The two dispositions of humanity are to be in dire need and/or  fulfilled.  Often times we feel that we are in dire need of people and things that we do almost anything for temporary comfort; sometimes its compromising on our values.  Other times its the degradation of our physical bodies through substance abuse. Finally, its through making unhealthy psychological choices of harboring resentment, unforgiveness or regret.  You have a choice.  You can live a life of despair and need; or choose to embrace the promise of fulfillment in Christ.  During Lent, many religious groups devote time to fasting and prayer.  This practice of abstaining from creature comforts such as certain foods and activities are supposed to bring us closer to God.  Once the fast ends, we consciously make decisions to go back to the things of old and then question why we're experiencing "spiritual schizophrenia."  While we give up some to gain much during Lent, we must remember that our posture should always be fulfillment in Christ, thereby depleting our dependency of fulfillment through the non-eternal things of this world. 

I believe our year round practice should be to Choose THE ONE  (Christ) and appreciate the other  (creature comforts) while  not become inundated with the perceived posturing of dire need. 

You do have a choice. 

Did you forget who you were when trial and tribulation encroached upon your life's circumstances?  Did you forget who formulated your will to survive in the midst of hardship?  Did you forget the promise of restoration in the face of adversity?  Did your inability to recall the truth hinder your eyes from being opened to the truth?  You are not your thoughts about calamity and defeat!  You are the the witnessing power of a God who showed you grace through Jesus Christ.  You are the light that emanates in a dark place.  Somehow, your mind is playing tricks on you.  Somehow you mind is telling you contrary statements to the Word of Life.  This is not by default.  We have been called to do a few things to aid our memory...use it as a tool and not a playground for the enemy.  We should recall incidents of the past and learn from them.  However, we should not let the memory of the past become the lens to our future.  If we do, we have established a demented process of thinking.  Let your mind be renewed to forgive and grow wise.  Let your identification with lack and shortage be forgiven.  Don't forget who you are.  Don't forget whose you are.  Remember that God IS and that settles it. 

Through experience, you learn the value of making the right choices.  A choice void of wisdom is not condemned by God, but lovingly corrected by God.  When we continue to make the same mistakes in life, love and faith, that may be a sign of a need for deliverance.  Deliverance brings you out of a rut in action or thought that is contrary to the liberated lifestyle God wants us to have.  Deliverance comes when you don't hesitate in making decisions to choose life over defying and draining circumstances.  I want you to remember that once you have been released from a place of bondage, walk in liberty without looking back!  As you continue to walk, God is bringing you into a place of peace and fulfillment that is contagious. That place is NOW.  That place feels as though joy is leaping on the inside.  It makes you want to bellow out in a voice of praise.  It makes you want to compassionately embrace life and the gift it brings.  In this season, breakthrough is imminent.  We must choose to breakthrough chaos and confusion.  Christ showed us how our greatest pain leads us to our greatest triumph.  The triumphant entry of the Savior into the world announces the following...because He lives, I live...breaking through every barrier.  Living in light, love and peace.  The time is NOW.  BREAKTHROUGH IS NOW.    

Do you know your rights as a child of God?  Do you know you have the right to live abundantly, love abundantly, forgive abundantly, laugh abundantly, and be loved abundantly?  Somehow, challenges come (whether real or perceived) that make a child of God cry out for protection.  The type of protection that we all need and want is a blessed assurance that what is rightfully ours will not be compromised or withheld.  When we pray, we make our petitions known.  Somehow we grow faint when it appears that the adversary triumphs over our advocate. Do not stop praying!  Do not stop asking!  Be stern and unrelenting because you know what is yours.  The shield of faith is what will protect you from the fiery darts.  If you drop the faith, there is sure to be a violation of the aforementioned rights.  Your rights are protected when you believe they are secured.... Whenever you feel insecure, cry out......'MY RIGHTS ARE BEING VIOLATED...PROTECT ME!!!!'  and it shall be.  (Luke 18:3) 

When you will something into existence, you are making a definitive statement of its completion.  The most powerful often misunderstood words of God are 'I AM.'  When the great I AM speaks through me...the following is Willed... 

I WILL

 

 

I WILL GIVE UP THE OLD AND MAKE ROOM FOR THE NEW

 

I WILL REMAIN DEDICATED TO MINISTRY THROUGH GOD

 

I WILL NOT BE DRIVEN BY TEMPORARY EMOTION

AMEN

Abiding in Prosperity requires that we give what we expect to experience.  If we want peace, we must exude peace. If we want success, we must take the necessary steps to acheive success.  Afterall, success is not a destination but the radical action of God inspired movement. If you want wealth, give/invest; that you may experience a harvest.  Prosperity is never an isolated occurrence.  It is manifested by using what you have to produce what others need.  Prosperity is not solely synonymous with material wealth.  It encompasses what it means to Abide in God- having all you ever need.   

The voice of God in turbulent times can only be heard through our ability to be still.  Stillness is often forfeited in a world clamoring for production.  We are asked to do more in order to become more.  However, all that we need and will become is found in the silent presence of God.  Devotion involves more than just the commitment to be in the presence of God.  It also requires the ability to not get lost in the futility of our thinking; for the Word states; who can truly understand the mind of God?  In lieu of such incomprehensibility, the charge is not to understand why, but to listen and prepare for a wise response.   Be still to hear God speak. 

Humanity has a wonderful way of denying the presence of God, while asking for the blessings of God.  We must remember the saying "In God We Trust" (found on American currency) should be a current reality for those who claim to believe in God.  Sadly, we may believe 'in' God but not necessarily believe 'what 'God says about divine will.  Making your petitions known and doing what is necessary to make it a reality does not guarantee it will come to fruition in your timing.  Those moments where we are denied instant gratification often lead to frustration.  After you've done all you can, God's will is what prevails.  My challenge to you is accept the will of God, trusting the outcome, even if it does not reflect your personal desires.  Remember, God gives you what you need and want if you delight yourself in His presence.  If you truly trust in God, accept each moment as a Gift and the Divine Will of God.  This requires a daily breakdown of expectations not built on the reality of what God says.  IT'S work, but well worth it!  The result:  MORE PEACE, JOY, FULFILLMENT AND CONTENTMENT

Most of us live defeated lives because we've accepted the dreaded facts of our life's situation without maintaining a strong belief in the promises of God.  Victorious living isn't found in psyching yourself out of the truth.  If you are hurting, acknowledge the hurt.  If you are angry, acknowledge the anger.  If you are frustrated, depressed, anxious or feeling vaguely slothful...acknowledge them all!  Why? Because God works miracles through our acceptance.  We are trained to deny that which is perceived to be BAD.  However, deeply embedded in every proposed negative is God's higher purpose which is to prosper you in every hope.  Hope simply means you are elevating your thoughts beyond a temporary moment of discomfort.  Hope without faith is simply a pleasant thought!  Those pleasant thoughts do not become a consistent truth unless you believe.  Face the facts and believe what God says about them. 

"I am hurting"-  Weeping endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning

"I am angry"- do not allow the sun to go down on your anger

"I am frustrated"-  Let this mind that be in me, also be in you.  The peace of God will surpass all understanding 

"I am depressed"-  Greater is he that is in me, than he that is in the world

"I am anxious"- be anxious for nothing, but in all things pray, making your petitions known

"I am feeling slothful"-  Mary has chosen what is best- rest at the feet of Jesus, thereby bringing rejuvenation. 

Love and Life desires to live through us, though most of us refuse to be vessels for such to occur.  We refuse every time we deny the existence of both.  We deny the existence of love by indulging in exclusive relationships with expectations of being totally fulfilled through the efforts of one individual we call 'special'  or 'the one.'  We deny the existence of life by ignoring the life forms we deem unimportant, such as nature, our sustainer.  Life itself is not the issue, it is the author of manifestation and can never be redundant, boring, or worthless. Life is God, just as love is.  Enjoy new beginnings as they manifest in love and life. 

Pursuing your dreams with grim tenacity is a rarity amongst a world filled with the fear of failure.  However, i am hopeful because i have seen what is to be for aspiring authors.  We had a lovely time in fellowship, information and inspiration.  I look forward to the next summit in September!!!1

Be it unto me as you see fit....My response to life's situations can be that of resistance or pure surrender.  The sole sacrifice that need be made when surrendering is to die to one's self.  Once we give up who we think we are and need, we find out who we are and what we have which is ALL THROUGH CHRIST. 

 

If I could describe the issue of race in America, I would say race was a socially constructed phenomena created to control.  Race is non-existent in the eyes of God, but has become an ever present reality in America.  Since race is a contradiction to Who God is, it is necessary for us to realize how we contribute to the social issues of our community.  I am exited to see the Shift of God into creating One body of believers.  It is apparent in our President Elect who embodies what is perceived to be both "Black" and "White."  God doesn't operate in color, but that of love...which is colorless.  As we go forward, will you identify with the fallacies of society or commit to perceiving the world through the eyes of God? 

The emotional response we attach to our memories can be a major hinderance to living in the peace of God.  It is as if we have these mental movies in our minds whereby we replay past hurts, failures, triumphs and accolades.  I do not know how much this hinders creativity from coming alive, but i do know it hinders the gifts of God, which are love peace and joy.  Who would we be without the stories we tell ourselves to justify unforgiveness or to accentuate our concept of self through worldly success? God is calling us to a higher level of spiritual maturity that requires a letting go and a beginning to live.... Live what?  A proverb states that a heart of peace brings life to the body, while envy rots the bones.   Envy stems from our social comparisons and  the desire to have what you deem others should not.  Ever wonder about the origin of disease?  Could these ailments (something as simple as the common cold) be avoided if we would just accept and stop resisting what God says is innately yours....love, peace and joy.  Until you recognize your contribution to the mental pollution and physical disease in and around you, you will continue to recycle the pain. That works...if you are in no hurry to be where God is; in peace.   

While you are looking out for the ditch diggers, stone rollers, deceivers and malicious people, perhaps you should look within.  Once you have dealt with the reality that those things can live in you, then you can begin to seek God’s guidance to purge you.  Once you are purged, and have the light of the Holy Spirit in you, it dispels all the darkness around you…so what are you afraid of?  How can darkness overcome the light?  I do not believe our job is to seek out the evil in others, but to abstain from allowing evil to reign in us.  Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.  If the Lord truly lives in you, you do not have to fear what others may do.  Though you should be discerning and steer clear of foolishness, your job is not to fight, but to be a light!  When Jesus walked the earth, they were constantly trying to stone him, seize him or kill him somehow.  However, the scripture repeatedly tells us that he got away, for it was not his time.  He did not try to fight them, nor did he try to condemn them.  They condemned themselves and He knew this.  This is much like those of us who continue to see more of destruction because we plant seeds of destruction.  This is also much like the fig tree that Jesus cursed.  If it were underserved, he would not have spoken it, and it would not have come to rest.  Our job is to focus; dispel the darkness within, so that you can dispel the darkness without.  So in essence, who's really out to get who? 

The human mind, in its desire to predict and understand, will do all it can to avoid  new situations and experiences. That avoidance is so strong and often predicated on fear that physical symptoms of this resistance will arise, which we call anxiety. Though we can all admit to enjoying new things, places and people, once we feel we "know" those experiences, we miss out on what God is doing daily.  God is truly doing something new!  It is a challenge for us to remove the labels we place on people, things and ourselves that hinder our perception of God's newness.  WE hold on to past experiences and wonder why we are seeing more of the same in the world and our personal lives.  I don't suggest that we look for something new.  Just rearrange your perception to realize ALL things are new in the sight of God.  What's your something new? 

I often say "I want to be where God is."  The subsequent question would then be; "Where is that?"  My response is and always be that God cannot solely be found in my past mistakes or triumphs.  God cannot solely be found in my future accomplishments or failures.  God is moving and breathing in and around me...in my PRESENT.  I miss God when i seek the presence of God in time.  Being aware of the presence of God dictates how i respond to each of His creations...including you!  As we experience shifting in our personal lives,  God is there...as a still, silent, presence, and we can miss that if we don't acknowledge this truth.  Take some time to  be still and hear the voice of God.  Don't wait until tomorrow's Church service or the next evening you have for meditation.  God is where? HERE.... When? NOW.   WILL YOU MOVE WITH GOD? 

Hello Everyone!!!!! 

Most of you visit the site without leaving your comments.  I wanted you to know the blog page is updated once a month on various topics.  Do not allow that to hinder your desire to leave an encouraging message for those accessing the site.  The month of June will be a month of open dialogue. Let's talk about relationships, identity, career decisions, beauty and destiny!!!!!!! Leave your questions and/or comments.  We are ready to talk!

 

The month of May is dedicated to celebrating Haitian heritage.  It just so happens that my birthday is also celebrated this month.  As a result of so many forms of celebration, the following thought came to mind; Am i celebrating who i am? or what i have been groomed to believe?  Oft times, we allow our culture to define who we are.  This can be a blessing or a barrier depending on if you are totally identified with the struggles or failures of that particular culture, or the triumphs and accolades of the specified culture.  In both cases, exclusions of other cultures can occur if we are not mindful of our truest identity....In Christ.  By no means am i suggesting that we deny our culture.  However, i do ask you reevaluate how you perceive yourself in relation to your fellow brother or sister.  Hopefully the interaction is based on love and freedom, without judgment, non forgiveness and exclusion.  How do you define culture? 

To all of the lovely young ladies who have dedicated countless hours to preparing our youth in spirit, mind and body; i salute your effective efforts.  I enjoyed the "Evening Under the Stars."  This event was held by the Essence and Imani Ministry of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church.  This ministry provides multiple outlets that expose our young women to the truths of what a young lady should be in Christ.  How awesome is God?  He provides evidence of  how prayer and perseverance can orchestrate a moment of triumph.  Though statistics of failure may be on the rise, our local ministries are equipping a select group of women for success.  Thank you for the invitation to witness the light of God shining through our youth! 

What's your description of shining brightly? 

It is most refreshing to witness authentic smiles and earnest hearts that want to achieve destiny.  I had a wonderful experience in Tallahassee, Fl during an empowerment conference hosted by Miss Black Florida.  The women of FAMU and FSU greeted me with eager anticipation for priceless moments of transparency during the workshops.  Thank each of you for doing great things and aspiring to be better in every area of life.  I was inspired and look forward to developing and nurturing lasting friendships!  I will be documenting my experiences with women across the nation in this section.  Enjoy! 

I had the opportunity to be in the presence of two different generations, but felt the spirit of initiative and progression in both.  Carl Fombrun, (of Carl's Corner and the Carl Fombrun show) and Stichiz of FAU's Owl Radio Station are two individuals who are passionate about honing their skills.  That passion translates into a regular following of people,  who tune in daily or weekly to be inspired and informed via the radio or television.(Carl averages 50,000 readers a day).  The true meaning of "bridging the gap" is apparent as each dedicates their gift or talent to being a blessing in the Haitian community through the field of communications.  I had a fabulous time with each of  you! Well done!  All the best!

I had a marvelous time sharing with some awesome women during a conference that addressed being a real woman of real faith.  My question to you is; Is it really, real? What do real women with real faith look like?  I believe she has a look that  is inextricably a radiating light from her creator as her guide.  She is certain and sure of what cannot be seen and defines herself through the I AM of God that lives in her as a result of accepting the gift of the Holy Spirit.  She is resurrected through the resurrection of Christ. Because of this truth, everything and everyone around her is touched and affected by her light.  It is no longer a shallow "Church Lady Experience," but an authentic experience with a lady;  The Lady and the Love of God.

 Please be sure to share your personal experiences with any real women of real faith from your childhood and/or adulthood.  Be blessed!

Excerpt from "Love Abused"

Love sounds like a four letter word that wants to be used in a million ways
other that just a symbol for Lust

Love over the course of time has become a symbol for a three word phrase:  I want you.

But it doesn't end there.  I want you to want me too, cause the minute you don't,

my Love turns into a four letter word that wants to replace and erase the true meaning of Love with the word: Hate. 

 Greetings Family!

1 Corinthians 13 reminds us of the unfailing power of love.  Yet, we sometimes determine that we can no longer love those who have not met our specific expectations.  Could it be that we view love as an entity that is insufficient, as opposed to the embodiment of who God is? REMEMBER; Love never wants for anything.  Love gives, while lust takes. 

Welcome friend. I am looking forward to sharing with you what God has shared with me. I am also looking forward to hearing your stories of triumph and revelation.