What Miley Cyrus' New Year's Resolution Teaches Us

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In between the gift-giving and turkey stuffing, its human nature to think about what you'll do differently next year or, to the very least, make the new year better than the last.

For me, becoming debt-free is at the top of my list, including applying for Ph.D programs before I graduate with my Masters and re-applying to all the scholarships that turned me down last year. Oh, and getting back in the gym is somewhere in the mix.

That's a tough order, uh? The hardest part of setting a new year's resolution is simply staying on course, as teen pop icon Miley Cyrus explains, its easier said than done. When asked what was her 2010 resolution, Miley admitted: "I need to stop talking about things I want to do, and just go out there and do it." (Read more celebrities' 2010 resolutions here)

In some definitions, resolution means "firmness of purpose," a solution or "settling of a problem." In the Greek language, it means "untangling" or, as Miley said, to "get up and go." How could you perfect your academics if you didn't allow what you said and what you did to become tangled? If you had the "get up and go" mentality, what would you accomplish?

Granted, time machines don't exist outside of 80's movies. There are no telephone booths or magic cars that'll blast you back and forth between the future and your past, but you and God have the power to untangle what you said in 2010 and turning them into actions in 2011. He's your fixer-upper.

You can easily redeem your academic pursuits by first letting go of the past and resolve to start over. The year 2010 is nearly behind us; we have to concentrate on the many blessings in 2011. Now that we know better, we can do better from today onward.

Yes, the list of New Year's Resolutions may seem long, but the rewards are even greater. We are our own competition. If you say you'll study even when you don't have an exam coming up, be disciplined. If you're going to save $1,000 toward your tuition, have integrity while holiday shopping. Don't keep yourself from being blessed.

This morning's Facebook message from gospel minister & musician, Marvin Sapp, profoundly supports this point: "For everyone who feels like not trying again. 'Failure will never overtake you if your determination to succeed is strong enough.' Do you have the strength to begin again?"

Let's not discuss what happened last year; what are you looking to 'get up and get' in 2011? Do you have the strength to start over?

Took a Guilt Trip Lately?

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College is tough—and that’s a fact, but at what cost would you forfeit it all? Would you sell your virginity (assuming you still have it to give away) or sell your tuition on eBay? Although the latter sounds like an interesting idea, some college dreams have been dashed by the inability to pay tuition costs and maintain reputable grade point averages to stay the course.

In an article, Brother, Can You Spare a Few Thousand to Cover My Tuition?, it shows how desperate young adults are nowadays to erase traces of their financial and academic mistakes.

A would-be law student took on a campaign to earn her degree debt-free, but quickly retreated after some backlash. For $145 a week, some British students were willing to be walking billboards—seriously. My favorite panhandler mentioned is a third-year law student who wrote an open letter to the dean, asking for a refund in exchange of him dropping out of school.

Most of us probably wouldn’t go to the extremes as outlined in the article, but how many of you felt guilty for pursuing your dreams because the college loan sharks were drawing neigh or you couldn’t push past the 2.0 G.P.A. mark?

We’ve all been there—second-guessing our decision to pursue higher learning, wondering if college life was truly God’s will. Does this sound familiar: If this is my destiny, then why is it hard? There are so many obstacles keeping me from my dream. Maybe, college life wasn’t meant for me.

Snap out of it! You are where you are in your life because that is your destiny. There’s no test without a testimony, right? Well, likewise, you wouldn’t appreciate the next step in your life without first struggling through this one.

Don’t feel guilty or defeated for the career fantasies you have or wanting a degree. Those desires were put in your heart by God. Instead of moping, instead of thinking of academic suicide, remember Psalms 37:4-5, which reads, “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust Him and He will do this.”

See, God wants you to accomplish your academic dreams as much as you do. It’s only when we move without consulting Him that we become out of sync with His will for us. For instance, creating unwarranted debt, when we should have saved or applied for free assistance; or didn’t perform well in the classroom, because of ‘other’ distractions. That was our fault, not God’s. God didn’t tell us not to study or not to save for the future. That’s all on us. (For tips, read: Degree or Debt?—That is the Question)

The good thing is, He’s still with us. He never left and those heart desires are still on His agenda. Make sure it’s still on yours.


What are some of the hardships causing you to consider academic suicide? What are you doing to push forward in faith?

Thanksgiving Leftovers

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First off, my humblest apologies for my week-long hiatus; I guess I needed some time to reflect. Although, as God sifted me, I sifted my mind, thinking of what you must be going through as I went through. (Does that make any sense?) You see, I rode an emotional roller coaster this week. Highs and lows. As I pick myself back up to stay in the climb, I’m pressured not to write another “it’s gonna be alright” post. Instead, I want to write for those that are climbing, on a high point and those who, like me, are so very thankful.

Being thankful—that’s what I wanted to write about last week during Thanksgiving, but personally I needed that time to be with God. No shopping. No gluttony. Just me & Daddy.

As the semester comes to a close (Congrats to the Class of 2010), you can’t help but reflect on where God has brought you from. What others thought was impossible, you’ve made possible.

Thankful!

For some, you may not be in school or was forced to take time off. Take heed in knowing God hasn’t forgotten His promise to you nor is He ignoring your faith.

A very good friend of mine is six months from graduating with his BA. He should have graduated eight years ago, but a terminal disease deterred those plans. Not only did it affect his body, but it polluted his confidence. Whenever I think of his story, I’m so grateful to God, knowing how bad things could be. Eight years could not stand in his way; nothing can stand in yours.


Thankful!

We’re God’s people. We’re bursting with potential, talent and possibility. Sometimes I feel like I’m suffocating, as if someone jammed me in a box and locked up my destiny. Do you ever feel that way? You’ve been locked up for so long that you forget that seasons come and go. When the idea of giving up seeps into my spirit, I’m pushed by many factors, including mere curiosity. I want to know how my story ends.

Call my crazy or just call me a Jesus-lover, but I feel the knot that Oprah felt, that little inkling that President Obama felt, the twitch that nagged Donald Trump. It’s the tiniest, itty bittiest feeling that something humungous is going to happen in my life. That I reek of greatness, my name will appear in big letters somewhere and I’m just a leap, skip and a jump away from it.

Thankful!

So, as you can tell. God and I had an intense conversation last week. And, again this morning and the bad news is still reeling in, so we have a lot more to talk about. I’m taking off my mask and will be simply vulnerable. I’m probably gonna cry… a lot. In the end, I’ll find the rock within, be reminded of where he brought me from, where I am & what He has prepared for me. Thankful!

What are you thankful for? What are you trusting in God for?