Thanksgiving Leftovers

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First off, my humblest apologies for my week-long hiatus; I guess I needed some time to reflect. Although, as God sifted me, I sifted my mind, thinking of what you must be going through as I went through. (Does that make any sense?) You see, I rode an emotional roller coaster this week. Highs and lows. As I pick myself back up to stay in the climb, I’m pressured not to write another “it’s gonna be alright” post. Instead, I want to write for those that are climbing, on a high point and those who, like me, are so very thankful.

Being thankful—that’s what I wanted to write about last week during Thanksgiving, but personally I needed that time to be with God. No shopping. No gluttony. Just me & Daddy.

As the semester comes to a close (Congrats to the Class of 2010), you can’t help but reflect on where God has brought you from. What others thought was impossible, you’ve made possible.

Thankful!

For some, you may not be in school or was forced to take time off. Take heed in knowing God hasn’t forgotten His promise to you nor is He ignoring your faith.

A very good friend of mine is six months from graduating with his BA. He should have graduated eight years ago, but a terminal disease deterred those plans. Not only did it affect his body, but it polluted his confidence. Whenever I think of his story, I’m so grateful to God, knowing how bad things could be. Eight years could not stand in his way; nothing can stand in yours.


Thankful!

We’re God’s people. We’re bursting with potential, talent and possibility. Sometimes I feel like I’m suffocating, as if someone jammed me in a box and locked up my destiny. Do you ever feel that way? You’ve been locked up for so long that you forget that seasons come and go. When the idea of giving up seeps into my spirit, I’m pushed by many factors, including mere curiosity. I want to know how my story ends.

Call my crazy or just call me a Jesus-lover, but I feel the knot that Oprah felt, that little inkling that President Obama felt, the twitch that nagged Donald Trump. It’s the tiniest, itty bittiest feeling that something humungous is going to happen in my life. That I reek of greatness, my name will appear in big letters somewhere and I’m just a leap, skip and a jump away from it.

Thankful!

So, as you can tell. God and I had an intense conversation last week. And, again this morning and the bad news is still reeling in, so we have a lot more to talk about. I’m taking off my mask and will be simply vulnerable. I’m probably gonna cry… a lot. In the end, I’ll find the rock within, be reminded of where he brought me from, where I am & what He has prepared for me. Thankful!

What are you thankful for? What are you trusting in God for?

Whoopings Don't Last Always

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Like most children, I was scared of getting spankings. In fact, I was so scared that once confronted with a "Why did you do that?" or a "Didn't I tell you to...?" I would freeze in place, fretting the inevitable whooping that was seconds away from my behind. As my mother reached for a stray bedroom slipper or belt, one thought helped me to endure and somehow ignore the pain—it'll soon fade away.

Even as an adult, I use the same concept to deal with dissappointment or heartbreak. To ease the knot in my chest, I'd say to myself: this will soon past, and it did. After a while, I didn't even remember it. All the anguish vanished, leaving me with only a memory.

As we move closer and closer in the kingdom of God, it'll seem that we're dealing with more, and bigger, dissappoint-
ments in life. Not getting into the college of your choice, dropping out of school because of poor grades, a tuition that out-matches your bank accounts. (sigh) It's depressing just to think about it. Life's setbacks sting just like a whooping from your mom or dad, but whoopings can't sting forever. The pain wears off.

Your heavenly Father knew what battles you would endure. In fact, He knew how much it would hurt you and thus develop a better you. James 1:2-4 reads, "Be joyful when you find yourself in seemingly impossible situations, which tests your faith in the seen versus the unseen—what men says is impossible versus what God has already made possible for you—and mature you."

God has set you up to win and win you will. "Troubles don't last always" is not just a cute saying. It's real. Don't you want to know what happens in the next chapter? How does your story end? If Oprah can overcome incest and promiscuity, if Tyler Perry could hold onto a dream while living in a car, why should you be exempt from your success story.

Next time life gives you a spanking, reach back, grab God's promise to you and hit back. When there's no more punch in you, kick! When there's no more kick, shout and when you shout, shout out the biggest praise that you can. Even the smallest faith can create divine favor with college administrators who'll give your application a second look. With God giving you brand new mercies every morning, a financial blessing is heading your way.

I am a walking, living and talking witness that we go through challenges to do just that—challenge us to trust Him more, love Him more, give up more and do more in His name. Like the songs says, let God prove that He keeps His word.

What are some of your academic setbacks? How are you coping with the sting?