Remembering Where I Came From

This is something I have not done in years! I am lying in my bed watching TV. I just saw an episode of "Good Times" and it brought back memories that seem like it wasn't so long ago. In this episode, J.J. went to the unemployment office trying to secure work so he could help his mom meet the rent and the bills. The social services worker was being so uppity that it caused J.J. to act out towards her taking her stamp out of her hand and letting her know that he hoped she not get out of her job and end up on the other side of the desk.

I recall being in one of the lowest places of my life and having to get the aide of "the system". This was one position that I vowed to never be in. I recall the feelings that J.J. experienced, though I didn't act out on them. I remember having to wait and being the kind of person I was & still am, I always have a book so I would read to distract myself from the horrid surroundings. However, this one day I will never forget having this "feeling" to look around. Then, this notion to write about what I saw. While I was busy trying to numb myself to the feelings I felt for having to be there and blind myself to the others that were there too, God was trying to show me something completely different that smashed my perception. See, before being there myself, many years prior I cast judgments on "those people" who spent time getting aid as though they were all just "milking the system". To my surprise, being on that side of reality, I awakened to the fact that most of them were not "milking the system". Moreover, the needs outweighed the aid the families were receiving. I also began to have conversations with so many ladies and gentlemen. To hear their stories and learn of their situation always made mine feel as though "what did I have to complain about". Being "green" in this area, it was other aided recipients that informed me about how to turn in docs and C.Y.A. (cover my anus) in this arena. I am thankful today for where God with His "super" added to my "natural" has brought me from those not so long ago moments. I also recognize that no one is immuned to requiring such aid and support, so be careful to not cast judgment on those that are. Sure, there are some that may use it to supplement their income and may even get away with "milking the system", but what I know for sure majority of them are not. #moretocome #rememberwhereyoucamefrom #soyoudontrepeatit
#tracesofadream
#rebound #resilience

Resolution - Results - Resolve

I love this time of year! People gearing up for another year to do things "better", "right", "stronger", and "more lasting"! Man, it is a beautiful thing to observe. What would be equally or even more exceedingly beautiful is them acknowledging their need for help so they can really get to those new ways of life they have every intention to adopt.  However, sadly, those messages don't come nearly as often or forthright as the first.  I encourage you today to set goals, dream dreams, establish a set plan of action...and should you begin to fall off the wagon or feel yourself letting go of the once well - thought and felt enthusiam INBOX ME OR SOMEBODY WHO WILL REMIND you of your "why" in the first place or your once felt enthusiasm or just love you enough to speak truth to you, then I believe true resolve shall come forth. You are never alone and most of the time we can't do it alone. Peace, love & laughter!

Resilience

What does it mean to be resilient? Over the course of approximately, 2 to 3 years, I have heard people complain about the economy, lose houses to foreclosure (some on purpose, others by default, and some by unforeseen circumstances), lose jobs and some actually walk away from one.  Nonetheless, there have been still many more to buy houses and land at amazing prices, get jobs that they didn't think they would get, others get in the best shape of their lives (mentally, spiritually, physically, financially, and relationally).  Still yet, others lose businesses while many more start ones and others grow in leaps and bounds.  So, what does it mean to be RESILIENT?

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from unforeseen, unformidable, and some form of destruction, misfortune and/or challenging experiences.  I have had a rather challenging schedule and way of life for the past several years myself.  People who observe my life many times say "You are busy" or "You are always on the go" or "You need to rest" or "I don't see how you do it." To all of them, I understand why they think the way they do and how their perception is what it is.  It actually reminds me of Nehemiah.  He was this guy in the Bible who was diligent about the call, task and mission God had him on.  He didn't have time to stop and take in what the people were saying, though at times he did hear of it...yet he remained diligent!

So, while others may describe my life as aforementioned, I ascribe it as diligent for good and not evil, productive, building a legacy, preparing to leave a mark that cannot and will not be erased, and fulfilling the call that God through Christ Jesus has for me.  I am fueled by His love and His grace because it wasn't so long ago that I could only wish I could go back to school, get my business off the ground and doubtful of myself because I thought that because I had failed previously in the same business that I have now in a different location even with the same name, I wasn't certain that I could do it again.  I remember needing food stamps and praying to have the money to pay my bills.  God is great and His mercy endures forever! So, while the onlookers are saying what they are saying, I pray God is saying, "Oh, I am so proud of you!". He sees I am using the energy, wisdom and talents in such a way, that He will have a return on His investment when He returns.  This is what resilience really mean and look like.  Be encouraged and get on to doing the thing(s) that you have in your heart to do that will make God smile and you know that your life matter.