Whenever I go for a run, I strap in Velcro weights to my ankles, tie in a burner belt, fasten my hair into a tight ponytail and secure my headphones to play music as I walk/run for 1-2 miles a day. With the Florida heat, I look like a crazy mess when I am done, in desperate need of a shower!

As I am running, I look over at a younger girl who is also walking across the sidewalk. Her long hair is down, she is wearing makeup, is not even breaking a sweat.

I thought about the authentic Hustlers.

You know the ones. Some examples include:

I can describe the real writers with books versus the one-book-wonder. The real writers have bags under their eyes from nights of finishing deadlines, their fingers stained with pen marks and bruised from paper cuts.

I can spot those who have been married for years versus those still on their honeymoon. The ones who have been married for decades have a trust in their eyes, a mature spirit when it comes to their spouse and a solid heart towards the other that is only gained through years of togetherness, strength, communication and experience.

If you are in a season where you are persevering....

If you are maturing into your next steps....

If you are becoming all that God has made you to be....

Then celebrate knowing that you represent the Authentic, the real, the raw, the true with your passion, with your beauty, with your grace, with your faith and with your love.

So, keep hustling! And know that your personal effort will pay off in time.

If you need prayer, let me know. I would love to pray for you!

Sunshine Rodgers