This weekend I went back home for family and friends day, and of course that means making it a weekend trip, staying overnight, and going to church on Sunday.
Most of you probably don't know this, but my mom is a pastor. Yep, I'm a PK (preachers kid). That means, if you've heard her preach before, you've probably heard her use me as an example in her message! Ya know, it just comes with the territory lol.
Anyways, as my mom finishes preaching, she sends me a message asking if I want to come up and share my testimony about my upcoming book.
(This is literally the response I sent her 👇🏾 because ma'am, you know I'm bashful!)
Not that it's not a testimony worth sharing, but for some reason I tend to shy away from talking about certain things happening in my life.
I'm sure I'm not the only one guilty of this 🥹
It's like, you're thankful for all that God is doing in your life, but you're overly mindful that you don't come off as bragging. It seems like a fine line that can be easily crossed.
But as I was sitting there waiting to go up, God reminded me that our testimonies are sometime the proof that others need to find hope in their own lives, and the enemy will use the trick of making you believe you're "bragging", when really, you're just giving someone else the permission to believe in their own breakthrough.
So, this email is a simple reminder for anyone who is hesitant to share your good news.
It's not about saying look at me, but rather, look at what GOD did for me.
You will offer people more hope from speaking up than you ever will from being silent.
If God was so gracious enough to turn your test into a testimony, what sense does it make to keep it to yourself? Testimonies are meant to be told. They’re living proof that He still answers prayers, still makes a way, and still shows up for us beyond what we can imagine.
So, the next time you find yourself trying to silence your good news, remember, your story has the power to change someone else's life.
Xoxo,
Taneshia
P.S. If you're new here, here's the short version of my testimony!
I've been writing online since 2018. I've released several products throughout my journey, but in 2021 I decided I wanted to write a book. I pitched a literary agent, and she turned me down. She couldn't see the vision behind the book (and that was okay). I self-published that book and had a lot success with it. Fast forward to January 2024, I got the courage to write 'Author' on my vision board. By February, I had an inbox from a literary agent (hey Stephanie, if you're reading this!) and by May, I had book deal with Harper Collins Christian Publishing. It took 6 years for everything to come full circle, but it still felt like perfect timing. This is just a little reminder to be patient with God.
My new book releases early 2026! I'm just waiting on the green light to share the title, cover and other details, but as soon as I have it, you'll be the first to know 💃🏾