I’m passionate about a lot of things, but nothing compares to my relationship with God, studying the Bible with women, and witnessing lives transformed.
Seven years ago, I would never have imagined myself making the above statement. My future plans didn’t include studying the Bible, sipping tea, and having heartfelt conversations with God at a coffee shop. But our plans are never His plans, and for that, I’m so grateful. During one of the most challenging times in my life, Trust God and Drink Tea was born.
At the end of 2015, I returned to Chicago from L.A. with less than $1,000 in my savings account. I was living in a studio apartment in Hyde Park with two kids. I had no desire to work or perform. My appetite for music, people, and even using my heart beyond my responsibilities as a mother was gone. My dreams felt out of reach, my spirit was crushed by disappointment after disappointment, and I was mentally burned out from the hustle and grind of it all.
I vividly remember dragging myself out of bed one day and sitting alone at a coffee shop, drinking tea and pouring my heart out to God. I told Him how forgotten I felt. My hopes and dreams seemed deferred, and I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. Even though I was surrounded by people, I felt completely alone.
As someone who prides themselves on bouncing back from adversity and not seeking validation from others, admitting how broken I felt was foreign to me. The expectation of always being strong hung over me like a shadow, but inside, I was falling apart.
Journaling was never a strong suit of mine, but I felt an overwhelming need to clear my mind and confront God. He already knew the desires of my heart—my hopes, my dreams, my future. But in the midst of my breakdown, I couldn’t help but question: Where was He? Why did He feel so far away? Why was I going through this? I was desperate for insight and direction.
Jeremiah 29:11"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
For the next three days, I made a commitment. I dragged myself out of bed, sat in that same coffee shop with a pen and pad, and sipped tea while pouring my thoughts and emotions onto paper, waiting for God to answer me. Wandering aimlessly through my neighborhood, I found it increasingly difficult to return to my apartment. Those four walls felt suffocating, a constant reminder of the reality I was struggling to accept.
During this time, I heard God speak to me: “This too shall pass. You just need to trust Me. When you start to trust Me and stop being so self-reliant, everything will begin to unfold for you.”
He was right—I didn’t trust Him. I barely even knew Him. Growing up in church felt more like an obligation, and as I got older, God became less of a priority. I realized I had never truly made the choice to know Him for myself.
Despite my doubts and fears, I decided to trust Him—not just for my sake but for my children. I told myself, “If not for yourself, do it for them.”
Matthew 6:33"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
One scripture and one sip at a time, I began to trust God with my broken pieces. My heart softened, my perspective shifted, and my desire to serve others grew. I started to understand the life and character of Jesus on a deeper level. God’s promises—of strength, rest, protection, provision, and so much more—began to unfold in my life.
Trusting God wasn’t an overnight transformation. It took tears, prayer, and letting go of people, places, and habits that no longer served the woman I was becoming. I adjusted my life to align with the prayers I was lifting up to Him. Was I terrified? Absolutely. But I knew walking the narrow path was worth it.
Matthew 7:13-14"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. But narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
Choosing to enter through that narrow gate was the best decision I’ve ever made. Today, I’m blessed to study the Bible with incredible women, fall deeply in love with God’s Word, and live an extraordinary life in Christ. It hasn’t been without challenges or sacrifices, but I’m just getting started. Now, I pour from a cup filled with love, peace, grace, and gratitude.
And to think, it all began with a simple decision: Trust God and Drink Tea.
With love,
Iesha
Wow I absolutely love this, this encourages me to go harder in my walk, sometimes we all need that push to stay faithful and keep surrendering, life happens and it can definitely knock you off balance. With that being said it’s testimonies like this that is reassuring, so thank you for this!!!