July 27, 2023

Finding Your Way – Fruits of Suffering

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
Romans 5:3-5 (NIV)

Happy throwback Thursday! Ten years ago, on July 26, 2013, I posted an inspirational story about the struggles of a butterfly. It was befitting for this however long series titled “Finding Your Way.”

I’ve often seen people fall completely apart when facing trials and tribulations. The emotional stresses tied to struggles sometimes paralyze folks to a point they can’t see the forest for the trees; thus, rendering them helpless. And as a result nothing gets done to the best of their ability. As to why finding your way through difficult situations is so very very important to living an abundant life.

“A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to squeeze its body through the tiny hole. Then it stopped, as if it couldn’t go further.

So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bits of cocoon. The butterfly emerged easily but it had a swollen body and shriveled wings.

The man continued to watch it, expecting that any minute the wings would enlarge and expand enough to support the body. Neither happened! In fact the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around. It was never able to fly.

What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand: The restricting cocoon and the struggle required by the butterfly to get through the opening was a way of forcing the fluid from the body into the wings so that it would be ready for flight once that was achieved.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our lives. Going through life with no obstacles would cripple us. We will not be as strong as we could have been and we would never fly.” ~~Author Unknown

June 5, 2023

Finding Your Way – The Good and Bad

He saved others, but He cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him.
Matthew 27:42

You have to find your way through the good and bad encounters with society, family, friends and those considered as loved ones. Oftentimes when someone has done some incredible things for others and they themselves fall on hard times the ugly side of jealousy surfaces in others. And, as a result, the lack of support from anyone causes people to journey through life unhappy.

PRAYER

Father God, if we ask ourselves what would have happened to all of creation had Jesus came down from the cross, there is no answer to such a question. Christ couldn’t come down from the cross. His mission was to save the world on a grand scheme. And, as a result, failure was not an option.

Him fulfilling his commitment wasn’t easy. And many people don’t know and only a few people care that His hands were nailed to a cross, a crown of thorns was placed on his head and a sharpened wedge type spear was attached to the cross underneath his bottom. Each time his weight gave into gravity under the fainting pressure of being crucified his fanny was forced on the object. Cutting deeper with each uncontrollable dropping of his body weight and causing intense pain until He hung His head and died for the sins of humankind.

Today, Lord, I pray for your peace for tormented souls that feel they can’t move forwards for the lack of support. Give them a kiss from Heaven. Give them a sign that they aren’t alone on their journey. Let them know trouble doesn’t last always for in Christ there is hope, peace, love and strength for living our best lives despite dark days. Amen

June 2, 2023

Finding Your Way – 30 Pieces of Silver

“I am sending you, to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in me”.
Acts 26:18

Sometimes in an effort to gain financial security people will do anything to get there! As they are unknowingly selling their souls to the prince of this world. Unlike Judas, who’s role was to betray Christ and to be given redemption for the part he played, greed is blinding when lies and deceit keeps the ambitious from realizing they’ve sold their priceless eternal inheritance for far less than what they stand to gain on Earth.

Father God, Heaven and Hell are real! And I would like to think I will be going to Heaven and not because I’m perfect but because I do try to live a life pleasing to you. However, my presence and your blessings are causing a few people to sell their souls for “30 pieces of silver.” Jealousy, hate, greed, sorrow, the lack of self-worth have made them my tormentors and robbing me of spiritual peace. And, as a result, I’m praying for the eyes of my enemies to be spiritually opened to their foolishness. Lord, don’t leave them ignorant! Let them see and understand why they were recruited to do the dirty job they’ve been doing for the prince of this world. With your love, convict their souls day and night of the wrongs they are committing against themselves, against you, against me and all the others they’ve involved in the sideshow. Turn them from their evil ways before their spiritual inheritance is stolen from them. Restore peace to all involved in this moment in time by removing the blinders of Satan from eyes and his evil from hearts. Amen

Prayers Of A Woman – 7 Deadly Sins

JANUARY 16

Wow! Happy New Year! With the last two months being hectic because of the holidays, celebrating the new year can add to the leftover stresses from the prior year. It’s not only a new day but it’s a new year! And we have the opportunity to plan and make big changes! Woohoo!

It’s a good time to reflect on things we wanted to do and didn’t or things we started and never finished or we can even reflect on our failures and learn from them. But the following questions beg answers: How important were those things? And if you complete them today how do they add value to your life? And is that value a significant force that will change your journey where you’re living on the plus side?

This year I hope to be more active in my public prayers. My focus will be living on the plus side and the seven deadly sins, pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony and sloth. Happy New Year, my beloved!

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31

October 9

“Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
Jeremiah 29:7

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, please comfort the hearts of those that feel like they are in exile, assuring them they aren’t alone because of your presence. Helping them always to flourish wherever home is. Amen

The Prayer’s of Black Women

March 15

A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Proverbs 18:24

A couple of months back a friend took over her daughter’s broken relationship. It became [to me] a Facebook tell all shame a thon. It was done to shame the cheating boyfriend and restore the jilted daughter’s honor. Unfortunately, mom and child became victims of bad advice; mainly, because those that care for them wanted the best for them. Sadly, we live in a time where we avoid pain in an effort to feel wanted. And we rob the soul of searching and seeking greater understanding of our existence.

PRAYER

Father God, thank you for another day, please bless all who read this simple prayer with at least one friend that is faithful to their relationship and be a beacon of your truth. Amen

The Prayers of Black Women

March 10

“Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness; He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.”
Psalm 112:4

PRAYER

Father God, thank you for your grace and mercy. Today we ask that you allow your people to see the hope you’ve promised for dark days. Amen

Prayer Request:

Lord, I’m praying for Gina and her family. Yesterday her uncle died from COVID. His death has impacted the family with grief and bewilderment. Bring the light of hope, understanding and comfort to this family. Amen

The Prayers of Black Women

March 9

Generational Prayer For Spiritual Blessings

When I was in seminary we were taught a prayer that would aid us when we could not pray. Yesterday, I published that prayer: “Lord help until you can help.” I added others to that prayer because I knew I wasn’t alone with struggling in whatever. Today is a new day and God’s mercy has given my soul peace once again.

“Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments.”

Deuteronomy 7:9

PRAYER

Father God, I’m so glad you’re a faithful God. It was your faithfulness that reminded my soul that had fallen into stagnation a prayer I’d forgotten decades ago. Prayer keeps us linked to you but our words communicate our desires for life and builds a strong bond between the creator and creation. And today I ask for generational favor for me and my descendants. Among my requests is that my children, their children and so forth and so on discover and worship you the true and living God for all the days of our lives. Amen

The Prayers of Black Women

February 25

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
Psalm 139:14

Prayer:

Father God, creator of the Universe, let us praise you for the life we live. Let your works give wings to our dreams and make them reality. Bless us with your favor as we celebrate daily with thanksgiving for being fearfully and wonderfully made. Amen

The Prayers of Black Women

February 21

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31

Prayer

Father God in a world that demands much, spiritual renewal is needed daily. Sadly, the process of regenerating one’s mind is grossly overlooked because of the demands of life. As a result, many that love you are unable to take hold of your promise; therefore, today’s request is asking for you to fill your empty vessels with peace that will allow the renewing of the spirit. Amen