Hey loves, It’s me! Just popping in to tell you how proud I am of you. Yup! It’s true. I am SO proud of you! You are navigating these seasons with intentionality and strength, even when you don’t feel that strong sometimes. You are taking steps toward wholeness, even though it’s hard to do sometimes. You are making space in your life for the things that you love, and the people that love you. You are learning how to choose where your time is invested, and making healthy choices that will have positive ripple effects in you future. You are making the same mistakes less and less, and that’s called progress. And you are advocating for yourself, even though it feels uncomfortable sometimes. You are being an example of dignity, fearlessness, authenticity and creativity. You are bold. You are soft AND strong. You are lovely, and you are so kind…and I am proud of you. xoxo, Stasia RoseWhen I sit down to write, the strangest thing happens… I become absolutely paralyzed with ideas. Yeah, I know. It sounds crazy, but it’s true! It’s honestly like clockwork. More often than not, when I sit down to write a blog post or an article, my brain is suddenly overtaken by a small army of ideas and angles to use when approaching the piece. Don’t get me wrong - ideas are great, but too many ideas can be outright debilitating. Truth be told, I thought writer’s block was supposed to be the opposite. I thought a writer’s greatest challenge was coming up with ideas for content, but that’s just not the case for me. For me, the real challenge comes when faced with the blank page. I don’t know which art you chose to pursue creating, but if you’re anything like me and have a hard time figuring out where to start - I’m here to share a few encouraging things with you:
From head, to heart, to hands, to you. That’s my creative process. What’s yours? With all the love, Stasia Rose
Other times we don’t value our dreams enough. We throw them on the back burner. We ignore them. And when we witness others treating our dreams like shit, it can hurt us like a swift blow to the gut. Do me a favor. Acknowledge your dreams. Respect your dreams. Whether in your career, education, or relationships; write them down and then work hard to make them a reality. Your dreams will thank you for it – just watch. Love, STASIA ROSEWhen we were children, we were wildly content to live in the moment. We were little wide-eyed warriors, ready to take risks and allow the wonder of life to unfold in its time. We had no idea what to expect from our futures, but we had faith to believe that the possibilities were as limitless as we were. We took on each day as it came. We happily walked home in the rain, without a jacket, stepping in puddles that soaked our socks and filled our joy meters. We intricately constructed sandcastles and promptly tore them down with equal levels of excitement. We let our imaginations run wild! We warmly invited the shy kids along as we roamed the neighborhoods multi-colored metal kingdoms, collecting “magical stones” that would one day save the world. We believed everything would be okay. We were faithful and fearless. That was the magic of innocence and youth Sure, we anticipated dessert after dinner. Sure, we wanted another birthday party the moment we blew out our birthday candles…but in terms of the future, we were generally steady, adaptable, trusting and warmly inviting of the future and all it held for us. I have officially been living in Israel for one week. Just one second…I had to re-read that sentence a few times because it still seems so surreal. I have been welcomed into a community of faith-filled believers and sincerely beautiful human beings. I have reconnected with old friends (Lynzi and Vanessa), and I have made new friends as well (you know who you are)! I have been overwhelmed with kindness and mercy since the moment I set foot in this country, and I am thankful for all of the above. I am learning that the further away from our comfort zones we choose to place ourselves, the more childlike our faith becomes. Okay, I know the word childlike can often have a negative connotation...but in regards to faith, I think being childlike is actually a good thing! In Mark 10:13-16 it reads “And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.” I believe that our ability to pursue a childlike faith in every season of our lives can allow God to do the greatest works in and through us. It can also allow us to see the world a little bit brighter, and a little bit more beautiful. It encourages us to see ourselves the way God sees us, and recognize the Lord’s glorious light shining within us. This whole experience of leaving everything familiar, and moving to the Holy Land for three months has pushed me to depend on the Lord in a whole new way. To lean on his promises. To be still and listen to His voice day and night. Every road I discover is new and exciting. Every friend that I meet will be forever treasured. With every conversation, I am learning, growing and discovering something new about Him and His people. I’ve found myself even more interested in Jewish culture, and the intricate relationship between Jew and Gentile in the Bible. I am in awe of this season. I am, once again, a little wide-eyed warrior, ready to take more risks and allow the wonder of life to unfold in its time. Shalom, Stasia RoseThe Day I Discovered My Different I grew up in the suburban wilderness of New England. Among the pine trees, apple groves and fragrant lilacs. Each of the small-town roads winded from one predominantly white neighborhood to the next. In school, I was almost always the only black child in my classroom. Sometimes I was the only black child in my entire grade and school. For a long time this was not unusual to me. I wouldn't even think about how different my skin made me. In many ways, I think my innocence had protected me from the feelings of loneliness, fear, and self-consciousness that quickly inundate our senses the moment we discover we are different. Like, really different. I remember the day I discovered my different. I was alone in my bedroom, probably journaling or writing a short story, when I saw it. I had held out my small hand so it showed in the light. I rotated it slowly. Examining its every curve and wrinkle. Seeing my long fingers, my deep nail beds, and the veins that sat just below the surface. Then I saw my brown skin, holding it all together. I remember thinking “My skin looks so different from everyone else’s skin. Why am I so different?” And then it happened... I cried. I wept big, round, elephant tears. Alone in my bedroom, without warning, and with my whole heart – I cried. Maybe it was because I knew that I could no longer live in the comfort of my ignorant bliss. Maybe it was because I had uncovered a harsh realization that should have stayed buried for just a few more years. Maybe I cried because I knew that I couldn’t change me, even if I wanted to. I would always be different, and my skin was a physical reminder of that lonely divide. Now don’t get me wrong. To this day, I have never WANTED to be white. I am only mentioning that because I don’t want anyone assuming that’s the case. I simply didn’t understand why I had to be SO different from my classmates. Sure, now and then I wonder what it would feel like being white. I wonder how I might be treated. I wonder how my life would be different. I wonder... Would I still be followed around in stores? Would store managers comment on how “surprisingly good” my credit score is? (Yup - true story. This actually happened to me at the Banana Republic in a New Hampshire Mall.) Would they call me “Entitled,” and tell me how they “Can see why people would call me privileged?” Also both true and sadly recent stories. For some reason, I have the sinking suspicion that these things wouldn’t have happened to me if I was white. Maybe I’m wrong, but these are my honest thoughts nonetheless. " She is the treasure of her tribe. The legacy of the men and women before her. She is the beauty, grace, and love of her mother and her mother’s mother. " I look back on that little girl. I see her silent tears, and I weep for and with her. She did not yet know of the power that lies in her luminescent skin. She hadn't learned about the rich history that has been woven into the royal fabric of her story. She hadn’t yet been told the legacy of courageous, wise, selfless and loving women who proceeded her. She is the treasure of her tribe. The legacy of the men and women before her. She is the beauty, grace, and love of her mother and her mother’s mother. I AM MY ANCESTORS WILDEST DREAMS!A once hope of my people, now realized. AND SO ARE YOU! Our "different" is our power! Use your different to make a difference in the world! You don't have to any longer wait to share your story, lift your voice and leave a legacy. We have been strategically placed in an era desperate for love, empathy, and more fearless pioneers. We have been given the honor, blessing, and burden of empowering the voices of women to rise up and be heard! Black, white, brown, yellow, red, and all of the beautiful colors in between. If I could go back to that bedroom, I would stand beside that little girl. I would warmly embrace her, look her in the eyes and say: “Wipe your tears baby girl. You are His beautiful creation! A work of art! Now, we don’t have much time, and we’ve got some important work to do.” Stasia RoseI’ve always been intrigued by my physical features. Big luscious lips, high cheek bones, warm chocolate skin, brown almond-shaped eyes, small ears, elegant collar bone, long legs & limbs, curly brown hair, slender frame, athletic build. Gosh…it’s such an interesting combination. In recent years, my curiosity has only grown. So this year, for Christmas, I took the leap and purchased a 23andMe genealogy test for myself in an effort to learn more about the melting pot that is my genetic makeup. CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE 23ANDME TEST FOR YOURSELF! Note: My best friend is a scientist, and she shared with me her perspective on completing these sort of tests and the potential danger in giving these companies complete access to your precious DNA. I’m only saying this because it is a serious decision that you should consider before you spit in the tube (like I did). I wanted to share my ancestry composition on this MLK day to show that I am proud of who I am. Honored to be in a country that my ancestors endured through pain and trials to build. Proud of the men and women of all races who have taken their stands for justice, freedom and equality. Who have made a positive difference in the world we now live in. First - I was pleasantly surprised when my results stated that I am 100% Anastasia (Wooo…that was a close call. Glad I finally have that in writing). I am also… 82% West African 12% European (British & Irish) 2% East Asian & Native American <1% South Asian 2% Unassigned If I’m honest, my first response to seeing my results was pure shock. I was SHOCKED that I was over 82% West African. I actually thought “Wow. What am I doing HERE then?” I was also shocked that I am more European than Native American! 12%?! That’s a lot! After my initial shock came the bittersweet realization that the area of West Africa my ancestors are from also was a huge target in the slave trade…which it answered my initial question “What am I doing here?” I know these percentages are just numbers on a screen. But if I am honest with myself, they are more than that to me. They begin to tell a story that has been untold to me for so long. I picture each of my ancestors at my age, 28, and wonder what life they had lived in their generation. What joy they had, what trials they endured, what their hopes and dreams were. And if, in some way, I am living them out in my life – all these generations later. I don’t want to dwell in the past. Not at all. But I do want to use the past as motivation, and continue to look forward. I want to continually dedicate my hands, my voice and my heart to the labor of building an ever brighter, fuller future for the generations of loved ones to follow. No matter where in the world they will one day call home. Love, Stasia Rose“And David realized that the Lord had established him as king over Israel, and that he had exalted his Kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.”…and David realized… In the midst of David’s seemingly inevitable and long overdue rise to Kingship. In the midst of all his great growth and the exultation of his people…he came to this powerful realization: That all of this. Everything that had happened in, to and through him. All of the enemies he had defeated. All of the enemies that tried to defeat him. All of those long days in the hot sun watching over the bleating sheep. All of it. Everything. HIS ENTIRE LIFE! …all led to this simple and powerful realization. The He (God) would be exalted or the sake of His people Israel. I believe, in that moment, that realization became a “true north” for David. I also believe, that these same deep and powerful realizations are waiting to be realized in our own lives, our own hearts and our own minds. They are waiting to be lived out in real time, like David’s was. If you don’t already know your deep purpose. Your true north. Or, if you have been given a glimpse into it but don’t yet have the full picture… MY PRAYER FOR YOU (US) IN 2018My prayer is that you seek it out. My prayer is that the Lord would open your eyes, your ears, and your hearts to it starting now, and extending into the year to come. And once you know. Once you have realized what “it” is, I pray that you would have the courage to do something about it. That you would share it with your family and friends. That you would write it down on paper. That you would remind yourself of it day-and-night. That you would allow that truth to be your true north, and remain unshaken when you get a little turned around or lost in your own achievements and trials. I am in awe how the Holy Spirit can speak to our hearts in different, yet powerful ways when reading the same chapters. This was my second time reading 2 Samuel 5. There were so many things that stood out to me when I read it yesterday that I just knew in my heart that the Lord would reveal something else to me about it today – and I am so glad this was the case. I am glad that He did. I hope you have the opportunity to read this chapter as well. If you do, leave a comment! I would love to read about some of the things that stood out to you most. Love, Stasia RoseGrowth, true growth, happens over time. Success, true success, is developed over time. As the muscles in our bodies must tear in order to grow back stronger, so too must we encounter trials, hardships and successes in order to grow stronger still. When we find ourselves in a difficult season, whether in life or career, let's encourage one another to steady. When we find ourselves in a high season, and it seems like everything is going right, let's encourage one another to steady. Steady our hearts. Steady our minds. Steady our actions. Steadiness: Let us not allow ourselves to become so overwhelmed by our trials that we neglect to recognize the trials for what they really are...unique opportunities for growth. Let us not allow ourselves to become so arrogant in our successes that we neglect to recognize those moments for what they really are...unique opportunities for growth. What's the not so secret ingredient for continual personal and professional growth? Steadiness. Love, Stasia RoseIt was a Tuesday afternoon. You were visiting the local coffee shop Sipping on your cold brew And like magic... It happened. You and an IDEA totally connected. You didn’t see that coming. Barely anyone noticed. But the chemistry was undeniable. Congratulations! How exciting! Now, I bet you’re wondering... What’s next? I know I would be! My advice - Date your idea. Give it a chance. Spend some time with it. Get to know it a little better. Be open to the possibility that this could really be something. Date your idea. It’s okay to write down how you really feel about it. Fill your diary with little hearts and doodles. No judgement (we all do it) That’s part of the fun! Date your idea. Have you noticed any good signs?
Any red flags? Go ahead - write those down too. Both are very important to consider. Date your idea. Now, I know you two have been spending a lot of time together… I mean, you haven’t been apart for more than an hour. Try not to get so attached that it clouds your better judgement. Talk about it with trusted friends & mentors. Date your idea. Listen - I really hope it works out! I mean that. But there is also a chance that it won’t. And that’s okay too. I promise another one will come along Right when you least expect it. And when it does, you should date that one too! We can’t predict the future. We never know what our ideas will become. So let's keep dating them, and remaining open to the possibility that with lots of time, effort and attention, they could really turn into something special! (Date Your Idea written by Stasia Rose) To the Fatherless Daughter, You’re not alone, my dear. Every young woman is born with a strong and sacred love for her father. From birth we have an unexplainable desire to trust him, lean on him and believe the best in him. The role of a father in the life of his daughter is a sacred one. There is no doubt of the importance of this relationship dynamic. Truth is, every daughter desires to have a special bond with their father; regrettably, not every girl has the chance. Whether or not your father is absent voluntarily or involuntarily, similar struggles can often present themselves as you move forward and learn to navigate life without him. Sixteen years ago, I lost my father. As I write this letter, I have lived the majority of my life without him. I was eleven years old when he passed and I was completely unaware of the unique set of challenges that it would create for me over time because of such a heartbreaking and confusing loss. I, too, have felt the impact of being a fatherless daughter and have seen the ripples of it in my closest relationships, greatest successes and most difficult seasons. You may not know it now, but one day you will come to realize that this heartbreaking experience will become yet another beautiful and brilliant part of who you are. My story has created in me a passion for helping other women navigate this shift. I am writing you this letter with the sheer hope that a few of the life lessons I’ve learned along the way will guide you in navigating your own unique journey. Learn to forgive your father. Learn to forgive yourself.Do this by remembering the small and perfect moments you spent together. If you were not able to create these memories with your father, I encourage you to write down the lessons that you learned from his legacy instead. If at all possible, seek out ways to honor your father.Dedicate one day a year when you meditate on him, spending more of your energy thinking about the things he did right. This can be Father’s Day, or another date that holds significant meaning. You can donate your time to helping other young men and women with similar experiences, write an encouraging letter to your father (even if it’s one you never send) or recreate a sentimental moment that you both shared (like building a bird house or visiting a park). You may not know it now, but one day you will come to realize that this heartbreaking experience will become yet another beautiful and brilliant part of who you are. Try to avoid using sarcasm as a shield or a defense mechanism for dealing with the pain.Instead, speak truth into your life and circumstances. Always seek out the beauty in life and in others. Watch as this begins to chip away at the walls around your heart and lead to greater joy and happiness. Truth is, the world needs you! The real you. Make the choice today and every day to do the hard work of digging deep and being vulnerable with yourself and with others who seek to understand more you. Learn to identify your feelings and emotions. Call them out. Learn how you feel sadness, anger, loneliness, joy, happiness, contentment and love. Seek out a mentor or counselor who can help you work through these emotions. I did and it made all the difference! Your vulnerability is what will draw people to you. It’s what makes us all human. You are lovely. You are simply magnificent. And your scars are a small part of the beautiful mosaic that makes you who you are. Each day, choose to live a life that will make you happy, a life that a true father would deeply desire his beloved daughter to live. I know it’s hard. Have courage and take heart. Never for one moment be ashamed of your story. Own it. Lean into it. You have the power to change your narrative and transform your story into a force for good that will encourage and inspire others. I believe with every fiber of my being that we can choose to allow our greatest challenges to hold us back in fear or propel us ever forward in love. Choose forward. Choose love. Written by Stasia Rose. First published on www.DarlingMagazine.org on June 18. 2017
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