I’m sure that most of you are or were feeling like I was about starting a new year. With a new president and high hopes for tomorrow we believed that 2009 was the start of a brighter day. I know that it wasn’t going to happen overnight; I’m smart enough to know that things wouldn’t turn around that fast, but a new year brings new expectations – expectations that things will be better than before….hmmm.
As I sorted through the bills that seem to come more regularly I wondered how I often end up with more bills at the end of the month than money. As I look at the envelope I found myself asking a bill, “Didn’t I just pay you?” I couldn’t believe it when the bill spoke back, “yup.” What am I doing wrong? “God, why has thou forsaken me?” I asked. I could remember the days when I used to make ends meet; now it seems that they just get close enough to wave at each other. I scan through my checkbook wondering if I splurged unnecessarily – sure there’s a couple of trips to Walmart where I could have stuck to picking up the things that were on my list, could that be it? As I listened to the stories around me, stories from family, friends, and strangers that were dealing with their own economic downfall I wondered how long would it be before life got better? “Ummm God, can you hear us down here?” It was then that He showed me the big picture. Life is not only hard for those of us that are barely making ends meet, but life is becoming harder for those that watched the poor get poorer – the stock market crashed, gas prices skyrocketed, investments gone, banks closings, bailouts, the economy in a downward spiral – we are all one people now. “But hey Big Fella, I’m already a believer, You don’t have to put me in the category of those that don’t know how struggling feels.” “Ummm, God??? I could really use some help down here.” It was then that the still small voice spoke clearly, “What have you done for Me lately?” He said, “Tell your family, friends, and strangers that they spend so much time talking, texting, and emailing other people about their problems but very few kneel down and tell Me.” God said throughout all your problems I was here, I never left you even thou most days you turned your back to me – yeah those were the days when you were too busy? Remember when you didn’t pray or seek My counsel but just moved on your own, well guess who was there when it blew up in your face? God said all you had to do was just ask; just look to the hills from whence cometh your help, your help comes from the Lord; just ask. God said tell everybody that it was I that was here with open arms when you came back; I didn’t turn my back to you. Didn’t I tell you that I would never leave you nor forsake you, but did you trust Me? He said, My child, it was I that miraculous put money in your pocket to pay $90 a week to gas up your truck. It was I that filled your tank like I filled the widower’s jars with oil. He said tell everybody that I put food on their table and fed them when they didn’t have enough food in their fridge to make a meal. Didn’t I tell you that I would set a table before you? It was I that heard them cry at night; I wiped their tears and made a way out of no way. God said I made ends meet for you; I opened up the windows of heaven when your friend needed to pay college tuition for two children in the same week and it was I that was there when they needed more money than expected. Me, Jehovah Jireh. I provided for your other friend when she needed a new transmission; only I can take a car broken on Saturday and have it ready on Monday. I provided for your husband when his truck broke down on the expressway; only I can have a truck fixed in the parking lot of a closed automotive shop on Sunday that broke down on Saturday. Tell your friends that it was I that changed the doctor’s reports; somebody thought one thing but I AM GOD! I kept your travels safe when danger was around you. I woke you up this morning. I brought you through the valley of the shadows of death. Hey little fellas, it was I!! Ummm Folks, can you hear Me up here? God said, Sandy, things are rough right now but trouble don’t last always. I told you not to worry, to lay your troubles on the altar. Everything that comes upon you give it to Me, turn and walk away. I want you to tell Me that you don’t know how you are going to pay this bill or that bill, how you’re going to keep a roof over your head. Ask Me what should you do when you’re having problems in your marriage, on your job, in your finances, with your family, with your children. Call, text, or email Me first; My calls are free... Oh yeah, and when I deliver you from the snares of the enemy; don’t be ashamed to shout and give Me the glory! Don’t act like you did it all on your own. Don’t be ashamed to tell someone how good I am. Stop and say, “HE, ALONE, is God!!” Ummm folks, can you hear Me up here?
~Stay Prayed Up! CLICK ON THE LINK
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
SNAPPED
Everything and every circumstance today seem to end up turning into a reality show. One day while flipping through the channels I saw a show called “Snapped” which I discovered was about real life stories of people that have “snapped” mentally, I suppose. This show was somewhat gruesome and I couldn’t believe that people were now capitalizing on the mental breakdowns of others. Gosh…the things we let entertain us. Speaking of entertainment I must admit that I am so sick and tired of the Chris Brown/Rihanna drama. It started out with everyone talking about how Chris Brown snapped on Rihanna and left her beaten, bloodied, and alone on the side of the road. Afterwards, when it became apparent that she’d forgiven him television shows from Entertainment Tonight and TMZ to radio shows and domestic violence blogs continued to insist that we focus on two kids in the entertainment business rather than addressing that something is causing people all over the world to “snap.” The Brown/Rihanna situation reminds me of the Michael Vick crisis – though his actions were wrong we forgot that there are far more important issues happening in American today; such as people living on the streets, parents struggling to feed their family and let’s not forget that people are killing people every day. Society has forgotten what’s more important; they would rather we step over our hungry children and our homeless men and women and fight to the death to defend a dog. Domestic violence…a very serious situation but it didn’t start with Chris Brown and Rihanna. It started many years ago… Domestic violence – violence against a human – where are the people and the picket signs?
Back to the story – like I said people are snapping every day. The young father that killed his wife and three children because both he and his wife had been laid off. The man that jumped from an over-pass onto one of the busiest highways in Atlanta. People that have lost everything trusting others with their life savings. Yes, every day, somewhere, somebody is struggling with something that will make them snap. Unfortunately circumstances can and will cause you to snap unexpectedly. I remember writing an article a few years ago that talked about the mind; it was titled “It Could Have Been Me.” The revelation from that was that no one knows what was going on in someone else’s mind – we can read body language, sometimes eyes, sometimes emotions but no one can read the mind unless you open that door. Snapping – it happens to all of us. When I go to my children’s school and discover that they are not making an effort even though I work hard to give them ALL that they need and MOST of what they want I find myself snapping. When I always seem to be giving and giving more of myself while others are taking and taking I find myself snapping. When my job expects me to move mountains, walk on water and part the Red Sea all in the same hour I find myself snapping. Yes, the actions of one thing can cause a reaction in another. The mind is fragile and yet it controls everything. Snapping – everyone snaps in some form or fashion. Do you find yourself mentally drained and the least little thing sets you off? If so, then you’re about to snap. Have you found yourself with your head in your hands crying your eyes out wondering how you’re going to make ends meet? You’re about to snap. If you can’t stop crying and you don’t know why. You’re about to snap.
Last week I had the pleasure of meeting a group of people from different walks of life – everyone had a story; no two were the same. Though I couldn’t relate to a lot of their stories, God put me in their path for a very good reason; I learned more about myself and what I need to do to better myself. The last two nights of this session God placed me in the path of a young lady with a lot on her mind. As I write this I recall that when I first saw her I looked at her and turned away. A second later I turned back and apologized for not speaking to her. I said, “I’m sorry, I looked you right in your face and didn’t speak, my mother would be so ashamed.” She smiled and we found ourselves sitting next to each other. She had a quiet spirit, unlike me, and I think I helped her to open up. That night while she was waiting for her ride I asked her where they were coming from, to gauge how long she would have to wait; I was thinking that maybe I needed to sit and wait with her. I didn’t expect that her ride would be coming from where I was going, but God…I took her home this night and the next night I offered to take her home because I was going that way to the store. During the drive home I could tell that she was bothered by something and she shared some of her story. She told me that she can’t talk to a lot of people about her business but that something in me made her open up. As we continued to drive she received a phone call and when she hung up she tried to share some of it with me. She couldn’t believe what was happening to her and two or three times she paused and said, “Jesus,” in a soft voice. It gave me the feeling that in her heart she was thinking I can’t win for losing. She rested her head in her hand and I continued to drive. I didn’t pry but quietly prayed asking God to relieve her of the weight on her shoulders because at that moment I knew that my sister was snapping. “Be kinder than necessary – everyone we meet is moving through some kind of issue that is invisible to the rest of us.” -unknown
~Stay Prayed Up! CLICK ON THE LINK
Back to the story – like I said people are snapping every day. The young father that killed his wife and three children because both he and his wife had been laid off. The man that jumped from an over-pass onto one of the busiest highways in Atlanta. People that have lost everything trusting others with their life savings. Yes, every day, somewhere, somebody is struggling with something that will make them snap. Unfortunately circumstances can and will cause you to snap unexpectedly. I remember writing an article a few years ago that talked about the mind; it was titled “It Could Have Been Me.” The revelation from that was that no one knows what was going on in someone else’s mind – we can read body language, sometimes eyes, sometimes emotions but no one can read the mind unless you open that door. Snapping – it happens to all of us. When I go to my children’s school and discover that they are not making an effort even though I work hard to give them ALL that they need and MOST of what they want I find myself snapping. When I always seem to be giving and giving more of myself while others are taking and taking I find myself snapping. When my job expects me to move mountains, walk on water and part the Red Sea all in the same hour I find myself snapping. Yes, the actions of one thing can cause a reaction in another. The mind is fragile and yet it controls everything. Snapping – everyone snaps in some form or fashion. Do you find yourself mentally drained and the least little thing sets you off? If so, then you’re about to snap. Have you found yourself with your head in your hands crying your eyes out wondering how you’re going to make ends meet? You’re about to snap. If you can’t stop crying and you don’t know why. You’re about to snap.
Last week I had the pleasure of meeting a group of people from different walks of life – everyone had a story; no two were the same. Though I couldn’t relate to a lot of their stories, God put me in their path for a very good reason; I learned more about myself and what I need to do to better myself. The last two nights of this session God placed me in the path of a young lady with a lot on her mind. As I write this I recall that when I first saw her I looked at her and turned away. A second later I turned back and apologized for not speaking to her. I said, “I’m sorry, I looked you right in your face and didn’t speak, my mother would be so ashamed.” She smiled and we found ourselves sitting next to each other. She had a quiet spirit, unlike me, and I think I helped her to open up. That night while she was waiting for her ride I asked her where they were coming from, to gauge how long she would have to wait; I was thinking that maybe I needed to sit and wait with her. I didn’t expect that her ride would be coming from where I was going, but God…I took her home this night and the next night I offered to take her home because I was going that way to the store. During the drive home I could tell that she was bothered by something and she shared some of her story. She told me that she can’t talk to a lot of people about her business but that something in me made her open up. As we continued to drive she received a phone call and when she hung up she tried to share some of it with me. She couldn’t believe what was happening to her and two or three times she paused and said, “Jesus,” in a soft voice. It gave me the feeling that in her heart she was thinking I can’t win for losing. She rested her head in her hand and I continued to drive. I didn’t pry but quietly prayed asking God to relieve her of the weight on her shoulders because at that moment I knew that my sister was snapping. “Be kinder than necessary – everyone we meet is moving through some kind of issue that is invisible to the rest of us.” -unknown
~Stay Prayed Up! CLICK ON THE LINK
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
NSBIG
Many of you emailed or called to ask what the letters NSBIG stood for and as I promised it shall be revealed in a minute, but first the story.
NSBIG is an acronym for a group of strong words that were placed in my spirit early Saturday morning March 1, 2008. Rarely do I date my reflections within the body of the message, but to me this revelation and date has a special meaning. The words to NSBIG came about through two separate extremes that I experienced as I chaperoned my oldest daughter’s 6th grade class to CNN on Friday, February 29th. (Remember, this was in 2008). Since this date only comes around every four years the revelation received will always have a significant meaning to me. Also, this was my first field trip this year and it was like you would expect any trip with 80+ sixth graders to be – sometimes loud, but surprising very controlled. KIPP S. Fulton has a way of getting the kid’s attention with clap, clap “Ago” which means, May I have your attention? The kids respond with clap, clap “Amay” which means, Yes, you may - that’s Swahili. Okay, now back to the story – the 1st extreme.
After our tour of CNN the kids were excited about buying food from the food court; even though many nutritious bag lunches had been prepared the kids had their own money and were dying to spend it. In fact one charming young lady told me that money burns a hole in her pocket; I laughed to myself because I knew that life would teach her a valuable lesson sooner than she wants. As Ms. Thomas and I began splitting our sections to go into four separate ways the kids noticed what appeared to be a homeless man sitting alone. They began to make remarks and some even frowned up their faces in disgust – which made for a great opportunity for me to give them a mini life lesson that this person could one day be them. With a stern look on my face I turned to them and said that regardless of how a person may look everyone deserves to be treated with respect; I then led by example by placing my just purchased Chick-fil-A meal on his table as I passed by. As we looked around we noticed more “unfortunate” people and we began to bless them with the bag lunches that were left over. The following day, Saturday morning, while replaying this in my head I said to myself that I wished I’d left these gentlemen with some profound wisdom; something other than the usual “God bless you.” “God,” I said, “Should I find myself in a situation such as this, please tell me what to say that will bless their souls.”
Fast forward – the 2nd extreme.
As were standing in line preparing to leave CNN the kids started to go wild. What!?! What!?! I thought to myself. I turned to see what they were screaming about – it was Raven Symone looking GORGEOUS!! Raven was there to promote a movie, but she kindly walked over to our very loud group of screaming kids and chatted for a second. Before she left she squatted down in the middle to allow us to take pictures of her and the kids - the few minutes that she spared with them made a huge impact and impression – the kids were on Cloud Nine; some even cried.
That Saturday as I was replaying both, reflecting on the “two extremes” and the impact that both made on MY life my mind drifted to my request of God for profound words of wisdom that could be used should I find myself in the 1st extreme situation once again. Through one eye I saw the homeless man and through the other eye I saw Raven Symone. It was then that God drew both eyes together and simply said, in His still small voice, “Tell them NSBIG – Never Stop Believing in God.”
~Stay Prayed Up! CLICK ON THE LINK
NSBIG is an acronym for a group of strong words that were placed in my spirit early Saturday morning March 1, 2008. Rarely do I date my reflections within the body of the message, but to me this revelation and date has a special meaning. The words to NSBIG came about through two separate extremes that I experienced as I chaperoned my oldest daughter’s 6th grade class to CNN on Friday, February 29th. (Remember, this was in 2008). Since this date only comes around every four years the revelation received will always have a significant meaning to me. Also, this was my first field trip this year and it was like you would expect any trip with 80+ sixth graders to be – sometimes loud, but surprising very controlled. KIPP S. Fulton has a way of getting the kid’s attention with clap, clap “Ago” which means, May I have your attention? The kids respond with clap, clap “Amay” which means, Yes, you may - that’s Swahili. Okay, now back to the story – the 1st extreme.
After our tour of CNN the kids were excited about buying food from the food court; even though many nutritious bag lunches had been prepared the kids had their own money and were dying to spend it. In fact one charming young lady told me that money burns a hole in her pocket; I laughed to myself because I knew that life would teach her a valuable lesson sooner than she wants. As Ms. Thomas and I began splitting our sections to go into four separate ways the kids noticed what appeared to be a homeless man sitting alone. They began to make remarks and some even frowned up their faces in disgust – which made for a great opportunity for me to give them a mini life lesson that this person could one day be them. With a stern look on my face I turned to them and said that regardless of how a person may look everyone deserves to be treated with respect; I then led by example by placing my just purchased Chick-fil-A meal on his table as I passed by. As we looked around we noticed more “unfortunate” people and we began to bless them with the bag lunches that were left over. The following day, Saturday morning, while replaying this in my head I said to myself that I wished I’d left these gentlemen with some profound wisdom; something other than the usual “God bless you.” “God,” I said, “Should I find myself in a situation such as this, please tell me what to say that will bless their souls.”
Fast forward – the 2nd extreme.
As were standing in line preparing to leave CNN the kids started to go wild. What!?! What!?! I thought to myself. I turned to see what they were screaming about – it was Raven Symone looking GORGEOUS!! Raven was there to promote a movie, but she kindly walked over to our very loud group of screaming kids and chatted for a second. Before she left she squatted down in the middle to allow us to take pictures of her and the kids - the few minutes that she spared with them made a huge impact and impression – the kids were on Cloud Nine; some even cried.
That Saturday as I was replaying both, reflecting on the “two extremes” and the impact that both made on MY life my mind drifted to my request of God for profound words of wisdom that could be used should I find myself in the 1st extreme situation once again. Through one eye I saw the homeless man and through the other eye I saw Raven Symone. It was then that God drew both eyes together and simply said, in His still small voice, “Tell them NSBIG – Never Stop Believing in God.”
~Stay Prayed Up! CLICK ON THE LINK
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