Welcome, dear sisters, to a special milestone—our 25th week together in this beautiful community. I’ve shared stories, encouragement, and my faith with you. Today, I want to invite you into a deeper connection—one born from vulnerability, trust, and shared growth.
I’ve learned that putting ourselves out there—raw and honest—is a superpower. It’s called vulnerability, and it breaks down the walls of isolation and fosters authentic friendships rooted in kindness and faith. Through the last 24 blogs, I’ve opened up about my journey because I believe openness creates space for healing and hope.
I used to be so concerned about looking or sounding stupid, constantly worried about what others might think when I showed vulnerability. Though it’s hard for me, I’m learning to let all of that go. You can’t be truly free hiding behind a mask. In many situations, I was hiding behind one so much that it became natural—a weird phenomenon, but true. It feels like a part of me, almost a uniform I put on without thinking.
Now, I’m asking the Lord to make me conscious whenever I’m slipping on that mask and to help me be comfortable showing up just as I am. Sometimes that means being goofy (depending on who I’m around), and most times it means being someone introverted, introspective, considerate, and kind. Honestly, I want to feel free to be that goofy girl no matter who I’m with.
That’s the heart of Zanele’s Faith Journeys—creating a space where you can be your most authentic self without fear or judgment. That’s my goal here.
This desire for authentic connection grows out of my own experiences during some of the most overwhelming and exhausting seasons of my life.
I’ve often shared how overwhelmed and exhausted I felt—so much so that I barely recognized myself. Anxiety, menopause, and missing my Dad through the haze of Alzheimer’s—all these challenges weighed heavily. In those moments, it seemed my resilience had vanished, and I sometimes just wanted to run away from life.
But God met me in those dark moments. He showed me that even when I’m weak, His strength is enough. I recognized menopause as a gift, despite the hardships and dark thoughts, which pulled me closer to Him and taught me faith in ways I’d never known before.
Now, this season, I’m focused on thriving—not merely surviving. What does that mean for me today? It means walking boldly in faith, trusting God’s guidance even when the path feels uncertain and scary, and embracing the power of sharing this journey with women like you.
So today, I invite you to join me as we explore five meaningful questions I’ve been reflecting on lately. These questions encourage honest self-reflection, inspire courage, and strengthen our community. For each one, I’ll share my personal response along with a journal prompt, a scripture to meditate on, and a word of encouragement for your walk.
With that in mind, let’s jump into these questions.
1. What does ‘thriving—not just surviving’ mean to me in this season of life?
When I think about what it means to “thrive” in this season, I realize the key for me is not letting anxiety take control. The only way I’ve found to do that is by trusting and relying completely on the Lord Jesus. In 2023, when I turned 53, I was so overwhelmed and run down that I barely recognized myself. There were times I just wanted to run away from my life.
But the Lord gently reminded me: I’m still here, and He still has a purpose for me. He showed me I needed to focus on healing—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Through His Word, He assures me He is always right by my side and will provide everything I need to thrive.
I’ve learned that when I stay connected to Jesus, the true vine, my life bears fruit, even amid struggles. But when I try to rely on myself, I fall back into survival mode.
So, if you’re feeling anxious or worn out, remember this: You are not alone. Jesus is the true vine—cling to Him, and you will thrive.
Journal Prompt:
Biblical Resource:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.”
— John 15:5 AMP
Advice:
This week, take a few moments daily to meditate on this verse. Invite God to be your strength, your true source of life, especially when anxiety or fear threatens to pull you under.
2. How has my faith helped me overcome a self-imposed limit or challenge?
I’ve placed a lot of limits on myself, especially as an older student returning to college in my mid-to-late forties. Sitting in classrooms filled with students half my age was intimidating. There were some tasks on each syllabus that I felt I couldn’t do. I worried I wouldn’t measure up, especially in classes like graphic design, where I constantly felt a step behind.
But God always made a way. I found a tutor who bridged the gap in that graphic design class, and through hard work and God’s help, I not only kept up in all my classes, but I also graduated summa cum laude. It was God who gave me the resources, resilience, and courage to persevere.
Now, as I build Zanele’s Faith Journeys (ZFJ) community, new limits creep in: Am I doing enough? Will this be successful? There’s so much I have to learn, and stepping into the unknown can feel paralyzing. Even posting a YouTube video feels huge, but perfectionism whispers, “Wait until you’re completely ready.”
But I’m reminded: the Lord put ZFJ on my heart for a reason. My role is to show up and obey His prompting, trusting that He will work through my willingness. I’ve learned that obedience is better than sacrifice. If I truly trust God, I have to be obedient even when it’s deeply uncomfortable.
So here’s my encouragement to you: To make progress, so that God can use us for His glory, we must be obedient, even (especially!) when it’s difficult.
Journal Prompt:
Biblical Resource:
“Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed [is better] than the fat of rams.”
— 1 Samuel 15:22 AMP
Advice:
Take one step of obedience this week, even if it feels imperfect. Trust that God will provide as you show up in faith.
3. What does kindness look like in action among women supporting one another?
Kindness begins with permission—a safe space for a woman to share her story freely, without fear of judgment. In other words, kindness isn’t just about being nice; it’s about intentionally fostering trust and safety that invite honest sharing and connection. (We need more of this in the world today.) Without that “permission” or safe space, people may hold back, protecting themselves from hurt or rejection. So, kindness here is the foundation that allows authentic stories and healing to emerge.
All too often, I’ve seen women harshly judge one another, form cliques, and exclude others. It’s like an old pattern picked up in childhood that, sadly, lingers into adulthood. The truth is, women already face enough struggles out in the world. The least we can do is uplift one another within our community.
So, genuine kindness means choosing compassion over criticism, listening instead of competing, and showing up as the kind of friend I hope to have. It’s treating each woman with respect and gentle understanding, offering support without strings, and holding one another accountable—always with love.
I strive to cultivate a space where women are encouraged to drop their masks, share their hearts, and receive both compassion and practical help. Kindness isn’t just about words; it’s about action—helping a sister carry her burdens, celebrating her wins, and standing with her in hard seasons.
Let’s be the community that proves kindness isn’t weakness—it’s another great superpower.
Journal Prompt:
Biblical Resource:
“Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you.”
— Ephesians 4:32 AMP
Advice:
Reach out this week with a simple act of kindness to a woman in your circle, especially someone you haven’t connected with recently. Watch how kindness opens doors.
4. If you could give one piece of advice to another woman beginning her “next chapter,” what would it be?
This is a hard one because starting something new often brings anxiety, self-doubt, and exhaustion. My advice? Get still. Get quiet enough to hear God clearly.
During one of my hardest seasons, everything felt overwhelming. I prayed to experience God in a new way. What I learned is that sometimes God moves most when we finally stop striving, sit still, and open our hearts. Rest does not mean laziness—it’s a form of trust.
I felt guilty and restless at first. I lacked motivation, and I struggled with the fear that I was wasting precious time. My therapist gently reminded me: Be kind to yourself. Gentleness is vital during big transitions—especially when the world around you pushes constant hustle.
God used her encouragement to teach me an important truth: self-compassion opens the door to hearing Him more clearly. The only way I could receive God’s guidance was by quieting my mind and surrendering my need to “do.” In those moments of stillness—reading devotionals, journaling, studying the Word, simply sitting in prayer—I finally felt the Lord’s nearness and grace.
It might look and feel like you’re doing nothing, but I promise: the Lord is working in that quiet.
Journal Prompt:
Biblical Resource:
“Be still and know (recognize, understand) ,that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.”
— Psalm 46:10 AMP
Advice:
Set aside time to be still each day this week. Silence distractions, talk to God, and listen. Rest in His presence, knowing He’s working even when you feel still.
5. How has your faith brought unexpected moments of joy or comfort in difficult seasons?
I find joy and comfort simply by leaning into the truth of God’s faithfulness. He is so great, and He deserves all the glory and honor. I marvel at the fact that I mess up constantly, and yet He loves me anyway. In His Word, He promises, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” God’s grace never runs out.
Whenever I feel uncertain or scared, especially when thinking about possible new steps for ZFJ, like starting a podcast, giving a talk, or uploading that first YouTube video, I cling to Deuteronomy 31:8 (AMP):
“It is the Lord who goes before you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or abandon you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
When it comes to building a brand, I feel like I’ll never know what I’m doing, that I’m not doing the right things or doing enough, but God has already gone ahead to prepare the way. He’s beside me in every moment, making a way and handling details I could never foresee.
This truth brings me joy and deep comfort, along with the knowledge that I am never alone, especially when stepping into something new or intimidating. All I have to do is be obedient and trust Him. I make it sound easy, don’t I? It’s not. I encourage myself by trusting God’s promises.
If you’re afraid to start something or to step into a new chapter, make Deuteronomy 31:8 your anchor. God has gone before you, and He’ll walk beside you every step of the way.
Journal Prompt:
Biblical Resource:
“It is the Lord who goes before you; He will be with you. He will not fail or abandon you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
— Deuteronomy 31:8 AMP
Advice:
Write this verse where you’ll see it often. When fear creeps in, remind yourself that God is already ahead of you, walking every step of the way.
Reflection and Invitation
As I look back on my journey, all the highs and the lows, the fears faced, and the faith embraced, I’m reminded that none of us walk alone. Vulnerability is not a sign of weakness, but a bridge to authentic connection and healing. When we open our hearts to one another, we create space for grace, encouragement, and shared strength.
Your story, your struggles, and your victories are precious. They matter, not just to you, but to the women who need to hear that they are seen, understood, and loved. I invite you now to lean into this community. Use the questions I’ve shared as a starting point for reflection. You can do this in your journal, in conversation with a sister, or right here in the comments.
Your voice matters. Your story matters. Your presence matters. You are important.
Let’s build a tribe where faith, kindness, and courage flourish.
Together, we can move beyond surviving to thriving by supporting and uplifting one another every step of the way.
Life is a Faith Journey. Walk boldly.
Be brave enough to pursue your dreams. Be faithful enough to trust the process. Be kind enough to help another woman along the way.
With love and gratitude,
Tami Zanele
