Daily Devotional – 3/7/19 “Keep them, God!”

Some days she’d get up and be happy. She’d comb her hair, apply some make-up, get dressed in her good clothes and go to work. Some days, he’d be laughing and playing with the children. He’d go on a date with his wife and even cuddle close to her, that night. She/he would be on social media posting happy meme’s and sharing thoughts of looking forward to the future. He/she may even post a selfie that’ll get a few likes and “you’re looking good,” comments but reality is … they aren’t. That day, described above, is the day depression wasn’t so bad. That day, described above, is the day pain didn’t cripple them. That day, described above, is the day the voices were silent and they didn’t relive the nightmares of taking advantage of, hurt, abuse and molestation. That day, described above, is few and far between yet nobody knows because he or she has become good at faking it. He or she has gotten good at covering because they know the right amount of medicine to take, alcohol to drink or drugs to snort, swallow or shoot; to appear functioning. Reality is, they are living in a prison within their own mind. And things posted on social media is a trigger but they won’t say anything. Listening to folk joke and laugh about RKelly is a trigger but they won’t say nothing. Let me be clear, they have the status already typed out, in the notes on their phone, and it ends in #metoo but they won’t share it.

You want to know why? They don’t want the look of pity. They don’t want the insensitive question of, “why did you wait so long to tell it?” They don’t want their post to go viral with all the negative comments people, who’ve never gone through their pain, will make. So, they suffer alone. They get up and preach, while suffering alone. They pray for folk, while suffering alone. They come when you call but suffer alone. They honor your cash app for $8, while suffering alone. They teach your children, they handle your finances, they clean your house, they change the oil in your car, they run business meetings, launch small businesses, post happy selfies and congratulate you on your success … while they suffer alone. I don’t know who you are, ma’am or sir and neither do I know what you’re suffering with but I’m praying for you. I’ve never been the victim of abuse but I’m praying for you. I’m praying for your release. I’m praying to God, who is mighty to heal you, if you’ll let Him because I know, it isn’t your time to die. God allowed you to sleep off the effects of the sleeping pills, when they should have killed you, because it wasn’t your time. The gun jammed because it wasn’t your time to die. And now, I’m praying for you. Jesus, before His time on earth had come, He prayed to God for those He was sent to save. His prayer is now my prayer, to God, for you. Dear God, “I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one.” Amen. – John 17:15

Daily Devotional – 3/5/19 “Refocus that energy!”

Stop trying to pay people back for what they’ve done to you, when God says in Deuteronomy 32:35, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay. In time their foot will slip, for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.” Stop praying for God’s hand of anger to strike them. Instead speak like Jeremiah 20:11, “But the LORD stands beside me like a great warrior. Before him my persecutors will stumble. They cannot defeat me. They will fail and be thoroughly humiliated. Their dishonor will never be forgotten.” Stop saying you’re going to do them like they do you, when you know it’s not your character. For bible shares in 1 Peter 3:9, “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will bless you for it.” Stop being angry when you see those who’ve done you wrong, hurt you, stole from you and/or lied on you; prospering. James 1:20 says, “For the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” It isn’t yours to make them pay for their evil actions and misdeeds. Besides, how do you really know if they are blessed? Do you see what they’re dealing with behind closed doors or when the lights and cameras are off and social media is logged out of for the night? Truth is, you only see what they show and it doesn’t mean you know. Stop wishing evil against folk because it blocks you from getting what you deserve.

Yes, it’s easy to wish bad on folk, we think we’ve accomplished something when we shut up our prayers for those who’ve done us wrong and we celebrate when they fall. But did you know the bible tells us in Proverbs 24:17-18, “Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall; don’t be happy when they stumble. For the LORD will be displeased with you and will turn his anger away from them.” Listen beloved, forgive them, pray for them and wish them well. Breathe! I know that’s a lot to take in yet here’s the good news, you can do all of this from a distance. So, don’t block your blessings wishing evil on folk. It’s not for you to make people pay for Proverbs 23:17-18 says, “Do not let your heart envy sinners, But live in the fear of the LORD always. Surely there is a future, And your hope will not be cut off.” That’s all. I simply wanted to encourage someone, today by letting you know; your enemies haven’t gotten away with what they’ve done or what they owe you. Nevertheless. you need to use your energy on doing God’s will and allow Him to handle them. Release them and let them go. Stop looking at their social media pages, stop re-reading messages and stop preying on them. It’s not for you to make them pay … live in and do God’s will for your life; He’ll handle the rest.

Book Excerpt – The Family that Lies: Merci Restored

Merci Restored _ Promo

Merci Restored

“It’s not like that. I’m just tired of all the confusion and Merci, you’re the only daughter I have left. Look, I know it’s hard but God says we must forgive.”

I chuckle. “You always did like quoting the bible when it’s convenient for you. I’ll pass though. Good night.”

“Merci, we’ve all made mistakes. Maybe I was wrong for what I said about you and forbidding Warren from seeing you, but I didn’t mean any harm.” Marie interjects.

“There’s that word again. Look lady, spare me. Warren is a grown man who can make decisions for himself. However, like usual, all I’ve ever received from any of you is harm and it’s all I continually get, so I’ll pass on mending fences but enjoy your dinner. And Marie, you never have to worry about me wanting a relationship with Warren. He is neither a man nor a father figure. As a matter of fact, all y’all deserve each other and the greatest part of life for me; I don’t have to be a part of it.”

I turn and come face to face with Melvin and Warren.

“Merci, I’m sorry.” Warren stammers, coming close to me. “I never should have allowed Marie or anybody to stop me from being in your life. I know I haven’t proved to be much of a father but I’d like that to change. Yes, we’re trying to make amends and rebuild our friendship but I’d also like an opportunity to be a father to you. ”

“I must be getting punked!” I say looking around. “Sir, I’d rather pluck out every hair on my arm than stand here and listen to another excuse, empty apology, unasked for lie and faithless scripture from either of you.”

Merci Restored

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Daily Devotional – 3/4/19 “Molting”

This may be hard for you to read but beloved, it may be time to let go. Let go of what? The people, places and/or things that are keeping you out of God’s will, in bondage and in that messed up shape you’re in. I don’t care how well this person, place or thing has provided for you, it’s keeping you out of purpose. I don’t care how comfortable you are or how much room you have, look around, you’re still a captive. Even prisoners get time on the yard, a phone call and visitors but they still go back to their cell at the end of the day. I get it, you don’t have to work as hard because your needs are met but at what expense. Let’s be truthful with self today because truth is, that comfort is costing you something. He’s making your dreams come true but your life is a nightmare. She’s everything you thought you wanted but turned out to be who your momma warned you about. The place of worship sucked you in when they slayed you in service, then you came down off that high and realized it was just a show. The job keeps you hanging on with promises to give you what you deserve, all the time they’re using your knowledge to train and promote everybody but you. And you’re still holding on. Why? For a status, position, potential and people? But at what cost? I’ll tell you, the cost of your self-esteem, your dignity, your gifts, your sanity and your freedom.

Here’s the reality of your situation … you like the way it feels even though you know it’s temporary. Yea, your ‘situation-ship’ is only giving you a natural orgasm for momentary excitement but nothing long-term. It can make you feel good with your eyes closed but can’t do nothing when you’re standing up and clothed. Don’t misunderstand me, you don’t have to do nothing you don’t want too. If you don’t see anything wrong with it, stay. If you’re okay with it, keep it. If you like the way it feels, keep cuddling with it because it’s your choice and your life. However, if you’re ready to move from your place of bondage, you need to let go. There is a term called molt which means, the periodic shedding of feathers, hairs, horns, nails, shells, and skins – any outer layer. Molt is from the Latin word ‘mutare’ meaning “to change” and some of you, it’s time to ‘molt.” It’s time you changed some things in your life, for your happiness and for room to grow. I don’t know who this is for but baby, you are stagnant where you are because you are still in the same old stuff you used to be in. You’re still wearing the clothes you fought in when you’ve won and the battle is over. You’re still lying in the same bed you sinned in and got the nerve to question why you can’t sleep. You’re still allowing folk to label you by your past and holding on to what your ex did. It’s time for you to molt, beloved. MOLT = Moving Out of Lacking Territories. It’s time to let go, it’s time to shed and it’s time to change.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

Daily Devotional – 3/1/19 “Why Girls?”

One of my spiritual sisters and friends, LaShundra Richmond, started a world-wide (yep) campaign perfectly titled #WhyGirls. She empower girls, of all age by teaching three core principles: dreaming, discussing and designing. Now, when I initially started to write this devotional, I was going to open it with “I’m the ish”, but I didn’t want to offend anybody so, instead I’ll tell you #WhyGirls. It’s simple really and Shun answered it … I am the why! See, I’m fly and favored and I don’t need to wait for someone to tell me. I am the bomb and blessed and it’ll still be true, even if you don’t agree. I’m anointed and that won’t change simply because you don’t believe in me. Why girls … I am why! I’m a wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend; while I preach, blog and write bomb books. I’ve managed to stay married twenty years and my marriage is great (my husband is lucky to have me). I work in corporate America, with one company for seventeen years. I co-pastor a bomb church. I’ve published over 18 books with six of them in the top 50 African American Christian Fiction Bestsellers on Amazon. I encourage people, I blog devotionals and I help those who ask. And I occasionally have a date night with the husband, hang with the children, spend time with my girls, attend worship and sleep. Why Girls? I am the why.

I apologize men but I’m speaking to the ladies today. I’m encouraging them to look in the mirror and tell themselves … I AM THE WHY! You want to know how I know? You’re why the little people, in your house, are surviving. You’re why the church’s books are balanced. You’re why your husband clothes are cleaned, his doctor’s appointments booked and he fed. You’re why your boss’ presentation was great. You’re why your students are reading above their grade level. You’re why your children haven’t died of starvation. You’re why giants are being slayed. You’re why generational curses are being broken. You’re why that friend didn’t commit suicide. You’re why ma’am and you’re doggone great at it. Now, raise your head, your crown is slipping. Stand up straight, your robe is crooked. Wipe your eyes, you’re messing up your mascara. Put on your lipstick because there are some things we’ve got to do. Put on your best shoes, we have places to go. And dress comfortably because we have some tables to design and create. The best part, you don’t have to wait on anybody to give you permission to do it. God granted you purpose when He allowed the oil to flow through your loins. Why girls? You are the why. Now, let’s get to work.

“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Luke 1:45