A Daily Dose of Freedom

"The Lord said, "If you will just be still, I will touch you." --Pastor Keisha Battle Spivey On Friday evening, I had the incredible opportunity to travel with some amazing friends to a Woman's Conference for the weekend. It was my prayer that God quiet my mind from all lingering responsibilities, clear the distractions and allow me to enjoy the present on another level.  He did just that and tons more. Before I arrived to the location where we were to meet, I ate a bag of caramel creme candy to subdue the nervous energy. Maybe that wasn't such a great idea, considering that I talked the entire trip. I found myself being extremely chatty for no apparent reason but maybe I was on a "sugar rush!" Finally, I was living out loud and it felt amazing! I cruised way outside my comfort zone and stepped completely out the box. I wanted to experience life on my own terms, without restriction for a change! I desperately needed the mental break. My emotional b...

"Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple." --1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (ESV) Last week, I couldn't seem to shake a dormant sense of heaviness . I wasn't in a chronic state of worry , but there wasn't much genuine peace either. In the back of my mind, there was something missing that I couldn't put my finger on. I grew increasingly frustrated because I'm typically, pretty much disciplined regarding goals. However, I couldn't put one foot in front of the other to save my life. I knew it was a practical step that I was overthinking but it didn't make the process proceed any easier. Normally, restless energy sends me into a " whirlwind of new projects " but my plate was full. I didn't have room to take on anything else, because I made some firm commitments that I wa...

I’ve been dragging my feet from overwhelming responsibilities, goal-oriented activities and family centered tasks. I had everything I needed for a full force take off, but I couldn’t find my rhythm. No matter what I tried, my “center” was out of balance. It literally takes all day to do-nothing! I’m always busy but have failed to produce anything meaningful for my personal satisfaction. Today, I was determined to spend sometime in meditation to explore the root of my distractions. Some reasons were obvious, but others, not so much. I secretly wondered, if I was unrealistic about the outside demands I placed on myself. I felt the urgent sense of NOW in my spirit but my energy was suffering. God spoke, but was I listening or was I thrown off by the mountain of surrounding family issues? I just learned how to separate my pain from others. It was way past time to exit their story and to start living my own! What was the hold up? Did I feel guilty about moving on? Maybe, but I didn’t have...

“Now Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more.” -Genesis 37:5 I’ve always been a nomad, reaching for destiny, within my clouded “dreams”. I carried the scattered pieces, around in my head, but I failed to see the visions manifest. Somewhere the translation got lost between the blueprint from my head to my heart and then collapsed onto empty hands. Needless to say, I searched for purpose and fulfillment in all the wrong places. Like Joseph, I shared my dreams with comrades who were not interested in forming alliances, so they secretly counted me out. Sometimes, I wonder if Joseph hadn’t told his “dreams” to his brothers, would they still have thrown him into the pit and sold him into slavery? But then, he wouldn’t have the chance to rise from slave to ruler. Perhaps, our “dreams” have caused us to experience some unnecessary hardships. However, God always uses those same setbacks to propel us forward right into our destiny. So when your ...

I wish I could tell you that - I am a Christian disciple that has it all together; however, I don't. To try to paint this elaborate picture of a "perfect journey" serves no real purpose, because it is not my truth. I miss the mark. I mess up. I fall short. I have weak moments. I don't always manage my emotions well. Sometimes I fall victim to the lies of the enemy by magnifying insecurities. Sometimes I still seek outside approval for validation. I fall down, I fail daily, BUT I GET BACK UP! On Friday morning, I allowed a situation to get under my skin and take me back to a past, familiar place of rage! Actually, in all honesty, it threw "my energy" off balance for the entire weekend. I was treated harsh and unfair by someone in a public place. Every ounce of flesh wanted to rise up in me but I said nothing! I was afraid to open my mouth, because I was terrified of my reaction. Although I'm learning to be more proactive rather than reactive, I wasn...

I’m not out hear screaming from the rooftop that I’m celibate to be seen. However, it does make for “uncomfortable conversation” at times, not self discomfort, but I always stumble upon people that want to biblically oppose my position. They try to argue my decision of abstinence , like it’s up for public debate or something. I never feel compelled to justify my position. To each it’s own, our convictions aren’t universal . The main opposition comes from those that don’t view “ premarital sex” as a sin. I assume, in their opinion, biblical scriptures don’t serve as evidence or the interpretations are highly controversial. I’m not sure, what the reasons maybe, but I’ve had this conversation with lots of single women and was quite shocked at the various beliefs, as Christian believers. As a society, we think openly discussing “ sex ” is taboo. We tend to pass judgment on the rising epidemic of teen pregnancies, without exploring the root of the problem. I was a teenage mother th...

I enjoyed the “ stillness ” of our few, snowy days, but I was ecstatic to welcome warmer temperatures back. I woke up, before dawn as usual, but I did something outside the norm. I didn’t sprint out of bed and start my normal routine. I laid completely still and thanked God. Life hasn’t been perfect; but the good moments, definitely, outweigh the bad. I talked to God, till I fell back asleep. I assumed, I hit the snooze button, cause I didn’t wake up again till the phone rang. Oh my! My daughter called to say that my grandson was out of school for the day. Lord, help me! This would prove to be an interesting one. It would throw a monkey wrench into my schedule. My nine o’clock meeting would require me to rush him to my mom’s and juggle somethings around. I began mentally readjusting my schedule, when I heard the pitter patter of two, familiar feet. My grandson was up, ready for breakfast and I hadn’t even jumped in the shower yet. Panic crept in. I allowed my morning routine to dri...

   Search for Significance Women Bible Study Begins......... This bright, yellow room provided the perfect setting for the " expectant women " that were greeted by warm, familiar smiles. There weren't any nonchalant , dismissive looks;  s ide-eyes   given;  or shade throwing because we were all here, for the same purpose! We didn't have to wonder, guess or assume the roles of each, cause God had already set the atmosphere. There weren't any title divisions, power struggles or hidden agendas presented. We came " expecting " to receive all God's promises, without distraction. Well, there was one small distraction, a moist, lemon pound cake whispered my name from afar. Hey, I can only be me! Lol With the beginning of this new chapter , there weren’t any butterflies lingering, apprehension or uneasiness. I was right where God needed me to be. Here we were, right back in the " birthing station " for round two . We've ...

I recall reading in a health journal, the acronym for fear, “false evidence appearing real.” Wooh, can I relate! I know a thing or two about over preparing, training excessively, and working twice as hard, without ample rest and still felt “inadequate.” Unrealistic expectations can become a whirlwind of mixed emotions for an extremist personality type. It will literally drive them to a cliffhanger of unfulfillment because, success isn’t attainable with a defeated mindset. Three lessons I’ve learned about “fear:” “Fear” drains the life out of you. You won’t take pleasure in a task that you’re obsessing over. It takes the fun out of it! When you’re overly concerned with mistakes, you fail to enjoy the process and you reach exhaustion more frequently. Fear can also cause chronic illnesses. “Fear” stifles your creative ability. You won’t reach your highest potential with limited vision. Pastor Spivey, says all the time, “You get what you expect!” How can you expect anything that you...

It takes an incredible “act of faith” to step out on the unknown, but that’s exactly what God did—pushed me right out of the nest. I extended my stay, way beyond the appointed time. My wings were ready, but I secretly clipped them,  so I could remain still. I’d been comfortably nested for years, while focused on the “lack of my own hands,” but failed to trust the real provider. I was so keyed in on my inabilities that I refused to take the first step. It was just too scary! What if I failed? Never once realized, that I was equipped to succeed! I’ve always known my life purpose was tied to the ministry of “ service ,” but I failed to develop that hidden potential. I was afraid of rejection . I was afraid to be seen or even heard. I didn’t like attention because it came with an army or critics, including the biggest one within . How would I ever help anyone, if I refused to help myself?  I ran into a former high school classmate at the gym. We briefly talked ab...

“Certain things catch your eye, but pursue only those that capture the heart.” —Ancient Indian Proverb I fell asleep on the couch, with the television blasting and lights on. I was way past exhausted. I’d been sitting in front of a computer screen, working non stop for hours. Maybe there were some imaginary “electromagnetic waves” that zapped my brain cells with a case of silliness, because I woke up in a goofy mood.  I woke up, laughing about the video, I recorded on yesterday. It was still funny to me! Why? Because it was way outside of my comfort zone, and I had fun doing it. I literally cracked myself up!For the first time in years, I didn’t care that it wasn’t perfect. I didn’t care that I had no idea of what I was doing, I just enjoyed the process! My aunt called to tell me that the snow was still expected. She knows I never watch the news, it’s just way too depressing. Anyway, I peeked through the blinds and to my surprise, it was already here. Ha, imagine that! Here ...

"So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”     --Isaiah 55:11 I eagerly hopped out of bed this morning, and sat at my desk for my early morning routine. I like to start my day off with devotional, meditation, and prayer time--Oh and let's not forget the coffee! This morning wasn't any different. With all the talk about the anticipated bad weather, I thought about staying indoors to get some writing, reading and studying done. Well, I stayed indoors yesterday, and while it was a somewhat productive day, my mind began to entertain some negative energy out of nowhere. In Battlefield of the Mind, Joyce Myer says, "Idle time is the devil's playground!" Boy, was she right! I intentionally started to dig up the negative seeds and speak peace into existence with my God given authority.  I started a decluttering project that grew bigger than I imagined...

Don't just go with the natural flow of "daily living." Your faith walk requires that you adjust your sails, according to the wind velocity. You wouldn't plan to wear shorts, tanks and flip flops, outside in the snow for obvious reasons. You wouldn't plan a family picnic outdoors, in the midst of a thunderstorm. When God chooses you to deliver, don't expect others to handle your baby with same care as you. In fact, you would NEVER hand your newborn over to a stranger with a chronic cough and lit cigarette.  Protecting your "spiritual baby" is equally as important. Don't be intimidated by the critics. Don't respond to the doubters. Don't measure progress by lack of feedback. Don't yield to competitive sprits. In other words, "Don't go with the flow, BE THE FLOW!" You will deliver as expected, so don't allow distractions to disrupt your momentum. Sometimes lack of support can micmic past, unhealed, childhood re...