Riding In Courage

 

Be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24

As a young girl I enjoyed riding my bike.  It was beige 10-Speed bike I got for Christmas. This bike changed how I traveled and how fast I could get to places.  One of my favorite places to ride was the neighborhood store.

I remember dogs running after cars and kids on bikes. I was afraid at times to go to the store. I never knew at what moment I would pass a dog that just broke its chain or just some stray dog roaming. After my mother made  several calls to the local Police, the stray dogs were removed and the homeowners began to chain their dogs.

Yet, I was still fearful. I hated when my mother would send me to the store anticipating a dog running behind my bike. I would go months and not see a stray dog, yet the possibility alone made me change my course.

One day, we were giving permission to ride our bikes a little further into the neighborhood and I was met with more children on bikes. I wasn’t  aware that our neighborhood extended as far as it did. Now decades from that time, I still have rich friendships from my neighborhood friends.

I was limited by my fear. I became comfortable and felt “safe” just hanging around on my street. There were new and exciting challenges and relationships beyond my fear. I just had to ride pass the fear.

And so is life sometimes…..We have to ride by the fear. Fact. You cannot have a positive and negative thought at the same time. So if you are entertaining thoughts of fear, you aren’t thinking about courage AT THE SAME TIME.

So on purpose……and once and for all…..stop walking in fear and ride in courage. Once I decided to ride in courage, I learned the dogs at the end of the street were no longer there. The dog at the other end was  placed in a gated fence. But who knows how long that was the case.

I am stepping out in courage and embarking on a journey of 31 Days of Faith Art Journaling. I would love for you to come along. You will certainly be blessed. Go on! It’ll be fun. I am bursting at the seams to be able to share this journey. I am over-flowing in peace because journaling has helped in my conversation with my Lord and Savior. It will do the same for you. Yes, fear has raised its ugly head. But I recognize that my God is bigger than my fear. So, I acknowledge my anxiety about doing something new and different , and I Ride In Courage anyway!

Join me here……31 Days Of Faith Art Journaling

 

May God Bless and Keep You

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. I desire to honor you with my words  and my actions. I need more of You. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Finding Courage In Fear

"If you do not stand firm in your faith, then you will not stand at all." Isaish 7:9 Holman CSB




I remember hanging out at the neighborhood pool during the summertime. It never seemed to lack an abundance of screaming children running, jumping and having fun. Jumping off the lower diving board was a top thriller. Yet, all of the excitement seemed to be at the high diving board. Each time I would gaze at the higher diving board, I would feel a turning in my stomach.





One morning on the way to the pool, my sisters and I were just filled with so much energy and excited. The sun was very bright and we were feeling fearless. I told myself, “This Is The Day!’ And soon after that thought, my stomach began to turn. I had thoughts of not being able to come back up, forgetting how to breathe, hurting myself upon entry to the water, the lifeguard going on break.



Once I was in the pool, I immediately went where there wasn’t a waiting line….the lower diving board. I noticed all the excitement at the higher diving board. The line was long and the kids were patient. So, I breathed deeply and walked slowly to the line. I engaged in lively conversation and felt confident of my decision to jump. As I got closer to the ladder the excitement almost overtook me. I climbed a rung at a time waiting patiently for my turn.



Once I got to the top and there were no more rungs…I looked around the pool area. The water was shimmering. The area around the pool seemed vast. The water seemed deeper than it probably was. And in that moment a surge of fear captivated my whole body. I couldn’t do it! So I turned around to go back down the ladder. My decision was met with kids who refuse to go back down the ladder in order for me to climb down. I was angry, scared and in disbelief!



After looking on all sides for options, I knew the only way to get off the diving board was to jump. The kids started to yell words of encouragement. “You can do it!” “Don’t be scared!” It’s not that high!” I felt empowered and I was not longer mad at them for holding me hostage on that board.



I walked slowly to the edge….held my breath and jumped! My entry into the water was magnificent! I came out of the water hearing cheers of little kids who were so happy for me. It was exhilarating. And I found myself thinking, “I should have tried this sooner!” I wiped my face with my towel and got back in line….to the higher diving board!



Sometimes the feat looks greater than what it really is. I want to leave you with encouragement today…



• Seek the Lord in all that you do.



• Encourage yourself



• Surround yourself with positive people who won’t let you give up.



• Be open to encouragement from others.



• Believe and have faith.



• Then Jump! In the name of Jesus



Prayer: Dear Lord, in those moments when I believe I can’t, I know you can. I know Lord you did not give me a spirit of fear. I praise you for the little reminder that I am more than a conqueror. Your word reminds me that You will never forsake or leave me. Thank You for Your faithfulness. In Jesus Name. Amen

It's A New Day

 

 

 

 

My Dearest Class of '82,

First of all, let me say, "I love you all so much!" And ,"Thanks for loving me back."

I hope these words find you in good spirits with open hearts. Like you, my heart is aching at the recent loss of our classmate, Ernestine. This loss is on the heels of the loss of our dear classmates, Neecha and Perry. So, certainly my pain is your pain.

I am encouraged by a post by our sister, Ernestine, when she posted “When things don’t make sense, Praise!” Each time I hear my heart breaking louder and the tears start to flow again, I think about that post. It has helped me and I pray it helps you. By praising in the moment, your thoughts aren’t focused on the circumstance or the situation. Your thoughts become focused on the One who can soothe your pain and wipe your tears.

So, often when we aren’t discipline enough to take on a mighty task, the Lord does it for us. In addition to being a wife, mother, grandmother, friend, the Lord assigned a mission to Ernestine. That was to be an Ambassador for the Class of 1982. She was to help bring the class together in order to embrace where we have come from and to forge new memories. She worked tirelessly in that capacity. She did what was required of her. Now we must do what is required of us. That is to get this right.

I think about the roads that connected us…..Washington Ave, Adkin Street, Tiffany Ave, Hardee Road, Carey Road, Vernon Ave, Girl Scout Road, Lincoln St., Heritage Street, Queen St, JP Harrison, Old Snow Hill Road, Cunningham Rd just to name a few. We will always be connected. Our paths crossed and our lives are intertwined. Therefore, our experiences, past and present, affect one another. With that being said, there are some among us who are hurting. We don’t have to understand the pain. But as a class we have acknowledge and move past the pain. This is greater than telling someone “to just move on or to just get over it.” How do I know?…It’s obvious that directive hasn’t worked. So, the Lord placed on my heart to share some steps to healing.

1. Forgive your classmates, as the Lord has forgiven you.

• The person who harmed you may NEVER say, “I’m sorry.” The forgiveness is for you, so that you can make room in your heart for the good things in life.

• If you continue to focus on the pain, the pain will grow, impeding your ability to grow spiritually into the person the Lord desires you to be.

• 31 years, 21 years, 11 years, is a long time to hold onto anything that’s not good. Let go..Let God.



2. Bless your classmates.

• Ask the Lord to bless them.

• Bless their families.

• Anything we sow we shall reap. Therefore, sow good seeds because whatever we focus on will multiply.

• If we bless others, we will be rewarded. Matthew 5:43-46



3. Don’t try to hold the class hostage to your pain.

• It’s not fair to you and it’s not fair to the class.

• Make a decision that will help all of us.

• Make it a point to come to the next reunion


4. Express love and extend love

• Someone sitting on the pew with you, may need to hear a word from you.
• Someone on our facebook page may need you to pray.
• Someone needs to be reminded they mattered.

I understand pain and hurt. I was molested, falsely accused, forced into physical fights, and treated differently for numerous meaningless reasons, by- passed for selection to certain activities or groups. My story isn’t unlike many of yours. But I chose to forgive. That was the only way the Lord could use me. The men who violated me, the girls who tried to beat me up for GP, the school official who crossed the line, the elder who tried to remove my bathing suit, the kids who stoned my house, the boy who lied on me, are all deserving of my forgiveness.

It was a long and very difficult road to get to this point. I pray my testimony helps you to heal. The devil would have me to live in shame and condemnation. But I serve a mighty God and He healed my heart. Now my life is filled with love and it holds no boundaries in the Lord. I am blessed and live to bless and serve others.

Ernestine had a real desire that we forgive and love one another. We deserve that. Our kids deserve that. Our grandkids deserve that.

I pray that you receive my words in love. I love the Class of 1982. I enjoy looking at pictures of us as a witness of how life has grown us up! I look forward to chance meeting when I go home. And I am excited about the next reunion, cookout, or gathering.

I pray that we make a collective decision to move forward. We can’t undo the past. We can’t rewind some of our decisions. But in this moment, we can chose to work toward forgiveness and not concentrate on the old debts, old pains, and old issues.

This is a new day.

R.I.P. Ernestine

Bless you, KHS Class of 1982

 

Poem for Ernestine

  R.I.P.

 

 

E – Empowering

R- Reliable

N- Nice

E- Elegant

S- Social butterfly

T- Tenacious

I- Impassioned

N- Noble

E- Easy Going   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Mother's Prayer

A mother- to- be admires the roundness of her body
As the movements have stopped her in her tracks
She prays to the Lord for rest and sound sleep
She can't remember the last time she relaxed

Moans and cries filled the birthing room,
As a mother pushes with all her might.
"Lord, please give me strength
To push this baby out tonight"

No sounds, hushed tones, rushed moments
Why must I leave while my baby stays?
"I am not finished with him yet, my child
Stay connected with me and pray."

Lord , thank you for my child
Please protect him from these mean streets
Send your Comforter to fill her cup
And provide a safe place to retreat

A Grandmother sings songs of praises
Raising her grandchildren on one accord.
On bended knees she yells to the heavens
"You are the source of my strength, Lord."

The Lord hears the foster mom,
As she soothes the tears of the abused.
Many have turned their backs.
She laments, "I refuse! I refuse! I refuse!

Street lights on and the evening's come
Everyone is not in for the night
Lord, bring her in safe and sound
No date rape, no date drug, no fight.

Gangs , violence and drugs
Trying to take my son away!
Don't want to bury him, Lord
Please keep the bangers at bay!

Mother's all over walk the halls
Trying desperately not to embrace the pain
With a collective voice and collective spirits
Mother's Pray, "Lord, Break Every Chain!"


Rejoicing, shouting, praising and singing,
Just How Great Thou Art
The Lord is always near
We dedicate our kids and our hearts.


©Yolanda Grier 2013

Metamorphosis......So I Could Live

Metamorphosis

Isaiah 40:31


King James Version (KJV)

31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.



“A wonderful change has come over me!” Those lyrics seem to ring in my mind like  birds greeting in early Spring time. It’s wonderful! It’s glorious!

Last year, I made a decision to do things differently. I had to confront some issues in my life that appeared to have me bound, stuck. Anytime you are stuck, you can’t move! You can’t grow. You can’t help others grow. You can't seem to move out of the way of the stuff. Just stuck!

I imagine my life as a flowing stream of water…crisp, clear, on purpose, with a mission. I imagine me meandering down mountains, through valleys and eventually overflowing in the ocean of life. Yet, I couldn’t  move.

I often thought about the life cycle of the butterfly…egg, caterpillar, pupa, and butterfly

Eggs are laid on plants which become the food for the caterpillar.

My heart had to be planted on a real desire for the Word, a real desire to trust and have faith. I desired to be more purposeful in my prayer life. After constantly moving and going nowhere fast, I made the decision to lay down the burdens in my life and to give all of them to the Lord...again.

Caterpillar: The only job of the larva is to eat

Now that I had emptied myself before the Lord, I made room in my heart.

• A new way of thinking.
• A new way of feeling.
• A new way of experiencing life.
• A new way to love myself.

Chrysalis or Coccon- Transition stage (protected)

The transition was the most challenging. There is a reason this stage needed to be protected. Everyone around me wasn’t happy about my change. Everyone was not happy that I was being freed from past hurts. And because these relationships strained the Lord’s work, the Lord was strategic in how he changed my relationships. I was moved by the Spirit to leave some relationships behind while the Lord sent other people in my life. Remarkably, others helped protect my cocoon by praying for me and offering sincere encouragement. Others gave me space. I called people less and my phone didn’t ring as much. My walk and talk became more confident.

If you find yourself in a cocoon, stay in position until the Lord says move. Anxiety, other people’s expectation and impatience will make you leave before you are ready. I can truthfully say, “I had that testimony before!”

At last…..Butterfly- Reproduce for a short time

I know I have experienced real change…..I have a real peace inside of me. My purpose is a little clearer. I am in position and ready to proceed with what the Lord has for my life. I have certainly been humbled by the lessons learned. I know what it is to abide in Christ. I trusted the process…..I trusted my God…..The state of readiness is only for a short time…..Soon I'll fly!

I made the art quilt in the above picture as a symbol of journey.....



Prayer: Lord, it’s me, giving you honor and praise for what you have done in my life. I am thankful for the tears. I am thankful for the moments it hurt to deal with past issues. I praise you for teaching me to forgive and to bless others. Thank you , Lord for removing this burden from me and allowing your light to shine ever so brightly in my life. In Jesus name. Amen

I Found Comfort....In Him

John 15:7King James Version (KJV)

7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

 



 

I am so excited about 2013! This new year promises to be about welcomed changes and challenges that will continue to allow me to grow. My desire is to increase my level of writing and to challenge myself more. I want to be closer to the Lord, and I desire my writings to reflect that.

Recently, I have written complete blog posts in my head and when I sat to pen them, the words would literally disappear! At first I thought I had so much on my mind, it was hard to concentrate. But when this phenomenon wouldn't past, I knew in my Spirit something else was going on. Something had to change....but what?

The year 2012 began with a class titled, "Luke 1:38" facilitated by my Pastor and First Lady. This class challenged me to identify and conquer any situations, experiences and strongholds that kept me from deepening my relationship with God. Through a willing spirit, even when the process was invasive and confrontational, I allowed the Lord to remove the "stuff".

I wrote and cried, while in the tunnel.

I wrote and prayed, while in the tunnel.

I wrote and rejoiced, while in the tunnel.

I wrote and worshipped , while in the tunnel.

The Lord kept me while I was in the tunnel.

My first post in 2010 I wrote I stated, "It is not intended that we remain in the tunnel." Solace In The Tunnel

Those words were fitting when I realized that my spirit was restless because I was no longer in the tunnel. I knew I had to change the title, but I had no idea to what. Several names floated in my head as I tried to give the blog a completely different name.

While at work, it hit me like a ton of bricks...Solace.....and then the word " comfort" kept storming in my head. My heart was racing with excitement! The Lord simply required me to remove the word tunnel and to acknowledge that I am abiding in Him now. I am finding comfort in Him now. Praise God!

On Sunday, I had the priviledge of introducing a first time visitor to the congregation. I asked, "Your name please?"...She responded, "Comfort"

Confirmation...

 



Day By Day

Day by Day Lyrics


Day by day

Oh Dear Lord

Three things I pray

To see thee more clearly

Love thee more dearly

Follow thee more nearly

Day by day

If I Were Free…

If I were free…

I would examine my feelings and deal with the hurt

I would trust in God and allow Him to work

 

If I were free…

I would allow my heart to forgive

I would decide each day to live

 

If I were free…

I would praise Him in the aisle

I wouldn’t be concerned about my style

 

If I were free…

I would lift another when she’s hurt

I wouldn’t participate in or carry the dirt

 

If I were free…

I would love the one who couldn’t  love

I would embrace my heavenly Father above

 

If I were free

I could call a sister when she’s in pain

I wouldn’t seek lime light or fame

 

Thank God for the freedom bestowed upon my life

Blessed to be a daughter, sister, mother and wife

Thank God for the freedom to just love me

Curvaceous, quirky, loving, creative, free

 

I am FREE! I am FREE! I am FREE!

Thank you Lord. YES!!!

I have joy down in my soul

I am surely BLESSED!!!

 

Yolanda Grier©2012

 

More Than A Conqueror

A Season of Marigold

Psalm 143:10 “Teach me to do Your will, for you are my God: Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.”


At the beginning of the spring season, I wanted to grow flowers as a way to celebrate a particular area of Spiritual growth. I was quite excited about my selection of Marigolds since the bright colors always remind me of the Marigolds displayed in the front yard of my childhood home. At the change of seasons, my spouse always prepares the yard and gardens.

I love my husband’s rose and vegetable gardens. He has such a wealth of knowledge when it comes to gardening. I, on the other just, wanted to plant a simple seed.

Because frost was no longer an issue, I did not start the seeds inside. I gathered everything I would need which included the seed packet, soil, water, appropriate plant container. I located a plant container I had abandoned years ago, so there was no need to purchase a new one to go along with the nice planters my spouse used. I was ok with that. The planters were old, but very useful. Noticing my excitement, my husband decides to use the old planters. I am grateful.

The patio area provided the right amount of space and ample enough of sunshine. Over the next couple of weeks, I watched in great anticipation as my Marigolds sprinted in growth at first and then stagnated. My seedlings were growing right next to the floral transplant my husband planted. I notice the difference in size, container, and color. But I never forgot that each plant had different beginnings….mine from a mere seed. The other flowers, transplant.

Weeds did not grow in my little pot, but small flowers appeared, died, and reappeared. I found later that I was supposed to purge the dead flowers that were holding on. Finally, I did. My marigold plants never had an abundance of radiant blooms of orange and yellow. But I learned so much from this experience.

I would like to share the first lesson I learned from this planting ……

Preparation…


Right season – Become aware of your season. If you are in a winter season of your life, you may be in a period of sitting still and waiting for God’s further instructions.

Seed packet – Know your seeds by staying in the Word. Perhaps you have to start the seedling inside by sitting under the covering of someone else. Don’t make a move without God!

Soil – Give yourself an EKG and identify any issues that can impede your progress such forgiveness, anger, defiance. Once identified, stay in pray to allow God help you with your weeds of issues.

Water – Allow the Holy Spirit to irrigate your mind and heart. Be open to the people that the Lord sends to you.

Plant container – Ensure that you’re doing what you need to stay healthy (mind, body and soul)

There is something wonderful about planting good seeds! What are you waiting for??

Prayer  Thank you Lord, for the Spiritual seeds being planted in my life. I ask you Lord to keep me aware of my season. Thank you for shining your light on me so that I can be a witness for your goodness. Amen

Standing In The Land of Promise

The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Hebrews 5:6



“In my mind, this is clear,

What am I doing here?”

These lyrics are from the movie, The Wiz. Many people have memories of how this movie was fun to watch and how you could dance to the music. For me, the lyrics rang through my mind and I would sing them often out loud reflecting how deeply my heart was hurting. That was my song! And the words occupied small crevices in my life. My smile hid the pain and my laughter masked the depression.



For most of my life, I couldn’t figure it. Real joy and peace always seemed temporary. And I finally made a simple yet profound decision to do something different. My life had become a set of rules and lists in a feeble attempt to exercise control over my space. In so doing, I guarded my space, allowing nothing in and nothing out. My heart had compartments I wasn’t willing to address, forgiving, trusting, confessing, anger.



Insanity of Sameness

I desired something different and I was willing to do something different. Being comfortable and living a lie was killing me spiritually. I desired to do more than just exist. Aggravation, irritation and frustration were losing their grip. The Lord showed me through his Word, that He had more for me than a mediocre existence. I was feeding my body junk and my body was returning junk to me. I made up in my mind I wanted all He has for me!



Telling the Truth

I had to be bold in telling my story….the good, the bad and the ugly. So often, I was concerned with what the story would look like and how people may treat me differently. Yet I learned how important it is to be vulnerable. It’s a freedom to just be. I learned that my testimony helped others to refresh and come to terms with their story. My story isn’t one of shame and pain, but of hope and possibilities.



Importance of Fellowship

Many times church hurts can take you on paths that meander to places we never intended. But I have learned, there are always lessons in the valley. Church hurts are major distractions designed to steal your assignment. I realized that when I heard my First Lady Johnson say, “The devil wants your assignment!” Folk are just folk! And by giving people authority over my emotional and physical space, I had placed God in third place. I understand there are times to step back to reflect on what the Lord is saying. But leaving the fold will isolate your mind and invite activity and thoughts that are not in line with God’s word.



Embracing His Abundance

My life was changing right in front of me, yet I was holding on to the very thing I needed out of my life. A part of me felt as if I didn’t deserve anything good. It’s hard to explain just how unworthy I felt. Yet, realizing that I was made in God’s image forced me to embrace my inheritance quite differently. I look in the mirror and rejoice just because God sent His son to die for me! That’s powerful!



Quiet Time

I love my time with the Lord. I am blessed knowing He never left me. When the noise in my mind silenced, He was still there. When my body was violated, He allowed a small voice to remind me that my life was valuable and to just hang on. Through the winds blowing softly, through the trees or the sounds of waves rushing to the shore, He reminds me He’s still there.


Giving Thanks

At one point my story and I were interchangeable. I was lost in the details of the stuff. My focus was on the situation and I dressed daily in the circumstances. I could never imagine life any other way then. I didn’t fully understand the restlessness within. But I was clear when I listened to the testimonies of others and read the stories of love and lost in the Bible, my life certainly could have been worse. Therefore, even when I woke up in pain, I would remind to be thankful! And because of that, God has something for me to do.

Living on Purpose With a Purpose

I am Standing In the Land of Promise

*God’s promise to never leave me

*God’s promise to never forsake me

*God’s promise to forgive my confessed sin

*God’s love never fails, because God is love.

Can’t go wrong with God first, then people, then things!

The rip tides of life had me spinning and trying to swim back to the shore of mediocre existence. If you are ever caught in a rip tide, you should remain calm, relax, float or tread. I was fighting becoming exhausted and about to drown.

The voice I heard said,

Be still. Be quiet. Be calm.

I listened and stopped fighting. When I looked straight up and focused on the Lord first I realized I WAS STILL STANDING!!!! I looked down around me and saw the water was only knee deep! I WAS MORE THAN A CONQUEROR!!!!



I AM THE LORD’S SERVANT!!!!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for saving me from myself. Thank you for your Word that has filled my mind body and soul. Thank for healing and for making me WHOLE! I give you praise and honor. Amen

I Thank You For All That I Am by Lamar Campbell

Really feeling this song today!

Here I am Lord, my life is in Your hands

Take and use me, I am your instrument

It is Your love that keeps me through the day

And Your peace won't let me go astray

I can say, I don't know where I'd be

Without You leading me

I'm Your child Lord, I humble myself to You

For without You, there's nothing I can do

Now I know when troubles come my way

It's is Your strength that keeps me come what may

Everyday, You keep me in perfect peace

When my mind is stayed on Thee

I Thank You for all that I am

For giving me courage to stand

and when I am weak You hold my hand

to tell me what I really can

I'll praise You for all that You are

I wouldn't have made it this far

So I want to take time to say

That I really Love You

Thank You, Jesus

I really love you

by Lamar Campball

Equipped With Instructions

Exodus 14: 15-16
¹⁵ Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on.

In my quest to understand the Bible at 11 years old, I began reading from Genesis with so much excitement no one could contain it. When my teachers would read at school, I felt so much inspiration from the words spoken. When I read at home I felt excitement and confusion. I asked a lot of questions and frustrated a lot of adults. I realized the lessons I received then were designed to carry me through my season as an11 year old. I  had a strong desire to just absorb the Word and to figure out what to do to go to Heaven.



As I read the book of Exodus I could relate as Moses offered up excuses to not move when God instructed him. Moses mentioned his speech impediment. I can remember being pulled out of class because of stammer. I absolutely hate speaking and felt so much anger when my teachers requested that I  read out loud. Certainly they were trying to embarrass me. I could hear the students laughing and a couple of times a chuckle from my teacher.



God never sent Moses without instructions and equipment. The task seemed enormous and Pharaoh was unrelenting. Moses saw the problem and God saw the possibility. How often do we focus on the problem? How often do you feed the problem with our lack of faith?



I know that if I am asked to speak or pray out loud there is a strong possibility that I will stammer. But I resolved many years ago I will not let that stop me. I know to stop, think, continue. When I pray I am speaking to my Father, I certainly can’t let fear get in the way of that. There are people to speak and pray eloquently. It’s a wonderful gift. I am not a speaker, orator or narrator. But I do have God’s word in me. And because of that, I recognize the possibilities of the wonders of God  in my life.



Remember this song?

I ‘m gonna pray when the spirit says pray


And obey the spirit of the Lord.



Prayer Dear Lord, I am thanking you for the possibilities of hope, love and joy in you. You never fail, Lord ; therefore I depend solely on you. I desire wholeness in you Lord knowing you can take any perceived shortcomings and use them to glorify you. For that, Lord I am grateful. ~Amen

¹⁶ Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.

God Bless Our Children, A Reward from the Lord

Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord, children, a reward. Psalm 127:3

My heart is overflowing with a mixture of emotions thinking about the young life of Trayon Martin


GONE…..

Here one moment enjoying the simple pleasure of a walk to and from a store.

Here one moment enjoying quality time with his father.

NOW GONE…..

Yet another life taken and in 2012, we are still seeking justice. I wonder what my Uncle James and my Grandmother Rachael would think if they there here to witness this. This could have been any one of our sons. And it is that fact that troubles my spirit. It breaks my heart that when many look at my husband, my sons, my father, my uncles, my nephews, they appear invisible. Yet in plain sight I see the strength, perseverance, and hard work of engineers, veterans, scholars, educators, lawyers, entertainers and politicians.

I look at my young sons and appreciate yet another teachable moment. As a mother of 3 boys, my husband and I began the lessons early. It’s wasn’t always easy explaining to our sons how some of their teachers, play ground mates, principles, policeman, and coaches will see them. We stressed the importance of being true to themselves and prayed without ceasing that when confronted with racial issues, whether blatant or subtle, that they would handle the situation worthy of the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King.

Yet the words don't always come easy when you look into the eyes of a 5 year, a 10 year, a 15 year, or even a 21 year black man whose very existence is constantly being attacked. Yet, the truth prevails. You my child were made in His likeness and many are frightened because they feel different. You, my son, always hold your head up and your chest out and be proud of who you are! Lord, Lord help us all....

We have to teach our kids early about their worth and their value. We have to show them through our lives how Great God Is. We have to instill in them purpose and positive esteem. It is our responsibility!

Another day has brought us another opportunity to help someone else, the family of Trayon Martin. We have to continue to seek justice. The media storm raining down showers to clear the dust and details are slowly being revealed.
I am praying for the families affected by this tragedy. I am praying for justice and healing and for us to continue to love one another while we can.

Justice for Trayon Martin…

Justice for a sons whose voices has been taken…

Justice for a mother and a father enduring unspeakable pain…

Prayer Dear Lord, thank you for the sun rising this morning. We ask that you be with the family of Trayvon Martin and that justice is served for yet another black boy killed. We ask Lord that we allow your word to penetrate our hearts instead of hate. We will continue to give you honor and praise. Amen

Breath of Spring Air - Wordless Wednesday

I Chose Thanksgiving, Not Complaining

Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ. Glory to the Master, now and forever! Yes! 2 Peter 3:18 MSG

Have you ever been around a person who does nothing but complain? That situation can be so emotionally exhausted. Recently I found myself in the situation. I felt like standing on top of a table with a poster board with brightly colored words….Please, Please, Please, be quiet!! Then I wondered if the irritation on my face was really saying, “I want to hear more of what you are whining about!” I couldn’t get away from the feeling of wanting to scream. So, I had to stop and really pray about this situation.
I wondered if that is what I sounded like to God. I hoped not. But I know that I have whined about many things in my prayer life and in general conversations. I imagine that the audience receiving my words felt the same way….”Yolanda, can you please stop whining!”

So often we whine and complain about things we can’t control. We become impatient, self reliant, and over confident. And then we immediately go to plan B without stopping to pray. Now everyone involved in plan B is the cause once again for our misery and setbacks.
“Surely, if everyone just did it my way, we wouldn’t be in this situation.”

Sometimes, the Lord places people in our lives to be a mirror. I realized I had to open my heart and mind to the possibility that I have sounded like a whining 3 year old. I was refreshed knowing what to do immediately if I caught myself in the act of whining.

Whining requires a lot of emotional energy and it takes a lot of energy from the people who listen. I certainly don’t want that to be my testimony. I would rather turn my attention to the lessons learned and the people helped along lives journey. Life isn’t supposed to be easy. But life can be fruitful. Yet, whining seems to be like a weed choking the life out of many situations.

My burden is already light just being aware of my own actions and how they affect others. Thank you, God!

Prayer… Dear Lord, please forgive when I have whined and clogged your ears with endless complaining. I am sorry. Yet, now I am rejoicing Lord for your revelation of just how good you have been. I am grateful for another to share the good news of your grace and mercy. Amen

Praise Him While Enduring

Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. Hebrews 10:36 NLT



I am an emotional person. And often times I have made decisions based solely on what I was feeling. But this walk I am on has caused me to realize that is not always a good decision. By living and trusting my emotions only, I can very easily live my life in a yo-yo fashion. My emotions are a real part of who I am, but I am learning that I don’t have to try and change that. I just have to learn to work with all parts that make up my unique personality.

Over the past month I have been challenged to deal with so many facets of life. I have felt like there were mini meeting being held just for me to open the flow gates of trauma, drama, emotional conflicts. My days were beginning to always be off-beat and I was feeling irritated most days. As many of you know, that is not a good place to be. But I have been there before. And this time, I was determined to do something different.

Instead of conforming to the mood I was in and walking around with a dark cloud, I decided to continue to pray, worship and praise in the middle of it. For some, this decision is easy. For me, it hasn’t always been. On days when I have to isolate myself to kept from saying things I shouldn’t or to refrain from the desire to reach out and “touch” somebody, I have to , on purpose, stop and pray. It can be that serious. That’s my truth.


But God…..Oh my God is greater than all the craziest in my world. So, today is a day of thanksgiving for me.

I am thankful for:

The valley experiences…

The lessons in the valley…

Endurance…

Patience…

Patience…

And more patience!

God is real and I can trust Him. I know I can’t always trust my emotions. So, I will lean on Him instead.



Prayer Dear Lord, thank you for just being you. Thank you Lord for allowing me to endure the valley experiences of life. I am grateful for lessons learned and lessons shared. I can’t always trust what I am feeling. But you Lord, are real and I can trust and rely only on You.

God Is As Near As Your Next Breath

May the Lord bless and protect you; may the Lord's face radiate with joy because of you; may he be gracious to you, show you his favor and give you his peace. Numbers 6:24-26



I was speaking with a associate the other day. He was expressing how his daily schedule had changed because his family and extended families were both needing help from him. He didn’t seem stressed or overwhelmed. I was thinking about being spread too thin or the time spent running around helping everyone.

Concerned about his emotional well being I asked, “How do you feel about being pulled between two households?” He looked surprised at the question but didn’t hesitate on providing an answer. As his eyes widened with excitement, he stated, “If someone calls me to help them, that means that they believe 1) I am willing to help and 2) If I am unable to help, I can find someone to help. All they have to do is call.

I was surprised by this answer, expecting him to complain about his status as “fix it” man. But my heart quickly became warm when I thought about the people who depended on him and how they trusted him to help and take care of his extended family when needed. I smiled thinking about how his loved ones trusted that if something broke in the house, he would fix it. Or if someone needed a ride, he’ll gladly make time. And if someone came up short on bills, he would supplement.

As I thought about this brief conversation, it resonated in my spirit. You see, I have decided to commit myself to a class called Luke 1:38. This class is being facilitated by my Pastor Tacuma and First Lady Michelle Johnson. This is an intensive 6 month class dedicated to deepening my relationship with God. Since I made that commitment, my life has met many new challenges that have tested my patience, my view of the world, and even who I am.

But the blessing is realizing the Lord is as near as my next breath.

• I trust that when I cry out, the Lord will wipe my tears.


• I trust that when my heart is wounded, the Lord will massage my heart.


• I trust that when I open my mouth and speak life into a situation, the Lord creates an awakening.


• I trust that when the month is longer than my funds, the Lord will make a way.






I am reassured that God is only a prayer away.

Prayer Lord, I thank you for your grace and mercy. I am praising you just for being you, for being God. I am thanking you for never leaving me. I appreciate you being as near as my next breath. You’re awesome! Amen