Category: Journal of a Journey

Journal of a Journey

The Nudge I Stopped Ignoring

Breanna ClarkLeave a comment

It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything other than a Saturday Lyric for the Soul post.

I have been so consumed with being obedient in every other aspect of my life. I am praying, praising, serving, giving, reading His Word daily, tithing, trying to radiate joy, and whatever else you can think of.

Despite all of that, I knew there was something that I was ignoring. This constant nudge to write a poem, or a blog post, or something.

I’ve sat down to try a few times, but honestly, I wasn’t giving it my full attention, so I struggled. Eventually, that led me to believe I didn’t have anything to say. I’ve treated it like something I’ll “get back to” when life slows down, instead of recognizing it as part of the assignment He’s given me.

Without realizing it, ignoring God’s nudge to write was me being disobedient. And that disobedience opened the door to the enemy.

Soon, I started to doubt if anything I had to write would be good enough anyway. I let the enemy cause me to doubt myself.

I needed clarity. I needed to hear from Him without distractions. So, in another act of obedience, I chose to fast.

I just completed a 3-day water-only fast. During this fast, God continued to show me that obedience is where it all begins.

It was the morning of day two of my fast when I heard the song “We Must Praise.” A song that’s been out for years, and I had never heard it before.

The second line of the song goes “If I were a writer, I would use my pencil.” And after feeling this constant nudge from God, I immediately felt convicted.

God is intentional. If He put writing in me, it’s because He wants me to use it. It’s time I stop running from that and start honoring Him with the gift that He trusted me with.

I sat down and wrote three poems that day!

One thing I’ve realized is that it doesn’t really matter how my writing affects anyone else.

Writing is my release. It’s a way for me to be true to myself. Most importantly, it’s one of the ways I give praise and honor to God.

So, God, here I am. On the path to obedience once again. With my life and with my words, I will give you all the praise.

If He’s nudging you too, I pray you choose obedience.

“Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God.” – Psalm 143:10

Journal of a Journey

He Called, I Answered

Breanna ClarkLeave a comment

Let me tell you about our God.

He is truly faithful and He will always make His presence known.

It’s up to us to pay attention.

For example, the Friday before last, I was on another solo trip to Carolina Beach, North Carolina. It was past 10pm and I was taking a walk on the beach. As I walked, I passed couples, groups of friends, and families enjoying themselves together. For the first time during this trip I thought to myself, “I guess it would be nice to be here with someone else.”

I quickly checked my thought process, continued my walk and took in the view of the moon reflecting off of the water.

As I made my way back to the access point near my hotel, I pulled out my phone to record myself and the water. Within 30 seconds of the video I heard a song start playing.

Now the beach was steps from the boardwalk, where music from restaurants and bars was common.

However, the song playing was Reckless Love and that was quite unexpected. (If you haven’t heard it, go do so)

To my right was an access point to the boardwalk, so I left the beach to listen. Right off the access point, a live performer was playing his guitar and singing on a rooftop. (I later found out it was American Idol contestant Matthew Sexton.)

Within seconds others began gathering near me and recording. It was beautiful to see people come together to worship our God.

Matthew sang one more worship song and ended his performance.

One of the people who gathered near me was a 24 year old videographer, named Zach. Zach had lived in the area for the past 8 years and was shocked to hear worship on the boardwalk, something he said was a rare occurrence.

Seeing so many people stop everything for worship had both of us beyond excited. We were on fire and spent the next hour talking about our love for the Lord, what He’s brought us through, and our prayers for the world around us.

After realizing the time, we went our separate ways. As I walked back to my hotel, it dawned on me how quickly God can act.


Within 10 minutes, I went from thinking it would be nice to be there with someone, to reminding myself I’m never alone with Him, to Him making His presence known and bringing community to me.

That song playing was Him calling me. All I had to do was answer.

I cried tears of gratitude all the way back to my room.

Let me tell you about our God…He WILL show up. He WILL supply ALL your needs. Every time.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

Journal of a Journey

Faithful with My Pen

Breanna ClarkLeave a comment

As a young Christian woman, I am still learning what it means to be obedient to Christ.

Obedience looks different for everyone.
For me, I’ve learned that it looks like putting pen to paper.

As I continue to study His Word and learn what is pleasing to Him, I continue to make changes to my life and my character.

My goal is not to be perfect, but to live a life that is truly pleasing to Him.

There are a few areas of life that I know I still need to work on.

  1. Spreading the Good News.
  2. Building community in Christ.
  3. Serving

The more I learn the importance of sharing the Good News with others, being as introverted as I am, I have struggled with how to do so.

But I think that is a big reason as to why I started this blog in the first place. It’s why I started sharing my poetry on social media.

And obedience for me is sharing words He’s placed on my heart, even when it feels uncomfortable.

Because although I may not be able to voice it aloud just yet, my poetry often speaks to the love God has for us all and what it feels like to be His.

My writing is the gift He’s given me to be able to share His love with others. I love to write. I love to create. And the fact that I can do so and honor Him is a blessing that I have to stop taking for granted.

He has been calling me to be consistent in sharing my writing through this blog and social media posts.

In order to improve that first area, I’m choosing to be obedient by consistently sharing the gift He’s given me each week.

I’ll continue to honor Him in every post and I’ll share my journey as I put myself out there to try to improve the other areas of my life.

Can this introvert find her community in Christ?
Will she get the courage to serve in new ways?
I believe that it’s coming. I just have to do the work.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10

Journal of a Journey

The View After the Rain

Breanna Clark2 Comments

It’s been over a month since I made a full blog post, but I’ve had so much to say during my silence.  

After months of working a demanding full-time job remotely, while simultaneously being a caretaker, my life is getting back to “normal.”

I’m back in my own home, back in the office, and my mom has been getting stronger each day. 

Trying to get back into my old rhythm of things has been a struggle. Unfortunately, blogging was not a part of my routine, and despite constantly thinking about it, I haven’t made the time to sit down and just do it. 

It became unsettling to my spirit, so here I am.

I think it’s important to share the impact that the past six months have had on my life. 

God used this trying season of my life to refine me. This season refined my character, helped build my faith in Him and His unwavering love, and taught me what it means to be His child. 

My spirit has never felt so full. I have never felt so whole and filled with joy.

I walk into an office that used to cause me so much stress, with a smile that stays. 

I am a black woman in a corporate office. It has not always been easy for me to navigate an environment where I didn’t feel I belonged.

I am at peace, every moment of the day. That is something I have never known. 

The person I am now is allowing the Spirit to lead me and guide my responses and actions. When stress arises, I stay focused on Him. 

I never doubted that all things work together for our good. 

But to live through the storm and to see that I’ve prospered from it is an overwhelming feeling. 

This is a reminder to stand on your faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 

I knew the time would come when I would stop talking about being in the storm and be able to testify to having survived it. 

The sky is clear. The sun is shining. And I’m now writing from a place of peace. 

 “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” – 1 Peter 5:10

Journal of a Journey · Poetry

Proof of a Healer

Breanna Clark2 Comments

Our God truly is a healer, and my writing proves that.

I’ve always known that God is a healer, but it wasn’t until I reread some of my older poetry that I realized His healing hands have always been present in my life.

I used to live in my mind. Constantly battling negative thoughts and feeling as if I was losing the battle.

And although I am extremely blessed in life, I have faced storms that I didn’t always know how to navigate.

Years ago, I was not seeking God in the same way I am now. I didn’t rely on Him in the same way that I do now.

And it shows.

This next poem was written years ago, during one of those trying times. The version of myself who wrote this poem would be so happy for and so proud of the woman who writes now.

Most importantly, she would be so grateful for and thank God for His healing power. With Him we won the war!

If you’ve read any of the previous poems I have shared on this blog, I think you’ll understand exactly what I mean.

Inside the Cell

This isn’t prison
Prisoners know why they’re there –
And when they’ll leave
This?
This is something else.
This cell has no escape.
No true reason for existing.
And yet it’s so very real.

The walls of the cell whisper your failures in your ear,
constantly.
Leaving you awake
to watch the ceiling lower itself
until you’re forced
to use every ounce of strength
to keep it from crushing you.
The pressure.
Eventually, the ceiling rises

But suddenly, the air grows thin
You grip your chest as you struggle to breathe
But, oxygen soon returns.

Before you have the chance to relax
You begin sinking
The ground beneath you; quicksand.
You realize;
there will always be something to fight

With no idea as to why you’re stuck in this
cycle
panic strikes

And all hope is gone.

The ground returns to normal.
But the panic remains.
Sometimes, it consumes
And even though the threats are gone
And all seems well again
The fear, the tears, the pain all remain

You bury your emotions,
Plant a smile
And wait for your next battle

This is my anxiety.
This cell is my mind
I am at war with myself
And I’m fighting every day.

“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 30:17

Journal of a Journey

He Planned the Weather Too

Breanna Clark2 Comments

June 8th, 2025 – 32 years to the day that God gave me the gift of life. And this year, of all years, that day landed on His day: Sunday.

God’s timing is never wrong.

He has remained the faithful Father that we know Him to be during one of the most trying times I’ve ever experienced.

So instead of the usual dinner or plans with friends:
I centered my birthday around Him.

I took a flight and planned ways to be present in His presence. A solo trip where I was never truly alone.

Sunday morning, I was blessed to get the opportunity to worship at 2819 Church, where Pastor Phillip Anthony Mitchell delivered a Word that spoke directly to me. His message, centered around the question of “Will you be ready when He comes?” felt like confirmation that I’m walking the right path.

A path that leads straight to Him.

I spent the next few days in prayer and studying Scripture in places He created.

It was the most peaceful, fulfilling experience I’ve had.

Now, here is the part that proves how real and good God is.
When I checked the forecast the week of my trip, it was predicted to storm the ENTIRE time I was there. All day, every day.

And yet God showed His power once again.
He blessed me with beautiful weather to see ALL of my plans through!

At one point, as soon as I closed my bible, I felt a raindrop. It was as if He waited for me to be finished.

Then the rain poured, hard. Prepared with my umbrella, I made my way back to my rental and Googled somewhere nearby to eat.

By the time I decided on a spot, the rain stopped.
The sun broke through again, and I could walk, dry and grateful, to Mr. Fries Man and order one of the loaded fries I can usually only drool over via social media.

Just like this season of my life, God remained present.
This trip was His reminder that there is always sun after the rain.

He has used the storm to anchor my faith in Him.

I am blessed. I am grateful.
Happy Birthday to me! 🎉

“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” – Psalm 16:11

Journal of a Journey

Today & Every Day

Breanna ClarkLeave a comment

Today, I just want to take a moment to thank the God I serve.

I thank You for Your enduring love
and Your grace—
though unearned.
For Your mercy
and Your patience—
though undeserved.

I thank You for life.
And the life of those I love.

In this world not our own—
I thank You for always being present.
For always offering a safe space in your arms.

When I craved support the most—
You held out Your hands.
With no explanation needed.
I could just rest in You.
And it’s exactly what I needed.

Thank You Lord!
Not just today, but every day—I thank You!

“give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1st Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)

Journal of a Journey

Faith through Fire – The Gift of Peace Through Any Trial

Breanna Clark3 Comments

The Breaking Point

The closer to God you get, the stronger the attack. And this past couple of weeks, the spiritual attack came at me with more force than I anticipated.

Yet, by the end of each night, I have been given peace to rest. Not because the pain stopped, but because God never left.

Finding peace in Him does not equate to your life being devoid of pain or struggles.

God left us the gift of His Word so that no matter what we feel or what we face, we are always reminded of Him, His presence, and His power.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 (NIV)

The past two weeks have been the hardest yet in this season of my life.

The weight of my current circumstances felt unbearable. My emotions – raw and overwhelming. My tears? Too many for one bottle—but not too many for God to hold.

“You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” – Psalms 56:8 (NLT)

Trying to socialize left me feeling like a shell—ruminating over words said and guilt ridden that I couldn’t radiate the joy I thought I should.

But I’m learning that joy and pain can exist in the same body.

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” – Romans 8:18 (NKJV)

The Anchor

The gate is narrow and the road is hard, but enduring through life’s challenges while remaining faithful to Christ is worth it.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” – James 1: 2-4. (NIV)

Even though my circumstances remain the same, there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t thank God for giving me life and praise Him for all He has done!

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)

And each day, He has gifted me with an overwhelming sense of peace, even if just for a moment.

In those moments, I am reminded that this season of life is temporary. That God’s plan is not to harm me. That I am loved and chosen, and that His power is made perfect in my weakness.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

I surrender it all to Him daily!

Faith is not the absence of emotion; it’s where you choose to run when emotions overwhelm you. And I will run to Him every single time. For I know that with Him, all will be okay.

So, if you too have days that seem heavier, know that I see you;
more importantly, God sees you. And He sees your efforts to remain faithful.

Give it all to Him. Even if you don’t see the light today, trust in His love for you.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight” 2 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV)

Journal of a Journey

Directions that Only He Knows

Breanna ClarkLeave a comment

The direction of this blog is still unknown to me. What’s known is that I feel a deep need to write again, and for that, I’m grateful.

So far, it feels like an open journal of my journey with God. One filled with poems and words I’ve been unable to say out loud.

As I’ve continued to navigate this season of life, I’m learning so much about who I am within the body of Christ.

And I want to share that journey with others— the great parts, the bad, and the in-between.

Our God is great every single day. But as humans, every day isn’t a great day for us.

For a long time, I thought that as a Christian, allowing myself to feel anything other than the joy that God brings made me less faithful.

But I’m starting to believe that my responsibility as I continue this walk, is to show others that it’s okay to cry. It’s okay to have days when it all feels too heavy.

What’s important is that you continue to look to God through it all. God is truly near to the brokenhearted. (Psalm 34:18). He hears those who call on Him in truth. (Psalm 145:18)

My opinion? Remembering His strength and His power in those moments is a true act of faith.

What I’m learning is this: if you can find even a moment of peace in Him through the tears, you’re stronger than you think.

In my mind, if I can show the greatness of God when I’m standing in the rain, when I talk about the clouds clearing and the sun shining again, maybe you will see His greatness too.

Journal of a Journey

Waiting Season

Breanna ClarkLeave a comment

“If you pray for patience, be prepared for God to place you in situations where you won’t have a choice but to be.”

I heard someone say that once, and let me tell you—
It’s true.

I prayed for patience in one area of my life—work. That gave God the green light to test and grow my patience in every other aspect. And in ways I never expected.

This season of life has been trying, stretching, draining, grief-filled, and holy.

Through it all, God has not only been drawing me closer to Him— He’s using this time to mold me into the woman I said I wanted to become.

A woman who trusts in Him— in His plan, despite not understanding.
A woman whose faith is unwavering in the face of it all.
A woman who stops trying to bear the weight herself and gives it all to Him.
A woman whose faith is recognized through her peace.
A woman whose joy reflects the One she follows.

To become that woman, learning to have more patience is necessary.
Not the type of patience that simply waits, but the type that fully trusts while waiting.

I already see it happening.

I have faced many challenges throughout my life. While facing those challenges, I never saw the light at the end of the tunnel. I dwelt in the darkness.

I’ve always believed in God, but there is a difference between believing in Him and knowing Him.

Now that I know Him—His love—His promises, I don’t have to see the light to believe it’s there. I know it’s shining at the end, waiting for my remold to be complete.

Each day, I begin to recognize what it means to be still—
To hear his voice.
Allow Him to guide my steps.
And I realize He’s just been waiting for me, too.

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31