you. A grandmother’s prayers still interceding for you.
But to be intentional with requesting assistance and seeking help, being explicit with how others can help you - THAT is the golden nugget. I touch and agree.
So while my word for the year is Follow - Thru, the attached theme is “In Community.”
Something as simple as following up with someone who tells you, “let me know if you need anything or how I can support you” can get the ball rolling.
I experienced the blessing of this, this past week. Another good friend of mine who is an amazing creative offered to support me in I took her up on the offer. I told her I was in need of some graphics for my upcoming podcast and in true Ashlee Fashion, she delivered with promptness and quality.
I am so grateful for my community and excited to share the launch of this newest endeavor.
The main blessing isn’t that I have assets for my podcast, it’s the fact that I have a God-centered and creative network of people with a heart for service.
Goals can be met quicker if all of us had a heart posture of serving others. I know how hard that is when you are struggling to get your own needs met and we live in a “but did you send the invoice” kind of culture.
But community is a currency that you can never put a pricetag on but will never return to you void. The investment in true community will have your needs and wants met - even some you never verbalized.
So I charge you, as you curate your latest vision board and writing out your goals for the year, leave space for a “Service” section.
Who can you serve this week?
Who do you need to call/text just to remind them that they are on your spirit and you are praying for them.
What organization/cause do you hold near and dear that you can lend your time and talents to this year.
Just some food for thought.
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What am I Watching
I was able to watch two films that have definitely left an imprint on my spirit: Never Too Much: Luther Vandross documentary and A Jazzman’s Blues - a film directed by Tyler Perry that was released in 2022.
Y’all know how I feel about non-fictional films so Luther’s highly anticipated film had my mind and heart. I grew up on his music and most of his music are included in my current playlists (y’all know I’m 65 in a 34 year old body.) But to learn about his journey and how many people in the industry truly loved him was refreshing to see. But he deserved so much more and his life was cut too short (to me).
Now, A Jazzman’s Blues ….. whew. Bayou’s story (the protagonist) was heavy on my spirit when I woke up the next day. I know it’s a fictional story but the elements of the film were definitely reflective of our history. Surprisingly, this was also one of Tyler Perry’s best directed films (to me).
What am I Reading
In honor of the word “Follow-Thru,” I am picking up books that I haven’t finished previously and re-reading books that need another go ‘round in this season. Currently, I am reading The Obstacle is the Way as well as the 12-Week Year (audiobook).
The key things to note about The Obstacle is the Way is viewing your challenges as opportunities for growth - shifting your perspective to be an overcomer and innovator instead of a victim or someone who life just happens to. Very timely for me in this season.
What am I Listening to
We recently made a day trip to Houston for my daughter’s games and on the way, my husband put me on to a sports podcast. Carmello Anthony’s podcast: 7pm in Brooklyn is a storytelling haven. Since I’ve been knee deep in podcast research mode, I’ve been studying other successful podcast and how they flow through storytelling with their guests, the ads they choose to align with on their platform, and the music they use to keep people engaged. I highly recommend you take a listen - especially if you are a sports fan.
Scripture I am Clinging to
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone and the new is here.” - 2 Corinthians 5:17
This resonates with me in many ways:
Each new day is a renewed day. An opportunity to think, act, and move differently. Make decisions that move me closer and closer to God.
Be released from my past. Be grateful for it and the grace that God used to cover me in those season - but to release them to keep me light for what God wants to give me today.
I charge you to lean into service this week. To offer up your time, talents, network, resources to someone (or someone’s in need).
If someone recently told you “let me know if you need anything,” make sure you follow up and be explicit with your need. The worst someone can say is no.
Let’s meet our goals in community this season!
-Alana Marie