ocean drive

captured by royel, test, fashion district, 2025

today marks a significant milestone in our journey together. i'm excited to share with you the profound transformation that happens when we travel from desolation to abundance, from the trenches to triumph.

we've all found ourselves on lonely roads. those moments when the world feels vast and empty, when the dirt and grit of life's challenges seem to coat every surface of our existence. "even though i walk through the valley of the shadow of death, i will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (psalm 23:4)

this isn't just another story of overcoming. it's the culmination of years in the wilderness, countless tears, and a relentless pursuit of the promises written for us. those moments when we questioned if the light would ever break through the darkness again.

i've spent countless hours in prayer, collaborating with the greatest source of wisdom, seeking a path forward when all roads seemed to lead nowhere. the scripture reminds us, "for i know the plans i have for you, declares the lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (jeremiah 29:11)

ocean drive represents more than a physical place - it embodies the journey from abandonment to abundance. it's the road that appears when we've exhausted all other options, when we've pushed beyond our own understanding and surrendered to something greater. "trust in the lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (proverbs 3:5-6)

there's something transformative about reaching the coastline after wandering in desert places. the vastness of the ocean reminds us of god's infinite love, the rhythmic waves echo his faithfulness, and the horizon whispers of possibilities yet to unfold.

i've poured my heart and soul into understanding this journey from the trenches to triumph. when the dirt of disappointment threatened to bury our dreams, when the hands that should have held us instead released us into uncertainty - these were not our ending but merely the dark before the dawn.

"we are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." (2 corinthians 4:8-9)

your trust in this process, in this divine navigation, has been the driving force behind our continuous journey together. i've listened to your stories of abandonment, witnessed your tears in the trenches, and now i'm privileged to see your emergence into the gospel glamour that was always your birthright.

this glamour isn't superficial shine; it's the radiance that comes from being fully known and completely loved. it's the glow of grace that no earthly circumstance can diminish. "and we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the lord, who is the spirit." (2 corinthians 3:18)

the path along ocean drive teaches us that our greatest testimonies often emerge from our deepest tests. those moments when the world labeled us abandoned, christ was actually positioning us for abundance.

"bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. test me in this," says the lord almighty, "and see if i will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." (malachi 3:10)

this isn't just spiritual theory; it's lived experience. from the mud and mire to walking on waters of possibility. from rejection to divine selection. from overlooked to overbooked with purpose.

-mitchell!