Encouragement

Another Human Being…

Another Human Being…

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The greatest gift we can give ourselves is to know ourselves. If we do not take the time to know ourselves, how can we expect others to know who we are as individuals. When we know who we are as individuals, we can stand our ground against adversity, because we are confident in who we are not. When we are confident in who we are not, we gain respect in who we are, and what we stand for, because we suddenly realize our worth.

 

As individuals, we can be so hateful. If we are not lashing out at each other, verbally, we are abusing each other physically. In James 3:9, it is said the same tongue that is used to praise God, is used to insult our brethren. And the absurdity of it all…It is God who created us equally…  But what is it, that instills in one individual, this perception, it is ok to be hateful to another human being? To control who, or what an individual wants to be. Is it the hatred that grants us authority? Or is it the desire for someone, other than ourselves, to be just as miserable, as we are, with our own selves? Or could it be simply because we feel we are right, and they are wrong? No matter what one’s frame of mind, statue, or status, no one should ever have authority over another person’s life. It is said in Leviticus 19:17, we must not hate, or take our indifferences out on our brother. We must treat each other as we would want to be treated by others. Hatred will only cause the individual to be ashamed, or fear for their life because of the constant abuse. In the end, their one resolve is to abandon themselves, relinquishing their spirit, or even worse, their life.  And why? Because they are an individual, unlike the other person infiltrating their space. One of a kind, with unique characteristics.   If there is any commonality in all this, it is our carnal, and or worldly desire to acquire something which is not ours to take, that being a person’s inner self. To feel supreme, and lash out because someone has what the other wants. Our desire to be better than the next person. To exert power to prove we have won. We have conquered. But have we really?

Society can be cruel. We tend to make what is different, seem monstrous. We refuse to accept truth, so we try to change it in our own strength. We can pretend it does not exist. We can even blame the people we hurt, and say they should be strong. But point being, we hurt others. When slavery is referenced in the bible, one would imagine, stories of malice, or hatred. But instead the bible instructs us to treat others with dignity when enslaved. It is plain to see, though it was written in Colossians 4:1 to be fair, malice still managed to override justice.  Displaying one’s differences is harmful. When we take advantage, lie on one another, abuse one another, whatever the case, it only leads to despair. If we could only reflect inward when we chose to harm others. We should ask ourselves, “Why am I acting this way?” This is such an effective technique, to set both you, and the person you are harming free. That is why we have counselors, and psychiatrist… Our thought, our actions all can be corrected if we simply take the time to ask the question, “Why?” What pain am I harboring that causes me to willfully  harm another human being?

 

CWB

    For the Bond which Holds us together….Separation is not an Option!

    For the Bond which Holds us together….Separation is not an Option!

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    When God presents us with our true love who makes us happier than we have ever been, we think of their presence, night and day. We cannot imagine what the world would be like without them. We smile from ear to ear. Tell our families of their amazing attributes. Count the number of ways we are absolutely made for each other. And though it appears our foundation is rock solid, we brace ourselves, for we realize the foundation for which we stand is not as sturdy as we had hoped.

    All relationships can be challenging. No two people are alike. So when we come together, with our array of personalities, and past setbacks in life which have eroded what little identity we have left, it becomes difficult to carry the weight of a relationship along with our baggage, to say the least, no matter how beautiful the event may seem. As I write, I feel like a broken record… For I say continuously, every aspect, in my life, I have given over to God to make better, only because, I know he can. In the business world, they say when you present an idea…, a thought, do not say, “I think this would be a good idea.” Say, “You know…,” or better yet, say, “It is…,” and stand on your word with confidence. In John 14:6, God said “I am the way and the truth and the life.” He did not say he felt as though this was his position in life, but emphatically, he is the way to the Father. And this I believe. On everything which turns bleak in my life, I stand firm, and continue to believe God’s word. If not out of desperation, then because, He tells me, “It is good.” You see, if we pay attention, God will teach us, and test our relationships. And it is in these tests, again, if we are attentive, he shows us how to live a better life, and endure the gifts of love which he has graciously bestowed upon us. Through our test, our integrity is put on trial. So, when we are in situations that become intense, do we take it out on our spouse, or should we take the high road and forgive? When God shows us the need to change within our own selves, should we make those changes within? Or should we react stubbornly, because we are too proud to change? Or, for that matter, do we simply turn our backs on change because we cannot believe, it is us, who, need the change? Usually, we go on, trying (operative word), to change the circumstance in our own strength, rather than handing it over to God. But, what we should do is engage in life, no matter how tiresome. For what is life if we do not participate. With every strength received from our merciful God, we should raise our hands and say, “Here God, I’m giving it to you.”  And then go on to celebrate our own change, without another thought to the once tiresome situation we handed over to God. It baffles me why we think it is much easier to battle it out, than to simply give it to God.

    When we see God’s hand working in our life, and we know he has placed this individual in our life, separation is not an option. Whether it be your spouse, your mother, your sister, or your brother, separation is not an option. When the circumstances begin to change, after letting go completely, because separation was not an option, we have the privilege of receiving the miraculous gift from God. The gift of restoration. But we must be patient. We must endure. We must believe. We must listen to the still voice of God urging us to be patient. We must listen to the still voice teaching us patience. Showing us who we are in the big scheme of it all. The voice telling us we are important. Telling us we are loved, if we only give it a moment to manifest. The voice which tells us, “I’m working on it….,” “Just be still….” The voice which ask, “Do you trust me?” The voice which says, “I love you.”

    Separation is not an option, for we know, “God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28).

     

    CWB

      Being Realistic…

      Being Realistic…

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      If there is one word in the English language I have grown to despise, it is the word realistic. When I hear it, it is like a double-edged sword driven in my heart. I am torn emotionally. On the one hand, the person adamantly professes their love for God. But as the discussion continues, I soon discover their destiny in jeopardy when they negligently exclude the power which rose Jesus from the dead. The context of realism sadly displays a lack of faith when uttered. So, though they know God, I do not know whether to rejoice…, or cry, because deep inside I know, they have not yet allowed themselves to let God be God. To relinquish the scientific…, the realistic…, the inevitable…, and obediently depend solely on Him. Trusting Him with a faith that could move mountains. So as Paul prays for those who have become fortunately blessed to know God (Ephesians 1: 17-19), I pray for them as well. For it is not enough to know him, but to also possess the knowledge of his great power, and how we have the opportunity to fulfill all our hopes and dreams by God’s grace. For there is nothing like releasing your cares, knowing that God’s power is so mighty, he is able to resolve, restore, bring into being, even the mightiest of circumstances to make better our lives.

      For many of us, when introduced to God, and we acknowledge his existence, it is when our spiritual journey begins. At some point in our life, hope fills our heart, and “faith”, being “the substance of things hoped for (Hebrews11:1)”, is given to us by God. But we are human, and when we are challenged by what we do not see, it becomes more difficult to profess. And so, our newly acquired faith is then challenged, and we move on to the next chapter in our spiritual journey, “The Proficiency of your Faith 101”. Yes, we believe there is a God… but we put limitations on His abilities. If we did not actually see Jesus heal the sick man with leprosy, how can we be expected to believe he can heal a family illness which has been around for generations, much less feed our family with loaves of bread, and a couple of fish. In the bible, it says all that is needed is faith, the size of a mustard seed. So how do we bring ourselves to believe this faith trumps our pragmatic beliefs? When do we let our guard down, rule out commonsense, and give praise, knowing without a shadow of a doubt, He has us, and will not forsake us? Regardless of the circumstances, whether it be in health, relationships, or finances, we desperately need to incorporate hardcore faith into our life.

      God will award us with grace but on the condition, we follow his instructions. So, in Corinthians 3: 11-15, if our foundation is that of Jesus Christ it will radiate in our lives. And if we subject ourselves to the instruction of those God has put before us, and humble ourselves to them, as in 1 Peter 5:5, God will anoint us with his grace. But for some of us, we are not mentally ready to give up control of our own lives. Or maybe, we are still immature in life itself, where we feel religion is for the old and feeble. We feel we have not lived enough yet, to relinquish control of our lives. But life happens, and circumstances do not always go according to plan, and we hit rock bottom. For me that ultimate faith came into play when I had absolutely nowhere else to turn. No plan. No direction. I was at the end of my rope. It was all I could do to look up and say God I need you. I surrender to you. And from that day forward my life has been the happiest it has ever been. I choke up when I compare my life to the before and after. It is like seeing the sun for the first time. Or smelling a rose. And I want to contain myself, but every time I think about his goodness, and my journey, I get so full inside. Back then, people always thought I was sad because they would see the tears rolling down my face. I knew he loved me back then, but now… If they thought I was sad then, they probably think I am in total misery now. With but an utterance of his goodness, tears fill my eyes, and warms me like nothing else in this world…  I pray that we all find this peace. It is awesome to understand and know, that because of God’s sacrifice, our sins are forgiven, and we can start anew. We can follow him and be set free from sickness, poverty, depression, unfair treatment, or at least the feeling of condemnation. The list goes on. And if we can learn this before we hit bottom…, “What a wonderful world”, as Louis would sing…

       

      CWB

        Guiding Light….

        Guiding Light….

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        There was a time when I believed Murphy’s law was the gospel truth to all unknown possibilities in my life. I believed more in Murphy’s law than in the grace of God. As we mature in Christ, we realize, how it is God, who guides us, protects us…, graces us with unbelievable moments of miraculous wonder. How, those uncertain situations, if we believe and have faith, can end in victory, rather than defeat. We begin to believe in his power, and Murphy, and his law of inevitable destruction, suddenly fade away. In Isaiah 41:10, God tells us not to fear, because He is with us every step of the way. No darkness, no enemy, or anyone’s Murphy, can keep us from our destined victory, if we believe in God’s power. Every day we can experience God’s guiding light, if we seek and meditate on Him, and read His word. Some days, when I notice I have not been reading the word as often as I should, I begin to feel darkness set in, attacking me at will. In a state of confusion, I say to Him, “Lord, I know I have not been praying as I should, or reading the word like I have done in the past”. “I am so consumed by other issues of life”. “I feel terrible, and see I am growing weary”. Because of the attacks weakening my spirit, my flesh wants to throw in the towel. Be a “regular person”, per se. But my heart, it wants to seek His word, and embrace it, so His spirit can flush the darkness, and allow me to feel wholeness once again. It is when I meditate on my favorite scripture, Isaiah 40:31, I find my way back…, drawing in his strength, and reminding myself, I am an eagle who does not become weary, and who has the faith to continue on even when my spirit wanes. I conclude, then, being regular is overrated. I rejoice knowing there is nothing like basking in the word of God.

        For me, staying in the word each, and every day is not easy. I love the Lord with all my heart, but there are times in my life, when conglomerate circumstances gradually pull me away from my insatiable spiritual self. I no longer relish reading the word, but rather resting in the flesh. And though these are lazy moments in time when I long to simply clear my mind, I feel guilty knowing the ultimate sacrifice is my spirit. For if there were ever still an ounce of inevitable doom in my life when darkness prevailed, it is the moment I let my guard down. And this darkness, which comes in many forms, can be as extreme, as a haunting of past hurtful events flooding the subconscious, confusing us as to the reason why they have reoccurred in the first place. Or as minute, as the discomforting feeling we experience when we overeat, possibly because we are too bogged down with other aspects in life to cook a meal. And though I find time to praise his name, thanking him for my life, it is not enough. Because as I said, the moment I neglect my spiritual walk, it is the moment my shield begins to crumble. Though I have filled my physical body, spiritually, I am still starving. I have not fed my spirit. I have not read His word. And those days when there is little, to no word, where we are not feeding our spirit, filling up with his supernatural power, when we are just running the race, it is then when we experience an attack of sorts. Like the panic in a diabetic when their sugar is too low. Or an addict, when the drug which once kept them high, has suddenly bought them to an all-time low, and they need a fix… Imagine everyone getting just a taste of God’s Goodness, and then suddenly experiencing this need for a fix… When I have not cloaked myself with his word, I can feel my light dimming. In Psalm 119:105, David speaks of the danger he feels, but he knows the word of God is a lamp to his feet. A light brightly shining, illuminating the darkness, leading him back down the lit path of peace and righteousness. And because he believes God word revives his spirit giving him peace, he promises to heed his word forever. And so too, shall I, because I would much rather encourage my weary self to meditate on His word, than get up the next morning, not feeling His peace, His presence, His joy.

        Of course, His is not always shadowing us with his presence. Staying in faith, as his spirit dwells within can enable us to stay afloat. His burden is not heavy. He does not micro manage. And though my recent statement may seem to contradict the scripture in Matthew 11:30, when he states his yoke is easy, and his burden light, I know it is the drudgery of life which at times can be a burden, drawing me in to a sea of weariness. For his word is what pulls me through. His word is filled with love, and ultimately peace. How can any gifts such as these, be a burden when all that is asked, is to simply love those around you? And when we learn of his gratitude, and the loving nudges he gives us in exchange for our own, these nudges take on new meaning. They again, are not translated as burdens in my mind, but little miracles straight from heaven. His light, metamorphosing into my “Aha” moments where He guides me, teaches me, and counsels me. In Psalm 32:8, It says “I will instruct you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eyes”. By again reading his word, he lovingly gives us those “Aha” moments that guide us in the right direction, if we just be still and listen. By reading his word, we are filled with his love. Love which extinguishes the darkness using his words to guide us, and give us absolute peace.

         

        CWB

          My Vindicator, My Shield…

          My Vindicator, My Shield…

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          Have you ever tried to understand how a person could do the very thing you felt was so undeniably wrong, you just could not understand their reason, and, or justification for their actions? When we initially meet people, we want to believe they are, who they say they are…, especially if they profess to be Christians. We forget though, despite their profession, they are still children of God, growing every day, to be better than they were the day before. And this is great, for as Christians, we are taught not to judge others. It is written in Matthew 7:1, “Do not judge, so that you will not be judged”. But …, what if we turned it around to read, “You will not be judged, if you do not judge”. The emphasis is no longer on what not to do, but what will happen if you do. The ramifications of our judgement, seem to be more profound. What if the only way to stop the madness attacking us, is if we stop the madness of judging others? What if we, were the cause of our own demise? … So, better to circumvent the circumstance of speaking, and or thinking ill of someone, lest it come back on us. In whatever regard, it is best not to pass judgement, for it is not ours to render, but the Lords. In Proverbs 21:2, it says “A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart”. So, this is nice to know, if ever we are stuck, and do not know how to behave in a situation, when it relates to whether a person is doing right, or wrong, that we can always give it to God. We may not know what they are going through, to enable them to act as they do, but God knows what it is that allows them, in their hearts, to justifiably act the way they behave. He is the only one who truly sees what is going on inside of them. God sees the true intentions of their heart.

          And if, by chance, they are untrue, God will fight our battles. Throughout Psalm 37, David speaks of evil doers who become extinct due to their choice of character. He encourages us to give these circumstances of injustice to God, waiting and, believing with assurance, despite the success of those who have offended us with their wickedness, that he will vindicate our injustice. And while humbly turning over the situation, without offense or anger, God will reward us with eternal prosperity to live, and to not become extinct ourselves. For he is pleased how we handled the situation in his care. After, you will begin to see God’s evidence of your vindication. He will even show you, in some instances he has accomplished what he set out to do. For the evidence comes to you, for everyone to see. Whether by coincidence, or firsthand, the demise of the person who inflicted you with such injustice will be revealed. And when you realize that this person is now experiencing the repercussions of their wicked ways, your first instinct is to rejoice, because they hurt, or offended you. But you are then reminded of who you are, and your place in the kingdom, as a child of God. For to delight in someone else’s misfortune, would only be acting out of character. You remember his grace, and the love God has shown you when vindicating your injustice, and so you pray that the person finds his way as well.

          We all can think of countless times we were unwillingly taken advantage of because of our vulnerability. Or rumors were spread in order to magnify someone else’s faux integrity. It would be so easy to curse this person, or situation, while justifying our words, or thoughts of anger in lieu of our tragedy. But there is no need for our joy to be disfigured. God has us. So, delight yourself in his goodness one day, and see for yourself his mighty power. When you realize his awesome power, and how he can truly work in your life, it will blow you away! He is your vindicator! He is your shield…

          CWB

            Houston!

            Houston!

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            My heart goes out to the bravehearts in Houston. To all the country, whose lands, at times, suffer uninvited destruction, I say you are the bravest of the brave. We are all familiar with the downtrodden areas Mother Nature and her threats of destruction tend to revisit repeatedly throughout the year. She takes us by surprise, as she aimlessly whips through our cities appearing as if she were angry with the world. We know she means no harm, for she is Mother Nature. But just as some of us often do, regress, and forget our bearings, so too, does she, mother of all elements. She had her moments, back in time, but never like this. Now billions of years later, her demeanor lends itself to question, and we must be strong, due to these circumstances which are beyond our control. But truly, if we have faith, no matter where we live we will push through the pain and suffering. For God will gather his children and remind us not to fear, or be dismayed by our circumstances, for he will help us and give us strength (Isaiah 41:10).

            It is unfortunate, though, the only time we stand united is when we are hit by a temperamental force of nature. Mother nature plays on our intelligence, unfortunately at the expense of others. Her feigned illness is only a ploy to pull us together. As we cry for mercy, she becomes even worst, as if to say, “Where is the mercy I seek?” She thinks, “How do you think I feel, when I look down at those I have nestled beneath my breast, only to find they are filled with hatred and bigotry?” There is no rhyme or reason in her destruction. We banter back and forth, spewing hatred towards one another. In Proverbs 13:3, it is said, it is those who guard their tongue, who have real life, but those who speak hurriedly, without foundation, or consideration pertaining to the intent of their thoughts, it is they who shall perish. For some of us we feed on the gratification that the ones we dislike are justifiably getting what they deserve. We have heard so many times, in and of itself, the color of our blood is not unique. So why do we still act as though we are different? We still find ourselves at war with each other, whether the matter relates to race, religion, or sexual orientation, the end never justifies the mean. I would like to think, those who are swept away by her raft, were taken away because of God’s mercy. Why should we all have to live in a chaotic world, filled with people who have no regard for each other. People who would rather disregard their brethren in order to satisfy their own insanity, in an attempt to justify their ignorance. But while their ignorance is justified, where is the justification for those who are no longer with us? It is in our hearts we know, though it may not be justification for those left behind, it is assuredly justification for those who are no longer here, for they are much happier than we could ever be in this world of hatred. I would say we will rejoice with them as they journey home to our Fathers house.

            Heavenly Father, this prayer is for every quake which fails to waken us… For every drop of rain which we have sand bagged in our minds, because our land, nor our conscious, could no longer endure the flood. For every twisted wind which seeks to capture everything in its path, to include the innocent bystanders. For every ember left simmering on the charred horizon, and everything smoldered beneath, we will say wake up… to our nation who has seemed to forget their place. For it is not Mother Nature who has regressed, but we, God’s children, who do nothing but fuss and fight, and treat each other with hatred and no respect. Paul reminds us, in Philippians 2:1-5, of Jesus, and his love which permeates within us. He says his one desire would be for us to take that love, and embrace each other in becoming like – minded, and treat each other as our Savior has taught us to treat each other. We are all god’s people, indivisible by the blood of Jesus. So, I pray;

            Dear God, have mercy on our souls. Thank you, Father, for delivering us from our delirious state, and have mercy on Your land you once revered. We give you glory for the lives which are spared. Though Your children who inhabit this land are being abusive towards one another, we refuse to be broken by our sickness. We think you that our hearts are still filled with hope, knowing you have not forsaken us. As we patiently wait to be rescued, and place our hope in you Lord, not man, but You……we will be given the wings like the eagles in the sky, for we know as we hope in you, our strength is being renewed. In Jesus name, I pray……. Amen…

            CWB

              Be a Humbler…

              Be a Humbler…

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              There are two types of people in this world…, the “givers”, and the “takers”. Well, maybe three, for those of us who refuse to be either. I will call them the “performers”. At some point, whether it is because of one event, or a string of events, our inner sprits diminish out of hurt, anger, and, or frustration. In my heart, I believe we all start out as givers. God, the greatest giver of them all, gave His only son, so that we could live an eternal life (John 3:16). Surely because we are God’s temple, and His spirit lives within us (1 Corinthians 3:16), we too, are givers by nature. So, with God’s grace we are loving, and kind, open with our feelings, like a child as they say. But then it happens. The events which change our lives forever, or so we are led to believe, “doomed forever”, begin to change our spirits. Our choices, as we see it at the time, are either to stay a giver, and carry the brunt of the event, in frustration, filling ourselves with anger and pain. Or to become a taker, thereby transforming to a hardcore reinvention of our broken selves. Or even worse, becoming a player, performing in a one man show, convincing the world we are ok. Which do we choose?

              How about none of the above. It does not matter whose spirit, was diminished by whom first. Whether it happened to be a taker who later betrayed a giver, who then later conformed to becoming a performer, only to later turn around, to craftily deceive another taker. In the end, we are all effected by the baggage we choose to carry. And, yes, it is unfortunate, violations of our spirits do occur. So then, we ask ourselves, “how should we brave these misfortunes? Should we hide…, give up hope, ultimately feeling the need to end it all? More so, become too embarrassed, and, or overwhelmed to reach out for help? For most, our first inclination is to fight. But if we are so laden with hurt, and we have not the strength to fight, what do we do? Or, maybe the notion to fight is easier, since we come from a line of fighters, and this is all we know. And so, we fight, so as not to appear weak. Or, we fight, because, like so many of us, we have a family to support, and others who look up to us, and so, careful not to tarnish the reputation of the family, we perform the lead in our one man show, and fight, to keep from exposing ourselves.
              As children of a kind and loving God, we should also be kind, loving, and compassionate. We should be so filled with the word of God, that the task of orchestrating steps to harm our brothers and sisters in Christ, or anyone for that matter, should not even cross our mind. In Colossians 3:12, it is said to be gentle, and patient to those whom God loves. No man is any better than the next, especially if we love the Lord, that we are unable to humble ourselves to do what is asked of us. If Jesus can die on the cross for our sins, forgiving His trespassers, we can certainly treat our brethren with honor and respect, despite how they may treat us. And the pain, and hurt we have endured which we are now setting aside in order to honor those who have hurt us, will slowly fade away because God will then give us the strength when He sees us honoring His children, for we are thereby honoring His word. Rising above it all. Can you think back to a time, when we were free to just love? No worries as to the nature of adverse circumstances. Just unconditionally spreading love to any, and all you meet. Knowing…, God loves you. Having no animosity towards one another. Being strong, because God loves you. Focusing on God’s word, and humbling ourselves, and perhaps even praying for those who we see have not quite received the blessing of how valuable God’s word can enhance their lives. Yes, we can continue to hurt each other, causing the “flight or fight” paranoia. Or we can be the domino, which stands firm on God’s word, believing no weapon which forms against us will prosper because we believe in His words, releasing fear, to love and embrace, even when not reciprocated. Which should we choose? Choose to be a humbler…

              CWB

                Who loves you more???  

                Who loves you more???  

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                I have always kept a place in my heart for God. Some days, I would acknowledge Him more than others. But not a day went by where I would not thank Him for his goodness. My thanks would not be, so much so, because I felt I was blessed. For the most part, we are all blessed. Life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, prerequisites for a blessed life. No, my thankfulness first developed through blind faith. Being told, to be thankful, simply, because He existed. Told to worship Him, with the belief, He was God. Not really understanding, or feeling this supposedly cloud of joy, but accepting its existence, nonetheless. But with the day to day, trials and tribulations of life, your blessings can become so entwined in the rigorous fight for survival, you forget the basic blessings of life. What little faith and gratitude you do gain, if not cemented by his daily word, or spirit, enveloping your life, and grounding your every waking moment, you easily can be swept up by the darkness.

                Everyone needs a pick me up when everything seems to be pulling them down. That shoulder to cry on, when no one seems to be in your corner to tell you it is ok. What I did not have, and what I desired most, was that someone. Someone who understood my pain, and my suffering, and who would not be taken aback, by the me, which presented itself internally. As we all say, someone, “who loved me, for me”, allowing, “me”, to feel loved and accepted (and by all means, do follow the bouncing ball of “me” in my accounts). For some, the acceptance of peers, family, or friends, would be enough. For me, I needed to feel that genuine, unconditional love elsewhere. And it needed to be a love that would swoop me off my feet, letting me know everything would be ok. Yes, what I needed (trite as it may seem), was my knight in shining armor. It is so funny though, whenever I found myself really agonizing over this overwhelming feeling, I would go to God begging for some type of relief (preferably in human form). But He would send me anything, but what I requested. A cat…, a dog…, an actual homeless man even (who I must say was a true friend in the end). Well, he was, human…, but really? Until finally, I had had enough of the Lord’s humorous intent in supplying my every need (oh so I felt it to be humorous), and vowed, nevermore, to will into my life stray rejects. I wanted something real, which would benefit “Me”. But you know that saying, when you are troubled, divert your attention away from yourself, and help someone else in need? Well this, I realized was my lesson for the “me” epidemic. The moment I began to utilize the compassion God blessed me with, it was that moment my life began to change. When I realized that each and every time I called Him, he answered. That He had a solution! And although He was not tangible, the solution was a physical something, or someone which, I could, touch! Not necessarily the solution I desired, but a solution, nonetheless, I realized, He – loved – me. How amazing is life when you realize that God truly exist? That He hears your cry, and, actually, takes the time, because he loves you, to answer your prayers. Now, when I try to console a friend, or family member, I tell them, “God hears your cry”. “He hears you!”  In 1 John 5:14, it says, we must have the confidence to know, not think, to know, whatever we ask of Him, according to his glorious power and might, He will hear us, and our request, will, be answered because of our belief in him. I believe, when we begin to seek him, it is that moment we truly begin to believe. So, if we stop focusing on the “me”, and focus on the “Him”, and seek him! What a glorious moment we would experience.

                For the younger generation, or those who feel time is too precious to be focusing on God and prayer, I say think again. He is not looking for the perfect church goer, or the person who avidly prays. He just wants you to know he is here for you, anytime you need a friend. I used to think He was not enough, because I could not reach out and touch Him. Or hear an audible voice of Him. But when your boyfriend, or husband…, mother, or father are going through their own issues, and there is not enough time to recruit a friend, you always have God, the father. The only one who will come to your side because he has already loved you for a negative 280 days, and then some. You were not determined by a whimsical moment, the ticking of a biological clock, or life’s predestined goals. You are his child, and He is your Father. Numerous counts in the bible stating his love for those who seek his face, in which he would never leave, or forsake. In Psalm 10:4 it says for it is the proud who refuse to seek God. Those who believe they do not need him. I cannot speak for the atheist in the world, but for those of us who know he exist, and still do not honor him? I once heard a woman say, “I don’t know if God truly exist, but I’m gonna pray, just in case”. I would say that is a smart woman.