Waving The White Flag
I have been online in some capacity since 2000. When I got married in 2002, I found myself online even more because I had become a stay at home mom in a new town with no friends. The internet was way for me to connect to my friends and family back in Los Angeles.
Eventually I started seeking other groups of like-minded individuals and that is how I discovered, that you really can earn an income online. And get this – there were legal ways to do it. I also discovered that I could create a ministry for women much like what I had in Los Angeles, but online. I was in heaven learning all I could to make a difference and a living at the same time. But I made some HUGE mistakes along the way.
Fast forward to October 2006 and I was in an impromptu coaching session with Kelly McCausey. She said some things to me that hurt but were true. It was on that day that I heard God tell me to do VA work. I remember the entire setting and the conversation with Kelly. As she was talking to me, she asked me what I thought I had too offer. I clearly heard God say “VA work and writing” but I totally ignored it. He repeated it and I still waved it off. I just did not want to commit all that time to people’s stuff. I was too depressed and out of sorts to deal with other people; especially clients who were going to be picky, mean and that I may have had to well, I will be honest, tell off. And as far as my writing – that was too personal for me to give over to anyone else. Writing was my therapy during a time when my life was just at a point of turmoil, confusion and deep sadness.
So I started building Vegan Family Living in October and launched it in January 2006. I loved talking about cooking, food, and how my vegan family lived. But you know what, I felt a tug often to help others with what I had learned and already knew about business. I found myself helping people in so many ways.
Fast forward one more time to April 2008. After 2 years, income from Vegan Family Living was still a trickle, I was working the match from both ends, and was trying to come out of funk after suffering a nervous breakdown in February. I was no longer happy or in a place of peace. My family was coming back from a serious financial set back after my husband was not paid $12,000 on a job he did. Let’s just say I was in a bad place spiritually, mentally, emotionally and even physically.
I was working hard at my plans to expand Vegan Family Living when my husband came to me and said that I was going to have to go out of the house for work because we were hurting. His projects were far and few between, the boys needed clothes, and I was skipping meals to sure they were able to eat.
Well didn’t I hear God again tell me to start writing and this time this girl listened. I set my site up in a week and by the end of the following week, I had three clients and had made almost $300. Wow! Why didn’t I just listen. Now I am adding the VA services but I waited until God showed me where I need to focus. I just did not want to mess up anymore.
My life is not better because of the work coming in. It is better because in February when I had that nervous breakdown, I finally waved my white flag and told God that I just can’t do this my way anymore. I had tried and failed miserably time after time. In the last 5 1/2 years I had forgotten my experience and where God has brought me from. I became a person who I did not like. I was even angry with God for much of the time and blamed him for where I was. Yet He never let me go far from His gripe of grace; even used me in the midst of my anger to help others. That is how I started my healing process.
Once I waved that white flag my love and respect for God returned. I knew I was back to loving Him and myself when I opened my mouth to sing one day and felt His presence so strong in the words that came out. God is just good like that.
Today I am a better woman for listening and heeding the Words from my Father. I am not only writing but also working with clients to increase their internet presence through using Social Media the right way.
I did not write this as a brag but to encourage some mom, some woman who is sitting on her white flag and not listening to His heeding. When He speaks, and yes He does speak to you about every area of your life, listen, heed, get up and start working.
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Good for you girl. I’m so happy to read this. When you’re doing what God has planned for you, what you are good at it all just seems to work out.
I’ve had one of those moments earlier this year and I finally (after a couple years of putting it off)listened and couldn’t be happier with the direction of my business plans.
2009 is going to be a great year for us :–)
I admire you for writing this LaTara. There are many people including myself that won’t raise that white flag. I am glad you did. Keep up the awesome work!
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I am very happy to read this.
Following what is meant for us is sometimes hard, but always great.
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What a great post LaTara! I am so happy for you
LaTara, what a great post! This is how things usually happen for me too. It’s always when I’m ready to wave that white flag. I’m glad that you are now in a better place mentally, emotionally, and spirtually.
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That was very inspiring.
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You are an inspiration! I have had to go through similar times where God has allowed things in my life to cause me to surrender my will to Him. He just wants us to stop trying to do it on our own and let Him have full control. It is a tough lesson, but God is always faithful and He always provides.
God bless you and your businesses! I have enjoyed reading your blog posts.
I am also seeking God on how to bring in some extra money / work from home. Please keep me in mind if you know of anything, even extra VA work. I am extremely computer savvy and have created my own sites & blogs. I enjoy research and anything to do with creativity and design.
It has been nice following you on Twitter and I look forward to many more twitter conversations in the future. God bless you and your family!
Dawn aka “PainterMommy”
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I couldn’t agree more Latara and you are always there ready and willing to offer advice, encouragement and even a little swift kick in the pants that I often need. Thanks girl!
Touching story Latara. God never lets us down. He knows how much we can bare. Glad you were able to wave your white flag and get the blessings God had in store for you. Sometimes, we have to make a way out of no way. I liked how you listened to make the needed changes necessary for you to be ok.
God Bless….
-Teresa
ebonywoman.info
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You are definitely an inspiration. I am so proud to call you my friend. I understand the waving of the white flag, because I have done the same thing.
I am not quite sure what God has in store for me, but I am ready and willing.
You are a true gift from God and I am happy that you are finally listening to our Father:)
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[...] a picture to go with my new article on Household Budget Advice my eye was caught by one of those tiny urls posted by LaTara. It was a link to her newest blog post on her site Mom Unplugged. I have a good [...]
I was so touched when I read this. I think I fall under the category of those sitting on their white flags. I’m not sure I’ve listened to God in years and maybe I need to get back to Him and stop leaning on myself and lean on God for guidance. Thank you for posting this. You really have touched my heart in a way I’m not sure how to describe. Let’s just say for some reason I’ve got tears in my eyes. Great post LaTara!
LaTara – you are an amazing woman! Just look at how you affected someone else who didn’t even realize they needed it!
btw..you’ve been tagged to play along in the I Love My Hubby Meme
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