What's Your Excuse, Now?
Sometimes, we tend to find excuses for the things that don't work out for us. We tend to blame others instead of taking responsibility for our actions, which only elevates the excuses. This behavior also applies to standing up for what is right. We often remain silent and wait for someone else to take the initiative instead of holding ourselves accountable. "What's your excuse, now?" is about empowering ourselves to make choices that will help us feel comfortable and confident in our skin.
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Praise, Jeers, Denial, Silence, Death and Return!
One moment Christ is being praised at his entrance to the city and there is celebration.
Fast forward, He is jeered and an innocent life traded for a murderer’s. His closest
confidante denies him. Christ answers his accusers with silence, is crucified
and returns!
How many times have we all been through these dramas?
We might not have physically died but we lost what we had due to some wrongful
accusations and hit rock bottom. Some of
us, by the grace of God and His divine destiny for us, came back.
Let us all take some time to reflect on what happened during the days before Resurrection Day!
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Bring Your Burdens to God!
Last
week was like being in a sandstorm. My environment seemed to change each moment
of the day. From good news to sadness, discouraging to encouraging and all
other mixed emotions.Each day had its own theme. Each time I took my hand out
of God’s I was being swept away by the powerful wind of anxiety. I do not know
how many times I wept, but I knew what it was about. And during those times, I
kept praising and thanking God for His mercy. Living is not easy but life could
still be a lot worse to us. We all go through something, good and bad and we
get through it. We are here to see another day and we should rejoice and be
glad in it. When the dust started settling and I thought I was falling, God
held me up. I am still standing and I announce publicly thank you Lord! He
never left me. Even though I am still in a storm, I can see in front of me. The walk by faith and not by sight is taking some time to get used to but I will. I
am learning not to get distracted from taking my eyes off the Lord by looking
at the stormy waters. I am learning to reach out my hand for His even when
things seem alright. I constantly remind myself how many times God has saved me
with miracles and mercy. By His grace I make it through the storms. I have a
mission and His Will be done. It has already been rewarding.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Rest In Peace!
The world lost Leonard Nimoy (The original Star Trek's Dr. Spock) and Anthony Mason (Former New York Knicks Basketball Power Player). Spock, 83, died of
complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at his Bel-Air
home. Anthony Mason, 48, died of a massive heart attack. There were many
others this past week that was known to someone. God grant them all peace.
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
What is God’s Will For Me Today?!
I just started saying
that yesterday morning and I hope it will be my daily mantra for the rest of my
life. It’s a strong statement but one I pray that I will never forget. So far,
it has helped me get through some rough times in my service with those who are
less fortunate. I have always tried to be in control of myself but get
frustrated whenever things do not go my way. This can be stressful at times but
foolish all of the time. I have been given a powerful gift and I am afraid of
it. This walk with God is supposed to be a confidence builder and a faith
healing process. But the more I see in others I realize how small I really am.
God is working through me and I am just catching on.
When you lose control,
you get impatient, frustrated and temperamental. I noticed that I was having good
days, better days and draining days. The draining days were the times I allowed
the negativity from the environment to pull the joy out of me. Notice that I
said allowed. I started reviewing the differences in the days and to be honest
with myself, I found that they all had their equal share of drama, intensity
and compassion. I had no control over any of them. The only differences were
none of the situations had a set schedule and time. My revelation was hearing
that voice that told me that it was never my will but His Will that will be
done. The Lord’s Prayer says it all, “Thy Will be done on earth as it is in
heaven.”
Life’s Lessons!
We all know or have
learned the various lessons life has taught us. Each of us has our own story to
tell. The stories we tell have made an impact to us. I have seen grown men lose
their homes after 46 years because they missed one year paying property taxes.
The major issue: The owner was in the hospital and tried to notify the
authorities. It did not matter. People that you would not expect are dealt
harsh blows such as architects, businessmen, pilots and other professionals
learned that no one will be excluded from learning some tough lessons. I would
say that none of us would expect such things to happen to us, maybe to others,
but not to us. But, whatever does happen, we have to go with it. I’m reminded of when Jesus told Peter, Andrew,
John and James to follow him. They left something behind. What did we leave
behind and would we if we did not have to? We all have similar fears and doubts.
We are not as different as we think.