And the beat goes on....

Today as I was reading my morning devotional pieces, yeah i read a group of three, whatever..lol..yeah, i need some Jesus.wink.... One of the discussions spoke about passion and learning to fail forward, not backward. At first, I was what! Then it goes on to explain failing forward is basically learning from your mistakes, and knowing making mistakes are part of moving forward. I was like, 'that is so true', but then we look at the passion thing. And i was lost for words because we seem to stall, at least i do with the fail forward because no one wants to make mistakes....who wants to look like, 'ooops, i am sorry'...we all cannot make money on mistakes, like some people (you choose the people, it is so many of them)... But you cannot move forward without it. It is part of the evolution of growth. We see it in nature, with the children learning to walk, talk, craw, etc, in nature, it is everywhere. But we smart adults stop the madness and decide, i am not going to make any mistakes because I look stupid. Well, we all are going to look stupid at one point in time whether we desire to do so or not. It is life, and we need to get over this madness...We need to find the passion because life does not stop because of a divorce or a death, broken relationship or lost job, nothing just happens but new doors and windows are waiting for you to gravitate toward them... if you are still here do not waste this precious gift of life by closing off to the process of living. You and I were left here for a reason, you nor I do not have to be here at this moment in time, for such a time as this...So, breathe the fresh air, forgive the hurt, and mourn the lost but while embracing the new chapter you have entered. So what the mistakes were made, people were hurt, some intentional and some not so intentional yet the impact is the same, and we all have been on both sides...Forgive and live...We do not get anything new without doing a new thing; DO IT!! and find your passion....leave the dead weight that is weighing you down because if it is weighing you down, you were never meant to carry it in the first place; and this includes people. Now do not get your panties in a wad, we all know people and things we carry because it is too hard to let go but we need to...and see how much freer, at peace you will see, feel, and share...living your truth is the first step, get out the figurative closet and show the world who you really are with confidence, not conceit; with humility, not haughthiness; with integrity, not insecurity, and with self assuredness, not self-absorption...and yes, the beat goes on..know you do not have to be the person the world desires, because all God desires for you, is for you to live your truth...He really is your only judge...!! Haggai 1:5 -Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts, "Consider your ways! (NASB)...this are my rambling no one else, and i think we all would benefit from stopping to consider our ways...be blessed and forgive!

The rumor has it….

I find it interesting what we allow to challenge us, to scare us, to stop us, or what we choose to be unforgiving about. We all know ,we are different, and we even acknowledge it in research presented, communication we engage in, yet we stop at the full embracing of it because of fear.
We become tough negotiators with subtle concession in the framework of many non-negotiables that make it difficult to get anything accomplished. Resulting in the only outcome, we are willing to accept is one that has our desired outcome included. We do not see compromise as viable option because it might mean the other party(s) will get something. We do not want them to think they won, or got away with something. We seem to think we are the advocate for right; we have the market on right, true, and appropriate. In doing so, we fail to realize we make decision based on the following; a subconscious based on habit, our life experience, education received, and the environment exposed to during our life time. As a result, we are limited in our perspective, resulting in us not always being right. The awareness of this helps us to be open, clear, and unambiguous in our approach to others. We would then begin to seek understanding, before we seek to be understood. We would focus on being present in the moment, and not trying to tell someone what they are thinking because we have several other things on our plate. We no longer feel like someone is watching us, or respond to life from an unfounded paranoia that is self-imposed. We can have true confessions of fault and/or weakness, without believing it will use against us. And even when it is, we are not moved because we know that person is acting and/or speaking from a place of hurt. We realize this has nothing to do with you, as much as it has to do with the person and their character; something you cannot control. We can only control our choice, our response, and our behavior. More importantly, we would not see a need or desire, or fall into a habit of adding to what is to make a point because the truth would be enough. John 21:20-24 - Turning his head, Peter noticed the disciple Jesus loved following right behind. When Peter noticed him, he asked Jesus, "Master, what's going to happen to him?" Jesus said, "If I want him to live until I come again, what's that to you? You—follow me." That is how the rumor got out among the brothers that this disciple wouldn't die. But that is not what Jesus said. He simply said, "If I want him to live until I come again, what's that to you?" This is the same disciple who was eyewitness to all these things and wrote them down. And we all know that his eyewitness account is reliable and accurate (MSG). ..The rumor started but was not true, but it was stated not out of maliciousness but out of a subconscious based on habit, our life experience, education received, and the environment exposed to during our life time. And the fear of something new, different, out of the box statement did not fit, therefore, it was made to fit….The question we must ask ourselves – Why is this an automatic with me? Who am I trying to impress?...We need to remember God is only judge, and he is only impress with our truth, imperfections and all…smiling

Resistance to Change

As I was reading my morning devotion and it talked about change, and the resistance we all have to it, even if it is allows for a better quality of life. – let me put this disclaimer in here, I am not speaking of change for change sake type of thing, or going with the newest trendy thing…Now, let me move forward… It does not matter how well educated we are, we resist. We can have all the research, scholarly and antidotal evidence, yet we refuse to move on it, or acknowledge the evidence of being true, right. We would rather remain set in our own ways, and become a hindrance to ourselves than improve our life, processes, relationships, health, career, etc. Not willing to give up, surrender, or submit to what is better for us because it is different, or does not fit in what we expected or know. We not only miserable, we make all around us miserable; unbeknownst to self because we are blind to the truth of what is…Yet, we all know, intellectually, we cannot move forward without change. We work toward it, we are slaves to it, and we demand it from others, without reservation. However, we refuse to trust the truth of change when it is introduced to us because of some unwarranted chip of self-righteous, or false sense of protective security, unwarranted. All because we fail to apply this to us, what we apply to others – everything that is good for you, is not good to you. This is not just some old-adage we say, it one of those truism, we fail to take to heart. The question each of us must ask ourselves- what am I afraid of? Life is about evolution. We evolve, thus we change, grow. It does not mean you have no value, it just that for such a time as this, you were not born to remain in this way. However, owning this, allows for our destiny to be reveal and we can begin to trust without being paranoid or obsessed with our own greatest. When we obsess with our own greatest, we unconsciously diminish our value and give others permission to do the same to us. We give an all-access pass, inviting others to trample on our dreams, devalue our self-confidence and security, and reduce us into a black hole of mental consciousness that reveals itself in selfishness, fear, anger, and unhealthy perspective of others.

The bible has examples, after examples about change and the model is set by God, himself and it is explain what change is really about - John 3:16 17- "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him (HCSB).” Is more than a gift, it also represents change. God so love the world, he gave His only son. God wanted to get us, give us a chance to be save, and was willing to do what it needed to be done to reach us. God shows us over and over, he is willing to work with us, even in our disobedience. It does not mean there is no consequences, there is. However, change is constantly working on our behave in spite of our unwillingness, fear, anger, selfish because love truly does drives away all things negative so the opportunity to foster a better way is allowed…So, the question is asked again, what are we afraid of? Have we become so intertwined in an unhealthy married to ‘not right’ we refuse to see the light that warms us…Resistance to Change is dangerous and self destructive…God came to save not condemn, it starts with the willingness to change, not resist.

Who have we failed to see?

Who have we failed to see in the social integration of success? Have we failed to see the ones that took the blows, the sharp words, and unrelenting barrage of vile exchanges upon their backs with no rapid retorts, so others could have an opportunity for better? Regardless of color, gender or social economic status, someone made it possible for each of us to be in the place where we are, with certain freedom our forbearers did not have but it is incumbent upon us to remember. Have we gotten so vain and so self absorb, we do not stop to engage anyone who on the surface seem weak, but who are mighty and resilient. Because we say to ourselves – I wouldn't do that; do they not have any backbone – Not realizing others took the pain and strain, so we would be afforded the opportunity to claim victory and success in untapped and uncharted waters. See, it is not an accident we have the kind of opportunity, the wealth, the access to be seen for our innovativeness, and the myriad choices we have. Someone paid a price, and some are still paying a price for us, so we can, even though they know, they never will enjoy. Too many times we fail to see others have worn the mask so we could claim the crown. Others took the fall, so we could achieve. Others walked, stood, fought or smiled, so we could climb without the scars of the struggles. We must see beyond the mask, the surface, and find the truth so we can thank them for their truth and willingness to sacrifice beyond for the moment but for the future that brings both legacy and longevity. Not so we could walk around with a distend image of our self. Not so we could create and use the creation to separate rather than bring us closer, allow us to be more forgiving rather than holding to unforgiveness, teach lessons that we all have value, and we all have different purpose but this does not make us better than the next person. For with all greatness, for all accomplishments, in whatever form, we have a responsibility to carry, to do the waltz of life with confidence laced with humility for the generation behind us, and for each other…Who have failed to see may just be you and me, for we live in a fraction of our potential because we run from the struggles that strengthens us and our resolve…Gen. 50:20 – You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people. (HSCB)

The Blessings lies in our brokenness

What happens when we fail to submit and accept the breaking? What happens when we do not choose it, it chooses us? What happens when all we knew is reveal as a lie? What happens when we are tied up, tangled up, and wrapped up in façade that falls apart, as you see life really is just a stage? We are broken and have to start anew from this moment, and you realize, from in this moment I am  reborn. Then, you see, you choose the way to respond, it is your choice, and the journey begin. No one can make you or tell you how to respond; it truly it is your choice. You begin to see the failure to respond and the lies made you miss the blessings that lied in the brokenness and surrendering that occurs in your life; you lost out. You understand, you now know, how you have lost sight of the bigger picture, the better way, and the process necessary because all of this, the struggle, the brokenness endows the character with substance and value creating unlimited opportunities for God to use ‘me’. You able to be reintroduce yourself to yourself. You see the divine correction directives toward you, were really for your good. The disparities once seen as hindrances are now embraced as loving touches from God, fashioning you into the original promised being at your creation. You are able to breathe, you are eager for the touch of grace, you are longing for the air to wash fresh upon your soul. You begin to relax in what seems to be an invertedparadigm of truth but God’s way. Through tear filled and streaming eyes, you see barriers begin to be broken, bridges are miraculously built, and illumination whispers truths…as it reign firm on your spirit and rest. The reality of this awareness, the blessing lies in the brokenness, lights upon your skin sending an electrical like current that lulls you in a shout of HOSANNA and calmness called peace. For God is your only judge, and he decides, not another man, about your worth or what matters they are only here to help you on your walk in Christianity, and gives tender mercy redemption. You finally give yourself permission to become you, the authentic you, birth so long ago…. For blessings do lie in the brokenness. Gen. 32:28-29 -"Your name will no longer be Jacob,"He said. "It will be Israel because you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed." Then Jacob asked Him, "Please tell me Your name." But He answered, "Why do you ask My name?" And He blessed him there. (HCSB)

The knots in our life

People sacrifice the present for the future. But life is available only in the present – Thich Nhat Hanh, Buddhist Monk


The knots in our life

Matt 12:36-37 –“But here is what I tell you. On judgment day, people will have to account for every careless word they have spoken. By your words you will be found guilty or not guilty. (NIRV)"

The knots in our life are created by our way of thinking, fear, refusal of change, and more importantly the words we have spoken, and not spoken. My friend told me about a statement he heard on television – You are trying to untangle a knot that took 6 years to create, and it will not be unraveled quickly. When I heard it, it struck a chord with me. I immediately saw the knotted necklace that takes me awhile to untangle. Sometimes I have to put it away because it is so frustrating, and not wear it until a later date. When I am asked, why you didn’t wear the other necklace? I lie, make up a flighty story and move on. I then try again, then find out as I unwind, untangle one knot, another one appears. I become angry, put it away again, or asked for help from another person but try to tell them how to do the untangling rather than listening, watching, and learning; ringing a bell... Then we wondering how did, this necklace get so knotted up. Then I think back on my careless and carefree ways of just throwing it into the jewelry box unthinking, and moving it around so I could get at something else. Wow! Epiphany moment here, I realize it started with a ‘me’ focus. I concluded this is what happens to each of us when we decide to live in,with a ‘me focus,’ then we begin living with paranoia that results in fear, unforgiveness, denial, or traditions, that have lost their meaning in translation. We live our lives driven and order by our emotions in an exact precision process of incremental steps that lead to a knotted life. Then we wake up, and want it fix everything that took weeks, months, and for some, years to create but you desire an immediate fix; not so much. We have willingly foregone authenticity for the ease and the convenience as well as the immediate response. Yet God calls, and we answer. Now, there is some heavy lifting required and more than a minute is necessary to unknot those troubles. It is overwhelming, and then we walk away because we do not want to deal with the frustration or the anger, or the hurt it brings, or the truth it shall show. So, I challenge each of you to ask yourself - What knots am I creating currently with my fear and insecurity and justifying with my words or my silence because it is easy. What knots do I live with that is slowly, but without fail, destroying me and shall taint those connected to me? When shall I begin the healing journey that changes my words and put me in the ethical space governed by a faith shaped by an encompassing God who redeems?

Prov. 14:1 - A wise woman builds her house. But a foolish woman tears hers down with her own hands. (NIRV)

We say we love the LORD…but do we trust (h)im

We say, we love the Lord but we questioned his plan for our lives when we decide, we know better and become disobedient. We struggle with the experiences we go through, or fight with the submission required to rise; all because we do not trust. Yes, I said trust, it is something we all struggle with because we desire to be in the knowing. However, let us be honest, if God showed us what we would have, or would have to go through, we would be no darn good for nobody!...


We say, I love the Lord, and he heard my cry but we fail to trust him because He does not see things, like we see things. He does not subscribe to the ideology, we find palatable and appropriate. Yet, we are asked over and over again, do you trust me while you love me? We for some reason think trusting and loving are synonymous; it is not, but it should be. See, loving someone means to have an affection shown toward someone, while trusting is the confidence in the person certainty to do the thing s/he say they will…Hmmmm that is GOD!…Now, we love God but we do not trust God because if we did, we would not start wondering if he would really provide, and does what is best for us, and our good before we seek his advice. We would not try to do His job, or correct His plan for us, or chastise his children because he was not timely enough for us. God is never late, but He does not work on our time. Although, we know this when the thing is happening to another person, we forget it when it is happening to us. Yet, we are quick to repeat these verses in the bible without understanding what they mean – Hab. 2:3 - …Though it linger, wait for it…Jer. 29:11-… For I know the plans I have for you… Psalm 139:13 - … you knit me together in my mother's womb…-; Job 31:15-… Did not he who made me in the womb make them…- ; and Jer. 1:5 -… before you were born I set you apart…..So, the next time you say, Lord I love you, check yourself and see if you are just loving on God, or have you really relied on him to do just what He said; even the day is hard, the vision is week, the wounds are fresh, the struggle is excruciating, and you are in a wasteland experience…just remember and back on this….2 Cor. 12-7-10 ‘Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me--to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness " Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong (NASB).