You are MORE THAN a bullet point...

 

I like using bullet points when I am preparing to speak, during work or when I want to make a point expediently. When speaking, bullet points, whether they are words or short statements, serve as a prompt to remind me of what content I need to share - I read the word or statement to the right of the bullet point and I flow until my point is made. 

Recently, I participated in a panel discussion on a social platform and was asked to introduce myself. Of the panelist, I spoke first. "My name is Prophetess Tanika Martin and I am a Life Coach, Photographer and Author." That was it. As I listened to my fellow panelists, they shared who they were and how they became, who they are NOW. I heard the spirit of the Lord say, "you are more than a bullet point, allow them to know how you became who you are." I sent a message to the Moderator, informing that I would like to share again before we moved into the topic that we were set to discuss, and I waited. When it was my opportunity to share, I briefly shared my process to becoming who I was now with the audience and I immediately felt the release to release. You see, my first self introduction was a blocker, I presented myself as if, I just arrived as a Minister, Life Coach, Photographer and Author. The second introduction allowed me to share hints of the process and clues that led me to pursue my journey of BECOMING this person with these roles. My sharing MORE made me relatable and it made those who were on a similar journey, tune in to hear me. 

I learned in this moment that there are people we are to lead, teach and impart into. These interactions have to be reciprocal. You have to be relatable, real and open to share the pretty and not so pretty parts of your journey so that people will know that they are on the correct path. Sharing the not so pretty parts of the journey indicates that YOU CAN STILL end up where you are supposed to - I did not give up on my journey and here I stand. You can do the same. Sharing your story can be a labor of love that gives birth to motivation, inspiration and commitment to those that are in your presence or who are able to hear your voice. You must speak. You must tell your story. You must believe in the power that caused you to pursue your journey regardless of the tough terrain. Never be afraid to open up and be a light to others.

Choosing not to be a bullet point, closed, blocked, unyielding, proudful or clogging up the flow of that which God allowed you to go through so that others can SOAR.

Introduce yourself they way that you are supposed to.