Sunday afternoon….Cracker Barrel….homestyle fried chicken….who can relate?? ???? Five years ago…..Party of One had a totally different meaning for me…..after deciding to leave a toxic relationship, I made the transition to another state where I knew no one but God. The day I arrived, being proud of my accomplishment, I decided to venture out for lunch and celebrate me! I arrived at the restaurant, there was a 45min wait, I gave the waitress my name for a “Party of One”. It was a beautiful day so I decided to sit outside and wait along with a multitude of other people. Eventually over the loud speaker, my name was finally called (“Leslie, Party of One”).
As I am walking to go inside, I walked by a gentleman who loudly stated, “Who would come here as a party of one? Needless to say, as soon as I heard him, my confidence was instantly deflated, my meal was not enjoyable because all I could hear were those words playing over and over in my head. Little did he know, that was the last thing I needed to hear as I was already feeling lost and broken. During that time, my identity was tied to others, so my party of one turned into a pity party. And instead of enjoying the meal that I ordered that day, I dined on low self-esteem, insecurity, rethinking my decision and an overwhelming sense of loneliness.
Like many, my first experience with rejection was in childhood and even though I accepted Christ as a teenager, I spent the majority of my adult life, searching for someone to love and accept me. However, I only ended up feeling rejected, abandoned, heartbroken, empty and insecure. In a state of brokenness, I fully surrendered to the only one that could help me….God. I already knew that God loved me but I did not love myself so it was hard to accept the depth of His love. It has been a lot of hard work to retrain my mind to accept HIS love and in turn love myself in a way that is healthy and independent of anyone else. Once I fully accepted God’s unconditional love and embarked on this journey of loving myself, my search ended. The person that I was searching for all along was ME! And I’m sooooo glad that I finally found her!
Fast forward…5 years later…Party of ONE has a brand new meaning for me! Now my identity is found in God and Him alone, joy has replaced sadness, and insecurity has been replaced with confidence. I have exchanged a low self-worth for a self-love that cannot be shaken by anyone or anything. I now know WHO I am and love who I am becoming! I am free to be ME: the one God created, knows, sees, loves and approves of, independent of anyone else.
Little did I know that the pain of hearing Party of One 5yrs ago would be the same exact words that would now bring me joy and catapult me into destiny! God does not waste your pain…even the pain of disobedience, wrong decisions, poor choices and pain that was caused by someone else. He gives beauty for ashes…trust him to work ALL things together for your good and make ALL things new!
Self-love is a journey and an investment that pays priceless dividends. It’s never too late to make the commitment to invest in you. You are worth it! Calvary is proof!
You are appreciated and celebrated!
God’s best always,
Leslie
18 Comments
-
-
Hi Cynthia, thanks so much for your comment!! I am so grateful that I finally decided to take the lessons from my pain, apply them and grow forward! I appreciate YOU…take care! God’s best always! 🙂
-
-
Claudia says:
God bless you in your new endeavor. Now is your time!
-
Thanks so much Claudia for the encouragement and well wishes….so grateful for this God given assignment! God’s best to you always my friend! 🙂
-
-
Denice says:
What an inspiring journey. I pray I will get there one day. I need the freedom to live and love myself.
-
Thank you Denice and you WILL get there….keep loving YOU one day at a time! Always choose YOU! God’s best always! 🙂
-
-
Deirdre Burnette says:
Wow what a powerful commentary Sis. ‘Party of One’ was a prophetic proclamation from the voice over the intercom in Cracker Barrel that day. Even though the voice of the devil (the man with the snide remark) tried to abort destiny… BUT GOD!
That ordeal was all together your PUSH into “healing,” “reflection,” and ultimate “VICTORY.”
You WIN!
Love you.-
Thanks so much sis! Wow, never looked at it that way but you are so right! What the devil meant for evil that day….God turned it for my good and HIS glory!! Conqueror and winner…yep that’s me! Love and appreciate you sooooooo much friend!
-
-
David Cook says:
Wow! What a story. Your sister and I worked at the Arena for The Hornets. She is such a kind, sweet and wonderful soul. In support of her I looked at your website. Your story is amazing. “Party Of One” , how amazing. What a testimony. I wish you all the luck in your new endeavor but as a lifetime entrepreneur Incan tell you that you will be successful because you passed the most important test……,,,Believing in yourself….. The Party Of One. I can feel your pain, joy frustrations and now exhilaration! You have the main ingredient to the formula….God. I truly wish you all the best and know that if I can help or be supportive in any way, please reach out. Soooo excited……”Party Of One”????
-
Hi Mr. Cook,
First of all, I am honored and appreciative to you for taking the time to share your thoughts after reading my blog! Your comment left me speechless and was just the encouragement that I needed in this new venture! It is great to know that my testimony is resonating with others and makes me even more determined to honor God and serve his people through Party of ONE. Thanks for the well wishes and I pray that God is always gracious to you and yours! 🙂
-
-
C.S. Anderson says:
Leslie, I am so over-the-moon excited for you, love. Your growth is awe-inspiring, and I am grateful to witness it. Continue to share your testimony, and renege l remember that, despite being a party of one, GOD IN YOU IS THE MAJORITY (1 John 4:4). Shine bright, love.????❤
-
Thank you sooooooo much for taking the time to visit my website and comment on my blog. During one of my darkest seasons, you were there to shine the love/light of Jesus and help me process my pain. I will definitely use this platform to help other women and share the lessons that I have learned. I will never forget you and pray that God is always gracious to you and yours. Love and appreciate, life coach! Huge HUG!! 🙂 🙂
-
-
Good day sis. Leslie. Its me Nikki from Wilmington,NC . I have missed you dearly the last 5 yrs. You have always been ss inspiration to me, by how you carried yourself. I knew all a long. That their was greatness in you. I’m super proud of you & your accomplishments. My fb name is John Nikki Stevenson. Yes,(name change) God has blessed me with a wonderful man of God. Again greatness is on your future. Much love
-
Hi Min. Nikki,
It is so great hearing from you….glad that we were able to reconnect!! Thanks for taking the time to comment on my blog and for your words of encouragement…means more than you know as I embark on this new venture. Please continue to pray for me that I stay fully surrendered and focused on my assignment. God’s best to you and your family….wonderful to see you full of joy and in love….you deserve that and so much more! I love and appreciate you!! 🙂
-
-
Kendra Foust says:
Leslie, I received my package and I absolutely love love love the gift!! I appreciate you so much. Your story and concept is amazing, and I will definitely use your products to pay it forward to others soon. Best wishes to you. You definitely have my support!
-
Hi Kendra,
You are more than welcome and I am sooooo appreciative for your support!! I am grateful to be able to share my journey and hope that it encourages women to become God’s version of themselves. Again, thanks for the love…..keep being the unique, beautiful and brilliant YOU!! God’s best always friend! 🙂
-
-
Erica Love says:
Wow!!!! What a testimony!!!!!
-
Thank you! To God be ALL the glory!!
-
Love how you learned from the lesson and did not stay in the pity place????