Lakisha, the Author

Daily Devotional – 11/16/16 “Whose fault is it?”

Many times we get let down by people we’ve placed into positions they couldn’t handle. And you saw the blinking lights over their head but you like them and they smell good. You noticed the warnings but they make you feel good. You even know their track record but you believed them when they said “I’ve changed.” Now, you’re pissed off because they really hadn’t changed. You’re mad because they didn’t keep their promises. You’re angry because they didn’t hold up their end of the vows. You’re mad at the world because the person who said they’d be there still hasn’t shown up. But whose fault is it really? Go on and say it, I won’t even type it. However, let’s take ownership of our mess. See, if I put my hand in the fire, I can’t be mad when it burns me. I can’t pet a venomous snake and then get irate when it bites me. I can’t be furious at you for not showing up, this time, when you never showed up last time. Whose fault is it really?

OK, you can make up excuses if you want, you know the truth. You knew good and well they were hellish, the last pastor warned you. You knew doggone well he wasn’t daddy material, his other 3 baby mommas told you. You knew she wasn’t first lady material when she’d been with all your friends. And you know your momma told you to leave him/her alone because they weren’t any good. Oh but nooo, you fell for it, buying what they were selling because you like the taste but now your heart is broken. Well baby, whose fault is it? In the words of my friend, Minister Lashundra Richmond; calm down and breathe because the same shock that almost killed you, can be the same shock that revives you. However, it depends on if you’re willing to live. Either you allow the shock to prematurely put you in the grave or it’ll be the jolt you need to get up and change your heart. Because changing your heart changes your life. BUT the choice is yours and it starts by realizing who’s at fault.

“Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it.” – Ezra 10:4

Daily Devotional – 11/15/16 “May the God of hope …”

As the holidays approach, a time when families should be happy, there are a lot of you who are anything but. The majority of you are stressed, overworked, underappreciated, depressed, suicidal and on the verge of throwing in the towel. Some of you are grieving and have been for so long that you don’t even know how else to be. Some of you are still trying to figure out how you ended up here, again. You’re looking for a way out yet you’re fearful of trying the way maker. You’re trying to make ends meet and they aren’t even close. And still thinking of a way to tell the children they can’t get what they want this year either. Contemplating check advances and title loans when you’re already in over your head. And for what? To cut thanksgiving dinner short to stand in a line to buy something your children probably won’t appreciate and you don’t need. Yes, this may be the first or tenth holiday without your loved one but in the midst of grieving, don’t forget to live.

Listen, I don’t know what you’re dealing with ma’am. I don’t know what you’re toiling with sir. I don’t know what you’re fighting about or why you’re crying. I don’t know what’s causing your sleepless nights or your dark days. However, I do know that better days are possible. I don’t have to quote scriptures because you can probably recite them all but when will you start believing in them. I don’t have to tell you that God is right there, you know this but when will you start to trust Him? Yes, I get it because I, too, used to dread the holidays. It seemed like every black Friday I would be temporarily out of funds while trying to scrape together enough money to get the children something but I’ve lived long enough now to realize, just waking up is enough for me and if I put my hands in God’s hands, He’ll blow my mind. And get this, I don’t need the details, I simply need the blessing. So to you, whomever you are, who are in the dark place of life right now, I need you to know this … “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” —Romans 15:13

The Family that Lies

The Family that Lies
Forsaken by Grayce, Saved by Merci …

Born only months apart, Merci and Grayce Alexander were as close as sisters could get. With a father who thought the world of them, life was good. Until one day everything changed.

While Grayce got love and attention, Merci got all the hell, forcing her to leave home. She never looks back, putting the past behind her until … her sister shows up over a decade later begging for help, bringing all of the forgotten past with her. Merci wasn’t the least bit prepared for what was about to happen next.

Merci realizes, she’s been a part of something much bigger than she’d ever imagined. Yea, every family has their secrets, hidden truths and ties but Merci had no idea she’d been born into the family that lies.

Get your copy today! Click HERE

** Also – if you’re in the Memphis or surrounding areas, we invite you to come and hang with us at the official book release, signing and discussion.

Here’s the link to RSVP. Or if you have a business and would like to be a vendor or sponsor, you also have the option. RSVP HERE

Oh .. and you can watch our first interview on WMC-TV 5 by clicking HERE

As always
Happy Reading
Lakisha

Daily Devotional – 11/14/16 “God blocked it testimony!”

If it was based on man’s standard thinking of me, I should be in the ghetto of life, waiting on the foodstamps to hit my card from the five children by four different baby daddies (with one on the way). Crying because the child support hasn’t shown up and my car won’t start again. Calling Memphis Light, Gas and Water for another extension on the one I already got. Watching the cable that’s in one of my children’s name while hoping maintenance finally shows up to fix my heat. Scared of the upcoming doctor’s appointment because I’ve been doing some strange thangs for change. In other words, living only to survive yet not really surviving at all. Oh but I got a “God blocked it” testimony! Yea, I could be all of those things but God had other plans for my life and I’m happy He blocked some stuff my ignorant behind thought was good for me, shielded me when my stupid thinking could have been the death of me. This is why I serve God like I do because when I think about where I should be versus where I am; I realize God had to block some things, close some doors and remove some folk in order to get me where I am now. And had it not been for Him, I wouldn’t be walking in my purpose.

Oh, does anyone else, besides me, have a “God blocked it for my good” or a “God protected me” praise when we know there was some stuff we did and said so stupid it should have gotten us killed? You don’t have to tell it, I’m simply trying to see if it’s just me. Chile, I know, a lot of us, should be walking the streets out of our mind from all the drugs, our names should be on the transplant list, waiting for a liver, after years of alcohol abuse or taking 50 pills just to keep our immune system from failing, from getting AIDS/HIV from the many sex partners but we don’t. You can act like you ain’t never done nothing if you want but you know good and well you should be dead or crazy. You should be locked up in jail for DUI, in a nursing home from falling asleep behind the wheel, laying in some alley trying to find your last good vein, on husband or wife number 4 because you can’t seem to get it right or in court again with baby momma 3 while number 4 is calling your phone over and over. Oh but aren’t you excited that God blocked it and saved your ignorant tail? Anybody else got the testimony, “If it had not been for the Lord on my side?”

Meet the Authors

Meet the authors of The Family that Lies!! Authors Lakisha Johnson and LaQuisha Rucker-Fields!

The Family that Lies

Born only months apart, Merci and Grayce Alexander were as close as sisters could get. With a father who thought the world of them, life was good. Until one day everything changed.