(This piece was written in August of 2019 prior to me starting this blog.)

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭1:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Who do you trust? The person with limited knowledge/picture or the One with the “big picture?”

I’m always reminded in Jeremiah 1 that the Lord said He’s known me and you since we were formed in our momma’s belly. He has the whole picture in front of Him concerning us. What does this imply? Well for me it means seeking Him and when prompted moving out of my comfort zone.

You see normally, I like to take the safe route. (I know some folk don’t believe that about me.) I am not a risk taker. I like to be in control and see ALL the steps since a planner. There have been times though when prompted in peace – God has led me in faith. (Publishing a book, leaving a job without one lined up) He hasn’t failed me yet.

My cousin prayer group recently finished the book “Draw the Circle” which challenged us to seek big thoughts and dreams – “God ideas” that we as individuals tend to shy away. The book said “…trust God to do what only He can do.” We need to begin to work and then watch God come through.

I encourage you (and me) to trust God! Step out in faith, eliminate fear, move out of your comfort zone. Great thing -He’s already there, is with you, and won’t leave you.

“Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Rest… (sigh)

I desire a mindset of rest – God given rest.

Upon reading about rest as described in the Bible, it is more rich and full than only resting your physical body. It is a state where it is fully recognized that you are where God wants you no matter what is happening around you – challenging, difficult, good, bad or terrific. It is a physical, mental, and spiritual position where biblical faith, hope, and trust meet, collide, and reside. It’s contentment in whatever state or situation you find yourself. It is an “all things work together” locale that has a “five star rating.”

Rest does not come naturally. As the Bible relays in Genesis – Adam and Eve took care of ridding us of that benefit. They had the state of rest continually until the fall through their interaction with the serpent.

“And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.” Genesis‬ ‭3:22-24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We now need to gain this state by continually restoring our relationship with God.

Come unto me…

The portion of scripture above from the book of Matthew outlines how to gain the gift of the state of rest. Rest is achieved with relationship. Thus, a person must be familiar with God and His ways to gain it. To gain/get or take something from someone you have to be close to them physically, mentally and/or emotionally.

Take my yoke upon you and learn of me…

“Take” implies God is not forcing His rest on anyone. It is a choice to take on God’s state of rest.

In Jeremiah it says, “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭6:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Therefore rest at the time was not found.

Even Moses in the Old Testament had to ask and seek God for guidance when leading the people out in turbulent times. God promised him rest .

Then Moses said to the Lord, “See, You say to me, ‘Bring up this people.’ But You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found grace in My sight.’ Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.”

And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus 33:12-14

God said – My Presence will go with you and with my Presence you will have rest.

When we’re at rest – there is no turmoil. There is no anxiousness or worry. Even when we don’t know exactly what the future holds, we can have calm within and around us because we are assured that God is with us.

Although being in a state of “rest” may sound like you’re doing nothing – there’s action that can be possible while in this spiritual place. God said those who labor come into rest. There’s purpose to what is happening when we are at rest. Great and mighty things can be accomplished while at rest in God, It sounds as though rest comes to those who labor, those who are assured and confident they are moving in God’s Will and purpose.

Take God’s yoke…

A yoke is a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two animals and attached to the plow or cart that they are to pull. It makes sure that two animals are pulling together in the right direction to accomplish a task. In this case I believe God is asking us to apply His Word to every situation in our lives so that we are all pulling in the same direction. When pulling in numerous directions the job seems difficult and burdensome. We cannot budge anything if we aren’t working toward the same goal. But, if we work together- GLORY! if we all take on His Yoke, His Word – it would make life much more bearable for not only ourselves but others too.

Learn from Him…

We have an example. Jesus said He is gentle and lowly in heart. He is guiding us to be the same – primarily to not be harsh and to be humble by having empathy. As scripture in Philippians 2:3-5 says –

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:3-5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We are confident and can think of others because we know that God has us. We can be considerate and move on others behalf in rest because God is with us as He promised. How do we know He is with us? We know when we have taken His yoke, the Word of God, and are actively applying it to our lives. We are assured He will “never leave or forsake us.”

When at rest you can claim as Psalm 27 says:

“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, They stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: Though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭27:1-3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In rest there is confidence not fear. Confidence that the “world” can’t quite comprehend. That confidence in God and His Word produces rest. Rest is what we want to achieve. Rest is what we desire.

Take on God’s yoke for it is easy and you will find rest.

“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭46:1-3 KJV‬‬

I’m always curious of the origin and author of scripture in the Bible and how the author’s personal experience affected the way the facts were told. Why does that interest me? Because I recognize how situations and experiences in my own life shape my perception and emphasis. It pours out into my writing and how I minister to people. (🙂 I guess that’s what I ultimately do when I write?)

Just like Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – writers often give their perception based on where they “sit.” Where you “sit” affects how you view or perceive. Like me, the author potentially pours out based on what they have gone through. As a matter of fact, some of the most powerful pieces are ones where I have endured, suffered, personally witnessed or triumphed.

Psalms 46 was written by the sons of Korah. Their ancestors were a defiant people. In their history, a portion of their ancestors were swallowed up by the earth for causing havoc. In the years afterward, the remaining of the family, which was also known for being musicians, responded by making the statement in Psalms – “even though the earth be removed” the descendants could still exist and be effective. They could now proclaim God is truly a refuge and strength due to their family’s actual interaction with Him. Therefore based on experience they could write Psalm 46:1-3.

Funny, if their family had not had that history- we possibly would not have that particular powerful passage of scripture.

Makes me think, if I hadn’t gone through some of my personal challenges and dilemmas I couldn’t write/minister/ convey in the way I do.

The Daphne personalized version of Psalm 46.

God is the place we can run to in trouble. He protects us. He is always there to help. When I think I am not in control, when I feel like everything is failing and crazy activities surround me – He is there. He is with me through all my troubled times and helps me.

I can make this statement based on my own life interactions with Him. I can stand on it because I KNOW and have EXPERIENCED God in those particular type of situations.

These last two to three years have been really crazy! Who would have ever thought I’d overcome utilizing oxygen 24/7, survived a neighborhood flood, maintained within a pandemic physically and financially, and endure the loss of my father plus even more obstacles and attacks I don’t care to name. It has been uncertain times – but from where I sit and view – God is still in control. He has been my very present help…

What does it look like from where you sit? Feel free to answer. I love 💕 to hear testimonies…

“The smallest one will become a thousand (a clan), And the least one a mighty nation. I, the Lord, will quicken it in its [appointed] time.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭60:22‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Quite often, I feel as though there is so much within me that hasn’t manifested itself yet. I know I’m supposed to bless many people and I’ve only envisioned a small part of the greater scheme God has in store.

Now don’t perceive what I said above wrong – I am so very grateful for all I’ve accomplished thus far in life. With the help of God I’ve grown secular and ministry youth departments and programs. I have led groups of people across the state of Delaware with projects like creating play spaces in homeless shelters and mobilizing community groups for change. I thank God daily for all that I have been able to do. I know without Him I would not have been successful.

There’s still this overwhelming nag that keeps me dreaming and striving to do more – to bless others and inspire them to do the same.

Yeah, at 55 years of age (in less than a month 56) there are still dreams and hopes for which I’m anxious. They are BIG! I’m unsettled. They feel like impossible dreams and seem so far away. I know it’s not time to rest yet. I don’t see the whole picture yet – but I know there is more for me to do – personally and professionally.

In the Message translation of the Bible the last statement of the scripture above says, “…at the right time I will make it happen.” Prior to that Isaiah lets them know that there will be growth – but in God’s appointed time.

So if you feel like me, God through the words of Isaiah is telling us to relax. As stated in scripture later in Philippians, “be anxious for nothing.” What you have seen and feel will come to pass – but in my time.

Funny, the next set of scriptures, Isaiah 61, is a bold declaration which tells the vision and the task God had laid out. It’s one of my favorite scriptures. Here’s just the first 3 verses:

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭61:1-3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It’s even more daunting to know that later in scripture even Jesus referred back to these words.

Let me remind myself and you – RELAX, it’s all in God’s time, not yours. If in God’s plans it will come to pass through you if you allow Him to use you.

For your listening pleasure, Hezekiah Walker’s song “It shall come to pass.”

Let us pray without ceasing…

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I’m meditating on this daily verse sent and attempting to take it all in…

The concept of putting others first is foreign to most people’s natural psyche. We know developmentally that children play alone and believe everything is theirs until we attempt to instill in them that there are others around that they need to be aware and interact. Sit back and observe – the word/phrase, “Mine!” or “It’s mine,” is prominent in their initial conversation.

Even as adults, or at least for me, it is a challenge to consider or be empathetic towards others. I immediately look at how situations affect me. I examine first from my perspective and what consequences I may suffer. It takes constant prayer to view situations and react in a manner which causes the heart to look out for another person. Empathy is often a learned skill. Humility and the act of being humble are learned traits which are intentional responses. Esteeming others before ourselves is not innate.

We must pray to make it a part of our personal practice…

Later in this chapter of scripture Paul states to the church of Phillipi –

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:5-8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The role of a servant…

I know that the role of servant most often takes on a negative connotation. It is often frowned upon to be of service with no regard for one’s own safety and security. To truly offer ourselves in service to others isn’t always easy and is never ending. It’s difficult not to think, “What about me Lord? What about my feelings? They never go out of their way for me?”

Yes, it is a prayerful thing…

Pray and God will lead you. He’ll lead you when to act and when to hold back. Remember God is a protector too! Please DO NOT take this out of context if in an abusive or toxic relationship.

I can hear Daryl Coley singing 🎶 one of my favorite songs now – “To be like Jesus. To be like Jesus. All I want is to be like Him. So meek and lowly, humble and the lord is holy. All I want, is to be, I want to be…“

https://youtu.be/Y6CcSCtCc-E – Daryl Coley, More Like Jesus

Even though hard, let us strive to think of and consider others first…let us pray continually. 🙏🏾

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:9-10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

There’s something different about him/her…

In my childhood, later in college, and even now, there are people who carry and conduct themselves in a way that you know there’s just “something” with them. There’s a distinctive difference in how they live their lives. They don’t have to quote a scripture. They don’t have to walk around in showy public prayer. They don’t have to do all the hyped up stuff or don regalia. Those around them that pay attention know they have a close “walk” with God.

Evidence of the above is in their mannerisms, their actions and their responses. Although meek and humble they hold tons of strength and are respected. They are leaders. I’m not saying they are perfect but in general, wisdom knowledge and understanding reign in their lives. Others may tease or not fully understand them. They are what I call “salty” in the Spirit. They add a “seasoning “ to life’s situations.

As today’s daily scripture from 1 Peter 3:15 states, they are “ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in them with meekness and fear:”

My prayer today is that God allow me to be seen as different and distinctive as I see these others. That I walk in all He has told me I am in 1 Peter 2. That in my lifetime I touch others in a way that turns them toward God and Christ. That those around me view my life in a way that they see me give God glory for the fact He has provided me grace and mercy. I want my actions to speak millions – and then when asked – give clear explanation of why.

Actually, it’s my prayer for all of us…to be different and distinctive. Amen.

Wrote this somewhere before 2009…read in 2022 and it ministered to me concerning decisions I’m making now. Hope it does the same for you.

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:14

“For such a time as this” has rung in my ears for the past two weeks.

Like Esther in verse 14, God in His Divine plan has placed each one of us that have relationship with Him in a particular position and/or place to be an effective spokesperson for Him and for his purpose. God has orchestrated that we have influence. It is completely our choice though whether we yield as Mordecai explained to Esther.

You see, God’s gonna’ do what He’s gonna’ do regardless whether we move or not… As Mordecai explained to Esther, “enlargement and deliverance” will take place eventually because God said it would. It could come by Esther or by some other means if she refused. Then if she chose to refuse, other issues would be heaped upon her.

Recognize as Esther finally did – There’s a reason or purpose for where you are. You’ve been specifically chosen and positioned strategically by God. It’s been a set up! You are exactly where you need to be to influence specific people for God’s big picture.

Perhaps you need to speak up for someone on the job. Maybe you need to intercede for a family member. Consider speaking up for a friend or neighbor. Then when going forth remember, that if sent by God no evil will befall you. Your outcome will be as positive as Esther’s when she approached the King without an initial invitation – a crime punishable by death.

Sure, it’s safe to not speak up. It also takes faith to challenge. Keep in mind that when ordained by God His Power takes over, not ours.

Be prayerful and consider what placement or positions of influence God has placed you – then move forward…
Blessings!

“But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. The children of thy servants shall continue, And their seed shall be established before thee.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭102:27-28‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Maya Angelou is credited with the statement, “When someone shows you who they are believe them.” I concur that when God demonstrates who He is – believe it! He’s has proved Hmself through many generations.

I’m yet holding on…You’re the same God.

And as scripture states – the children of thy servants shall continue.

We will continue. How do we know?

You’re the same God that created heaven and earth – the stars in the sky, the oceans and seas, every animal walking, swimming, and flying.

You’re the God that took dirt formed man and breathed life in him. Then you took that man’s rib and created woman.

You’re the God that guided and manifested Himself to Abraham – told him to look at the stars in the sky and the sand beneath his feet and know that there would be a destiny to fulfill amongst family trails and tribulations.

You’re the God that chose and then had David anointed, although young and not appearing as a leader. Then You took him through so many situations- from being chased to dealing with Goliath and other issues. You’re the God that kept David in his good and bad decisions as a leader.

You’re the same God that protected Moses as a child, had him grow up as royalty – to then lead his own people out of captivity even though difficult at times.

Currently in my life there are numerous scenarios playing out. All I can do is trust God. Trust that He will guide me. Trust He will keep me. Trust I can be all He wants me to be for His glory as He has kept those before me.

If God did all that I stated above for those I noted, I know He is the same God for me and generations after me.

I’m yet holding on…You’re the same God.

If God did it for all those folk in the Bible – He’ll come through for me and for all those reading these words too!

REMEMBER- You are also yet holding on…God be praised!

Glory!

“If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god; Shall not God search this out? For he knoweth the secrets of the heart.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭44:20-21‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I find relevance in every day occurrences.

My grandniece asked for a snack. I told her I had just purchased Girl Scout cookies and she could open the box to have some of my Samoas. A little later I asked, “How many did you eat?” She replied, “3.”

Fast forward to an hour later…

I opened the box to get a few cookies to see a whole row missing. That means 5 cookies, not 3 were consumed. I asked again, “How many cookies did you eat?” She answered, “3.” Of course I then had to let her know – the rows have 5 cookies on them and 1 row is missing which means you ate 5.

I knew for certain, my other older grandniece had not been downstairs since opening the box. My nephew that also lives with me was at work. Plus, the two of them don’t like Samoas. She still insisted she only ate 3.

Of course, I knew. I even told her she wouldn’t be in trouble for eating the five. All she had to do is be honest. Next were the consequences – get off my computer and I’m watching what I want on the television instead of yielding to her Nickelodean shows. You see, I had sacrificed and had given her the privilege of choosing both activities – my computer and the TV. She had the “extra” until I found out she was dishonest.

We are often foolish to think that God doesn’t know. We think – God doesn’t see or hear. We discount the fact that God is omniscient. We believe there aren’t consequences for our actions or misstep. Just as there were with my grandniece, there are consequences. We end up missing the “extra” that we could have had.

He knows the secrets to our hearts…

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 KJV

STRENGTH Definition -The quality or state of being strong: capacity for exertion or endurance.

We need God’s strength. We need a strength exchange with Him. We gain this strength when we are weak. It’s not during the easy times that we grow or are strengthened. It’s through the rough times we get closer, lean more, and grow stronger – recognizing it is not our strength that got us through. It is God’s.

In the past 6 to 8 years, thankfully I have been blessed to personally experience God in new revelations. Can I say emphatically there have been numerous battles on what I would call “several fronts?” I have experienced as Paul described – being strong in my weaknesses. These experiences have not happened haphazardly. They have all taken place purposefully to show the strength of God in and through me. I am prayerfully careful, as Paul was, to give glory where it is due and to glory in my tribulation.

It was and is still is a little crazy. (Telling it in this brief summary is difficult.)

Let’s see, I was falsely attacked and talked about negatively professionally by some who I thought were close to me (and I had assisted in the past). The statewide grant I worked with and led was in the process of ending and then ended. I started my own company and a new contract with a different agency, but shortly afterward I found out I was very sick and had to go on oxygen 24/7. My mother then became ill. (At that time, I pushed Mom in wheelchair with my own large oxygen tank in tow to her appointments.) Praise God, I struggled but continued to work the two contracts for my business while I was sick.

That’s not it…

Then a few months later the pandemic hit. My middle brother died. A family member had a mental breakdown. The 2nd grant I worked with for the state ended and my hours got shortened. My Dad became ill and then had some memory issues. Off and on I’ve had one or two of my grandnieces in my guardianship and in my house. My mom was hospitalized again for an extended period.

Oh, and let’s not forget my neighborhood flooded completely. (Yeah, neighbors were being evacuated by boat.) Family members have acted up/attacked me verbally in between these and other incidents. Recently there was another mental breakdown by a family member and another allegedly attempted suicide. Then, my Dad passed suddenly in his sleep.

There are times I thought I would lose my mind due to the stress and strain.

But God…

Only through God’s grace, mercy, and strength have there also been blessings throughout! My strength in God is being made “perfect” in my personal weakness.

Through these experiences I’ve learned and been built up to know God is –

THE HEALER! Only through my own sickness could I have learned this. The healing wasn’t of any doing of my own or really even of the doctors. I came off of oxygen!! No lung disease was present!! Doctors would speak to me as if this weren’t possible. I haven’t had shortness of breath since.

Also my Mom recovered from her last illness and stay in the hospital. It was rough as she had unpredicted set backs daily. God brought her through her struggle. Although my Dad passed suddenly, prior to that My Mom and Dad were both in relatively good health! My Dad died in his sleep, and as far as I know he did not suffer. Glory!

I learned God is –

THE PROVIDER! Glory to God through my issues I was led to start my own business. Only God could set up provision the way He has through this ongoing process. When one door has shut, another has opened. One opportunity ends, another begins. I get nervous about cash flow and here comes blessings. God has has proven himself faithful!

The flood came and pardon the pun – I waded through it. Physically and mentally with prayer, I managed through unknown territory of recovery of property not knowing the process at all. Through that experience I pray I helped others which I believe is a show of strength.

In addition, God has provided as I manage my parents’ and my households. It is only by His transfer of strength I have made or managed it as their caregiver and also as the caregiver for some of my grands – but I do…

I learned God is –

THE HELPER! I couldn’t have existed through any of this without prayer and scripture. I learned that I need study and meditation time. I learned I gained strength by sharing testimony and gained strength and encouragement through association and friendship with other believers.

It is through God that we live breath and have our being. (Acts 17:28) He is the orchestrator of it all and makes provision for every situation.

God’s been granting a strength exchange. In my weakness He’s proven Himself and become stronger in my life. I’m learning more and more to lean on Him only. There’s no strength that can compare to His to help me get through all that I need.

“that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3:16-19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I’m not perfect. I don’t possess everything or have all the answers – but God does. I know I’m growing and learning through all of my situations. I know He provides strength.