Her Scars Tell A Story

The R.O.C.K. Exchange Boutique with Delilah Abu

• Ann Calvillo

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Hey Friends, it's good to be back and on the road.
Today's podcast episode is the first episode of the year and I'm excited to share that we are now mobile and traveling to share these powerful stories of God's redeeming grace,
My guest Delilah is the owner and founder of The ROCK Exchange Boutique and PG-31 Ministry for young women. This is my second interview with her and let me say, every time is so much fun, she's just amazing! Delilah talks about the blessings and struggles that come with running a business and ministry. She talks about life, relationships and trusting God.  
My conversation with Delilah will inspire you and encourage you to keep trusting God with the dreams and plans He has for you.
Thank you for your support! I pray this podcast will bless you! 

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Ann:

In this podcast, you'll listen to stories of women from all different walks of life and backgrounds. You'll hear stories of painful past and how women have overcome by putting their hope in Jesus Christ. Friends, I wanna encourage you to listen to this podcast, Her Scars Tell a Story, a safe space for women coming together To share their stories and their hearts. I pray that you would be inspired, Encouraged and that your hope in Christ would be renewed. My name is Ann Calvillo, and I'm your host. Tune in to her scars tell a story podcast now. Welcome to her scars tell a story podcast. I'm with Delilah Abu. Hey, Delilah.

Delilah:

Hey, everybody. Hey,

Ann:

been a while. Right? It's been a while. Nice. but I'm here today in her Shop in her boutique. So this is the rock exchange boutique, y'all. It's beautiful in here. We've got earrings. You've got Clothes. You've got shoes, hats. Girl, what what else you got up in here?

Delilah:

Jewel necklaces. We got even birthday cards. yeah. Birthday cards, sunglasses, headbands, and much, much more and

Ann:

So much more. It's so beautiful in here. She's got, This little backdrop back there where you can come and take your picture looking cute. Right? It's just amazing here. So Thank you. Delilah, we actually did a podcast last year, and you were my fiftieth episode. Right? Yes.

Delilah:

Yes. Yes. Yes. It was an honor. Anyway, it was our first I'm meeting,

Ann:

Yeah. Yeah. In person. Yeah.

Delilah:

And I think the chemistry was awesome on camera. We had I felt like I've known you for years.

Ann:

And I and I I feel the same. I feel the same.

Delilah:

Awesome.

Ann:

thing I have to say is you are the real deal. What you hear on the podcast, what you see In the shop, like, that's that's the real

Delilah:

Thank you. What you see is what you get. Yeah. Because at the end of the day, It comes out. Yeah. Like, it comes out. So it's just might as well just start, to be who you are from the beginning. people relate to authenticity. Yeah. They just relate to people being here we are.

Ann:

Real. And with that, I know that, in your first podcast, you shared a little bit about how you started your business and even, Um, the ministry p g 31, that's a big part of your life, mentoring young women. I do wanna talk a little bit more about that and your heart behind PG 31 because I was at a fashion show, That was when you guys set it up Um, that you did at the end of last year. Right? Yeah. And I was just blown away to see how these young women, along with their mothers, Along with some of them had their moms there. How you are encouraging them, how you are helping them to build confidence. Right? How to how to dress like a woman. You know? Um, ladylike modest too, though, but flavorful. You know?

Delilah:

have some

Ann:

Got some style. Yeah. You know? And I was just, like, I was blown away by this event. I was, just the your circle of people, loving, caring women, um, it was just beautiful to see that.

Delilah:

God. You know, um, I thank God. Like, honestly, I thank God, but I think the parents, especially with the fashion They the parents and the PG the board members, the girls, And volunteers,

Ann:

Mhmm.

Delilah:

makeup artists who my cousin who did hair with her friend. You know, they're in hair school and, um, Um, just the people in the background. And some grandparents, like, 1 of our young ladies, uh, Zoe, her Grandmother did, on the runway. Um,

Ann:

Beautiful.

Delilah:

You know, honestly, it's all God. Like, I thank God for God. And we haven't we don't have our van yet, but I have the money all there. It's it's still there. We're waiting because we have to raise a little more for the van that we're looking Uh, we want a 15 passenger van, and they're expensive. And so we were able to raise close to 8000 Thank God.

Ann:

Praise the Lord. We're

Delilah:

holding on to it and, Um, and I'll show you so you can see and because sometimes people wonder, like, where's the money really And and I'll show you, like, right after. It's it's still there, and it's for the girls. Um, we actually have an event February sixteenth. We're having a Galentine's The event for the girls here

Ann:

look at that. Okay.

Delilah:

store. And so, um, to to be honest with you with PG 31, I remember there was times I wanted to give and there was always a young lady. There I I I All the young ladies speak out to me. Right? All of them. But there's always that 1

Ann:

Yeah.

Delilah:

that, uh, pushes you to keep So when I first started PG 31, I had a whole group of girls. There was this 1 young lady named Nico. And Most of the girls, their parents, like, it's the moms who force them to go in the beginning because they don't know what it is. So They're like, you gotta go. You have no choice. You know? And then when they start to get connected with PG 31, they're like, I wanna go. And they're looking forward to it. And so, um, the first set of girls, they're now in college. A lot of them. Or they have their own business, but there was this 1 young lady. Her name's Nico. And Nico from that bunch was the closest to me, and she was the she was 1 of the many reasons why I kept going with PG 31. God, of course, there was times where I wanted to give up. And I'm like, god, I don't know if I have the capacity To keep doing this, god, because it's not You know, the support wasn't there at that time, and God, like, really put it in my heart. Like, it's gonna blow up. And I'm like, lord. Like, I I just I don't have it anymore in me. In this group around, I have many girls that I absolutely love. I love them But even this past year, if I can be transparent, there was a moment where I'm like, okay, god. I don't think I can run the business, the store, p g 31, um, because Here at the store, we like to service our customers. So we want them to feel like they're being Like, when you walk out of our store here, and I've shared this before, I want the women and there's guys close too, but I want the women to and men. I want the women and men to feel like, man, I had service, the experience here. And, um, so it was kind of hard. So at the end of the summer, 1 of my young ladies, she was getting out of the car. Her name's Lexi. Lexi says, uh, you know, Delilah, I don't want PG 31 to end as far as the summer program. Right? It was gonna come to an end. And I She said, it's like a second home to me. And I looked, and she doesn't know, but When she got out the car, like, teared because The girl's like, you don't understand the seeds that you plant, but it's not you. It's God trusting you with these seeds. And 1 day, I I feel like I know all these young women will be great. And if I was a part of their little legacy, like, then I did what I was supposed to do here on Earth while I've Been And it's not easy always. Sometimes there's times where even running the business, if I can be transparent, It it's been a struggle for the first year. Um, meaning, like, struggle, meaning, like, learning how to run a business. Let me just I'm gonna leave it there, and I'm a let you take because I don't wanna hijack this conversation.

Ann:

So

Delilah:

I'm like You

Ann:

I'm I'm totally okay with it. You know, 1 of the reasons why I came back, In particular to part 2 of your story, was because, there's a lot of women right now Who have thought about starting their small business, leading a ministry. Tree god has placed it on their heart. They just don't know how to get started. And maybe they've had doors Closed on them, or maybe they've doubted, or maybe they've questioned just as you have questioned. Lord, are you sure? Is this where I should be right now? Is do I can I continue? I don't feel like I have the capacity to do it. Right? Um, I feel really stretched right now in this season, God. And so a lot of times, what will happen is They'll put it on the prayer shelf, and they'll put it on the and it starts to collect dust, you know, and then years go by. But that wanting to do it in obedience to the Lord The Holy Spirit's still prompting you and reminding you that God gave you that vision, that God gave you that dream. Right? And so because, As you mentioned, it's not easy, and nothing that God ever, allows us to be a part of and steward is easy. It's never easy. Yeah. Right?

Delilah:

Let me tell you. He'll have to break you down a time or 2. The foundation will become like, Jesus. Like, what are you doing? You know? But yeah. With the rock exchange, It's this is gonna sound I was actually when God gave me the dream, I was at the lowest I had, um, like, I I I don't wanna claim it as oppression, but it was a depression.

Ann:

Yeah.

Delilah:

Because I'm like, lord, I'm approaching 40. What am I doing with my life? I know that, you know, I have a 9 to 5. I know that this job is not what I was put here on this earth to It's something greater, god. And I remember being in my room Pleading with God. Like, what is my purpose? But I was literally broken. But while I was beautifully It's because I had, um, recommitted my body to And many people don't know this, but This is a part of my personal testimony. I had lost my virginity at 36. So this is for women, um, who are waiting. I lost hope in God's promise that he would send me my Boaz. And it's important to be careful with the company you keep. So I remember having a friend, and she's like, I can't believe you're still a virgin. she would say something along the lines of, quote, how do you know it's really good. She would brag about how great sex And she's like, don't you get, like, hot and bothered? I'm like, well, it's it's not real it was never, like, something on my mind in the forefront. Of course, you know, we're human. Right. There's some women who are virgins. Right? But acting like a dog in heat on the corner. Listen, y'all. If you are waiting, don't act like you're a dog on the corner in heat. Wait patiently. And I was a I was 36, and I remember saying, I don't wanna be like the 40 year old virgin.

Ann:

Oh, no.

Delilah:

It was stupid. And the guy that I lost my virginity, I didn't even care for. It bit you know why? I I This guy, I didn't even care for, but I was afraid So that's why I was The emotional attachment won't be there like

Ann:

Right.

Delilah:

And so for 2 years, I wasn't, like, crazy out there. But for 2 years, I was just not obedient. That final year, my life was, like, turned upside I was stripped. Yeah. When I tell you stripped y'all, I was stripped. God's like, okay. You've had enough out there. But I was still going to church on Sunday, but I wasn't praying for people. I wasn't I wasn't ministering. I told my pastors, listen. I'm not living right right now. I was honest. Be honest. If you're in ministry and you're in leadership and you're not living right, God is calling us to holiness. He wants a holy people. The reason why is because we're called to be a reflection of who he is, And he's holy. This is not about being religious y'all.

Ann:

No.

Delilah:

And so at 38, Like, just life was that, like it was just upside down. But what it was is he was stripping of everything I thought that had value. My my place. It was just everything. And I literally found myself at, like, almost like the prodigal son a little bit. And I remember being in the basement of my friend's place And I said, sister, I need to be around family. And I've shared this before too, but but I remember pleading with God. I said, father, what is my purpose What I said, show me, God. And I kid you not, I had a dream, and that's when the rock exchange He gave me the name. He gave me, like, how it was supposed to be run. And rock stands for restoring our community kindly. And so we donate clothes, and I've shared this before. So if it's Sandra Dunn, forgive me y'all. But we donate clothes to the less fortunate every And if not every week, almost every week. And we have kids clothing. We don't sell kids clothing that we're storing for kids who are less Who may not have the So if you know a family with kids that need clothes, Come on into the Rock Exchange at 35 51 South Archer Avenue, and we'll bless them. Or just let us know ahead of time so we can pull those items aside. But, Eventually, we wanna be able to, you know, make sure that goes into the right hands too.

Ann:

That's

Delilah:

Yeah. It's all God.

Ann:

As I was listening to you, you mentioned that, you were broken. At some point, you had hit, like, rock bottom. Right? And and like you said, you felt depressed. And I think that, You know, for a a lot of people who God gives visions and God gives dreams to, there's always the test. I think of Joseph. Right? The testing the fiery trials that you gotta go through. Right? because God's doing something in us, in the process of that. And I just that's what I'm hearing from you. There was a process for you. It just didn't happen overnight. There was blood, sweat, and tears Yes. That went into, this vision. Yeah.

Delilah:

Yeah. I'm not a trust fund baby, y'all.

Ann:

trust

Delilah:

I wish I was sometimes.

Ann:

baby option.

Delilah:

know? I don't have a rich husband in the closet somewhere. It's like, you know, it's not there. It's Jesus. You know? It is, like, literally God. Don't frown upon humble beginnings. And I started on the street selling clothes, and I shared this before with my father. Like, we used to sell tapes, and I have my little Tape earrings, which we do have

Ann:

Yes. Those are

Delilah:

Um, there I have them here in honor of him, and I have a pair at home that in that's engraved that says thank you, Papi. And, um But I had to kind of go back to my foundation of a child because I was selling clothes on the street, literally. And I thank God for the small so if there's people out there wondering, like, what, How do you get started? There was a small business development center, SBDC, y'all, in Chicago That helped me out to and they gave me this little space. I think this space I think they were just like, hey. If you wanna use it, it's there.

Ann:

Wow.

Delilah:

really a a place where people would sit and eat their ice cream, but they're like, hey. If you wanna use it to sell some stuff and you're gonna be faithful with it, just do it.

Ann:

So

Delilah:

I did it for about 3 months selling clothes. I would go to church. It was on Sundays only. Under vision. And I would literally have my car I I used to have a little tiny, like, BMW at that time, And it it had the mannequin. I had totes of clothes. I would hang that thing up as if it was a shop outside.

Ann:

Yeah.

Delilah:

And I would just stand there and sell clothes.

Ann:

clothes.

Delilah:

And people would walk by and buy clothes. And 1 day, my godmother, um, she had got diagnosed, uh, with cancer, Breast cancer. And if she was in remission and they came back as stage 4. And, um, I remember wanting to open up this store, like, this other location. It was like a totally different location. And so I'm blue to print turning 41. And, um, and I really wanted to force this 1 location.

Ann:

Mhmm.

Delilah:

And when I tell you rejection is God's protection,

Ann:

Mhmm.

Delilah:

rejection is God's protection. And I remember trying to force this location. The guys at the SBDC were trying to help me out, and I Felt like, oh, they're not moving fast enough, so I'm gonna make some phone calls. And so Let me tell you, when you want something done. And but the dream that God had given me, the store had huge windows, big But this location didn't have big windows. It just had, like, half size windows. But I was like, I'll make it work. Um, I'll I'll build a pedestal for these mannequins. I get it built. We're gonna make this space work because the space was gorgeous inside the other location. But God was shutting down that door. And 1 day, I go to, uh, remind you, I'm at my lowest of the low, and I'm pleading with God. And I go to pastor Hannah's 4 AM prayer, and

Ann:

Mhmm.

Delilah:

he has his 4 AM prayer at on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Well, they say it was a fifth Tuesday, but I'm thinking it's the fourth. So I'm driving at 4 AM, and it's in the hood. And I get there, and I'm like, why are there there are no cars here?

Ann:

And

Delilah:

oh my gosh. It's the fifth Tuesday. And I'm bawling on my way there like, god, this is your dream father. I put it back on God. I hold you to your word, father. And I'm driving on my way back, and I'm pleading with God again. Oh my god. And it's crazy how God works Because I was having a bible study at this location with the the sister who had this location.

Ann:

Okay.

Delilah:

And, um, I had texted her and I said, hey, sister. I don't think I'll make it. I texted her early that morning. I don't think I'm gonna make it to bible study because I was with my godmother. She just she was she had chemo, and I was just there with her. Her final days, kind of. But I was rushing to open the store because I wanted her to Because my mom's been deceased since I was 19 and my dad since I was 22. And so I wanted to open it because I wanted it was like that sense of pride. She was always there. She was like 1 of my biggest cheerleaders. And, um, she was like, family, the Bible says that you will have a friend closer than a brother. And I God had blessed me with her as a spiritual And, um, so I come here. Right? And I ended up showing up because I hate saying I'm gonna do something and not do it. Like, I would have tried my hardest. So I had sent her that text, but I was like, no. I'm committed to bible studies. You know? Let me. So I'm driving here, and she's locking up at this location. I said, hey, sister. Did anybody else show up for bible study? And she's like, no. And I said, well, do you wanna just sit and talk? She's like, yeah. My husband just texted me. Yeah. He got tacos, whatever. I said, okay. She when she looked at her phone, We're in here, and I'm telling her about what happened at that location, how it didn't work out, you know, how it was she's like, well, what about here? We can share a space. And what I have to tell you, all women, Every just people in general. What someone's burden is will be your blessing. Hear that again. So God will have someone prepare the location for you before you even arrive. And that's exactly what happened. And We shared the space for, like, 8 months or something like that, and then 7, 8 months, and then I took over the entire location In September, it was all God. All God, and I thank God. And when women come in here or men you know, like, women mainly. The my my clientele, I have to be transparent. I have men's clothing here, y'all, and I buy men's clothing. But the majority of my clients are women. And it's cool because I get to style them, and at times, I I I'm able to pray with Because it's like a therapy session. So you know how they say shopping there shopping therapy? Yes. Literally. Women walk out of here with a boost of confidence. And that Is what my is to encourage women. And so even with PG 31, That is my reason. And if, like, you know, when God takes me home, I've done what he's called me to do, and I know there's more he has me to do. But for right now in this season, this is where I'm And it's at the rock exchange. And so It's all God. That's all I can say. We're on her scars tell a story. Right? Yeah. And so I'm gonna talk about, like, the trials. So there's even times where I've questioned, like, where I don't wanna and cry

Ann:

Mhmm.

Delilah:

This is the But then I remember this was

Ann:

Mhmm.

Delilah:

and then I have to get up and make sure And there was even I had the flu. I've I hadn't had I caught the the flu this year was no joke. Did did you get sick this year?

Ann:

I didn't get the flu, but I've been around people who've had it, and it They said it was it, like, knocked them out.

Delilah:

It did for a good 3 days. I was knocked out, and I thank God for Disenfranchised Tia and

Ann:

Bea.

Delilah:

they were able to man the story while I was gone. And business continues Even when you're you're down.

Ann:

Yeah.

Delilah:

And even when you don't you have those days when you don't have a business, If you don't feel like going to work,

Ann:

you just

Delilah:

don't go. Like, I'm calling in. Right? But when you're running a business, Who you gonna call into? Yeah. Unless you have a whole team of people. But when you're starting a business, like I mentioned, I'm not a trust fund baby. So I just

Ann:

Yeah.

Delilah:

I got this this business has been built from the ground up, and I'm still learning. I cannot be gifted at everything. And so what I do is reach out to those people who are gifted and And make things happen. There's a young lady named Bobby who's gonna help merchandise some things. You know, the appearance, but everything costs too. But what I'm what you know the principle of giving

Ann:

Mhmm. And receiving? Yeah.

Delilah:

you give, it shall come back to you pressed down, shaken together, and running over. I don't give to get, But that's just an equation that works. God will bless you when you give. So there was a lady who came in the other day. So if there's some of y'all who are a little stingy, loosen up the hands. So when you loosen up the hand, y'all, God can put more in. Okay? Loosen up the hands a little. Yeah. There was a lady who came in, and she was just window shopping. And sometimes people just come in and they just pour out their whole life, and I'm just, like, listening. Right? And this 1 lady, I had just got these new rings in the Beautiful with turquoise. Just a beautiful stainless steel ring. Just a statement piece. Yeah. And She was telling me how she had a ring with turquoise that she bought from, like, Nebraska And that she lost it. She, you know, she doesn't know where she put it or, you know, but she it was 1 of her favorite rings, she said. So I'm just listening. And the ring was like, I don't know, like 10 dollars It was something, you know. And I and she said, oh, I lost my job, You know? And she's just and I God pressed down my heart to just give it to And I was like, you know, like I said, okay, God. So I said, hey. I wanna bless you with this ring. Yeah. And, y'all, I'm not telling you this to brag, but I'm telling you this to encourage you. For those who are on the fence about giving, just give. Watch it come back. So I give her this turquoise ring, and I had a total of, like, 4. 3 or 4. That same day. So I give she's like, are you serious? And then I said, hey. Have you heard because, you know, the orange line is right here. Have you heard of New Life Community? I said, do you take the train? She's like, yeah. All the time. The orange line. All the time. I said, have you heard of New Life Community? Because it's, like, 3 stops away. I don't I go to New Life Covenant on the north side. Right? But It doesn't matter. If it's in the vicinity Uh-huh. I wanna know where the churches are within the radius so I can send them

Ann:

That's good.

Delilah:

Because maybe they don't have the means to get to my church all the way on the north side. But I know a few stops down Yeah. Is New Life Community. I said, have you been to New Life Community? I and I even offered prayers. She's like, no. I'm okay. You know? And and then she I said, well, I wanna give you this ring. She's like, are you serious? I said, yes. Let me give you this ring. Let this make your day.

Ann:

Yeah.

Delilah:

And she came in with a sad face and left out with the Brightest glow on her face. That same day, 2 rings sold. The same exact rings that day y'all. So remember, For those of you who hold your stuff with a tight fist, release a little. And when you release, God is able to put more in your hands To bless.

Ann:

That's good. That's a good story. Wow. See. And and you blessed She she loved here blessed and encouraged. Right? I just wanna go back to where, you said on the days that it's hard to get up out of bed, You know, I've had those days too. And we don't realize how many of us have those days. And we know that we know that it's It's god who carries us through on those days. A lot of times, We're quick to, pull our bootstraps up. You know, let's go, girl. Let's do this. But there are days there are days where you're just like, god, I can't. I don't I I just can't today. But that's when the Lord, he's looking for us to tell him that. Yes. God, I need your help. I cannot do this today. And all God needs to as soon as he hears, I need your help because the Bible tells us That he will help us to approach him in our time of need, and we will find help. Right? And so he's looking for us to cry out in those time of need to say, god, I need your help. And he's right there. And it's been those days Where I have seen the mighty hand of God move in my life. When I can't, he can. Yes. When I'm weak, he's strong. You know?

Delilah:

That is so true. I do I don't wanna glorify Depression. Right. I just wanna make that very

Ann:

Yep.

Delilah:

But I do wanna glorify, like, the Philippians 4 13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I do wanna glorify that because I'm here because of God.

Ann:

Yeah.

Delilah:

And looking back, I had to get saved. Young, I was saved at 9. And my whole family was not saved. And so those days because people look at a strong woman Mhmm. And think they don't have bad days until they run into you on a bad day.

Ann:

Yeah.

Delilah:

You know? But it's God. Yes. Like you said, sister, it's

Ann:

Mhmm.

Delilah:

And there's some people who are so self righteous sometimes. Right? You're like, you what are you dealing with depression

Ann:

it. Yeah.

Delilah:

What are you in your rut for? A, there's valleys.

Ann:

Mhmm.

Delilah:

And in my valleys, though, is when I've praised God the loudest.

Ann:

Yes.

Delilah:

you know, like, When I when I'm in the valley, the mocos and all, in the pews, I cannot sing. Like, I can't sing like that's not my gift, but I'm singing, Like, from the mountain tops in the church where that worship song hits home.

Ann:

Yeah.

Delilah:

Like and it's like, wow. And it's those valley moments that I even thank God for Because I appreciate his presence even more then. I mean, I appreciate his moments, like, the moments when things are great. But on the other hand, I appreciate those moments when even when, like, times where I felt lonely in the past and he allowed me to be still and sit in that loneliness. Girl, I thank God for those moments that I worked through that loneliness, and then he revealed to me, hey, baby. I'm right with you In the passenger seat.

Ann:

You're not alone, Delilah. You're not alone. And

Delilah:

And even when I'm in here in the store, I know I feel his presence. People walk in and they're like, I feel such a peace here. It's called the holy spirit. I don't tell them that, but it's the holy spirit. Yeah. It's God. It's so God. And so I'm just so thankful. I the I'm grateful. Like, just so grateful. And however long we're here where we're you know, I pray that this is something that would be here for years to come, but God knows. But I know that Even in the short time that I've been here, that God has been faithful. I've seen people prayed for. I've seen people get, um, that it's a part of their testimony.

Ann:

Yeah.

Delilah:

reason why I say that they they walk in without a sense of style and then walk out feeling like they're a daughter of the most great God, Walking out feeling like royalty. And so with just clothing. It means so much.

Ann:

It goes deeper than that, I think. When somebody, serves you from a heart of wanting to serve Christ, You know, Lord, I'm gonna serve you and because you are my God, but these are your people created in your likeness And in your image, god. And I wanna serve them as I'm serving you, god. Right? And you treat them, like you said, like royalty. Right. You come on in. You know, you just have this welcoming, yeah, this welcoming spirit about you, your hospitality, You're giving heart. You're generous. And, um, I do believe that as I look around here and I see Just the blessings, you know, that God has bestowed upon you and he's entrusted you with, you know, it's all a part of, his work Yes. In your life. Right? His favor, his open doors, his abundant blessings, And he will still continue the work that he began in here through you and through the the people that come and serve and, You know, um, that also you don't put their hands to the plow. You know, they they help you out

Delilah:

This was not a 1 man show. I have to let y'all know.

Ann:

Right.

Delilah:

I thank God for my friends and my family too. You know, 1 of my brothers, Samir, he's awesome, phenomenal. And I have I've had my brother, like, come through, my sister. And then my sweetie pie showed up. I have a little sweetie pie now. And I'm learning. I'm still learning. These these dating streets are not easy, man. So if y'all are single out there, there's hope. God has someone out there for you, but be patient And just Focus on what he's called you to do. And as you're gleaning,

Ann:

Yeah.

Delilah:

your Boaz will find you gleaning.

Ann:

And

Delilah:

And so since we're in the month of Valentine's Day is

Ann:

corner. Yeah.

Delilah:

Yeah. But do you got any plans?

Ann:

So, actually, my anniversary is this this month too. So

Delilah:

anniversary. It's it's a lot of pressure for your husband.

Ann:

February nineteenth.

Delilah:

Oh.

Ann:

days after. So we don't we won't celebrate Valentine's Day. We celebrate our anniversary 3 because it's just a couple days after. But, I believe he has something special.

Delilah:

I'm sure. I've met the man. He seems like a nice thoughtful man, especially if he has a whole family. He probably has a whole family of women. He knows better now.

Ann:

It's mainly men, but the sister in laws, you know yeah. Yeah. Yeah. The good tips. Yeah. So yeah,, we're gonna, you know, do something special for our anniversary. But I'll say this I just think, this whole year, God's doing something. God's doing something in the hearts of his people. Um, you know, do you just I don't know. It's just me. I don't know. I just god's doing something.

Delilah:

He is. You know, um, I was just at a bible study yesterday with some sisters, and we all come from different churches. And I was beyond blessed. And we were talking about Rebecca. Rebecca. And long story short, We were talking about sin. Okay. So we're I'm gonna get circle this right back to holiness.

Ann:

okay.

Delilah:

When you're in sin, not only are you allowing to release those blessings that God has blessed you with. Right? You're walking past crowns. You're walking past Things that God has blessed you with. You're walking past lives that you're meant to impact Because you don't wanna open your mouth about God because, you know, like, you wanna do you. But we're called to what?

Ann:

Share Christ.

Delilah:

Make disciples.

Ann:

Right? Yeah.

Delilah:

So I'll encourage you. If you're battling, you're on the fence, like, you've stepped away from God, come back. He loves you the way you are, And There's lives that you're called to so be a life impactor. And and And let's not walk past lives anymore.

Ann:

I'm telling you, you mentioned sin and you mentioned, the sinner, we are all sinners, but by the grace of God, right, by the blood of Jesus, right, We don't become sinless. We sin less.

Delilah:

Oh, that's good. That needs to be on a T shirt.

Ann:

That's what he gave us the gift of his holy Spirit for. Right? To work in our hearts, in our lives that we may become holy as he's

Delilah:

Oh, he's working on my mouth

Ann:

Right? Oh, yeah. He's working. He's

Delilah:

test my Jesus. I'm like, listen. I did not die on the cross for you. I like to test my Jesus.

Ann:

Jesus.

Delilah:

yes. That's awesome. I like can you say that 1 more time for the people in the back?

Ann:

So so we're not Sinless. But we sin less now that we're in Christ. good. Right? And so, um, a lot of times, people feel like, oh, well, you know, I can't walk this walk. This is it's too hard. You gotta be perfect. And I'm gonna say this to you. God gives us his holy spirit to help us because he knew We could not do this in our own strength, in our own will, in our own, you know, just understanding. He gave us a gift. Mhmm. And it's through the gift of the Holy Spirit, our helper, our advocate, our intercessor, Right? That we are able to live this life for our Lord. Wow. Right? All glory to him because I know what I deserve. See, I know that that wrath was from me. You know? And when you know that and you know what Christ has Done. And you know the gospel and the good news. The good news is because of Jesus, I'm made new again. Because of Jesus, I've been forgiven. Yes. Because of Jesus, I've been set free. Right? Free from the bondage of sin. Free from the weight of my shame and my guilt. I've been set free. I gotta walk in it now.

Delilah:

And yeah. You know, like like, with growing up, you know, we deal with traumas and things like that. And sometimes people think, like, you know, you don't need to seek help because, you know, once you get saved, they're opposed to get the help. Get the help.

Ann:

Get the help.

Delilah:

like, I even with me with I haven't been in a relationship for a number of years,

Ann:

Mhmm.

Delilah:

and I'm still learning, You know, my sweetie pie.

Ann:

Mhmm.

Delilah:

And, you know, I I say we have growing pains happening.

Ann:

Mhmm. Yeah.

Delilah:

you know, because we're 2 different people from 2 different backgrounds

Ann:

Yeah.

Delilah:

and trying to, you know, make things work. Right? But an area that I really had to work on is trust. I remember meeting even with some sisters, and trust has not been something easy because I've seen trust abandoned

Ann:

Yeah.

Delilah:

With family and with certain family members. And so it was like It was like Fort Knox. It was, you know, it was just like Fort Knox, but getting that help and still, You know, pursuing that and working on you, then you can open up to others.

Ann:

Absolutely.

Delilah:

But first to God and the man that God has for and the woman or you know? And I'm sure there's some guys watching this. They will be patient with you. And but their patience comes to a point, but their pay they will be patient and Continue to pursue you.

Ann:

Yeah.

Delilah:

It you know, continue to pursue you and figure you out. And that's what I'm learning. I'm still learning my sweet pie. We're still learning each other and Yeah. Yeah.

Ann:

That never stops, hon.

Delilah:

I'm I'm like, Grim. I need to take some notes. I'm I'm

Ann:

ongoing process. 19 years, and we're we're Still we're still learning each other. Um, but that's a beautiful thing. That's a beautiful thing because guess what? We are constantly changing. Right? We we are constantly changing, so we're constantly learning 1 another. We're constantly, um, learning God. Right? And and he he is the center. He is the center of our marriage, of our of our relationship.

Delilah:

That's beautiful.

Ann:

Because of him, we have that intimacy. Right? Because of God. Right? Not not in spite of. No. It's because Of God. He he's at the center of it all. Trust is a process too. Right? Because trust is Earned over time. Through tests, through trials. And 1 of the things when we've been betrayed, when we've been hurt, like you said, past traumas, That trust is broken and our walls of defense come up, and we're guarded. Yeah. We're guarded. So What happens is it's hard to receive love without being suspicious of

Delilah:

Mhmm.

Ann:

Without what's the real motive behind that? Right? And so when you start to get to know someone And you start to heal. You're on your journey of healing. Guess God begins to tear down those walls. Those walls that you built up for protection it.

Delilah:

this is so good.

Ann:

begins to bring them down. Why? Because first of all, he wants us to be able to trust and receive his love, number 1. Trust and receive his love Because love is a risk. Love is a risk. And I heard a saying that it's best To to love and have lost and to never had love at all.

Delilah:

heard

Ann:

And it's a risk. But it's a risk worth taking when it's the person God put in your path for you. say that. I'll end with that

Delilah:

That's good. I'm, like, digesting all. of this. Circling back to the business, so with running a business, I like, budgeting was not I just see something and I get it. Right? So I actually joined, um, Michelle. You know Michelle.

Ann:

Yeah. I had her on the podcast.

Delilah:

Michelle Vasquez.

Ann:

Yes. Yes. Uh-huh. Velasquez. Uh-huh.

Delilah:

Velasquez. And she has a an an organization called Virtuous wealth building. Virtuous wealth building. It's a tongue twister. And, um, I took her cohort, and I did girl, I cut down my spending at Starbucks. They lost some coins. Uh, I did not real I

Ann:

No. You didn't just say Starbucks.

Delilah:

Yes. I did. God, I know. I

Ann:

You're piercing my heart.

Delilah:

I literally I had to delete the app. I only Download the app to buy some gift cards for a birthday gift or something. And then I had to delete the app.

Ann:

Conviction. Kinda makes

Delilah:

I was addicted. Let me tell I was going there almost every day for the rice crispy treats. I was my

Ann:

never had

Delilah:

Oh. don't. I was like, Uh, my sister my sister was like, that is nasty. I was I was like a fiend. They put, like, I think, a little bit of crack in that thing. I was like, I got to have my rice crispy treat and my

Ann:

not all that sugar they put in there.

Delilah:

Yeah. That too. Yes. That too. And after I took her cohort, Starbucks got cut out. And I was, um, but, yeah, She's good. Thank you. So hit her up. I know she has a cohort happening about now. Yeah. So and I think she had a promo too. She's phenomenal. Um, but, you know, get someone to hold you accountable. And I still need that accountability still because I love to shop. I'm 1 of those people who believe in shopping therapy. And now I'm not shopping for me. I shop for clients.

Ann:

I didn't come to get beat up.

Delilah:

Oh, is there a conviction happening? She's like, her husband's in the background like, babe, why not? Yes. You guys could come here for shopping therapy. Come here to the Rock Exchange for shopping therapy. Um, But, yeah, I get to shop for clients, and I love taking time and shopping for clients. I know what their body types are, and that's my gift. I'm I can't be gifted at everything, and whatever I can't be gifted at, I just delegate. That's right. And so, um, yeah. So I'm still learning. As I'm in business, this is for year 1.

Ann:

Congratulations.

Delilah:

Thank you. Year 1, like, when as a shared space at that time, but year 1, And I'm still learning. Yeah. And I and I wanna be a student always.

Ann:

Yes.

Delilah:

You know, like, what what's the new trends? Or, You know, this young lady who came in, Bob, is phenomenal. Um, and she showed me things that I did not know. And I was just, like, blown away and so thankful about, like, merchandising. I was, like, just blown away. So Just continue to be open to learn even if you know it all. There's some people who, like, who know it all. Even if you know it all, be open to Be open to

Ann:

Even the simple things, sometimes it doesn't have to look like this, You huge dramatic kinda thing. It sometimes it's just simple little things that you pick up along the way. Nuggets of wisdom that sometimes we overlook because we're like, oh, it's supposed to be like this big huge

Delilah:

Right. Uh, yeah. You know, it yeah. We were talking about the Eiffel Tower. Yeah. Right? At the like, I was when I got to the fashion show, I was like, oh my gosh. The Eiffel Tower is supposed to be this huge Eiffel Tower. When I saw it, it was smaller, And it was attached to the fireplace, and I just had to be okay with it. Sometimes you just have to roll with the punches. In business, you just have to roll with the punches. You're gonna have your good days and you're gonna have your bad days. You're gonna have days where it's extremely busy and you're gonna have your days where there's no 1 here. And you have to be okay with worshiping when there's worship like, I think sometimes when you do things for people, it's like an act of worship. So worship when you have people here, worship When no one's And so just Stay encouraged for the person who wanted to give up on your business or the person who was afraid. I'm a product of wanting to give up on an organization. Or even at times where I'm like, man, it's not easy Running a business and working a full time job doing all these things. But by the grace of God, I I'm here still. And I'm gonna encourage you for those who wanted to give up, be encouraged. Be encouraged. Don't give up. If you were afraid of pursuing that business venture like making jewelry or Trying something new. Just do it. And do it afraid. Sometimes you just gotta do it afraid. And, um, I don't know everything, but that's the nugget. And this is the first podcast of the year you told me. Right? So I feel honored, y'all.

Ann:

Oh, I'm honored. I'm honored to be able to do it From your location, from your

Delilah:

This is your first time doing something like that too.

Ann:

Yeah. This is a we're so we're now, like, Traveling podcast.

Delilah:

Look at that, y'all.

Ann:

yeah. You know? What's a great

Delilah:

this year.

Ann:

I I have to say this. Because this is the first Podcast where we're actually traveling. We're not in my, um, home studio. We're here in your boutique. I do wanna give a thank you, To someone who made a donation for us to get the equipment to be able to travel, That in itself is was such a blessing to me and my husband because we knew that there were people who wanted to share their stories, But we didn't they weren't able to come to us, so now we are able to go to them,

Delilah:

Wow.

Ann:

And, you know, share their stories. So thank you to that generous donor who wanted to Remain nameless, but, um, we are grateful. And this is just 1 of the stories, right, that, um, that we get to share Of what God's doing in Delilah's life. And not just that, but the ripple effect that it has on all the people They come through those doors. Right? All the people that support, all the donors, people who have donated to P g 31 for the van. You know, um, it's just so beautiful how the Lord you know, how he interconnects all of it, all of

Delilah:

Yes.

Ann:

just beautiful. It's the church functioning as the church. Right? It's just

Delilah:

And and when you can meet somebody and know Christ And not even know know them. Yeah. But you have the same heartbeat. It's easy that, like, This is our, like, third or fourth time seeing each other, but I feel like I've known you for years. Yeah. So when you have, like, that same Christ heartbeat, It's just Easy.

Ann:

Right. Right. You

Delilah:

don't have to be all complicated or it's just easy. Easy.

Ann:

It's beautiful. Yes. Um, I I I 1 last thing. I know that you had mentioned an event, a woman's event. Yeah. So you gotta mention it.

Delilah:

figured I'm from the south. When I say y'all yeah.

Ann:

I

Delilah:

all. Y'all,

Ann:

y'all. It's okay.

Delilah:

because I wanted to live down south at 1 time. Let me tell you. Before god gave me this dream, I was in Tennessee

Ann:

There you go. Oh. 0, it's beautiful out there. Yes. I

Delilah:

I was gonna marry a southern man in a whole 9 yards, but god had a different plan. He's like, no. You're staying right in Chicago.

Ann:

you go. There you go. So maybe

Delilah:

maybe I'll get a little summer house 1 day in the name of Jesus. But, anyway, Um, so y'all y'all Yeah. Y'all don't wanna miss. It's called the main event, March seventh.

Ann:

seventh.

Delilah:

It's gonna be the bomb dot com. So there's gonna be a a couple of women women conferences. There's 1 my church is hosting with pastor Marty at New Life Covenant, um, and that's the beginning of

Ann:

going to that 1. March first

Delilah:

Yes. It is.

Ann:

Okay. I'll I'll be

Delilah:

be there. I'll be there. And so it's that 1.

Ann:

Uh-huh.

Delilah:

And then the the 1 we're having is the weekend after. Okay. And we have tickets on sale. Um, it's got it's called the main event. And it's gonna be in a boxing It's gonna be different, y'all. And

Ann:

Is it virtual or is

Delilah:

No. It's in person.

Ann:

Okay. Okay.

Delilah:

I'm just gonna leave it there, but there's gonna be rounds, and it's called the main event.

Ann:

Okay.

Delilah:

And we have These are our local Priscilla Schrier or Schrier's, Our local Sarah Jakes. Okay? Some people look for these Big name people when you have big name people in your church.

Ann:

Yeah.

Delilah:

congregating with people who are big in his kingdom. You're congregating with prayer warriors. People look for big names, but we have 1 big name. His name is Jesus. I don't want glory, but I'm 1 of the speakers. It's Trini. Yeah. It's been a you. Sandra. Podcast here too. Yeah. Yvette. Okay. All powerful. Powerhouses. Yeah. And so we're it's called the main event, um, And you'll see the information where you could purchase the tickets. The tickets, I think they're doing, like, a early bird special for 30 dollars. Great deal. And then, um, if you missed the early bird special, it's only 35 dollars.

Ann:

35

Delilah:

So the main event, March Seventh. It's literally that following weekend after

Ann:

After that event. Okay. So This Yeah.

Delilah:

You don't wanna miss this 1. The main event.

Ann:

More details to come on the main event. Um, I'll post them on her scars tell a story. You'll post them too. So we'll share them so that if you're interested, which Pray about it. 30 dollars. That that is

Delilah:

a gift. You spend more at Starbucks in 1 drive thru. In 1 day. In

Ann:

1 week, you're

Delilah:

2 days.

Ann:

2 days. Yeah. Hey. Today. It's a it's a good investment in your, um, walk with God. And you're walking away with nuggets, y'all. Yeah. Because this is

Delilah:

And you're walking away with nuggets, y'all. Yeah. Because this is meant for the woman

Ann:

Mhmm.

Delilah:

who feels like, um, they have a testimony they can't share. Okay. There's some women who are so shameful and ashamed of sharing their testimonies, but there's women there who really had physical scars. 1 of the women y'all, I'm not gonna give

Ann:

Don't you don't give it away.

Delilah:

There's gonna be a boxing ring. That's all I'm gonna say. Yeah. Yeah. And it's called the main event, March seventh. You do not wanna miss it.

Ann:

The main event? The

Delilah:

main event.

Ann:

Oh, that sounds so good.

Delilah:

be

Ann:

And so, um, how can people contact you if they're you know, Facebook, Instagram, can you give your plugs? Uh-huh. So

Delilah:

the Rock Exchange,

Ann:

Mhmm.

Delilah:

Facebook, Instagram, And, uh, the for Facebook, it's The Rock Exchange Resell Boutique.

Ann:

Okay.

Delilah:

And on Instagram, it's The Rock Exchange.

Ann:

Okay.

Delilah:

And, yeah, inbox me. If you have questions, we're open for now Tuesday to Saturday.

Ann:

Okay.

Delilah:

Sunday is my Sabbath. Okay. Monday, we like to prepare, um, but we may be opening on Mondays. I Haven't decided that yet. I'm still testing out the waters, but for right now, we're open Tuesday to Saturday. so come check us out. We'd love to help you, style you, Find what you're looking for and, uh, yeah, make you feel good. We're here to have a good time.

Ann:

All I can say is I'm here sitting in her boutique. You all need to come. You need to just she's got So many beautiful pieces, jewelry, clothes. You

Delilah:

got some earrings on that match your she got these beautiful heart

Ann:

Look at look.

Delilah:

Look. at this. They match her. Yeah. And I got my tape earrings Yes. Check it out.

Ann:

Check it out. They're gold and

Delilah:

white. Yes.

Ann:

Um, but you all need to come and Mainly meet Delilah. If you if you don't know her, you have yet to know her, you need to come and meet

Delilah:

I wanna meet you.

Ann:

You. There you go. To me. Yeah. There there you

Delilah:

Oh, Yes. Yes.

Ann:

wants to meet you all, so come on through. Right?

Delilah:

51 South Archer Avenue, um, Chicago, Illinois 6 0 6 0 9. We're right across the street from the The orange line. So if you're like, I don't drive, come on the train.

Ann:

There you go. Right off the train.

Delilah:

Excuses.

Ann:

Coming through those doors

Delilah:

No client left behind. Yes.

Ann:

Hospitality, love, Encouragement. You'll leave here inspired. Most of all, blessed. Um, so, Delilah, thank you so much.

Delilah:

just say 1 more

Ann:

Yeah. Go

Delilah:

For those who wanna give up, Read Jeremiah 29 11. God knows the plans he has for you. I'm paraphrasing.

Ann:

Yeah.

Delilah:

Plans to prosper you, not harm you, and plans of a good future. So be encouraged, And thank you for having me on again.

Ann:

Yeah. No. The pleasure is mine. Um, thank you all for tuning in to, um, this episode with Delilah. God bless you all, and keep tuning in to her scars tell a story podcast.