The Costs of Freedom!

"Everybody has his own way and must be allowed the freedom to pursue it." 

Leo Buscaglia from the book, Love

This statement rang loudly in my spirit when I read it.  It's a very simple, yet powerful statement.  As someone who strives daily to protect my spiritual and emotional freedom, I totally understand that we all need the freedom to become who we were created to be.  We need the personal space and room to introspectively look at our lives and determine the best path for us.  We need the courage to tap into our creativity and produce our own works of art with our lives.  We need an atmosphere of acceptance that encourages us to be ourselves in the midst of a society that encourages us to look, sound and be like everyone else.  We need to be free.

Nevertheless, I'm also very aware, as I read this statement, that freedom comes at a price.  Often, we pay for our freedom with isolation, loneliness, and being misunderstood.  Yet, none of that should take away our freedom.  If anything, we should embrace these as the cost and consequences for being free.  We should realize that we live in a world, among many people who are not free, who reject their own path to liberation and try to make us uncomfortable with our own freedom.  

But, true freedom also comes at another cost.  Freedom doesn't just mean that we do what we want to do in spite of others.  Freedom means we do what's right in spite of what seems or feels right.  Freedom means we reject materialism to place importance on things with higher purpose.  Freedom means that we align our emotions with truth, so that we don't end up flailing through life without direction.  Freedom means that we submit to a higher power and purpose to guide our lives so that our minds and spirits remain in tune with what God is calling us to be.  

As we enter the last month of this year, I challenge you to consider the costs and continue to live in and embrace your freedom with a zealous pursuit of your purpose!

~MBisFree

Margaret A. Brunson

Walking in your Natural F.R.E.E.D.O.M.

This past Saturday, I delivered the Women's Day Prayer Breakfast message at Galilee UMC in Laurinburg, NC.  God has placed this in my spirit and I'm walking everyday to live this!  Everything that manifest in the natural realm, begins with a conversation in the spirit realm.  So, today, I am beginning a new conversation in my spirit that you and I will learn to walk in our natural F.R.E.E.D.O.M.

Walking in your Natural F.R.E.E.D.O.M.

Face your fear & accept God's love

- The Bible talks about how perfect love casts out all fear and that there is no fear in love.  Once we accept God’s love, we’re able to move fear out of the way because we realize that as long as God loves us nothing can harm us.  Nothing will ever separate us from God’s love, so fear has no place in our minds and hearts.

Real about where you are (Be...)

- Often, we try to hide where we are spiritually.  We have gotten used to pretending. We try to make people believe that we have it altogether and that we are right where we want to ne with God.  We might be able to fool people, but we can’t fool God.  God knows exactly where we are and wants to meet us there, but He wants us to be honest.  When we come before God in honesty, it humbles and opens our spirit.

Emotions vs. Truth (learn to separate)

- One of the biggest hindrances to our walking in faith and freedom is our emotions.  Sometimes, we allow our emotions to control our actions.  While I believe that we should pay attention to our emotions, I also think that there are times when our emotions are contrary to God’s truth.  As believers who desire to walk in freedom with Christ, we have to learn how to cast down certain barriers (feelings, emotions) that desire to keep us from understanding who god is in us. And hold too high of a place in our lives.

- The Message version of 2 Corinthians 10:5 states: We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.

- One powerful God tool that exposes the truth to us is God's word. We can read the word of God and know truth and truth will set us free. Free from emotional bondage.

Expect change & accept it

- everyday things are changing around us. Small things to big things. And I've learned that many people/human beings don't do well with change.

- Reason is because they don't expect change. 

- When you remain in a place of expectancy then when things begin to happen and shift it will not come as such a big surprise. We should constantly expect God to move in us and around us. Sometimes the changes aren't what we asked for or God will answer our prayers in a totally unexpected way. That's ok. We have to roll with and keep the faith that it's all working for our good (Romans 8:28).

Ditch behaviors that keep you bound

- negative talk

- overindulging

- procrastination

- what are yours?

Own your destiny & your dreams

-I've had times in my life when I worried about how I'd make things happen.  I had doubts about how I was going to get it done

- Sometimes, we get stuck there.  We worry and we pray but we don't move. We don't respond to our faith with action. We pray but don't see answers right in front of us that will help us get what we need.

- We have to own our destiny and our dreams!  We need to allow God's power to work within US to make things happen.

Move forward in grace (mistakes and all)

- And even once we've done everything "right," there are times when we still feel like we've lost or we mess up and make mistakes.  But God is faithful to forgive and help us start again.  We can be comforted by God's grace, knowing that we are allowed a clean slate with Him to move forward!

Be Kind to Yourself!!

Sooo, hey y'all!  

It's been a while since I posted and that's because my life has been so busy!  

I wanted to share a few things with you.  Recently, I made a decision to commit to my overall HEALTH.  Committing to being healthy for me means physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally!  I realize that I am healthier in some areas than others, but it all works together for total health and wellness.  Unlike diets, resolutions and fads, this commitment is to a lifelong process; a daily mindfulness of my health and what I need to remain healthy!

This is the journey I'm on and I'm starting to "get" a few simple lessons that I'll share with you a little at a time:  

1.  Be kind to yourself!  When we put any and everything in our mouths, don't give our bodies enough water, rest and nutrients, we are not being kind to ourselves.  We deserve better!  I felt truly convicted when I thought about how I often encourage people to love themselves and find purpose in their lives, when I was not loving my body completely!

I decided to do a detox in Jan from refined and artificial sugars that changed my life.  The detox helped me see the dependence I was placing on sugar for comfort and stress relief.  Now, I'm able to put it in proper perspective now and practice moderation.  I was so surprised when I went to get frozen yogurt to celebrate the end of my detox that I didn't even want it!  It was too sweet!  This is an incredible change for me.  I know that I don't NEED sugar to "feel" better or de-stress.  My chronic sinus inflammation and congestion has even improved because of this release from the dependence on sugar.  

Bottom line: This phase of my journey is teaching me that throughout my everyday life that I need to be kind to myself!  I need to love myself, my body, my mind and my spirit the way that God loves me!  

The Resolution...a Resolute Life

I did a little grocery shopping today...as I observed everyone purchasing their beverages, renting their Redbox movies and preparing for their New Year's Eve festivities, I thought about how focused and determined we seem to be.  We seem to be determined to say farewell to the end of one year and happy to welcome the beginning of a new one.  Many of us are clearing out junk from our homes, cleaning our cars, and reorganizing our closets in anticipation of a new year.  

There's something about a new year that causes us to reflect.  We think about what we've accomplished or endured during the current and what goals we'd like to accomplish during the next year.  We become more determined to make changes.  Fitness centers across the country are preparing for the swarm of new members all resolving to lose weight and get their "sexy back."  Others are making resolutions to focus more on bettering themselves or working harder on their jobs.  Some are contemplating starting a new business.  But, because of our humanity, behaviors are so difficult to change.  Therefore, in reality, by March or April (Feb. for some), most of us will lose steam and give up on our pursuit of our zealous new year's resolution.

This year, I've decided to make only ONE resolution.  And, it's really not a resolution at all.  It's a proclamation.  

I proclaim that in 2013, I will maintain a resolute life in mind, body and spirit.  I will keep a spirit of determination and purpose.  I will make choices about food, nutrition and exercise that are mindful and serve my purpose. I will read and increase my knowledge in areas that are important for my work and calling.  I will treat my relationships with family and friends as part of my purpose and nurture them as often as possible.  I will strive to make every decision one of purpose.  I will not do things for the sake of doing them.  I will live in the present, but always remember what I'm here for.  God has blessed me with insight into His purpose for my life.  So, for me to responsible for my own destiny and purpose, I must maintain a resolute (determined, purposeful) life.  

That's it.  

I'm thankful for 2012 and now, 2013...let's go!  

embracing new growth in a new year, 

MBisFree

resolute

ADJECTIVE 

1. 

having determination: possessing determination and purposefulness

2. 

characterized by determination: motivated by or displaying determination and purposefulness

***Join me Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013 in Fayetteville, NC for the FIRST stop on The Purposeful Roots Book Tour!!!***

Stop the Itch

Recently, I’ve dreaded “wash day” more than ever.  That’s the day when I wash my hair.  The reason I’ve dreaded it more lately is because of the time it takes.  After going to school full-time, working and doing the many other things I do on a weekly basis, the thought of washing, conditioning, deep conditioning, detangling, moisturizing and styling my hair is a little unnerving. 

So, I’ve been waiting about 3 weeks between washes (usually I wash my hair once/week)!  Lately, in between washes, my scalp has been a little itchy.  Because I’m not cleansing/moisturizing my hair & scalp as often, both are pretty dry.  But, instead of washing my hair to soothe the scalp and stop the itch, I’ve been using oils on my scalp just to stop the itch.  The itch stops but sooner or later, it comes back.  The oil is only a temporary solutions.  But, guess what I do?  I put more oil on my scalp!  After a while, I have oily, dirty hair with an itchy scalp....a mess!!  Nothing will truly soothe the scalp and ease the itch like going through the process of “wash day.” 

As I stood in church this morning, I thought about how wonderful God is...and then my scalp started to itch!  lol  At this very moment, I thought to myself, “It’s time to wash your hair Margaret.  Just wash your hair and it will stop the itch.”  Then, I was reminded that sometimes, in our lives, we go through things unnecessarily, because we are avoiding the process that will make it better.  We know what to do, but for whatever reason, we cannot get motivated to “wash our hair” (whatever that means for you).    Instead, we keep trying to resolve the problem with temporary solutions.  When we finally realize that the only way to resolve the problem is to take the right action, we still try to apply temporary solutions.  But, at the point of consciousness, we should take action.  I've heard that when we know better, we do better.  But, that's not always the case.  Even though it's easier said than done, in order to get results and be where we want to be, we have to go through the process.  Because at some point, you get tired of scratching your head!!!

:-)

Embracing New Growth,

MBisFree

Think What You Want To Think

Recently, I read an article that included an excerpt from Marianne Williamson’s new book, titled The Law of Divine Compensation: On Work, Money, and Miracles (to be released in November 2012).  As I read the article, my spirit was awakened by the concepts that she discussed.  One sentence really grabbed my attention and I wanted to share it with you:

“Enlightenment is not a process we work toward, but a choice available to us in any instant.”

So many of us are constantly seeking and searching for answers and the truth.  We are on a path towards enlightenment and understanding about the things in and around us.  We go through difficulties and we begin to pray and ask for answers and understanding.    Marianne Williamson discusses that enlightenment is the answer to every problem.  She explains that in every situation, “where you seem to be at the effect of forces over which you have no control, remember that God dwells within your mind, and there are no forces over which He has no control. Therefore, through His power within you, there are no mortal conditions over which you are powerless.” 

WOW!  This IS enlightenment.  It kind of reminds me of Ephesians 3:20.  It helped me remember that enlightenment takes place when we continuously realize that God is in our minds, hearts and spirits and that God is in full control.  So, we are never to feel helpless, hopeless, and destitute or despair.  Sure, our human nature doesn't allow us to avoid these emotions.  But, this enlightenment or reminder of God’s love should help us resolve those feelings and continue to move forward to conquer and overcome.  And, as we dwell on that love from God, we begin to invite goodness into our lives.  We begin to see things from a different perspective.  We begin to approach our relationships, work, family, money and other values differently. 

And at the end of the day, we realize that we are loved (by God) and that’s all that matters! 

Read the entire article at:  http://spiritualityhealth.com/articles/excerpt-law-divine-compensation-marianne-williamson

Choose.

I'm not sure who created this image, but I got it from the "My Renewed Mind" page on Facebook.  I love this image because it shows the power of choice and perspective.  I really believe that our lives can be just this easy.  We can choose to be happy and free throughout any situation. 

 

I prefer the word JOY over happiness because joy is something that isn't temporal or tempered by life's circumstances.  You know, life tends to just happen TO us sometimes.  But, through the fearless lens of freedom, we may start to see that life is happening THROUGH us!  We can choose to turn obstacles into challenges that will strengthen our faith and hope muscles.  We can see hardships and heartache as opportunities to test our ability and willingness to love.

 

What is happening in your life and the lives of those you love that you need to view through the fearless lens of freedom?  Will you choose today to be joyful and free?

 

Embracing New Growth,

Margaret

www.margaretabrunson.com

Free your Mind...Naturally.

Dear Natural Sisters,

There are many women, now, that have chosen and are choosing to "go natural" for many reasons.  Many have decided that they no longer want to chemically straighten their hair.

Others have embraced the natural texture of their hair and are now enthused about living as a natural woman.

Regardless of the reason, there has also been talk that this is now a "natural hair movement."  I disagree.

I am not part of a "natural hair movement", nor do I want to be.  

I am a woman who has recognized that my life is a journey!  

I did not simply move from relaxed to natural to be part of a trend or something temporary (as movements usually are).  

I did it because it was necessary for me to embrace my true self in order to keep traveling this journey of life. This discovery of my true self is happening through my hair and in my heart.  Being natural is teaching me who I really am and to walk in FREEDOM based on that.

The choices I make in my life, whether about my hairstyle, my dress, who I love, where I go to church, what I eat, are made with the knowledge that I am FREE and that I no longer have to live in fear worried about what others think of me.

Many of us naturals have become elitist and have isolated ourselves.  We have begun to stereotype each other based on curl patterns, hair types, product choices and so many other things.  We jump on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media and talk about "hair envy" and make judgments about people who aren't natural.  We have made relaxed women out to be strangers to this sisterhood that we are all part of.

It doesn't matter if your hair is straight or curly, the truth is that if you're not FREE (mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically) and/or you don't know who you are, you are missing it.  You will continue to allow yourself to become the subject of an experiment.  

So, here's my challenge to you.  We need to live our lives as authentically, as possible.  We need to allow people the power of choice without judgment.  We need to wear our hair as a statement but also as confident, real women who made this choice in or for freedom.  If we do that, we are drawing people (natural and relaxed) to not only our hair, but our hearts and spirits and the love that resides within!  

I'd love to hear from you!  Feel free to email me: margaret@spirituallynatural.com or leave comments on my website:  www.margaretabrunson.com.

Embracing New Growth...spirit, mind & follicle,
Margaret A. Brunson

NEW WEBSITE LAUNCH!!!

I'm pleased to announce the launch of my new website:

www.margaretabrunson.com

From my new website, you will learn more about me, various projects I'm working on, and "Embrace New Growth" events. 

You will be able to request me for events and share reviews or comments about my new book!

I hope you will visit the site soon!

#EmbraceNewGrowth

Spirit, Mind, & Follicle

#LIVE

I've been in quite a few conversations (mostly with myself - LOL) in the past months about this topic, and after watching Tyler Perry's movie Good Deeds, I decided to blog about it. 

As I get older, become more comfortable with who I am and what I believe, I'm learning that I have some very solid opinions about what I want for my life. 

I realize that I want to #LIVE.  Period. 
I want to #LIVE the way that God intended for me to live; whatever that means.
I think everyone is entitled to finding their God-intended life.

I'll tell you...
Day in and day out, I see people.
They appear to have it ALL (appearances can be tricky).  
You know...the "ALL" that society says they should have?
The cookie cutter husband/wife with the matching kids, nice house in a nice, quiet neighborhood, nice luxury car(s), and a pretty good job.  OR, they're living the "single" life...driving their hot car, wearing the latest Louboutins (aka Red Bottoms), dating the "perfect" guy/girl who fits their image, and in a constant race to get ahead. 

But then, I SEE them. I mean, I really SEE them.  I SEE who they really are behind the appearance.  They're miserable.  They're unhappy, unfulfilled and don't have a clue about what they're here for.  Sometimes, I end up talking with them and find out that what I saw was true.

They've somehow accepted that they must "live the life."  They must live the life that this society says they're supposed to live.  They aren't the least bit excited about their purpose (or finding it); they don't know where their lives are headed; and are generally disconnected from their dreams.  They're not in love with their spouse because they married for the wrong reasons.  They can't find fulfillment in their relationships because they're stuck on lists of superficial qualities.  They don't understand their children because they're too busy trying to give them things instead of love, time and attention.  And, they are miserable trying to afford all the STUFF that defines them.  Their daily existence is, in general, a routine bore.  They get up and go to work at the same time, go home, sit in front of the tv, watch the same shows, go to the same restaurants, hangout spots, take the same vacations, do the same activites...blah, blah, blah.

I don't want that.  I want to #LIVE.
I'm not saying that if you're blessed to have all the nice things I mentioned earlier that you aren't LIVING.  You very well might be.  But, be careful.  Be careful not to lose the individuality that God attached to you, your gifts and your destiny in all that STUFF. 
Don't apply society's template to your life's purpose. 

Find your God-intended life and the way He wants you to #LIVE it. 
If you don't know how, check out what Matthew 7:7 says:

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

Ask, Seek, Knock. #LIVE

I SEE YOU!

embrace new growth. 

...spirit, mind, & follicle.

The Big Picture

Recently,  I've had a few conversations that have inspired this post.
After speaking with friends, co-workers, and other people I know, I've realized that people are searching for fulfillment in their personal relationships, careers and lives in general.
They are trying to figure out their next move or where to go from here.
There's something in their lives that's missing and they're trying to figure out what it is.

I've realized in the past few years that nothing I do in my life will bring fulfillment unless it aligns with my true purpose.  I have realized that my purpose in life is to help others find theirs through encouragement, and living a life of love and faith.  It's so difficult to think of our purpose in isolation of thinking about a job/career or the ideal spouse.  But, I believe that the ultimate picture of our lives (our purpose) is MUCH bigger than a vocation or a relationship.

Once we figure out our purpose, the career and relationships will be by-products of that revelation.
It's extremely easy to talk about purpose, but it's another to actively seek God to find out what our purpose is.  There are things going on in our lives everyday that will help show us what we were put on earth to do.  If we look at our gifts, the special skills that come naturally to us, and how they affect others, that will give us an idea.  Or, if we look at the things we're extremely passionate about that lead us to take up certain causes, that takes us a step closer to our purpose as well.  Also, painful circumstances in our lives lead us to a stronger sense of purpose.  We go through things in our lives and once we make it through, it gives us a testimony that will help others make it through similar situations.  We are able to relate to people on a deeper level through the experiences that connect us. 

I think that before people can even begin to dream dreams or make plans for their future, they must first know their future and seek to align their plans with that purpose.

If you're not sure of your purpose, I'd challenge you to ask.  Before you ask, you have to believe that God will answer you. 

Ask God to show you the gifts, passions and personal experiences that lead you to your divine purpose.  What is it that God put you on this earth to do?  Ask God.  Ask God why you were created and what you are to do with this life you have.  Once you receive some answers, ask God to show you ways to walk in your purpose and to bless your journey. 

Embracing New Growth,
Margaret

New Growth: A Prophecy Fulfilled!

My New Book!!! 

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"New Growth: How My Hair Saved My Life is about how God used Margaret’s transition back to her natural hair state to transform her heart and life. This period of transformation led her to gain more strength and wisdom to move closer to her destiny. This book will encourage you to focus on a higher and deeper purpose about your life. The events, actions, and choices in your life have played a part in your journey. You can make the choice to view them as hindrances, or you can choose to allow the experiences to push you closer to your God-given future. The hope is that you will develop a sense of who you are and not be afraid to step out and live your destiny."

Pace Yourself through the Storms

Last night, there was a terrible thunderstorm.  Lightning, thunder, and a DOWN POUR of rain.  I left Greensboro (from class) to head back to Durham and the entire drive was through this terrible storm. 
There were periods of heavy rain, flashes of lightning that lit up the night sky and rolls of thunder that at some points were pretty scary.

From the time I got onto I-85 until the time I took my exit to my house, I stayed behind a white SUV.  This SUV had on his emergency flashers and maintained a safe speed in the middle lane.
I used this car to guide me home.
He was my pacer.  He kept a steady speed and drove safely the entire time. 
He remained in a lane where there wasn't a lot of water building up on the side of the road.
Even as cars sped by and trucks were itching to get around him, he maintained a safe and consistent speed throughout the storm.

I started to think about how I've been led through storms in my life in this very same way.
Either God's Spirit, his Word or those he has placed in my life at those times, have served as "pacers" or guides for me:

• God's Spirit within us helps us maintain a steady and safe speed throughout life's storms to let us know that we are safe and ok as long as we continue to follow and trust him.  If I hadn't seen how safely the white SUV was driving, I wouldn't have trusted him to lead me.We know that we can trust God because he's proven to us (many times before) that he can be trusted and that in him, we are safe.
• As we read and become grounded in his word, it also serves as a way for us to maintain our pace and make it through the hardships of life.  God's word serves as a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105) and helps to guide through WHATEVER life presents.
• God also sends people into our lives with spirits of peace, joy and love who serve as a model to follow and walk with.  They are not in a hurry to get through life or "fix" everything that's going on.  They realize that there is purpose in everything that we endure and they maintain their love, peace and joy.

I was so happy for this new way of looking of God's goodness and faithfulness towards me.
He always makes a way for me to truly SEE how much he loves me and that even through the "storms" of life, I can look to him to help me pace myself to safety. 

Tell SELF to kick rocks...

Deep down, I believe that we all want to be accepted...
We long for our families, friends, co-workers and others to accept us for who we are with hopes that we will be good enough, smart enough, cool enough, etc...
Sometimes we deceive ourselves and say that we don't care what others think of us, but ultimately, I believe that is a defense mechanism that we use to protect ourselves from REJECTION.

However, recently, I've been confronted with different situations where I've noticed that people generally do not want to ACCEPT the things about ourselves that often lead others to reject us.
In other words...SELF is in the way.

For example, we want others to accept us, yet we will not ACCEPT the fact that we're SELFish or SELF-centered and that if others don't agree with us, we push them away or dismiss them.
Or, we want people to spend time with us, yet we will not ACCEPT the fact that sometimes we aren't very friendly or we bring people down when they are in our presence.

Soooo, instead of working on ourselves, we take on attitudes like:
"Well, if they don't like me, so what?  I don't need them anyway."

But, deep down, we really want to be accepted....
The funny thing is...the desire to be accepted and even acceptable, will start to bring to light, the things about us that we need to work on; yet, we are blinded to our own flaws and shortcomings.
Sometimes, we need to stop, look in the mirror, and ask God to show us the things about OURSELVES that we need to change.

We tend to focus so much on other people and what they aren't doing right that we miss the purpose of self-examination.

Growth is difficult and very uncomfortable, but the reward is that we will change and take on a character that not only others will accept, but one that God will accept.

So, the next time you are quick to dismiss others for their non-consent and discontent of your "ways," kick pride to the side and ask God to help you be better.

Tell SELF to "kick rocks," and seek to figure out what areas of your life need to change and grow.

"Freedom's Eve"

New Year's Eve, for many is a time to gather with family and friends and reflect on the past year and welcome in the new year. 

But, many Christians go to church on NYE (as we call it) and it has become somewhat of a tradition in the African American community.  People gather in church around 9 and they worship and sing together, praising God for bringing them through another year and asking for God's blessings as they enter the next.

I, too, have attended my share of New Year's Eve "Watch Night" services.

As the child of a pastor, I often disliked going because I wanted to go to a party, hang out with friends or even just stay at home and watch the events at Times Square in NYC...but I went to church and I usually enjoyed it.

As I got older and started to search for meaning behind the traditions that we often practice, I found out that Watch Night service in the Black church really came from something called, "Freedom's Eve."

"Freedom’s Eve” occurred on December 31, 1862...and on that night, Blacks came together in churches and private homes all across the nation, anxiously awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation actually had become law. Then, at the stroke of midnight, it was January 1, 1863, and all slaves in the Confederate States were declared legally FREE.

When the news was received, there were prayers, shouts and songs of joy as people fell to their knees and thanked God. Black folks have gathered in churches annually on New Year’s Eve ever since, praising God for bringing us safely through another year.

(Of course, it took years for all states to implement this new proclamation and free the slaves, but they were legally free.)

As I look forward to 2012, I probably won't be at a watch night service, however, I definitely plan to spend some time in worship to God to not only thank Him for seeing me through another year, but also to PRAISE Him for my FREEDOM... Because of Him, I'm able to live in True FREEDOM.  I'd urge you to do the same.

For those of you who ARE going to church, remember why you're there.

Don't go into the service and leave with the same bondage and heavy load. 

Remember that God's desire is for us to live in FREEDOM...Freedom from the bondage of sin, oppression, worry, fear, poverty, anger, hurt, resentment, etc....

So, if you're sitting in church on NYE worried about how you're going to pay your bills in 2012, full of bitterness and hatred against someone who hurt you, or just scared to move forward in purpose, then it would be a good time to get free. 

If you don't, 2012 will be the exact same as 2011...trust me.

Wherever you find yourself, in church, in your home, or at a party, release yourself from bondage and claim your freedom. 

Let New Year's Eve be your "Freedom's Eve" and when the clock strikes midnight, claim your freedom in 2012. 

Release yourself into a new year with an expectation that it will be full of peace, love, abundance, prosperity of health, greater self-discipline, courage, entrepreneurship, obedience to God's voice, loving relationships with family and friends, purposeful determination.

This “patient love”

One of my favorite definitions of love is located in the book of 1 Corinthians.  In the 13^th chapter, Paul writes about the importance of love and gives his understanding of what love is and is not.  He leads into the definition by saying that if we have all of these talents and abilities but do not have love then nothing else really matters.  In verse 4, he begins to really get into the description of love:

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

The very first adjective that Paul uses to describe love is the word PATIENT.  What does he really mean by using this term to describe love?  Many people view the word love as a noun.  They look at it as something that we possess or hold in our hearts.  Others view the word love as a verb, because it is seen as something that we do; an action.  Whichever way you look at it, Paul says that it’s “patient.”

If we look at the word, patient, and it’s definition we find: 

1. capable of waiting: able to endure waiting, delay, or provocation without becoming annoyed or upset

2. capable of persevering: able to persevere calmly, especially when faced with difficulties

So, does this mean that love waits and endures without becoming annoyed or upset?  Does it mean that it perseveres through difficulty in a calm manner?  For Paul, apparently so.

But, how can we love patiently or experience a patient love when everything in our society and culture speaks contrary to this idea?  Usually, when we say that we love someone or believe that someone loves us, we automatically start the clock.  We begin to put time frames on our lives and theirs simply because love is present.  In relationships, people automatically start planning the engagement or the wedding once someone used the term love.

I’d like to think, however, that love is just the beginning of building a solid foundation for a relationship.  It takes time to create the type of love that Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 13, which is why I think he started with “love is patient.”  The word love should not be pressure filled and create stress and anxiety for those who give or receive it.  God’s desire is for everyone to love and be loved.  This “patient love” is what many people, especially those who desire to be married, need to learn and practice.  Before thinking about the wedding or your ideal honeymoon destination, perhaps couples should learn to love patiently.  Love in a way where they are waiting for the right timing to move into the next step.  Loving patiently might mean taking time to learn about someone’s values, goals, dreams, and spiritual desires.  Loving patiently might mean being in a relationship but also vigorously pursuing your own destiny, dreams and God-given purpose as he or she does the same so that should the relationship grow into more, the two will be whole and complete before joining as one.

Perhaps if we learn how to love patiently, we will learn more about God and how to love Him and do more of what He desires of us.  An evaluation of past mistakes helped me understand how I need to live and enforce a patient love.  I’m happy because I see the results of being patient and not having so many pressure filled expectations of those we love.  God desires to teach us how to give and receive love His way. 

 Just remember that all things work together for our good if we LOVE Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).  So, as long as we keep loving God and living out His purpose for our lives, everything else will come together for our good.  So, practice more patience in your love for others.  If you are married, be more patient with your spouse.  If you are a parent, be more patient with your children.  In your relationships, practice waiting without becoming annoyed and trust God to work it out for your good.  Focus on becoming a better person, pursue your dreams and walk in your destiny. 

In the words (and voice) of Pastor Joel Osteen, "Do you believe it on today?"  :-) 

If He brought you to it...

For anyone who has ever actively attended church, or Sunday school, you've heard different "cliche-like" terms that have become commonplace in the church.

For example,
"I'm too blessed to be stressed, too anointed to be disappointed,"  or
"If it had not been for the Lord who was on my side, where would I be?"
or my personal favorite,
"God is good, all the time and ......c'mon you know what to say....all the time, God is good." RIGHT!!!  :-)

And, while most of these terms are based on scripture or someones personal testimony, they often are repeated in concert by the church with no real connection to the message behind the cliche.  In some cases, they have become ways for people to sound and be, what I like to call, "churchy."

As you develop a personal relationship with God, our creator, you start to get a better understanding of what people really mean and feel when they say things like that.
YOU start to understand and even witness the actual goodness of God in your own life and even through the difficult times, you learn that God IS good!

Well, I was thinking about where I am right now and what I should blog and one of these "churchy cliches" came to mind and it is reflective of where I have been and where I am and probably where I'll continue to be.

"If He brought you to it, He'll take you through it!"
This message popped into my mind and I started to think about all the things He (God) had brought me TO.  For the purposes of my relationship with God, I look at "brought me" the same as "allowed."  I believe that God, in many situations, ALLOWS us to endure different situations and doesn't necessarily bring those situations upon us. 
Nevetheless...
He "brought me" to a period of unemployment and "lack," but eventually, I walked with Him through it and now I'm gainfully employed.
He "brought me" to a period of loneliness and heartache, but as I continued to keep my eyes on Him, I'm experiencing more joy in my life because I'm surrounded by love from family and friends.
And those are just two examples of how I've witnessed this saying in my own life.

Usually, people use this saying to encourage others during times of hardship and suffering.
We are encouraging them to keep their focus on God and He will bring us through every situation because He will never leave us or forsake us.

But, recently, I've had to shift the relevance and application of this saying to my life right now.
Now, I'm at a place where God is actually bringing me to some of His PROMISES for me!
YAY!!
So many incredible opportunities to live out my dreams and to fulfill His destiny for me, are right at my fingertips, and I'm excited, but somewhat fearful of what lies ahead.
So, when I think about the phrase, "If He brought you to it, He'll take you through it," I think it also applies to the good times and His promises.

Often, we are more fearful of the promises than we are of the pain.
Our pain becomes so much of a consistent part of life that we can't imagine a life without pain and heartache or disappointment.
So, when we begin experiencing the harvest season of life, we can't even believe that God really does allow His Son and sun to shine in our lives.
So we become afraid instead of believing that if He promised it and brought it to us, then we will get to the other side of that promise into destiny!

The good news is that, if we are in relationship with Him, God will walk in front of us allowing his favor to go before us into places that we would never imagine and He's walking beside us to help us learn how to experience Him through faith.

If He brought you to it (allowed it to happen in your life, sent his abundant blessings your way, answered your prayers, making all things work together for your good), then He will bring you through it (to a place of destiny, fruitfulness, and joy).

Stretch...you'll feel better!

I was sitting at my desk and was feeling really drained.
In August, I started a new job and a PhD program and I've been going full speed ever since.
I feel like I haven't had much time to enjoy the leisurely activities that I did during my time of unemployment (rest).
And, oh how I miss my Zumba classes (I need to find some that fit into my schedule ASAP)!

But, as I sat and thought about how tired I felt, I decided to stand up and stretch.
I walked over to the window in my office, lifted my arms above my head and pulled my body into a deep stretch...then, I bent down and stretched my back and legs.  When I stood up, I felt much better!
I felt a lot of the tightness and tension leave my body and even felt a burst of energy that helped me continue the rest of the day.

I think life sometimes requires us to stretch to feel better.
We often become bogged down with the routine and tired from all of the roles we play in life.
When we're able to "stretch" our minds and our spirits to focus on something else, it often helps us feel a lot better.

But, how do we "stretch," mentally, spiritually and emotionally?

Do something different to change your perspective about where you are and what's important
- Take a leisurely walk with no clear destination - observe, meditate, smile
- Eat your lunch outside
- Start a conversation with a stranger
- Take a moment to stand outside and look up in the sky (it's amazing how much clarity you receive when you realize how small you are in this giant world)
- Take deep breaths (you will notice how very little we are actually breathing!)

These may seem like really simple acts, but how often do you really take a minute to do such things?
How often do we feel like we don't have the time to take a minute and enjoy life and our surroundings?

What are some of the things you do to "stretch" throughout the day?

Does It Even Matter?

I have been reflecting lately on some of my personal characteristics and how I experience life.  I'm often mindful of when I am not being true to myself or beginning to worry about things going on.  Lately, I have been thinking about how much I tend to worry about what others will think or say about my choices in life. So many times we hold ourselves back from joy and happiness because of fear of what people might think or say. But I'm learning that no matter what you do, people will have something to think or say about you. What matters most is what God says or thinks; and for the most part His ways And thoughts are not like ours!
As we draw closer to Him and begin to understand the plans He has for us, sometimes it requires us to take a path that isn't always understood or doesn't even make sense to other people.  I believe it is our individual journeys and our collective faith that makes our connection with God and His purpose for our lives so great!
So at some point we just need to live...mistakes and all....so we can know that power and share with others.

Greatness Is Not By Chance

During the past year, I've experienced a major "shifting" in my life.
I use the word "shifting" as opposed to "shift" because it is actively taking place, even as I type.
You  might not understand what I'm talking about so let me help you understand.

Over the past two years I've experienced the following (not necessarily in this order, but pretty close)...

• Sold a house; moved into an apartment
• Got divorced
• Was laid off from a job
• Started developing a small business
• Started my natural hair journey
• Started this blog
• Turned 30
• Wrote a book about that hair journey
• Used public assistance (unemployment) to support myself
• Developed new friendships/relationships that will be lifelong
• Strengthened old relationships
• Applied for countless jobs
• Interviewed for some great positions
• Applied for and accepted to a PhD program
• Hired for a management position at a major globally acclaimed institution

These are just a few of the life changes I've recently experienced. 
Not to mention that my personal life has taken quite a few interesting turns of its own. 
So, I choose to say, instead of saying I've experienced problems or challenges, that my life is shifting.

During a shift, there are some things that happen in our lives that cause us to STOP in our idea of movement and take a look at what is happening in our lives and around our lives. 

If you remember, as a child, standing on a carousel that is moving, you remember that if you moved too much during the movement of the carousel you would get dizzy and often stumble and sometimes even fall down. 
So, normally, you would stand still and hold on to one of the poles that supported the carousel animals.

The purpose of the shift in life is to prepare us to walk in our purpose and destiny.
I am a believer that greatness is not an accident and doesn't JUST happen.
There is purpose in everything that happens in our lives that leads us to a place of purpose and destiny.
In other words, stop trying to figure out why you're going through life's shift and just hold on.
Many times, we feel that we must "keep it moving."
Our culture makes those of us who are ambitious, goal-oriented and purpose-driven feel that we need to constantly move so that we won't be left out or left behind.

But sometimes movement actually means standing still and allowing movement to take place around us and shift our current position in life.  It doesn't mean that we aren't always thinking, conceptualizing and dreaming, but it just means that we take the time to stop and see where we are and use that view to help us figure out the next move. 

Just like that carousel that is moving even while we are standing still; life is similar. 
Sometimes life is moving all around us and as we stand still we are able to see different perspectives as it moves.
The position in life where we are walking in purpose and living our dreams, sometimes requires that our perspective change.  We don't always SEE things the way we need to see, so when we are able to stop and watch the movement around us, our eyes are opened in a new way.
We are able to define who we are and what it is we are here on Earth to do.
Each of us has a divine purpose, which is great in one way or another, but often, life's circumstances and situations cause us to lose sight of that purpose and we end up moving our feet but not walking in or on purpose.

You are on the brink of greatness and there is something that you must SEE before you can take the actions that will eventually lead you to greatness.
So, stand still, hold on, keep dreaming, see what you need to see, then ACT accordingly.

Your destiny is not going to be by chance...
It's on purpose...be still, so you can walk into it!