Whether or not you believe in a higher (and… lower?) power, you’ve probably heard about spiritual attacks. They’re what happen when everything that can go wrong does go wrong, but they usually happen right before a breakthrough or big ass blessing arrives. Pick up any biography or autobiography, or watch a documentary about someone you admire, and you’ll learn that many successful people have gone through spiritual attacks then they get their big break. I mean, unless they’re nepo babies, of course. But people who been through some thangs and refused to give up? Baby, those are the spiritual gangstas!

If you’re religious (or a li’l spiritual… or neither), you may have heard that the “enemy” (i.e., the Devil himself) attacks or sends his demons (evil/ignorant folks) to put you through it when he knows you’re on the verge of a huge blessing. He wants you weak and discouraged so that you’ll give up on whatever it is God has in store for you. If you’re not religious at all and everything you just read made you roll your eyes, that’s fine. You’ll still likely have to go through crazy obstacles to get whatever it is you’ve set your sights on.

I always think of (and watch for inspiration whenever I’m thisclose to caving) Pursuit of Happyness with Will and Jaden Smith. I’m reminded of how the main character, Chris Gardener, went through hell before his breakthrough. I recently read the book that this movie is based on, and it’s not much different from the movie. However, I found it even more awe-inspiring than the fluffy Hollywood version because Chris definitely underwent multiple spiritual attacks, even if he didn’t outright call them that. The number of people in his life that tried to break him was jaw -dropping. But he made it out alive and successful AF! He didn’t let them stop him! Same with Viola Davis in “Finding Me,” Mariah Carey in “The Meaning of Mariah Carey,” and on and on. Like I said, most autobiographies and biographies are about people overcoming obstacles (usually ones created by other people).

As for me and why I say that “I know the Devil hates to see me coming,” it’s because as a born smart ass and lately, someone whose hyperaware of what’s going on around me, rather than fold, I grin and tell the Devil, “Thanks for letting me know my miracle is close!” I may or may not call him a filthy animal, but I still tell ‘im thanks, because it’s just proof that something dope is on the way. How annoying, right? *insert smug grin here*

I won’t launch into a sob story about what’s been going on in my life, but as Mary J. Blige once sang, “If you looked at my life, you’d see what I see.” Not very profound, I know, but seriously, if you did look at my life, you’d be like, “Girl, how TF are you still standing?” Even my therapist said in so many words, “Das tew much!” She practically begged me to leave the situations (yes, multiple ones!) that I’m in right now. However (and sorry if you’re not religious, ’cause here’s where it gets a little biblical), God told me not to move just yet. Believe me, it sounds crazy, but I’ll know when it’s time. I’m not just sitting in this bullshit and “thinking positively” until a rescue boat arrives. There are a few side quests I need to accomplish first, then I’m gonna Usain Bolt TF outta all these effed up situations!

For now, every time a foul wind blows my way (metaphorically and sometimes literally), I know I’m that much closer to whatever sweet-smelling victory is on the other side. And I’m excited! If I were the Devil, I’d be really annoyed that none of my tactics to throw someone off course was working. But here’s what he forgot: He’s thrown so much my way practically since birth that this is just another day to me. I’ve had too many blessings start this way, and I’ve grown so much stronger and wiser because of each battle. And I’ve seen so many success stories that began the same way that I’m just sitting here like, “Thanks for the confirmation that something awesome is around the corner, dumbass!” I know he mad….. Oh well!

To be continued… ❤