Overview:
The article discusses the concept of "Mahogany moments" which refers to the feeling of uncertainty and questioning one's choices when life takes an unexpected turn. The author reflects on her own experiences of change and questioning, and finds comfort in Psalm 23, which reminds us that God is in control and will restore our souls and lead us in the paths of righteousness. The article also quotes Proverbs 16:9, which says that our heart plans our course, but God determines our steps.
A number of years ago, a friend nicknamed me “Mahogany” because I love to wear bright colorful clothes with matching accessories. What she didn’t know is that one of my favorite movies is Mahogany starring Diana Ross and Billy Dee Williams. It’s a great love story but I enjoy watching Mahogany trying to figure out her life through her good and bad choices. And like Mahogany, in the last year, I’ve had to ask myself those insightful questions from the movie’s theme song: “Do you know where you’re going?” “Do you like the things that life is showing you?” “Do you get what you’re hoping for?” I’d made some changes in my life, but halfway through the changes, I didn’t like where I was headed.
It’s like when you walk into a room and forget why. Some call that a “senior moment.” You had a good reason for going into the room but forgot it as soon as you entered the room. Sometimes life is like that. You decide to make some changes in your life believing that your decision is a good one. However, if things get difficult as you continue the process of change, you have “Mahogany moments” where you question everything about the change itself. For example, questions like “Is this the right change at the right time?” came to my mind many times last year. Things in my life were changing so quickly on so many different levels (emotionally, spiritually, physically) and they all seemed to be happening at the same time. I tried to reverse some aspects of the change (with very little luck). More than a few times, I had to ask myself, “Why exactly am I doing this?” I was looking for a clear path and was frustrated that even after praying about it, things remained unclear. The only clear direction I got from God was to continue to trust Him.
In looking for answers to my “Mahogany moment” questions, I was led to look at Psalm 23. Psalm 23 starts with the familiar verses where David proclaims that God is his shepherd who leads and protects him. It is in verse 3 where David declares boldly “He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.” Verse 3 seems to remind us that God is leading us; in other words, he is in control of what is happening. Verse 6 says, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” Because we follow the leading of God, God’s grace (goodness and mercy) will chase after us and cover even our mistakes.
Looking at these scriptures makes me think about the times that we say we trust God, but during “mahogany” moments of fear or doubt, we question where our faith is taking us. It’s natural to question God when things seem uncertain. However, we can rest in the truth of Proverbs 16:9 which reminds us “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” In other words, even when things seem uncertain, we can be certain that God orders our steps.
Shewanda Riley is a Fort Worth, Texas-based author of “Love Hangover: Moving from Pain to Purpose After a Relationship Ends” and “Writing to the Beat of God’s Heart: A Book of Prayers for Writers.” Email her at preservedbypurpose@gmail.com or follow her on Instagram @shewandawrites.
