Hi sis,

The other day I was prepping for a hair appointment because I wanted a new style. I had a wig at home that I thought could work, but it needed to be dyed to match my copper hair color.

So I got to work. I grabbed the wig, did my research, and went down the YouTube rabbit hole to figure out how to color it. Forty dollars later — developer, dye, gloves, foil, the whole 9 — I spent hours on the process…only for the color not to take.

Back to “YouTube University” I went, and that’s when I realized where I went wrong: I needed to bleach the hair first. I had to strip it down from its natural state so that it could properly receive the copper dye. Another $20 later, I did the process again and this time it came out exactly how I wanted.

This reminded me of Esther. Before she could be chosen as queen, she went through twelve months of preparation. Daniel also went through years of training before serving in the king’s court. Neither of them skipped the process — and neither can we.

Just like my wig needed the right process before it could shine, your preparation season is equipping you for what’s next. The process may feel long, uncomfortable, or costly, but it’s not wasted. It’s how God strips, strengthens, and shapes us so we’re ready when the doors open.

And as we step into these last few months of the year, I believe God is calling us to do the same. This is a season to slow down, steward well, and prepare for what’s ahead. Preparation isn’t punishment — it’s purpose.

Here’s how you can steward your preparation season:

1. Slow down & pace yourself.​
   Don’t keep adding to your plate and getting caught up in the hustle. This is the time to slow down, consult God, and move at the pace of His grace. Listen to His voice and heed where He’s leading you. It’s in the pace that we’re stretched, refined, and learn to handle things the right way.
2. Take inventory.​
   This isn’t just about looking at your ideas — it’s about laying everything before God. Write down what’s on your plate and ask Him: “What no longer needs to be here?” This could include habits, thoughts, even certain friendships or ideas. Then, identify what matters most in this season and what He’s truly calling you to prioritize.
3. Build diligently.​
   Take your time and assess what you’re building your life and business on. Are your “materials” bitterness, frustration, or unrepented sin — or are they faith, obedience, and surrender? What you build with will determine how it stands. Be patient. Building with God always takes time, but it’s always worth it.

Reader, preparation isn’t punishment — it’s purpose.

🎙️ I dive deeper into this on the Call Her Profitable podcast in an episode called Before God Opens the Next Door — dropping tomorrow. Be sure to tune in! And if you’ve been enjoying the podcast, I’d love for you to leave a review — it helps more women of faith find the show.

With Love & Support,

Odaisha

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