Whatever the pain, the cry is the same!!

Make it stop! Those are the words of most any child that gets hurt and it continues to be the cry, though often inwardly, of adults.  Pain is universal.  Everyone has experienced it in some way or another.  There are different types of pain and different levels. 

Types: There is the pain when a loved one passes away.  There is the mental and physical pain of abuse.  There is the pain involved in a break up.  There is the pain experienced when you stump your toe.  There is the pain experienced when you hurt someone else.  There is the endless chronic pain that some suffer with each day due to an illness or disease.  Whatever the type of pain, the cry is the same. “Make it stop!”

Levels: When visiting a doctor for treatment, usually the first thing they ask is if you are in pain.  If so, what level between 1 and 10 with 10 being excruciating.  They use these numbers as a gauge to try and identify with what you are experiencing.  Most of us have different thresholds or tolerances for pain. One person’s 3 may be another person’s 10.  It is all up to the individual.  We should be careful not to tell someone that what they are experiencing is not that bad based on our experiences.  We are to be supporters and comforters if we are well enough in our own right to assist.

Relief: What do you do when you are in pain? There are options! As a child we may have run to our mothers for help.  When your heart is broken from a relationship, do you run to another?  Think again.  There is medication for the pain.  Physical remedies can be found over the counter and are sometimes prescribed.  There are counselors for the mental pain.  Most importantly there is a MIGHTY counselor that handles ALL of the pain.  HE is the Doctor.  HE is the counselor.  HE is the answer.  The bible is full of reminders of God’s healing power and His everlasting love. 

Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

1 Cor 13: 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Rev 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

If you are hurting due to circumstances or condition, don’t give up.  Be reminded of the answer.  Matthew 7:7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you”. 

 

Just Because You Can't See it Doesn't Meant It's Not There!

Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it's not there. You don't see the wind yet recognize its presence as the trees sway. You don't see the Holy Spirit but you recognize Him in your heart. You don't see God but you see Him in others & witness His wondrous works.

The answer you are seeking is there. It's being worked out. It will be revealed to you when you are ready to receive it. Continue to seek & trust God for it. It's on the way. In the meanwhile, stay in His will and allow Him to lead the way.

Jeremiah 29:11 - 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future

Let's Do The Math

Deep down we know what our wants needs & desires are. We know how we want to be treated and loved. In my opinion we mess up when we bury those innate desires and settle for something else. We try and bend to fit the mode of what is being offered instead of waiting for what God will provide. The word says if we delight in Him then He will give us the desires of our heart. We get inpatient and think it's not coming or this relationship is close enough so I'll take this. God does not want us to settle. He wants what is best for us.   In another vein, If you are in a relationship and you KNOW without a doubt that you are not being treated the way you should be, why are you still in it? I'm not speaking on marriage. That is a totally different level of commitment.  I'm talking about any other non binding relationship be it a job, a friendship or a coupleship (smile). Are you waiting for something better to come along?  If so, you may be missing what God has for you because you are not in position to receive it. You are bound, tied up and wrapped up in the wrong place and and space. You need to be available to receive your blessing.   Do the math! None of us are average. None of is are less than. We are greater! The word says, greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world 1 John 4:4.  That means the God in us is great. Tell yourself each day that you are great. Even when you are sad, upset, confused, befuddled or disgruntled - you are Great!  You deserve to be happy, fulfilled and satisfied, & living abundantly. I ask that you pray & seek Gods will in your life.  I pray that you be blessed beyond measure as you live in the greatness that is you in Jesus name.  Amen 

Falling does not mean Failure

It's not IF you lose your footing, but when. We all do it at varying degrees eventually. Some fall harder than others; therefore everyone doesn't recover the same. Just as with any injury, our bodies heal differently. It takes some longer than others. Some have to crawl before standing. It is not our place to judge the why. It's our job to help each other up. More importantly, it's what you do after the fall that matters most.

Once you've fallen, realize that you are not alone and ask for assistance if needed. You might be thinking that it's too hard. Whenever I fall, I think about Jesus carrying the cross. He was weighed down by the cross beam, stumbled and Simon of Cyrene helped Him by carrying the cross.  Jesus saved us from ourselves by getting up and going to the cross AND by getting up on that third day. Nothing could keep Him down. He didn't have to but He chose to. We have freewill/choices too. We have to choose to get up after we fall.

As you reflect on 2011, maybe there were some things that you wish you'd have done differently. Maybe there were some choices that you made that caused you to fall. Falling does not mean failure. It means forgiving yourself and others and Pushing Forward.

HAPPY NEW YEAR AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Masking the Hurt

Why do people hurt each other? Why would they choose to hold malice in their hearts or grudges?

Many times, anger is a mask for hurt.  Rather than admitting that someone has hurt them, they lash out in anger.  Thus begins a vicious cycle of anger, decisions to not forgive and eventually the loss of a relationship.

Who gets the glory in this madness? The enemy! He is more than happy to cause mayhem and crush the love that people have for each other. He knows that God is love therefore he hates love. He would rather see friendships, relationships, and family ties broken over misunderstandings. He would NEVER want anyone to remove the masks, admit the hurt and push forward.  

1 John 4:7 says, “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God…” I beg you today. Reach out to those that you have severed ties with. If there is any love for them in your heart, know that it is worth mending the broken pieces.  Not only is tomorrow not promised, but neither is our next breath. Holding onto to the anger, pain and hurt isn’t worth it. As folk say.. let go and let God!

"Do not allow bitterness to block the beauty of joy in your heart!" #gigisms

Keeping you lifted

We travel across bridges, often without ever thinking about how much weight it can hold or how it is holding us up. 

We just know that it is built to sustain us.

A bridge is held up by bridge piers. It is the main support and superstructure on which the bridge rests upon. It is usually constructed of masonry, steel or concrete and is founded on firm ground.  It reminds me of the palm of a hand. Not just any hand, but God’s hand.

Just like that bridge pier, our God is keeping us lifted. While we scurry about life, He is holding us in the palm of His hand, supporting us. He is our strong tower. He is our rock. In the time of a storm, He is our protector. He is our shelter.  He is stronger than any man made material and He has no limits. “God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34).”  He is sovereign and offers salvation to us all. 

He loves us all, for He is love.

Thank you Lord for keeping us lifted. Thank you for being there for me when I am not there for myself. Thank you for everyone reading this today. May they be forever protected by your grace and mercy and filled with your everlasting love. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!

“On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand”-singing 

STOP being STUCK. Don't let your past erase your present!

Whoa! Stop it! Stop reliving the past. Trying to figure out the “what if’s”, the “should’ves” and the “if only’s.” It’s not going to change anything. There is no need to second guess it. “IT”—whatever IT is, happened. Today is the time to pry yourself out of that mire and muck and push forward. I know you are saying, “How? You don’t know what I’ve been through! ” Of course I don’t know your situation but I DO know that it isn’t healthy to be fixated on things of the past while your present passes you by. STOP being STUCK!
Don’t get me wrong. I am an advocate for therapy and I believe that some issues need to be worked through. All of us go through things, but some are more horrific than others. Some things are petty and can simply be put to rest. Some are lessons to be learned. Nevertheless action must be taken. Action is progression and thus moving forward.

Imagine putting your arm over the back of the chair, looking over your shoulder and backing up your car. Now imagine being stuck like that. Eternally looking backwards!. Everything else in your life is in front of you and you cannot turn around. You have backed into a wall and can only look back. How much would you miss that is going on around you and in front of you????? That is what you miss by being stuck. You miss your present and you block the blessings of your future.

I beseech you today to let it go, seek help or something. The important thing is that you move forward. When you feel yourself looking back or getting stuck, shake it off and pray! The life you save may be your own! STOP being STUCK!

The righteous will move onward and forward, and those with pure hearts will become stronger and stronger Job 17:9 (NL)

Fog Warning

I drove into a fog bank the other morning. In case you’ve never been in one, a fog bank is a dense mass of fog in the middle of clear surrounding air. It is difficult to see and it is difficult for others to see you. It can be a scary situation to be in, especially if visibility is reduced to only a few feet in front of you. It’s almost blinding. The first instinct is to stop but stopping creates a greater hazard. If you stop in the middle of the road in the midst of the fog, your chances of being run over are increased. By all means, do not stop in the midst of the fog. 

The Department of Motor Vehicles suggests that you reduce your speed and turn on your headlights when visibility is reduced.  Some vehicles are even equipped with special fog lights. In essence, it is best to turn on the lights and keep moving forward. 

As you know it, such is life. Sometimes we go about life, mindlessly doing our everyday tasks when suddenly we are blindsided by an unexpected turn of events (fog).  We can’t see and become fearful. It takes our breath away and the first inkling is to stop in the midst of it. BUT….Praise God for the urging of the Holy Spirit. It is usually at this point that we cry out, “Lord! Help me!” or “JESUS!” No matter the phrasing, the call is the key. Even in the midst when we can’t see, HE is there. Even when we are weary, downtrodden and heavy laden, HE is there. Don’t believe me? Imagine going through ANYTHING without HIM! We cannot bear these burdens alone!

Remember, you are not by yourself! You are equipped with that special fog light, the light of Jesus, needed to push you forward, no matter how dense the situation seems. He will carry you through!  

He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and
recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed
(Luke 4:18).

Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Passion for Purpose

I firmly believe that all of us have a passion for something. No matter how big or small, we all have it in us. It is undeniable. Some of us may push it aside, ignore it, or say I will get to it later while others pursue it, but all of us have it. Whatever you’re passionate about is your purpose.


It takes drive and determination to follow through. Just as in tennis the follow through is one of the most important parts of the swing. The people that are most successful in whatever they choose to do are those that are determined and focused to get there. They may be faced with distractions and detours too but they NEVER give up on their passion.

I am not talking about relationships. I am talking about a passion for the purpose of your life. There are books, videos and seminars on how to reach your purpose. They all say the same thing…. FOCUS, PLAN and may I add PRAY! Who better to seek for guidance, but God. He instilled in you, your purpose before you were created and He has the plan. So, I say….. first PRAY! Once you receive the answer, then PLAN (which includes writing it down) and then PURSUE! Keep it in the forefront and NEVER give up.

Somebody is reading this and saying that it’s too late. That you have put it off for too long and you can’t get there. I say…NOPE! Since GOD put the passion in you, and the idea crossed your mind to even consider it, then it’s not too late. It may not be on the scale that you once desired it to be but you can do it. Watch God put the people in your path to help you. Watch Him move things around to make it happen. HE is God remember. HE can do all things and since HE is in you, so can you.

I challenge you. Don’t sleepwalk through life and wake up one day and say I meant to. I pray that you will pursue it. Please do. Stir up your gift and live on purpose for your passion!

For nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1:37 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Running Won't Solve it! Turn Around!!!

Sally was tired! Tired of the made for TV movie that had become her life. She felt that if she could run away she wouldn't have to face it and it would all be behind her. How was she going to do it though? She had responsibilities and obligations that she felt that she must fulfill. Feeling trapped she decided to make a run for it.



She got in her car and drove away. She didn't know where she was going, only that she was running. The faster she went, the louder the sound of her heart resonated in her head. She rode to the rhythm until she heard the spirit say,"Where are you going? You do realize that the further you go, the longer it is going to take you to come back! You can't drive or run forever. Eventually you WILL get tired and will have to stop. Then, in order to solve the problem, you are going to have to go back." Sally didn't want to hear it but knew it as truth. God said, "How about you put everything in my hands, follow my lead and let Me handle this! Move over and let Me drive!". Sally exhaled and began to cry. This times it was sobs of relief. She knew that with God taking care of her, the burden would be lighter. She realized that she had gotten caught up in doing it all on her own and had forgotten Who was in charge of her life! "Okay God!", she said! "Thank You! My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus'blood and righteousness. I won worry about tomorrow for I know you hold my hand!"



She turned the car around with a renewed vision and restored faith. Everything was going to be as it should be-His will and His way-Pushing Forward!



**I wrote this note for I felt that someone feels like there's no hope. Remember in God there is always mercy. Keep the faith! I pray for peace in Jesus name. Amen!

.

A True Matriarch

Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, “The Elephant Family” is a story of the life of elephants as they endure a 40 year drought in Kenya. Elephants appear big and strong but I have learned that it is the bond of the herd (the family) that makes them powerful. It is the duty of the matriarch to lead the family through the grueling desert. They are dependent on her 50 years of life experience to guide them to places of safety and pockets of water and food. Each oasis is an opportunity to refuel and move on to the next spot. Elephants consume hundreds of pounds of food each, each day, so staying in any one location for an extended period of time is fruitless. So, in order to survive, the elephants follow the Matriarch. She is respected above reproach. Although not proven scientifically, it appears that other than humans, elephants also have a complex understanding of life and death. They grieve and have emotion and display it in their actions.

Today, I grieve and celebrate the life of Mrs. Esther Askew. She was a member of my church for over 50 years. She passed away this week at the age of 92. She was an educator by profession, but even after she retired after 34 years, she continued to teach in every aspect of her life. She was a woman with a lifting spirit that touched the lives of whoever came in her path. Even the director of the Assisted Living facility where she stayed, remarked that they had NEVER come across a soul such as hers. She made it a point to visit the residents each day and her light shone brightly throughout the facility. Up until she passed away, she was continually teaching and touching the lives of others.

There are matriarchs all around us, no matter our ages. I am reminded that as we move about in such a hurry to get to where we “think” we have to be.. (smile), we must take the time to listen to our matriarchs. Listen to their wisdom and learn from their experiences. Just as the elephants were led to safety and security, we too will get much farther, faster through their urging and their guidance and their love.

Rest in Peace Mrs. Askew! Gone but NEVER to be forgotten!

Poisonous Roots

I went to the see the movie For Colored Girls. It is not a movie for BLACK people. It is a movie for ALL people in that it is a story that goes on behind the doors of many. The women wore different colors with different issues. Issues that we have all heard about and some live daily, but often are not discussed. These are deep rooted issues. It reminds me that people go about their lives showing only their surface sides; the sides of our lives that we only want the world to see. Just as a tree stands strong in the wind, deep below the surface are its roots that we don’t see.

Roots have many functions, all of which are to sustain the life that they support. They serve as anchors, sources of nourishment and storage of nutrients. We are anchored by what we have endured. The storms that we have survived make us stronger and able to sustain new winds that may blow. We are nurtured and fed by the knowledge that we have survived and that we are still standing strong.

Then there is the poison. As we are going about our lives thriving and effectively resisting the negative influences that we are faced with, we are sometimes attacked with poison meant to kill us. Poison such as heartache from cheating, slander, abuse and betrayal to name a few. The saying goes, “What doesn’t kill you will make you stronger.” We have to recognize the poison for what it is and stop it before it gets to our roots, to the core of our being. We cannot allow the will of another to tear us down. If it gets below the surface, it spreads. It begins to kill us slowly, by eating away at our sustenance until we are left withered. This is unacceptable. We must dig it up these poisoned roots so that we can live on.

That’s where the potter comes in. The potter not only molds the clay, but re-pots us. He sets us on course to restoration. He surrounds us with HIS word, His fertile ground. He nurtures us and provides us with HIS SON. He protects us as we grow tall and form new roots once again. We go on pushing forward, sturdier than ever before.

Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8


[All] are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favor and mercy), through the redemption which is [provided] in Christ Jesus. Romans 3: 24 ( Amplified)

NOTHING!!!!!

“I am me! Perfect in my entirety! All as God created me to be! Yes, I am free to be me! #gigism”

If only we could remind ourselves of this daily. EVERY morning, after we thank the Lord for another day, before we open our eyes, if we could just remember to say, “I am me! Perfect in my entirety! All as God created me to be! Yes, I am free to be me!” These are powerful words. This affirmation cancels any plot of the enemy, even the enemies that can sometimes be ourselves for we sometimes get in God’s way.

You see, once the enemy has you brain washed, he thinks his work is done. If you believe the lies that you are nothing, can’t be nothing, won’t be nothing, he moves on. I used the word “nothing” on purpose. You see “nothing” means “not a thing”! Once you water (cry) and feed (believe) that nasty seed that he planted, it takes over. It creeps into every crevice of the mind and saturates the heart until there is NOTHING left but the lies.

Hold on a minute! What he has forgotten is that although we can be our worse enemy, we have within us the ability to turn the darkness into light. Even when we are at our lowest, we still have more power than the enemy. In Luke 10:19 (New King James Version), the word says, “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and NOTHING shall by any means hurt you.” There is that word again……. “Nothing”!

The enemy, believing he is clever, once again created a situation that has already been defeated. He may have convinced you that you were NOTHING but our Father God had already spoken against it. It is impossible to defeat you unless you defeat yourself. You have the power within you to win and to be free. Just speak the word over your issue, your darkness, your nothing and watch it manifest into your blessing!

“I am me! Perfect in my entirety! All as God created me to be! Yes, I am free to be me!

I Looked in the Mirror Today! (Put an end to Domestic Violence)

I looked in the mirror today! I saw a woman. A brown woman with brown eyes and keen features. A woman mixed with the heritage of her ancestors. A woman black, white and red.

I looked in the mirror today! I saw a woman. A woman who has weathered storms, trials and tribulations. At first I saw flaws and imperfections. I saw things I’d like to change. Things that I could make better. God said, “You are my child. I made you perfectly. You are beautiful. You are an amazing combination of my best. You are strong, you are amazing and you are mine!”

I looked in the mirror today! I then saw bold tough woman. A determined woman. A woman that loves hard and loves strong. A woman devoted to her God, her family, her children and herself.

I looked in the mirror today! I saw a woman inside out. A saved woman. A woman with a soul on fire for God. A woman with a spirit that sings. A woman with battle scars and bruises; symbols of her tenacity and drive to never give up despite the circumstances. A woman that is compassionate and caring. A woman that isn’t afraid to say what is on her heart as directed by God.

I looked in the mirror today! Have you? Do you see what man sees or what God sees? Look again. You are phenomenal. Look in the mirror and tell yourself. “ I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST! I AM INCREDIBLE! NO MATTER WHAT ANYONE ELSE SAYS, GOD LOVES ME NO MATTER WHAT! I AM A CONQUEROR; I AM VICTORIOUS…IN JESUS NAME! AMEN!”

Jeremiah 1:5 I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations

To all of the women and men who have been abused mentally, physically or verbally! I salute you! I pray for you! Remember, you are beautiful/fine/handsome and victorious! Keep Pushing Forward

It Ain't Over Until God Says It's Over

My girls wore pink today. They said the kids were wearing pink to bring awareness to Breast Cancer. They have been asking questions about cancer lately so we have been having good dialogue, but for them, at their fashion conscious age, to want to make sure they wore pink, stopped me in my tracks. In their own special way, these young people are taking the time to honor women and men who have been affected by this disease.


I can safely say that we have all been affected in some way or another for its roots are far reaching. My life was forever changed when a girlfriend of mine, in her 30’s passed away in 2002. She found out that the cancer was back after preparing to run in the Susan Komen Global Race for the Cure. She fought hard but it came back with a vengeance and attacked her liver. A week before her wedding, she knew that she didn’t have long, but she stood there on her wedding day, eyes yellowed with jaundice with the brightest most brilliant smile imaginable. Her faith was unwavering and her spirit strong. She passed away a few months later, praising God everyday for the life that He allowed her to live. The VICTORY IS WON!

Ms. Bobbie Currie is another strong woman of faith that touched my life. When she worked in my office, she used to read her bible everyday and pray. At that time, I didn’t know her story and didn’t understand her faith. I couldn’t understand why she was so diligent, strong and why she talked about the Lord and how much she loved Him. I didn’t know that she’d been cancer free for YEARS and was praising Him for her life. You see I wasn’t “born again” at the time and didn’t have a relationship with God. I attended church every now and then but I didn’t know how important it is to have a true relationship with HIM. Bobbie was a lady of grace, poise and love. The last time I saw her, she’d just come from a treatment. Although weak, she was still smiling and giving God the Glory! She too passed away with unwavering faith. The VICTORY IS WON!

I know some of you may say, “How can the VICTORY be won if they passed away?” Healing doesn’t always come in the way that we want it. WE would rather keep our loved ones here with us in this cruel world, even after they have served GOD’s purpose. We forget that we are only here temporarily and we are GOD’s children. We are to return HOME to be with Him. These ladies were shining examples of God’s love. His love radiated from them in their smiles, their demeanor and in the lives that they led. They returned to Him in His time to live out eternal life.

I pay homage to those of you who have won the victory on this side of the Jordan, not just over breast cancer but any type of cancer. I pay homage to you who have loved ones who have fought and are fighting. I pay homage to the friends, family and caregivers who provide love and support. I send a special “I love you to my mom who is five years healed! Hallelujah!”

Maurette Brown Clark sings a song entitled It Ain’t over until God Says It’s Over. The lyric that stands out in my mind is “It ain’t over until God says it’s done. It’ ain’t over until God says it’s over, keep fighting until your victory is won!”

Link to song.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQer9GkTMSw


Keeping Fighting! Keep Praying! Keep Praising!

The Makings of a Masterpiece

Envision a canvas!

A BIG BLANK CANVAS without a spot or wrinkle! That is how we are born.

As we take that first breath, the visual painting begins. Only the beginnings of the picture are seen and all are excited and anxious to see what is yet to come.

As we go about our lives, God is constantly working on us and developing us into the work of art that HE knows we will be. We can’t see the end, for we are the canvas. We only know that we are being worked on because we can feel it. We can sense it.

Change is constant. It never ceases. We are evolving moment by moment. It is when we resist the work that God is doing or the direction that He would have us to go, that the picture changes. Keep in mind, before we took our first breath, God foresaw the work of art that He was going to make.

He makes no mistakes, so let Him do His will with you. Even though you may have made some errors in judgement  or have some regrets, it’s NEVER too late. He has the brush and is in control.

Just imagine the end when HE finally puts the brush down, steps back and smiles at YOU, the one that HE created for HIS purpose. The end result is going to be phenomenal. You are incredible! His chosen one! His masterpiece….well done! Well done!



 "God's work is evident in the things HE has made"



Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.



Art By Sue Hoya Sellars



The Life You Save May Be Your Own

The saying goes, “If you keep kicking a dog, it will eventually bite back.” First of all you don’t EXPECT anyone to kick you but you really don’t expect it from someone that says that they love you. They kick you, hurt you and then hold out their hand and say, “I do love you. I wasn’t thinking. I was angry!” Well if that is your definition of love then I would rather pass.

How about the people that cheat and say, “I’m sorry for (you caught me) cheating honey. I don’t know what came over me BUT I love you. I love you so you are supposed to stay with me no matter what I do. Yes, my love hurts you but you are still supposed to stay with me because I love you.” What kind of love is that? Can we say “MENTAL ABUSE!” Think of the damage done to all involved. Some people think that cheating is okay because they saw their dads do it or their moms do it and they stayed together, so it’s okay if I do it! They say, “At least I’m not hitting her. I‘m not abusing her, I’m just cheating.” So the cheat sin is less than the physical abuse sin, so it’s okay??? I think not!

Abuse in any form or fashion is abuse. Be it verbal, mental or physical it all hurts. Ask the person being wounded and see what they say. From personal experience I can say that although the verbal and mental bruises are not visible, the internal scars are still there and take a long time to heal. That’s just like people with invisible disabilities. People say things like, “You don’t look disabled!” How crass. It doesn’t matter what it looks like on the outside, it’s the damage being done on the inside. No human being should have to live in an abusive situation. You are to remove yourself immediately.

Every situation is different. I am not here to say that a marriage or a relationship cannot be healed. I am not saying that there is no room for forgiveness. Every situation is different and none should be compared with another. There are many relationships that have been rectified through time, healing and counseling. In some instances it takes time apart and in some instances it doesn’t. I am here to say, if you are being abused seek help IMMEDIATELY. IF you fear for your safety, come up with an immediate plan and LEAVE! There are shelters that can help you. It CAN NOT get better without help. Nowhere in the BIBLE does Jesus condone abuse. People say stay and work on your marriage or relationship while you are being battered. RUN I say! Seek man made shelter and shelter in HIM ……the life, the soul; the mind you save may be your own.



Luke 4: 18-19

God's Spirit is on me;

he's chosen me to preach the Message of good news to

the poor, Sent me to announce pardon to prisoners and

recovery of sight to the blind,

To set the burdened and battered free

Clinging to the Cross

I cherish the cross. When things get rough, when things get tough, I think of the cross. When I feel like my burdens are too heavy and I’d rather sit down than keep going, I think of the cross. When things are going well and I have no worries or complaints, I think of the cross.


The cross is a symbolic reminder of what our GOD endured for us. HE willingly allowed them (the world) to put HIM on that cross so that HE could bear our sins. HE carried that heavy cross to Calvary for you and me. So how can my burdens be heavier than his? How can my life be any more difficult than HIS? Even at my lowest point, it is nothing compared to what HE endured.

I have a cross tattooed on my foot. It took approximately 15 minutes (which felt like an hour) of excruciating pain to get it, but it was worth it. There are many arguments as to whether a tattoo is defaming your body, but it was a very personal decision. My tattoo is a constant reminder of my savior, Jesus. It is a symbol of the sacrifice and the victory! If HE could handle the pain and sins of the world for me, surely I could survive 15 minutes to have a constant reminder of HIM. I think of how even in the midst of all the good HE was doing, there were still those that chose to pick Him apart. They chose to try and tear HIM down, criticize HIM and persecute HIM. Surely He could have chosen not to bear the cross but HE did it! HE did it for you and me!



My Tattoo



The next time you are sad or weary, think of the cross. Think of HIS victory! Remember that HE rose with all power in HIS hands. Although the world thought that HE was defeated, HE was triumphant. No matter what you are going through, cling to the cross! Jesus will see you through!

Singing.....


On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,

the emblem of suffering and shame;

and I love that old cross where the dearest and best

for a world of lost sinners was slain.

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,



till my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

and exchange it someday for a crown.



Disappointment!

When people disappoint you and make you want to cry, you shake your head and ponder and ask the questions why. Then God gently reminds us to put our faith in Him for HE's really the ONLY one in whom we always can depend. HE is there to listen and HE won't ignore our cry and when others have forsaken us, HE's always standing by! #gigism

I don't care what the SIGN says!!

Several years ago, I was travelling with some friends in Pennsylania and we got lost. After a few miles of wandering aimlessly, we finally convinced the MALE driver to pull over and ask for directions. After he’d gotten the directions, we proceeded up the road. As we approached the highway that clearly stated which way we should go, the driver refused to go that way. He said, ‘I don’t care what the SIGN says, the man said bear left!!!!” Well, you guessed it. We were lost again. Years later, whenever I see this gentleman it is a joke that we still laugh about. He still utters, “I don’t care what the SIGN says, the man said……well you know!! LOL


Isn’t that how we do GOD!! We get lost, and FINALLY figure out that we need to ask for directions. Once He puts us on the right road, we get over confident and begin on our merry way! Then HE gives us a SIGN! A CLEAR, OBVIOUS SIGN so that we will know which way to go! What do we do???? We ignore HIM and choose what man says. We chose what the world says and low behold we are lost again and calling on God for new directions. I sure am glad that HE knows just where to find us and HE doesn’t mind helping us when we call. Just like the hymn says, “Ask the Savior to help you, comfort, strengthen, and keep you; He is willing to aid you, He will carry you through!”

I don’t know about you, but I would rather listen to GOD, follow HIS signs and stay on the road heading right! His road is smoother with fewer detours and NO DEAD ENDS!

How about you?