Next Step Led to More!

Searching for the next step

You know how important it is to be able to hear God’s voice when taking our next steps in life. Especially in the moments when life feels so unknown to us. Well, Mechee Cherine story tells it all. Mechee was not able to return to her prior job at an academy she formerly worked at. This circumstance afforded her the opportunity to take some time and be reflective about her current season of life.

God’s Intervention

Mechee Cherine stated she went on a search binge. Her aim and focus at that time was to find the place she belonged as she pursued the answer to the questions: what’s next? While probing on the web she came across ASI which in some miraculous way led her to Adventist Young Professional. Mechee found herself signing up for an AYP book reading group titled “Come, let us reason” where God’s divine intervention took place.

This is the type of intervention that makes you want to laugh because you are so amazed! There’s a saying that goes around every now and then and it’s “God works in mysterious ways when we least expect it.” The scripture that comes to mind is Isaiah 55:8, 9 where it states “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” We don’t always understand the ways of the Lord but we know he works all things together for our good. In the case of Mechee, it’s fair to say that’s exactly what happened. She explained that the day she signed up for the book reading group “Come let us reason” was the same night the author of the book “It’s not your turn” by Heather Day Thompson was present at that meeting.

Life Transformation

“I was hooked” unbeknownst to Heather what she shared that night with the group and the discussions the groups had created a space of rest for Mechee. Mechee explained that the author from the book the group was reading spoke on various key elements that were heavy on Mechee’s heart that evening. “I wrestled a lot with the state I was in and gripe about all the mistakes that were made as well as how far behind I was” at that moment in time. This mindset drove her to a dismayed state. However, after the group discussion “a peace resonated within her and she concluded that it was not her turn for certain opportunities.” Her ‘next’ in other words was to pause and wait. That reality “dislodged the spirit of envy, jealousy, bitterness, and regret.” Mechee explained “ I was no longer captive to the falsehood that beset me.” Instead, “I was free to be content in the space I was in, not because this was my final, but a temporary placement until my next.”

This new space of rest beckoned Mechee’s heart to get involved by applying to AYP. Things felt they were coming together, at least in the area that she needed most at that time which was a community. The one group encountered was “everything to me. That meeting changed my life.” The experience that night caused her to walk away with clarity which allowed her to “celebrate” those around her. There was a different outlook in the inner self reflection. It helped Mechee “stay in her lane. Stay in the race and go at God’s pace!” Likewise, the book “changed her perspective on life and how God operates.” Up until that point, “I compared myself to those who were around me, going ahead of myself, feeling depressed, or trying to match up with the facade that she was in total control of her destiny.”

Relatability

That is such a relatable experience, how many times does many people, especially young professionals, find themselves searching for purpose in life and trying to understand what their next step in life would be. And in the midst of their search they find something that is their answer to their prayers and their needs.

Harvard Business Review states “Sometimes, purpose is revealed in the aftermath of unimaginably painful experiences. Other times, it is disguised as a seemingly intractable human or societal problem that you can’t not devote your life to trying to solve. In a sense, you don’t find your vocation — your vacation finds you.” In essence, the loss of a job and the need for community propel the discovery of something Mechee never imagined and put a level of meaning in her life like never before. Mechee joined the AYP team as a chapter director where she has the privilege and honor to walk alongside others as they build a community. It was a role that was completely new to her.

Stepping Into Purpose

“This experience permitted my faith to mature as I learned more about myself and what God sees in me that I had not seen in myself,” shares Mechee. Talk about stepping into purpose! While searching for one thing God can provide something additionally. Mechee at the time sought community while figuring out what her next move would be and ended up joining AYP. Giving her the opportunity to be a part of an amazing group of young people with the same mindset and vision. More than finding the answer to the question “ what’s my next step?” Mechee found life, joy and meaning. Being a natural born encourager, Mechee was able to become a cheerleader for others. Serving others as they work through building community while navigating the nuance of life as christian young professionals.

Does Mechee’s story resonate with you? AYP offers the motivation and network of support that numerous young professionals are looking for. It is based on the tenets of leadership, discipleship, and connection. Without leaders like Mechee, AYP would not be the same. Similarly, AYP would not be the same without donors and sponsors like yourselves.

To support future stories like Mechee visit AYP.me/give for more information. Thank you for your contribution, grace and peace to you!

Mechee Cherine

My name is Mechee Cherine. I’m working yet, growing in and with God. Lover of Jesus. Friendly, social butterfly, a great team player in your midst. I will lovingly agitate and ignite you to be all God has asked you to be. I’m currently a Patient Care Representative, Co-Founder CEO of Every Rare Gem, work with Glõ Mom as a Secretary and Chapters Director with AYP. I love people and networking. Let’s be friends and share the gospel in practical living, just as Christ did!