Fastingg? In 2021...sis

Trust me. Fasting is not something that we see young people out here in these streets doing. Every January in my youth ministry we would have a start of the year fast. For me- I was always hype because my New Years resolution was to lose weight and I just knew that one year my fast of "no meats, no sweets, no soda" would help me get right... I clearly had the game all messed up.

Something shifted in 2020 for me. I participated in Transformation Church's 21 days of prayer and fasting. I had a group of four friends with me and I felt in my heart I needed to cut out drinking, smoking, secular music and all types of explicit images (insta thirst traps, twitter after dark, and those videos that you have to clear your browser afterwards.) I didn't know why I was doing that but I knew that I need and wanted so desperately for my relationship with Christ to be stronger. I fasted and prayed and journaled seeking clarity but I was honestly so caught up in the food. I was trying to see if I could eat black bean burgers or chipotle or if I could have nice cream and smoothies. I was putting all of my focus on the food. After the 21 days I felt better mentally and physically but my spirit man still needed nutrients. As soon as the 21 days ended- I found myself in Chicago-- with my sisters: TURNT, traveling and back into the swing of life as a millennial.

Fast forward through 2020 and all of its ups and deep deep downs... we had made it to 2021. All of us wanted a redo! The collective sigh of relief could be heard and felt across the globe. After thanking God for keeping me, I was back again for 21 days of prayer and fasting with TC. The first sermon of the year was on the Big Three: "When you give, when you pray and when you fast." (Matthew 6) As Christians, Jesus tells us in his word that we need to do all three. For this years fast, my best friends Chantrel and Shavonne fasted with me. They were my accountability partners. We prayed together, sent each other pictures of our meals, and encouraged each other to stay focused. After the 21 days ended- I felt the urge to keep going. This fast wasn't about the food but staying Anchored in Christ. I was determined to make this the year of the anti-drift.

June 2021- In one of our book club meetings( I'll have to tell y'all about book club soon!!)

Chantrel mentioned she was wanting to do a mid year reset fast and I joined her. Literally THIS FAST CHANGED MY LIFE!

With this reset fast, it wasn't a corporate fast with TC nightly prayer streams or instagram reminders. This was a fast that Chantrel and I decided to do in the smack dab middle of Summer. "Hot Girl" Summer right?!? We had been locked in the house during the panorama and now vaxxed up I was ready to be OUTSIDE!! 2021 had already showed me Puerto Rico and Miami and I had plans for the summer- you hear me?! God cancelled all that and said SIT DOWN.

I spent so much time in God's presence. I watched youtube video after youtube video of Black Christian women talking about their experience with the Daniel's Fast. (Melody Alisa is my fave) I cut out everything that was not Christ centered and kept bombarding heaven because I needed clarity. My lease was up in Greensboro, I had made the decision I didn't know where I was going but I knew that apartment and that city had me stagnant. I wasn't happy in my career and my finances were looking wild after quitting my part time job. I needed Christ to give me my next steps.

During the first 21 days, I heard the Holy Spirit say move to Tulsa, Oklahoma. I had zero idea why or how I would make that happen. I knew that what God shared with me I had to be careful who I exposed that to. I told my book club and my parents. I realized the more I shared, the cloudier my judgement became. I had some people telling me that was too far, others telling me to make sure it was God and not the voice in my head. . . I approached the end of my 21 days and had to have a hard conversation with myself: Your fast isn't over.

After I reached the 21st day- I felt it in my spirit another 21 days. Now sis- I'm a big girl lol I like to eat and never in a million bazillion years did I think I was going to extend this fast. A salmon burger and fries was calling my nameeeeee but there were bigger fish to fry: What was my purpose? What was my next steps? Should I move to Tulsa?

Short Answer- Yes, I moved 1,000 plus miles to Tulsa, Oklahoma- thats for another day- but here I am on Monday September 27, 2021 and it is time to fast again. I need a reset and I need a push to finish out these 96 days. #whew

Setting intentions for my fast has really helped me. Fasting is not putting God on a 21 day time clock or a 7 day time clock to answer your prayers. It's to move out of God's way and quiet yourself so that you can hear his voice. My intentions fo this fast are to get a clearer picture on His vision for my life. Why am I in Tulsa? What is happening with my career? I want to remain clear and confident on my gifts and talents. I want to make sure I'm listening to His voice and His thoughts on this blog and youtube. Today while prayer journaling I wrote, "I need a word from Christ. I've been comparing myself and trying to latch on to people I meet. I need to get back in alignment with my assignment."

Here's to day one- I have an expectant heart and I'm ready to see God move in these next seven days!

xoxo Paige