*Long Entry BUT it’s good, just read it lol*
Hey, Lovelies!
Last month, I went to a fantastic conference called “The Unfiltered Woman.” For starters, let me tell you I had no idea what to expect when it was brought to me. It’s not every day you’re randomly DM’d by someone to attend an event for free, well at least I’m not, but when Bri told me God lead her to me, I didn’t give attending a second thought. For those who have read my previous posts or know me personally, you all know how hard it is for me to be open and transparent. It’s getting easier, but it’s still an uphill battle. However, I figured in my attempt to get better at being my authentic self around people, not going would be doing myself a disservice.
When I arrived, I didn’t know it was going to be a faith-based event. I haven’t been to church in a while (a whole other topic), so I felt a little bit out of place. It’s not that I feel detached from God; it was just not what I’m used to anymore. Anyway, despite the awkward feeling, I embraced the message given with an open mind and an open heart.
At this event, there were 3 topics touched on: Being Unfiltered In Relationships, Unfiltered In The World, and Unfiltered With God. Bri, Brenshavia, and Ty did an excellent job breaking down the importance of these topics, so good that I took notes.
While Bri’s segment, Unfiltered In Relationships touched more on marriage than singleness, some of her points were right on time. Before the conference, I had been conversing with someone who brought it to my attention that I hold back..a lot. Now me and dude were just getting to know each other, so it wasn’t a relationship in terms of marriage, but I feel even in platonic or budding relationships being unfiltered still applies. At the time, we spoke pretty regularly, but it was eyeopening to have someone actually acknowledge I was being “filtered” during our discussions. He’d always say, “That’s that holding back stuff, be yourself.” Naturally, He was really supportive when I told him of this opportunity and encouraged me to soak it all in, and I really did, I think I’ve made progress. Unfortunately, I didn’t start taking notes until it was near the end, but the two essential takeaways were:
- For my wives – Your goal is not to be a PERFECT wife, but a PURPOSEFUL one. – You’ll tire yourself out trying to be perfect.
- Don’t let the world’s perception of you, alter God’s purpose for you.
The next topic discussed was being Unfiltered In The Word. Brenshavia spoke on being true to who you are in the midst of the ones around you. To do that, you must:
- Be true to your beliefs
- Be true to who you are
- Be true to your PURPOSE
- Be True to your path
Regarding the 3rd bullet, she mentioned that people often make “finding their purpose” more complicated than it needs to be, and I was one of those people. I regularly see on social media, all these people living in their purpose doing something so dynamic and life-altering for others, but it doesn’t always have to be that way. It can be on a smaller scale, and that’s completely OKAY. You don’t need to stress yourself out trying to search for something you may already be in the midst of. Just keep living life and experiencing new things. If you happen to stumble across your purpose on your journey, that’s great too – it’s a win, win.
“You are too important to sit on the sidelines of your own life.” – Brenshavia Jordan
The final speaker, TySpeaks, took us to church with her topic Unfiltered With God. I wish I were able to write down more notes, but ultimately, you have to be BARE, RAW, and just NAKED (figuratively, of course) when you approach God. There’s no need to sugarcoat when ya’ll are having a conversation because he already knows. You just have to have to courage to say what it is. My takeaways from her message were:
- Tell God Your Symptoms – just like you tell a doctor what’s wrong with you, TELL GOD.
- Seek him FIRST – In all things.
- Your HEALING is on the other side of ADMITTING.
- Understand your right to cast – CAST YOUR CARES ON HIM, He wants you too. You don’t have to do it all by yourself.
- Stay long enough to receive – Often times we ask God for something but don’t stay long enough in our walk to receive it.
*Last note*
- Some of us are TITLE READY and not DUTY READY – We long for that title of a wife but are we ready to fill the shoes of what that job requires? We’re so focused on what a man can bring to the table, but what are YOU bringing? Check that.
Like I said, this conference BLESSED ME. I walked away with a newfound perspective on what it means to be unfiltered not just with people but with God as well. I GREATLY appreciate Bri reaching out to me and allowing me the opportunity to come. She didn’t even ask me to review this on my blog, but it was just that good, I felt it was necessary to share. Be on the lookout for what she has up her sleeve next, I’m sure it will be spectacular.
Make sure to follow these remarkable women on their social media channels – Their bolded names within the blog will direct you to their Instagram pages.
Do you fill like you put on a filter for your S/O, God, friends, etc? If so, why?
Let me know in the comments!
Love Always, JoJo♥
