42

The last time I posted, it was right after my 42nd b'day and I was reflecting on being 2 years strong into my 4th decade. Since, that post I've had the opportunity to travel to the United Kingdom and experience for a brief time how people in a different country live. It was a great experience for which I will always be grateful and hope that I have the opportunity to travel out-of-the-country again. While I was visiting this country, I had the opportunity to visit the International Slavery Museum which had an exhibit called 42 which was a representation through photography of 42 different women of Sierra Leone. This exhibit was powerful and moved me, to tears I might add, because the average lifespan of women in Sierra Leone is 42 years; whereas the lifespan of the average woman in other places is double that.

As I stood and looked at those women's faces and thought about the fact that just a couple of weeks earlier, I had just turned 42, I began to comtemplate if at 42 I had done anything that would make a difference to anyone in a significant way. I began to wonder if I'd lived my 42 years in a way that would leave a legacy for others. Had I lived my life openly, honestly, and in a real way? Had I been a role model to anyone? Had I impacted others in a way that mattered? Then, I thought maybe I haven't, but I'm going to commit to doing those things with the time that I have left. My immediate thought was: my next overseas trip will be to Sierra Leone. I want to go there visit and find a way to help the women there in a meaningful way to increase their lifespan and quality of life.

Now, I have no clue or idea how I'm going to do all of this, but I do know how things work in my life, and I know that when it's time, God will provide the opportunity and the resources to make it  happen. That exhibit changed my life and mindset in a significant way and now I'm just waiting on God to show me His new plan for my life and career. I know He's about to move me in a new direction. I can always tell when major changes are about to take place in my life because my spirit becomes restless. I can't wait to find out what's in store for me and how it's going to help me make a real impact in women's lives. It's amazing how 1 exhibit could make me put so many things in perspective.

42 - when you think about it, that's not a big number. It's a very small piece of the pie. Have we done all that we can do to make a difference in our small #, that's the question? Be blessed and think about how you can use your gifts and talents to impact the lives of others.