The scripture “Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land the Lord your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12) is not just a commandment; it is a compass that continues to guide me through life. Today, I find myself reflecting deeply on these words as I honor my mother’s last wishes and embrace my father’s extraordinary legacy. This journey has been a decade in the making, but I now realize it’s time to fully step into the calling and complete the work I’ve left undone.

In late 2014, my mother shared profound words that I didn’t fully grasp at the time: “A major shift is about to happen.” Those words, spoken with such certainty, felt prophetic. At the time, I believed they were preparing us for her transition, and in some ways, they were. In October of 2015, my mother passed, and we buried her on November 3rd. Yet her words resonate with me even now, reminding me that her vision was far greater than her own departure; it was a call for action, for transformation, and for honoring her wishes.

Among her last instructions to me were two things: finish her memoirs, How I Got Over, and look after my father. She knew both of these tasks would require dedication, creativity, and a willingness to face my own fears and limitations. She recognized in me something I wasn’t yet ready to admit—that like my father, I have grand ideas and dreams, but I often get stuck in the process. Fear, guilt, and the weight of unfinished projects have held me back for years.

For ten years, I’ve struggled with these tasks. I allowed work to consume me, letting guilt and fear paralyze my progress. But in November 2024, something changed. I felt a spiritual awakening, almost as if my mother’s spirit whispered, “It’s time.” I approached my father with a renewed sense of purpose and told him, “I have to help you bring your visions to life.” The act of helping him refine his vast knowledge into something accessible for the everyday reader has been a transformative experience for me. It has reignited my creativity and opened the floodgates of ideas that had been locked away for so long.

For years, I stopped dreaming—literally. I would go to sleep and see nothing. But since November, it’s as if a switch has been flipped. My mind is alive with visions, ideas, and inspiration. This renewed energy has not only brought me joy but also clarity about my priorities. My first order of business is to honor my father and mother’s wishes. That is my foundation, and from there, everything else will follow.

The process hasn’t been easy, but it has been liberating. I am learning to trust the Spirit within me, to prioritize God, family, and my calling. Guilt and fear have no place in this journey. I now understand that by aligning myself with God’s plan, I can step out with confidence and boldness, knowing that unfinished work will be completed in His time.

As I launch into 2025, I’m embracing a season of completion. To all those whose work I’ve delayed, know that I am stepping into this year with a commitment to finish what I’ve started. I am no longer bound by fear or guilt. Instead, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead.

Honoring my parents’ legacy is not just an act of obedience; it is an act of love and faith. It is about stepping into my purpose and trusting God to guide me through every step of the journey. To those reading this, I encourage you to reflect on the ways you can honor your own family’s legacy and align your life with God’s plan.

As my mother foresaw, a shift has indeed happened—and it’s just the beginning.

Bloom in faith,
Bloom in love,
Bloom in purpose.

In love and charity,

Giselle (aka) Blooming–lillie