Life is a Journey (Makaya Parris)

I’m Makaya Parris—first and foremost, a daughter of Jesus, wife to Nathaniel, and proud dog mom. As an LMSW and school counselor, I’m passionate about guiding and supporting others. I find joy in cooking, traveling, hiking, and savoring a good iced coffee. My life is a testament to the beauty God creates from ashes, and I strive to reflect His grace in all that I do.

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One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is that life doesn’t always go the way we plan. There are moments that fill us with joy and gratitude, but also seasons of sorrow and grief. And then there’s the in-between—the times when we feel stuck, uncertain, or even when things are beautiful and joy is ahead, yet we still find it hard to let go and trust. Lately, surrender has been on my heart. Maybe there are things you need to surrender too. We often hold onto our own plans, our own expectations, and even our fears, but true peace comes when we let go and trust that God is in control. It’s not always easy—I struggle with being still, but I’m learning that stillness is an act of worship. What gives me hope is knowing how much God loves us. His love isn’t based on our perfection, our success, or how well we have it all together. He loves us simply because we are His. His love is relentless, unshaken by our mistakes, and big enough to cover our brokenness. Yesterday, my Mamaw and I were talking, and she was reading Scripture. I told her, “You know, the stories of the Bible show that God uses broken people to accomplish His will.” And I love that. Time and time again, we see God choosing the unlikely, the flawed, and the ones the world overlooks. He doesn’t call the perfect—He perfects those He calls. None of us have it all together, but God—He shows up. I think about Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane—He knew the suffering ahead, yet He surrendered, saying, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” That is the ultimate picture of surrender—trusting the Father, even when the road ahead is painful, uncertain, or even when joy is waiting on the other side. Surrender is about releasing control in all seasons, believing that God’s way is better than ours. This morning, I’m reminded that God holds the plans for our lives. He sees the bigger picture, He knows us better than we know ourselves, and He is working all things together for our good. So today, surrender. Lay it at His feet. He loves you more than you can imagine, and He’s got you. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5-6 I hope this encourages you today. Whatever you’re holding onto—whether it’s fear, uncertainty, or even the excitement of what’s ahead—know that you don’t have to carry it alone. God is faithful, He is near, and He is always working—even when you don’t see it. Trust Him. Surrender, and rest in His love.