Confidence is.. The Magazine

By: Shonna L. Stoot

Dating was new to me but I had to take a chance. After months of dating, he would try to get me to explore new things and my reply would be, No I don't do that. For example, he wanted to just chill at a lounge and listen to music. I said noooooo, I don't drink, smoke, or hang out with people, I go to church and straight home. I don't party. That's the mindset I had. He would tell me there's more to life than just sitting in the house. Finally, I decided to allow him to take me out and it was the best decision. We had so much fun. That was just the beginning. He started taking me places I've never been, the best restaurants, best shopping stores, trips and etc. One day I said to myself, this is living! Omggggg I've missed out on so much but that's how good God is, he's a restorer.

One day in conversation the question was asked, Let's get a house and move in together? I replied, ohhhh noooo we not married and people would judge me. I was taught better than that. My dad would be upset. Welllll, I called my dad's godmother who's a spiritual leader and discussed it with her. She asked me what did I think? I told her no ma ' am we not married, I need a ring first. She immediately started screaming at me, literally! She shouted, Get out your head and let that man take care of you, marriage will come later "! I thought about what she said, prayed on it, received my confirmation from God himself, and moved according to His will not mine. I'm glad I did, best decision ever!

I realized a lot of things I was taught growing up in life and church was wrong. I had to unlearn what I was taught and LIVE!

1) It' s ok to date and not marry right away, get to know one another and when the time is right God will let you know.

2) Everything is not a sin. Its ok to have fun and not judge others for their actions

3) It's ok not to be perfect, you will fail at times but don't stay there. Get back up and start over

4) Its ok to trust again, everyone is not out to harm you. Pray and ask God to protect your heart and give you wisdom and discernment.

5) The church is in you, you don't have to be in a building.

6) Shacking is NOT in the BIBLE! When you find it let me know