Poem: "The Word of GOD"

You Are NOT Alone, And YOU DO MATTER!!!

 

But Zion said,

"The FATHER has forsaken me,

The Father has FORGOTTEN me!"

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast,

and have no compassion on the child she has borne?

Though she may forget, I WILL NOT FORGET YOU!

See, I have engraved you on the palms of MY hands;

Your walls are EVER BEFORE ME!”

(Isaiah 49:14-16)

Upon reading an article last week about the passing of internationally-acclaimed fashion designer L’ Wren Scott, I couldn’t help but remember all the individuals I knew personally, who checked out prematurely on life.

It has always disturbed and distressed me to end how we, the strong people we profess to be, can be familiar with someone, who experienced such detrimental feelings.  Yet, we are too busy to take enough time to recognize how their individualized moments of withdrawal, affect them in ways they are incapable of continuing to even surmise.

We tell ourselves, “I don’t have time to worry about what someone else is going through, so they need to make it the best way they can.”  However, is that the way our Heavenly Father has shown us to be?  I mean, for crying out loud, what happened to being empathetic, to the point of showing compassion?  Even if we just uplift that person in prayer, someone who shows signs of giving up, while we ask the Father to keep them from feeling as though no one cares, that is something meaningful, knowing He always responds with His Love and instructions to help, not harm.

“The most terrible poverty is loneliness, and the feeling of being unloved.” ~Mother Teresa

Many people have gained possessions, either through hard and diligent work, or by inheriting from wealth family predecessors, which makes it quite easy to become engrossed in their own existence.  There are those who practically pay to have someone be with him or her, moves into their home, and keep them set up with every desire imaginable, just so they will not be lonely. 

Maybe that person has always felt, from childhood and beyond, that not even their parents cared about them, telling them, “your father/mother never wanted you, and if it hadn’t been for me, you’d be dead!  I have never even liked you myself!  To be perfectly honest, I never even asked for you to be born!”  

“It is strange to be known so universally, yet to be so lonely.” ~Albert Einstein

Awful words to enter a child’s memory bank, isn’t it!  Like seeds of a tree, they are injected, and as the child becomes an adult, the seed grows into that tree, decked with branches of low self-esteem, feeling mortified, undeserving.  And no matter how much that person accomplishes in their life, deep down there is a void.

Still and all, who gives a negative person that much authority to make YOU feel unworthy of receiving true love, or for that matter, invaluable esteem?  NO ONE has that much power, and I do not care who tries to enter your thoughts, constantly reminding you of what they desire you to be.  Just like the familiar line from the movie, The Help, “You is kind, you is smart, you is important!”

The Father sent His Son to as a ransom for us all, in order to return to the fellowship He craves.  There were times that Jesus/Yeshua dealt with bouts of loneliness (But Jesus OFTEN withdrew to lonely places and prayed. ~Luke 5:16)  In other words, He knew how to talk to the Father during those quiet times, also in the Garden of Gethsemane, when He was reminded of the purpose for His coming to earth.  Of course, His human side asked the Father why He had forsaken Him, but knew deep inside He was not left alone, and everything was happening, just as He was foretold, to the praise of the Father’s Glory.  Confident of that fact, so that everyone who accepted Him would witness, according to Philippians 3:10-11, “I want to know Christ and the POWER of His Resurrection, and the FELLOWSHIP of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.”

We continue to have a responsibility to let that Light shine through us, everywhere we go.  It’s great to minister within the four walls, but we were also commissioned to “go therefore, and make disciples of many.”  There are hurting people all around, whether on the job, driving their cars, shopping in malls.  We are required to spread the Father’s loving care to the multitudes, letting each one see in us that we are covered, abiding in faith that everything the Father has spoken, He is able to do!

Romans 12:15-16 reminds us to “REJOICE with them who rejoice; MOURN with them who mourn! LIVE in HARMONY with one another!  Do NOT be proud, but be WILLING to associate with people of LOW position!  Do NOT be conceited!”

Please, let us not forget that how we treat those who silently move about, never sharing their troubled soul, but through the Holy Spirit shows us their inner self, determines our fate, as well as theirs.  Our Heavenly Father has already instructed us, as His ministries.

“Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but Father disciplines us for our GOOD, that we may share in His Holiness.  NO discipline seems pleasant at the time, but PAINFUL. Later on, however, it PRODUCES a Harvest of Righteousness and Peace for those who have been TRAINED by it. Therefore, STRENGTHEN your feeble arms and weak knees. "Make LEVEL PATHS for your feet," so that the LAME may NOT be disabled, but rather HEALED!” (Hebrews 12:10-13)

It is late in the evening, and too much is going on around us.  It is imperative for us to show those who don’t know that there is a WAY, that the Father sent His Son to sacrifice His life ONCE FOR ALL.  Since the Holy Spirit lives within us, keeping us throughout all we face, should our lives reflect how He does, for others to realize that they can make it?  In doing so, we can show how it’s done, in order for each one to learn how they can be at peace in the midst of all their trials or dismay.  Even when they experience a sense of loneliness, they are NEVER ALONE, for our Heavenly Father promises He won’t leave or forsake you!  Trust and Believe!

Technorati Tags: Motivation,Inspirational Thought,Encouragement

COME ON, STOP IT, ALREADY! LET GO, GIVE IT UP, and MOVE ON!

"FORGIVE US our TRESPASSES, as WE FORGIVE THOSE who TRESPASS AGAINST US!" (Matthew 6:12)

With a New Year right around the corner, normal routine would be to straighten up our house, cleaning it from top to bottom, every nook and cranny.  In addition, comprising a resolution, or promissory list, to do better in various areas.

But are we completely sure our bodies, minds and souls are just as prepared throughout,  that we are continuing to bear our Heavenly Father’s attributes, in this time?  Do we find there are those who we emphatically feel we dislike, even hearing their name mentioned, we cringe, becoming unnerved, after years of making it through?  In other words, where do we stand!

What does it mean, to FORGIVE?

Dictionary defines that we should be able to

Disregard, Excuse, Pardon, Overlook, Ignore, Dismiss, REDEEM!

"To STOP feeling angry or resentful toward SOMEONE for ANYTHING DONE to us (an offense, flaw, or mistake)."

Yeshua/Jesus laid the foundation, showing us how to truly pray and ask of the Father what is deemed necessary, in order to present a victorious life.  One of the requests He clearly stated was making sure that if there is ANYONE, past or present, who may have said or done something to upset us deeply, we should implore the Father to remove those awful feelings from us.

We profess so much that we are our Heavenly Father’s children, the called witnesses of His glorious assignment.  But how is it that we can plainly state we can “forgive, but not forget?”

Jesus said, "Father, FORGIVE them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)

Forgiveness is an imperative trait to exhibit.  In order to forgive, we must first realize that we ourselves are nothing but dust; imperfect creatures, who have performed some incredible feats in our own lives, that took others by surprise, yet our imperfections were overlooked, treated with the Father’s Love and Mercy.  That leaves a compelling blessing, considering the fact we sometimes have a difficult time viewing some individuals the same way, especially when they’ve hurt or harbored us as though we were a “red-haired stepchild,” with no sentiments of heart.

It’s extremely challenging to know that even the Messiah, while hanging on that cross between two thieves, carrying all our sins, even assuming the Father had forsaken Him, was continued to show love and forgiveness.  He could have dealt with how everyone made Him feel, and say, “Father, these people are heartless, so I cannot see myself giving my life for them!  Hateful, malicious individuals they are!  They don’t even know why You sent me here, and don’t care! Let’s just forget it!  I’m not doing it!”  Instead, while hanging in unquestionable pain, He prayed for ALL of them, that the Father would disregard what they did or how they thought, and continue to LOVE them, in spite of.

Mark 11:25 tells us, “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in Heaven may forgive you your sins."

Whether a person ticked you off at work 15 years ago, while tap-dancing on your last nerve, or that person your ex ended up with, after being monetarily coerced, or the fact that everything someone promised you never came to fruition, so much we are constantly reminded of the issue, we need to ask the Father to constantly provide us with a forgiving heart, just like His.

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you! But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Matthew 6:14-15)

Are we truly walking in the Father's footsteps, revealing HIS anointed Fruit of the Spirit to EVERYONE, INCLUDING those individuals we DON'T LIKE? It's high time to STOP holding things against other people, especially when the FATHER has forgiven us, and continues to keep us cleansed, remembering no more what ANY of us have done.

It’s our responsibility, that we reflect the Father’s characteristics, everywhere, all the time!  There are too many sad, lonely, forgotten people, who consistently feel no one cares about them, trying everything imaginable to exist.  However, while we are shouting and dancing in the church buildings, singing happy praises that we are so blessed beyond words, because we know we’re forgiven, we are not exempt when it comes to passing that same faith to those we hold grudges against. 

Lessons are learned! We made it through those challenging moments, with the Father’s merciful guidance, and undying Love.  So shall we keep in mind when it comes to those who have become the “bane” of our existence for one reason or another, to lift them to the Father, forgive them, and watch how our life further rejuvenates, as He uses us for HIS Kingdom!

Peace, everyone!

Technorati Tags: Food for thought,Inspirational Thought,Motivation,Helping others,New Year,Forgiveness

Humble Nobility: Unselfish Traits, Fit For The Kingdom!

"Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice!
Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace.
And the Father of Love and Peace will be with you!"
(2 Corinthians 13:11)

Times are surfacing, transforming into being extremely hard these days, as we already know.  But, then again, it's not like we weren't warned of these moments that are approaching us.  

We are becoming more painfully aware that many are continuing to be fiercely bitter, rude, and obnoxious to others, whenever they are outside of their immaculate abodes.  They choose to refrain from having a reason to provide such fond treatment to mere strangers, even laughing at their discontent.  

People who no longer have the privilege of possessing a decent job today, who happen to be 50 years and over, doubtful in locating another profitable position that allows them to continue living by which they've been accustomed.  The air itself is full of disarray and chaos spirits, adding more fuel to the fire in the hearts of individuals, with acts of bullying, selfishness, belittling, etc., having an "I could care less" attitude, because they consider themselves proudly egotistical. 

For instance, I read an insert today, that shows how insidious mindsets have become, but then we begin to take a person's feelings into consideration: 

"The Girl you just called fat?  She has been starving herself, and has lost over 30lbs.  The Boy you just called stupid?  He has a learning disability, and studies over 4 hours a night.  The Girl you just called ugly?  She spends hours putting makeup on, hoping people will like her.  The Boy you just tripped?  He is abused enough at home.  There's a LOT more to people than YOU KNOW!"

Instead of displaying an act of kindness, or just plain, old-fashioned courtesy, why is it that we decide to treat others as if we have everything perfectly together in our own lives, and need nothing else?  

While driving our cars, can we choose to be noble, when we see an older person cruising carefully on the road, by being happy for them that they are still able to maneuver  a vehicle, without the help of a care facilitator?  Instead of thinking that we are so physically perfect, wearing expensive famous-name-brand attire, while gazing at the less fortunate, mocking them for not having what we may have?  Imagine what it would be like if the shoe was on the other foot!

We are so blessed beyond measure, without realizing  it.  Is it so difficult or demeaning, to provide a sense of encouragement, spread some solace or comfort, by smiling more at others, whether we  know them or  not?  It doesn't hurt us one bit, when we spread more understanding in ways and actions, to EVERYONE - great or small, short or tall, young or aged.

Can we begin to come out of ourselves, place more emphasis on transferring more patience, objecting to evil, inhumane traits that bring discord, instead of hope to troubled minds?  A smile is an anointed blessing that can carry on for miles, even to the point of being in a humorous state, making the atmosphere light and free.

I adore amorously when a person, in a supermarket or office environment, walks by and cracks their cheek muscles.  You can tell they are living and breathing with the sentiment of joy, enlightenment and great anticipation, that all is not lost.  Even if the day started on a rough note, they are still determined that they will not allow themselves to "sweat the small stuff."  In turn, that type of carefree disposition brings  showers of contentment, to me!

We need to learn how to help each other, while we are here, experiencing many of the same things, struggling through together.  Let's consider how we would feel if we did not have our amazing, high-paying job,  or stability, with all the comforts of home, and an unwavering nest-egg, before we make comments, stating babble, like "why are they so lazy," or "they can find a job somewhere, it's not that hard!"

Encouragement and true inspiration springs hope and determination.  Try it with everyone you meet.  It could actually make a difference!  And don't forget - it could be YOU!  How would you want to be treated?  Think about it!

Gospel Music Month: It's Not Just About Us!

"It's all about me, myself and I!

What I want, is what I want, and that is all that matters, TO ME!"

These phrases are quoted quite often.  You would think that with everything taking place around us, the last thing on our minds would be only ourselves.  Those of us who have lived through trying or difficult times, I'm aware this is not anything new to you.  But it has become evident that a sudden flux of viewing a spirit in several human beings, walking in their own desires, without any regard for how others may be affected, have become most common.  

God has called us to be mindful of how the feelings of someone else would come into play.  It's really not "cool" to be preoccupied with only our wants, while what we do or say would possibly ensnare the very heart of another person negatively.   

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,

but IN HUMILITY consider others better than yourselves! 

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the  interests of others!"

(Philippians 2:3-4)

 What happened to walking in what The Anointed One told us, "GIVE, AND it SHALL BE GIVEN unto YOU; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, shall MEN GIVE unto YOUR bosoms!"  My take on that scriptural verse does not solely reference monetary tithes or offerings, but in various other ways of expression.  To whom much is given, much is required!  So would it be nice if we start practicing more of what we preach?

Remember the parable Jesus/Yeshua spoke of, regarding the rich ruler, who inquired how he would be able to obtain eternal life?  It was plain to see that the individual, who accumulated so much in life, and thought he kept all the Ten Commandments by his own merit, assumed he could just buy his way into living in everlasting splendor.  However, he was not expecting the answer to be "sell ALL that you have, and GIVE IT TO THE POOR, and you will have treasure in heaven! THEN, come follow Me!"  

Needless to say, the ruler did not appreciate hearing that, for he determined in his mind that he had enough wealth to practically pay for a nice, comfy seat.  Afterward, the ruler was told, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!  Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

In spite of owning so much you don't have space to put all your possessions, the Father would rather we transmit thankfulness in whatever state we're in.  As I've always heard, "you've never seen a bank safe following a hearse!"  

Be content, and when the Father shows us someone less fortunate, instead of looking at them with disgust, get up, go through your closets, or basement storage.  Maybe there are some things you can offer, especially when those same things are collecting dust.  Then you'll see the windows truly open and pour into your life, as well as your seed, and their seed's seed, because of the planting lessons you've taught!

Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older.  All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the HUMBLE!" (1 Peter 5:5)

The amazingly great Dr. Walter Hawkins composed a song, "Be Grateful," that continues to reign true to this day.  I have loved listening and singing it, since purchasing the album in 1978.  Left with such conviction, we are constantly reminded that it could always be worse, so "count it all JOY," STAY HUMBLE, and the Father will exalt you in due time!

 




 

Will The REAL Creative Artists of Film, PLEASE STAND UP?!?

"It's pretty hard for the Lord to guide you, when you haven't made up your mind which way you want to go!" ~Madame C J Walker (Sarah Breedlove)

Why is it so difficult for us to realize who or whose we are today, being determined to know our history, while allowing it to remind us that we do matter, and there is a plan for our lives that the Father has already ordained?  We do not have to exist as though we are still bound, when we are already made free through the shed-blood of the Messiah! 

Now that all of these flicks have premiered, with the same ordinary statements, pointing to obvious connections, can we now have some truly creative screenwriters to rise to the occasion, providing more inspirational insight?

Remember when there were 3 major networks, cable wasn't provided, yet we were exposed to some of the best shows, TV-movies, documentaries, and an impressive array of entertainment specials?

Regarding theater or television showings today, I find it so interesting how there are many remakes of already-monumental movie blockbusters of the past, or an enormous amount of reality shows on TV.  Now, mind you, I love the FAST AND FURIOUS collection, and RUSH HOUR trilogy.  Even the IRON MAN series is absolutely epic.

However, do we not perceive how we should continually have an astute sense of obligation, when it comes to teaching young people to become more motivated in having a dream, and pursuing it?  That we keep the youth encouraged, regardless to whether their home environment leaves much to be desired, their father doesn't claim them enough to be regularly involved in their life, or their teachers in school unusually bombarded with rules and regulations, cannot be directly concerned with discreet envisaging of each student?

Personally, I have always loved historically-sound true stories, how they provide established inspiration, revealing how there is nothing too hard for  us to do, when the Father shows us a vision.  It would actually be a very great idea, for someone, with a gifted flair to construct a screen-writing prowess, to ascribe something relating to a particular inventor, such as this woman:

Madame C. J. Walker

Madame C. J. Walker (12/23/1867-5/25/1919), was a businesswoman, hair care entrepreneur, tycoon and philanthropist.  She rose to esteemed  prominence, in twelve years, from a washerwoman making only $1.50 a day, to a position of wealth and influence among members of her race. 

Originally known as Sarah Breedlove, she was born in 1867 in poverty-stricken rural Louisiana.  The daughter of former slaves, she was orphaned at the age of seven.  Along with her older sister Louvenia, she survived by working in the cotton fields of Delta and Vicksburg, Mississippi.  

Sarah was married to Moses McWilliams, at age fourteen, and her only daughter A'Lelia, was born in 1885.  Becoming a widow at age 20, after the death of her husband, she traveled to St. Louis to join her four brothers who had established themselves as barbers.  She worked as a cook, laundrywoman, etc., until she reached the age of 37.  One morning, while bending over her wash, she suddenly realized there was no prospect on her meager salary to set aside anything for retirement, or old age. 

Annie Malone

During the 1890s, she began to suffer from a scalp ailment that caused her to lose her hair.  Embarrassed by her appearance, she began experimenting with a variety of home-made remedies and products.  After sending up prayers for God to help save her hair loss, she received an answer from the heavens.  She dreamed of a man appearing to her, providing the ingredients needed for the mixture that would assist in growing hear hair back.  She made some up in her bathtub, tried it out on herself, and surprisingly discovered, it worked!  She was soon selling the dream-inspired development to her friends and neighbors. 

However, in St. Louis, similar products were already being made by another black woman entrepreneur, Annie Malone.  In 1905, Sarah became a sales agent for Malone, then moved to Denver, Colorado, where she would launch her own hair tonic business, which she accomplished, on a capital of $1.25.  A plan was devised, and Sarah made sure it was securely set in motion.

On January 4, 1906, around the time the products were becoming more popular, she married Charles Joseph Walker, a newspaperman and publicist, changing her name to Mrs. C. J. Walker.  She gave herself the name "Madame" to add a touch of class to the name of her products.

In a few years she had accumulated a large sum, and invested in real estate in the West, South, and in New York State.  Only retaining a six-grade learning herself, she realized the importance of obtaining education at its finest, a dream she wanted for her daughter.  Enough money was saved for A'Lelia's education, who graduated high school, also attending Knoxville College, one of the goals Madame Walker was able to check off the list of accomplishments.  In addition, she became involved in activities with the National Association of Colored Women. 

Madame Walker's fortune was made by developing and marketing a hugely successful line of beauty and hair products for black women, under the company she founded, Madame C. J. Walker Manufacturing.  By 1911 her company employed over 950 agents who earned around $1,000 a month compared to the $45 a month unskilled white workers earned.

Determined to provide superlative delegates, specializing in quality representation, she opened a business school.  Lelia College, in Pittsburgh, PA, was initiated so that potential sales agents could be trained properly for the business.  They were taught how to demonstrate the hair products, and door-to-door sales techniques.  The agents were also trained good personal habits and hygienic procedures, practices that preceded the state's cosmetology laws.  Madame Walker was the first to use this cultivating process in a large-scale fashion.  Her agents were soon easily recognizable in their neatly arranged hair, black skirts, and white shirts.

The Walker Theater, in Indianapolis, IN

Madame Walker was destined to become a millionaire, not that she just wanted the money for herself, but for the good she could do for other with being in that position.  She donated $10,000 every year for the education of young black men and women in Southern colleges, sending six youths to Tuskegee Institute - every year!

Other donations she made were to the National Association of Colored People (NAACP), the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), also imposing the effort to buy and protect the home of Frederick Douglas.  In fact, The Guinness Book of Records cites her as the first female to become a millionaire by her own achievements.

While blessed to give as well as receive, her life was not without experiencing prejudice, no matter how wealthy she was.  Amid discrimination, she fought against it by any means available.  Once, when told to pay twice the amount that white customers paid for movie tickets, she sued the theater, and built her own, as part of her "Walker Building" complex, in Indianapolis, IN. When President Woodrow Wilson began discontinuing reforms that would give Blacks more freedom, Madame Walker visited the White House in 1917, to protest the lynching of Blacks.

The prescription for success for Madame C. J. Walker was perseverance, hard work, faith in  in Our Heavenly Father, as well as herself, "honest business dealings" and of course, top quality products.  One of her prolific quotes states: 

"There is no royal flower-strewn path to success, and if there is, I have not found it - for if I have accomplished anything in life, it is because I have been willing to work hard."

Madame Walker's $250,00 mansion in Irvington-on-Hudson, NY,
three stories high, including 30 or more rooms

Now this is the type of individual we should have the opportunity to view on the big screen, having their story projected.  Someone who can truly comprehend, in order to discern how sincere dreams can emerge into fruition of one's own victorious life chronicle.  Come forward, independent writers of cinema, and provide an exhilarating treat for us, so much that children and young people alike can realize their full potential, that every vision will be accomplished, with the help of Our Sovereign Father!