Tag: Black Women Praying

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.

Day Four – Harvesting Money

A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. Proverbs 10:4

The other day, I planted a bush that I bought last summer. Honestly, I was so amazed it survived! Before I could plant the bush in its new home, I needed to remove the low-voltage landscaping lights and their wiring. Typically, I just toss everything away, but this time I had a different idea. I saved the wire my husband bought decades ago for $50. I sat outside at a table and started harvesting the copper. It was quite a challenge! So, I called my sister, who’s an expert at this, but she wasn’t very helpful, other than telling me how copper is priced. As a result, my determination became my best ally, and I managed to get it done! Now, I need to harvest more copper to make my efforts fruitful when I sell my copper wire. I have already spent the money. I have my eyes on a beautiful new bush I spotted at Lowe’s for $200. I can’t help but wonder how many others might throw money away like I did! Later, hoping for a bit of financial luck to splurge on something desired. Well, I found more copper wire that needs to be stripped! And! I need to get going in the yard. Wish me luck on both!  Cha-Ching!

PRAYER

Father God, guide me today and every day to enhance my life and prosperity.  Amen

Day Two – Jealous Big Mouths

“A competent and self-confident person is incapable of jealousy in anything. Jealousy is invariably a symptom of neurotic insecurity.” ~Robert A. Heinlein

When you meet someone who tends to correct everything or seldom gives a compliment without linking it to their own self-worth, it might feel a bit like jealousy and negativity. However, if you’re journeying through life with a positive mindset, you’ll realize that the person’s unkind statements unknowingly compliment you! How wonderful is that?

Understanding the difference between jealous criticism and constructive criticism is really about being there for yourself and striving to become the best version of you.

PRAYER

God, you stated that everything you have created is fearfully and wonderfully made. Let us embrace that knowledge and grow in your glory. Amen.

PHOTO CREDIT: The photo belongs to me. It’s a picture of a newly planted strawberry plant in my garden. I’m unsure how the strawberries taste, but the flowers are beautiful.

Luke 12:48 – Abundance of Knowledge

But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:48

Sometimes, you have to embody the words you preach! 

Yesterday, I contacted a business regarding an issue with one of their products. In my first call, I spoke with a young Black woman. While she was managing my account, I shared my thoughts concerning the current situation in the U.S. Unfortunately, the call dropped, and I had to contact the company again to resolve the issue. Interestingly,  the second representative I spoke to was a White woman. She started the conversation off on a sour note! Frustrated with her attitude, I requested a transfer, but she told me I had no choice but to continue speaking with her. In response, I said I would hang up and call back. I did just that! On my third call, I talked to another Black woman. I got straight to the point because I didn’t want the call to drop, and while she was assisting me, we discussed something that prompted her to say, “I live in a poor state.” The way she expressed it made me feel she felt trapped.   We managed to resolve the issue, and the call ended with pleasantries and her feeling unheard regarding a personal disappointment.

To my surprise, she called me on her cell phone! I answered. I usually don’t answer calls unless I recognize the number or anticipate a business inquiry. Our conversation was brief, but nothing I said seemed to alleviate the pain she was expressing. Her responses made it evident that she felt isolated in her struggles as if she were the only one experiencing what she was going through.

This morning, I received a message that my Facebook page was scheduled for permanent removal due to trademark violations. A Meta’s customer service representative offered me the option to file a complaint, but I have none—it’s their business and their rules. I chose to move forward calmly. Although I was surprised that the email didn’t specify the content that was being violated, I responded that I respect others’ rights and understand Facebook/Meta must act in their interests. With that said, “Black Women Have It Going On” remains true regardless of the status of a Facebook page. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, I express my gratitude for the ability to read, understand, and the freedom to articulate my thoughts. I ask that I never intentionally use my blessings to harm others, regardless of whether they deserve such a response. I urge you to visit every workplace and bring forth the spirit of peace, freeing individuals who feel trapped, believing their current position is the ultimate goal. Show them the many opportunities that await. Amen

Perfect Peace in Questionable Times

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3

As the world watches with bated breath, the Commander-in-Chief of the United States has decided to impose a 25% tariff on Canada, Mexico and 10% tariff on China. Upon hearing his decision and witnessing a snippet of him signing the Executive Order, I felt deeply anxious due to the unknown repercussions. However, soon after, I was restored to a renewed hope and faith in my country and God. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, thank you again for another day to live with your grace and in your mercy. My country needs you more now than ever before. Our current leader needs you now more than he probably has ever needed you before. Surround Him with people you can trust. Search his total being and help him search his heart and his thoughts before making decisions for America. I ask that You instill renewed hope in those who love America and those who, despite their grievances, call America their home. Amen.

Day Four – Removing Mental Clutter

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23

A few days ago, life felt intense! Two close friends shared their concerns about what is happening on Capitol Hill and how it could impact Black America. Each discussion ventured into unfamiliar territory. While I can put a face to what’s going on, I don’t fully understand the internal workings and couldn’t offer any comfort regarding our nation’s instability, except for giving personal advice urging them to keep striving for their dreams. That’s something I recommend everyone do in uncertain times. Let’s pray for positive outcomes in every situation.


PRAYER

Heavenly Father, a spirit of discontent looms over America, wreaking havoc both within and beyond our borders. This spirit sows seeds of doubt, strife, envy, hatred, and self-righteousness, leading to reckless and abusive behavior among people. As a result, it robs us of dignity in our interactions, both publicly and privately. Lord, I ask you to bind this spirit and release the spirit of love—love for oneself, love for family, love for humanity, love for our country, and most importantly, love for you. Amen.   

Day Forty – Removing Clutter

13 If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13

Let’s pray!

Today, Lord, I’m praying a worldwide Valentine’s prayer of love.  I ask the following of you because all people deserve to live a fulfilling life.  I pray for people in power that think and act and like children.  Their immaturity has a negative impact on those they lead and the world.  I pray that you will show them the level of their thinking in such a way that it gives them the desire and ability to change. Amen 

Day Thirty Nine – Removing Clutter

Behold, God is my helper. The Lord is the one who sustains my soul.

Psalm 54:4

PRAYER

Father God, gathering up the fragments of our lives when they’ve been shattered can be hard.  Please help us on our journey as we clear the clutter from our homes and our lives.  Amen 

Day Thirty Eight – Removing Clutter

When they were filled, he said unto his disciple, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.

John 6:12 KJV

Learning to stay steadfast on your decluttering journey during times of uncertainty is truly hard. You’ll find yourself falling off the wagon many times when it comes to keeping your home neat and tidy. And, as a result you’ll wrestle with discouragement from time to time. But keep going! The prize you’ll win at the end of your decluttering journey is discovering the love of self.    

Over the weekend I called a contentious cousin. Why? I don’t know! I guess I love punishing myself. If I say the sky is blue she will say it’s black. The funny thing about her is that she’s always talking smack about one of her sister’s she feels does the same to her. Yet, she treats me like her sister treats her as she feels she’s being positive.  People like her is why I love the song by Michael Jackson “Man In The Mirror.” And I’m sure we all have one or two people in our circle that are negative and extremely delusional that their positive.

As I fought being overwhelmed I found my mindset was somewhat different.  Instead of letting her put a damper on my good intentions and or zap me of my energy, I said to her, “Wow! You can’t hear me gasping for air trying to sort through items. I’m trying to figure out who gets what because it was meant for me to buy all this stuff to be a blessing to others. Yes, my home is overrun with stuff but I can be a blessing to others because of it!” [Silence]

So! If it takes you a day, days, a week, weeks and even months to sort through your clutter, then it takes you that long because healing starts over and over with everything you touch.  Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, thank you for the power of healing.  Help us gather the fragments of our lives as we let go of things that we don’t use nor need.  Let the things we give be a blessing to the new owners.  Amen 

P.S.

On Friday I started with cleaning my food pantry. I was able to salvage some items to keep and some I donated to a senior citizen complex but I had to throw a ton of canned goods away. I feel bad about having to put food in the trash when so many people go hungry but they are two years past their expiration date.