The Journey from Seed to Harvest
The other day, my daughter came home with a cup of mud. At least, that's what it looked like to me. Turns out, it was a plant. Now, I didn't know what kind of plant it was. I didn't want to know. I was actually a little intrigued to see what it would become without us knowing. Like my daughter's nameless seed, there are some things we just have to wait and see. Sometimes, when God gives you a seed, you don't fully understand what is or what it could become until you plant it.
A little over eight years ago, I started Tabitha's TEA Party in my media room. It was a seed. I didn't have a name or strategy. I didn't even have a voice. I literally started a women's ministry with no intent of actually becoming a minister. I only had a desire to create a space for women like me to connect and grow in their faith. I didn't care if that growth came from me or other speakers. Over time, the seed started to sprout roots and God said it was time to change the pot. So, we moved from my media room to hotel restaurants. And somewhere in that transition, I could see a little fruit and that's when I knew what to name it. Tabitha's TEA Party. I could tell you more about how the name came about or where the mission originated from. However, today's purpose is solely to encourage you to start planting your seeds. Don't get wrapped up in what you "think" the seed is or how you "think" it should grow. Just sow.
So, what does the journey of sowing look like?
1.) Plant: When you get an idea, plant it. You don't need to launch immediately, but you need to plant. Write it down and let it evolve as God gives you more revelations. Don't let it sit idle. It needs to be planted in prayer, hope, and patience. If it's not planted, it's up for grabs. Ever had a great idea that you didn't act upon, only to see someone else doing it? Chances are, you didn't plant your seed; you didn't invest in it and allowed it to remain a mere thought. Some of you are sitting on seeds that should be flourishing by now. But you’re not planting because you’re still waiting on God to tell you whether or not it’s an apple or an orange. Your planting season is your Faith season. Remember Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).
2.) Cultivate: Oh look, another opportunity to move in Faith. The Bible also tell us that Faith without works is dead (James 2:26). So yes, you have to work and create an environment optimal for growth. This includes aligning yourself with the right people and cultivating the right mindset and actions that foster growth. If the seed isn't nurtured with what it needs, its growth potential diminishes. It's not a planted seed anymore but rather a hidden or buried one.
3.) Reap: Reaping is the most challenging part of having a seed. Depending on what God has given you to plant, you may see an immediate harvest, or it may take years before anything begins to sprout. God reminds us that reaping and sowing are essential for growth. A person not ready to reap is not ready for growth, just as a person not ready to sow isn't prepared for growth either. Balance is key - don't focus so much on giving that you have no expectation of receiving, and don't focus so much on receiving that you forget the importance of giving. And remember, you're not responsible for the harvest – you're responsible for working. God will provide the harvest when it's time. As Galatians 6:9 reminds us, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
4.) Transform. As your seed grows, you should too. When I started Tabitha's TEA Party, I didn't just lack clarity about the seed; I lacked clarity about myself. Several years and many sprouts later, I am an author, speaker, and leader, sharing this message with you. As I sowed my seed, I grew alongside it, nurturing not only the vision but also myself. I transformed, finding myself in the process of helping others find their faith. This growth and self-discovery is a part of the sowing process that is often overlooked, but it's just as crucial as the growth of your seed.
So as you sow your seeds this week, remember that you're not just nurturing an idea or a project - you're nurturing yourself. Let the process of sowing and reaping be a journey of self-discovery and personal growth for you. Sow far, sow good!
Love, Peace, and TEA!
- Ebony King
P.S. I’ll be talking about this more on IG Live this Thursday at 7 EST. Set your clock and meet me @tabithasteaparty
Next in-person TEA Party happening in ATL. Register here.
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