Need Some Encouragement?

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nataliea__brown

Can I be honest? 👀 It’s a lot easier to vote

Can I be honest? 👀
It’s a lot easier to vote than actually show up and invest in the issues I care about..*

It’s much quicker to stand in line and check a few boxes, than it is to volunteer, pray, call senators, etc.

Don’t get me wrong...I believe voting IS important, but so is getting involved on a ground level.

As we close up Election season here in the US, I feel challenged to not let my voice remain in the ballot box (or on my social media feed). I’m convicted to take note of how I can take action this November & beyond. Today, I challenge you to do the same.

*ps: I recognize voting is not easier for everyone. There are very real forces that deny, hinder, and suppress the votes of others.

*pps: it’s been said, but it’s worth repeating - no matter who wins this week, God is on the throne.

Reminiscing on last October and life pre-Covid ✨

Reminiscing on last October and life pre-Covid ✨
I miss traveling, concerts, live seminars, and visiting friends like @stacymata 💛💛💛

I finally get it.... When Proverbs 31 says, “an

I finally get it....

When Proverbs 31 says, “and she laughs without fear of the future.” It’s not because she knows the future...it’s because she trusts the one who holds her future! 😭🤍
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I’m praying to become a woman that does the same! Even (especially!) in a year like 2020.
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Link in bio to register for my new ~free~ digital devotional through the book of Ruth next month!
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📸: @abi.c.photography

A few Monday reminders ✨ Don’t forget to laug

A few Monday reminders ✨

Don’t forget to laugh!
Be kind to yourself (&others)
God loves you! Like, really deeply loves u!
The world needs your voice!
Go, vote! 🗳

❤️❤️❤️
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📸: @abi.c.photography

It’s here!!! ☺️ Introducing “Speak Up with

It’s here!!! ☺️
Introducing “Speak Up with Natalie Brown” - the first 4:14 Ministries Podcast
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Speak Up is a space for modern women to lean in and exhale. Each episode an invitation towards conversations on faith, race, identity, culture, purpose, and so much more!

I’ll let the first episode speak for itself.
Let me know if you take a listen! 💛
@414_ministries
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#speakup #womenonamission #empowerher #414 #414ministries
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📸: @abi.c.photography

Officially introducing @414_ministries ✨☺️ .

Officially introducing @414_ministries ✨☺️
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@414_ministries is my newest creative platform, designed to inspire, encourage, & empower us to live just like Esther did: For Such a Time as This! ✨ (Esther 4:14)

2020 has been a hot mess, but deep down I really believe we were made for this moment.
Now the question is, will we rise to the occasion? 👀

That’s all I’ll say for now, though there’s more to come! If you need this type of energy on your feed, give @414_ministries a follow and be on the lookout for an exciting announcement soon!
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📸: @abi.c.photography
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#414 #414ministries

I have some things to tell you 👀 . . @414_mini

I have some things to tell you 👀
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@414_ministries official introduction coming soon 💛

For many years I was shy...like painfully shy. I w

For many years I was shy...like painfully shy.
I was never one to raise my hand in class. I looked away when men gave me any attention. And I grew relatively comfortable making myself small.

For a long while I was okay with this..I didn’t mind being in the background or even going unnoticed...that is, until I began to realize my fears were getting in the way of my destiny.

Where God had plans to demonstrate His greatness in my life, I was settling for just “okay,” and after some time I decided this was not OK.

It’s taken a lot of work, a lot of prayer, and many tears, but slowly, decidedly, & gratefully, I am finding my voice..and it’s time to make some noise. ✨

So yes, it’s the boss-up energy for me.
I’m a Kings kid; a Queen with a royal inheritance and I refuse to live like anything less. 👸🏾
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#414 #414ministries #forsuchatimeasthis

I spent most of this weekend watching Living Singl

I spent most of this weekend watching Living Single reruns and braiding my hair. It was lovely ❤️ As time consuming as the process is, I always feel more in tune with myself each time I do it.

Hair care has always felt this way for me. Since I was 10 years old, I’ve loved doing my own hair. Whether it’s a twist out, wash n go, flat iron, sleek ponytail, low bun, etc., black hair reminds me of the essence of black women: strong & sensitive, fierce & requiring of intention.
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Our hair embodies our God-given strength AND our human-inherited sensitivity.
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In a day and time when black women are crying out (yet again) to be heard, known, and protected, I hope you know we’re crying out for more than just justice. We’re asking, also, that you see us...all of us. 💜

Just checking in. Hope you’re drinking water and

Just checking in. Hope you’re drinking water and eating your greens. Calling loved ones & practicing self care. Meditating, contemplating, advocating. Seeking love as much as you’re witnessing hate. Laughing loudly. Choosing joy. Reaching for God as you realize He’s been reaching for you. Praying bold prayers and believing they’re heard. Hope is here. I see it and believe it, I hope you do too.

Happy Fathers Day, Dad! I love you ❤️

Happy Fathers Day, Dad! I love you ❤️

I am so exhausted. My heart is grieved and I am sl

I am so exhausted. My heart is grieved and I am slowly learning how to lament. Yes...I’m angry. Angry that it took a man lying on the ground, breathless, for 9 minutes for people to “wake up”. Yes, I’m angry for the number of times I’ve felt unheard, unseen, or unprotected. I’m angry for the amount of times people have responsed with “don’t play the race card”. I’m frustrated by parts of the Western church that have chosen/still choose to turn a blind eye to these issues. I’m mad that #blacklivesmatter has become, to some, political propaganda rather than fundamental truth.
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I’m angry that people seem to care more about the protests and riots than the issues behind them. And I’m mad because I’m worried that in a few months time so many will “forget” to care or blatantly choose not to. —
I know this isn’t the encouraging commentary “nice” Natalie is known for, but this is the truth.
Which is why I’ve spent most of today in prayer. Allowing God to hear all the things I haven’t said outside of my conversations with black friends & family. All the things I haven’t posted on social media. All the things that have been pent up inside me. And the beautiful thing is, God listened. —
This morning, I was reminded of Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” —

The yoke of Jesus was submission to the spirit of God. May we not forget this. Jesus postured himself in this world FIRST by aligning himself with the call and mission of God....which led him to speak out against injustice, speak up for the voiceless, hold hands with the marginalized, call out the religious, heal on the sabbath, defend the unprotected, choose the unchosen, and save the wretched. I feel a shout coming on. 🔥

Yes, Jesus SAVED us, but first, He lived WITH us, demonstrating the heart of God. God did not avoid or escape the messiness of this world, rather, He choose to enter into it head on. What a powerful testament to His love!

Continued in the comments...

Psalm 139:14 ✨ . . “I praise you because I am

Psalm 139:14 ✨
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“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

If you need space to listen, reflect, respond, rec

If you need space to listen, reflect, respond, receive, pray, etc. join me on Zoom at 2 PM (CST) this Saturday for Tea with Natalie 💛

Ahmaud | Breonna | George . . May we remember thei

Ahmaud | Breonna | George
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May we remember their names, even when we don’t know what to say.

Happy Friday! Get some sunshine, listen to good m

Happy Friday!
Get some sunshine, listen to good music, and remember to just breathe this weekend. ✨😘 —
📷: @autumnzworld

Walking down memory lane and wanted to share a few

Walking down memory lane and wanted to share a few behind the scenes moments from when I was working on 52 Cups of Coffee ❤️
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Initially, I told myself that this needed to be a small project.

Who was I to write a book and who was actually going to listen? I was more than comfortable playing small and wasn’t sure if I even wanted people to listen.

But God had other plans, and over 1,500 copies later, He has far exceeded my expectations.

I write this to say... I know what it’s like to have a secret dream on your mind. To be scared to tell anyone about the things God is brewing inside of you. To worry or question if it’s even possible or if you’re even capable.
I’ve been there...but life and personal experience have taught me that when God calls you to something, He will equip you for it. His plans are always bigger than our perceptions. —

So in fewer words, what I’m trying to say is just do it! Write the book. Start the podcast. Launch the business. Whatever God is stirring on your heart. It’s possible. There are people and opportunities waiting on the other side of your obedience! Not for our sake, but for the Kingdoms.
Who knows...your gift, talent, crazy idea, may be needed for such a time as this.

Until we can meet in coffee shops again, I guess I

Until we can meet in coffee shops again, I guess I’ll have to create my own 🤷🏾‍♀️ Join me for “Tea with Natalie” this Saturday on Zoom!
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Come if you need encouragement, inspiration, or just want something to do this weekend!

Zoom details on next slide 💛

Who’s In Your Boat?? Just like Peter and the dis

Who’s In Your Boat?? Just like Peter and the disciples, troubled waters will come for us all. And truth is, sometimes we won’t have the courage or faith to be brave. —
In these moments, I’m learning it’s helpful to look at those around us. Who’s demonstrating courage? Who’s taking their own leaps of faith? It is in watching these people as they watch the Lord that we can be invited and motivated to do the same!
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So, who’s in your boat?
Thank you @stacymata for being one of the beautiful, courageous souls in mine. 💛
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#thursdaythoughts full post in bio!

The little things have been getting me by these da

The little things have been getting me by these days: sunflowers, movie nights, iced coffee, FaceTime dates, the Psalms. I’ve been training my eyes to notice beauty, love, and hope, and as it turns out, it’s often closer than I think.
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#thursdaythoughts

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