Black Women Have It Going On

Hello from Colorado, where the mountain peaks are tall and my perspective is finally settling into a deep, quiet truth.

Today is Thursday, July 23, 2026, and my faith is securely anchored in Christ Jesus. I’m so thankful you’ve joined me today for something a little lighter because, honestly, I think God enjoys reminding us that He has an incredible sense of humor.

Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time in my front yard gardening, landscaping, and—most notably—apparently becoming the neighborhood’s favorite source of entertainment.

For reasons known only to them, the sight of a Black woman happily working in her own yard seems to generate a surprising amount of curiosity. Cars slow down. Heads turn. Curtains move. Sometimes I can’t help but imagine they’re wondering if I’m quietly planning some elaborate neighborhood operation instead of simply planting flowers and repairing irrigation lines.

The truth is much less exciting.

Most days, my outdoor time doubles as prayer time. Unfortunately, those prayers have recently sounded something like, “Lord… please help me survive this heat!” I’ve been wrestling irrigation tubing beneath the blazing Colorado sun and coming back inside looking like I had just completed an Olympic event.

Until today.

Today, I finally got smarter.

While searching the garage for another tool, I noticed the enormous beach umbrella I bought on clearance at Costco last year. There it was, standing quietly in the corner, collecting dust.

As I looked at it, I couldn’t help but imagine that umbrella having a conversation with God.

“Lord, I’ve been here this whole time. I’m ready whenever she figures it out. Until then, I’ll just wait patiently while she insists on baking herself every afternoon.”

Well…

Today was its day.

I grabbed that giant umbrella, marched it down to the sidewalk, opened it with great satisfaction, and instantly created my own little oasis.

If my gardening already puzzled the neighbors, this probably elevated the mystery to another level.

I could almost imagine the blinds moving again.

Meanwhile, I sat comfortably beneath my glorious patch of shade, repaired irrigation lines without sweat running into my eyes, and quietly thanked God for reminding me to use what He had already provided.

Sometimes God doesn’t answer our prayers with dramatic miracles.

Sometimes He simply points toward something we purchased on clearance a year ago and gently whispers,

“Child… use the tools I already gave you.”

I laughed out loud.

And honestly?

It felt wonderful.

Today’s Takeaway

• The Provision Was Already There: Sometimes God answers our prayers long before we recognize the answer. What we’re asking for today may already be sitting quietly in the corner, waiting for us to notice it.
• Joy Is Its Own Testimony: There is something freeing about enjoying God’s blessings without worrying about who’s watching. Peace isn’t something we hide. It’s something we live.
• God Has a Sense of Humor: Faith doesn’t have to be stiff or gloomy. Sometimes our greatest spiritual lessons arrive wrapped in laughter, practical wisdom, and a giant beach umbrella.

Community Challenge

This week, take a look around the “clearance corners” of your own life.

What blessing, resource, opportunity, or boundary has God already provided that you’ve overlooked?

Instead of struggling through another situation the hard way, ask yourself whether the answer has been patiently waiting nearby all along.

Then put it to use.

Scripture

“The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.”

—Psalm 121:5–6 (NIV)

Prayer

Father, thank You for the beautiful Colorado sunshine, but thank You even more for reminding me that You often provide what I need long before I realize I need it.

Thank You for practical wisdom, unexpected laughter, and yes—even giant clearance umbrellas.

Lord, bless my neighbors. Fill their lives with Your peace, Your joy, and plenty of meaningful things to enjoy. As for me, help me continue serving You with a grateful heart, whether I’m planting flowers, repairing irrigation lines, or simply sitting in the shade You’ve already provided.

Teach all of us to recognize Your provision instead of overlooking it.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

The Spiritual Seal

Remember this:

Faith doesn’t require us to suffer unnecessarily just to prove we’re faithful.

Sometimes faith simply means recognizing God’s provision, stepping into His shade, and thanking Him for caring about even the smallest details of our lives.

Your life matters.

Your peace matters.

And your worth has already been signed, sealed, and delivered by the King of Kings.

I’ll see you tomorrow as we continue wrapping up the month together.

Grace and peace from Colorado.