It all started when I was a college student at Northwestern in Orange City Iowa, as I shared my poems with some of my friends back home. One of my friends kept saying, "you should share these poems." Another friend told me, "If you don't start sharing these poem, I will share them for you." I kept making excuses as I told my two friends and myself, "I am scared. I don't know how I can share them. I am scared to open up to other people."I began to realize that these fears kept constantly controlling me. 

 

As I continued to send my poems to the same girls, one of my friends told me I should start a blog. I thought to myself, "Thats not a bad idea. Maybe I should start it over the summer." This was the summer of 2014. So that was my plan, to start writing. I had no intentions of starting my blog so soon, until I received a phone call from my mom.  She told me about a lady who spoke at the women's conference at my church. She spoke about her blog that changed her life. God told her to write a blog in January and share it with people around the world. So that's exactly what she did. Because of her obedience, God is using her to bless so many ladies.

After my mom heard this message, she called me on the phone and told me, "You were the first person to pop up in my head. I think it would be a really good idea for you to start a blog." As soon as I hung up my phone, I knew it was a confirmation from God telling me, "I need to start a blog." I believe God used my mom and the people around me to open up a new door.  God told me in the past to live uncomfortably, so I believe creating this blog was a great start. 

 

 Little did I know, this was another step God placed in front of me so I could choose to live uncomfortably. As time went by, I began to share my poetry through spoken word at iclub (International Club) coffeehouse on my college campus, beginning 2015 my Sophomore year. I performed Christian rap with my brother and some of my spoken word pieces on stage. I shared pieces of my story at this event, sometimes scared out of my mind, but this didn't stop me from allowing God to use my voice for His glory. I constantly saw how God was helping me live uncomfortably through my gift of spoken word.

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As I continued to share poetry on my blog and through different events, 4 students at my school encouraged me to start a poetry club my at the end of my Sophomore year. I gave it much thought, and I began to really dwell on this idea over the summer. I would wrestle with this internally as I felt a strong tug in my spirit from God. I knew God was speaking, but Satan kept repeating, "You can't do this, you can't be a leader, you're not good enough." Then I felt this push from one of my pastors back home who really transformed my mind when he mentioned, "If God places a dream in your heart, then just do it." This really caused my mindset to shift, and I knew I had to start this club.

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A few months later, I went to school and talked to my advisor. I finally felt led to 'just do it,' after I talked to some of my friends. I turned in my paperwork, created the poster for the club fair the night before with a friend, and eventually started SOAR. I finally took that step, as I did what I truly believe God pushed me to do during that season.

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It's amazing how God has moved through me and has given me an even greater story through poetry. God has definitely placed people in my life for such a time as this. This club not only pushed me to live uncomfortably, it has also become a part of my life story. SOAR stands for: step out and rise. I gave it this name because I desire to see people step into who God created them to be, as fear is broken from their lives. SOAR wasn't just for them, but also for me, as I desire to step out of my comfort zone, so the Lord can use me for His Kingdom. 

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It's been 7 years since the beginning of this crazy journey of poetry. As I continue to teach, I also write, create videos, take pictures, perform spoken words, and sometimes write songs as a teacher. Even now I still feel that the word SOAR continues to sit in my spirit, but there has been this shift. SOAR once stood for step out and rise, but I believe that's the first step to discovering who I am called to be. During this season I believe God is calling me to not just rise up, but make a mighty roar for the kingdom, as I step out and roar.  

 

It's been a tough couple of years as Gods been pruning me and shifting me to be more like Him. Times can be scary when I can't see the outcome, but that's when I must choose to roar like never before.

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As I write these words I tear up, because I know that there is so much more God wants to do in and through me. I believe He wants to use this ministry to change lives and move like I've never seen Him move before. In the midst of COVID, racial tension as a a black woman in America, and so much division, God is calling me and each and everyone of you to find that roar within. Whether you are a writer, speaker, teacher, preacher, social worker, etc., your voice matters.

 

For years the enemy has tried to rob my voice and make me feel as though I am nothing but a percentage. Growing up quiet and shy, there's been this little girl inside of me gasping for air, waiting to say what's been pressed on my spirit.

 

 BUT GOD... 

 

When I've wanted to run away from using my gifts because of inadequacy, God continues to show up. These past few years He has opened up doors and opportunities for me to open up my mouth and minister. It's in those moments when I want to run, my weakness becomes His strength.

 

As a middle school camp leader for the past few years, God stepped in and gave me strength to endure every attack of the enemy. During those sleepless nights and spiritual warfare, God was there. He was my Jehovah Shammah as He has given me the opportunities to rap, speak, and create videos.

 

One of the songs I ministered focused on being a Comeback Kid. Before going on stage, I again felt those moments of inadequacy weigh on me, but this time there was a shift, as I was reminded of 2 Corinthians 12:10 (TPT), "So I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted! For when I feel my weakness and endure mistreatment—when I’m surrounded with troubles on every side and face persecution because of my love for Christ—I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power."

 

It was when I stopped and focused on my weakness becoming a portal to Gods power, that His Spirit took over. He took the mic and the stage, so that my weakness became a moment of strength.

 

Thinking back on this day, I am reminded of the power of Jesus and the cross. In those moments of silence when I have no words, I remember that His strength replaces my weaknesses, and that I am an overcomer. In those moments when COVID, death, racism, and division is all around, I am reminded that HE'S  STILL IS AT WORK. 

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Though life seems to be confusing, frightening, and feel unbearable, I am reminded that it aint over until God says it's over. If I still have breath in my lungs, I have purpose, as my voice matters...my story matters... I matter... and so do you. 

 

So I encourage you today, to never let fear stop you from doing what you feel called to do. Sometimes you might have to be afraid doing what God's telling you, but thats okay, because He's got you anyways. You may be similar to me, as you have let fear constantly push you back. The devil comes to kill, steal, and destroy. He has tried to steal my peace, he has tried to steal my mind, but he's done trying to take my voice. I have come a long way, and I believe that bondages of fear have been falling off my life as God's been gradually working on me. I truly long to see God break chains of fear within my life, as well as others, as we begin to step out, rise, and roar together.

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I desire to inspire others through my words, videos, songs, photography, poetry, and storytelling. These poems are not from me, but from the Spirit of God who works in and through me. When I have no words, He becomes my words. When I have no hope, He gives me that hope. When  I have no peace, Jesus gives me this peace that surpasses all understanding.  So I write to you, to show you, how I am living and growing. I hope that through my words, I am also inspiring. 

 

Peace, Love, and Blessings,

 

Jahdai Dunk