by Shannon Y. Tanner
The movie was written over 15 years ago and yet, so many of us are still “Waiting to Exhale!”
A lesson in love and trust.
A couple years ago, I fell in love with a beautiful sun dress in the window of an upscale boutique in Beverly Hills. I would drive by often and just stare in the window at my fantasy dress. My husband knew I wanted the dress. He even encouraged me to go inside and try it on, but I just wanted to dream. Fast forward two months. It’s a Saturday afternoon when my husband informed me that he has arranged our entire date night. He says he is taking me “somewhere special” and it is a “surprise!” That evening, he gives me a beautifully wrapped red box. I open the box to discover my fantasy dress from the boutique window! I SCREAMED! I almost cried! But this date night was the beginning of a much deeper spiritual lesson.
My Invitation to exhale.
On the ride through downtown Los Angeles, I was both nervous and excited. I kept saying to my husband Bryan: “Baby, where are we going?” Bryan knows me very well. I was used to feeling some form of “control;” I feared uncertainty. He lovingly smiled and said to me with a sexy, masculine confidence: “Baby, don’t worry, I got you!” In that moment, something shifted in my heart. I heard the loving whisper of spiritual truth through the words of my man. Those few simple words ““ “Baby, don’t worry, I got you!” ““ were a divine invitation from God to EXHALE.
Releasing fear and receiving love.
Our wonderful date night, which included my new dress, a fabulous dinner and tickets to the SEAL concert (I am a HUGE Seal fan) was simply symbolic of God’s goodness towards me. It was time to let go of my need to handle, arrange and manage everything through my own lack of trust and pride. The enemy’s greatest ploy is to convince us as women that we are unlovable, not enough, not worthy. When we stress, strive, toil, and worry our fear-based actions validate the lies. The truth is we are adorable. We are precious. We are enough. Even when people fail us, God’s love never will. He whispers to His women daily, “Baby, don’t worry, I got you!” Now, exhale.
A woman’s heart.
One of a woman’s greatest needs is to feel safe. When she knows she is cherished, provided for, honored and loved, she is prettier, more peace filled, bold and productive. God lovingly whispers to our hearts daily, those powerful, soul changing words, “Baby, don’t worry, I got you!” Now, it’s up to you. Will you receive the gift of rest and surrender in your heart? Will you chose to receive the peace and abundance that is already seeking you? Take a deep breath in, hold it, now EXHALE!
BMWK – Are you waiting to Exhale? Do you ever have issues with letting go…married or single… God’s got your back!
Renotta Jones says
This was such a blessing to me. It was peaceful and graceful…..Thank you so much for sharing.
peggy says
I must say. That was awesome!
Rachie Jay says
Wow, great post!!! Thank you God for HAVING ME!!!
stephanieb says
Great article. I can definitely relate to this. I often times have a hard time letting go and just trusting the process, especially when it comes to men. I think that when you have the typical “daddy issues,” it’s hard to really trust men because you feel that if your own flesh abandons you, then any man could. It also doesn’t help that a good and trustworthy man are few and far between nowadays, which I think is one of the main reasons why women have such a defense mechanism put up, it definitely isn’t fun, but sometimes we feel that it’s necessary because you just get sick and tired of being hurt. Dating is so hard these days and I know so many single, intelligent, successful sisters who are in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and older, and can’t seem to find a good man, and not that they aren’t trying either, it’s just so tough and you have to really know yourself and have some serious confidence to even date because your heart can really take a beating.
Yolanda says
Perfectly awesome post. Thank you for the message. I truly appreciate what you were saying. I found myself exhaling and relaxing as I read your words.
dee says
Great post thank u. I hate that my boyfriend is having to suffer for my emotional baggage but i believe awareness is the start of recovery. I pray i God heals me before his patience run thin i dont run him off. So pray for me yall