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

Thankful, ALWAYS!

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for ALL men!" 

(1 Timothy 2:1)

The time of the year has arrived where we consider contacting family, surrounding ourselves with all the ingredients of a huge repast of eating, drinking, and being merry.  Moreover, we should be able to look at life, being reminded of the past year, and seeing just how far we have come.  

Things have appeared to be a little more difficult than ever before, in various areas.  Yet knowing that things WILL work out, no matter what it looks like in the natural viewing of our eyes, it must bring positive feelings of the outlooks.

Can you see with your heart, and not just with your head, the fact that we have a warm place to lay our bodies, food for daily nourishment, transportation within our grasp?  There are loved ones, whether spouse, sibling, parent, even the company of a close friend, who constantly provide strength, encouragement and love, making you truly blessed.   

In addition, we have an opportunity to witness what it feels like to exist beyond our normal expectation, during a time of uncertainty, only to experience miraculous moves, signs and wonders, right before our very eyes.  

We have so much to be thankful for.  Today, and EVERY DAY. 

 Giving thanks always, for ALL THINGS, unto God and the Father in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ!" (Ephesians 5:20) 

Our children have more access to obtaining real exploration, through researching online, as well as libraries, book reading, historical events, and what they visualize by watching us, proof that they are quite blissful in the pleasures of life.  

Along with showering them with tangible means, they should also be made aware of how many are not as fortunate as they are, that they need to be grateful.  

Not just this week, while sitting around a feasted table, or watching a sports event, but showing they care when they see someone else, sleeping on a cardboard box outside, or the ongoing experience of sheer loneliness, having no available individual to show kindness to them.  

Ever wonder what it would be like if we did not have the amenities we possess, objects we see when we walk through our own homes?  However, out of all of the materialistic pieces, nothing stands out as being more priceless, than love, grace, and an abundant life.

Share your feelings, recognize your blessed existence, and remain gratified, in every way!   It could be the other way around,  We could be without, too.  BUT GOD saw fit to keep us, as an example, through humility and compassion, just so we can be more like Him.  Walk in His ways, appreciate, and be content, knowing it could be worse.  We are not better than anyone else, but we need to be mindful of  our blessed state, and continue to make it a habit, every day, to say to the Lord, "THANK YOU!"

Did You Really Just SAY That?!?

"Death and Life are in the POWER of the Tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof!" 

(Proverbs 18:21)

Do you know what's a bother to no end?  The fact that, as women today, too many of us are being noted as bossy, controlling and mouthy.  I know firsthand it does not apply to all of us, even if it appears that several members of the female persuasion are too outspoken for their own good.  

Telling themselves the old cliche, "this is the way I am, I have always been this way, and I don't plan on ever changing, for anyone," may appear empowering, but can also become detrimental to someone who is not sure who they are, or where their life is destined to go.  In other words, the words we speak, negative or doubtful statements, do not heal, or be good for encouragement.

Being a young child during the 1960s, we were always taught that whatever we speak out of our mouths, will determine who, what, or how we become, as adults.  

Remember when your parents told you things that were expressly for the cultivating of parental training, such as, "Don't play with matches, or you might start a fire," "cover your mouth when you yawn or sneeze," or "look both ways before crossing the street?"  Well, there was also a familiar phrase that all people from previous generations would use - "WATCH YOUR MOUTH!"

My father was a very organized, disciplined individual, who would verbalize things that would permeate throughout every place he engraced.  One motto he stood behind was, "always look a person in the eyes when you talk to them, and not hold your head down, in order to gain respect."  Another was, "the dictionary is full of words, so you don't have to use slang or profanity to get a point across!"  Dad believed that the way we spoke, utilizing positivity, would cause anyone, whether on the street corner, in a store, or even in the oval office, providing a sense of respect or honor to our personal make-up.

"A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul!"
Proverbs 18:7

Throughout my life, I have come in contact with some who perceive themselves to posses towers of pride, yet hatefully arrogant in nature.  Hearing what they say at times, feelings are hurt by their words, even forcing into a state of depression, as a result of "their honesty."  Why is it so important for us to be a beacon of self-conceit, not considering what or how we make insinuations to someone less fortunate, who may be experiencing a moment of distress?  What about when a person loses someone dear to their heart, who may have given up on life, only to be told afterward that they should just quickly "get over it, and move on," by some sort of pious individual, who could care less how anyone else may be feeling. 

God's intention for us is to be careful how we project what we release from our lips, no matter what the issue.  What about being mindful of how something sounds before reciting and projecting it outwardly?  James 1:19-22 tells us:  

"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be QUICK to LISTEN, SLOW to SPEAK and SLOW to BECOME ANGRY, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires!  Therefore, get rid of all moral filth, and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the Word planted IN YOU, which can save you! Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. DO WHAT IT SAYS!"

Think before you speak!  Open your ears, and hear objectively, without judgement.  It never hurts to be nice, while paying attention, considering the moods of others. Carry the spirit of discernment, and a sensitive heart, which is imperative, when it comes to traits we have been called by God to display.  Stop being so mean, and haughty!  Empathize, and be fruitful in friendliness, with cheerful impressions!  

Be that virtuous woman, developing the beautiful seeds God planted in us, not to include the constant exhibiting of snobbish superiority, aggressively undermining a person's aspirations, just so you can feel you've arrived.  Always shower all people with the Love, Understanding, and Sincerity!  God is watching!

Prayer, Anyone?

Have you experienced moments, where it seems as if everything that could happen, is happening in your life, and you feel as though you're unsure of what to do next?  Or, can you bear witness to the fact that you feel like you have reached an impasse, then uncertainty raises it's ugly head?  A day, during the month of April, has been designated for National Prayer.  Everyone in the county is asked to take time out to pray or make requests, have a meeting with God intimately.  As a result, you realize that what you are asking for, an answer shall be provided by the Lord, that everything will be placed in its proper perspective.

In retrospect, we should ALWAYS PRAY, and lift one another up, EVERY DAY of the year, or as God's Word admonishes, "Pray Without Ceasing," as well as "Prayer Changes Things!"  While we are making our requests known to God, He ALWAYS hears us.  I have learned that, throughout my life, most of the time there are 3 responses from God that become most consistent:  NO, YES, and WAIT!  When you think back on the prayers you have lifted up to God, are you able to say the same?  I'm sure that you can testify to how the answers are provided of Him, realizing that everything will be worked out in due season, and you are supplied with that blessed hope!

So much is taking place around us, everywhere we go, people we see or come in contact with, are perplexed.  What are we actually praying and asking for?  What are we wanting to happen?  Who do we want to uplift, or stand in the gap for?  The Word of God tells us, in 2 Chronicles 7:14, that:

If MY people, which are called by My Name, shall HUMBLE THEMSELVES, AND PRAY, SEEK MY FACE, TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS; THEN I will HEAR from Heaven, I will FORGIVE their SINS, AND will HEAL THEIR LAND!"

Also, we should know that, "if WE confess our sins, HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  What does that mean to you?  What do you get from that?  I personally have been asking God for some incredible things that I need Him to do in my life, but not just for me, but for everyone I know.  When we pray, we should keep in mind this parable:

Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, "God, I thank Thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.  I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess!"  And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, "GOD, be merciful to me, a sinner!"  I tell you, THIS man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalts (elevates or glorifies) himself shall be abased (lowering in rank, office, prestige or esteem); and he that humbles (meekly or modestly) himself shall be exalted."

Prayer time is an experience that requires focus, determination, trusting and believing that whatever you are asking God for, SHALL BE brought to pass, because you KNOW HE IS Faithful, when everyone else is not.  We must be mindful that God is able to do whatever He said, and He never changes, in spite of what it looks like around us.  It is imperative that we realize who we are, and that we are nothing but dust;  however, when we go to God and present our requests to Him, with sincerity of heart, He WILL honor our petitions, especially when we have a real relationship with Him.

"It is God that girds me with strength, and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like hinds' feet, and sets me upon my high places. He teaches my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms!"  (Psalm 18:32-34)

We should continue to seek and hold fast to who God is, as well as what He can do - anything but fail!  God provides, and makes us able to accomplish whatever necessary in our lives.  Now is the time to pray like never before.  In light of everything that is going on today, we must continue asking for distinct instructions, so we can remain victorious in our daily walk. 

Make a call to God, while you are driving your car, so that others will be mindful on the road.  Remember your neighbors next door, asking that God would bless them with whatever they may need, even though they may appear to be quiet-natured introverts.  The person you walk by in the supermarket, who resemble an overwrought character, may need a touch from the Lord, assisting them with realizing that all is not lost.  Even teenagers who possess very disrespectful qualities, for no reason, laughing at elders or challenged individuals, are absolutely in positions that only God can fix.
 

The time has come, while it is still day, to cry out to Our Heavenly Father, not just for us, but everyone, wherever they are, whatever they are.  Pray, church!  Amen?

WHAT DO WE REFLECT?

"As water reflects the face,

so one's life reflects the heart."(Proverbs 27:19)

Who, or more to the point, WHAT do you see when you gaze at yourself through the looking glass?

This is a writing I initially posted on my blog, dated March 9, 2009, and apparently, 3 years later, it appears we are still faced with various uncertainties, unlike any period that most of us have ever witnessed in our lives.  So many of us are accustomed to handling everything ourselves, obtaining 2 or 3 jobs to hold on that good ole' American Dream. However, the job market is continually deteriorating.  Supermarket prices have skyrocketed.  And let's not even talk about gasoline or living necessities.  This year has almost come to an end, with things being envisioned as somewhat bleak, and one contemplates what should be done, in order to survive those feelings of doubt and defeat.

I have always felt an amazing fondness for music with a message, as it assists with keeping me inspired, during some of the most melancholy moments of my journey.  A popular song, written and recorded in 1987, states profound points of view, that continue to enlighten and surpass what our indecision may be today.  One of the most prolific artists ever, the incomparable Michael Jackson, felt a strong urge, or shall I say, an "unction," that catapulted the hit "MAN IN THE MIRROR" into one of his most powerful signature works. Spiritually collaborating with songwriters Siedah Garrett and Glenn Ballard, it probably was not idealized to such a degree as it should have been, but continues to speak volumes, even now.

Remember the phrase that had been verbalized through our President, containing authority behind it?  If we ponder it, we will realize that CHANGE is imminent, and YES, WE CAN!  Is it possible that we can revise for the better, in our way of thinking?  Change the way we speak, from negative, to positive? What about behaving with more compassion, instead of coldness of heart?  And can we begin to allow LOVE to cover a multitude of indiscretions, instead of judging others, as if we have already arrived? 

And He said: "I tell you the truth, unless you CHANGE and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!" (Matthew 18:3)

You know, when two children are playing together, and there is a toy that just happens to be the favorite of both, one may become angry and want to be left alone, so he can have it to himself.  However, later on, they forget all about the toy, and return to having fun together.  In other words, can we stop harboring on things that took place yesterday, learn how to forgive, and treat everyone with a warm heart?  Can we learn that?  If little ones are trained to have an open, receptive heart, that same seed should grow and remain in us when we become older, where we can continue distributing caring to others.  There is no one who is perfect, no matter how attractive one is, or how much they have accumulated.  We have all sinned and come short of the Glory of God, but He remains merciful to us.  Let us learn how to be the same with others.

What do you see when you look in your mirror in the morning, while brushing your teeth, shaving, putting on makeup, or combing your hair?  If you look closely, you may see an unwanted hair strand on your chin, or a pimple on your forehead, and realize it must be removed, so that you can handle the day, putting your best foot forward.  As long as the hair or any festered imperfection remain, your preoccupied mind will only concentrate steadily on that issue, rather than how you should function, until you press forward by getting rid of the unnecessary.  The same thing should be said when it comes to how we are with others, and whether we need to become individually transformed, so that greater things can take place in us, resonating through us, and into others, giving them hope.   

Therefore, as God's Chosen People, Holy and dearly loved, CLOTHE YOURSELVES with Compassion, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness and Patience.  Bear with each other and Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you!  And over all these virtues PUT ON LOVE, which binds them all together in perfect unity!" (Colossians 3:12-14)

Change the image of the unsure, to the light of the blessed assurance.  Everyone will benefit from the way we speak, walk, and live!  Consider the following lyrics of the song, continue seeking the face of God's direction, and see what transpires.  In Him, there is no failure, so let us always be mindful of who we represent!  We must, and CAN still make it!  YES, WE CAN!

I'm Gonna Make A Change

For Once In My Life,
It's Gonna Feel Real Good, Gonna Make A Difference,

Gonna Make It Right . . .

As I Turn Up the Collar On 

My Favorite Winter Coat, 

This Wind Is Blowin' My Mind,
I See The Kids In The Street, With Not Enough To Eat,
Who Am I To Be Blind,

Pretending Not To See Their Needs;
A Summer's Disregard, A Broken Bottle Top,

And A One Man's Soul,
They Follow Each Other On The Wind Ya' Know,

'Cause They Got Nowhere To Go,
That's Why I Want You To Know...

I'm Starting With The Man In The Mirror,
I'm Asking Him To Change His Ways,
And No Message Could Have Been Any Clearer,
If You Wanna Make The World A Better Place
Take A Look At Yourself, And Then Make A Change!!!

I've Been A Victim Of A Selfish Kind Of Love,

It's Time That I Realize,
That There Are Some With No Home, Not A Nickel To Loan,
Could It Be Really Me, Pretending That They're Not Alone?
A Willow Deeply Scarred, Somebody's Broken Heart,

And A Washed-Out Dream
They Follow The Pattern Of The Wind, Ya' See,

Cause They Got No Place To Be
That's Why I'm Starting With ME!

I'm Starting With The Man In The Mirror
I'm Asking Him To Change His Ways
And No Message Could Have Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World A Better Place
Take A Look At Yourself, And Then Make A - CHANGE!!!!

PRAYER, ANYONE?

Have you experienced moments where it seems as if everything that could happen, is happening in your life, and you feel as though you are unsure of what to do next?  Or, can you bear witness to the fact that you feel like you have reached an impasse, and uncertainty raises it's ugly head?  A day, during the month of April, has been designated as National Prayer Day.  Everyone in the country are asked to take time out to pray or request, have a meeting with God intimately, and you realize that what you are asking for, an answer shall be provided, that everything will be placed in its proper perspective.

In retrospect, we should ALWAYS PRAY, and lift one another up, EVERY DAY of the year! While we are making our requests known to God, He ALWAYS hears us.  I have learned that, throughout my life, there are 3 responses that become the most consistent; NO, YES, and WAIT!  When you think back on the prayers you have sent to God, are you able to say the same?  I am sure that you can bear witness to how the answers are provided, realizing that everything will be worked out as it needs to, and you have that blessed hope!

So much is taking place around us, everywhere we go, everyone we see or come in contact with.  What are we actually praying and asking for?  What are we wanting to happen?  Who do we want to lift up, or stand in the gap for?  The Word of God tells us, in 2 Chronicles 7:14:

"If MY people, which are called by My name, shall HUMBLE THEMSELVES, AND PRAY, SEEK MY FACE, TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS; THEN I will HEAR from Heaven, I will FORGIVE their SINS, AND will HEAL THEIR LAND!"

Also, we should know that, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  What does that mean to you?  What do you get out of that?  I personally have been asking God for some incredible things that I need Him to do in my life, but not just for me, but for everyone I know.  When we pray, we should keep in mind this parable:

Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, "God, I thank Thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.  I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of that I possess!"  And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, "God be merciful to me, a sinner!"  I tell you, THIS man went down to his house justified rather, than the other: for every one that exalts (elevates or glorifies) himself shall be abased (lowering in rank, office, prestige or esteem); and he that humbles (meekly or modestly) himself shall be exalted."

Prayer time is an experience that requires focus, determination, and belief that whatever you are asking God for, SHALL BE brought to pass, because you KNOW HE is faithful, when everyone else is not.  We should KNOW that God is able to do whatever He said, in spite of what it looks like around us.  We should realize who we are, and that we are nothing but dust; however, when we go to God and present Him what we want Him to do in us sincerely, He WILL honor our request, especially when we have a real relationship with Him. 

"It is God that girds me with strength, and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like hinds' feet, and sets me upon my high places. He teaches my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms!"  (Psalm 18:32-34)

We should continue to seek and hold fast to who God is, and what He can do- anything but fail!  God provides, and makes us able to accomplish whatever necessary in our lives.  Now is the time to pray like never before.  In light of everything that is going on today, we must continue asking for distinct instructions, so we can continue to walk in victory.  Amen?