Ride & Live

Toya McCracken • May 19, 2025

"RIDE & LIVE"

Balanced Boutique May Blog

Ride and Live


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Words have power, and we must be careful of what we speak.


Every time I hear the phrase “ride or die,” my body tenses. I grew up in the generation and era where “ride or die” was considered the ultimate expression of loyalty. Yet, even then, it never sat right with me.


As a parent, spouse, counselor, and woman of God, I’ve come to understand the weight of those words. Who are we riding for? Who are we dying for? Our children, our family, and our purpose must remain our first ministry.


If we throw away wisdom in blind loyalty to friends or the chaos of the world, who will be left to care for those God has entrusted to us?


As I’ve grown spiritually, the phrase “ride or die” has become even more difficult to accept.



The Power of Words


The Bible reminds us: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” — Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV)


We must be cautious of what we say and what we teach our children and those who look up to us.


It may sound good to say “ride or die,” but think: who truly is willing to die for someone else’s folly? We are called to stand firm against the darkness and principalities of this world (Ephesians 6:12), to fight for our families, our purpose, and our God-given destiny—not to risk it all for avoidable destruction.


I’ve often said to my husband, “We will ride together, but we will live.” We will not lose our lives unnecessarily or thoughtlessly.



True Loyalty


Yes, loyalty matters—but the first loyalty must be to God and yourself. Not everyone is called to be loyal to you, and that is okay. Your peace and purpose require wisdom and discernment.


Recently, I was in an interview when a young lady mentioned “ride or die.” I gently shared with her my personal version: Ride and Live. That is the legacy I speak over my household and my lineage.



The Original Ride and Live


If you want to talk about the ultimate example of ride or die—look to Jesus Christ. He willingly gave His life so that we may LIVE:


“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” — John 10:10 (NKJV)


He completed the assignment so that we can LIVE in fullness, wholeness, and abundance. Our job is to abide in Him, as He abides in us:


“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” — John 14:6 (NKJV)


And let us remember:


“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” — Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV)



Final Thought


We no longer have to live under reckless terms of sacrifice. Through Jesus Christ, we have been given the ability to Ride and Live. We can live in the likeness and safety of the Lord, walking boldly and purposefully in our assignment.


Lord, we thank You, we honor You, and we glorify Your matchless name. Amen.



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By Toya McCracken March 25, 2025
Sip Your Way To Wellness!
By Toya McCracken February 7, 2025
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By Toya McCracken February 7, 2025
Welcome to Balanced Boutique Podcast. Our primary goal is to get to you to a Balanced level of functionality by sharing real life stories and testimonies from everyday people like you and me. This podcast will be authentic and realistic. Each week we will conversate with individuals from different Walks of Life that are seeking God through it all. Contact us today for your consultation at Balancedboutique.com Let's Uplift, Encourage and Empower each other! This week, I have the honor to Re-introduce My God sent Amazing Husband! Alonzo McCracken. Alonzo is a retired military veteran, who served our country tirelessly. Alonzo is also a man after God‘s own heart as an ordained minister, he serves God in spirit and in truth, and never hesitates to share the goodness of our magnificent father. My Husband serves God willingly and Happily. He Loves me as Christ loves the Church, He Loves, supports and is very active in our children and grandson's life.He's my Pastor, my best friend and my forever... Welcome Mr. Alonzo McCracken.