What If It All Works Out?

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During a recent trip to the Hamptons, something shifted in me. Being away from home—whether near or far—always seems to leave a lasting imprint on me, but this time was different. 

If you’ve been keeping up with me for years—or even the last few months—you’d know that I’m a fashion and beauty editor and content creator. Not to be confused with an influencer, I’m a creative professional who loves telling meaningful stories that push culture forward, whether that’s through my pen or style. My nearly eight-year journey in media has been far from linear, especially these past few months. In March, I was laid off from my previous role, once again being thrust into the complicated yet beautiful life of freelancing. As unexpected as it was, layoffs have unfortunately become all too familiar in journalism, including among some of the most talented editors I know—especially those who look like me. I was one of three Black women at my previous company, a reality that isn’t uncommon across predominantly non-Black publications. Maybe a coincidence? Or not.

Yet, with all the statistics and circumstances that compete for my attention, the ride since has been rewarding. Sure, I’ve prayed, cried, second-guessed certain things, and prayed then cried some more. I was in a situation I didn’t want, nor did I understand why it was happening. But as much as I wanted to change my reality, I had to face it. 

Sometimes, we become so focused on solving the problems that we forget to ask why we’re facing them. I believe there is purpose in everything, even the chaos, and nothing happens without God’s allowance. It took time, but this unwanted journey taught me that my faith had become circumstantial rather than perpetual. I had seen God come through for me time and time again, yet somewhere along the way, I began relying on myself—someone limited—instead of the One who created me and isn’t. I had to learn to trust God not just for this season, but for every season, so that even when life is good, my foundation remains secure.

We always talk about the amazing moments, but the most precious things don’t always start that way. A mother enduring some pain before giving birth to her child. Dirt growing vibrant flowers. A blank page being the foundation for a beautiful story. Most of all, God uses mere dust to form us into fearfully and wonderfully made human beings in His image. 

It was on that trip that all of these epiphanies began to come to me. A few other editors and I got in a little late the night before, but I was determined to catch the sunrise on the beach. Of course, I didn’t make it in time to see it rise—at 5:30 a.m. after going to bed at 2? I was clearly joking—but I still wanted to get my morning walk in. I ended up going around 6:30, which was still early, so naturally, giving God thanks and setting the tone for the day came first. I had also planned on journaling, but I couldn’t stop staring at the waves. This was far from my first time on the beach, but something about this particular morning had captured my attention. I noticed the way the ocean works with the air to rise only to a certain point, reaching the shoreline exactly where it’s supposed to, without fail each time. How it’s free-flowing, yet submitted to a power beyond itself. How restless, yet tranquil, it is. How beautiful it is. How abundant it is.

It was then that a rush of emotions and thoughts came over me, culminating in a necessary release of the things I had been carrying—my career and its future included. Another unexpected occurrence in my life, yet one I needed.

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Even when life doesn’t look the way I imagined, I’m learning to recognize God in what’s already in front of me. Believe it or not, the distress of being laid off has birthed some pretty incredible moments in my life—including growing my portfolio by four major publications and unlocking strengths and talents I didn’t even know I had. Even as I write this, I’m traveling home from an event with a powerhouse beauty brand, where I participated in a Pilates class and walked away with at least $100 worth of products—all for free. This summer, while very much a New York one, has still been filled with special trips and experiences made possible by the work I’m still blessed to do. This doesn’t just happen to people. Not long ago, I was watching some of my peers and older editors in the industry experience these moments, wondering what it would be like for this to become my reality. Now, somehow, it is.  

Funny how the journey to where we want to be can make us forget we were once on a journey to where we are. I spent so much time wondering when everything would work out, when really, everything had been working out—I just had to open my eyes. Sometimes, God changes our perspective before He changes our circumstances. The heart and mind need their own realignment, too. 

What if it doesn’t work out? What if it all works out? Yeah, it will work out. To everything there is a time and season, and faith is keeping our end of the bargain. Sometimes, that looks like bold steps; other times, character refinement. So if you’ve made it this far, consider this your sign to stop focusing so much on whether it will work out and start becoming who you need to be so you don’t mishandle the “it” when it finally comes.

"The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands."

Psalm 138:8 {KJV}

Much love and peace,

-Nay.