Uniquely Created- Do You!

Did you know that God needs your uniqueness in the earth? When He created each of us, He broke the mold. There will never be another you in the earth. Yes, there may be a similarity, but never a duplication.

Psalms 139:14 states " I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well."

****Fearfully in the Hebrew word that is... "Yare." It means “to be afraid, stand in awe, fear”. When used of an exalted person it means “standing in awe”. This implies honor, reverence and respect for the person. To be “fearfully” made means to be “awesomely” made.

****Wonderfully in the Hebrew is translated as the word "Pele." It means unique, set apart, uniquely marvelous. This word could translate equally as miraculously, magnificently, amazingly, fantastically, or marvelously.

Understand your worth through the eyes of Your creator. You are awesomely made, unique, and marvelous. That is your inheritance and your identity. Walk with your head high and operate as a unique child of the King. Respect Your Uniqueness. Respect the Uniqueness of others. Be awesome. Be You. Do You. On Purpose. Make a difference where you are; the world needs you and not a replica or copy of someone else. Be blessed on purpose.

Word Matters

It is my belief that what we say about ourselves and others is important; especially as parents and leaders.

Scripture tells us that there is POWER in our words... (Proverbs 18:21). We can use it to speak death or life. Scriptures (1 Peter 2:9) tells us that we are a royal priesthood; a chosen generation, a holy nation, and a peculiar people. As a child of God, we have access to His promises. We declare (positive affirmation) and/or decree (command, ordain) the promises of His word as well as those things He commands us to speak.

So....understand the delegated power of declaration and decrees. It is simply a submitted son or daughter of God speaking His word, affirmations, and commands into the earth through understanding of His word by relationship with Him. I use them a lot- now with purpose. However, we can inadvertently declare or decree- example- if we keep saying we are sick and tired- chances are great that we will be sick and tired. Remember a time where I said that something was making me sick....well I couldn't shake this cold, my husband told me to be mindful of my words and as soon as I stopped saying it- I began to get better..

Think on these things as we form words for use today. Speak life to people and death to the things that need to die.

Be blessed on purpose!

Perspective

Perspective: How you look at a matter determines whether you are a victim or an overcomer. As I was visting home this weekend, my husband and I traveled along some of the places where I had experienced great pain. As I was visiting one of my aunts, we spoke about some things in the past. In each of these scenarios, I felt peaceful. I told my aunt that I had reconciled my past and that it has no hold over me.

It took some time, but I realized that each and every event is a part of my story. While some events are unpleasant, unfair, and downright evil- it is still a part of my story. It is not the end, nor does it determine the destiny that God has for me. However, it did shape the woman that I am...And this weekend was one of many reminders that it is important to remember that my entire life was not made up of tragedy.

As I look over the time, Romans 8:28 has come alive in my life. Romans 8:28 states that "All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and who are called according to His purpose." All things have truly worked out for me. God sent some awesome people into my life that have planted and watered the seeds of God's power. Seeds of a hopeful future. Seeds of a life beyond negative circumstances. Seeds of understanding and love through the manifestation of God's Kingdom family- what family should really be.

Today, chose to look through the lens of a positive way forward. A positive perspective changes the atmosphere around you. There was this rhyme I remember while growing up that goes.."You are what you eat from your head down to your feet.." I would say you are what you see from your head down to your feet....As I begin to agree with God's word and His promises about me- my life began to change. Once I stopped telling myself that my past was a hinderance instead of a part of a story- I became free. Once I understood the power of an overcomer- my mind, my life, my sphere of influence increased greatly. So, what lens are you looking through today? You make the choice for your own life and your family's life. Speak life to the dry bones around you! Refuse the enemy's tactic of being a victim or martyr. Make the choice to be happy, live free, and walk in the abundance of peace that God so freely gives.

Blessings!

One History One Fight

"I long for the time when all of the human history is taught as one history because it really is one history. ." - Maya Angelou

So do I, Ms. Angelou, So do I...

Earlier this month, I was asked to give the invocation for my organization's Black History program. One of the key things I remember praying (I hardly ever remember) is....we thank you Lord that we are not where we used to be, but we know that we are far from where we need to be..." The city's mayor thanked me for saying that and reitered this in his speech as well as encouragement for all of us to do our part.

As we close another celebration of our culture, my prayer to God is that one day reconciliation is not just a token word- but an action seen throughout the entire human race....

Often I have heard people say that February was selected because it was the shortest month....Here's a black history fact and myth debunker: Originally Black history was celebrated for a week- established by Carter G. Woodson.  February was selected/recommended because it is the month that holds the birthdays of the two facilitators of black freedom- Mr. Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln.

Research and truth will be key factors in reconciliation. Let's do our due diligence. Be blessed!

Spiritual Parenthood is not meant to be a Ponzi Scheme!!!

For my FB Believers: This has been on my mind concerning spiritual parenthood. This is for all of the people as well as the leaders called to be God's elect leadership; responsible for the maturity of the body of Christ to be reconciled to Him.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:15 KJV
"For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel." This is my indication that we will have parents amongst us.

However, I must tell everyone that if money is a REQUIREMENT to be associated with a spiritual parent or covering- *Imma* need you to run. Fast. This type of behavior my brothers and sisters is pimping at its finest. Spiritual witchcraft and manipulation. These people are not trusting God for finances- because God does not beat us over the head to do ANYTHING. My children do NOT pay me. Honestly, with God as our lead- our parenting is PRICELESS.  The same goes for spiritual parenthood.

Parenting requires relationship. Relationships are built on time spent together. Sending someone a check is not parenting relationship- that's just being associated with a name. This is cheapening God's vast treasures to a dollar bill. Wrong answer....

If we teach our children (natural and spiritual) HONOR, TRUE GIVING, GRACE, and LOVE as well as how to hear the HOLY SPIRIT for themselves.....the body could hear how to give appropriately.

Giving is important and necessary. However, we are called to give willingly. My brother in Christ always tells me that charity begins at home. If it comes down to your rent or a church payment- pay your rent. That doesn't require a prayer vigil or counseling; use common sense.

This is not to be a full covering of this issue, but merely an educational warning to think or rethink your position on this matter.. Be blessed, FB.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness: It has been on my heart to write about this subject for the last few days. I have been avoiding it because it's hitting close to home these days. And since I was tagged in a post about forgiveness hours after I told God that I would be obedient- I am sure that is no coincidence. So here we go...

Forgiveness is not easy. The first step is the hardest because it is an admittance that hurt has occurred and that a weak point was found. Human beings have an aversion to being vulnerable. This is not about the "you stepped on my shoe" kind of forgiveness. This is the hard stuff- "you hurt my heart to the core" kind of forgiveness.

For me, I have been experiencing some deep hurts and while I have forgiven on one level, there are residual issues that God is still working out in me. I am so glad for a strong prophetic presence in my life that can see my "blind spots." With the exception of a few people in my life...my issue looks like this: I am okay with forgiving you. We can move on. But I have closed the door to my heart to you and I will not open it back up. However, God is calling me to open my heart because I am called to be like Him. To be like Him means that I have to leave the door open to real reconciliation as He would. I want to see God more that I want to hold on to hurt, but some days, I am thinking.."man, this is a bunch of crap.." Now, this does not mean that you let people walk all over you, but hurt people hurt people. Just as we change and evolve, we need to be hopeful and accepting that others can change too. Seeing a person commit and execute a complete 180 is the richest kind of reward in life. It is this type of forgiveness that allows you to love again and not build a wall of protection around your heart.

There is an old saying (and a bumper sticker) that says, "I (Christian) am not perfect, I am forgiven.." However, we forget that this is a two fold sentiment. We are to forgive others as we have been forgiven. God does not remember our sins and after we are forgiven, we are reconciled to Him as if it never happened. This is the kind of love that the body is called to replicate in the earth. Peacemaking forgiveness with a side of unconditional love that can only be accomplished in God's power. Blessings!

***My thanks to Apostle Ivory Hopkins for his obedience to the spirit of the Lord because I am sure that I would still try to delay writing this post. (LOL)

The Marriage Journey IV

One of the most glaring lessons that I have learned is the quest to becoming a whole me.

Unfortunately, I was not a whole me as a single young woman before I married Terrey. Of course, I thought that I was, but in reality I was not and this caused unnecessary issues that others can now gleam from if one chooses to listen. So grateful for Terrey loving the "hell" out of me.  I am speaking about foundation issues stemming from childhood or early adult trauma, not necessarily maturity issues- people grow and mature together in marriage.

So, my advice is to remember that while marriage is a partnership, each person is should be committed to their own growth with your partner as a walking companion to assist you on your journey. If you are single, it is so important that you take this time to focus on you. Marriage is hard and takes work. One needs to be ready to give all.

Much love.Hope you enjoyed this quick journey and that I have said something that may have blessed you! ♡♥♡♥♡♥