faith

Where My Identity Lies

Posted on by ndsaintlouis

Transformation doesn’t always come with a dramatic moment or a clear turning point. Sometimes it happens quietly—after heartbreak, exhaustion, and seasons where you barely recognize yourself. That’s how my change began. I didn’t wake up different one day, but by 2025, I knew something in me had shifted—and it was for the better.

I went through so much during 2024 and part of 2025 that I had no choice but to find myself, because there were many moments when I felt completely lost. In that process, I found confidence, freedom, and peace when I truly found Nadia. One of the most meaningful shifts I experienced was learning where my identity truly lies.

I absolutely love being a principal. It is the most rewarding—and challenging—job I have ever done. Every day, I get to make a difference in the lives of young people and, hopefully, in the lives of my staff as well. People are often impressed that I am a principal, especially as the first Black principal at my school. Somewhere along the way, I realized I had become too wrapped up in my title. Then it became clear: no matter what happens to me, that school will still stand. Being a principal is a job, but God’s calling on my life is rooted in purpose. Titles may change, but calling does not.

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” — Proverbs 19:21

My identity is in Christ, and the gifts He has given me are meant to change the world—not to define me by a position.

Through deep reflection, I also realized that I had lost myself in previous relationships and situationships. I was so hungry for love that I was willing to do almost anything to keep someone in my life. I compromised my values and my beliefs more times than I care to admit. I was searching for fulfillment in places that could never truly satisfy. It took time—real time—for me to recognize the truth: I was the prize.

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” — Psalm 139:14

My identity is not tied to my relationship status or to a man, but to who God created me to be.

Did you know that snakes shed their skin in order to grow and release what is old? That image feels deeply personal to me. As I step into a new year, I feel like I’ve shed an old layer of myself. I’m in my growth, confidence, and peace era. I know where my identity lies now, and I move differently—secure in the truth that I am loved, cherished, and called.

“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

As you enter this next season, be secure in your identity, my friend. No matter the status of your job, relationships, finances, or circumstances, you are still exactly who God intentionally created you to be.

Chosen, not cheated

Posted on by ndsaintlouis

Lately I have been having a party. A party that I am the only one invited to. A party where I am the center of attention. A party where I am able to feel everything that I want to feel and do what I want to do. At this party, I can say what I want to say and be what I want to. be. The party I am referring to is my pity party. I have wondered more than once over the last several months the following question: God, why me? This party started to consume me and bring me to a dark place. But God started bringing others to my party: family, encouragement, healing, friendship, security, peace, joy, and the list goes on. 

Author and speaker, Priscilla Shirer, said in a recent message, “you are not cheated, you are chosen.” See, I was having this party of 1 because deep down inside I felt cheated. Why am I still single? Why am I in a job that feels like the weight of the world is on my shoulders? Why am I not further along financially? Why am I so far away from my family? Why, why, why? But those 7 words she said in her message really resonated with me. 

Nothing in our lives is by happenstance. God didn’t just haphazardly create you and me and the circumstances our your lives. Many times, we do not understand fully why we are going through certain situations, but rest assured, God knows all things. He orders every step of our lives and cares about every single detail.

God has not cheated you. He has chosen you. He has called you to be exactly where you are. Even in the hurt and pain, He is loving and kind and continues to walk with you and holds your hand guiding you through every season. Every season which is bringing you newfound understanding, joy, and peace that surpasses all understanding. 

We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). Walk in whatever season you are in with your head held high. You are chosen. You are not forgotten. You are strong. You are capable. You are resilient. I am thankful for God choosing me. And now I choose to continue to celebrate this life that God has given me.

End of year reflections

Posted on by ndsaintlouis

I cannot believe the year is almost over, and we are about to enter a new year. When things were going well, it seemed like 2024 flew by, but when I was going through some rough patches, time seemed to slow down. Regardless, another year is among us, and I am blessed to be able to see 2025.


I have used these last couple of days to reflect on my year, and I want to share those reflections with you and hopefully encourage you, too.
Here are some of the lessons I learned this year:


Be intentional. There is a saying that you must make time for what’s important in life. That is the definition of being intentional. You must choose what is important to you each day. This year, I learned to be intentional about self-care, boundaries, and investing my time to what’s important. I did not get it right every day, but I set my mind to things that I felt were necessary to bring me peace and joy.
Practice mindfulness. Being mindful is an act of focusing one’s full attention only on the present, experiencing thoughts, feelings, and sensations but not judging them. I am still growing in this area, but I learned to be more mindful of my words and thoughts. As a man thinketh, so is he (Proverbs 23:7). I am also learning to be more present instead of focusing on the past or future. Practicing mindfulness has helped me be more mindful of how I spend my time, what I say to others, how I spend my money, and even what I eat. I have struggled with all these areas, and mindfulness is helping me overcome these things.
Surrender. As a very independent woman, surrendering is a struggle for me. I have had to make things happen on my own for such a long time, so surrendering is a struggle because that means I must give up control. This is an area that God is always working on with me. I am learning to surrender control of my future and the hurtful things people say and do towards me, and trying to have it all together. I have learned to go with the flow. It’s not easy, but I have so much more peace. I did not thing I was going to be able to buy a home this year. I was told no several times. I wanted to make it happen alone, but instead, I prayed about it and surrendered it to God. He opened the right door at the right time and did much more than I could ask or imagine. I am truly grateful. Surrender means giving it to God and trusting He will make everything work for your good.
Don’t underestimate God. People always ask me how I moved from Nashville, TN, to Little Rock, AR. It’s not something that I ever planned. It was all God. I never thought I would uproot my life and move to this city, but God had a different plan. And moving to Little Rock has opened so many more doors than I would have ever had the opportunity to go through in TN. Never underestimate God’s power and what He can do in your life.
Practice gratitude. Each day, I wake up and reflect on the many things I am grateful for. Some are big things, and others may be minor, but regardless, I have much to be thankful for each day that I am here on this earth with a sound mind and an able body. As an educator, I have had my fair share of students who have passed away and left this earth. Many of them did not live to see the age of 18, so I do not take for granted all the things this life has to offer, and I make sure to give thanks for them each day.
Find peace. I have been through some significant challenges this year, but being at peace has been the most rewarding thing. Peace is something no one can take from you. It can be pure chaos around you, but being able to stay in peace is priceless. There are moments when people and things try to work me up, but I try to ground myself in peace, knowing that this, too, shall pass. I feel at peace with God, myself, and others as I end the year.
Lastly, walk in your gift. Often, I try to minimize the gifts and talents God has given me. I do not like attention, and I never want to seem like I am boasting, but God has truly given me amazing talents to make a difference in this world. I am blessed for the calling He has on my life. And the beautiful thing is that we all have different gifts. Walk confidently in who God made you to be and what you bring to this world. You are special, unique, and important.


I am looking forward to another great year with many new memories. I know God has great things in store for you and me.
Many blessings as you enter 2025!

You are stronger than you think

Posted on by ndsaintlouis

It’s now my fourth year as a principal. I still cannot believe I am where I am, and the work God is doing through me. Being a principal has been the best job I have ever had. I love being with my students and seeing the direct impact that my leadership has on my school. Also, I can see my vision come to life every day. 

However, leadership has its challenges. Leadership can be very lonely. When you are the sole person responsible for the outcome and success of your school, it can bring a lot of pressure. In the principal role, it is easy to be depleted trying to meet everyone else’s needs. 

Since moving to Little Rock and starting my principalship, I have overcome numerous challenges. In my first year alone, I had to deal with a student being shot right across the street from my school, the chaos of a student protest, several staff members resigning, a teacher being accused of inappropriate sexual conduct and several investigations of staff members and coaches. Being a first-year principal already comes with its challenges including: learning the culture of the school, the daily demands of the job, finding people you can trust, and all the responsibility that comes with the job. So, the challenges I had to handle as a first-year principal almost took me. But I knew God brought me here for a reason, so I have persevered through each challenge. 

The most difficult challenge I have had to overcome is being hurt and betrayed by some of my colleagues and staff members. This has been my current reality. I have felt discouraged, depleted, and betrayed. I never anticipated having to deal with something like this and it has felt very personal. I have felt like the situation was unfair and I have thought about throwing in the towel many times. 

But God continues to show Himself faithful and mighty through it all. Today He reminded me that I am stronger than I think I am. He gives me the courage and strength to keep showing up each day because this is what He has anointed me to do. 

Amid these challenges, God has revealed so much to me: God has sent some amazing people in my school district who encourage and pray for me. And He reminds me that I have so many more people for me than against me.

Through it all, He is helping me grow and learn. He reminds me that He doesn’t make mistakes. He is not unaware of what I have been going through and He continues to be with me even in my darkest hour. He has given me everything I need in this season to keep moving forward. I know all of this is just preparing me for the next season and where God is leading me too next. 

Friend, whatever you may be going through, I want to encourage you. YOU ARE STRONGER THAN YOU THINK. Keep moving forward and trusting God. He will take care of you.