Celebration VS. Comparison

“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy roots the bones.”-Proverbs 14:30 (NIV)
The other day I came across a post on Facebook and I immediately went into celebration mode for my friend. One thing I have learned growing up is that celebrating others is one of the greatest things you can do.
Now I have to admit I wasn’t always so quick to celebrate others due to my own selfish ambition and jealousy. I would question God and ask “Why them?” “Am I not doing the right thing?” The comparison trap set in very quickly, I was no longer focused on the celebration I was focused on my own insecurity and self-image. I kept thinking let me just “fake it till I make it.” In my mind I figured that if I celebrated them in public then one day I could genuinely celebrate them in private. When in reality Christ wants our heart to match our actions at all times, we are called to rise above and to be genuine. I needed a heart check and I needed to check my emotions. How could I be a follower of Christ but harbor envy and strife?

8/27/17

Being envious of others does nothing but cause you to wallow in the “what ifs” and the “why me” moments. When it comes time for me to celebrate others I do not have the time or the energy to figure out why they were blessed before me, it’s my job to cheer them on but to focus on the path that is set before me.  Christ never called me to figure out the plan he had for their life but to stay focused on the path he put in front of me. I wasn’t designed to map out the end result or to question him I was created to serve him and to share his love and compassion. It’s impossible to share his message of his love and compassion if I am harboring jealousy and envy.
This wasn’t a lesson I learned overnight, granted I dealt with this from the age of 12-19 and there are still moments where I have to fight the urge to be envious or judgmental.  I have to remind myself to stay focused on what God has planned for my life and this is not a competition, it’s a journey. It’s MY journey and although others may not support or celebrate every milestone or moment I will ensure that my heart is pure and my intentions are good.
Today’s Challenge:
1. Do a heart check whenever you feel envy or that bit of insecurity rise. 
2. Dig deep and find out why you are feeling this way.
3. Address your triggers  
4. Overcome every obstacle! 
“You cannot be bitter and envious and still expect God to favor you.” –Trice C.

His Promise Still Stands

In a time where this country is in disarray I turn to Christ, I turn to him because fear insists on reminding me that I too could be next. Although my skin color doesn't define what Christ placed inside of me I get weary and honestly I'm tired.

In those moments of uncertainty and ultimately fear I still get on my knees and pray. I know that God loves each of us that showing his love and compassion is needed. He promised to never leave us and to always provide. I trust in the promise that he spoke over my life, I trust that he has a plan.

I see the chaos, the hatred, the tears from my bothers and sisters. I see the rising of young men and women regardless of race, background and tax bracket coming together to raise the standard. I see the marches, the flags and the banners. I hear the cries from mothers, wives, daughters, sons and grandparents as they watch history repeat itself. I feel the pain, I feel rejection, I feel the defeat, I feel the strength. I know the ending, I know the healer and I know my redeemer lives.

For every battle we face whether we win or lose he is right there with his arm outstretched. While we are waiting on the promise to manifest, he's preparing our hearts. For every tear and unspoken fear he is holding our hand and covering us. I trust that our momentary affliction can not be compared to the glory that shall be revealed. I trust in Christ, I believe in his word and I will continue to pray for our country.


My prayer for you:

I pray that God continues to cover you and give you the strength to endure. I pray that you walk boldly and know that no weapon formed against you shall prosper. May his peace surround you and may his love comfort you.
-Amen

Lesson Learned: Give Thanks

Los Angeles, California

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

                          

I took a mini break from blogging to focus on my newest career endeavors and to figure out which direction I wanted my blog to go within the next few years. I am so grateful for this opportunity God has given me and for the chance to explore the world in a new setting and environment. During my time, off I was able reconnect and discovered that my passion is directly attached to my gift and both must be protected and cherished.

The months leading up to my big transition weren’t easy and honestly, I really wasn’t expecting it to be, financially things were taking a turn and I it caught me off guard. I stayed faithful to the commitments I had made and remained focused on what was ahead of me, although there were moments where I wanted to rush the process along I had to stop and embrace the season I was in.

My emotions were all over the place for many different reasons I was excited, nervous, hesitant but expecting God to guide me along the way. I wish I could say that I made it through with my own strength but that would be a lie. I had to depend on God and I had to trust in the plan he had for me life. Every expectation, desire or want that I had for my transition was changed as soon as I put everything in Gods' hand. I reached a point where I realized that God gave me everything that I prayed for but deep down I was still unhappy. I had to do some digging and I found out that I was essentially running from the thing God placed in front of me.

Now I know you are reading this and wondering, well that’s backward you should be happy God answered your prayer. And yes! You are totally right I should’ve been rejoicing and found giving thanks but I was too focused on myself and on my feelings. I was uncomfortable and scared and ultimately, I became so fixated on the “what’s next” that I failed to focus on the season God had me in.

I learned that if you keep trying to fast forward through every uncomfortable or undesirable situation you will miss the lesson in that season. The lesson I learned was that Christ is in control of all things and the moment I begin to lean unto my own understanding I begin to fall. My mind cannot fathom the things God has planned for my life and me stressing about starting over and fulfilling the assignment was pointless. When God calls you into a new season he has already equipped you for everything that may come your way. Every obstacle, victory, defeat, trial or pain he has given you the tools to survive and to succeed.  Last year this time I would’ve never imagined living in New York City and in Raleigh, it just wasn’t what I planned but God had it all worked out!

My prayer for you:

In every circumstance whether good or bad I pray that you find yourself giving God thanks. You may not understand why things aren’t happening the way YOU planned it, but God’s plan for your life is so much bigger and better than what you put on our New Year’s Resolution List. Don’t throw your lists of dreams and hopes away just allow God to direct every step you take and give thanks regardless of what comes your way.

I believe in you and I believe in your JOURNEY!!!