How many times have you heard someone say you have changed? Or better yet, how many times have you said a person has changed? Are we not supposed to change? 

I can remember talking with a good friend of mine on the phone a few years ago and I made the statement that some people feel like I have changed, but I’m still the same old Tiffiney. She quickly, stopped me and said, “Tiffiney you have changed!” I immediately became offended and defensive. She asked me why I was so defensive, she listened and once I finished my little rant, she took the time to explain that one can change for the better or for the worse, and that I had changed for the better. It’s all about how you view change.

After thinking about what she said, I began to reflect over my life. I’ve had so many things to happen to me, whether good or bad, it has molded me to be the person that I am today. Looking back, I can clearly see how every situation worked out for my good. I asked myself would I want to be the same person I was at 18, 21, 35 or 40. My answer was clearly NO!

Who wants to be the same their whole life? That is called stagnation! As we experience the lessons of life, we are to grow and become all that God has created us to be. It reminds me of how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. The caterpillar makes a cocoon, this is when transformation takes place. A lot happens during this time, just as our life experiences. The good, bad and ugly shapes, molds and makes us to be our best self.  Becoming is a process! The thing that once crawled can now fly. The thing that once was not so appealing is now beautiful.  

Are you the same person you were 10, 15, 20 or 30 years ago? Have you allowed yourself to become all that you were created to be? What does that look like for you? Does that mean that you need a closer walk with Christ? Does that look like a new career path? Does that mean a change of environment? Does that mean a change in associates? Does that mean stepping out of your comfort zone and pursuing your dreams?

So, now when I hear someone say, “Tiffiney, you have changed”. I can proudly say, “Yes, I have changed and thank you for the compliment”. I accept the fact that I have changed for the better and allowing God to use me in ways that I never thought or imagined that He would. Change is inevitable. Change is good. Change is welcomed. Let’s embrace change and become all that we were created to be!