“Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4:5-7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Definitions from Merriam Webster Dictionary

Wisdom is the ability to discern inner qualities and relationships :INSIGHT and good sense :JUDGMENT

Being wise is characterized by wisdom : marked by deep understanding, keen discernment, and a capacity for sound judgment: exercising or showing sound judgment :PRUDENT

Daphne’s definition of wisdom: the ability to examine situations and circumstances thoroughly to understand motivation in order to make sound decisions with the help and assistance of God.

The Word of God states, “wisdom is the principal thing.” With wisdom God also urges us to get understanding.

With whom do we choose to listen? It takes wisdom.

In the state we are in with the pandemic, the attainment of wisdom is key for every individual. Our lives are at stake! Life and death decisions are made daily. Do I stay home? Do I wear a mask? How do I shop for essentials? How do I socialize? How do I work? How do I maintain friendships and relationships?

My prayer right now is for wisdom and discernment, not only for me, but for all of us. Lord please help us understand our and others’ motivation. Help us recognize when decisions are driven by economics and not health and well-being. Assist us in making sound choices. Protect us in all that we do. We acknowledge You and strive to bring every one of our thoughts under subjection. In the time of this pandemic, we seek your wisdom constantly for we know it is the most important thing.

In the mighty name of Jesus we pray…amen.

“Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”

So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭17:19-21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Praise and glory to God! Most of my life I have been able to achieve, secure or overcome hurdles and mountains in my life. I’ve also been able to assist many people. I like to fix all types of situations and circumstances.

You see, my parents told me when I was little that I could accomplish anything I dreamed – or at least that’s how I interpreted their encouragement. I gained this false hope that if I assist I can eventually win. I instinctively jump into scenes where I believe I can help. Unaware, I developed a God complex, thinking I can solve everything put in my path.

God complex? What is that? Well, unknowingly we sometimes think that we have the power to solve, heal, help overcome or assist in ANY SITUATION – that we are to interfere or jump into every challenge set before us.

But…what I have learned – I am not God. As much as I work, adjust, maneuver, shift, dance – there are certain situations I cannot intervene. As much as I wish and hope I can change things, it seems the problem is entrenched and unchanging.

Jesus said to His Disciples, “However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” Matthew‬ ‭17:21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬. He basically let them know, yes your unbelief might have played a part in not being able to heal the son but – on the other hand, you couldn’t achieve that goal in this situation. Only I can heal him.

The Disciples in that 17th chapter of Matthew thought they could help the father’s son that approached them. Sure, God had utilized them before mightily, but this particular sickness/demon was out of their scope. In that moment, they had to recognize they are not God – that they could not heal this ailment. They could not intervene and solve this problem. They had to recognize who or where the solution truly comes.

We have issues and situations in life we are up against that we cannot resolve on our own. Those struggles seem impossible. Only God can bring forth relief…

We are not God. We are to yield, fast and pray about life struggles that are above our capabilities. Eventually, we have to concede and yield to God’s outcome. Otherwise we become frustrated and lose our peace – and often along with that, our witness of who God is and His rule and reign. He is the one from which our power to help originates. We are just His tool to execute His will.

I’ve now began to sing 🎶 and understand my favorite hymn even more –

“I surrender all, I surrender all. All to the my blessed Savior. I surrender all…”

As I slumbered the other night I went into worship! I dreamt I sang “I say Yes, Lord Yes,” with great conviction on a beach with other people. Soon after the song and some other words to the people in the dream with me, I calmly woke, feeling refreshed and motivated for the first time in a while.

I meditated prior to starting my day, “Lord, what does “Saying yes” exactly mean for me?” It’s a few days later from my dream and I’m still not sure, but this is what I understand.

My “yes” may not manifest as a great or grand gesture. It’s demonstrated in the individual actions and interactions on a daily basis.

The question for us to ponder every second, minute, hours is – Am I the representation through my hands, feet, and essence of the Savior? “What would Jesus do?” becomes starkly evident and prominent in every decision. Do I yield to God when “Daphne” may want to cower? Do I demonstrate why people should “Taste and see that the Lord is good” in my responses? Am I keeping my eyes on Jesus and stepping out the boat like Peter in faith? Am I responding to the unction to act?

In Isaiah 55 the Bible says:

“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55:6-9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As Fred Hammond sings, “I wanna know Your ways, so I can please you each and every day…”

I’m challenging myself and each of you to be cognizant of the Lord’s leading and then to comply to say and act upon your “Yes” response to Him. The request God asks of you is as distinct as each of us.

Acknowledge – we don’t think like God. Then, upon that recognition ask – what do you want me to do Lord?

It may be as small as it was for me the other day – taking the man asking for 50 cent for coffee into Dunkin for not only his coffee, but breakfast and spare change to catch the bus. (Honestly, I rarely respond to requests for money.)

It might be putting pen to paper and publishing.

It could be an encouraging text.

It could be starting a business or ministry.

It could be offering kindness.

It could be offering forgiveness.

It may be a prayer.

I challenge you today. We need to actively seek the request from God and then answer “Yes!”

“Pray without ceasing.”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
‭‭James‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

This morning prior to starting my day, I prayed for everyone who would read this. Recognizing in these turbulent times we all are going through. I included everyone as the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6 does.

While praying I trust that God knows exactly what you need when you need it. Our Father, the Creator, the Potter, and Healer has you in mind. He loves us. He loves the entire world, but hates our sin.

People are hurting. People are confused. People are suffering. People are overwhelmed. People are depressed. People are sick, even beyond coronavirus.

But, we have good news! If you’re broken He has the ability to fix you and position you to be blessed and to be a blessing. 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 tells us that we may feel down, but we are not out of the race. If restoration is needed – the exceedingly beyond your thoughts and expectations will happen. If healing is needed, He is the Healer. If overwhelmed – through reading and studying His Word, hope and faith comes. Overall, we trust that Your Will be done Lord, knowing that ALL THINGS work together for good.. We trust Your Word is true.

In this process help us be aware of things within us that must change to be more like Jesus – not for our benefit or glory, but for yours. We hope to set an example to draw others to you. We pray to fully have our individual gifts and talents be effective and that we continue to grow and be useful.

Help us to seek and find peace in You in these crazy times. Help us to bear fruit which comes from the Spirit within us as Galatians 5 expresses. Give us confidence and boldness to share.

We’ll be careful to give You all the glory – for we know it it only with and through You anything is possible.

Amen 🙏🏾

“And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭14:23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Even Jesus rested…

I just returned from a four day vacation. I feel rejuvenated. I didn’t recognize how much I needed some alone time away! I now feel like I can deal with all that is my life with a clearer head and am a stronger.

I didn’t go anywhere in particular. Checked into a hotel room and rested, slept, worshipped, read and prayed for the majority of one of the days. I masked up due to Covid and walked around my “happy place” – IKEA, then came back and chilled more. I did see a few friends, but it was limited due to my overall purpose of being away.

Weeks prior I feel like I poured myself almost empty- for work, for family, for friends. I was extremely weary. I needed to build/renew strength, gain new perspective on issues, and care for me so that I can care for others – in other words run and walk out my purpose.

Thought about what I recently spoke about on my sorority chapter’s annual prayer call –

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40:31‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Waiting on the Lord can be during a period of rest. Sometimes in our humanness we think we by ourselves can handle all our issues in life. We begin to wear ourselves down. We begin to grow weary.

We need to rest and wait for God. Rest allows a person to not only face issues, but to “mount up” go higher and view situations from a broader angle – with the ability to take it everything into consideration, especially God’s exceedingly great and precious promises.

Resting and waiting gives new strength – helps you to refuel. It gives the opportunity to take time to hear God’s Word and gain faith. (Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.)

What car can continuously run without stopping to refuel? Notice you have to turn it off to put fuel into the tank. Even when charging technology it is best done and completed quicker when the device is turned off when plugged into the wall.

In order for us to “run, and not be weary and walk, and not faint,” we must take time out to gain energy and insight.

As the opening scripture above shows, after heavily ministering even Jesus took time out to get away and be alone. I don’t believe it was a long time, but enough for His body and mind to recoup so that He could respond to the next request to assist the Disciples at sea.

If Jesus, our ultimate example took time out to rest- so should we.

“Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40:28-29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Please take time to rest. It is a good thing.

In the last two weeks I received prayer requests and prayed for and with individuals of all ages for healing. From a baby who had a weird virus, to a teen that contracted the same and then found additional issues, to a 30/40 something year old who had a stroke, to an elder waiting on upcoming medical tests – numerous people are going through physical or mental issues. These requests are above and beyond COVID-19 and amplify stress.

Did I mention stress? It seems everyone is stressed…including me. Problems are multiplied for everyone. While intentionally listening to (actually blasting loudly) Hezekiah Walker’s song, “How much we can bear” due to my own anxiousness, I received a call from a friend in turmoil. I immediately prayed with her and soon after began to write this.

We need healing from the Healer individually and collectively…

These are crazy unprecedented times and we need to turn to God. He is the only One that can come to our aid and assist. These positions we have been placed are difficult. He never said we wouldn’t have troubles- but He did tell us He would assist and encourage due to our relationship and position with and in Him.

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:7-10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The Bible recounts numerous times when God turned situations around because His people repented and prayed. We are definitely in times when this scripture and these directives should be followed:

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

God said…

Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.”
‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭7:14-15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It’s time to humble ourselves, repent and touch and agree…let us pray-

Dear Lord, we come to you as humbly as we know how. We know you are the Alpha and Omega. We recognize you as the Creator of all things and Maker of all things.

We ask if there is anything in our lives Lord that does not please you that you take it away. If there is any sin present that would hinder this prayer that you move it and forgive us.

Lord you are omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient! You knew we’d be in these times of uncertainty and unrest. You knew each of us before we were formed in the belly. You know every strand of hair on our head, every cell in our bodies, every hurt, pain or hidden ailment. You are aware of every situation.

You also assist every doctor, nurse, therapist and researcher. You can give them wisdom, knowledge and understanding of each case. You know each person intimately. You know who is around them and available to give aid and comfort. We ask that you give all confidence and ability to act on each other’s behalf.

We come interceding for this world, for our country, for our state, for our cities, for our neighbors, for our families, for our individual households, for our children. Please have mercy on us and heal our land and heal the people of that land.

We ask Your Will be done and that we accept it. We have faith and trust that you will do so, for it is recorded in Your Word. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray – Amen.

Lexi – Trust in me only (I do not own the rights to this song)

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:”. Isaiah‬ ‭26:3-4‬ ‭

I wake or don’t sleep often. I’m starting to believe I have trust issues.

Yeah, trust issues. Even though I believe God uses me to send messages to encourage, I have my own skeptical moments on the issues I personally face. At this current moment, these issues seem to be getting the best of me. I lie awake in the wee hours of the morning trying to predict or figure things out – attempting to figure out my “a to b to c” answers. (Learned in our family Bible study that I need to confess in order to break free…)

Trust issues make you worry and fearful. It exposes insecurities. Your mind whirls and churns and tries to figure out or even control situations. Often it stops you from moving or progressing forward due to fear. During these moments, we forget about the great and precious promises.

Trust as a verb is defined by Webster’s Dictionary: to rely on the truthfulness or accuracy of : BELIEVE: to place confidence in : to hope or expect confidently.

Trust and faith go hand and hand. Through trust we act on our faith. For example – we trust a chair is behind us so we actually sit in faith it is there and will hold us. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen as defined in Hebrew 11. We know faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. So let’s check out the Word.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:5-6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭118:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:24-26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Why trust Him?

He is our Creator. When a child or adult makes something they have a special attachment to it. You want no harm to come to it. You protect it. We are His creation, why wouldn’t he have a special attachment to us?

He is Alpha and Omega. He knows our whole story, not excerpts. Seeking Him for guidance is essential. So, we attempt to walk in the path He has set for us. What we should rest and trust in is – as believers whatever that path is we win at the end!

He is our Father. A father only wants good for their child or children. Luke 11:13 says, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Ultimately we know that God is love and He loves us. As He told Jeremiah-

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11-13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Keep praying, keep seeking, and find Him. For in Him we can trust.

‭‭

Was about to write about this topic and then found I had written this piece in the past…published the first time in a devotional booklet called, “Encouraging Words” that a friend and I put together years ago. I needed this message today. I still have situations I am only trusting God. With small edits/additions – here is this devotional for you. It’s Based on Jeremiah 1

But Jesus beheld them and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.  Matthew 19:26

For with God nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:37

For we walk by faith, not by sight:  II Corinthians 5:7

God has spoken and continues to direct believers in their faith walk with Him to situations and circumstances that look impossible in the world’s opinion.  We are directed to these “challenges” to help us grow, lean and depend on Him.  In those situations, God causes us to exercise through “walking” what we know and to demonstrate the level we exist.  With each past experience, we build to a new level of understanding.  I shall now give my personal testimony.  

I know that some of my strongest characteristics are – being a visionary and a doer.   I am a person of action that has the ability to catch at a glance what God wants to happen and then act on it.  This at times is a good thing – but with God, I must analyze and apply my doer characteristics when only He leads.

I know there have been several times in my life where God has proven Himself true to His Word when directing me toward impossible tasks.  There have been tough directions from God that I have experienced like, leaving a job without another lined up or trusting in God when I worked at the Plainfield Area YMCA. Both these situations turned out well in the end and I have tried to be ever so careful to give God all the glory in both these situations and circumstances.  All I know is – I would not have made it if I did not have a relationship with Christ.

I find now that God is making me even more aware of what “with man things are impossible but with God all things are possible” truly means.  He’s challenging me on a different level that is closer and more personal.   In the past while “walking in faith,” there were things “I” could do to assist what needed to happen. With the new levels of challenge – I know it is only God that has brought me through.

Ok, let’s look at when God directed me to leave my job with no income. (Not something my own sensible mind would do.)  I knew God told me to leave and directed me what to do.  I was at peace. It became a family joke that I had 5 or 6 jobs at one time!  The testimony in it – in approximately six months my bills were paid and I did not miss a house or car payment. God provided through my action and obedience!  Just when it looked like I wasn’t going to make it…God came through with full time employment which has led me to my current position of employment currently in the early childhood field.  It’s awesome to think of my journey through that time.  I stayed in God’s Word constantly to remain focused.  It was only through His guidance and wisdom that I made it.  I can’t say that I did anything at all to help, but attempt to be obedient. In retrospect, I didn’t do everything right at that time either.  Only His Grace and Mercy brought me through.

God proved Himself again, while I worked at the Plainfield Area YMCA in New Jersey.  He directed what to do and how to do it and I attempted as best I could to follow.  I remember in one particular situation prayerfully planning an event called YMCA Healthy Kids Day and being told by co-workers and people in the community that it wouldn’t be successful. I was told that since it was a “dying” community that people wouldn’t show up.  While I walked in faith, I listened and did what God instructed me to do.  I passed out flyers, talked to key community leaders and recruited volunteers, as if we were going to have a large crowd.  I remember sitting in front of the Y on Watchung avenue in my car that morning having a conversation with God, listening to Daryl Coley sing, “It Shall Be Done,” and then saying at the end  of my prayer “Thy will be done.” (Funny, I parked outside of that YMCA just recently and relived that moment.) Glory to God!! Over 300 people attended that day. 

In contrast to my previous experiences – I think God calls us to an even deeper relationship of trust with Him.  There are times we must do – but there are also times where we exercise our faith by just trusting and watching Him work.  He will do the exceedingly and abundantly above what we ask or think!

At this moment I have several situations that my “walking in faith” is deeply rooted in spiritual exercise – having faith and trusting – rather than “doing something.”    Since I am a “doer,” this whole concept is difficult – but one I know I must grow in order to grow closer to God.  God has spoken an impossible task/vision that only He can handle and give the increase.  I can’t do or say anything to change the situation. I will tell you this much – I got involved by doing and speaking when he instructed just to trust.  Hopefully my repenting and apologizing will not cause severe negative consequences. Look at Abraham and Sarah and the lifelong consequences of “assisting” God.

Ponder this – What audacity we have at times to think that we have to help God out in action in every situation!  This is the God who created heaven and earth and every living thing in it.  This is the God that created and formed man.  This is the God that has dominion over everything.  This is the God that sent His son to set the example for all of us.  He does not need our help or action in every situation.  Stay led and guided on what you need to do in each particular impossible situation God places in front of you.  There are times of action and then there are times to just have faith and trust.  Remember if you consult and apply God’s Word on your journey – no matter how He directs – all things are possible with Him!!

Dear Lord,

Your humble servants come recognizing that we cannot control every situation and circumstance within our lives.  God, in recognizing Your power we acknowledge You know what’s best.  We surrender our lives to you God – for you to take care of those things that we cannot control.  Help us to be obedient.  Teach us when to walk, run or be still.  Show us when to speak and remain quiet. Guide us toward Your Perfect Will. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray.  Amen and Amen!!  

Use me by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.

“A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Before I give my testimony and prayer request…Take a moment to pause. Breathe in and out slowly and deeply four or five times.

Now, take one last breath in and out and then say/pray to yourself –

God you have uniquely made and given me gifts and talents. Please make me be responsible and fully aware – for we know to whom much is given, much is required. Help me to know how best to serve others. Please help me to refine and master all that is within my power. God make room for me to execute where most effective. Before and after revelation, I will be careful to give you all the glory, honor, and praise. Amen

Next – Pause for a while, wait and listen. I’m sure you have a testimony… Now read mine.

I’ve prayed the above prayer many times. I’ve definitely prayed it when I wasn’t as sure as folks thought I was – which is most days.

Although this statement doesn’t sound humble, I admit that God has blessed me with many gifts and talents. Smile, I know there’s even more to uncover and other ways I can grow spiritually. I fully recognize and attempt to glorify Him and be guided when to utilize each.

For example – as a child and after accepting Christ I always relied on my ability to carry a tune – in other words sing. I sang in the youth and young adult choirs. As a young adult in my early/late 20’s at Mount Zion UAME Church, there weren’t many members and I WAS the choir some days – me and a boom box with accompany tapes. Pastors Rev. Galloway and then Rev. Lampkins requested I sing often. I thought that was my only contribution. I thought that was the extent of ministry I could offer. I thought that was it. I’m not even a great singer. I think I am okay.

I decided one year to attend Vacation Bible School. My cousin Ronetta taught the adult class that year on the topic of gifts and talents. It expanded my view. God then put things in motion and ordered my steps. I’m not sure I followed His exact instructions, but I tried…

Later the church grew and I then was led to take what I knew secularly about youth programming and apply to youth ministry. (Actually, I sorta fell into youth ministry after the death of my cousin Janice who had started a small youth group with teens.) Soon the Lord blessed the church with a full fledged Youth Department – a well attended weekly teen bible study and praise dancers and we even had a praise rapper. Then “room was made” by God to create and lead what we called the Education Department which included Sunday School, Adult Sunday school, Vacation Bible School and all the previously mentioned efforts.

At the same time all this was happening – I had opportunity to be on the overall UAME Conference School Board and to help create curriculum for confirmation and to assist in training others.

Meanwhile – In the midst of all this God allowed me to become an author of a devotional book, I Give You Jesus, The Greatest Gift. I love to write and had been sending/emailing encouraging words to friends and family for years. Over 500 copies have been sold and I still give to folk when requested.

I was extremely busy. I think I and the great people God allowed me to work alongside were effective. Honestly, it had its very low and very high points. I learned and experienced much. There were some haters. There were some cheerleaders. Actually now that I look back – I think I started to walk in my own strength. I became burnt out. I was hurt and offended. It started to seem like I was constantly in a battle. Leadership changed at the church. I backed off. Somehow it all ended…it all ran its course. I questioned many things.

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Phillipians 1:6

Remember I said I have some not so confident times? Well, I’m sorta coming out of a long one. Feeling not as useful, I started to wonder if where and when my gifts will have “room” made for them as the scripture states. I’m praying intently about what God wants next to pour out of me. How, when, where and with whom are questions that loom.

Pray for me…God is starting to make room again.

What has been key for me – I never fully backed away from God. I kept my core belief. I still studied and prayed. As the past chaplain of my sorority chapter I was asked occasionally to fill in or speak. Every once in a while someone would ask me to sing. I’d help my linesister who just finished her Master of Divinity when she would go in to minister at a nursing home for her internship. My partial obedience and willingness helped in those times to assure me I was still in God’s hand. (He told me in His Word that no one could pluck me out!)

After beginning to write again on a consistent basis and texting friends – one of my sorority sisters encouraged me to start this blog. I have totally been shocked by the response from those who read. God has folks in France and China viewing. I hear people saying – when you send messages it seems I needed that particular inspiration at that exact time.

Recently I was amazed to be asked to bring forth the “Word of Encouragement” on a prayer call for the Delaware Chapters of my sorority. We have pastors and preachers in the membership, but I was asked. It completely blew me away…

God seems to always make room if we are willing…I now ask – “What’s next God?” I’m still coming out of what I call “my funk!” I’m curious how God will continue this process.

Now my prayer request. Please pray along with me.

Lord, please let us recognize and walk in our gifts and talents bestowed by God. Help us with confidence to step into the areas and opportunities God has cleared. Erase doubt and allow us to enter those spaces knowing who and whose we are. Help us to be effective for Your glory. In the Mighty Name of Jesus we pray- Amen.

(This is a piece I wrote in 2012 – I never published and I’m not sure I ever let anyone read…enjoy!)

You get in your car.  The destination is clear.  I’m going to the store to pick up ingredients for a special meal.  You start on your journey and all looks well.  About five miles into the journey, the road is blocked.  The bridge you thought could be crossed is closed.

My question – What is your reaction?  What is your mental state?

Do you stop completely where you are completely shocked at the change?

Do you pull over, adjust, and then go forward?

Do you give up, turn around, and go back home?

Detours are a part of our lives.  They happen.  God knows already they will take place.  Our reaction is the key.

I know in my life, I’ve had strong sense of the direction God is taking me. I see the BIG picture. I’ve caught the vision. I am a teacher. I am a writer. I am an author. I am a speaker. I am a coach. I am an advocate. I am a leader. I have envisioned myself in front of large groups of people ministering. I have seen myself as leading a nonprofit organization or church.

But there have been detours…

Then I start to ponder on the story of Joseph beginning in Genesis 37.  How he had this vision of himself reigning over his brothers and family as a leader.  How he felt and possibly boasted of the greatness within – his potential.  He saw great things God would do through him in the future.  He saw himself as a leader in his visions.  He had a path.

But then there were detours…

Then I begin to look at the “process” God took him through, jealousy, difficulties, false accusations, belittling – and how Joseph stood tall and remained in correct character.  How he stayed faithful and walked in excellence no matter the circumstance.  Many of us would have given up, turned around, thrown in the towel, or taken on the attitude of those around us.

Now I know I probably haven’t been completely “a model holder of the vision” like Joseph. I probably haven’t always represented God in a manner that was always honoring – but I know I’ve attempted to be faithful.

I can’t wait to see and walk in the time beyond all the detours, setbacks, and disappointments.  I pray I can be more faithful like Joseph to stand in “right standing – upstanding” character while going through.  People could tell Joseph was headed elsewhere, that he was different.  They could see that God was with him, despite his station in life.

Lord, we pray for more of your character through all the detours of our life.  Signaling to all that You are with us and haven’t forsaken us.