Tag: Bad Advice

Day Six – You’re Not Alone

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Good day! I hope to convey the essence of this blog in just two to three brief paragraphs, focusing on God’s omnipresence. He exists in the past, present, and future.

Yesterday, I had the wonderful opportunity to catch up with a dear friend who means so much to me. Even though she looked a bit pale, I initially thought she had a tough week. Imagine my surprise when she revealed that her week was actually fantastic! I couldn’t help but feel concerned about what might be stressing this gentle soul.

As I shared stories about my oldest and his children, she listened intently. Then, when I touched on an issue I hadn’t realized she was dealing with, her tears unexpectedly flowed. At that moment, I quietly shifted my focus, understanding it was her turn to open up and share her troubles.

She quickly shared her “shameful” feelings regarding something she’d done. I listened, stunned, thinking, “Oh wow!” Given her character, it was hard to believe what I was hearing. My mind immediately drifted to my blog post about “Bad Advice.” I certainly didn’t want to give my friend poor counsel, nor did I wish to hear all the messy details. Yet, she revealed them through her tears and her seeking relief from pain. As her friend, I suggested we find a solution together. We talked about what led to her current situation and began plotting a plan of action despite the heavy atmosphere of her stress!

To lighten the mood, I shared one of my most embarrassing moments. Her expression turned goofy as she was surprised I could be so silly! I believe we both began laughing at once. Then she exhaled! Following that, it was clear to see her emotions of hopelessness making way to let God assist her in overcoming her feelings of shame as she and He work to address and fix the issues that imprisoned her. Over time, her shame will fade away, becoming less and less of a burden each day. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, you are not the source of confusion but the great deliverer. Please spiritually liberate those who are trapped in emotional prisons due to shameful moments. Grant them the capacity to forgive themselves. Help them fix the problem and learn from these experiences to enhance their lives and become better individuals. Amen

Day Five – Bad Advice

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. James 1:13-14

I’m here, shaking my head at people who give terrible advice. Recently, I was talking with a long-time friend about my mortgage. He told me I couldn’t find a one-bedroom apartment for my current mortgage payment. His comment reminded me of a long-ago experience when I sought help with a utility bill. A customer service representative suggested I sell my house because I couldn’t afford the utilities. I found her suggestion offensive then and now. I’m grateful I persevered through my high mortgage payments. Now! I can live comfortably in a state and city I cherish.

At that time, I aspired to afford living in Colorado. My eagerness to pay my bills punctually might have lent unwarranted credibility to bad advice. Consequently, I could have sold my house and pursued apartment living as suggested by that woman. Wow! I’m really glad I didn’t take that route!

Not everyone who speaks freely and offers unsolicited advice truly has others’ best interests at heart. Therefore, prioritizing self-love should guide your life-changing decisions. With that said, it’s time for me to end this blog and go outside to work in my yard. Have a great weekend!

PRAYER

Lord, it’s the weekend; let us strive to be fruitful in our efforts. 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