Encountering Jesus
I grew up in Miramar, FL with my dad, mom, and older brother. My parents laid a strong Biblical foundation. They taught me the importance of not just being religious, but having a genuine relationship with Jesus. Every summer we would go to our church youth camp, and one summer I had a personal encounter with Jesus like never before. I gave my life to Jesus that summer, got water baptized, and began my new walk with the Lord.
Even after giving my life to Jesus, I would try to use platonic and romantic relationships to fill a void that only God could fill.
My Junior year in high school, I experienced my first heartbreak. As I sat in my room, crying while listening to Brandy’s song “Have You Ever”, the Lord spoke to me clear as day. He asked if I was done playing this heart game with Him. In that moment, I wholeheartedly said yes to Him. I experienced a new love and passion for Him when I allowed Him to love me.
Once I grasped the fact that He loved me and was the only one who could fill the voids in my heart, I truly began to flourish.
Loss and Triumph
There is so much more to my story, but ultimately the repeated theme is that the Lord has never stopped pursuing me. Even in the passing of my father at 13 and my grandfather, who was a father-figure, at 28, God has been the best father I could have ever asked for.
In moments when I feel alone, He reminds me of the promise that I am never alone and never have been.
He has patiently loved me and reminded me of my worth and value through it all.
The Impact of Grace
God used my passion from my own natural hair journey and journey into self-acceptance to birth out my business and my main source of income. My salon, Heart for Hair, wasn’t something that I just made up one day. God placed the vision in my heart and He has directed every step of the journey. All of these moments have led to my success in business and life.
God has given me so much that I do not deserve, even when I tried (and sometimes still try) to be the boss of my life. My entire life has been marked by His grace. Because of His grace, I am still standing here today as a successful Jamaican-American woman. A woman who didn’t allow the adversities in life to stop her from fulfilling her God-given purpose and awakening purpose in others.
What I’m Learning in this Season
This song is a reflection of what I am learning in this season. Press play and enjoy.
What I Want You to Know…
Even though what Christ has done for me is final, there are still moments when I am tempted to put other things in place of God. I have learned that our actions are a reflection of our belief system.
The key to consistently walking in freedom, is mind renewal with the Word of God and that practice is a daily discipline. So don’t feel defeated when thoughts come to mind that feel contradictory to who you are now. Be encouraged by meditating on truth so that you can recognize the lies when they come.
God is a good Father and He is the only one who can fill the depths of your soul with love and purpose. You can trust Him with the details of your life. He loves you, he values you, and through Jesus you have purpose.
And that, my friends, is the truth.
With love,
Simone
What a sweet and beautiful testimony. God bless this sweet Sister in Christ. Love this post! ❤
Donna, I’m so glad! Thank you for stopping by! ❤️ 😄
What a beautiful and encouraging testimony! I love how she is using all of her talents to bring God glory.
Me too Ayanna, me too! Honestly, I think this is a season where God is calling all of us to use all of what He’s given us to bless others and bring Him glory!
I love her testimony! God bless Simone! This story really blessed me!
Aniysa, thank you so much for stopping by! I’m so glad her testimony blessed you 💓
So beautiful, Simone! <3 Thank you for this sweet reminder today!
Thanks so much for reading! ❤️
I love hearing stories of what God has done! Praise Him for His work in Simones life!
Same Brina same 💕 I believe hearing other people’s stories help us all overcome! Thanks so much for stopping by! ❤️
There’s such power in our stories–because God authors them. Loved reading this one and am thankful you shared it. And goodness, Simone has a beautiful voice! Keep singing and running the race so well.
Thanks so much Kristi! God totally uses our stories for His glory! Yes her voice truly beautiful ❤️
Awesome read. Way to go Simone! Loved your testimony. Thanks Ayanna for the blog!
Wow! Thanks for reading Ashley! I’m so glad it blessed you ❤️