Diving into the core of today's convo, we’re unpacking the wild ride of sisterhood, faith, and the absurdity of life's little dramas. Ikeyaira, Nala, and I are here to spill the tea on how we navigate the chaos of our relationships with God and each other. Expect a blend of laughter, eye-rolls, and those deep moments where we question everything from love to rejection—like, why is life so complicated? We’re throwing out some real talk about the importance of choosing love over emotions and also how to deal with that one friend who just doesn’t get it. So, sit back, grab your favorite snack, and join us for a chat that’s equal parts chaos and clarity!

In this episode, the dynamic trio—Ashley, Ikeyaira, and Nala—explores the intricacies of relationships, both with each other and with God. They tackle the idea of how love is often romanticized in pop culture, yet at its core, it’s a raw and intentional choice. The conversations meander through experiences of rejection and acceptance, reminding listeners that sometimes, what feels like a setback might actually be a divine setup for something better. With a mix of humor and sincerity, they share personal anecdotes that resonate with anyone who has grappled with their faith and relationships. From the importance of defending one’s faith to the joys of finding community in unexpected places, this episode is a relatable journey that emphasizes the beauty of growth, understanding, and, of course, the occasional giggle fit that only best friends can share.

Takeaways:

• We dive into the delightful chaos of sisterhood, where laughter is the only language, and confusion reigns supreme.
• Navigating friendships in college is like a game of musical chairs, you never know who will sit next to you next.
• Love isn't just a mushy feeling; it's a choice we make daily, even on those rough days when you just want to throw a tantrum.
• In the wild world of defending your faith, sometimes you just gotta roll with the punches and know when to hold your peace.
• Rejection is not just a door slamming in your face; it’s God giving you a nudge toward something better, like a loving shove into the right direction.
• Embracing the absurdity of life is key—like eating soup and a PB&J at the same time, you just gotta do you!

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Ikea
• Nala
• Spotify
• YouTube
• Bible Project
• Bible Experience
• Kroger
• Domino's
• Wingstop
• Papa John's
• Cheez Its
• Freon
• Control Alt Delete

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Welcome back.

My name is Ashley and this is the Black Sheep Christian Podcast.

And today it is a Sister Day.

Hello, sisters.

I have Ikea Nala.

Hey, thanks for joining me today.

This is the first three people.

It's a trio.

I'm so excited.

I am too.

So we are here together at UD and there's going to be a disclaimer of giggling, a disclaimer of confusion, like, why are they laughing at that?

Why are they.

What's happening here?

But that's what happens when you have sisters.

You know, there's just a nice little code that's happening behind the scenes.

Facts.

That's a good way to put it.

Like a code.

Yeah.

I've never seen someone give a disclaimer for laughing.

I like that.

I mean, that's so valid because sometimes I feel like certain videos you'll watch and you'll be like, why are they laughing?

Like, I don't understand.

So that was so kind of you.

It really was.

Aren't even more confused by our, like, random laughs.

Yes.

They'll just be like, oh, this is what she was talking about.

Exactly.

Exactly.

Because, I mean, we haven't known each other for years, but we do sure act like that.

It feels like it.

That is crazy.

Like, yeah.

Wow.

What has it even.

I feel like it hasn't been a year for us.

No.

But I don't even know.

I feel like it's been like a year for us, though.

Me and Ashley.

Yes.

At least.

Yeah.

Yeah.

And I don't think it's been a year for you.

I don't think so.

It's like, I know you guys in passing.

Like, I would always see you and we would say hi.

Then we started talking more.

Right.

I just think it's not like a black girl thing where you see each other.

You're just like, hey, your hair is cute.

You know, stuff like that.

Good to see you.

Right.

Like, I don't even know who that is.

Eventually, we did introduce you.

Well, I always remembered you because I was like, I always like how she dresses.

So every time I saw you, I'd be like, I'm gonna say hi.

But then I would get scared.

I'm like, what if she thinks I'm weird?

But then we started saying hi more, and I was like, oh, she's so sweet.

Aww.

That's crazy.

It is.

Well, for me, I felt like the only kid in the playground.

And when I see a sister, I'd.

Be like, why is a sister.

Don't act weird.

Because at work, before being where I am.

It was 10 years before I had a direct co worker with the African American male or female.

That's insane.

So when I would see you two.

I'd be like, wow, there's a chip in the cookie.

There's a chip in the cookie.

That's good.

I'm putting that in my.

As you should, in my vocabulary jar.

It's just crazy how, like, that it automatically makes you feel more comfortable.

Yeah.

That's how I felt when I changed my major.

Because when I was originally business economics, and I would walk into a room like, bro, I'm the only bro.

Yep.

What's up, dad?

Like, no, like, I. I got tired of that and I just, I knew that coming into a pwi, but then when I changed the criminal justice, just seeing how much more diversity there was, and I felt more welcomed.

You feel more comfortable.

I felt more confident in the major and I didn't like economics anyway, so it just didn't help not seeing anybody close to you.

Yeah, that's valid.

Wait, so how did you two meet?

Was it just like in the housing office?

I think so, yeah.

Was it Chris that introduced us?

I don't.

Chris does that sometimes.

I feel like he always introduced me to the black people.

Yeah, he tried.

He tries to keep us together.

Black people unite.

Because he literally will.

And.

But I like that because he.

He advocates for so many people.

Yeah, yeah.

And he get.

He allows people to have so many different opportunities.

And the only reason why I'm a desk assistant supervisor is because of him.

And he's like, don't give me the credit.

But I'm like, I wouldn't have applied if it weren't for you.

Yeah.

Shout out to Chris wherever you are.

Right.

He built a house.

So he built a house, didn't he?

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

He's a homeowner now.

Okay.

Right.

Yeah.

Wow.

I think also because I will come up to the office more often and I think like, I would just be up there, like, as a supervisor.

And then your office was always open.

I don't know.

I don't remember when we first really met.

Yeah, same.

But I feel like Chris is tied to it.

Facts.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I just feel like, I feel like I knew you both and then it was just like you already knew each other.

And I was just like, confused.

When did this happen?

Because, like, I knew.

Because now I think I knew you were Christian, because I feel like you came to the Kai Alpha table at some point.

Yes.

Because I would be in the corner, I'd be like, okay, do it.

Go up to the table.

And then I finally started going up to the table and I was like, oh, oh.

Like, let me go up more often.

And then you just started coming.

Yeah.

And then Ashley and I were already working together in Gossiger.

Yeah.

I mean, we really connect.

Started connecting.

When you opened up your Bible and you read it at the.

When you read it at the desk.

And I was like, I'm a Bible geek.

And so I was just like.

I was like, let me go my car and get my Bible.

And I literally ran out of the car and got my Bible.

And I was like, see, look at the pages.

Pulling out their Bibles.

Victoria came into the conversation too.

We just started talking about Bibles, different translations.

I remember we talked about the Bible Project.

What's it called?

I love that YouTube, like when it.

Was all like the celebrities, like, reading the Bible.

Is that what.

Oh, no, the Bible Experience.

The Bible Experience, yeah.

Because the Bible Project, that's the.

The nonprofit YouTube channel.

Would they do like all the depictions and all the.

They describe and what's the word?

Summarize and explain all the scriptures?

Yeah.

The Bible Experience is.

I know it's on Spotify, but it used to be a CD and it was all the major actors, actresses, singers, and they would voice apart.

Really?

Yeah.

The whole way.

That's cool.

Is like, acted out.

Yeah.

As an audio.

As an audio.

That does sound so cool.

I could never find it.

I remember, like trying to look for it on YouTube, but you know how like, you try to like bootleg something on YouTube and then you like think you found the real thing and then it's not.

It's just like a one minute video of the trailer type.

So I couldn't find the real thing one day.

So if you have Spotify, I know it's on there.

The chapters are really weird and hard because sometimes you'd be like, oh, I want to go to Psalms 1, 2, 3.

And you're like, chapters.

What?

I know, they, they section it off in chapters.

Like, it's the weirdest thing.

Oh, wait, they don't.

Sectioning off within like, as the books.

They just do it by chapters.

Yeah, it's really hard.

I need Spotify to work on that.

Yeah.

Cause hello, that doesn't make any sense.

Wait, Spotify itself.

I'm confused.

Like, if you try to go to like Psalms 1, you gotta skip through all of Psalms.

Is that what you mean?

Yes and no.

Like, but you don't know where Psalms is because it's like Genesis one, chapter One and.

And then chapter two.

But after you go through Genesis, it continues on.

Oh, it still says chapter, chapter, Chapter.

Oh, yeah.

It'll be like chapter 30, chapter 16.

You're like, where's.

Dang.

So you gotta, like, read beginning to end.

That's so dumb.

Why do they do it?

Like.

Like, we have books for a reason.

That doesn't make any sense.

They didn't know better.

Well, shame on them, because that's actually crazy.

You're listening to this.

Do better.

That's the Bible experience, you said.

Yeah, the Bible experience.

Look that up.

Yeah, maybe not, because that's.

I don't like that they do that.

I actually have the CDs.

Yeah.

Oh, so if you have a CD player.

I don't.

I think my car might.

Probably the only thing on this planet that still has a city, bro.

But I remember CD players.

Like, I thought about that, like, the other day, because in my house, we had, like, a movie case in the CD player.

And there is something so nostalgic about, like, finishing a movie and then, like, going up, getting it out of the CD player, putting it back in the movie case, and then, like, picking a new movie.

Like, instead of just, like, Netflix or you just, like, scroll and then click the movie.

There's, like, more effort to it.

Yeah.

Like, that's a core memory of mine, like, sitting on the couch with my siblings, and then the movie ends and then, like, figuring out who's gonna get up and switch the movie.

Like, wow, that's childhood.

Back in my day.

That was my day.

And I'm like, wow, that's a core move.

Yeah, I remember that.

That's when life was good.

Life was bliss.

Life is still good.

Thank you, Jesus.

Yeah.

Didn't sound like you agreed.

Yeah, that was very.

I should agree.

Should we unpack that?

I should agree.

Yes.

Life isn't good.

I mean, yes.

Yes, I. I am blessed for what I have.

Yes, I. I guess.

You know, it's so funny because when I think about what was, like, what was.

Was so much better, and I just didn't know it then.

Like, I mean, I was worried about, you know, whether I had the latest Boys to Men or Backstreet Boys cd, you know?

You know, my.

My worry was, you know, not to text after 7:00pm you know, those were.

Those were concerns.

It just makes me think about, like, how simple things were as a kid.

And, like, the most pain we could experience as a kid was, like, ripping a band aid off.

And, like, I don't want to rip it off.

It's going to hurt.

You know what I mean?

Like, obviously we experience other things, but it's like being worried about ripping band aids off and just little things like that you're worried about as a kid and.

And now, like, as you get older and you start to experience life and there's just so many things that are more hurtful than ripping a band off.

Yes.

That's deep.

I don't know.

I also still feel like, though, that we can still have that mindset, like that.

That.

That childlike mindset, because that's what God calls us to be, like.

Like, to be like children and to not have those worries and not have those cares and to, like, just allow him to, you know, bear those worries that we allow, like, adult life to get, like, get to us or, like, bring, like.

I don't know, like, of course there are pains in life, and maybe it was different from our childhood, but at the same time, it's like God is our father and he wants to, like, bear the front of that.

Is that.

Is that the word?

I don't know.

I hope y' all understood that.

We were following you.

Thank you.

And if we weren't, we were pretending.

I was following.

I'm just saying.

Got it.

No, I was following.

Okay.

I'm glad.

But, yeah, I don't know.

I just think sometimes it's.

We still have that ability to be like children.

Yeah.

Like, of course we still have, like, bills and different things that change from childhood to adulthood, but we can still have that sense of freedom and lightness and joy even within that, because we shouldn't be carrying the worries.

Like, we should be giving those to God.

And so, yeah, yeah, I.

When I was walking down here, into this here today, you know, it's a beautiful day today.

It is.

It's comfortable.

The house was just hitting just right, you know, I'm looking at the fresh cut grass, you know, you know, the flowers are just blooming.

And I was like, oh, God, these is so vibrant out here.

Yeah, campus is really pretty.

It is.

It's so welcoming.

And it's like you touring when you're touring or just, like, getting to know people on campus before coming here.

I was like, okay, how.

How much of it is true about, like, community and how welcoming it is, but when.

Once you're on campus, it truly is welcoming.

And they do such a good job with the lawn.

And I just.

I love a good lawn.

And it's just good to know, like, our tuition is going towards, like, on, like, really, our tuition is going towards good Stuff because they take so much time and effort into making it look so beautiful and they do all the flowers and all the tulips and I don't know, I just, I appreciate that and I would rather go to that rather than like, I don't know, a new, like a new facility that.

Is it really necessary?

Like do we really need this?

I mean, I think we're doing both.

We are, we are doing.

I think we have the unnecessary facilities and the cute flowers, nice lawns.

But I guess it also depends on what you like.

Cuz some people are probably like why do we need more dirt on campus?

You know what I mean?

So it just depends on like what you prefer, what you like.

Because they're.

We're shaman out of hall.

Like where they knocked down, they're going to make a green space and stuff like that.

I'm happy about that.

I was just talking, talking to my friend about that.

Cuz we went to go like see it.

Cuz she was like, oh yeah.

Like they knocked it down.

I was like, really?

Already?

Like I was here all summer and I don't recall that happening, but maybe it's because I'm a little further.

But in my head I was like, if that's just like green space, it's not as open as like KU Field or like Humanity's Plaza where somebody would like sit and be all cutesy.

Like I feel like it's right behind a building.

Well, from what I was told, they want to put a building right.

A building will be built eventually.

Be here.

Yeah.

When that building is built, it's gonna take some time.

Wait, no.

We'll be alive.

Oh no, not.

We just won't be on campus.

Okay, where we going?

I was like, okay, doomsday.

You said we and you included yourself.

Like and it was like we won't be here.

Like where are we going to be?

I'll be here, I hope.

Right?

How.

I'm confused.

What do you like, we won't be here.

We won't be students.

You won't be working here.

Like it's going to take some time, but years.

Well, that's why like they're.

Yeah, because they're putting a green space there and stuff like that until they can figure out what.

Because Shamanada hall has hadn't been used for.

For some time.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I'm getting myself a brick.

I'm excited.

I emailed him because I was like, hey, I'm sorry.

Okay.

So like when they, when they deconstruct the buildings and knock down the Buildings, they allow the public to get a brick from the building.

How did you find this out?

I read the email.

I don't remember in my dad, he's.

An alum, so he was like, make sure you give me a brick.

Why would people want the break?

Well.

Well, he's alum and he went here in.

Well, duh.

That's what a lot means.

But he spent a lot of his time in Shamana hall because he was an education major.

So that's where all the education classes were.

And my dad is just quirky like that.

Like when he goes.

When we go to the beach, he collects sand and like a water bottle and brings it back.

Oh, he's one of those.

Yeah.

Love my pops.

Okay.

Because I thought you personally wanted a brick.

And I'm like, I do, but I'm getting one for my dad too.

Just to have it from a building that's not here anymore.

And then, like, I could tell my kids I have a brick from Shamanad hall on campus.

Never in there.

I know, but I went here.

Okay, I understand.

I just didn't, like.

I don't know.

I wouldn't want a brick just sitting around my home.

Like, what you gonna do?

Add it to your own foundation?

Like, oh, that's a good idea.

Give it her idea.

I mean, that's a good idea.

You can take your kids around the house.

This brick used to build the university dating camp.

That's so cool.

I find that so cool.

I'm going to do that.

You're adorable.

Or you can plan it, like, in the ground.

Yes.

Like, you know, people do.

Or like, what's it called?

A.

A time.

Time.

Time.

Oh, a capsule.

Time capsule.

Time capsule.

Like a brick.

I just find stuff like that so cool.

And you come across it.

I like, you come across it some years ago and it's signed or whatever.

And, you know, I was here.

You know what I mean?

Yeah.

Okay.

That I understand.

We initially just said, like, you can plant it.

It just.

I was a little lost because what's gonna grow invalid A house.

Well, I was just thinking like a garden.

You know, like rocks.

You know, how people, like, put rocks around.

But in my head, when she said planted, I like, envisioned like, the brick in the ground.

I mean, the way I plant it.

Yeah.

You walking your toe.

I have a habit.

I gotta stop doing that.

Oh, my gosh.

Anyways, I have no structure for today, so however this conversation goes.

So one of the points that I put down as something that we can talk about is.

And I think we've already done it.

Is showing God's love and his truth.

Disclaimer.

Disclaimer.

Showing God's love in his truth or.

And his truth and.

And his truth.

That's deep.

It could be in too, when you think about it.

Yeah, it can blow the mind.

That's a big question.

It wasn't really a question.

I just put it as a thought.

Yeah, okay.

I'm thinking on it.

I feel like with love, it's.

So.

Love is such a difficult term for everyone to describe because I think of it as.

Love is like an unconditional emotion.

You have to make sacrifices for someone in the.

I guess the most.

What's the word?

The most foundational or most.

Like the time that.

Where love was shown the most was.

Or the most sacrifice was Jesus dying on a cross.

And that's where love is shown.

And I.

Someone was telling me and they were asking, or they were asking me, like, what do you think love is?

And I feel like that's the question you could describe at training or anything.

Like training this morning were like, what's respect to you?

And everyone had their own definition.

Everyone has their own definition of love.

But I typically feel like I never really hear anybody.

Their definitions.

A lot of time don't have anything to do with Jesus or anything.

So I don't know.

Since thinking about that and realizing that, I try to more focus my definition on that and knowing that love is not just a feeling, but it's an action and making sacrifices.

You know, you can say, oh, I love you, but what are you doing to show that you genuinely love me?

And love is also.

It's a choice, in my opinion, for certain things.

Like my parents have always said, especially with marriage, you're choosing that person.

You're choosing to love them even after you make mistakes and after you grow apart, maybe.

So if love was only an emotion you feel, then I. I don't think anybody would truly always stay together because you're not always going to feel that, like, love for someone you think you're supposed to have just because you love them.

If that makes sense.

I don't know if that makes sense.

But like, you have to choose that person.

You have to choose to do certain things to continue to show that you love them.

You're not always going to wake up and be like, oh my gosh, like, I really like love you.

You know what I mean?

Like, when you're with a partner for so long, you always love them.

But there's gonna be times you're going through so many Things and you're facing hardships, and you may love them, but you may not like them at that point.

So what are you doing to show that you still love them?

And what sacrifices are you making for your relationship to work?

And I feel like we have that we make sacrifices for our relationship to work with God.

And if you're not making sacrifices, if you're not willing to make sacrifices and give up certain things, do you truly love God because you're not willing to stop drinking heavily?

If you're not willing to do certain things that we're not supposed to do as Christians?

Like, you say you love God and you fear him, but you obviously don't fear him because you're still committing the same sins consistently.

So I don't know where I was going with that.

You ate that up.

That was all you had to say, Period.

Put a period at the end.

Bam.

You said, what is.

You said, wow.

I just looked to Nala at first because I just knew she.

She be brewing.

Really?

You be brewing, girl.

I'm g. Start.

You.

You be brewing.

Yeah.

Brewing.

Yeah.

I agree with a lot of the things that you said.

When you first started talking, it made me think of, like, when I think about, like, oh, what is love?

I always think of First Corinthians, I think it's 13, maybe 12, where it's just like, love is patient, love is kind.

Yes, I love that.

Love is not envy, like, things like that.

And yeah, I feel like.

And then at the end of the scripture, it always says God is love.

And so it's like God has these characteristics and to, like, show love, those are the characteristics that you must have and you must, like, show to other people.

And I think also because God is love, I don't feel like people truly understand love until they know God.

Because like you said, it's a choice, but not.

It's not just a choice.

It's also like, our example is Jesus, like you said.

And like, that was the ultimate sign of love, like him dying on the cross and that sacrifice.

And so without that view of love as our basis, as our foundation, I feel like we truly can't love people as we're supposed to.

Because, like you said, like, sometimes you won't always love someone.

Like, you won't have the emotion.

But if you're truly are to love like God and love like Jesus loved us, then the emotion isn't always needed.

It is about that sacrifice.

Because Jesus's sacrifice, He did that for people who would never love him and who would never choose him, but he still made the choice to do it.

And so he wasn't thinking emotionally.

It was just a choice that he made.

And so our choice to love people doesn't depend on our emotions sometimes.

But I think the best love does include both.

I would agree.

That's my answer.

I have nothing more to add.

What my brain really stopped at is love is a choice.

And we forget sometimes that love is a choice.

And I think culture does that to us.

What we watch and stuff, like, as if it's supposed to hit us.

Out of nowhere, I fell in love, you know, and so it's like this experience that we're supposed to have.

And so we forget that we can choose to love.

Like, I love cake.

I love eating it.

I love making it sometimes.

But, you know, there's some times where.

Cake is not good.

Someone made that cake a little too.

Hard and I can't love that cake.

Cake.

What kind of cake?

Or just any kind.

Oh, my goodness.

Like box cake?

Yeah, box cake.

I just wanted to know.

That's the thing about Dolla.

You're so sweet.

Wait.

She wants everyone to feel heard.

And she.

She really does care.

I do.

Wait, so what kind of cake?

Bunny cake.

What flavors?

Yellow cake.

That was a weird example.

Icing or whipping?

I was trying to get an example and that was a weird one.

Do you actually like cake?

Like, I feel like we should unpack.

Right?

Like, that's why I'm like cheesecake.

You know, all cakes.

I love cheesecake.

Ice cream cake.

I'll go to Kroger and it won't be a birthday just to get a cake.

I don't know who I'm celebrating.

Life.

I mean, that's valid.

That's the thing about, like, free will.

You.

It's.

You know those tiktoks.

I sound like a boomer.

You know, those Tik Toks.

But like the twin where they were talking about when I remember, I have free will and they're doing the most outrageous things.

You mean like that train?

Yeah, like, I have free will.

I'm going to order Domino's Wingstop and whatever.

Papa John's.

You know, I mean, like, whatever.

So the fact that you take advantage of your free will and you just go and get a cake, even there's no reason to cake.

You can just eat cake whenever.

Like, you don't need to celebrate.

But you are celebrating.

You're celebrating the fact that you woke up in the morning.

I'm going to tell my daughter that next time.

Yes.

Like, don't go in There.

I'm like, I'm celebrating.

Oh, my God.

I woke up this morning.

Morning.

So I'm celebrating.

I feel like that's valid.

I just see, like, Ashley going to Kroger, like, picking up a congratulations.

Like, it's just the cake to me.

Congratulations.

And you just take it home.

To whom?

Jay's probably like, what are we celebrating?

Life.

Oh, my goodness.

Oh, goodness.

Wow.

Funny.

Anyways, moving on.

Defending our relationships with the Lord.

Like, defend.

When people are attacking our relationship.

I mean, we talked about, you know, showing us what.

We mostly talked about love.

And then it's truth.

But defending our relationship with the Lord.

And.

And I wrote it that way because as I was thinking about it, like, God doesn't need defending facts.

And sometimes people try you, and so you need to defend.

Right.

Which is why I said it.

Our relationship.

Because we're the ones who's.

Who's being attacked.

That's so crazy.

I had a vision about this.

Really?

Yes.

When I was sitting in church.

I don't even remember what he said, but it brought me back to this time where I was defending my faith to someone.

And I.

In my head, I had a vision of, like, myself sitting in front of a podcast talking about the situation.

What?

Crazy.

Yeah.

Hashtag vision, fulfillment.

Let me tell you what happened.

I'll make this short.

I was talking to this guy.

We have been talking on and off.

And so the.

He, like, spent the block a lot.

And let me just tell you, never spin the block.

Like, when you turn that corner, stay on that street.

Okay.

When it comes to me, at least.

But so he had spent the block and just.

Do y' all know what that means?

It's like, see, when you said, I'm thinking, like, drive by.

No.

Oh, but I knew.

I knew what you meant in the terms of.

No, no, no, no.

But I know what you mean.

But, like, in my mind, that's spin the block.

Like, spin a blight block.

Flash your hat by.

I was thinking, like, he was walking, saw you, and came right back.

No, no, no.

I was thinking, like, he kept.

Sorry, I need to cut you off.

Like, came to you left, went to some other people, came back, tried to talk to you again.

Is that what you mean?

Okay, similar, but no.

And to me, when I say somebody spin the spent the block, I mean, like, we were talking at a certain point, and then we stopped talking, and then they reach back out.

That's spinning the block.

Like, it.

The situation was over.

The relationship was over.

But then after a while, you tried again.

God.

See, I'm thinking, like, talk to you, talk to other people.

And then came back to you.

We were close.

Yeah, you were.

I wasn't with the drive by street.

I'm sitting here thinking, like, oh, we're flashing lights.

Like, everybody get down.

That's why I was like, spin the block.

I care.

Stay away.

I'm so happy that you didn't know either.

No, and.

But then after the context.

No, but I promise, after, once I.

Got context clues, I'm like, understood.

I just threw in, like, the other people, like, I thought talk to you, then they talk to other people, and.

Then they come back physical, like in person.

Right.

And that wasn't the case.

Right.

Sorry, I confused you guys.

No, you're good.

No, she felt the spirit.

Right?

I need to stop right now.

Yeah.

So this is.

This is a guy I had talked to, like, my freshman year of college.

My freshman year.

I was very.

Just all over the place, just doing things I shouldn't be doing.

We thank the Lord for grace and mercy.

And so we had stopped talking.

We're actually dating.

We broke up and then we stopped talking for a couple years.

Then he spent the block.

Okay.

He came back re hit me up.

And basically at this point, I'm deeper in my faith.

I'm like, I don't drink anymore.

I don't smoke anymore.

Like, all the things I used to do, I'm not doing anymore.

But, like, he's still in that.

So then he gets confused when, like, I tell him, like, that I want to be with someone who's like, on the same wavelength as me.

Like, I want to be with someone who's in their faith and actually further along so that they can, like, lead me.

That's what I'm looking for.

He gets upset.

He starts talking about how he doesn't understand how I could just flip the switch and become this straight and narrow Christian so fast.

Like, I used to do this and this and that.

Like, basically throwing my past in my face.

Like, sir, I know what I was doing.

I was doing it.

So, yeah, I. I actually didn't defend myself to him because I didn't feel like he deserved it.

I said, he said what he.

He wanted to say.

He felt big and bad to do it.

And so at the end he said, yeah, so I don't think this is what I want to do.

And I said, okay, have a great life.

And I blocked him, as you should.

Because I, like, I don't need certain people.

I feel like you don't need to defend yourself too, especially if they're coming at you in that negative way.

Because I feel like it's only going to remain negative.

Like anything I said to him, it wouldn't have brought him closer to God.

It wouldn't have, you know, mended our relationship or our friendship.

And so I think that goes into, like, discernment and discerning, whether, like, okay, is this a time where I rebuttal or do I just let you be?

Because at the end of the day, we are ambassadors for Christ.

You know, we're Christ ambassadors.

And so for some people, we're the only version of a Christian that they may see.

And so if they're coming at us and we give them that same energy back, that's just another reason for them to, like, not like the faith.

However, I do think there are some times where you do need to defend your faith.

Like, for me, I did really make that switch.

Like, one day it just clipped clicked for me and I decided, okay, I don't want to do these things anymore.

I am going to fully surrender my life to Jesus.

And I think for some people, they're still in that limbo and that lukewarmness where they're still in the world and trying to follow God.

And so they haven't had that realization yet.

But for me, thank you, Jesus.

It was real quick.

Eventually I just realized I know what God has for me and what his plans are for me.

And either I'm going to choose it or I'm not going to.

And I don't want to, you know, regret any of the things that I continue to do.

And so, yeah, that's my two cents.

I love these mics.

That was a good.

Thank you for sharing that.

Yeah.

Thanks for listening.

Of course.

Thank you so much.

Sometimes.

Thank you.

No, I really do appreciate it.

Yeah, I feel like that's not always easy to share.

So thank you, Noah.

Yeah.

I love you.

I love you too.

I love you more.

I love you most.

Not I love you as Jesus loves you.

They made me think of my dad.

He think, love like Jesus.

Hashtag love like Jesus.

But what about your job?

Your dad?

What's your dad's name?

Tim.

I call him Timmy.

He doesn't like that.

Probably.

Probably why he doesn't like it.

I don't want to get you copyrighted.

I'mma stop.

I am crying.

Disclaimer.

I just think in songs, you know, valid.

So what about Timmy?

I don't know.

Oh, I literally forgot you.

I was.

You said thank you for sharing.

Sometimes that isn't easy.

And then I said, I love you, and you said, I love you, too.

And I said, I love you most.

And then we laughed.

But before then, you said, that reminds me of my dad.

Oh, thank you.

You just triggered it.

It was just he.

He just.

Like, when you said, I love you most, he makes comments and he's joking, but he'll be like, I know that Jesus loves me the most.

And I'm like, dad, that is true.

Yeah.

He's like, he loves me the most.

I'm like, you know what?

But because I know how he is, he genuinely thinks that.

You know what I mean?

And that's good and.

Right.

And it's just.

It's so funny.

He's like, yeah, he loves me the most.

Like, okay, that's beautiful.

I can't wait to meet Tim and What's your mom's name?

Mickey.

Tim and Mickey.

That is cute, isn't it?

Oh, don't start.

I'll pull up photos of them.

I just saw them when I went on vacation, which is really nice.

So shout out to my family.

Are we waving to them?

Yeah.

Yeah.

Hi, Muffin.

Is Muffin gonna watch?

Oh, Muffin.

Hi, Muffin.

Oh, my gosh.

She's adorable.

I miss Muffin.

And I do, too.

And I only met her once.

She's the cutest little thing.

Yeah.

I'm sorry I didn't have the honor to meet.

It's a blessing.

Muffin is.

Muffin is.

I'm sorry.

This is really hard for me.

We went from cake to Muffin.

My mom.

My mom got married.

Right.

And so I'm still learning the dynamics of step.

Muffin is my mom's step grandchild.

Oh, okay.

Okay.

I don't know if that's correct.

Grandchild in law.

Yeah.

My mom's husband's grandchild.

Yeah, that's Muffin.

So I don't quite know what Muffin is.

To me.

She's your cousin, right?

It would be cousin.

It's my steps sister's daughter.

So my step.

So your niece?

Yeah, my stepmie.

Sweet.

So you're an aunt?

I am.

Oh, yeah.

I like Muffins, too.

Yeah.

Wait, what is your real name?

Wow, that's actually crazy.

Okay.

In my family, like, if you go by your nickname.

Yeah.

No one's gonna know your name.

Knows my real name.

Well, probably like 20 of my family knows my real name.

Wow, that's so funny.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I mean, what's the point of knowing a real name if you know their name, right?

If that's what you grew up with, you know, Their name.

So why do you need their real name?

Right, exactly.

The government name.

Right.

Social Security.

Yeah.

Who needs that?

A lot of people do.

But.

Who needs benefits?

A lot of people.

We really be all over the place.

The definition of we do be all over the place.

Oh, Lord, help me.

Oh, defending the faith.

Did you guys have anything to add?

Have you ever had to defend your faith?

Well, when you asked that question, like, when you pose, I guess, a conversation, I was thinking about the time you and I were with, you know who.

I won't say his name, but if he watches, he knows who.

And he just was like, you did it.

So, Ashley, how did it even start?

We were in the office.

It was just you and me chit chatting about, like, Christian content.

Like, we're just like, you know, the chosen and talking.

Yeah, we're just like digesting Christian content.

Right.

And we're, like, talking about the Bibles.

You're talking about how much you love the Bibles.

The Bibles, like your different Bibles.

And then we were.

But we were also talking in your office.

So I'm thinking I'm safe.

You know what I mean?

Like, you should be able to talk about whatever you want.

But, like, when you're in.

You were in your office.

We should be able to talk about, like, whatever we want.

And I think it was that he came in or he overheard and he came in and then he just.

Just started, like, bashing in a way.

By making, like, by questioning.

Yeah, like you.

It was passive aggressive.

And I think one of the questions was, well, how do we.

I think it was about the Bible.

How do we just know it's not made up?

And it was just, like, very basic and fundamental.

Like, the questions he was asking were beyond.

I don't even know what the word is.

Like, it still kind of makes me mad.

Yeah, because he was like, like, how do you know?

And I was like, because God said so.

No, literally, like, because it's in a book.

It was like, God said it.

Yeah.

So why.

Like, you read history books, you don't question it.

So why are you reading the Bible?

And you're questioning it.

Right.

And then he just.

What got me is when he was like, I just don't believe in the Bible.

I just think it's stories made up and stuff.

But then to prove one of his points, he proceeds to pull up a Bible scripture.

Remember that?

Oh, I don't remember that.

I was thinking about, like, if he was referring to other religions and like, if, you know, if I'm dead and These religions.

These other religions were the ones.

How would I feel?

And I said, al, I'll be dead.

He was like, how would you feel, though?

And I was like, I'll be dead.

I will literally would be dead.

Me.

So if we're gonna play your scenario and if these other religions that you speak of, that you have, that you speak about is true, how would I feel?

I wouldn't feel anything because I will be dead.

Pretty much all throughout that conversation, though, I mean, I felt like.

And there was.

There's so much more.

I probably will remember it, like, once I'm at home, because that always happens.

But everything he was asking and just questioning, I feel like.

Like, Ashley did a really good job answering because I was.

I was like, nala, don't be emotional about it.

But it was hard not to be, because it's one thing to genuinely want to learn, but you're doing it just to make people mad.

And let me tell you, he succeeded because I was in the corner.

I'm like, bro, get him out the office.

Like, I know he was.

He was making.

Yes.

I was not feeling the feelings, but I could feel your feelings.

Yes.

And I was trying.

I was not feeling the same feelings, but I could understand why you were feeling the way you.

Yes.

And then I kind of feel like he was targeting me because then he was coming at young people and how young people don't know what they want and they don't know what they believe in.

And I'm like, okay.

But he.

But you were being.

Your words were being dismissive.

Because I felt like it was towards me, and I felt it was for the first time.

I think that was the first time I defended my faith, and I was confident in what I knew about the Lord.

I was so proud of you.

I know.

I couldn't.

I. I don't.

I'm not at a point where I can, like, memorize Bible verses.

Like, I'm not there yet, but I know enough to be able to defend my relationship with God.

And so, you know, he'll say something, I'll say it back.

And.

And.

And.

And.

And I'm at that point where I can comfortably be able to defend my relationship with God.

Yeah, but.

But, yeah, he was.

But it's funny.

They.

They claim they're an expert, and because of whatever path that they took or what their upbringing was, but they're always an expert.

And because as an expert, they know why, you know, the Bible is not the truth.

And then they just spit it at you.

And it's like, okay.

You're in a different.

You're in a different space in your life.

But, you know, this is why I still stand with my God.

Yeah.

And that's.

And I think what.

There were, like, so many things that got me with that.

And one of the things that got me was where he said he doesn't believe in the faith.

He doesn't believe in any of it.

Doesn't believe in the Bible.

But then you're pulling up scriptures to defend your point.

So it's like, but you don't believe in it, so then why are you using scriptures to defend what you don't believe in?

It doesn't make any sense.

And then another thing was when he was saying he doesn't because he's not religious at all.

He doesn't believe in anything.

Not Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, none of it.

But then the tattoo you have, isn't it a Buddha is a Buddhist tattoo?

Like, I'm.

I'm confused.

Like, that's like me, right?

And I even said to him, and I don't think he liked that, but I'm like, okay, if I pull up a manifesto, a racist manifesto, and I'm like, I don't support racism.

I don't believe any of it.

But I like this line, line 2.

I like, I don't believe in it, so why would I use any of that to support my beliefs?

So if he doesn't believe in it, I just understand why you would be like, what does Matthew 5 say?

Not to mention he got the scripture wrong.

Didn't even know what the scripture was.

Yeah, he was like, what does Matthew 5 say?

And then he pulled.

And then the scripture he pulled.

He took it completely out of context because he used it to say that we are not supposed to be in church.

We're not supposed to go to church and praise God.

And I'm just confused because I'm, like, literally scratching my head thinking about it.

I just.

There was so much in there.

And like you said, he was very dismissive of me.

And I've never felt that way in that context where I didn't even have the chance to defend anything because he wasn't talking to me when I spoke during.

Yes, when I spoke, he spoke over me.

He directed all the conversation and questions to you.

And I just was like, okay, I already kind of know how you feel about our generation in general, so I kind of was expecting that.

But it's just like, don't ask questions and I'm in the room, and then you're just not going to Listen to what I have to say.

Yeah, and that's like, what I meant with, like, my example.

Like, certain, like, you can just tell certain people you can't defend, like, you can't defend your faith, like, because they're not actually asking you to get a response into, like, have a common ground.

Like, they already are coming into the conversation, like, with their wall up and knowing that, like, what you say is not going to affect them.

Right.

And so it's like, the conversation is pointless because, like, that person probably just walked away, like, not caring, feeling fine about what they said and not really listening to what you said whole time.

Like, that was a waste of your time and you got upset and your emotions were involved.

And so it's just that discernment of, like, man, do I want to take this on?

Like, is this going to be fruitful?

Is this going to help this person?

Or is this going to, you know, show a bad side of me or get me emotional and get me riled up?

So, yeah.

Almost said the name and I had to say this person.

Prayer is up for that person, though, and other people like them.

Yeah.

I mean, I mean, it's cool.

That's what I mean.

I said, I'll pray for you.

He said, I nor need.

I don't.

What was it?

I don't need nor want your prayer.

Yeah.

I said, okay.

I said, when I'm floating up into heaven with Jesus and you're still on the ground.

She said, still on the ground.

Yeah.

I just pray that the Lord would soften his heart to.

To actually hear from other people.

Because I think it's one thing to like, hear and be like, okay, I still don't think that's what I believe, but to hear it and not even be listening, like, to hear but not listen is just a whole different thing.

So.

Yeah, right.

Yeah.

Because I know my Bible is the truth and that my Lord is real and that he be talking to me and I'll be talking to him and he be doing stuff and.

And then it come true.

And I just can't deny my Lord Jesus Christ love like Jesus.

Amen.

Get you one of.

Amen.

Yeah.

I mean, it's.

It all comes down to, like, are you listening to understand or are you just listening to respond?

Yeah.

And like you said, when you're doing that, there's no point.

You can't even defend yourself because they're not.

They.

Number one, they.

They don't care.

A lot of times they want to get a reaction out of you, and that's Why?

I was like, it's not worth it.

It's not.

It's not.

I would have closed that door.

I mean, he.

I would have closed it.

If he was out the room, I.

Would have walked away.

You know, you could have this office space.

Literally.

We'll go somewhere else.

Let's relocate.

We'll go to the conference room, lock the door.

Yeah.

We'll go to the ladies room, sit on the couch.

Can't follow us in there, huh?

Right.

And if you do, that's an eco work report.

So let's not do that.

Yeah.

On the couch.

Nobody uses that couch in that bathroom.

Cuz who's sitting on the bathroom?

Right.

I think about, like, if you want to hide from someone, maybe you would go into the bathroom and sit on the couch.

But yeah, I went in there and sat in there for the first time.

It was because it was a long day.

But that.

That couch is crunchy.

And.

And that's when he came to my office and sat down.

Girl, please don't.

Don't put that bottom on the couch.

Never.

That's how it's in the bathroom.

It's very weird.

Yeah.

I don't put my bottom on a toilet, let alone literally in the bathroom.

And I.

Because they have the little area for women to breastfeed privately, so.

Oh, that's what that is.

Yes.

I was asking what that was.

I am crying for the audience.

It's literally two toilets.

And then next to the toilet is a curtain and a singular chair.

And the chair got stains on it.

Let's talk about it.

Yeah.

So I wouldn't even sit on that chair.

I was wondering what that was for.

I thought it was to hide from people.

Have you hidden in there before?

I would have, but then I saw the chair and I changed my mind.

And that's when I sat on that crunchy couch.

Yeah, I.

That couch is icky.

Yeah, it's.

It's time for upgrade.

It's crunchy, it's dirty.

It's all the above.

Oh.

I think we already talked about this.

Which.

Which we kind of alluded to, you know, talking about God's love.

How do we defend our relationship with the Lord, but in rejection?

How we show love to ourselves and.

And others.

Rejection is God's protection.

I hear that all the time.

I do too.

But it's so true.

I'm just a firm believer in that what is meant for you is meant for you.

And it'll be.

I think that anything that God wants us to have, he'll make it so that we have it.

And so if you experience rejection, that's a joyful moment.

Like, imagine if God allowed you to like.

Like, say, for instance, it's a relationship, and you go into that relationship even though it's not what God wants for you.

And now you're set back on your timeline of when you wanted to be married and have kids.

And now you have to heal from that relationship in order to get in the relationship that God actually wanted you to be in.

Or if it's a job and now you're in this job and you just wasted your time when you could have been starting this other thing.

And so with rejection, there's so much joy in just knowing that that wasn't a moment that God protected you from something that could have steered you away and could have put you further away from the path that you're supposed to be on.

And so though it may, like, initially sting and hurt, if you just have that positive mindset of, like, and you truly believe that God works all things for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose, nothing that is for you will miss you.

And everything that is rejected was never for you.

And so that's a beautiful thing.

Honestly, reject me, please.

If it's forgotten.

You are hot today.

With this wisdom, you are hot.

I do have to say, holy Spirit.

I don't think I should be a host of this podcast.

I should just be like, sit back and relax.

I just feel like I'm yapping.

You just gave me a mic, so.

So I'm going to y.

Which was your purpose.

Amen.

He gave me this voice.

I'm going to use it.

I used to say that when I was younger.

Like, some people are born mute.

This used to be young.

I hear some people are born.

Born mute.

They can't speak.

God gave me a voice, so you're going to hear me.

Cuz growing up, he was telling me, like, I was loud and stuff like that.

And it's like, thank God I have a voice.

Yeah, I'm gonna use it.

And what was their response?

Mute.

Nothing to say.

Oh, goodness.

Yeah, that was good.

That was.

Now some good soup.

I did have some soup today.

In this 80 degree weather.

Oh, what kind of.

I love soup.

Tomato with bread.

PB&J sandwich.

I don't know why.

Interesting.

I don't know why.

Please don't judge me.

Like, together, like.

Or did you eat one at a time?

What?

You did the sandwich in the.

Oh, no.

Yeah.

Like, did you eat the soup and then eat the PB&J or were you eating the PBJ?

Slip it on the soup, like together at once.

Okay.

Sipping on the soup.

What else do you do?

Chew the soup.

Like.

I don't.

Sipping on.

Yeah, I guess you sip.

Yeah, I was sipping cuz I. I'm wearing a white shirt, so I was really scared, so I didn't.

You did.

Great.

No facts.

Yeah.

If you haven't noticed, each thing is for you.

I have my shoes and my pink skirt for the both of you.

I noticed because she was talking about like different colors that we like to wear and stuff.

And you, we were talking about Banana Republic and you had said like, how boring their women's shirts are.

Yeah.

And how they cut.

My gosh, I'm about to get mad.

How they cut off at the.

At the armpits.

I know, I'm sorry.

It just.

It makes me so mad because.

Just because I'm a woman, why would I want my armpits cut off?

It doesn't make any sense.

Your accent's coming up.

What'd you say?

Your accent, I can like hear it.

Ew, cut off.

No, that's actually crazy because Azerai, because he's from Dayton, he'd be like, ew, you're actually from the East Coast.

And I'm like, what does that even mean?

I can hear it when I watch this back.

I'll send you the clips.

I don't know what he means either because Ohio is part of the East Coast.

Me coming from Maryland.

No.

You think so?

No.

They call it the mid.

They call it the Midwest.

Can we talk about that?

Yes.

How are we Midwest?

We're an Eastern standard.

But the thing is, that's crazy because my brother.

Midwest, Midwest, I think is more of a mindset.

Midwest is more of an attitude and way you treat people.

Because east coast, like, you go, whoa.

I heard it.

But like, for real, like, it, like you said it is because you go to the east coast and you're talking to people.

Stop.

You go to these, you go to.

East coast and you're talking to people and it's just like everyone's.

It's just like, get out my face.

Like, why are you talking to me?

You know?

Yeah.

I. I just, I don't.

I think I said it to you.

And I always say this.