At the beginning of 2024, I think LOM & MOY was one of the last things on my mind if I’m being honest. I had just moved into a new place after going through some family conflict and I was really trying to find my footing. I started a new job, 3 months prior in November 2023 and I was re-navigating corporate fashion after being out for three years. I put a lot of pressure on myself to be the best in this new role, but the harder I tried it just felt like I was trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. I was being a people pleaser trying to fit in, doing things outside my job description to be a team player, and just overall I was uncomfortable but pretending like everything was okay for fear of rocking the boat. I gave my all at work and the job never stopped asking more of me. I found myself exhausted, burnt out and I eventually had to be hospitalized because my body couldn’t take anymore. It was at this moment that I knew something wasn’t right and I felt like God was telling me it’s time to move on.
In June 2024, I quit my job and decided to pursue freelancing and working on my fashion brand, LOM&MOY. Of course, I initially thought that if God is telling me to leave this job, then my brand would take off so quickly and I wouldn’t have to worry about a thing. Boy, was I wrong! I thought I would be walking into a season of abundance and instead I walked into a season of long suffering. 3 medical bills I couldn’t pay, 4 months behind in rent and anxiety so bad I woke up some mornings wondering if I had even slept. I was torn between building LOM&MOY that doesn’t currently bring in any money or freelancing to survive the expensive New York lifestyle.
I was frustrated with God and confused like why he would lead me into so much suffering and uncertainty. I asked where we were going and he remained silent. I asked why am I even here and he remained silent. I asked when is this going to be over and he remained silent. I complained to God daily and it wasn’t until I surrendered over and over and over again that he gave me clarity. The message was: There is only so much you can do in your own strength. Your efforts will only take you so far but if you remain in me, everything will work out for your good and my glory. These things aren’t happening to you they are happening for you.
2024 has been a whirlwind to say the least and even though the year is ending it doesn’t mean that all my problems go away, however, Jesus is the same last year, this year, next year and forevermore. Although this year came with challenges, God knew exactly what I needed and sent me a community of people who prayed for me, fought for me, walked and ran through the valleys with me. I felt seen, heard, loved, and cared for so even though 2024 wasn’t what I envisioned it to be, I’m grateful that God brought me through. So, thank you 2024 for the lessons learned, and hello 2025 lessons to come!
Thanks for coming along on my 2024 recap. I hope this encourages and inspires you in some way and to those who are still walking through the valley, remember that you are not alone. God is not done with you yet!