Girl, Get Up And Go!

Today is May 30, 2020, the one year mark of my move to Texas! I'll go ahead and jump to my conclusion; I'm pretty sure it was the best move for me! I always pictured myself moving to Texas after college, not for any particular reason. It was just a goal of mine. I just wanted the opportunity for "more" and I wanted a different scenery than what I was used to, at home. Coming from a small Arkansas town, it's not difficult to see the reality of the statement, "Everything is bigger in Texas!" For me, that's true! There are more places to eat, more stores to shop, more people to see, and I like that! Despite the fact that I'm a homebody, I want to know that I can choose from a PLETHORA of options if I decide to leave my house! Amen?

So how did I make the decision to pack up my things and move to a new state, seemingly overnight? The journey was undeniably God-led! As previously stated, I'd had the goal to move in my heart for a while, but I wasn't acting on it. The lack of action was due to my fear of the unknown. I didn't know if I could make it in a new place without my friends, and I wasn't sure that I had the skills to acquire and maintain the type of job that I wanted. Since graduating college, I'd worked jobs that I absolutely did not love. I'd spent two years post-grad, praying about my purpose; trying to decipher what I truly desired, and spending time getting to know myself. When I reached the point of certainty that God and I were on one accord in all of those matters, I felt like He just started overwhelming me with signs. I felt the urge to start researching the move, and looking into jobs. Every new person I had a conversation with would say, "I'm from Texas!" I'd log onto social media and every post would read, "MAKE THAT MOVE!" or "TAKE THAT CHANCE!" or "DON'T BE SCARED!" It was so clear, but I was still doubtful; I still didn't fully believe in myself.

In April of 2019, two of my friends invited me to Bible-Study at their church where they were new members. The lesson subject came from Joshua, Chapter 8. To sum up the first verse, God immediately tells Joshua, "Do not hesitate. Do not be afraid. The resources that I've already provided you are enough - take those! I will work it out when you get there, as I've done for you before! Get up and go!" My best friend and I instantly burst into tears upon hearing this WORD! He sent me a text while were still in the meeting that read, "You know this is for you, right? You've been praying. This is your answer." At that moment, I was undoubtedly sure that God was talking to me. He was practically screaming at me! Here I am, at a church I've never been to, studying with people whom I don't know, and I received all the confirmation that I didn't even know I needed. I needed to get up and go!

After this encounter, of course, I then felt a fire to really make it happen! I started looking online for jobs and apartments in Dallas. I didn't really get a lot of traction that way, and I knew I'd need to consult someone familiar with the area about places to live before making a decision. So, I started contacting friends and relatives in the DFW area to ask for advice and inquire if they knew of any available jobs. Everyone was extremely helpful and excited that I intended to make a brave move on my own! Within two weeks, one of my friends called me about a job opening where she worked! She was getting a promotion, so her current position was open! She put in a good word for me, I applied, I went through all of the phases of their interviewing processes, and I got the job! God delivered on the Word the He sent me (Joshua 8:1)! He sent someone I know to go before me and clear the path for me!

Two weeks later, I started a brand new job in a new city! I had packed all of my belongings, put them in storage, and drove to Dallas with only my clothes. I was nervous and excited! From the first day, I knew that I loved my job and I met my coworker, who was hired to work in tandem with me, and she has become my best friend! A month later, another girl joined our team, so we became a tricycle! These girls have given me counsel, kept me company, and gone on adventures with me since my arrival! I'm so grateful that God placed them in my path, as they have been instrumental in my experience!

This year, I have developed new skills, strengthened my resolve, picked up some healthy habits, made new friends, and gained the confidence to pursue my passion project - this blog! I'm aware that I'm a person that typically moves slowly in many ways. The actual move happened so fast, but I wanted to take my time getting settled here. I worked hard to understand my new job and become comfortable with the flow of things at work. I found an apartment and took my time getting to know the surrounding areas. More importantly, I've also found my favorite Target locations and my favorite taco shop! So, I am honestly satisfied with this little bit of progress. Now, that I've got the swing of things, my goal is to branch out more; attend more events, network, meet more people, make more new friends, and maybe date a little more ....all in hopes to have more opportunities to make a positive impact in someone's life!

I don't think I've ever been this happy or this at peace, and sometimes, I wonder, "How did I get here?"

I get emotional at the thought of how blessed I've been. I don't think I've ever been this happy or this at peace, and sometimes, I wonder, "How did I get here?" I think God rewards our obedience! He's proven to me time and time again that I can trust His promises, so I never doubt His voice and neither should you! I share my story in hopes that it resonates with you! There are goals in your heart that you may doubt. Pray about them. Ask God to lead you in the right direction, then be open to listen! If you have ideas and passions that you cannot shake, God has given you those for a reason! Act on them! Take the first step! God doesn't give us the whole road map at once...He uncovers it mile by mile; we just have to obey and enjoy the journey! Do not hesitate! Do not fear! Get up and go!