Ever been in a situation where you just feel blah all the time? Like you have no motivation for anything at all? Like nothing bothers you anymore? This has been me lately. My 2018 has been full of ups and downs filled with a whole range of emotions. The year started on a sad note with the loss of my grandma, then came happy moments when my two brothers wedded, then mid-year I lost my mum to cancer and two months later, I graduated. My emotions have been all over the place but I thank God because through it all, He has remained faithful.
Today's post was inspired by a challenge I won a few weeks ago courtesy of Zia Collection, a Kenyan clothing brand that deals with ladies' clothing. They selected my graduation journey story as the best among many others and I was privileged to get a full graduation makeover.
No doubt my journey to graduation has been one hell of a ride. I remember the nights I would get home as late as 11 pm and still sit through the night to work on assignments. My second year wasn't any better; my late mum was diagnosed with cancer and let's just say that most of 2017 she wasn't really around since she was out of the country for treatment. Beginning of 2018 when I had started working on the second half of my thesis, I lost my grandma. It didn't get any easier for me as a few months later, mum's health deteriorated; the one person who was my constant motivation to finish strong. I remember a week before my final draft submission when she was admitted in hospital, I would carry my laptop to the hospital and work on my thesis during non-visiting hours. A few days later, mum got really ill and a day before her last breath, I was able to submit my final draft. Three days after laying her to rest, I had to travel back home for my defense and the night before my defense was one of the most difficult nights ever; the first night that I was back home after the burial! I wasn't even in the right state of mind yet I had to work on my presentation for the following day. At this point it didn't even feel worth it to even go for this defense but remembering how she would unceasingly pray for me even when she was really weak just motivated me and I suddenly got strength. Fast forward, I passed my defense and the great news that I was finally on the graduation list came on the 12th of September, my late mum's birth date. This was God's doing.
My late mum was my best friend, my slay partner, my greatest cheerleader..each time I went for my blog shoots, she always asked that I would send her the final pics so she could post on her Whatsapp status. 3 months down the line, it still feels like a dream, the pain is still raw, I still cry myself to sleep, but I am hopeful that this season will come to pass.
Storms can really roll in fast but how you react to them matters. 2018 has been a year full of storms and one of the greatest lessons I have learnt is that no matter the situation you are facing in life, never ever give up on God and on yourself. God can't put you in a situation that you can't handle. All you need to do when you are facing a storm in life is to pray and trust in Him. I may not have accomplished most of my goals this year but I'm glad that I have been able to grow spiritually and my faith has most definitely grown stronger and this is enough for me.
A big shout out to Zia Collection for making my day. Make sure you check out their page for more of their amazing stuff.
"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."-Psalm 30:5
Photography: Taji Photography
Outfit details
Dress-Zia Collection
Shoes-BATA
Makeup-beautybyrozy (Instagram)
A very touching story. Surely, regardless of the situations we encounter, we must never give up on God & ourselves. I am inspired to keep trusting HIM no matter what
ReplyDeleteGlad to have inspired you..
DeleteThank you for stopping by.
Inspiring story and I admire your strength. You look amazing and congratulation on your achievements.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ashley
DeleteA very inspiring story.
ReplyDeleteThank you Peter for stopping by.
DeleteYou have been through a furnace for sure. All glory to God
ReplyDeleteThank you Brenda
DeleteCongratulations dear.Wewe ni ule dem :-).You finished strong indeed.Cheers to moredoors opening for you.God loves you big time and hes got you,even in the pain.Much love
ReplyDeleteAaawww thanks sana Leah..xx
DeleteOur Lord God has promised not to tempt us beyond our faith. You have shown that challenges can be dealt with in a right manner and the result is success! Congratulations, you are on the right path.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Kevin for stopping by
DeleteCongratulations. You have done her proud. Sky is the limit!
ReplyDeleteWelldone
Thank you
DeleteCongratulations dear. God above all.
ReplyDeleteThank you Caro
DeleteYou've really been through alot.I admire your strength and the fact that you keep pushing on.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your mum is really proud of you.Congratulations
Yes, but through it all God has still proved to be faithful.
DeleteThank you much for stopping by..xx
Great is thy faithfulness! Truly inspiring dear and congratulations...Made mama super proud
ReplyDeleteThank you Emilly..xx
DeleteSending hugs you way girl,its really been a rollercoaster of emotions but I'm proud of you girrrrrlllll! Congratulations Linda you deserve it! Hongera
ReplyDeleteThank you Ashley
DeleteCongratulations Linda Hun.. I'M sure she is extremely proud of you and so are we hun. May God continue to hold you.
ReplyDeleteAsante Elle
DeleteYou did well for yourself hun. The struggle through it is the assurance you will ever need to know it will be well. My mum says in the toughest of times, that is the moment you know that God is about to turn it around for you. Congratulations on your graduation.
ReplyDeleteSo true..
DeleteThank you so much Grace..xx
well in mama.,this must have been very tough, but look at you..you did it..all the glory to God!
ReplyDeleteThank you Fridah
DeleteOh babe what a journey. God has been faithful through it all. You just showed us all that no matter what it can be done and God use you as a testimony. You look amazing and congrats.
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Thank you so much..xx
DeleteI can feel your pain.your such a strong lady.your mum's face is still fresh in my mind.congratulations dear!mum is proud of you!!we all are
ReplyDeleteI can feel your pain.your such a strong lady.your mum's face is still fresh in my mind.congratulations dear!mum is proud of you!!we all are
ReplyDeleteThank you Cecilia for dropping by
DeleteI shed a rear reading this, you really never know ho strong a person is just by looking at them, I have seen this and I don't know how you managed to conquer all this, but because I'm religious I'll just say it's God's Grace, you are so strong and such a motivation ... There's so much greatness awaiting ahead of you, and cannot wait to see it all unfold. Congratulations on your graduation, you truly worked for it.
ReplyDeletehttps://mbairewangui.com/
I also marvel at how strong I have been up until now then I look back and I realize it's all been God..
DeleteThank you Mbaire..xx