Complete Restoration from Above

Before I delve into today's inspirational topic, I wanted to apologize for missing a post last week because I know many of you actually look forward to my blogs. Last weekend we moved into our new home, and were caught up unpacking and decorating. And as you can imagine, no internet access, still awaiting connection from Verizon but I was inspired this morning to share a message with you so I managed my cell without wifi. 

            I wish to remind you all once again that this blog was created not as an outlet, but as a platform to encourage you, to inspire you, and to empower you to fully live your life as you endeavor to become the best you. It is most definitely not about what's cool now or what's trending, it's about touching souls. If you ever feel that it's losing focus on the mission feel free to send me a private message to steer me in the right direction. Prior to creating this blog, I asked friends and family their thoughts about my decision. One of the comments I received questioned me on whether I can handle negativity, or bashing on my blogs. I simply responded that I doubt my writings will elicit such reactions. I am thankful that we haven't encountered such behavior. I truly appreciate the positive energy. 

And now the message: 

        Even before 2014 started I anticipated the year to be nothing but good. As we approach the end of January, I wish to share this uplifting message about God's restorative power. Many of us are lost or have felt lost at some point in our lives, not knowing what to do or where to turn for help. I was so decisive and so sure of what I wanted to do in life up until age 21-graduation. Then I lived the next 5 years lost & confused amidst several jobs, unemployments, government loan deferments, salliemae harassments, and attempts at law school and nursing school (both utter disasters due to lack of financial support).  It felt as though the rat race will never end, and my life will forever be caught in disappointment after disappointment notwithstanding the false rumors  that plagued my name. Maybe you can't relate to the aforementioned, but you have endured a terrible breakup, divorce, rape, domestic violence, loneliness, depression, a major illness, etc. I just wish to inform you that God has the power to restore you completely and renew you. You might have endured so much, but scripture tells us that he will give rest to those who are heavy laden. 

              As I reflected upon the goodness of God since September '13, I went back to the hardships and struggles encountered prior. And all I can do was meditate upon this scripture: Joel 2:25 "And I will restore to you the years that the locust has eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you."

I can assure you that in my case he did exactly that on every level of my life. He has turned my mournings into laughter. We were not created to "hang in there", but to rather thrive. So do not live in mediocrity, in so doing you impede the fulfillment of your destiny. Address issues in your life 1-by-1, discipline yourself, focus on the good, pray often, and do good, and your perspective on life will transform. 

God will turn around your captivity and change your life if you rely on him. I realize not everyone of you is Christian, I acknowledge that, but I also know you believe in a higher power. Let that guide you as you approach life with more boldness, hope, peace, strength, and joy.

 Happy Sunday, be blessed. 

You are what you think

After graduating college, I stumbled upon a book called The Secret, which was very popular years ago; the timing couldn't have been any better! Now the lesson I learned from the book is that once a thought occurs in your mind, it is automatically captured and willed into being. The book boldly stated that some of the bad things that happen to us are things that we have willed into being, in lemans term we jinx ourself. When I recommend the book to others, I explain that it is a book about faith written without using the word faith in order to appeal to a broader non-religious audience. As I meditated upon a topic, it occurred to me how true this book was and wanted to share it with others. 

While residing in NYC during 2010, I racked up parking and speeding tickets over a $1,000. It was not unusual to hear me talk about how parking meters hated me, for some reason the time seemed to always go faster when I parked there. It was almost all I could think of, how to get rid of current tickets and how to avoid getting more; only to incur even more tickets. Then I remembered the lesson in The Secret, about how when you focus your attention on a particular issue you mind actually registers that you want that thing to occur. So I sacrificed and paid off all my tickets, and vowed to no longer get another parking ticket, I since haven't  and I won't knock on wood because I just know I won't. 

The bible tells us to call things to be as though they are, that is truly the secret of the Christian life. We are bound to experience trauma, pain, hurt, and challenges, but the goal is to endure and not be moved by present circumstances and rather shift our focus to how things will be once "this" passes. As we focus daily on the good things that await we are able to deal with the unpleasant situations, learn what we ought to learn, and persevere. Know that as your mind conceives possibilities, you will be able to address any issues life throws you. 

Be positive! Be empowered! 

Becoming a child again

We have the privilege and honor to live to see the year 2014, and like myself most of us are eager to see what this year will bring. The most common thing at the beginning of every new year is the goals we all set. Sometimes we acknowledge the need to make a change in our lives, but somehow manage to procrastinate the change until the new year. The most ideal method in goal-setting is making a conscious effort to make it a daily endeavor instead of a yearly leap. As this new year begins, many wish to exercise, shed some pounds, get married, have children, obtain new jobs, move out-of-state, become better individuals, save and pay off debt, grow spiritually, learn to forgive, etc. Believe it or not, my 2014 goals were set in August 2013, simply because I am timeline-conscious. 

I started this year reading several self help books, to improve myself in becoming my ideal self. But as I watched my little niece Shaniya's behavior and demeanor it occurred to me that most of the goals I sat would easily be accomplished if I learned to re-develop the child-like traits I once had. Children are such a blessing; and even though I do not yet have my own, I had the privilege to be around them my whole life. The way she lights up a room with her sweet voice and smile even when no one is in the mood to talk is just amazing. Here are some traits that children possess that can alleviate adults of some of the unnecessary burdens of life. 

Children have a (1) humble spirit, (2) they have faith, (3) they love unconditionally, and (4) can easily transform. 

1. The pride of life is so destructive, and creates a haughty spirit that is unyielding to the Holy Spirit. Children are not so easily offended, and do not hold grudges.

2. Faith calls for complete dependence on God knowing that you can trust him to make possible that which we can't do. Children demonstrate this trait by trusting their parents to provide, and be there for them when in need. Children do not worry about what they need or want even if their parents tell them they have no money. 

3. The Bible says he who forgives little loves little. We live such stressful lives, and make it even more complicated by malice, hatred, and lack of compassion. Love transcends all things only if we do yield. 

4. Children are teachable. Most people go through life knowledgeable through academia but miss all the important lessons at the core of this journey called life, simply because we refuse to be teachable by experiences, or those in our lives who are wise. 

Combining all these traits, realize that you can develop high self-esteem and self-love to counter depression, you can blossom in love and cease to become hurt and broken, become financially wise because your spending habits have taught you better, achieve your highest educational, and social goals because you have faith that with God all things are possible. 

I pray 2014 brings you total harmony with your heart, mind, and soul as you become like a child yearning for the greater good in life.