black women have rights.

T i c h i n a

Lots of practice, a solid understanding of basic anatomy and proportions, and constant referencing — whether from photos or life observations (either other people's hands or my own).

I'm honestly terrible at explaining things, and I'm not the kind of person who can do a step-by-step tutorial because it would be terrible too.

But in this post I want to share with you what I think are some useful resources about proportions and anatomy that I found on Pinterest and in the book "Anatomy for Sculptors" that I use in my own studies (you can find it online and even download it for free).

I hope this will be helpful.

Links that were used in the description of the pictures:

https://anatomicalart.tumblr.com/post/17150458550/more-doodle-tips-from-the-sister

https://murven.livejournal.com/19735.html

hooray for blue charmander!

Lots of practice, a solid understanding of basic anatomy and proportions, and constant referencing — whether from photos or life observations (either other people's hands or my own).

I'm honestly terrible at explaining things, and I'm not the kind of person who can do a step-by-step tutorial because it would be terrible too.

But in this post I want to share with you what I think are some useful resources about proportions and anatomy that I found on Pinterest and in the book "Anatomy for Sculptors" that I use in my own studies (you can find it online and even download it for free).

I hope this will be helpful.

Links that were used in the description of the pictures:

https://anatomicalart.tumblr.com/post/17150458550/more-doodle-tips-from-the-sister

https://murven.livejournal.com/19735.html

Have you ever stood at a crossroads, wondering which path to take? Maybe you're waiting on a job offer, praying about a relationship, or sensing a shift in your life—but the next step feels unclear. We all face seasons when we long for God to open a door and show us the way forward. Yet sometimes, the silence is deafening. The wait is long, and the doors remain closed.

In moments like these, it’s easy to question whether God hears us or if we’re somehow missing His will. But the truth is, God’s timing is never off. His ways are higher than ours, and the doors He opens—and closes—are always for our good and His glory.

So, how do we know when God is opening a door for an opportunity? Why does God close doors? How do we receive discernment in recognizing the right door that God provides for us? Well, my friend, you've come to the right place!

Let's take a deep dive and explore what it looks like when God opens doors to opportunities, the purpose of closing doors, and how to walk in boldness on the right path that God has for us.

God's Timing is Perfect - even When It Feels Late

One of the hardest truths to embrace as believers is this: God is never late, but He’s rarely early. His timing often doesn't match ours, and in seasons of waiting, it can feel like He’s forgotten us. But Scripture reminds us that God is always right on time—His time. He operates on His own divine timeline, and we must be patient as we wait.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" - Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)

We live in a world that values instant answers and quick results. But God works according to eternal purposes, not earthly pressure. What feels like a delay is often a divine setup. He may be preparing you, protecting you, or positioning someone else before opening the door you’ve been praying for.

One example of how God's timing is never late is found in the Gospel of John with Lazarus. When Jesus received word that His friend was sick, He stayed where He was for two more days. By the time He arrived, Lazarus had died—and everyone assumed it was too late. But Jesus wasn’t late. He was right on time to reveal a greater miracle: not just healing, but resurrection. Sometimes, what seems like a delay is God making room for something far greater than we could have imagined.

However, when we get impatient with God's timing, it can often lead us to force open doors that were never meant to open, causing us to stumble into situations that may not align with our true purpose. This impatience can create a sense of urgency that drives us to act without waiting for guidance, ultimately leading to frustration and disappointment. God knows our situation, and He knows the right timing and the right path He wants us to be on.

"For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry" - Habakkuk 2:3 (KJV)

Trusting God's Way Over Your Own

Let's be honest here, God’s way is WAY better than our own. We may like knowing what the plan is and sometimes rely on our own timeline. However, the reality is that God doesn’t always work the way we expect. In fact, He often takes us on paths that seem slower, harder, or less direct than we would choose—but they are always better.

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" - Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)

When we are faced with making a decision, the temptation to rush ahead or compromise can feel overwhelming. We start to wonder if maybe we should take matters into our own hands—settling for “good enough” instead of trusting God to provide His best in His time.

Think about the Israelites in the wilderness. God didn’t lead them on the fastest route to the Promised Land; instead, He took them the long way around because they weren’t ready for what was ahead. God knew that the Israelites weren’t ready for war, and He wanted to prepare and protect them.

"But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt" - Exodus 13:18 (KJV)

As you can see, God directs us to a path that may seem long for us, but it’s filled with purpose. When our journey feels longer than expected or harder than we hoped, it may be because God is shielding us, growing us, or preparing us for what’s next. If you are interested in knowing how to surrender to God's will for your life, I recommend checking out my previous blog post to learn more about surrendering to God's will over your own.

How to Recognize The Right Door

In a world full of opportunities, not every open door is from God. Some doors may look appealing on the outside but can lead us away from His purpose. Others may be intimidating, yet they’re exactly where God is calling us to step in faith. So how do we recognize which door is the right one?

Here are a few biblical and practical ways to discern:

1.It Aligns With God's Word

God will never lead you to a door that contradicts His truth. If the opportunity requires you to compromise your values or go against Scripture, it’s not from Him. The right door will always be in alignment with God's character and commands, reflecting His love, righteousness, and unwavering commitment to His creation.

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" - John 14:6 (KJV)

God's word is filled with profound truth that offers guidance, comfort, and understanding to all who seek it. Jesus Christ is the door to truth, serving as a pathway that reveals the depths of God’s wisdom and love. If a door aligns with the truth of God's word, it leads to a closer relationship with Jesus, so we can experience His grace and presence more fully in our lives.

2. It Comes With God's Peace

God is not the author of confusion. He knows the situation that you are in, every challenge, and every joy. He understands the journey you are on and the unique path laid out before you. He knows the will He has for your life, a will that is crafted with purpose and intention. The right door may stretch your faith, demanding trust and resilience, but it will also come with a deep, steady peace in your spirit—even if you're nervous.

"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints" - 1 Corinthians 14:33 (KJV)

This peace often serves as a guiding light, reassuring you that you are on the right track. If you feel unsettled or pressured, take time to pray and wait for clarity. In those moments of stillness, God's wisdom often shines through, providing comfort and direction when you need it most. Embrace the journey, for every step taken in faith brings you closer to the fulfillment of His promises.

3. It’s Confirmed Through Prayer and the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is our ultimate guide of all things, leading us through the complexities of our lives with wisdom and insight. We don't always know where the Holy Spirit is leading us or the reason why, but we trust that it is for a purpose. As you pray and seek God with an open heart, He will often confirm the right door through a sense of clarity and conviction that can be profoundly comforting. This guidance may manifest in various forms, including repeated confirmations that come to us as we immerse ourselves in Scripture, listen to impactful sermons, or seek the wise counsel of mentors and friends who point in the same direction.

"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come" - John 16:13 (KJV)

In moments of uncertainty, it is crucial to remain attentive, as the Holy Spirit may provide signs and messages that resonate deeply within our souls, reassuring us of the path we should take. Trusting this divine direction not only helps us navigate our choices but also enriches our relationship with God, affirming that we are not alone on our journey.

4. It’s Supported by Godly Counsel

Wise, Spirit-filled individuals such as a pastor or mentor can help you discern if an opportunity is truly from God, offering insights and guidance that can illuminate your path. Don’t be afraid to ask for their prayer, wisdom, and accountability, as these invaluable resources can provide clarity in moments of uncertainty. Engaging in open discussions with them can deepen your understanding and strengthen your resolve, ensuring that you remain aligned with your spiritual journey and values.

"Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety" - Proverbs 11:14 (KJV)

Additionally, surrounding yourself with such godly mentors, such as those who foster support and growth, empowers you to make decisions that reflect your faith and purpose. These mentors not only provide guidance through their own experiences, but they also challenge you to rely on what God's Word is revealing to you, encouraging a mindset of continuous learning and resilience. By engaging in meaningful conversations and sharing diverse perspectives, you cultivate a richer understanding of the door God is opening to you.

5. It Requires Faith, But Not Force

Sometimes, the right door will require you to step out in courage, embracing the unknown with a heart full of faith. However, you shouldn’t have to manipulate, push, or control the outcome to walk through it, as true opportunity often comes from a place of surrender. God’s doors open in His timing, aligning with a higher purpose beyond our understanding.

If you’re constantly striving to make something happen, it might not be the door He’s prepared for you, and in that relentless pursuit, you may overlook the subtle signs guiding you towards the path meant for you. Trusting in the journey, rather than rushing through it, allows you to experience the fullness of the blessings that await. Remember that patience and faith coalesce to lead you to the most rewarding experiences, ultimately revealing the beauty of divine timing in your life.

When God Closes a Door - It's Still Good

Now I understand how easy it is to feel discouraged or even rejected, especially when a door we hoped would open suddenly closes. Whether it's a missed opportunity, an unexpected ending, or a dream that fails to come true, we often wonder, “Why would God say no?” But here’s the truth we must hold onto: when God closes a door, it’s never to harm us; it’s to protect, redirect, or prepare us for something better.

God sees what we cannot. What may look like a loss on the surface could be His divine protection from heartache, distraction, or even spiritual danger. Sometimes, we’re not ready for what we’re asking for. Other times, the opportunity itself isn’t aligned with His purpose for our lives.

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose" -Romans 8:28 (KJV)

Instead of seeing a closed door as rejection, we can choose to see it as a blessing in disguise—an opportunity for growth and reflection. If God closes a door, it implies that what’s behind it is not His best for you, or perhaps not His best for you right now. This fosters a deeper understanding of His plan for our lives.

He is a good Father who never withholds what is truly good for those who walk uprightly, guiding us toward paths that may be initially unclear, yet ultimately lead us to greater fulfillment. It is in these moments of uncertainty that we are invited to trust more fully in His timing and wisdom, allowing us to cultivate patience and resilience as we await new possibilities—those that align with our true purpose.

"For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give Grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly" - Psalm 84:11 (KJV)

Walking Boldly Through The Right Door

Recognizing the right door is only part of the journey—walking through it in faith is where trust becomes action. Sometimes, the door God opens may not look like what we expected. It might stretch us, challenge us, or lead us into the unknown. But when it’s from Him, we can walk through it confidently, knowing that He goes before us.

Walking through the right door doesn’t always come with flashing signs or loud confirmations. Often, it requires quiet obedience and a heart surrendered to God’s will. We are called to move when God says “go,” even if all the details aren’t clear yet.

"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest" - Joshua 1:9 (KJV)

When God opens a door for an opportunity, He also provides the strength, wisdom, and grace to walk through it. He doesn’t just point the way; He walks with us. That’s why we can face the unfamiliar with boldness, knowing that our steps are ordered by a faithful and loving God.

So, when the right door opens, don’t hesitate. Don’t let fear or insecurity keep you from obedience. If God opened it, He’ll sustain you through it. Walk forward with courage, and trust that His plans are always greater than anything you could imagine.

Conclusion

Life is full of doors: some open wide with opportunity, while others close without explanation. But behind every door is the loving hand of a sovereign God who sees what we cannot. Whether you’re standing in a hallway of waiting, facing a door that has just closed, or stepping through a new one with trembling faith, you can trust this: God’s timing is perfect, and His way is always best.

When we surrender our timeline, release our own plans, and choose to walk in obedience to God, we find peace—even in the uncertainty. God is not just the opener of doors; He is our guide through them. Whatever lies on the other side, we can be confident that His purpose will prevail.

So, to my fellow brother or sister in Christ, don’t walk through doors based on fear, pressure, or impatience. Instead, pause, and invite God into the process. Take the time to seek God's word and ask Him what He is revealing to you about His calling for your life.

If you are experiencing a door that God recently closed, remember it is for a purpose. Praise the Lord for protecting you from that closed door and pray to Him that He will provide another door for to be opened.

So I encourage you to take heart. Wait well. Walk wisely. And above all, trust the One who opens and closes doors with love, purpose, and perfect timing.