“When He assigns, it’s aligned. When they are attached, they malign.” —Dr. Cheryl Polote-Williamson
One of the most impactful lessons I have learned along my journey is that when you set out to do God’s work, He will send the people you need to carry out His mission. Specifically, he will assign and align the key players that are necessary for your elevation, which is directly tied to accomplishing His mission for your life.
For years, I have prayed for divine discernment to reveal and remove individuals who may be attached to me but not truly aligned with my purpose. Now, I can clearly see and feel the results of those answered prayers. In this winning season, I am walking in the life-changing power of collective wisdom that has resulted from working with the team that He has sent me. For this, my heart and soul are continually overwhelmed with gratitude.
Time and time again, I’ve witnessed God’s hand at work gently yet consistently removing those who were attachments, while seamlessly guiding me towards those who are true alignments, destined to play key roles in my story. When I reflect on those who are assigned to me, a couple of my team members stand out, one of them being my brand manager, Alaina Pinkney, Founder & CEO of Pinkney Creative.
I first crossed paths with Alaina nearly three years ago at an event. Our connection was instant, and it wasn’t long before I hired her to be my brand manager. Since then, her influence on my business and personal growth has been nothing short of spectacular. Alaina’s remarkable skills, expertise, and dedication to my brand have propelled it to new heights. Whenever I find myself facing a critical decision or at a crossroads in my business journey, I know I can rely on her wisdom to provide clarity and direction. Working alongside her has been a testament to the transformative power of collective wisdom in both life and business. Not only has she drastically enhanced my business, but she has also become family. I genuinely consider her a sister. The love and care that she shows me ripples through to the business aspect of our relationship. I could not be more grateful.
Another shining example of the power of alignment is my Executive Curator for Cheryl Magazine, Shannon Skipper-Green. In 2021, I was introduced to Shannon by my then public relations manager. Before meeting her, I prayed and affirmed that I would find likeminded thinkers to join my team. Shortly thereafter, I met Shannon. She is incredibly talented, dedicated, and experienced. Her extensive background in editing, writing and graphic design is exactly what I needed to take the magazine to the next level. In meeting Shannon, I experienced another instant connection; our lunch meeting quickly turned into dinner as we laughed and talked for hours. Since joining my team, Shannon has played an integral role in the success of the magazine. She has connected me with other key players and encouraged me to keep forging ahead when I wanted to quit. Much like my relationship with Alaina, our bond transcends a typical business working relationship. We pray for each other; we uplift and encourage one another, and we push each other to be the best version of ourselves in every way.
In my business endeavors and personal relationships, wisdom is my compass, guiding every interaction and decision that I make. Wisdom is the discerning voice or gentle nudge that lets me know when to move forward, when to rest, and when to gracefully release that which no longer aligns with my mission and vision. My wisdom has been cultivated through years of experience, prayer, countless failures, reflection, and most importantly, having the right people in my circle.
Sis, prune your circle accordingly. Make it your mission, and part of your business plan, to carefully and prayerfully weed out the attachments. Prioritizing this will organically clear the way for assignments. With the right people and energy around you, you can confidently move forward in working to accomplish God’s mission for your life.
When you are aligned with the divinely assigned people in your life, you can safely lean on the collective wisdom of your circle. This allows you to draw inspiration from the collection of experiences and insights that each person brings to the table. Through genuine connection and mutual empowerment, we have the power to cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose that propels us towards a brighter, more prosperous future.
Sis, the collective strength of your circle is limitless. With the love and support of your circle, you possess the resilience, determination, and endless potential to overcome any obstacle and achieve the life of your dreams. I challenge you to join hands and hearts in solidarity with your circle, and to forge ahead with relentless resolve, knowing that collectively, you can accomplish far more than you ever could alone. With each step forward, let us reaffirm our commitment to supporting one another, uplifting each other, and building a world where every sister is empowered to thrive. Sis, how have you benefited from collective wisdom?
Leave a Comment
Royleta says
I love it! That you intentionally recognize your team and their contributions. God definitely aligns us with the right (our people) for the assignment. Sis you definitely followed the voice of God! Many continued blessings and connections as you move forward in God’s assignment for you.
Almeda Harris says
THIS BLESSED ME TODAY!!! 😭🏃🏽♀️🏃🏽♀️🏃🏽♀️
Donna Washington says
Well said. A blessing to recognize those in your path. Everyone strong woman that lifts and motivates deserves their flowers.
Amen
Norma Lynn Jarrett says
I believe in divinely assigned connections but so appreciate this very specific prayer. I believe we are in a season where God is positioning and aligning His daughters in position of influence for a purpose, but it is going to require focus and discernment like never before. Grateful for leaders like Dr. Polote Williamson. Although I have to go within and have my own God guided journey, I’m always looking for the marriage of spirit, business and purpose in examples.
WykeetWa Peel says
Great insights!! Thank you for sharing.
Karin Dancy says
Nothing like a genuine sis-tribe to encourage us, really show up for us, and lovingly keep us accountable on the journey of being our very best, authentic selves. Love this and all of your spotlights on the sisters who have been valued members of your tribe. Thank you for sharing! xoxo
Jo’ Hanna D Samuel says
Absolutely inspiring share Cheryl, our prayers are a silent whisper that God hears. Your testimony is evidence that if we keep going, and that we are patient and we are intentional with all God has for us, he will send those who are assigned to reveal all the possibilities he intended for our lives for His Glory.
St. Croix Virgin Islands ❤️
Roni Talley says
What a powerful uplifting article about the importance and comfort of having a winning circle. When there’s trust, respect and appreciation in the relationship and value in the role each person plays in the bigger vision and mission, the force is unstoppable.
Stevie Swain says
Cheryl this is so you! What a beautiful way to acknowledge your team.
You have a way of making everyone feel appreciated and this is why you’ve established a winning team. They definitely feel loved and appreciated so clearly they will go the extra mile for you.
Hopefully others will read this article and have an eye opening experience.
We absolutely love you and appreciate your willingness to always be transparent.
Great read here ♥️
Dr. Michelle says
WOW! amazing words! If God assigns them, it is aligned! Love that. When God prunes you and the attached fall off, you grow even bigger and brighter! Keep shining, sis!
Cynthia Andrews says
Your vision, wisdom and intentions are so pure and inspiring. When you recognize your strengths and those who make you stronger, there is a divine connection that bonds your circle. May you continue to reap from your harvest. This is beautiful!
Adrian says
Dr. Cheryl
Yet another outstanding article that speaks candidly to the soul. Thanks for the encouragement! Your relentless dedication to help sistahs everywhere is a testament to the love you have for others.
Yvette “theEXCHANGE McGill says
You NEVER cease to awe me‼️ I read this so fast eating every word, waiting for the next set of wise instructions. I pray I never disconnect from you – you have been such a breathe of fresh wind for me. The wise big sister I never had. As I was reading I was thinking of people I want to bless with this article. Keep doing what you keep doing- COACH
Marilyn Green says
Collective wisdom is paramount in my life. I walk daily in a posture that God has given me to hear the amazing words from the world that he has poured into my spirit throughout my life. The “whole world is in His hand”, so I get my posture in order to hear Him in everyone and everything. Thanks for the words to ever remind me of His love towards me and that He causes people to give to me for His purpose. I am a friend of God and He has proven to be the “collective wisdom” provider for me. I lead such an exciting life, with an expectation to hear Him in ALL.
Laurie says
I am always left with deep thoughts and feelings of gratitude after reading the powerful words of Dr. Cheryl.
Thank you for reminding me that it is okay and often necessary to “weed out the attachments.”
May God continue to bless you and your magnificent team!
Yvonda C Coleman says
This powerful article is a timely reminder filled with nuggets of wisdom: “…carefully and prayerfully weed out the attachments.”
Domonique Seeley says
Great inspiration to stay the course with a circle filled with like minded women who are rooting for your success, while you simultaneously root for their success. Keeping God close will surely keep a person on the right track. Thank you for this share.
Mona Polite-Johnson says
Love every single bit of this! Keep shining ladies.
Tammy Woodard says
I love this! God has a way of protecting us from ourselves! Wisdom helps us to understand that journey of the attached serves the purpose of making us stronger! Discernment is God way of opening our eyes to clearly because sometimes the heart cannot see! So honored to be assigned! Love you my sister!
Myrna says
I’ve recently started following you and your posts have spoken to my ♥️ and to me personally.
I just HAD to download this post and also post in my private group
SO so so much wisdom and a powerful affirmation. I’m ready to start a new Project this is a word in season.
It’s ALL about Alignment for me and God directing my path. Thank you
Latriecia says
This is so beautiful. Queens honoring other queens and amplifying their contributions and talents. This is the fruits of collaboration and community!
Shine on divas, shine on!
Tammi Davis says
2024 is the year IT is happening for me. I am focused on God’s calling on my life. I am using wisdom to guide my thoughts and actions so that I am in a position to discern which path I am to take. I am learning to listen for God’s voice for direction and alignment.
Siobhan Davenport says
Dr. Cheryl, your openness and willingness to be vulnerable, while sharing your wisdom and insight is invaluable. Assignments versus Attachments is how I will live my life and encourage other sisters to live there. Blessings to you and your assignments.
Freddie Gilyard says
Recently, I was vicariously asked to describe if intelligence precedes wisdom. I realized these two concepts are a powerful connection that many people miss. If one hasn’t learned what is right, her decisions are not wise and righteous. I choose to trust God. Hallelujah! Amen 🙏🏽
Bee Smith says
Embracing collective wisdom has provided clarity and assurance in aligning my path with God’s guidance, fostering confidence in the direction I am headed. The mutual support and empowerment within our community have been instrumental in my personal growth.
Dr. Renèe Escoffery-Torres says
Sis, no truer words can be spoken. Thank you for your revelatory insights into the very specific difference between those in your circle who can be perceived as an “attachment” versus those who are aligned by God. There are times that, through a sense of emotional obligation or familial connection, that we endure the negative spaces, and counterintuitive beliefs that are cultivated by those to which we are attached. But periodically, a pruning must occur! thank you for affirming in me what I already know… Your words of wisdom always remain a balm for my soul.💖
Kimberly S. says
What wonderful insight! So refreshing to see a successful sister elevate and credit her team. This is a model for anyone who wants to grow professionally and personally. Don’t forget God and remember who’s with you. I love this! Thanks Dr. Cheryl!
Mary Chatman says
I love this piece so much. God will send and assign all the right people to bring the vision He gave you to birth. All we have to do is trust that He has our back and our blessing comes from Him.
You have to have the mindset to abide in our faith in God. His timing is truly divine. Cheryl, you remind us all to stay steadfast in this truth and stay focused. To acknowledge those that were sent to have our back, and for us to reciprocate, celebrate, and keep them lifted as well.
Thank you for sharing!
Janaé Willis-Beard says
Your circle may not look like you thought it would growing up, but when God closes it with the people who are suppose to surround you it is the safest, warmest, and best place to be. God places people around you to keep you in His will, not your own.