I’ve been watching and listening to a lot of TD Jakes lately. Ever since I saw him on Oprah’s Next Chapter. I’ve always enjoyed him but I didn’t seek him out to watch him like I do Joyce Meyer. With Joyce, I watch her every day and I get a new CD in the mail from her ministry every month. I have a lot of her teaching in me. But not of Bishop Jakes. I may have to rectify that. That man can certainly preach. I heard him say two things last week that have stuck with me:
He was referring to the story of how Jesus fed the 5,000 with 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread. One point he made was that the first thing Jesus did was bless the food. He thanked God for the food that was clearly not enough and God made it enough. We have got to learn how to thank God for what seems to be “not enough”. Be thankful for what you have right now and watch how God will multiply it. You may not have the job you want, you may not have the house or car you want, you may not have the marriage you expected, you may have children that disappoint you. But thank God anyway and watch him work.
The second point was that after Jesus blessed the food, he broke it and fed the 5,000. He broke it and the people were fed. You have to be willing to be broken in order to see your breakthrough. We all want the quick fix. We all want life to be red roses and sunshine. Sorry but whomever told you that is a straight up lie! The Bible tells us that we will face tribulation. Not may face, not might face, but WILL face. Tribulation builds character and patience. Get you some. Sometimes God will allow you to be broken in order to feed you. There was a time in February when I was going through something and I cried out to God in my living room and said, “I don’t know what to do. I am broken. I am completely broken.” That was a horrible day. I can’t even begin to tell you. But it wasn’t long after that that I felt like my eyes were opening. I slowly began to feel a burden being lifted. I can’t explain it but I know at that moment of brokenness that a change was coming.
All that from 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread.
Showing posts with label spirituality. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spirituality. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
What's Really the Goal Here?
What a week. I cannot even begin to tell you. My sleeping habits are off. My diet is off. The weather has been beautiful but I have been blue. Right now I just want to curl up in a ball and sleep. It’s difficult to talk about a wilderness situation when you are still in the wilderness. So I’ll wait until I emerge. Maybe then I’ll have some perspective.
What I do want to discuss are goals. Several years ago I bought The Purpose Driven Life (TPDL) because I thought it would magically reveal to me what my purpose was. I quickly discovered that the book was designed to reveal to me what my purpose WAS NOT. My purpose is not to strive for material gain. My purpose is not to even strive for personal satisfaction. My purpose is supposed to be to live a life that is pleasing to God. I wasn’t ready to receive anything that book had to offer at the time. So I put it to the side.
Why do we gravitate toward the quick fix? “40 days to discovering your purpose” is the promise of TPDL. Which, quite frankly, is why I bought it. I actually believed that I would have it all figured out in 40 days! This book was going to tell me if I should leave Corporate America and start a business. This book was going to tell me if I should sell my house and downsize. This book was going to tell me if I should get married again.
Wow. That’s one powerful book (insert sarcasm font). Admittedly, my expectations were completely unreasonable. I wasn’t ready for the message in TPDL. Of course, I still want the answers to those questions but I know now that I won’t find them in a book written by someone who doesn’t even know me. (Sidenote: I realize now that the book written by The One that knows me best has all the answers I’m looking for.)
Fast forward to the present and I’m reading a book called Driven by Eternity (DBE). This book discusses how our lives should not be driven by our existence on Earth but by how we want to exist once we leave Earth. The way you want to spend eternity should drive your everyday life. Our lives here on Earth are short compared to eternity. Think about that. Of course, we all want to be comfortable while we’re here. We want our journeys to be enjoyable ones but we should never lose sight of the big picture. This book is powerful and it really makes you think about the question: Are you confident in not only where you will spend eternity but HOW you will spend eternity?
I picked up TPDL again and I’m reading it in conjunction with DBE. I’m on Day 9 and I’m finding both books are giving me a better understanding as to where my focus should be. My vision needs to be wider than just the needs of me and my family. Yes, there are things I want to do, things I want to accomplish but what is really my ultimate goal here?
Stay tuned…
What I do want to discuss are goals. Several years ago I bought The Purpose Driven Life (TPDL) because I thought it would magically reveal to me what my purpose was. I quickly discovered that the book was designed to reveal to me what my purpose WAS NOT. My purpose is not to strive for material gain. My purpose is not to even strive for personal satisfaction. My purpose is supposed to be to live a life that is pleasing to God. I wasn’t ready to receive anything that book had to offer at the time. So I put it to the side.
Why do we gravitate toward the quick fix? “40 days to discovering your purpose” is the promise of TPDL. Which, quite frankly, is why I bought it. I actually believed that I would have it all figured out in 40 days! This book was going to tell me if I should leave Corporate America and start a business. This book was going to tell me if I should sell my house and downsize. This book was going to tell me if I should get married again.
Wow. That’s one powerful book (insert sarcasm font). Admittedly, my expectations were completely unreasonable. I wasn’t ready for the message in TPDL. Of course, I still want the answers to those questions but I know now that I won’t find them in a book written by someone who doesn’t even know me. (Sidenote: I realize now that the book written by The One that knows me best has all the answers I’m looking for.)
Fast forward to the present and I’m reading a book called Driven by Eternity (DBE). This book discusses how our lives should not be driven by our existence on Earth but by how we want to exist once we leave Earth. The way you want to spend eternity should drive your everyday life. Our lives here on Earth are short compared to eternity. Think about that. Of course, we all want to be comfortable while we’re here. We want our journeys to be enjoyable ones but we should never lose sight of the big picture. This book is powerful and it really makes you think about the question: Are you confident in not only where you will spend eternity but HOW you will spend eternity?
I picked up TPDL again and I’m reading it in conjunction with DBE. I’m on Day 9 and I’m finding both books are giving me a better understanding as to where my focus should be. My vision needs to be wider than just the needs of me and my family. Yes, there are things I want to do, things I want to accomplish but what is really my ultimate goal here?
Stay tuned…
Thursday, February 16, 2012
The Family of Black Women
It started with Whitney.
My older brother called me and said, “Turn to MSNBC now. Whitney Houston is dead.” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Even as I saw the images on my television screen, I couldn’t believe it. My mind wouldn’t accept it. How could a beautiful, successful woman that is my age with a daughter the same age as mine, who is laughing and singing one day be dead the next day?
Then I attended a panel discussion for Black History Month which featured four African American women who are at the top of their fields in Education, Defense and Business. They discussed how they got started and shared their insights on how to “get there and stay there”. I was so moved by their honesty and obvious integrity. Some of the themes were:
• Having a strong sense of self
• Being bold
• Not compromising
• Being courageous
• Know the rules of the game
• Picking the hill you wanna die on (i.e. choosing your battles)
• Having a goal and making sure that it is actually yours
• Work with someone who is smarter than you
• Not letting the biases of others dictate what you can accomplish
• None of us are victims. We each face unique obstacles because of our
race/gender but we can decide how to respond
• Mentorship is extremely important
• The importance of building relationships
The discussion was powerful and I walked away feeling both motivated and a little sad. The women on the panel were incredibly smart and successful yet their beginnings weren’t much different than my own and I was just so … ordinary. Where had I gone wrong?
Finally, I watched the Oprah interview with Viola Davis. First of all, I believe that interview was the best interview Oprah has ever conducted. Viola Davis is so honest and so talented and so centered. I love love love her. I hung on her every word. One part of the interview that resonated with me was when she talked about her 11 minutes on screen with Meryl Streep in the film “Doubt”. Viola said that she knew she deserved to be standing next to Meryl Streep, not because she was as good as Meryl, but because she had done the work. She had received her degree in Theater and she had been working for more than 20 years. And even though she was only on screen for 11 minutes she earned that Oscar nomination. Viola knew at an early age what she wanted to do and she followed that path to success. Despite her poor beginnings she knew how to dream big.
I think I was crying during the entire conversation. I began to think about Whitney and the four women on the panel and now Viola and I was so proud to be part of the family of Black women but at the same time I couldn’t help but feel that somehow I had fallen short. Why didn't I ever learn how to dream big? What was wrong with me? I’ve been praying constantly and seeking God and asking him to show me my purpose. But what do you do when God seems to be silent? I fell asleep that night with a heavy heart and plenty on my mind.
I woke up the next morning still feeling a little wonky and then the Holy Spirit spoke:
Through the mercies of God we are not consumed because his compassions fail not; they are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23)
I remembered that God is faithful. He has never left me. What He has for me is for me and He will reveal it to me in His timing.
I just wanted to share this with anyone who may also be restless and waiting for the next thing. Wait on God. Trust His timing. Remember that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. So, while you are waiting you are getting stronger.
And what is wrong with that?
My older brother called me and said, “Turn to MSNBC now. Whitney Houston is dead.” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Even as I saw the images on my television screen, I couldn’t believe it. My mind wouldn’t accept it. How could a beautiful, successful woman that is my age with a daughter the same age as mine, who is laughing and singing one day be dead the next day?
Then I attended a panel discussion for Black History Month which featured four African American women who are at the top of their fields in Education, Defense and Business. They discussed how they got started and shared their insights on how to “get there and stay there”. I was so moved by their honesty and obvious integrity. Some of the themes were:
• Having a strong sense of self
• Being bold
• Not compromising
• Being courageous
• Know the rules of the game
• Picking the hill you wanna die on (i.e. choosing your battles)
• Having a goal and making sure that it is actually yours
• Work with someone who is smarter than you
• Not letting the biases of others dictate what you can accomplish
• None of us are victims. We each face unique obstacles because of our
race/gender but we can decide how to respond
• Mentorship is extremely important
• The importance of building relationships
The discussion was powerful and I walked away feeling both motivated and a little sad. The women on the panel were incredibly smart and successful yet their beginnings weren’t much different than my own and I was just so … ordinary. Where had I gone wrong?
Finally, I watched the Oprah interview with Viola Davis. First of all, I believe that interview was the best interview Oprah has ever conducted. Viola Davis is so honest and so talented and so centered. I love love love her. I hung on her every word. One part of the interview that resonated with me was when she talked about her 11 minutes on screen with Meryl Streep in the film “Doubt”. Viola said that she knew she deserved to be standing next to Meryl Streep, not because she was as good as Meryl, but because she had done the work. She had received her degree in Theater and she had been working for more than 20 years. And even though she was only on screen for 11 minutes she earned that Oscar nomination. Viola knew at an early age what she wanted to do and she followed that path to success. Despite her poor beginnings she knew how to dream big.
I think I was crying during the entire conversation. I began to think about Whitney and the four women on the panel and now Viola and I was so proud to be part of the family of Black women but at the same time I couldn’t help but feel that somehow I had fallen short. Why didn't I ever learn how to dream big? What was wrong with me? I’ve been praying constantly and seeking God and asking him to show me my purpose. But what do you do when God seems to be silent? I fell asleep that night with a heavy heart and plenty on my mind.
I woke up the next morning still feeling a little wonky and then the Holy Spirit spoke:
Through the mercies of God we are not consumed because his compassions fail not; they are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23)
I remembered that God is faithful. He has never left me. What He has for me is for me and He will reveal it to me in His timing.
I just wanted to share this with anyone who may also be restless and waiting for the next thing. Wait on God. Trust His timing. Remember that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. So, while you are waiting you are getting stronger.
And what is wrong with that?
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Be Strong and Go Get It!
The New Year’s sermon came from the first chapter of Joshua, the first nine verses. God is telling Joshua that he has to take over for Moses and lead the people into the Promised Land. He tells him to be strong and courageous. In fact, in these nine verses he tells him three separate times to be strong and courageous (verses 6, 7 and 9, King James version). Why do you think God told Joshua three separate times to be strong and courageous?
My feeling is that God simply wanted to remind Joshua that even though the task in front of him was not going to be easy, he had to be courageous. God also told Joshua that no matter what He would be with him. God told Joshua that the land was his he just had to be strong and go get it.
Be strong and go get it!
I love this story because it is a reminder to me that what God has promised me is already mine, I just have to be strong and go get it. Not once in those nine verses did God tell Joshua that the task in front of him would be easy. Not once. He told him that He would give him the land; He told him that he would never leave him or forsake him; he told him to be strong and courageous. The rest was up to Joshua.
I saw the promo for the movie “We Bought a Zoo” and one of the tag lines is: All you need is 20 seconds of insane courage (or something like that) and I’m telling you, that has been my mantra ever since I heard it and I share it with anyone that is struggling to make that first step.
Think about it … 20 seconds of insane courage. Once you take that first courageous step the rest is easy. Well, maybe not easy, but you are certainly on your way. I think back to March 2011 when I had 20 seconds of insane courage and I registered to run my first 5k when I had never even run outside before. What was I thinking? But once I registered and spent my money, I was committed. I trained and ran my race. All because I had 20 seconds of insane courage.
Think about what you will accomplish because of your 20 seconds of insane courage.
Take the step.
Be strong and go get it!
Friday, December 16, 2011
Inspiration
I posted this on FB but also wanted to share it here because I find it amazing. You know how you just go about your business, living your life? You try to do the right thing, treat people the way you want to be treated … you know, just doing you. Well, what you may not realize is that in your quest to just do you, you are making an impact on someone else’s life. Someone is always watching.
This morning before 8:30 am, I was told that I was “amazing”, “awesome”, “remarkable” and “an inspiration”. This came from three different people who do not know each other.
Huh? What? Who in the world are these people talking about?
Seriously, I was overwhelmed and confused.
I’m no one special and I don’t do anything special. I’m just trying to do me.
I have wonderful people in my life and I am so blessed. I recognize my blessings every day and every day before I even get out of the bed, I am thanking God for all He’s done and for all that he is doing in my life.
Inspiration is a funny thing because it can come from anywhere or from anyone.
Here’s hoping you have a wonderfully, inspiring weekend!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Do We Ever?
Can we ever get to the point where we are 100% satisfied or does 80-20 always rule? Meaning that I will only ever get 80% of the things that I want out of life. 80% is a lot. Is wanting the whole enchilada just being greedy?
I mean there are so many positive things going on right now. I feel fantastic more than 80% of the time. I think I’m probably bordering on 95%. But there is part of me that is still longing, still searching.
What is that about? How do we learn to just be satisfied with all the positive stuff and live our lives? I don’t dwell on the things I don’t have but every now and then they creep in.
Thanksgiving is right around the corner. This was once categorized as my favorite holiday. I would plan for weeks, cook for days and spend the day with my man and my family and just be thankful. This year I’m not even cooking. Well, not a full meal. I’m making a dish and some dessert and spending the day with friends. I appreciate the invitation and I’m sure it’ll be fun but it kinda makes me sad.
Things don’t always turn out how we plan. I understand and accept that. Wishing I had made better choices in my past doesn’t help matters. I know there’s a greater purpose and I have to be patient while it unfolds. All too often I find myself asking, “How much longer, Lord? How much longer?”
I mean there are so many positive things going on right now. I feel fantastic more than 80% of the time. I think I’m probably bordering on 95%. But there is part of me that is still longing, still searching.
What is that about? How do we learn to just be satisfied with all the positive stuff and live our lives? I don’t dwell on the things I don’t have but every now and then they creep in.
Thanksgiving is right around the corner. This was once categorized as my favorite holiday. I would plan for weeks, cook for days and spend the day with my man and my family and just be thankful. This year I’m not even cooking. Well, not a full meal. I’m making a dish and some dessert and spending the day with friends. I appreciate the invitation and I’m sure it’ll be fun but it kinda makes me sad.
Things don’t always turn out how we plan. I understand and accept that. Wishing I had made better choices in my past doesn’t help matters. I know there’s a greater purpose and I have to be patient while it unfolds. All too often I find myself asking, “How much longer, Lord? How much longer?”
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Forty Seven
Last night I was relaxing in the bath, allowing the smell of lavender to envelope me and then it dawned on me: half of my life is over. Don't worry, this is not a sad, morbid post about my mortality blah blah blah. It's like when I treat myself to the occasional Snicker bar. I'm so excited about the chocolate and peanuts and I rush through the first half. Then I look down and I realize that half that candy bar is gone. The first half was so good but I know I really have to savor the second half because once it's gone ... it's gone.
That's how I'm feeling this morning. I really have to savor the second half.I've done quite in bit during the first half:
I got married. In fact, I was so ambitious that I did it twice!
I had my kids
I bought a home
I made some money
I did some traveling
I made a lot of mistakes
It seems to me that my first half was populated with striving. I was always of the mind that I had to get something. I had to achieve. There's nothing wrong with that. Without goals where are we?
But the second half is going to be different. I don't feel the urgency to get get get. I feel the need to exhale. I feel the need to just breathe. Have you ever felt that way? The first 47 years have been a whirlwind. I've enjoyed most of it but not as much as I could have. I've allowed stress to overtake me more times than I should have. I'm done with that.
There are still things that I want to achieve in the second half. I want to visit Italy. I want to get married again and I want a house on the beach.
Small things. :)
But more importantly I want my spirit to be calm. I want to always be thankful in every circumstance and every situation. I want to view every single day as a gift from God.
Because it is.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)
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