Yesterday I celebrated another year of life. This birthday marked more than another year—it marked a new beginning. As I reflect, I realize I wasn’t just celebrating my birth; I was honoring the growth that has taken place and the purpose that continues to unfold. The days leading up to my birthday were filled with reminders of what it means to honor life as it is, not as I imagined it would be. In the past, I loved celebrating my birthday, even if it was just me—picking an outfit, reserving a nice hotel, traveling somewhere, or dining at a new place. Living life to the fullest because life is short. So many people younger than me have already died this year. I’ve always loved celebrating with friends and family, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that birthday gatherings close to the holidays begin to dissolve over time. Most people have children, are closing out work, or are simply navigating the busyness of the season. So unless you have a significant other who truly enjoys celebrating you—baby, you better celebrate yourself until God sends them. You should be content with God alone. Yesterday, I celebrated my birthday quietly. I picked up my cake and all of my favorite foods, prayed, and ate in silence. I found a good movie and allowed the television to watch me sleep. It was the first quiet birthday I’ve ever had—and it was profound. In the stillness, I could feel how much each year has pushed me to grow. What I didn’t know was that God already had a celebration of birth and purpose waiting for me.
One of my sweet friends decided to honor my birthday at the end of the Brunch With Purpose event I hosted last week. It completely caught me off guard. I had made peace with the idea that I was running a nice tab up for my birthday, but God had other plans. My dear friend Toneka rolled in with her beautiful baby girl, cake, and flowers—and I had no idea whatsoever. She was the reason I made it through the entire event without crying, only to fight even harder to hold it together at the end. That night, I got home and sat for two hours before I got out of the car. My heart was full of joy, and at the same time, I deeply wanted my mom. In that moment, I realized that my mother’s life was a living example of growth and purpose. She grew until growth was no longer an option. She walked in purpose until her death gave birth to another purpose. This celebration would not have come together if she hadn’t moved on to her new beginning.
In the days leading up to the event, I called high and low for sponsors. Some said yes. Some said no. Some never replied. And I found myself honored to receive the rejection—because every sponsor that was meant to be there showed up. God knew exactly who belonged in the room. When the venue changed, God replaced it the very same day. In the same breath, everything else I needed fell into place—the phenomenal chef, the volunteers from near and far, and the owner of The Chic Spot Venue, Mrs. Chiketa Williams, who came through with the venue, the chef, and additional help. Mrs. Tammy Dozier made that connection!
Then God had Monica set up to help take the load off me. Monica and I grew up in the same hometown, Small-C Mississippi. Little did I know she had already signed up to come, before I asked for help. She was locked and loaded, ready to jump in. Our mothers shared the same name and friendship, and her mother preceded mine in death as well. God truly sent everything and everyone I needed. I’m thankful for everyone who was obedient in God’s call to improve my growth in him thru this experience.
This season reminded me that celebrating birth isn’t just about the day you arrived, growth isn’t always loud, and purpose often reveals itself when you surrender your plans to God. Through the surprises, the quiet moments, and the way everything came together—even when I didn’t know how it would—God showed me that His plan is always perfect. I witnessed what it looks like to trust God. That moment became my growth spurt.
Celebrating birth, growth, and purpose, I raise a toast to another year of new beginnings, lessons learned, and growth spurts yet to come. Cheers to what’s ahead!
With Love,
Patrice Thomas