Need Some Encouragement?

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nataliea__brown

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

A few years ago, I learned that in the Hebrew lang

A few years ago, I learned that in the Hebrew language “hope” and “wait” are used interchangeably.
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I’ve always been struck by this and I think it presents somewhat of a life lesson.
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As we press on, even in seasons full of unknowns, we can be intentionally expectant. We can trust that the best is still yet to come. We can dare, even in the craziest of seasons, to hope...and maybe even laugh ✨ .
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#thursdaythoughts on a Friday 😉 📸: @unsimplysara

A verse I repeatedly turn to in seasons of uncerta

A verse I repeatedly turn to in seasons of uncertainty is Isaiah 43:19. “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” —

Without fail, this promise always captures my attention. It’s like God is directly speaking to my heart, “Look up! Pay attention! Notice what I am doing here. Where you see breaking, I am building. Where you see death, I am
birthing new life.” —
#thursdaythoughts

My hope for us this in complicated season is that

My hope for us this in complicated season is that we will use this space to listen...
To God, to ourselves, and to each other. 💛

In the midst of the chaos, uncertainty, and confusion, God is still speaking with clarity. -
In the middle of all the surrounding noise, your heart has something to tell you.

And in the madness of simply being alive, your people need you.

I hope we all take some time these next few weeks to listen and respond. It's beautiful and necessary work all on its own.

Here’s a challenge.. In the midst of all that’

Here’s a challenge..
In the midst of all that’s going wrong, causing us worry, or simply making us a little irritable (speaking to myself 🙋🏾‍♀️), let’s remember to practice GRATITUDE.

Not because it will instantly change our situations, but because it can change our perspective.

Gratitude is not a pain aversion tactic..BUT it is a tried and true remedy for despair. I dare you to give it a try! ❤️

Last week this time, I was boarding a plane to Can

Last week this time, I was boarding a plane to Canada, feeling excited, hopeful, and nervous all at the same time.
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Public speaking stills feels a little strange for me, and yet, it has also become one of the greatest honors, joys, and blessings of my life. .
I’ve learned that whenever I am given a mic, it’s because God has something to say through me, and the more I let Him lead, the more I and the people around me can hear him speak. Last week, I believe He spoke. .
I am still looking for the right words to describe my time in Canada, but ‘gratitude’ is the most pressing.

So, thank you @trinitywestern @twuchapel and @twusa for inviting me into your community. You have something very special at your school and I’m grateful to have witnessed it.
Thank you @jnomiddlename for calling out my God given gifts and inviting me to Trinity!

And thank you, God, for wanting to use someone like me. ✨

Sound is an interesting thing. In the quietest of

Sound is an interesting thing.
In the quietest of rooms, you can hear the drop of a pin, perhaps serving as a beautiful and necessary reminder that God doesn’t need to shout...we just need adequate space to hear His whisper.

I’m praying we all find some of that space this week! 💛
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#52cupschallenge

This is a moment I will cherish forever. . As a ki

This is a moment I will cherish forever.
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As a kid, my Grandma sparked my love for stories every time I visited her in Jamaica. After publishing 52 Cups of Coffee, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever have the opportunity to share it with her in person due to some of her health concerns/ our physical distance...But God made a way and I am so grateful!
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Yesterday, I shared in my #thursdaythought that in every broken circumstance, we are given the opportunity to discover something beautiful. This is one of my “beautiful moments.” Even though my grandma probably doesn’t remember that this moment happened, I’m so grateful that it did. It was and is my reminder that “There Is Grace Here.” ✨- full blog in bio!

PS: she isn’t ignoring me at the end, she was calling my Grandpa to come listen 😂❤️

Can’t believe @tashi_b97 is 23!!!! . It feels li

Can’t believe @tashi_b97 is 23!!!!
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It feels like you’ve been living into the essence of your Jordan year long before today...which is really to say I see GREATNESS in you everyday.
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May this be a year full of blessings, growth, and adventures galore.

I love you! #happybirthday !

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