Inheriting a happy, healthy, loving family will always be more valuable than inheriting money, cars, or homes.
Work less towards leaving wealth for your children and work harder towards being present, and healing yourself so you’re able to create happy, healthy environments for your children and loved ones. God will provide the rest.
“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9 NLT) but how can you succeed without building healthy relationships?
When I decided to accept Jesus as my Lord and savior, my faith blossomed immensity because it wasn’t until then did I truly feel unconditional love. It wasn’t a one time feeling, but instead a feeling that was continuous and poured over.
Unfortunately, I grew up in an unhealthy environment where love always had conditions. Hugs were rare, constructive conversations didn’t exist, and I often wondered when my real parents would show up to replace the parents who seemed more like babysitters.
Becoming Christian meant I would accept God as my true father. A Heavenly father who is “patient and kind”, “not jealous or boastful or proud”. Experiencing this type of love from a parental figure has shifted the way I, now, give and receive love. Loving others the way Jesus did, is the not only the goal -it’s the mission.
You can only pour what’s been poured into your cup. What have you been pouring?
In May 2020, God gave me a vision to raise a venture capital fund with focus on minority founders and start-ups, as a way to uplift the entire African-American community. With interest in leveling the playing field, countering systemic racism, and catering to under-served communities, I’m hoping to invest in sustainable goods and infrastructure, alternative waste management, and bio-tech, so we can change living conditions of impoverished communities with below average education systems, limited access to affordable whole foods, affordable health care, and everything we take for granted including air quality.
Did you know there’s an undeniable link between race and landfill locations? Landfills are the third largest source of anthropogenic methane in the United States. Large amounts of methane decreases the amount of oxygen in the air, resulting in headaches, nausea, and dizziness, and prolonged exposure can contribute to a multitude of diseases. At the North Carolina Department of Waste Management, “researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that landfills were twice as likely to be located near communities with a minority population of more than 10% and average housing worth less than $100,000.” By simply finding an alternate, affordable solution to waste management, this is one way we can counter systemic racism.
I’ve always had big dreams of positively impacting the world for future generations. Evidence of that includes my role as an unpaid, volunteer publicist for the Ora Lee Smith Cancer Research Foundation, a 501(c)(3) looking to raise funding for human clinical trials for a cure to cancer using laser technology and nano-particles proven to completely cure cancer in mice after 15 days with one 10-minute treatment, with little-to-no side effects. In addition to the Ora Lee Smith Cancer Research Foundation, before COVID-19 I regularly volunteered at the Miami Children’s Museum, Paws4You, a Miami dog rescue organization, and my church, where I currently lead a Tuesday night Women’s Bible Study.
From growing up in Toledo, Ohio to living in New York, Houston, Los Angeles, Macao, and now Miami; working at NASA, Monster Energy, and as an entrepreneur, I’ve lived such an interesting life, with lots of highs and lows, but it’s been said “the unwounded life bears no resemblance to the Rabbi” -Brennan Manning
My vision may sound insane but I’m putting my complete trust in God. God puts His desires in our hearts, so we desire what He desires. I am a woman after God’s own heart, and want His will to be done -not mine. So even if I don’t meet the full GoFundMe goal, I know it’s all a part of God’s plan and “all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are chosen to be a part of His plan”, Romans 8:28.
The starting point of my vision is to obtain a degree in Economics, which will allow me to begin a career in finance and investment banking.
I was recently accepted into the University of London + London School of Economics and Political Science’s joint online BSc of Economics and Management program which begins on November 9, 2020.
Unfortunately, since this program is online and fairly new, federal funding isn’t available, and private lenders are not offering student loans for this program.
My goal is $30,000 which is the total cost of the entire 3 year program, with each semester being $5,000.
I am really hoping you believe in me. When “you educate a woman, you educate a generation”.
“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back. -Luke 6:38 NLT
This week in my psychology class, we learned about mental disorders. Some of my immediate family members express personality disorders and my childhood housekeeper exhibited signs of schizophrenia. From my early life experiences, I learned to accept differences in others because I saw how God still used them as conduits of blessings and extended His grace, love, and mercy.
Mental disorders are not flaws. They may interfere with cultural expectations of behavior and may be debilitating but are in no way blemishes on one’s character.
Psalm 139:13-16 NLT says, “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.”
We serve a perfect God who designed every attribute of our being, sees the best in us, and can give us beauty for ashes. Today, I ask you to show compassion to persons with mental disorders, and generally accepting of differences in others. Far too often we look to the world to establish the boundaries of normalcy and what’s deemed good or acceptable, when we should refer to the Bible. 🙏🏾
In John 8:7 NLT, Jesus gives directions to men who are looking to stone a woman for adultery. The same men who invited Him into the situation with hopes of using it against Him in the future. Jesus says “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” 🕊
We’re entering the Information Age, where data is worth more than petroleum oil, where cyber bullying can lead to suicide. Today, I challenge you to think about how you may have unfairly judged someone, exhibited prejudice or discrimination, and how you can start the day anew with Jesus’ commandment: “Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” -John 15:12 NLT 🙏🏾
Jesus didn’t throw stones at a woman who sinned, neither should you. Instead of casting judgment, pray for that person. It takes the same amount of time, energy, and effort -and it’s free! 🕊🙏🏾
“Then the Lord said to me, “Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others. This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.” -Habakkuk 2:2-3 NLT 🙌🏾 In other words, write your goals down on paper, be sure to include God in them, make it plain, and be patient! For God’s will, will be done! 🙏🏾🔥
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.” -Proverbs 31:30 NLT 💕
I’ll never be a perfect person but I’ve learned that although youth may be fleeting, God’s love never will. All God asks for is your heart and he’ll give you a life of abundance. By including God in everything you do, you can never lose. 🙏🏾
Recently, I’ve been praying #DangerousPrayers, I’ve been asking God to change things in my life that I have been afraid to do for myself. Remove people from my life who don’t belong, or get in the way of my purpose; allow me to see what He sees -the best in everything and everyone; and make me more like Him and less like me. I’ve began to see mountains move and I thank God daily for His grace, love, and mercy. 🙏🏾
4 years ago my mom passed of metastatic breast cancer. Identifying her body was something I didn’t think I could do, nor thought I would have to do. Arriving to the hospice facility with my family, I actually decided not to go inside, but instead waited in the car in a snow covered parking spot. My family went in but shortly after I got a call to come inside. By law, as next of kin, I was required to sign paperwork and vocally identify my mom.
My family knew my fears and I will always remember what my aunt said to me after we prayed over her body… “You are stronger than you think”. Since my mom’s passing, there will forever be 3 dates on the calendar that the enemy has scheduled planned attacks -the day my mom passed, her birthday, and Mother’s Day. Today I’m reminded that God didn’t give me a spirit of fear. Trials and tribulations are to strengthen me, not to hurt me. And God will never forsake me. 🙌🏾 I hope I can give encouragement to everyone today. YOU ARE STRONGER THAN YOU THINK and “with God everything is possible”! God loves you and you’re never alone! 🙏🏾 🌻 Happy Mother’s Day! 🌻
Runa Lucienne 