I Am "That" Girl

     So, who am I? I'm that girl. Yeah "that" girl. What does that mean? Well, back in the day if you were deemed "that" girl it wasn't anything good. People would pick what they considered bad parts about me and highlight them for the world to see, laugh at, and talk about. Sometimes these parts were true and other times these parts were made up. Being "that" girl made me feel like there was really something wrong with me early on in my development. I spent several years not trying to be her, denying all along that she...was me.
     After spending a large portion of my life trying to be someone else I realized that I had NO IDEA who I was! After giving my life to Jesus Christ back in 2008 the journey began to get reacquainted with the version of myself that Jesus always saw. This journey has not been easy AT ALL but it has taught me in ways that I will never forget. My journey has revealed to me who I truly am and when I look in the mirror now, I no longer deny her rather I embrace her. I love being "that" girl who God has allowed to triumph over adversity and obstacles. In Colossians 3:1-4, the essence of identity is explained in a simple way. Who you are is hidden in Christ. I learned that in order to find my identity I must do my work to build a strong and deep relationship with Christ. When I sought God through my prayers, through my worship, through my tears, through my laughter, through my heart, through my tithing, and through my time with Him...I found Him! And when I found Him, I found me!
     I am Juanita Tookes. I am a daughter, granddaughter, sister, cousin, niece, and friend. I am a counselor, researcher, educator, scholar, and student. I am beautiful, loving, and intelligent. I know my purpose and I walk in it every single day. I have a bright and blessed destiny ahead of me. Make no mistake...I AM THAT GIRL.

"Something will grow from all you are going through, and it will be you." ~Unknown