TotallyTot | Creating Innovative Solutions for Everyday Women: #MyVillage #WomensHistoryMonth

We're still going! All month long I am celebrating young women in honor of Women's History Month.

Today's feature is with the amazing Gracelyn! I met Gracelyn a few years ago and was so inspired by her journey. She's such an inspirational young woman and I could not wait to have her on the blog.

Gracelyn decided that she wanted to do a Q&A and as soon as I started reading her answers I was crying!!

Grab your tissues and read a bit about Gracelyn below:

1. How old are you?

I am 19 years old!

2. What is something that makes you special?

My identity makes me special. My name is Gracelyn. On June 29th, 1999 - I was born 2lbs, 1oz to two parents who believed in the Grace of God. Mom went through so much; blood transfusions, shots, bedrest, allergies to medication, depression, and severe hemorrhaging. The doctors told my parents that if my mom didn't have a blood transfusion, we would both die. This is when I was named “Gracelyn” because my parents said that it was by the “GRACE" of God if I lived. My mom was so sick, tired and worn out that she said to God “If this baby is not born by Tuesday, then I quit”. Sure enough, our Father in Heaven heard her cry and within an hour her contractions started 20 minutes til midnight and I was born that Tuesday morning. Now my name is Gracelyn. My name carries life, power, identity, beauty, strength, and of course- love. I believe with everything in me that the reason why I am who I am is not because of anything that I have said or done- but it is because His Grace is sufficient for me (2 Corinthians 12:9). Someone fought for me, someone paid a price for me, someone suffered for me. This is what Jesus Christ did for me and for you. That is what makes US special. My name is not just a name, it is my identity. God marked me for Him. To live, breath, and do all that I do to glorify Him. I encourage you to find out what your name means, maybe it’s not a positive meaning or maybe it is, but be sure to identify based on who God calls you, not based on what you’ve faced. You are a daughter, you are a son, and you are special, precious, and loved in His sight. (Isaiah 43:4)

3. When did you know you had a special message to share with the world?

In 2016, I began making 2-3 minute inspirational Snapchat stories. I grabbed my phone nearly every day to speak about what God placed in my heart. I spoke a lot about relationships, worth, love, and humanity. There were days that I went to school and was asked if I’d ever considered starting a YouTube channel. I then felt compelled to begin my YouTube channel Gracelyn Sorrell speaking on purity, love, and relationships, I realized that if people were inspired, then I was doing something right. I knew that I had a special message to share with the world well…When I started sharing it. In my process of committing to purity, losing my father, pornography addiction, same-sex assault, bullying, being set apart and so much more- I didn’t understand any of it. I couldn’t seem to comprehend God's thoughts for me when mine were everywhere. I was broken and I couldn’t find the courage to share my story with the world because I couldn’t get past the question that I’d asked God nearly every day, “Why me?" Until one day He said to me, “Why NOT you?” I said okay God, fine- You can use me even IN my pain. He did just that and continues to give me platforms to speak and share what He has placed in my heart.

4. What would you consider your biggest obstacle that you have overcome?

The biggest obstacle that I have overcome was struggling with identity issues. This was not only an obstacle, but it was also a course- a process that you can’t skip to the end to win. It was a process that I’d least expected that I would deal with. It sprung up from being bullied and same-sex assault. My entire life was flipped upside down. I didn’t know who I was, so I accepted who people told me I was. I didn’t know how to get to know other people, so I isolated myself. I didn’t know how to love, so I accepted lust. I didn’t even know what my laugh naturally sounded like, so I tried to sound like everyone else. My perspective was perverted and distorted in every way. My days were cloudy and it felt like the longest storm. Struggling with identity does not only equate to sexual orientation, but identity issues also begin when you don’t feel worthy enough to find the truth. Identity lies in truth and I wasn’t willing to find truth because that meant facing a mirror and confessing that I was broken and needed saving.

5. What do you do for fun?

I SHOP FOR FUN! I don’t shop to splurge, I shop to style. I love to go out and look for cute accessories, and pieces that can go with my current hairstyle or shoes. I love jeans and comfy things but I am definitely getting into more creative looks all while expressing my personality. If I say “OH MY GOSH, LOOOOOK”, It’s probably a yes from me!

6. What is the greatest testimony that you have witnessed?

One of the greatest testimonies that I have witnessed was from a beautiful lady named Tatiana Jones also known as “Totally Tot”. As she lost her baby nearly 8 years ago, I am reminded of strength and perseverance. The strength that it must take for a mother to lose a baby. Tots testimony reminds me of Gods power. Tot couldn’t have controlled what she lost, but God is steering what she will soon discover. Tot has continued to have hope and carry the gift of hope. The power in Tot is a testament to Christ’s love for us, even in pain- He loves. Thank you, Tot.

7. What would you tell someone who wants to live a pure lifestyle and abstain from sex?

To the person who desires to live a pure lifestyle; please know that purity is not “you put your right foot in, you put your right foot out” Noooo, Purity is the consistent progression of your mind, body, and soul. The Bible talks about being lukewarm "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:15-16). Dig deeper into knowing what purity truly means and once you commit to purity, give your whole heart. We live a pure lifestyle to see Christ (Matthew 5:8). Like I always say “The Goal is Heaven” and of course always remember that "In a world full of impurity, Purity IS possible.” -Gracelyn Sorrell

8. How do you handle this calling at such a young age?

I handle this calling by daily surrender. I give God a fresh “Yes” every day of my life. I could never ever do it by myself.

9. What keeps you grounded?

My mother keeps me grounded. Her wisdom, truth, and love correct me when I’m wrong and I can admit that she will tell me what I need to hear when I need to hear it. These days, I’m so self-aware that I usually tell her what I’m doing wrong, and she will agree or say “No, you are being too hard on yourself” my mom has shown me the love, compassion and truth of Christ which reminds me that I am nothing and He is everything.

Website: GracelynSorrell.com

Instagram: @GracelynSorrell

YouTube: Gracelyn Sorrell

Recent feature on Gracelyn

My entire look is from Shein! Click here for my top, click here for my skirt!

Use my promo code "totalq2" for a discount on all Shein orders!

#GuestBlogger - Sunday, March 24, 2019

Meet Gracelyn! Talking purity plus more w/ Gracelyn

We're still going! All month long I am celebrating young women in honor of Women's History Month. Today's feature is wi...

I’m over here still celebrating my super cool village! You can’t pay for the levels of dopeness that I have been surrounded with all of my life. I know I am extremely blessed and before I go any further I want to thank my Mother for her part in all of this!!! This week I am celebrating my awesome Godmother! I do believe that Godmothers are pretty necessary and very awesome. I wanted to take the time for Women’s History Month to celebrate women who are close to me and who have truly inspired me in many ways. My Godmother is surely one of those women for me. She has been around for most of my life and just like any relationship, there were moments when I was not her favorite person and vice versa. Lol! But, today I can honestly say she has been around giving her opinions and thoughts on pretty much any and everything that I do and for that I am thankful. She was even a huge help when I launched my blog. She helped me with everything from editing blog posts to helping me finalize my logo. Fun Fact: She bought me my first Coach purse when I was 12! lol!

I sent her the same questions that I sent my Aunt and just like my Aunt’s answers, hers are GOOD!

Here we go!!!

In her own words………Meet Delayna!

Having a village is so important, that “you never outgrow the need for a village”. People grow up with a village and are still in need of the things that comes along with a village. Or are we to call them accountability partners? Therefore the question now turns into who is your grown village? Let's move into these questions before we go too deep! HA!!

What’s something that amazes you?

God amazes me! Confident people amaze me!

What do you think about more than anything else?

How I can be the best me that I can possibly be, in order to be just that to someone else.

Who has had the greatest impact on your life and Why?

That’s easy … my mother, Levonzell Arnester Merritt! My mother was my “main village” and I owe all that I am to her. She raised me as a single mother and I believe she did an amazing job (look at me now)! My mother and I spent a considerable amount of quality time together. Growing up, I remember what used to always call out “it’s time”: “movie time”, “puzzle time”, “banana split”, etc. We spent countless hours in conversation and just laughing about life and all it encompassed. She was not a strict parent at all, but when she meant business, “she meant business”! My mother was extremely creative, she crocheted, knitted, and hosting New Year’s Day for family and friends was her favorite. She was a great financier and expressed the importance of “good credit”, which I later in life learned did not mean “a lot of credit”! We bowled together and traveled together, she was my best friend. I guess I said all that, to say all this, the things my Mother instilled in me are things that I can pass onto “my village”. Thank you Ma!

What is the latest lesson you have learned?

Be confident! Stop flying under the radar! Step outside of your comfort zone!

Yes, I am confident! Yes, I am fun! Yes, I can make you laugh! Yes, I know what I bring to the table! But am I actually confident in my God given potential/abilities or do I underestimate myself?

This assignment from Tot quickly became "are you worthy"? Huh? Yes, I had to ask myself that question and the answer is, yes I am worthy!!! Then, I begin to ask myself questions like, well, if you are worthy, then why are you so hesitant about stepping out on faith into God’s purpose for your life? Why do you limit the possibilities? What is holding you back?

Although most of us grew up with a village doesn't necessarily mean that our village knew what we needed to be great. Don't get me wrong, my village was amazing and it encompassed a vast variety of amazing people, but I can honestly say, encouragement is something that my "little girl" lacked and it tends to spill over into my life today. That is why I chose to become a village and pour God-stuff into others because they too, “are worthy"!

I continue to choose to be a village to make the next one feel worthy to be who God called them to be. By showing love, listening, and encouraging them to be the best that they can be.

Over the years, I have learned that encouragement creates confidence and confidence goes a long way.

Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Do you know which way they should go? Do you see that special gift in them and know how to help nurture it? Are you a good village?

We always hear “It takes a village to raise a child” what does that saying mean to you?

As the old saying goes, “no man is an island”! It takes all kind to make the world go around. “Team work makes the dream work”.

Who was in your village growing up? What did you learn from them?

I grew up an only child, so my village was friends and family members. Unlike today, I would spend any given weekend in different villages. Back in the day, the moral compass was set to being a good person and doing the right thing, which made the rules of the village were easy. What I learned from that village do good things and good things will follow you

When did you decide that I was your favorite Goddaughter?

Lol!!!That’s easy! Your first is always your favorite. Your first job, your first car, your first love … I was the first to know your mom was pregnant (don’t tell Auntie Crissy). I told your mother I was going to be your Godmother and suggested the name Tatiana. You were always such a pleasure to be around and sweet. A person couldn’t help but to love you.I attribute my “village input” into who you are today. I remember saying, "we don't wear phony Coach purses" and at that point I had to back up that statement and start buying you Coach bags! And to God Be the Glory, look at you now, style coach, fashion blogger, motivational speaker (she has definitely motivated me with this piece)! The possibilities for you are endless, I see your potential because your village trained you right!

What is the most difficult part being a part of your Godchildren's' villages?

I wouldn’t say difficult, I can just say that I tend not to be as sensitive as they may need at that time. This is something that I acknowledge and am making progress and trying to change. It’s not that I lack compassion, I just want to always stay in a good place with them, which may put me in a different category because I am not all so sensitive. But God is still working on me!

What is the most rewarding part being a part of their villages?

I am able to give wisdom based on my experiences and because of my relationship with the Lord and with them, they receive where I’m coming from. Although my tone tends to throw everyone off, they get the point.

What advice would you give to others who are considered to be the village for young people?

Be confident! Be yourself! Be a leader! Nobody can be you but you, therefore, be the best you, you can be!

Are you more inclined to “build your own empire” or unleash the potential of others? Why?

Unleashing the potential of others comes so much more easily for me. I currently serve on the Children’s Ministry at my church, Valley Kingdom Ministries International, and the response I get from the children when I encourage them creates a feeling, that actually motivates me as well. Like the song says, “when I encourage you, I encourage myself."

What in your life has brought or given you the greatest satisfaction or fulfillment? Looking back, what would you have done differently? What would you do again?

My relationship with the Jesus Christ has definitely given me the greatest satisfaction. My mother passed in 2006 and I can note that as being “the hardest time” in my life. However, Psalm 28:7 carried me through: “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.”

Looking back I would actually do two things differently. I would have taken my education further and have had biological children (with a husband, of course). Watching the accomplishments of my Godchildren are awesome to witness, but to experience motherhood seems like a pretty cool job and I believe I would have been kinda cool at it! I truly believe I would have needed a village, but who doesn’t?

I want to end this by saying: You are worthy and so am I!

MIC DROP!!!!

YASSSSS!! I am so thankful and blessed to be surrounded by such amazing women! I hope you enjoyed! Take a moment and celebrate your village today. Keep scrolling for my outfit deets!

My outfit details:

Jacket info can be found in this post!

Skirt is from Target 3 years ago. Here is a similar one:

#GuestBlogger - Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Celebrating my village!

I’m over here still celebrating my super cool village! You can’t pay for the levels of dopeness that I have been surrounded with all o...

Mother's Day 2016 is here!!! After having my daughter in 2011, this holiday was a tough one for me. 5 years later, I find myself feeling very thankful to have experienced Motherhood and to still have my Mommy in my life. I was on the phone with my Mother recently and she stated that she was preserved for a purpose! I was instantly intrigued and asked her to write a blog post about it. My Mother has taught me so much about taking care of myself from the inside and out and I am grateful that she can now share this with you all. I am wishing all of my readers an awesome Mother's Day!!!!!!!

Now, for my Mommy's first ever blog post........You can call her Connie but I call her Superwoman!!! Enjoy :)

As I prep for my day, feeling regretful and anxious. Regretful that I am not further along in my career and in life, just kind of feeling like life is passing me by. I walk past the mirror and I say, "Wow, but I don't look so bad!" Instantly, the Holy Spirit ministered these words to me..."preserved for a purpose" So although I am 51, God still has great plans and purpose for my life. I am excited, not anxious. I am grateful, not regretful about the journey and manifestation for what's to come.

The first half of my adult life, I spent raising my children into responsible, productive citizens. They are not perfect but they are great. No criminals or THOTS.

I am so excited to be who I am and where I am in my life for such a time as this. I want to encourage and remind YOU that every set back, victory, disappointment or achievement you have experienced is apart of the journey to your DESTINY!

Where God is taking you requires faith, determination, perseverance and resilience. These are all built through challenges. Embrace all of it.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future!

As you learn to trust God's plan over your own here are 3 vital things to do while keeping the faith.

1. Show up with a made up mind and surround yourself with people that will encourage you through the Word of God. Let this mind be in you which is also in Christ Jesus.

2. Have a work out regiment, have a skin care regiment, and drink plenty of water! Take your vitamins and be mindful of the food you put in your body.

3. Have a soul that desires to please the Lord, read the Word daily and most importantly have a relationship with God. Attend a bible believing church and become active within that ministry.