“Light at the End of the Tunnel”

I recall when I lived in Delaware having to make the trek to Columbia MD for training sessions. This required going through Baltimore and the Ft. McHenry Tunnel. I hated this tunnel! Driving through it was the longest 60 seconds of my life! However, I truly learned to appreciate “the light at the end of the tunnel.”  I am somewhat driving through it right now.

I have been blessed that most of my 50 years of life have been in the light. Yes, I have dealt with my share of sorrow. I am reminded by some lyrics of one of my favorite songs by Gladys Knight titled You're The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me. A few of the lyrics are:

“I've had my share of life's ups and downs

But fate's been kind, the downs have been few

I guess, you could say that I've been lucky

Well, I guess you could say that it's all because of you…”

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/gladysknight/yourethebestthingthateverhappenedtome.html

Being knocked down literally to my knees by the unexpected diagnosis of MS a few years ago sent me straight into darkness…sinking into the abyss…a depth that I have never known.

It was my minister, Dr. David Jones, Jr. that “threw me the life raft” when he explained to me that I was experiencing the “Stages of Grief.” I was grieving the “death of life as I had known it,” and experiencing Denial-Anger-Bargaining with God – Depression…striving to get to Acceptance and adapting a “new normal.” This was profound to me. I now had an explanation of what I was experiencing. I could now better wrap my arms around it to move forward.

During this time, my employer laid me off. I had a lot of time on my hand…most of which I spent in silence.

“It’s amazing how loud silence can be.” – Janette McGowen

The internal whisper in my spirit kept repeating itself over and over:

“Write.”  “Write.”  “Write.”

For once in my hard-headed, independent, control-freak life, I decided to be obedient. And the flood gates have burst open…

The journey continues to be a trying one. But I will keep moving…skinned knees…scars…bruises…fatigue…fear…until I see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Wait?…do I see a speck of light?....

Hold on….now I see a glimmer….

Oh…now I see a single light beam….

There…There in the distance, I see more light….

I see it!  I see it!  Could it be?…….

#JustKeepMoving  #TooCloseToStopNow

“My Grace is Sufficient…”

I had heard this scripture often in my life:

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV):  And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

This is God’s answer to a plea from Paul. He said that, in order to keep him from being conceited, he was afflicted with a “thorn in the flesh,” a messenger of Satan, to torment him. He asked God three times to please remove it. The answer he received was “My grace is sufficient.”

Thorn in the flesh is a colloquialism used to describe a chronic infirmity, annoyance, or trouble in one's life. It is most commonly used by Christians. The source of this Bible expression is Paul the Apostle, in his Second Epistle to the Corinthians 12:7–9. Paul does not mention the nature of his thorn, and his other epistles do not address the topic directly. Through the centuries Christians have speculated about what Paul referred to. One interpretation is that the thorn describes the persecutions and unfortunate accidents that characterized Paul's life after his conversion to Christianity; as laid out in the preceding chapter 11 of the Second Epistle to the Corinthians. Others suppose the expression refers to "a pain in the ear or head," epileptic fits, or, in general, to some severe physical infirmity, which was a hindrance to the apostle in his work. (comp. 1 Cor. 2:3; 2 Cor. 10:10; 11:30; Gal. 4:13, 14; 6:17). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thorn_in_the_flesh

In an article, “Ten Reasons Why God’s Grace Is Sufficient Specifically For You,” the author highlights these instances:

When a sickness strikes, the Lord’s grace is expedient enough to heal and prolonged enough to demand a dependence on Him that was never before seen.

When resources are scarce…

When faced with a conflict…

When uncertainty is tainting your mood…

When people fail to live up to your expectations…

When a dark season befalls your life…

When exponential growth is not instantly visible in your ministry…

When it seems that you are lacking something…

When it seems as if though the gospel has stopped spreading…

When it seems as if though you are not accomplishing much… http://bogdankipko.com/ten-reasons-why-gods-grace-is-sufficient-specifically-for-you/

Memorable Quotes:

“I simply think God is greater than our weakness. In fact, I think it’s our weakness that reveals how great God is.” – Max Lucado

Philippians 4:13 (NKJV): “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

“When you feel guilty for being sad, remember that Walt Disney was a manic depressive.” – unknown

“The weakest part of my life can become the strongest part of my faith.” – unknown

“Until God opens the next door for you, praise him in the hallway.” – unknown

“Every weakness you have is an opportunity for God to show His strength in your life.” – unknown

“You can’t use an egg unless it is broken.” – unknown

This personally resonated with me. I was having a somewhat-challenging day. I quietly pleaded, “Lord, please ease me of these achy feelings and mobility issues so I can better serve you?” I continued to hear a quiet whisper that kept repeating, “My grace is sufficient.” 

I believe it meant that God knows my struggle. However, he has given me “just enough” to do what He wants me to do. I need to TRUST HIM. 

Don’t You???

“Can You Remember Who You Were?....”

This question really spoke to me. It is:

“Can you remember who you were before the world told you who to be?”

After pondering deeply about it, my answer became the following:

Who I Was:

• Well-Respected Medical Doctor
• New York Times Best-Selling Author
• Generous Philanthropist
• Successful Entrepreneur
• Very “firm and loving” Wife, Mother, and Grandmother

What I Became:

• College Graduate and Post Graduate (earned MBA)
• Quintessential “People Pleaser”
• Education Advisor
• Loyal Employee
• Single with No Children

It is interesting how we allow our lives to be directed by others’ hopes and dreams. We end up abandoning our own “ships to success” and hopping aboard someone else’s. We become restricted by others’ fears and insecurities.

But THE GOOD NEWS is…God created you ON PURPOSE for a very specific reason. I think that, when we try to be like others, we frustrate GOD. He created you to be YOU…not another entertainer, or another minister, or another mother, or another anything.

As long as you are still breathing, you have time to become who He created you to be.

The Bible explains:

Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV):  “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well”

Ephesians 3:20 (NIV):  “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,”

Romans 12:2 (NKJV): “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Ephesians 4:1(NKJV): “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,”

Isaiah 43:1 (NKJV): “…I have called you by your name; You are Mine…”

Memorable Quotes:

“Life isn’t about finding yourself. It’s about discovering who God created you to be.” – unknown

“God created you On purpose,With purpose, For a purpose.” – unknown

“You are far too smart to be the only thing standing in your way.” – unknown

“Be Yourself…an original is always worth more than a copy.” – unknown

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will grow up thinking it is stupid.” – Albert Einstein

“Stop trying to fit in when you were born to stand out.” – unknown

‘Spread your wings and fly,’ he said, ‘I do not have wings, sir,’ she replied. It was then he realized she had forgotten she was a bird. – unknown

“That breath you just took…it’s a gift.” – Rob Bell

Use your time wisely…start TODAY striving to be who GOD created you to be. Not sure where to start? Just ask HIM…Pray…

Understanding Corporate America

Early in my professional career, our very successful Sales Team presented a professional “rebellion” against our Management team. They attempted to forces us to sign off on a skewed compensation plan. None of the 30 member team members signed it. Our “silent resistance” forced management to go back to the board room, compromise and present a plan that was mutually beneficial to the company and to the Sales team. After over 25 years in Corporate America, I now realize that this was an anomaly and not likely to happen again.

When I finally understood a few basic insights, my professional career became more realistic:

• It is not your company. Your name is not in the company logo.
• You were not hired to fulfill your goals. You were hired to fulfill theirs.
• Every day, you have two choices: Figure out a way to fulfill your goals after fulfilling theirs or leave.
• People who are most upset with their employer do so because they believe they have to be there.
• Learn all you can and give all you have to the role.
• No matter how much you love your job, always keep your resume updated and remain marketable.
• Remember: "Build your own dreams, or someone will hire you to build theirs." This is not good or bad; it is what it is. Just know that.
• Remember: GOD is always present…not just on Sundays. He is there Monday – Friday, 9 – 5 p.m. also.

In an article by Jen Nicomedes titled “10 Life Lessons Learned From Corporate America,” she advises:

1. Don’t be so serious.
2. Ask for help.
3. Travel as much as possible.
4. Never compromise your health.
5. Everyone is a network.
6. There is no rewind button.
7. Money isn’t everything.
8. Keep your options.
9. Be yourself.
10. Don’t give up on childhood dreams.

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5047/10-Life-Lessons-Learned-From-Corporate-America.html

The Bible weighs in:

Matthew 5:16 (NKJV): Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Colossians 3:23 (NIV): Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,

Psalm 37:5 (NKJV): Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.

Powerful Quotes:

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.” – Steve Jobes

“Make your work to be in keeping with your purpose.” ~ Leonardo Da Vinci

“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” - Saint Francis de Sales

Allow Corporate America to be the training or “boot camp” for your professional and personal growth. Work diligently and realistically as you head toward your destiny.

God’s “ROI”

ROI or Return on Investment is a term often heard in business sectors.

Wikipedia explains:  “Return on Investment (ROI) is the concept of an investment of some resource yielding a benefit to the investor.  In purely economic terms, it is one way of considering profits in relation to capital invested.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Return_on_investment

We all look for a favorable ROI in many aspects of our lives. We check to see if the price and service was equal to or greater than what we paid for a meal at a restaurant.  We determine if the time, energy, resources and commitment we placed in a relationship is worth what we have invested.

 “You can use ROI to help you determine whether an investment will meet or has met expectations on its return. In its most simplistic form, you can think of it as your net gain divided by the cost:   ROI = Gain from Investment - Cost of Investment.

Seeking a good return on investment -- that is, getting a positive reward for what was invested -- is a useful way to think about money and a great way to think about life.  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-sanjay-jain-md/return-on-your-investment_b_4682663.html

This has major implications in our spiritual lives.  Questions we should ask ourselves include:

Is God receiving His ROI for creating you?

Is Jesus receiving his ROI for dying on the cross for you?

Are your parents receiving a ROI for combining their DNA to give birth to you?

Are your teachers receiving their ROI for teaching you?

Are your children receiving their ROI of your love and care of them?

Are your elderly parents receiving their ROI for all the years they have sacrifice and been there for you?

Is your employer receiving their ROI in you?

Have your received a ROI from your spouse? Have you given it?

As a society, we are so focused on what we should GET that we fail to focus on what we GAVE. However, the principle of planting and harvest are the same. If you plant seeds, water them and fertilize them, you can realize a huge harvest. Based on the formula for ROI, the gain for your investment far outweighs the cost.

The Bible explains:

Luke 12:48 (NKJV):  ...For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.

1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (NKJV):  6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.

1 Thessalonians 3:12 (NKJV): And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you,

Matthew 17:20 (NKJV): “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.

2 Corinthians 9:6 (NKJV): But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

Matthew 25:21 (NKJV): His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

Quotes:

“To build wealth, you need to THINK, SPEND, and INVEST wisely. Think wealth is coming to you, spend time living your purpose, and invest in yourself so the return on investment will be tenfold.” – Linda P. Jones

“You get back as much as you put in. Go all in.” – unknown

GOD has invested so much in us. He wakes us up each morning extending us with grace and mercy. He only asks of us obedience and faithfulness.

Will God receive a favorable ROI from you?

Praising God: "Off-Key" or Not

Facebook has a thing on it called GOSPEL CHALLENGE. It challenges people to post a brief song of praise. This challenge is extended to those who are known to have a beautiful singing voice.

I even encouraged a few people I know to take the challenge. I immediately discounted myself as having only “a decent singing voice that could hold a tune…that’s it.”

It led me to reflect on this. Once again, I realize the cunning ways of Satan. The Lord told us to praise him. Satan has allowed us to believe this mandate is only for those who, by the world’s standards, have a beautiful voice.

There are TV Shows like American Idol; The Voice; Sunday Best; & Rising Star that judge you as to whether you can sing or not. In actuality, it is based on whether others find your singing “pleasing to their ears” and is marketable.

Amazing how we allow the world to judge us and keep us from obeying God.

God doesn’t hear whether you were “in-tune” or sang in key. He wants to see our obedience.

Thus, someone with the most beautiful voice can be dismissed from God rather than some we judge as “out of tune” as obediently praising Him with a pure, sincere heart.

I have often said that people like Michael Jackson or Whitney Houston sadly did not realize their gift of singing. When in actuality, their true gift was the gift of inspiring others through music. Amazing how this “gift” can be used to lead others to Christ…if used with the right heart & spirit.

The Bible says:

Psalm 100:1 (KJV): “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.”

Psalm 96:1King (KJV): “O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth.”

Psalm 149:1(KJV): “Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.”

Psalm 104:33 (NKJV): “I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.”

Psalm 28:7 (NKJV): “The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.”

Psalm 96:1 (NKJV): “Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth.”

Psalm 96:2 (NKJV): “Sing to the Lord, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.”

Bottom-line: The world does not have a heaven or hell to put you in. Their judgment of you will mean nothing on Judgment Day when we face our Heavenly Father. It might be wise if we focused on being obedient & praising Him – off-key voice or not…. 

“Abdicating The Throne”

Abdicate is defined as “to leave the position of being a king or queen; to fail to do what is required by (a duty or responsibility); to relinquish (as sovereign power) formally.”

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abdicate

I recall one of my favorite movies, the 1988 hit Coming to America with Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, & James Earl Jones. In the movie, Prince Akeem Joffer (Eddie Murphy’s character) left his home in the fictional, rich African nation of Zamunda to come to the United States to find his wife. He proposes to Lisa, an intelligent daughter of a fast food franchise owner. She is intimidated by his immense wealth and status. He even offered to renounce or “abdicate his throne” to marry her. She initially refuses. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coming_to_America

Many of us live our lives feeling incomplete, unworthy, and somewhat lacking. Satan convinces us to “abdicate our thrones.”

Oftentimes, we “live beneath our privilege.” We do this by not truly realizing “who we are and who we belong to.”  This may be similar to an heir of the British Monarchy/Queen Elizabeth II being homeless & living in poverty and on the streets.

As children of God, He has declared us his heirs. The Bible says:

1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV): “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;”

Hebrews 7:24 (NKJV): “But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood”

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NKJV): “19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

Job 29:14 (AMP): “I put on righteousness, and it clothed me or clothed itself with me; my justice was like a robe and a turban or a diadem or a crown!”

A hymn written by Sylvia Rose titled  “Mansion, Robe & Crown” highlight this. A few of the lyrics are:

I’m gonna trade my earthly home for a better one, bright and fair;

Christ left to prepare a mansion for His children in the air;

I’ll join Him in that land where tears nor sorrows can be found;

And I’ll receive my mansion (mansion, robe), robe, and crown.

Chorus:

Mansion, robe, and a crown;

There love will always abound.

Let me Your throne surround;

And I'll receive my mansion, robe, and crown.

http://lyrics.astraweb.com/display/826/hymns..unknown..mansion_robe_and_crown.html

In some instances, we miss our inheritance by our disobedience, lack of faith and lack of trust in GOD. Since we are lax in keeping our promises, we assume God is too. However, the Bible states otherwise:

2 Corinthians 1:20 (NKJV): “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”

2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV): “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 

Let’s all focus on not “abdicating our thrones,” but in embracing our inheritance…