You know one thing that is reliable, that is consistent about life? Change. Now change might seem like a bad word but only if we associate it with things that are unwanted.

But what if we chose to see change as an opportunity – an opportunity to learn, an opportunity to develop, an opportunity to build, an opportunity to grow, an opportunity to evolve?

What if we chose to define change for what change is – a corridor to the future? 

The exciting thing is, we get to determine what that future looks like and thus, what our own success looks like.

So, in the face of change, let me encourage you to stay focused on in your ‘why’ Centering yourself on:

• Why you’re passionate about your career and body of work
• Why helping others feeds your soul
• Why the solutions you help create positively impacts our world
• Why you show up every day in the way you do to help us all win!

Your why is hugely important to your now, to your future, to your success. Being galvanized by our why is hugely important to those we’re entrusted to serve both today and tomorrow.

As we lean into this moment of change, let’s choose to remember a LOL or LIVE OUT LOUD motto:

• Learning is a lifelong commitment to excel through ongoing growth and development;
• Opportunities are only realized and optimized when we embrace innovation and change;
• Lean into the future firmly anchored in our purpose and stimulated by curiosity, tenacity, wisdom, and dedication.

What does leaning into the future look like? What does it sound like? 

• Thoroughly asking the right questions to understand new concepts;
• Honestly acknowledging any discomfort or ambiguity of the new moment;
• Wisely leveraging your community of supporters and colleagues to process and share learnings;
• Bravely choosing the pathway forward focused on your growth, strength, and success.

Let’s choose to continue to commit to ourselves, to our LOL inspiration, and to remain deeply anchored in whywe do what we do, how we do, when we do, where we do, for whom we do – because the why matters.

Here’s to the change, here’s to the future, here’s to success! 

© 2023 Kassandra McGhee

• Lean into challenges head-on

• Elevate your voice vs. hiding in silence

• You’re loved unconditionally – act like it

• Reshuffle the cards & remember you have a winning hand

• Trust God’s plan even when the path leads through dark valleys

• Prioritize and focus only on what requires your purposeful investment & yields the proper ROI

• You’re living in answered prayers as you await the manifestation of greater

• Everything concerning your life is precious – handle with care

• You move differently when you realize God’s equipped YOU as the rescue squad

• An inner smile is a super power and is anchored in believing God

• Your value & purpose are non-negotiable

• Faith and healing are pathways to greater and what God promised

• Look again – God’s given you what’s needed to do what He said during this season

• You’re equipped for this – don’t give up

© 2022 Kassandra McGhee

There comes a time when talk is cheap and actions must replace the foundation of words spoken.

There comes a time when “I think” must be replaced with “I know” and corresponding actions follow.

There comes a time when discord must be pushed aside and unity of purpose transpires.

There comes a time when feelings don’t drive and wisdom takes it rightful pilot’s seat.

There comes a time when truthful voices are honored irrespective of the mouths from which they speak.

There comes a time when healing is not just the right choice but the required state so the soul can truly thrive.

There comes a time when integrity matters more than honoring long-held practices that are dishonorable.

There comes a time when we realize the time was always and to suffer it undone reflects a lack of dedication to what is proper, humane, and divine.

There comes a time…

 

© 2022 Kassandra McGhee 

PERSEVERE. One word. Nine letters. Tremendous impact.

Persevere – meaning to persist, continue, keep going, even in the face of opposition, discouragement, or difficulty.

We have all had to ‘lean into’ this concept, whether we acknowledged it or not. Fighting to keep going, pep talks to not give in, finding the ‘extra strength’ to simply keep it all together, while sometimes perhaps fighting through hot tears to do so.

Persevere – is a roar of champions that ignites the hunger and tenacity within our being.

Persevere – meant to spur and stir the fighter that might have even for just a moment lost sight of the achievable goal that lies ahead.

Persevere – the echo of ancient voices and the ground they gained upon which we stand today. 

Persevere – the call to us all to boldly push, boldly stand, to never give up, and never bend or bow to what is simply beneath us.

PESEVERE!

For if we had not, we would not have experienced the victories we enjoy today. For if we do not, we will not relish in the more and leave an empowering, rich legacy of footnotes for others. 

My Friend, Leader, Champion, Trailblazer – persevere. 

Even if no one told you that your journey is one littered with reasons, obstacles, and causes that will always demand you ‘persist, continue, keep going, even in the face of opposition, discouragement, or difficulty.’

My Friend, Leader, Champion, Trailblazer – persevere. 

And always remember that even in the face of ‘IT’ – ‘IT’ meaning whatever opposition, discouragement, or difficulty might be present, that you have already won.

My Friend, Leader, Champion, Trailblazer – persevere. 

For, it’s not too hard, it’s absolutely possible. It’s not too much, you’re well able. It’s not too dark, you are the light carrier. It’s not too complex, you are the solution. It’s not too heavy, it’s remarkably an easy lift when you do it in God’s strength.

Persevere – for the next generation and generation, and even the now generation calls for your rise, for your shine, your grace, your fight, your strength, your boldness, your beacon, your bellow, your purpose, your voice, your lessons learned, they call for you. 

Persevere – and exude the strength of your God, your father, your creator who is able to do all things but fail. 

Persevere – is our command, contract, and obligation.

Persevere – and let the whole world know that they must, and they can.

© 2022 Kassandra McGhee

I still believe love never fails, is a soothing balm to ailments, and is an illuminating, transformational force within the universe.

I still believe right outweighs wrong, and truth creates a strong foundation upon which we can boldly stand.

I still believe that purpose calls and the answer is always ‘yes’ and its resounding voice echoes deep within the hearts of mankind.

I still believe light dispels darkness, and even the smallest ray can unsettle the forces devised against peace, success, and unity. 

I still believe family is not only birthed but born in the hearts of all who clearly see beyond skin, beyond socioeconomic status, beyond complexities, beyond manufactured divisions, but through the eyes of God. 

I still believe to dance in your passion is greater than succumbing to the demands of the dollar into a place where the sun within you fully eclipses. 

I still believe a baby’s laugh is one of the purest joys, and the eyes of a child share such hope, love, trust, and promise that we must strive to remember, encapsulate, and live. 

I still believe freedom of choice is one of the greatest gifts that can become one of the greatest hurdles or weapons, when misunderstood or mishandled.

I still believe true friendships and partnerships are like priceless anchors in a storm, marrow to the bones, truth and growth immunizers, and honing instruments to enrich our lives in the fulfilment of our destiny. 

I still believe our words carry creative power, we live from the inside out, and our lives ultimately reflect an abundant harvest of what we believe, and thus what we sow and produce. 

I still believe a genuine embrace speaks volumes, whether shared in words or in deeds. 

I still believe forgiveness is one of the most powerful liberators that cleanses the soul of debris that can lead to self-destruction, if left unresolved. 

I still believe as long as there is life, there is hope and we must be ‘hope carriers’ for no one is beyond love’s reach.

I still believe all of God’s children deserve celebration, restoration, prosperity, and adoration, and it being unsatisfied is one of man’s highest misdeeds.

I still believe that knowing who you are, in light of whose you, is a triumph that can destroy strongholds and shift paradigms, that can ultimately change our world. 

I still believe God is the only true living God, Jesus is Savior and Lord, and we are His people empowered to change the world for His glory alone. 

I still believe and I choose to act on what I believe, because I believe that believing in what I believe and in whom I believe changes everything! 

Yes, I still believe. 

© 2022 Kassandra McGhee

Unless you choose to see

Really see

You’ll never see

You'll never perceive.




Confusing? 

Well, it shouldn’t be.

It’s about seeing both you and me 

In the fullness of who we were created to be.




See me

More than my undeniable introduction

But the profundities of my soul

And the essence of my being.




See me

The vastness and complexities of me

Not just my apparent

But my layers, my realness, my intensities.




Don’t dishonor me

By choosing to not see

The true value of me

As determined by the Creator of me.




For I am far too beautiful

Far too purposeful

Far too powerful

To ever be unseen.




Yes, see me

The uniqueness of me

And respect and champion me

Even if there are intersections where we disagree.




So will you?

Do you dare to?

Do you choose to?

Clearly and honestly see?




Through the filter of a pure Godly heart?

Through His eyes and with a renewed mind?

For He’s created and painted our beautiful array

Which is forever clearly beautifully displayed.




Take notice – open your mind and heart to see

The fullness of who you and I were meant to be

Individually yet interwoven and parts of a collective destiny.




You see – I shine, I excel, I am, I be, I rise, I journey, I see

I choose to see you and I choose to see me

The flaws, the strengths, the commonalities, the beauty, the uniqueness, the opportunities

For life will not be all it was destined to be – unless you and I choose to see.

© 2021 Kassandra McGhee

Ah, birds chirping every morning outside my bedroom window remind me that change is on the horizon. As they unapologetically serenade me with their sweet melodic symphonies, I smile with excitement and release a deep sigh. “Spring, finally. Welcome!”

I enjoyed the beauty of winter’s coat on long toasty nights, snuggling beneath my favorite blanket with a warm cup of tea gently nestled between my fingers. But Spring has sprung and serves as the beautiful, warm introduction to my beloved Summer season. 

Spring is a joyous reflection of the beauty of newness: new opportunities, new experiences, and just newness of life in general. Yes, Spring reverberates a pure exhilaration of discovering the unknown, as it showcases its bright sunrays that simply feel good on the skin. 

What newness of life have you been waiting to uncover and spring forth? What are you looking forward to seeing develop, grow, and unearth during this new season? 

• Will you write that new book?
• Launch your website?
• Develop a new resume for your job search?
• Commit to self-care or starting a wellness plan?
• Finalize your business strategy?

Whatever your rightful newness might be, lean into it! Embrace this season of change and move forward. Change doesn’t have to be scary and in fact, the tulips budding from their cold, damp wintery flower bed put us on notice of this fact. And longer days with more sunshine can be great inspiration in and of itself to both breathe and dig deeper.

So, stand tall and grasp this season of newness with both hands. Purpose in your heart to deliberately plan to emerge as a stronger version of yourself. Let Spring inspire you to be ever-growing, ever-achieving, ever-emerging, ever-becoming. Life has layers and chapters, and let’s write this next one in bold, amazing colors. 

Welcome, Spring! Roll out your green carpet and illustrious shades of vibrant hues in all of your splendor. Spring forth – we’ve been awaiting your arrival.

© 2021 Kassandra McGhee

Tell the truth! Some conversations are easier had than others. Some are avoided because they are uncomfortable. Some aren’t leaned into because we are waiting for the ‘right’ time. Yet the truth – whether it’s avoided or embraced – remains unchanged. And the truth itself is not provocative, it’s simply the truth. 

Provocative: a word I’ve heard increasingly utilized lately when it comes to some poignant truth-filled conversations. Perhaps it’s because the audience that’s hearing these truths feels the information is challenging, offensive, insulting, or stimulating. Perhaps it’s because there was no prior awareness of the information’s existence. Perhaps it’s because some have been incubated from its direct impact. Or perhaps it’s because ‘we’ (collectively) have yet to intentionally pursue it or develop a palate (appreciation) for it. 

I’ve heard it said that “ignorance is bliss” and perhaps there’s a layer of accuracy to this statement, as it can leave one in a place of avoiding the cognitive dissonance of knowing there’s a problem, staring the need to change directly in the face, but consciously choosing not to. Unawareness can create a comfortable barrier that allows us to emotionally, intellectually, and dare I say spiritually avoid the pain of choosing. For when wakefulness of the truth comes, so does the quandary of choice; so does the conversation that is never (honestly) had. 

This conversation reverberates truths that are deeply embedded in far-reaching, honest historic encounters which are still prevalent today. The conversation that is never (honestly) had – if we’re completely transparent – has at least at some point been considered. A consciousness of truth has always existed but now it has spread broader then it ever has, into corridors and exchanges never traveled, and onto platforms where its existence is no longer deniable. The truth (its champions) stands and demands the conversation that is never (honestly) had to finally take place, front and center. 

“Do we sincerely want ‘real’ change? Why or why not? What is required and are we willing to make the investment? What would ‘real’ change look like for everyone involved during the planning, implementation, and post-implementation phases? How will ‘real’ change be beneficially? Who should be involved in determining what ‘real” change is needed? What has prevented ‘real’ change from happening to date? What happens if we continue to choose to not invest in ‘real’ change? Do I trust there are enough resources for everyone to prosper? What will I personally do to help ensure ‘real’ change becomes a reality?” This is the conversation. Provocative? No, truthful!

When ‘we’ choose to wholly acknowledge the truth, only then will it change from being seen as provocative to being accepted as ‘our’ shared reality and ‘our’ mutual normal. Far too often it seems that it’s not until we see/experience a shared tragedy or heartfelt event that the tenderness of humanity’s soul, that kindness, love or concern for people regardless of race, creed or anything else that tries to divide us is put on public display. It is not until the publicized random acts of kindness or heroism where people are seen intentionally and unselfishly helping others that ‘we’ are broadly reminded that each person holds the same dreams, the same desires, and we all want the same promises of peace, safety, fulfillment of purpose, and better for ourselves, our families, and our loved ones.

Yes, it is in these moments that ‘we’ are reminded that our worlds are not that far apart and how our individual actions and every personal choice that ‘we’ make (or choose not to) impacts each other. So when ‘we’ choose to not make choices for all of our betterment, what does that say about us individually? What does that say about us collectively? 

Hosea 4:6a says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” As a Believer, for me this is a truth. It is a truth I unfortunately see in the lives of far too many individuals I encounter. The absence of the awareness of valuable information (spiritually or naturally) creates a devastation like no other. It fosters a void, a vacuum that can only be filled by the attainment of proper data. And as a truth champion, I believe ‘we’ must ensure equitable, timely access to resources including accurate knowledge, as it is foundational to accessing opportunities for growth and success. Knowledge equates to access. Access creates opportunities. Opportunities are doors and pathways to growth and success.

Once we are aware of better, we have the opportunity to choose better. And everyone has a right to make the choice to develop into the best versions of themselves. Everyone has the right to perfect and utilize their talents to the fullest. Everyone has the right to live a life unencumbered by undue obstacles. Everyone has a right to prosperity. Christ died for all (2 Corinthians 5:15), God has a perfect plan for each of us (Jeremiah 29:11), we are to serve others (I Peter 4:10), and must defend others in need (Proverbs 31:8-9). Justness is essential, it is our duty, it is knitted into our shared bond. 

What if we chose to consciously live with the reality that our lives are not our own but were meant to help create a truly beautiful place for all of the inhabitants of the earth? What if we chose to focus on the ‘real’ enemy of the Believer (the devil) and purposefully created pathways to improve ourselves and help uplift each other? What if we laid aside ignorance and chose wisdom; laid aside fear and chose faith; laid aside hatred and chose love; laid aside skepticism and chose trust; laid aside excuses and chose solutions; laid aside dishonesties and chose truth? 

What if we opened our hearts and chose ‘real’ change? What if we loved each other as God loves us? What if we, as God’s dear children, imitated our Father? What if we matured and really acted as His Church? It’s time to no longer say ‘what if’ and be salt and light, and representatives of He who is love itself. It is beyond time for us to chose to have the conversation that is never (honestly) had.

Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are unfortunate and defenseless; open your mouth, judge righteously, and administer justice for the afflicted and needy. (Proverbs 31:8-9, AMP)

© 2021 Kassandra McGhee

“If you’re alive, you should be growing.”  

Who fooled us into thinking that once we reached adulthood, we were finished growing? Yes, adulthood – what an exciting time, what an amazing goal to achieve. Turning 18 and 21, you know the sign of legality and the official stamp of becoming an adult. Yes, that is thrilling indeed and completely worthy of celebration. And so is the scenic continuation of the adulthood journey, where many of us are successfully traveling. It’s called the “beyond the 20-something realm” and includes stages we might have once innocently thought of as “old.” But now we’re wise enough to realize that this part of the journey is also fun, enlightening, and amazing. And we love it here (well mostly).

However, no matter what age or stage, don’t rest on your laurels and believe this is the culmination of our growing. In fact, it’s just the beginning of another chapter of our transformation into who we will ultimately become. I hate if I abruptly burst anyone’s bubble, but I’m just speaking what many of us already know. If you’re alive, you should be growing. The truth is, we should never remain the same version of ourselves. And if we do, we’ve done ourselves and the world we are here to impact a grave injustice. 

Yes, an injustice as our personal growth signifies improvement, expansion, better, and more. It is the antithesis of stagnation, which dishonors our purposefulness and fuels the demise of our life’s legacy. When we choose to grow, we choose to give ourselves and others an enhanced life. We choose to experience life fuller and push ourselves to not settle for less than God’s abundant living that’s available for us. We choose to embrace healthy change, knowing it leads to a richer, more fulfilled life where we make our dreams our reality. Yes, we choose growth and everything thing that goes along with it. 

It’s just like keeping a knife sharp – enduring change and sometimes the painful “sharpening” process, because it yields a newfound greatness. And anyone who cooks knows the importance of maintaining this essential kitchen instrument, and most likely the pain of trying to cut something with a knife that was too dull to properly perform the task. So let’s all admit it – each of us has had at least one instance when we faced a new technology, concept, task, or even the current pandemic that required us to sharpen our knives (skill set, vision, strategies, and the list goes on). But don’t run away from the thought, embrace it. 

Change and growth really can be motivating and is always enriching. It’s the excitement of opening a brand-new door, discovering new things you like, developing greater strength, building new connections, or obtaining an invigorated focus and vision. Yes, continually growing is well worth every investment. So, take out that knife sharpening stone, and learn a new skill, take the class, read the book, build the website, grow. Because you, my friend, definitely owe it to yourself. 

© 2021 Kassandra McGhee

Early this morning as I was folding clothes, I started to get a little tired. I had hung the entire load to avoid dryer damage and shrinkage, and as I took them off of their drying hangers, my Mother helped me fold them, placing them into ‘like’ piles. I was already fatigued from days, weeks, months of interrupted sleep patterns, due to the demands of work, ministry, and home. So an early morning laundry session felt a bit arduous. I looked at the clothing and thought of all of the items I had bought to have a diversity of outfits, including the much-needed winter attire, as I had arrived in July to help my parents and thought I would only be here until about October, definitely going home before winter’s arrival. But it was now February of the following year, which meant boots, long sleeve shirts and sweaters, and pants, socks, and all of the things that go along with winter-comfort had been purchased. I looked at the pile of clothes and decreed it would be counted as a seed for God’s kingdom, as I had previously done with other things I’d bought to fulfill what I knew He had instructed me to do regarding my parents, family, and others. 

As I sighed from getting even more tired as I folded clothes early in the morning, Holy Spirit quickly removed the thought of getting tired from the amount of clothes that I was folding and replaced it with gratefulness for the amount of clothes I was folding. I immediately asked God to forgive me for even the “sigh of complaint” and thought of “this is a lot.” Because I then remembered a time that I couldn’t afford everything that I needed, and now I had been blessed with everything I desired. I said, “Thank You, Lord” and continued to fold. As I walked into my childhood bedroom to put the clothes in the clear plastic totes I had bought to store them while I was here, I saw a reusable fabric mask that was part of my pile of laundry. The mask has a filter pocket and can be used over and over again, and I washed it to ensure it was clean and prepped to receive a new filter insert. 

It was at this moment that God reminded me of a “precious seed” He had me sow during the early days of the pandemic. I was at the post office, finally picking up the long-awaited and essential medical-grade PPE (masks and filters) that had gotten delayed in shipment. Due to high demand, scarcity, and stories of these items being stolen, I went to a private corner of the post office to open the box to ensure I wouldn’t be “at risk” if I opened them publicly. I counted them and they were all there. I sighed in a sense of relief and thanked God for providing them for my family and me. With them tucked away in my purse, I stood in line, standing at least 6-feet away from other patrons to pick up whatever box was associated with the slip that I retrieved from my PO box.

As I waited, I heard a conversation that concerned me. “I like your mask. Where did you get it, or do you make them?” The voice came from an older gentleman standing behind me, who was talking with a lady standing to my left. He was wearing a bandana around his face and stated he was having difficulty finding masks. The young lady indicated she made them and told him the price was $75. I was flabbergasted as while her mask was made of designer material, it didn’t properly cover her nose or the sides of her face. The look on his face told me that I didn’t need to arbitrate, as my soul desired to, because the price he was quoted was unfavorable to him. That’s when Holy Spirit spoke and prompted me to give him a mask filter. As he walked out of the front door of the building, I approached him.

“Excuse me, Sir. I was in front of you in the post office and overheard your conversation about not being able to find a mask. From what I’ve researched and have been told by several medical professionals, you can use a filter with your bandana. I will give you one of the new filters I got today and information about where you can order masks and filters online.” The look of pleasant shock flooded his face, as he said, “Really?!” I went into my purse and gave him a filter, telling him how to use it and where to order additional PPE. With his multiple, “Thank you, I really appreciate it” statements, I politely and humbly responded, “Praise God, my pleasure. God bless you and please stay safe.” My heart was happy and although I had waited six weeks for the PPE that should have taken less than one, God had protected yet another one of His creations or children through what He provided and entrusted into my hands. To God alone be all of the glory, honor, and praise!

And this morning, as I folded and put away my clothes, God reminded me of this “precious seed.” It was precious as it was sacrificial and sown from limited resources that in the natural, I required for my own life and that of my family. It might have seemed small but pricey nonetheless, as PPE was a rare, essential find at that moment. Yet God saw that filter as a seed – something not to fulfill my need but to be sown to fulfill someone else’s. Who but God knows what faith He planted or watered from the “precious seed” that was sown that day? Who but God knows how many lives the gentleman will positively impact for God’s kingdom? Who but God knows how God’s fame will spread as the man shares the story about how God provided for him in the time of famine? 

This morning, God reminded of that “precious seed” and how He would honor it and bring an immense harvest to me for it. He reminded me to expect an abundant harvest from every seed and sacrifice I’ve made for Him and His kingdom. He reminded me to not ever grow weary of doing well, for I would reap a plentiful harvest when the time was right, if I didn’t faint. He reminded me that He watches over His words to perform them and He is faithful to His promises. He reminded me that He will satisfy my mouth with only good things. He reminded me that I had seen His faithfulness throughout my life and that because He was my Shepherd, I lacked nothing. He reminded me that obedience is better than sacrifice and sowing that “precious seed” during a definite time of personal need would indeed be greatly honored.

This morning, God reminded me, so let me remind you. For I am encouraged yet again today, because “great is Thy faithfulness, oh God unto me.” 

Scriptural Reflections

• And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint. (Galatians 6:9 AMPC)

•  So let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgement of it, for He Who promised is reliable (sure) and faithful to His word. (Hebrews 10:23 AMPC)

• “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease.” (Genesis 8:22 AMP)

• For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; I was naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me [with help and ministering care]; I was in prison, and you came to Me [ignoring personal danger].’ Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You as a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? And when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ The King will answer and say to them, ‘I assure you and most solemnly say to you, to the extent that you did it for one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it for Me.’ (Matthew 25:35-40 AMP)

© 2021 Kassandra McGhee