Practice What You Preach

 The other night, I found myself scrolling through my old blog posts — not really looking for anything, just reminiscing. I didn’t expect it to feel like medicine. As I read through my words, I realized something powerful: I needed those messages just as much now as I did when I first wrote them.

There were lines about faith, healing, and trusting the process that hit differently this time. It was like my past self was reaching out, reminding me of truths I’ve somehow forgotten in the middle of life’s noise. I caught myself nodding and even whispering, “Girl, you said that!” — as if someone else had written it.

It made me think about how often I pour encouragement into others through my writing, or just in general, telling them to hold on, to trust, to believe that better days are coming. But lately, I’ve had to ask myself: Do I believe those same words for me?

That’s where “practice what you preach” comes in — not as a harsh reminder, but as an invitation. If I can speak faith into others, then I can live by that same faith in my own life. If I can tell someone else that healing takes time, I can give myself the same grace to heal, too.

Maybe that’s the beauty of writing — it’s not just for those who read it. It’s also for the one who writes it. Sometimes your own words come back to meet you right where you are, at the exact moment you need them.

I’m learning that practicing what I preach isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being honest, being present, and walking in the truths I’ve already written — even when it’s hard.

So here’s to revisiting old words with new eyes, to reminding ourselves that we’ve been wise, strong, and faithful all along.

Because sometimes, the message you share to encourage others ends up saving you, too.

-Toniray