"It will lead to an opportunity for you to witness. Therefore make up your minds not to prepare your defense ahead of time, for I will give you such words and a wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict." Luke 21:13-15
As each of you prepare to enter a new year, remember that today is the day for elimination, since it’s the last day of 2015. Many of you are speaking about how you will rid your life of those posing a negative threat to who you are. I agree with that, but what about the negative threats you pose to yourself. It has become human nature to point fingers first and then look within last, if at all. You know that’s backwards right? Today I challenge you to self-reflect and self-check. You can’t grow if you’re dishonest with yourself about yourself.
Today my friend asked me what my word for 2016 was and I couldn’t just say one word. My words are PURPOSE and SERVICE. I have made it a personal mission to be genuine, humble, purposeful and a woman of service. That was for me particularly, but I found it beneficial to those I encounter. I'm blessed everytime I receive messages from not only women, but men, that I’m an inspiration to them. In those moments, it’s confirmed that I’m walking the path that God has for me. How could I not be joyful! It’s unnecessary to say that we don’t want to benefit from some of our efforts, since personal accomplishments are a source of motivation for us to continue in our success. However, nothing feels better to me than to be or do something for someone else. I’ve been so fortunate to be unconditionally blessed in maintaining that attitude. You all could never imagine where I started to where I am. I’m so thankful that I’ve learned that my uniqueness was crafted with POWERFUL hands. Each day I’m fortunate enough to learn a little bit more about the woman I am. There are tests set forth and your reactions to them determine how you will be blessed. I'm fortunate enough to experience how sufficient the grace and mercy of God is. Overtime, I've learned to be at peace with my own journey and I'm thankful for how my steps are ordered. There is so much genuine security in what God has for me.
Looking at my 2015, I can’t help but be appreciative. I can honestly say that I have stayed true to myself and who I desire to be. Have I been perfect? Absolutely not, and I never want anyone to think that I am. I am one of the most human women that you will ever meet and I never mind admitting it. There used to be a time when I wasn’t able to do that, but thank God for grace. I look forward to all the beautiful, miraculous and positively unexpected blessings in store for me. I claim them and I hope you all claim yours. Walk into this year believing that nothing is too late and that everything you desire is possible. Keep in mind that you owe no one an explanation for who you are, where you've been or where you're headed. You only owe yourself the very best parts of who you are and those around you will benefit. Your blessings are not based on the perception of others, but on what God knows to be true about you. Hold fast to that.
You don't have to be a pastor, an usher or a Sunday school teacher to be blessed or favored. God uses all of his people for his purpose and someone is always positively impacted by it. Be encouraged as you encounter trials and tribulations, for they are signs of strength, purpose and prosperity for your future. Remain in good character and channel a positive mind, because whether you know it or not, you have an audience. God may be allowing others to watch you, to align you both for change. You determine if it's positive or negative. This year is almost over and if you're reading this, your purpose is currently open for pursuit. There is much work to be done on your part and I'm positive that you'll be motivation for someone. Nothing that happens to any of us, happens without purpose. Write your own 2016 and write it with a beautiful pen!
Happy New Years Love Bugs!