Wednesday's Life Lesson

Girl, wake up, it’s Winning Wednesday! And while we are winning, don’t forget to reach back and tell “your village,” thank you. You are the remarkable individual you are because of God and those placed along the journey to pour into you. I have been on a journey of self-reflection since last year, when my parents turned seventy-years old, and recently when I celebrated men and women since January who loved me, supported me, encouraged me, believed in me, corrected me in love when I was wrong, laughed with me during joyous times, prayed with me during hard times, clapped for me, showed up for me, and so much more. 
Today, I salute every person who was a part of my village. Your love and support helped me become the amazing woman, wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, First Lady, etc., that I am today. I am grateful to be standing on the shoulders of giants. I am thankful for the encouragement to believe in the woman I am today. I am grateful to my parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family for the foundation they have given me. I am thankful for my Sunday School teachers who taught us about Jesus, my Girl Scout leaders who instilled the sense of sisterhood and being a salesperson with Girl Scout cookies, my TMBC cheer coaches who believed in the cheerleader in me, my youth leaders who volunteered me to recite parts in church plays to prepare me for public speaking, my teachers and college professors who believed in me further than what I could see, and our church musicians who believed in my background singing voice and who even almost gave me a solo.

​Today, I pause to salute those who reminded me that I am my ancestors' wildest dreams. Those who reminded me that I am bold, black, and beautiful. Those who encouraged me to believe further than my current. Those who loved me while I was still searching and finding who Tikia was. Those who reminded me that my voice, my view, and so much more mattered. Today, I pause to say, “thank you.” I am forever grateful for my village, and it is my responsibility to be what my village has been to me for the next generation. Today is about sending a quick text, email, or phone to thank those who lived in a moment in history when we did not. Those who participated in sit-ins, marches, endured blatant racism, and so much more. Today, we pause to thank you and celebrate you. May the village feel the love, support, and appreciation of this message. We are grateful for your love and support. We promise to constantly remind our children of the sacrifice, your labor of love, and your tears. You are truly appreciated. Always remember that you are loved. Lady T