I was getting ready for brunch, after a night of stressing out over my book — feeling like it would never be perfect, received well, or that it wouldn't be taken seriously thanks to mistakes. Well, that morning God made it a point to reveal to me something that gave my mind peace and released the angst in my heart..."Your mistakes won't stop my message." That alone released a flood of tears that I couldn't control, but when I heard "and your imperfections don't forfeit your purpose," I legitimately ugly cried. As a Christian, these are things we hear all of the time. As a Christian, we're expected for this to be our default mental state. Though that's not the case, at least it's not for me, and maybe I'm alone in that. But I have moments of doubt, times where I question if how I executed my tasks will accomplish His will.

That reminder was a breath of fresh air. It took away the pressure that I often apply to myself — and it gave me the freedom to celebrate my accomplishment, without a "but."

Later that evening my phone rang. It was a friend that I gifted a copy of my book to and she was elated. Before I could get a word in, she yelled "I couldn't put the book down! Ces, oh my God. I read it in less than a day!" She didn't mention a mistake, no instead, she immediately plunged into the parts of the book that convicted her and caused her to begin soul searching for clarity in how she dates.

Mission accomplished.

XO,
Ces

P.S.
I don't know what your mind is telling you wasn't good enough once you completed it or what part of your purpose feels unobtainable, but it's all a lie. You're capable. You were given the assignment because you're able to see it through. You already possessed every skill and characteristic necessary to bring it to fruition. You are called, you were chosen, you are able, and you will succeed. I can't wait to see you soar!

'Love Is__' is one of the most compelling shows to ever grace television and it's so necessary for us to witness. I don't say that because of my affinity for WIll Cattlet — and no, not because I cherish well written scripted TV shows. But before we dive in, let me give you its background.

'Love Is,' is a show inspired by the romance that led to the Hollywood power couple, Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil. Here's a quick synopsis, courtesy of Ms. Google:

"Set in Los Angeles in the 1990s, 'Love Is__' follows a young black couple, two people from opposite worlds, as they go through the trials and tribulations of chasing their dreams and learning how to follow their hearts. Nuri is bubbly and has big dreams, but she is struggling to make a name for herself as a sitcom staff writer while juggling a string of romances. Yasir is an aspiring director/writer who has hit a snag and is on-and-off again with his ex. The program is told from the perspective of Nuri and Yasir's present-selves while they revisit the social issues and the vibrant black culture that helped shape who they are today."

Within the first few episodes, Nuri makes it clear that she's fully aware of everything that she brings to the table. A stable (yet difficult) career, home ownership, financial security, no children, and a solid education. She also makes it known that she wants a man who essentially mirrors her in those qualifications and who do not have kids either.

Enter, Yasir.

We meet Yasir and quickly learn that he doesn't have a job, lives with his ex/girlfriend, has a son that he is struggling to provide for and left at home when he moved to LA to chase his dreams. Fast-forward, the two meet, and fall in love. Nuri now has to grapple with the fact that she's fallen for the exact man that she never wanted, but who came in the form of a man that she now can't imagine living without. As the story unfolds, we see Yasir coming to grips with his issues, fears, and insecurities — while Nuri has to learn to be her normal determined and successful self, without fading for a man who has yet to reach his potential.

On the show we watch them argue, we watch them learn to be considerate and flexible for one another, we are even allowed a glimpse into the complexities of their outside relationships. We get front row seats to them trying to understand what love truly is...and it's refreshing. The show reveals the gritty side of love and reminds us that love is: work, patient, kind, annoying, difficult, blissful, and unpredictable, amongst many other things. In real life, we make lists of how we expect love or our spouse to be and what will qualify them, yet, 'Love Is' reveals that it's just not that simple.

The Akil's highlight that 'Love Is' perfectly imperfect and varies by relationship. 'Love Is' a lot of things, none of which fit into a box or come with a "one size fits all" tag. It's tailored for those involved and will mold itself to fit the love story that God has written and produces for that particular couple. 'Love Is' reminds us that love is what we make it, but it's not a fairytale. So even if you never flip to OWN to catch an episode (which you definitely should!), please take those nuggets and store them for safekeeping.

Now that also doesn't mean that you should take whatever is thrown at you because... that's a hard "no." Pray for clarity to know what to dodge, run away from, and what you're destined to endure. But all in all, know that 'Love Is' not easily defined and each love story will come with its own difficulties and victories. Nuri and Yasir had a rough start and possibly harsh intermediate times too, but as the older/wiser Yasir and Nuri share — their love was worth the trenches. And while I pray many of don't have to go through substantial hardship on our journey to true love, for those who do, I pray it's all worth it for you too.

And that is why I feel 'Love Is__' is one of the most compelling shows to ever grace television and it's so necessary for us to witness.

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Your mistakes won't stop His message.

'Love is_____', is necessary!