The Paul in Me

The Paul in Me

Smiles R Contagious | #LearnedMan

Let me start off right and say this is personal and I want to say this this twice for the people in the back:

“I’ve faced seasons that could’ve easily discouraged me — times when stress, mistakes, or unexpected changes showed up uninvited. But like Paul, I learned to turn every test into a testimony.”

A few years ago, a man of God looked at me and said, “You are most like Paul.”

I paused, smiled, and said, “Okay… I’ve heard that before — tell me more.”

Took notes from that conversation. And wouldn’t you know it — today my pastor, Rev. Curtis Ballard of Mount Bethel Baptist Church, preached about Paul. (Philippians 1:12 — “I Can’t Lose.”).

That OIL TOO!

There’s definitely more to come on that story.

But for now, let’s get back to this personal message.

It reminded me to revisit those notes and that moment — a divine nudge to reflect, refocus, and remember why the comparison mattered in the first place. In this comparison to Paul in the Bible — it’s not because I’ve been perfect, but because I try to see the light before the shadow. I tend to look for the positive in things first. Often, I catch myself smiling at the initial situation just so I can gather thoughts rooted in peace, optimism, and possibility.

And honestly, I love the comparison to Paul — because he mastered the art of interpreting life through purpose. I’m still learning.

Turning Trials into Teachings

I’ve faced seasons that could’ve easily discouraged me — times when stress, mistakes, or unexpected changes showed up uninvited. But like Paul, I learned to turn every test into a testimony.

When I wrote “You Can’t Undo But You Can Take Precautions” or “S T R E S S. YES! Stress!” — I wasn’t just writing; I was reflecting. I realized that peace doesn’t come from pretending problems don’t exist. It comes from confronting them with wisdom, patience, and a smile that says, “This too has something to teach me.”

Paul wrote from prison but still found reasons to rejoice. His chains didn’t silence his mission. My own challenges have worked the same way — they’ve strengthened my message: keep going, keep smiling, and keep learning.

Finding Joy in Service and Community

Serving and connecting people is part of my purpose. Through witnessing, partnerships, mentorships, and the Smiles R Contagious movement, I’ve witnessed the power of collective joy.

When we serve together, when we show up for others — there’s a unique peace that arrives. Paul wrote that even if he was “poured out like a drink offering,” he still rejoiced because others were growing. I get that. Every smile, every conversation, every shared moment of hope is worth the pour.

Speaking Life and Light

Words have power. In my blog “Speak to the Seed!”, I wrote about the importance of nurturing others with intentional speech — words that heal, uplift, and motivate.

Paul reminded us in Ephesians to use our words to build others up. That’s the foundation of Smiles R Contagious. Every smile, every word of encouragement, every kind gesture — it’s all a seed of light planted in someone’s day.

Consistency and Peace Under Pressure

Leadership, partnerships, and life all test your peace. I’ve learned that being “impeccable with your word” means showing up with integrity — even when it’s not convenient.

Paul’s steady commitment to his mission reminds me that peace and consistency go hand in hand. Whether you’re on the mountaintop or in the valley, what people remember most isn’t your situation — it’s your spirit.

Spreading Hope with a Smile

Paul said, “Rejoice always.” Those two words could easily be the tagline for Smiles R Contagious. Because that’s what I strive to do — not because everything is easy, but because I understand what it means to live with gratitude.

Smiles don’t erase challenges; they redefine them. A smile is sometimes the quiet sermon that tells the world, “I still believe.”

Final Reflection

If Paul had social media today, I think he’d sound a little like this: bold in truth, firm in faith, hopeful in tone, and quick to find the lesson behind the storm.

Maybe that’s the Paul in me. The one who chooses peace over panic. The one who writes through pain. The one who believes that joy is still possible, even here. Tears of Joy I share!

Because Smiles R Contagious — and so is faith.