A Seed Planted in Sacred Timing
Zanele’s Faith Journeys wasn’t born out of a season of ease or abundance. It was created at the start of one of the more difficult chapters of my life. I actually came up with the name back in 2018, almost as if God planted a seed in my heart and then asked me to wait, to let it grow quietly in the background while I navigated my own storms.
For years, I let the idea sit on the shelf. I wasn’t ready. Life was happening, sometimes loudly, sometimes quietly. Then, this year, something shifted. The struggles I’d been navigating, my rough transition through perimenopause into menopause, the heavy weight of burnout that crept in around 2021, and the exhaustion and challenges of post-menopause, became too much to keep to myself. I just couldn’t push my way through it all anymore. It felt like my resilience was gone.
I figured I couldn’t be the only woman feeling lost, tired, or overwhelmed in this season of life.
That’s when I chose to start writing—not just for myself, but for every woman who’s ever wondered if she’s alone in the messiness of midlife. I wanted to create a space where we could be honest about our struggles, where vulnerability isn’t a weakness, but a superpower. And do you know it really can be? When you’re vulnerable in faith, trusting that God will protect you while you’re being open and honest, not worrying about what others think of you or what you share—that’s when the magic happens. Because when we show up as our authentic, imperfect selves, we give others permission to do the same, and that’s where genuine connection happens.
This is our victory—our faith. This is how we overcome the world’s messages that we’re too old, too tired, too invisible, or too “whatever it is” to matter. Through faith, we rise above the limitations others try to place on us.
A Name, A Legacy, and a Love That Endures
For as long as I can remember, my middle name, Zanele, was a bit of a conversation starter. When people asked what the “Z” stood for, and I told them, I often saw surprise, curiosity, or sometimes frowns on their faces. “What does that mean?” some would ask. It wasn’t a name many had heard before, and I could tell that some didn’t like it.
I never asked my Dad where exactly he got the name from, but I always liked it because it was different, unique, just like I wanted to be. Still, I must admit that I didn’t always openly embrace it. Only because of the funny faces or the dead silence I got from people when I told them my middle name. I eventually found myself avoiding sharing it altogether over time. It felt easier to keep it tucked away, like a secret part of me that didn’t quite fit in with what others expected.
But then one day, I decided: why not? Why hide a part of myself that carries so much meaning and connection? I realized I love my middle name, Zanele, so I started sharing it proudly. It’s a beautiful reminder of my Dad, who named me, Tamra Zanele. And it’s deeply connected to the faith journey that has shaped me.
My Dad passed away last year on July 27th, 2024, after a challenging battle with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Though his health declined and our relationship faced challenges in those last few years, he remained the one who consistently encouraged me the most throughout my life. Even during his most challenging moments, he never stopped reminding me to “Keep your head up.”
Up until the very end, he made it a point to tell me that I was a good daughter and that he still believed in me. Those words—his unwavering belief and encouragement—are gifts that will keep on giving, long after he’s gone. I think about him multiple times every day, and his influence continues to shape the woman I am and the community I hope to build here.
Growing up, my Dad often said to me, “Life is a faith journey, TZ.” (My Dad was the only one who called me TZ.) Those simple words really took flight and became a guiding light throughout my late twenties and beyond. The more I grew in my relationship with Jesus, the more those words resonated with me.
So, when I was searching for a name that would capture the essence of what I wanted to create, it felt natural to honor him by using the name he had given me. This blog is part of his legacy—a reflection of the faith, strength, and wisdom he helped instill in me.
Every time I say or write Zanele’s Faith Journeys, I’m reminded of our close relationship, of his unwavering belief in me, and of the faith that has carried me through the hardest seasons. This blog is not just my story; it’s a continuation of his influence and encouragement, a way to share that same hope and resilience with women who need it most.
Faithful Vulnerability: Our Superpower
What I’ve learned through this journey is that faithful vulnerability isn’t just about being open; it’s about being brave enough to trust God with our stories while we share them. It’s the courage to say, “Here’s where I struggled, here’s where I failed, here’s where I felt lost,” knowing that God can use our mess to become someone else’s blessing and message of hope.
We often think we need to have it all figured out before we can encourage others. But our scars make us stronger teachers than our successes ever could. Did you get that? When we share our real struggles, the sleepless nights of menopause, the weight gain that came out of nowhere, the fear that we’re no longer as resilient as we used to be, or that we’re not as pretty and vibrant as we once were, we’re not just being vulnerable. We’re being faithful to the calling God has placed on our lives to comfort others with the comfort we’ve received.
This kind of vulnerability builds bridges, creates friendships, and forms allies. It says to another woman, “You’re not alone in this. I’m going through this, or I’ve been there too, and by God’s grace, we’re going to make it through together.”
Building a Sisterhood: Walking Boldly Together
Zanele’s Faith Journeys is my invitation for us to walk boldly together as women. To share our stories, lift each other up, and build a community where no one has to face this season alone. This isn’t just a blog, it’s a movement of women who refuse to be invisible, who choose courage over comfort, and who believe that our best years aren’t behind us; they’re still unfolding. It’s not as easy as I’m making it sound. It takes a conscious effort and a bold faith. And guess what? That takes some resilience.
As women born of God, we are overcomers. We have the victory through our faith in Jesus. The world may try to tell us we’re past our prime, but we know better. We believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and in Him, we find our strength, our purpose, and our hope.
If you’re feeling weary, uncertain, or just in need of a friend; first, lean deeply into your relationship with the Lord. I also hope you’ll find encouragement here—and the reminder that your journey matters. Your story matters. And you are never too old to dream new dreams or take bold steps toward the life God has for you.
Because life is a faith journey, we’re meant to walk it boldly together. This is our victory. This is how we overcome.
Your Journey Prompt: Embracing Your Victory Through Faith
In this season of life, journaling can be a powerful tool for processing the changes, challenges, and anxieties we face. It helps us remember God’s faithfulness and recognize how He’s working in our lives. Take some time this week to reflect on these questions:
📝 Journal Prompts:
- What “seeds” has God planted in your heart that you’ve been afraid to pursue? Write about a dream, calling, or idea that keeps coming back to you. What’s holding you back from taking the first step?
- How has your faith helped you overcome something difficult in your life? Reflect on a time when you felt like giving up but pressed through. What did you learn about God’s character through that experience?
- What messages from “the world” do you need to overcome right now? Are there lies about your age, abilities, or worth that you’re believing? Write them down, then cross them out and replace them with God’s truth about who you are.
- Complete this sentence: “I am an overcomer because…” Let your faith speak louder than your fears, your circumstances, or your age.
- How can you be a lifeline to another woman this week? Who in your life might need encouragement, and what specific action can you take to lift her up?
Remember: You are born of God. You are an overcomer. This is your victory—your faith.
I’d love to hear how these prompts speak to your heart! Share your thoughts in the comments below and/or send me a message on IG or Facebook. If this message encourages you, please consider sharing it with another woman who might need this reminder today.
Be brave enough to pursue your dreams. Be faithful enough to trust the process. Be kind enough to help another woman along the way. 💜
Life is a faith journey. Walk boldly.💜
