16 & PREGNANT: EXPECTING
Sixteen Means Something Different to Me.
For many young girls, sixteen is a milestone filled with excitement, celebrations, Sweet 16 parties, and dreams of what the future might hold.
But my sixteen looked different.
At sixteen, I wasn’t planning a Sweet 16 party. I wasn’t preparing for prom. I was preparing to become a mother. While other girls my age were enjoying their teenage years, I was facing responsibilities, fears, uncertainty, and decisions that would change my life forever.
I was young. I was afraid. I had so much growing up to do.
But in the middle of a season that didn’t look anything like I had imagined, I was carrying one of the greatest miracles of my life—my daughter.
What appeared to be an unexpected interruption became part of a much greater story.
And now, as Sister, I Got Your Back celebrates sixteen incredible years of ministry, I find myself reflecting on that sixteen-year-old girl and everything God has brought forth through my life.
That’s why our 16th anniversary theme is so personal to me.
16 & PREGNANT: EXPECTING!
But this time, we’re not just talking about carrying a child.
We’re talking about carrying PURPOSE.
Carrying PROMISE. Carrying VISION. Carrying DREAMS.
And sometimes carrying things we don’t even feel spiritually or emotionally mature enough to handle.
Because the truth is, you can be carrying something extraordinary and still feel completely unprepared for what God has placed inside of you.
Maybe your life didn’t turn out the way you planned. Maybe you’ve experienced disappointment, rejection, heartbreak, loss, or an unexpected change that forced you to grow up before you were ready.
Maybe you’ve been carrying a dream for years, wondering whether it will ever come to pass.
Or maybe you’re standing at the beginning of something new, excited about the possibilities but terrified of the responsibility.
Sister, I want you to know something:
YOUR STORY ISN’T OVER. AND SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL CAN STILL BE BORN FROM THIS!
I know you've been hurt by someone you considered a sister, but there are still women that will stand by you and with you. Don't allow the negative to make you build a wall around your heart. Forgive, Heal and Give a sister another chance.
Ericka Riggins-Brown
Tearing down your sister will not make you more relevant, popular or look better. It will however expose who you really are! Don't allow the enemy to make you mistreat who you were created to help.
Ericka Riggins-Brown
