It's kind of funny because I can never recall my first encounter with my best friend. In growing, our closeness never sparked interest until actually brought to our attention. I think throughout the years, we have continuously pondered on our first meeting and neither of us can ever pinpoint when this was.

Well here we are, with over 11 years of friendship and I couldn't have asked God for a better blessing.

Now, I want to start off by saying that I do have two best friends but, today, I devote this week's writing to the one and only Jelisa Nikkia Fields. You guys, we are a replica of one another. Self-Motivated, Determined and Passionate about all things life, she is indeed a force to be reckoned with. Throughout the years the dynamic between my best friend and I has certainly flourished. We have been with one another through both good times and bad and we continue to push each other even now in our adult years of life.

Young adult years per se.

Just recently my best friend obtained her bachelor's degree in Integrated Marketing Communication from Winthrop University. I know, I know. You're probably thinking "that's great, right?" Indeed it is. Most importantly because she did it in less than four years. I watched her throughout her journey with school and a tough one it was. From crazy ex-roommates to downright crazy ex's. Those years were wild ones but, throughout it all, she never let anyone deter her from her goals!

A couple months before her college graduation -- Jelisa lost one of the leading figures in her life. Her father. This was a hard pill to swallow for everyone surrounding --- especially she and her mother. Even then, Jelisa used all of that pain as motivation for her to go further than her mind could even process. You can't let your past circumstance guide your future, but, you can use your past as motivation to succeed in the future.

Best friend, Sometimes we don't understand why God places us in the situations that he does and surely we are taught to never question why? Just know that everything that you've gone through is nothing short of building blocks to a greater testimony. Your testimony. I know, life can become overtly overwhelming and sometimes you feel like throwing in the towel. Well, not only will Gloria Sims give you the lecture of your life but I won't allow it. PERIOD.

Don't let a guy, job or situation stress you out because, at the end of the day, Life gets tough but we get tougher. You can and you will do it! Whatever "IT" may be.

I love you and I will leave you with a joke that only you will understand.

No matter what -- "You know stop, you just keep on going a going"