"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
I am so in love ya'll... I can hardly contain myself!!! What better time to share the details & joy of this great union than on Valentine's Day. I've known him for a long time but in the last few years, our relationship has grown deeper & much more intimate. He's so loving, compassionate, and giving. Its hard to even comprehend the sacrifice that he has made for me. He knows everything about me yet accepts me just as I am... flaws, imperfections & all. Even at my worst, he sees the very best in me. I thought I knew love before but I was just kidding myself. This love is on a higher level... its the greatest love of all. I never knew that love could truly be unconditional until him. He's my first thought in the morning & my last thought at night... I can't help but to think about him even throughout my day. When I need him, he's there without fail or hesitation. Talk about "ride or die" -- come hell or high water, he has my back! I trust in him completely. If I'm feeling down, he wraps me in his loving arms and comforts me like nobody else can, like nobody else ever has. When I do wrong, he forgives me without throwing it back in my face but instead helps me to become a better me. Even those times when I didn't/don't love myself, he loves me. He's better to me than I ever am or have been to myself. He treats me like I am the apple of his eye. Ya'll, he truly makes me feel special... I told him that he makes me feel like a million bucks but he told me that I am PRICELESS! Every day he blows my mind!!!! He is the one... I know because he makes me whole. The mere thought of him & his greatness brings an overflow of tears to my eyes. I want to shout it out at the top of my lungs for the world to know! I just can't keep it to myself... Lord, I love you!!!! (Who did you think I was talking about? LOL) God, I thank you!!!! You are Alpha and Omega... the beginning and the end. You are Jehovah Jireh, my provider... Jehovah Shalom, my peace. With you, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26) & nothing is impossible with you (Luke 1:37). Can't nobody hold me like you can, can't nobody love me like you can. Falling in love with you is the best thing that I've ever done. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for keeping me. Thank you for protecting me Lord. If it had not been for the Lord on my side, where would I be? You are my everything. Without you, I am nothing.
With my whole heart Lord, I love you.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
WHY I WRITE...
It has been a month since my last blog, certainly not for lack of thoughts that I haven't written. I'd actually prepared a blog to send out on last week but wasn't led to press the SEND button... The more I edited the entry & considered its content, the more I realized that the message presented simply served no purpose at this time (but someday). Instead, I believe that it is more necessary to take a moment to fully explain why I write. Ever since I was a little girl, I've loved writing. My Grandma worked at Wake Medical Center and often times brought home green & white lab paper and boy did I enjoy writing stories or scribbling all over that. Twenty years ago (at the age of 11) I began to write poetry which has grown into a fairly large collection. Before blogging per se was even invented, I'd often times write "random thoughts" that I would share with family & close friends. Out of pure boredom last year around this time while being snowed in, www.theinfamousbackseatdriver.blogspot.com was born.
Writing has always been an outlet for me. It's therapeutic. There may be things that I am unable to speak aloud or share verbally but if given a piece of paper & pen, I am capable of expressing every thought & emotion beautifully and clearly. My PRIVATE notebook is a safe haven. It keeps my secrets. It allows me to truly be myself. While I am also allowed to express myself honestly on this blog, I am careful about what I release publicly which is why last week's entry was not distributed.
Many times I may write not about myself & my own experiences but about the experiences others have shared with me. While writing is indeed therapeutic, I realize that my poetry & writing is able to bless others. I cannot count how many times I've written on this blog or shared a poem through email to have someone reply about how much they love it, how it fits into their current situation, how it's a perspective that they hadn't considered, how it brought a smile to their face or tears to their eyes, and/or brightened their otherwise gloomy day. It does my heart well to know that I made a positive contribution to someone's day... a meaningful deposit into someone's life.
Understand that it is always with much thoughtfulness & care that any of my thoughts/writings are shared. We sometimes underestimate the power of our words. It is said that words don't hurt but the truth is that words do many things... words hate, words love, words do in fact hurt -- whether we admit it or not. It is never my intention to be hurtful to anyone in my writings but it is always my intention to be truthful. I appreciate those of you who actually take the time to read my writings. Know that I am not at all offended if the time is not taken to do so.
I write because as crazy as it sounds, I love how words look on paper. I love how words are clustered together to form something clever or different. I write because its an easier way to come face to face with pain but there's also something beautiful about how the story is written. Writing makes me happy! I write because it is so liberating, honest, & raw. It helps bring me back to the very essence of who I am. I write to inspire. To encourage. To expose. To uplift. To give God glory and praise. It is a gift... a gift that I am blessed to share with others & I appreciate your allowing me to share this gift with you.
Writing has always been an outlet for me. It's therapeutic. There may be things that I am unable to speak aloud or share verbally but if given a piece of paper & pen, I am capable of expressing every thought & emotion beautifully and clearly. My PRIVATE notebook is a safe haven. It keeps my secrets. It allows me to truly be myself. While I am also allowed to express myself honestly on this blog, I am careful about what I release publicly which is why last week's entry was not distributed.
Many times I may write not about myself & my own experiences but about the experiences others have shared with me. While writing is indeed therapeutic, I realize that my poetry & writing is able to bless others. I cannot count how many times I've written on this blog or shared a poem through email to have someone reply about how much they love it, how it fits into their current situation, how it's a perspective that they hadn't considered, how it brought a smile to their face or tears to their eyes, and/or brightened their otherwise gloomy day. It does my heart well to know that I made a positive contribution to someone's day... a meaningful deposit into someone's life.
Understand that it is always with much thoughtfulness & care that any of my thoughts/writings are shared. We sometimes underestimate the power of our words. It is said that words don't hurt but the truth is that words do many things... words hate, words love, words do in fact hurt -- whether we admit it or not. It is never my intention to be hurtful to anyone in my writings but it is always my intention to be truthful. I appreciate those of you who actually take the time to read my writings. Know that I am not at all offended if the time is not taken to do so.
I write because as crazy as it sounds, I love how words look on paper. I love how words are clustered together to form something clever or different. I write because its an easier way to come face to face with pain but there's also something beautiful about how the story is written. Writing makes me happy! I write because it is so liberating, honest, & raw. It helps bring me back to the very essence of who I am. I write to inspire. To encourage. To expose. To uplift. To give God glory and praise. It is a gift... a gift that I am blessed to share with others & I appreciate your allowing me to share this gift with you.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
What About Your Friends?!
It's natural that when experiencing difficulty in our lives, we turn to the people we may consider friends for a shoulder to lean on and/or a set of listening ears. It is the expectation that friends are honest (if seeking advice) but many times, its not advice that is being saught but more so a sounding board.
When friends come to me with their issues & concerns, heavily burdened with life's troubles, I do my best to make sure that I listen first & talk last, express concern and care with the words & tone that I use while being honest & showing compassion for their situation, always demonstrating love & support regardless of my personal opinions/thoughts. But most importantly, I remind them of the power of prayer & redirect them to consult with a Higher Power. I am ever mindful of the fact that sharing such an intimate part of their lives is not a requirement of our friendship yet I respect & honor that they trusted me enough to do so and wouldn't want to lose that trust.
With that being said, it's so important that we are careful in whom we seek counsel. Everyone is not a friend. Everyone does not have our best interests at heart. People will tell you to leave your marriage, end a relationship, quit a job or give directives that they themselves would not follow if given the same situation. People want to know all of your "stuff" while remaining secretive about their own. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that people can't be trusted. Nor am I saying don't have friends. What I am saying is that it's important to be careful about what details of your lives are shared with others.
A friend does not poke & pry or is overly concerned about the details of what is wrong in your life but is satisfied with just knowing that whatever the situation is, you are okay. A true friend is someone who allows you to be your most real self. Friends are non-judgmental. They are the people who come in when the rest of the world has gone out. As my niece says, "it's not about who's real in your face, it's about who's real behind your back". The word friend is not a common word that I use to describe people that I associate with but a word I use to describe a deep connection with people that I love & respect & who I believe in my heart have a mutual, genuine concern for me. Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."
At the end of the day, God is the source of our strength. He needs to be the one that we turn to because He already knows every intricate part of us, loving us unconditionally; as no one on this Earth can.
17 Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise,
And apply your heart to my knowledge;
18 For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you;
Let them all be fixed upon your lips,
19 So that your trust may be in the LORD;
Proverbs 22:17-19
It is good to have friends... But is there a greater friend than He?
When friends come to me with their issues & concerns, heavily burdened with life's troubles, I do my best to make sure that I listen first & talk last, express concern and care with the words & tone that I use while being honest & showing compassion for their situation, always demonstrating love & support regardless of my personal opinions/thoughts. But most importantly, I remind them of the power of prayer & redirect them to consult with a Higher Power. I am ever mindful of the fact that sharing such an intimate part of their lives is not a requirement of our friendship yet I respect & honor that they trusted me enough to do so and wouldn't want to lose that trust.
With that being said, it's so important that we are careful in whom we seek counsel. Everyone is not a friend. Everyone does not have our best interests at heart. People will tell you to leave your marriage, end a relationship, quit a job or give directives that they themselves would not follow if given the same situation. People want to know all of your "stuff" while remaining secretive about their own. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that people can't be trusted. Nor am I saying don't have friends. What I am saying is that it's important to be careful about what details of your lives are shared with others.
A friend does not poke & pry or is overly concerned about the details of what is wrong in your life but is satisfied with just knowing that whatever the situation is, you are okay. A true friend is someone who allows you to be your most real self. Friends are non-judgmental. They are the people who come in when the rest of the world has gone out. As my niece says, "it's not about who's real in your face, it's about who's real behind your back". The word friend is not a common word that I use to describe people that I associate with but a word I use to describe a deep connection with people that I love & respect & who I believe in my heart have a mutual, genuine concern for me. Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron,
So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."
At the end of the day, God is the source of our strength. He needs to be the one that we turn to because He already knows every intricate part of us, loving us unconditionally; as no one on this Earth can.
17 Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise,
And apply your heart to my knowledge;
18 For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you;
Let them all be fixed upon your lips,
19 So that your trust may be in the LORD;
Proverbs 22:17-19
It is good to have friends... But is there a greater friend than He?
Thursday, December 30, 2010
2010 in Review
I know it has been a month since I last blogged but as many of you have been especially busy at this time of year, I indeed have been busy as well. In addition, my lap top was held hostage at Geek Squad for about 3 weeks for repairs :( Thankfully, it has been returned to its rightful owner and is working like new although I'm saddened that my entire hard drive had to be replaced. On a brighter note, I pray that you all had a very Merry CHRISTmas and of course remember and honor the true reason for the season. For those of you who also had snow, I hope that you were safe, warm, and somewhere snuggled up with a great cup of hot chocolate (with marshmallows LOL). This will be my final blog for 2010 but no worries, there will definitely be much more writing in 2011 :)
2010 has been a great year! I finally put my fears aside, registered for Graduate school & passed my first class with a 98.57 A. Class resumes in January and I'm eager to continue on this educational path. Also in the Spring of 2010, I became a very proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. A lifelong dream has finally come to fruition. #31 of 77 remarkable, anointed, outstanding, dedicated, dynamic women... I can't say enough about my sisters, "77 Wonders of the WWW."... I'm grateful to have them as well as so many additional wonderful sisters in Delta. I continue to maintain my women's group, J.E.W.E.L.S (Joining & Empowering Women of Excellence in Love & Sisterhood) as well as my parent group called P.O.W (Parents of Winners). Admittedly it has been difficult to manage it all & as a result, J.E.W.E.L.S has suffered the most but I'm hopeful that some of my J.E.W.E.L.S women will step up and assist with programming. J.E.W.E.L.S maintains its Facebook page although the meetup group was discontinued. I am hoping that P.O.W will become active on meetup in 2011.
I continue to learn, re-learn, and/or be reminded of valuable lessons about myself, others, and life in general. If you've been reading my blogs, you are familiar with some of these lessons.
One situation I will address in particular is that at the beginning of the summer, there was something that I was lead to do/say to someone with whom I hadn't had contact with in many years. Without question I know in my heart that I was simply following God's instructions. I mention it in my year's review only because it was completely out of character for me so it was a big deal. I realize that while my intentions were genuine and good, it may not have been received well or interpreted correctly. However, it made me realize that even though I have forgiven a person, there's nothing I can do if that person hasn't forgiven me. There was so much divine confirmation about this situation in so many different ways, I can't even begin to explain it all. But I'm mostly grateful for the peace that I received from the encounter. I may not have gotten what I wanted (friendship) but I definitely got what I needed (closure). God is truly amazing! My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner :)
At the end of the day, as I have written before... I am who I am and praying to become MORE of who God would have me to be. I am complicated simplicity, perfectly imperfect and beautifully optimistic. I am so thankful that God is not finished with me and has allowed me to see yet another unpromised day. I'm honest with myself about who I am because I don't want to wake up one morning & not recognize the person in the mirror.
And the truth about me is... I am easy to like but sometimes difficult to get along with. I make mistakes, I'm stubborn but can admit when I'm wrong. Sometimes I may say too much and sometimes I may not say enough. I love with my whole heart because I don't know any better and even when I get upset, I have a hard time expressing anger because I'd rather hurt than hurt someone else. I remember DIFFERENT being one of the first words I knew how to spell. My Grandma always said that I was DIFFERENT but nothing less than amazing. I'm not "tooting my own horn" but I recognize things about myself, positive & negative and I'm not afraid or ashamed of who I am, the experiences I've had or the things I've done because it's all a part of me & my own personal growth. God knew prior to my Earthly existence, just what type of human being I would be & while I could be subconsciously confusing my truths, I somehow doubt that He's completely disappointed ;).
In case some folk didn't get the memo in 2010, here are some things that I want to make clear about myself (with scripture references included)...
1. NOTHING can dim this bright, shining star (Psalm 18:28, Job 33:28, Matthew 5:16)
2. I ain't NEVER scared (Timothy 1:7, Psalm 27:1, Deuteronomy 31:6, Psalm 23:4)
3. Don't waste your time trying to battle me (Exodus 14:14)
4. All I do is WIN, WIN, WIN (1 Corinthians 15:57)
I do not set New Year's Resolutions because it is my belief that an individual should be in a continual state of growth. Why wait until a particular day to set a goal when there's no time like the present? I am excited & with great expectations for many wonderful things to come. I embrace and welcome all that God has to offer recognizing that He is a God of infinite and unlimited blessings. I pray that you all enjoy a happy, prosperous and peaceful 2011.
2010 has been a great year! I finally put my fears aside, registered for Graduate school & passed my first class with a 98.57 A. Class resumes in January and I'm eager to continue on this educational path. Also in the Spring of 2010, I became a very proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. A lifelong dream has finally come to fruition. #31 of 77 remarkable, anointed, outstanding, dedicated, dynamic women... I can't say enough about my sisters, "77 Wonders of the WWW."... I'm grateful to have them as well as so many additional wonderful sisters in Delta. I continue to maintain my women's group, J.E.W.E.L.S (Joining & Empowering Women of Excellence in Love & Sisterhood) as well as my parent group called P.O.W (Parents of Winners). Admittedly it has been difficult to manage it all & as a result, J.E.W.E.L.S has suffered the most but I'm hopeful that some of my J.E.W.E.L.S women will step up and assist with programming. J.E.W.E.L.S maintains its Facebook page although the meetup group was discontinued. I am hoping that P.O.W will become active on meetup in 2011.
I continue to learn, re-learn, and/or be reminded of valuable lessons about myself, others, and life in general. If you've been reading my blogs, you are familiar with some of these lessons.
One situation I will address in particular is that at the beginning of the summer, there was something that I was lead to do/say to someone with whom I hadn't had contact with in many years. Without question I know in my heart that I was simply following God's instructions. I mention it in my year's review only because it was completely out of character for me so it was a big deal. I realize that while my intentions were genuine and good, it may not have been received well or interpreted correctly. However, it made me realize that even though I have forgiven a person, there's nothing I can do if that person hasn't forgiven me. There was so much divine confirmation about this situation in so many different ways, I can't even begin to explain it all. But I'm mostly grateful for the peace that I received from the encounter. I may not have gotten what I wanted (friendship) but I definitely got what I needed (closure). God is truly amazing! My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner :)
At the end of the day, as I have written before... I am who I am and praying to become MORE of who God would have me to be. I am complicated simplicity, perfectly imperfect and beautifully optimistic. I am so thankful that God is not finished with me and has allowed me to see yet another unpromised day. I'm honest with myself about who I am because I don't want to wake up one morning & not recognize the person in the mirror.
And the truth about me is... I am easy to like but sometimes difficult to get along with. I make mistakes, I'm stubborn but can admit when I'm wrong. Sometimes I may say too much and sometimes I may not say enough. I love with my whole heart because I don't know any better and even when I get upset, I have a hard time expressing anger because I'd rather hurt than hurt someone else. I remember DIFFERENT being one of the first words I knew how to spell. My Grandma always said that I was DIFFERENT but nothing less than amazing. I'm not "tooting my own horn" but I recognize things about myself, positive & negative and I'm not afraid or ashamed of who I am, the experiences I've had or the things I've done because it's all a part of me & my own personal growth. God knew prior to my Earthly existence, just what type of human being I would be & while I could be subconsciously confusing my truths, I somehow doubt that He's completely disappointed ;).
In case some folk didn't get the memo in 2010, here are some things that I want to make clear about myself (with scripture references included)...
1. NOTHING can dim this bright, shining star (Psalm 18:28, Job 33:28, Matthew 5:16)
2. I ain't NEVER scared (Timothy 1:7, Psalm 27:1, Deuteronomy 31:6, Psalm 23:4)
3. Don't waste your time trying to battle me (Exodus 14:14)
4. All I do is WIN, WIN, WIN (1 Corinthians 15:57)
I do not set New Year's Resolutions because it is my belief that an individual should be in a continual state of growth. Why wait until a particular day to set a goal when there's no time like the present? I am excited & with great expectations for many wonderful things to come. I embrace and welcome all that God has to offer recognizing that He is a God of infinite and unlimited blessings. I pray that you all enjoy a happy, prosperous and peaceful 2011.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Pride & Joy
November 29, 2007 -- 3 years ago on today at 8:45pm, Jayden made his official debut into this world weighing in at a healthy and strong 9lbs, 7oz :) The past 3 years of my life have been incredibly and richly blessed by his presence. Its hard to recall life before him & I definitely can't imagine life without him. He has truly given my life so much more meaning & purpose. This little boy makes me want to be a better human being in every possible way.
Over the last 3 years, we have survived teething, fevers, sleepless nights, viruses, 15 months of breastfeeding, 2 Emergency Room visits and most recently potty training. We have conquered the "terrible twos" although we have not quite yet mastered sleeping in his own bed... that remains a work in progress. But I'm looking forward to ALL that motherhood has to offer.
Jayden is truly my absolute greatest joy! I feel so blessed and honored that God thought enough of me to entrust me with the great responsibility of such an awesome and amazing gift. It is so wonderful to be surrounded by friends and family who share in this joy and further enrich Jayden's life either through their interactions with him or through prayers.
If I've never done anything right and if I never again do another thing right, there is one thing that I did do right WITHOUT question -- Jayden Xavier Woods. Happy Birthday to the best little boy in the world! Mommy loves you beyond measure :)
Over the last 3 years, we have survived teething, fevers, sleepless nights, viruses, 15 months of breastfeeding, 2 Emergency Room visits and most recently potty training. We have conquered the "terrible twos" although we have not quite yet mastered sleeping in his own bed... that remains a work in progress. But I'm looking forward to ALL that motherhood has to offer.
Jayden is truly my absolute greatest joy! I feel so blessed and honored that God thought enough of me to entrust me with the great responsibility of such an awesome and amazing gift. It is so wonderful to be surrounded by friends and family who share in this joy and further enrich Jayden's life either through their interactions with him or through prayers.
If I've never done anything right and if I never again do another thing right, there is one thing that I did do right WITHOUT question -- Jayden Xavier Woods. Happy Birthday to the best little boy in the world! Mommy loves you beyond measure :)
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Give Thanks... Not Just on Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving!
My heart is equally as full as my stomach today, for so many reasons. In the coming days, two beautiful, driven, young women will be laid to rest having recently lost their lives in a tragic car accident in Greenville, NC. I wish we could turn back time but I'm trying so hard to understand that God makes no mistakes. My heart hurts beyond our shared sisterhood in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. but it hurts as a young woman, a mother, and simply as a human being. I ask that we continue to lift these families up in prayer that God may give them comfort and peace now and forever.
As we can see, life is so very short. There are so many wonderful things for which I am thankful....
My healthy and happy son who is the absolute greatest joy of my life
My family and friends who show me love, support and encourage me to be my very best self
To be a part of the GREATEST sorority in the world and most especially to be one of the 77 Wonders -- these are some anointed, praying women of God who surround me on every side and consistently stand in the gaps
To be employed in a struggling economy which enables me to provide for my son; maintaining our most basic needs & even having the luxury of some of the things we want
I am so thankful to be at peace in my mind & heart about life itself and the experiences that I've had because I know that I know that I know that God is in control of ALL things and is working everything out for my good! There are so many other things that I am thankful for that there simply aren't enough words to fill this blog to truly express what I feel. If I had 10,000 tongues, I couldn't thank Him or praise Him enough! Let us be mindful to give thanks at all times, not just on Thanksgiving.
My heart is equally as full as my stomach today, for so many reasons. In the coming days, two beautiful, driven, young women will be laid to rest having recently lost their lives in a tragic car accident in Greenville, NC. I wish we could turn back time but I'm trying so hard to understand that God makes no mistakes. My heart hurts beyond our shared sisterhood in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. but it hurts as a young woman, a mother, and simply as a human being. I ask that we continue to lift these families up in prayer that God may give them comfort and peace now and forever.
As we can see, life is so very short. There are so many wonderful things for which I am thankful....
My healthy and happy son who is the absolute greatest joy of my life
My family and friends who show me love, support and encourage me to be my very best self
To be a part of the GREATEST sorority in the world and most especially to be one of the 77 Wonders -- these are some anointed, praying women of God who surround me on every side and consistently stand in the gaps
To be employed in a struggling economy which enables me to provide for my son; maintaining our most basic needs & even having the luxury of some of the things we want
I am so thankful to be at peace in my mind & heart about life itself and the experiences that I've had because I know that I know that I know that God is in control of ALL things and is working everything out for my good! There are so many other things that I am thankful for that there simply aren't enough words to fill this blog to truly express what I feel. If I had 10,000 tongues, I couldn't thank Him or praise Him enough! Let us be mindful to give thanks at all times, not just on Thanksgiving.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Who holds the POWER?!
It's amazing how others assume power over our lives & we in turn render ourselves powerless. When the truth of the matter is, there is not another person on God's beautiful, green Earth who has authority over who/what we are, who/what we are becoming, who/what can enter into our lives, and who/what can be taken away from our lives.
It is my own personal belief that it is impossible for someone to take something away from us unless we allow it, especially if it was never originally given to us by them anyway. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent".
My employer may remove me from my position but I still have the skills to perform the job; skills that will be carried on to the next place of employment. A man may stop loving me or end a relationship with me, but that doesn't mean that I no longer possess the capacity to love again. A coworker, friend, family member, or even some random person may say or do something rude, annoying, or inconsiderate but their behaviors do not dictate my mood or tempo. There are some things that are internal. Some things that simply cannot be taken away. The devil cannot take my peace because Philipians 4:7 says, "and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus". The devil cannot destroy my mind because it is written in Romans 12:2, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will". And as the song says, the devil cannot take my joy because "This joy that I have... the world didn't give it to me and the world can't take it away!".
Webster's Dictionary defines power as legal or official authority, capacity, or right; possession of control, authority, or influence over others. Let us be mindful of WHO we give power and authority to in our lives. It's okay to "take back what the devil stole" but we must ask ourselves, how did he get it in the first place?! ;)
It is my own personal belief that it is impossible for someone to take something away from us unless we allow it, especially if it was never originally given to us by them anyway. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent".
My employer may remove me from my position but I still have the skills to perform the job; skills that will be carried on to the next place of employment. A man may stop loving me or end a relationship with me, but that doesn't mean that I no longer possess the capacity to love again. A coworker, friend, family member, or even some random person may say or do something rude, annoying, or inconsiderate but their behaviors do not dictate my mood or tempo. There are some things that are internal. Some things that simply cannot be taken away. The devil cannot take my peace because Philipians 4:7 says, "and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus". The devil cannot destroy my mind because it is written in Romans 12:2, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will". And as the song says, the devil cannot take my joy because "This joy that I have... the world didn't give it to me and the world can't take it away!".
Webster's Dictionary defines power as legal or official authority, capacity, or right; possession of control, authority, or influence over others. Let us be mindful of WHO we give power and authority to in our lives. It's okay to "take back what the devil stole" but we must ask ourselves, how did he get it in the first place?! ;)
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