The Prayer’s of Black Women

October 17

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6

While I studied for my Masters In Divinity I learned a very helpful tool. How to apply knowledge centuries old to a current situation. It seems in Deuteronomy Israel had gotten scared again. Once before they became full of fear and refused to fight for the land God said belonged to them. As a result, they spent years wandering in the wilderness. OMG! That sounds familiar! Well anywho, the land that was promised to them was occupied by mean and horrible people. And adding to Israel’s fear was the large army. I’ve had to face a few giants and found myself shaking in me boots! But! God, being God, gave Israel and Joshua another chance to claim what He freely gave them. So to ensure they didn’t run scared again God gave them a pep talk. He assured them several times He would be with them. A practice He continues today. Let’s Pray!

PRAYER

Lord, forgive me. I’m only human. As I read the above scripture I thought about all my missed opportunities because of fear. Then I thought about the opportunities that returned. My life is richly blessed because I entered into the land you reserved for me and my family. I thank you for those blessings each and everyday. I pray you continue to be with me and never forsake me. Always giving me your courage to secure and keep the blessings you said were mine. Asking you to continually do the same for my children, their children and our descendants. Amen

Inspirational Fridays: Our Deepest Fear

Photographer:  Unknown
Photographer: Unknown

By Marianne Williamson

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness
That most frightens us.

We ask ourselves
Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.

Your playing small
Does not serve the world.
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking
So that other people won’t feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine,
As children do.
We were born to make manifest
The glory of God that is within us.

It’s not just in some of us;
It’s in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we’re liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.