Everything Must Go: Get Familiar with the #SeasonofShedding

“@LifeoftheUj, as we knew it, was extinct, indefinitely. ”

There are more than just four seasons as it pertains to the weather. I recently discovered the perfect term for the season I frequently find myself in: the season of shedding. Figuratively, shedding could mean anything within the realm of shedding hair, shedding pounds, or even shedding skin (as it pertains to our reptile friends). In a season of shedding, you may challenge yourself to shed, elsewhere, as well. However, in this particular season, we’re specifically shedding those around us, and the baggage that they entail.

Not too long ago I heard a word from Christ. It was after a praise and worship night at my church, and after a close girlfriend of mine and I had an intense, tear-shedding, conversation in her car following the vigil. When I got upstairs, and walked into my room, I was met with an overwhelming sense of emotion. I didn’t know where it derived, and I couldn’t identify whether I was sad, upset, hurt, or if I just wanted to cry. But, I laid in bed, and as per usual, I unlocked my phone, and pressed my thumb to open Instagram for a final evening scroll. As soon as I opened it, a voice went through my head, “Get rid of it.”

I heard it.

But, I tried to rationalize that I didn’t hear it. I tried to figure out the reason. I don’t take distractions well, and I never viewed Instagram as a distraction, so that was out of the question. I, then, thought about the running challenge for the month of September that I just launched in my IG Story! I thought about my business, I thought about work, and I thought about my upcoming projects. I thought of a handful of reasons why I should take what I heard, and follow it partially.

Soon, I searched for the steps on Google, so that if I were to do it, I would know how. I woke up the next morning, and reminded myself that partial obedience is STILL disobedience. I got rid of it. Not a word, not a rhyme or reason, not a single explanation. @LifeoftheUj, as we knew it, was extinct, indefinitely.

This year of my life is my #YearofIntent (A story for another day, I’m sure), but I absolutely did not expect to simultaneously transition into a #SeasonofShedding. I am very contradictory when it comes to orthodox social views, particularly those of FOMO and losing friends. Have you ever heard of “JOMO”? That is my life in a nutshell! I genuinely find JOY in missing out! Losing friends: I take pleasure in it. Why? Because I fully believe that God places the right people around me, and positions my footsteps to the places I need to be.

Being estranged from social media has been such a joy for my unhealthy JOMO. And honestly, since I deactivated my account, I haven’t looked back. (I checked my weather a lot, because my thumbs needed something to do, but weather is really important because I walk around a lot! lol.) Yes, there are minor aspects that I miss, but I really do appreciate the clearer perspective as to those who are genuinely there for me. Some people took is as a major S-O-S, (which it wasn’t), but I will never forget those who genuinely reached out to show concern. I have a special place in my heart for those who continue to make a conscious effort to include me in their life and happenings, and vice versa.

Albeit, my heavy involvement in digital age tools and multimedia, a huge proponent of my being is taking conversations from the screen, and reviving them in person. I find so much joy in feeling secure without social media to have the right people who God put in my life, for the right reasons, and all the seasons. So much has come from this season, and the shedding has been amazing. It was my obedience that brought me here, and my Faith that continues to drive me, not knowing what to expect from this season. But, honestly, I feel so confident that with a word like that, God has something very specific planned for me, and He has been working overtime, since!

No, I don’t know when my account will be back, and no, I don’t have an expected timeline, as I don’t consider this to be a break. I am just servant of Christ, patiently waiting on His word to tell me what’s next.