30 Reasons Why Tam Speaks

If you didn’t catch all the 30 Reasons Why Tam Speaks from last month, here they are!

I made a commitment to myself.

In January, I made an IG story and told the world that I was going to be committed to doing the things that I have been talking about for years. This blog was one of the things I mentioned! So, here I am, keeping that commitment to myself and to you.

God gave me a voice.

When I first started working through this idea, I went back and forth and verbally told God that no one would care about what I had to say. God used my husband to override that thought and told me; it doesn’t matter what others may say, you say what God has given you to say.”

I actually have a lot to say.

After taking the rebuke from God through my husband, I took some time to write out my ideas. By the time I was done, I had numerous pages. I’m looking forward to discussing everything from gratitude to being a control freak and a WHOLE lot of stuff in between.

I have an amazing support system.

I mean they are bomb! They have kept me accountable and been there when I wanted to throw the whole idea away. Community is so important as we go through life together especially when trying to fulfill your destiny. I’m so grateful for my people!

There’s enough space out here for all of us.

One thing that I would say all the time when I discuss my ideas with my circle is; “but so and so are doing the same thing already.” I legit thought this was a valid excuse to not do what God told me. But time after time I would hear the counter response of “but what did God tell you to do?” I thought about it and I kid you not, this realization came to me while I was in Target. (if you don’t know, I love Target!) I was in the hair product aisle and saw the plethora of shampoos, conditioners, oils, curling crèmes, etc. Seeing all the product brands gave me a peace about my idea! What if the creator of As I Am decided not to launch because Carol’s Daughter was already out there? Or what about Crème of Nature? (btw Crème of Nature products are a part of my hair love language… just thought ya’ll should know!) They could’ve decided to not try an all natural hair line because of an “oversaturated” market. I had to realize that this idea was not by happenstance and by trusting God with it, He will use it to reach those who need it! So, if you’re hesitant about your idea because someone else is doing something similar just take a walk through Target, Ulta, or the beauty supply store and get you some peace!

I’ve been afraid to speak for years.

I actually started writing my thoughts for others to see years ago on Facebook. Ya’ll remember Facebook Notes?? Lol Yea, I did those a couple of times but then I started doing status updates… looonnnggg status updates. Responses were good for the most part. Then, fear set in and I stopped…

I’m feeling the fear and doing it anyway.

I got this from my Sista-Friend, Roshaunda Breeden. Simply put. I know it ain’t easy but push past the fear and do it anyway. I am!

Obeying God is important.

I’m a firm believer in the scripture that says: “…Obedience is better than sacrifice.”-1 Samuel 15:22. I’d rather do what God has instructed me to do; while being uncomfortable, afraid, and whatever else, than to move in disobedience and miss out on an opportunity to grow in God and help be a blessing to others. Someone is waiting on your obedience. Don’t keep them in limbo!

I want to help someone.

As a believer, I believe heavily in the concept of serving others. Mark 10:45 says; “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” I think sometimes we can get caught up in “how can I be served?” vs. “who and how can I serve?” A goal of mine with this space is to serve others through words of encouragement.

I’ll be able to tell my future kids that I did it!

I often get asked when my husband and I are having children… My honest answer right now is “I don’t know.” There is a whole lot I have to say about this topic and it will be discussed… Trust me folks, we’re going to talk about it! However, one thing I am looking forward to, when we do have kiddos, is being an example to them on how to trust God with your gifts, stepping out on faith and allow Him to do the rest! My husband will be a great example of this for sure! But Mommy’s gonna be able to say “Look what I did” too!

I have a testimony.

Who remembers testimony service?? “Giving honor to God, Pastor, First Lady…” Yall know the rest. Lol We all have a story, and I believe many of us would say it is a testament to the goodness of God. God has certainly been good to me and brought me out of situations that I literally did not think I would make it out of. I’m looking forward to sharing my testimony with you!... “If you know the words of prayer, please pray my strength in the Lord.”

His strength is made perfect in my weakness.

2 Corinthians 12:9… God’s grace is sufficient! Trust Him with your idea, business, book, ministry, education, or whatever IT is… Allow God to be the strength to push you forward.

I’m not perfect.

The only way I can be honest with you all is if I’m honest with myself. And honestly, I’m jacked up! I think there is a lot of growth to be accomplished with this concept of being ok with imperfection. So, I’m looking forward to being stretched by being honest about my struggles with you all as my Tam Fam and leaning on that support in order to grow.

Deep down I have always wanted to do something like this.

It’s crazy how fear, insecurities, lack of confidence, etc. can stop you dead in your tracks if you let it. I’ve had had the desire for years to be a voice for God in this way. Some of yall know I’ve talked about it for a while. I thank god for the strength and confidence in Him to finally be free to step out and do this. It’s impacting my life in more ways than one already. I have moments when fear and insecurity will creep up but like I said a few reasons back… I’m feeling it and doing it anyway!

Holding it in won’t help you or me.

A few reasons back, I told you that I want to help someone… Can’t do that if I keep it all to myself, can I? And I’m confident that my own growth will be stunted if I try to hold it all in. Our gifts are not just for us to bask in and enjoy in our personal time. We have to share them!

No one can tell my truth better than I can.

I plan to write my own narrative! If you’re interested in my story and want to get a lot of encouragement along the way, welcome!

There is freedom in telling your struggles while still struggling.

My very wise friend, Ashleigh, said this at an event recently and it moved me to tears. I’m taking this on as one of my reasons because this statement is so true! I think a lot of times we like to share our story once we’ve made it out of the valley… No! Think on how much support, wisdom, encouragement, strength, and FREEDOM there is by letting others know what you are currently going through! Man!

It doesn’t make sense now but it will.

Some times following God’s plan doesn’t make sense… If I’m honest a lot of times for me, following God didn’t and doesn’t make sense but God’s plan (cue Drake…) is always better than our own. I recently had to switch my focus… Here’s what I realized, I found myself many times focusing on all the pieces that don’t make sense and trying to figure out how things are going to fit together. I was literally driving myself crazy trying to figure out in my own strength. The whole time I was missing out on the joy of watching the pieces come together by God’s divine hands! To sit back and watch this thing come together just in itself has been mind-blowing!

I have not been overlooked.

There can be times where we feel like everyone’s prayers are being answered but our own. I’ve felt this recently but again, I had to switch my focus. I encourage you to do the same if you feel this way currently. Think about this, there’s no way God is blessing everyone around you and answering all their prayers and you are not in the mix somewhere. Maybe God is challenging your patience? Maybe God wants to challenge you to genuinely rejoice with those who are currently rejoicing? Maybe God wants to challenge you to get closer to Him before He answers you? Some times God wants to work out some things in us before He can answer us. But that does not mean we have been forgotten about. Say it with me… I have not been overlooked!

It’s my time.

And because I haven’t been overlooked, when it comes to the This is Tam brand it became very clear to me that the time is now! Although I’ve wanted to do this for some time now, I’m honestly not sure if I was ready back then. When I say “ready”, I don’t think that I was in the proper place with God back then. He had to do some stuff in me first. If you’re wondering what “stuff” I’m talking about, it’s coming in future blogs.

God is great and greatly to be praised.

Anybody else sang this song in Gospel choir during high school or college?! This reason is random but think about it… There’s always a reason to give God praise!

God is glorified in the process.

Proverbs 3:5-6 is one of my favorite passages of scripture. The process may seem crazy to us but God knows what He’s doing so we have to trust Him. Developing the This is Tam brand has not been the easiest process but I’m content in knowing that God is working in the process. Trust God even if you don’t completely understand, He’s in the process!

My truth is my truth and it matters.

My truth is just that, mine. I mentioned writing my own narrative a few reasons back, right? I often have comments directed toward me that let me know there are assumptions about my life. One example relates to the fact that I married a man with big dreams! Wanna know how I really feel about it? Here is where I’ll my truth.

I love people.

If you know me, you know I’m all about showing love in whatever way I can. In my experience a major component in showing love is being present. Being present doesn’t always have to be physical. One joy of the digital world and social media is we can be present in supporting each other regularly without physically laying a hand on one another. It’s my goal to build an online community that will love loving on each other! I’m looking forward to walking through many layers of life with my Tam Fam while loving, encouraging, and supporting each other a long the way.

I won’t have peace if I don’t.

Have you ever had a gnawing taste for something you love and the feeling just doesn’t go away? You can try to sustain from it for days or maybe even a week but the taste of cake or ice cream or a cheeseburger just won’t LEAVE YOU ALONE?! That’s where I’ve been since January. Regardless of the excuses I tried to make up, nothing has satisfied the hunger to obey God in this way until I actually stepped out and started to feel relief. I don’t feel complete relief because I know God has a lot of work for me to do but the urge is subsiding! So my friend, if you can’t shake IT (whatever your it is), my prayer is that it will annoy the heck out of you until you step out on faith and do it! Get to it and get you some peace!

Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to me.

Martha Munnizi sang it best! Lol

Transparency is important.

I’ve learned that as believers, we can do a much better job at this. Being real and honest about our struggles doesn’t mean we are weak or boasting in our weaknesses but it shows a level of humility and truth that could help push us all to wholeness.  God not only wants us to be transparent and vulnerable with Him but with our community as well. I’m all about it and hope to cultivate a safe space for others to walk in the gift of transparency as well.

Contentment is Joy.

And comparison is the thief of it! I have found myself, in the past and recently, getting so wrapped up in watching everyone else and their “perfect” life that it had me second guessing my own. Don’t compare yourself or your situation to the next person because there is so much joy in being content with what you already have. We’re going to discuss this plenty in our blog time together and I’m really looking forward to it.

We’re in this together.

This will be our mantra! There’s nothing like community to build with, support each other, encourage one another and love on each other. You’re not alone my friends. Let’s enjoy the journey. We’re in this together!

My portion has purpose.

We’ve already dived into this but here’s a summary… God gave me this phrase back in 2014. At the time I was really struggling with being satisfied and content with my life. Best way to describe it, I didn’t think what I had was enough. But God helped me to see otherwise! Go back to read the full blog!

I hope this helps you see a little bit more of my heart for this space and our time together!

Be content and remember, your portion has purpose.

With Love,
Tam