Tag: #positiveaffirmations

Here’s a Story

Here’s a Story

Here’s a Story

“Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” Colossians 3:19-21 New International Version

There are several instances of blended families in the bible: Woman at the Well,  Joseph and his half-brothers, Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz, King David and his children, and Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar. Let’s focus on Jesus’ earthly family relationship.

Two Scripture give us information about the siblings of Jesus.  The book of Matthew, chapter 13, says, “Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. ‘Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?’ they asked. ‘Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” We are never told exactly how many siblings Jesus had, but the book of Mark, chapter 6, indicates there had to have been at least six: at least four brothers, named; and two sisters, unnamed.

One can only imagine the relationship they might have had. Chasing each other, skipping rocks in the river, chores, they may have even witnessed the gifts Jesus had, keeping it in the family. Plenty of talks and laughter around the dinner table, and then at the end of the day mother Mary tucking them all in bed, with a kiss for each of them.  As a child, Jesus had the freedom to do just that, be a kid.

But those kid days, were not meant to last. While visiting the temple in Jerusalem at the age of twelve, Jesus became separated from his parents and was left behind. When they returned to Jerusalem three days later, his worried parents, found him in the Temple listening to the teachers and amazing those around him with his understanding.  His purpose clearer every day to his parents no doubt. No ordinary boy, his mission and calling were coming for him.

He was the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, The Good Shepherd, and Savior of the world. He was born into this world with one mission. To save it. Isaiah, chapter 53, foretold this purpose, it reads: “But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed.”

I believe that both Joseph and Mary, wanted Him to be a kid as long as possible, but they also knew that Jesus higher calling would not be denied, and where they left off, God would take over. When I think of the term blended families, like all family units, It takes lots of love, patience, humility, teamwork, communication, dedication, respect, and trust.

Remember friends, we are each other’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up.

The Power of Words Revisited

The Power of Words Revisited

The Power of Words Revisited

“But I tell you, on the day of judgement people will have to give an accounting for every careless word they speak. For by your words, you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36-37 ESV

I don’t know if you have been following the story of Dr. Antoinett Candia-Bailey who died by suicide on January 8, she was the VP of Student Affairs at Lincoln University in Missouri. According to those close to her, she was subjected to a toxic work environment enduring alleged bullying and harassment from the president of the school and other university officials. Despite her numerous attempts to seek support and address the issue, she was left unsupported and disregarded. She put pen to paper writing a letter the day she died detailing the bullying she faced after disclosing her mental illness to the university officials.

The closing part of her letter she says:

If your soul is empty, troubled, in despair, and you see red flags, leave. Don’t try to stick around. My soul can now rest. I’ve filled my earthly dash, March 1974- January 2024. A seat has been prepared for me.

Friends her story is only one of the many tragedies in our country today.  Did you know that in 2023 more than 50,000 Americans died by suicide. This is more than any year on record. This incident got me thinking about the power of WORDS. Words are a powerful force in humanity. Look at how they have impacted our world today. On one hand they have stirred up hatred, violence, and division. On the other, they empower, help, and heal. Words have energy, both good and bad. They can draw us in or drive us away.

Words hurt without permission. Did you hear me friends? This is why positive affirmations are so important. They promote self-love as we build awareness of who we are and what we need in our lives, it generates compassion that extends past mistakes and failures, and self-acceptance.

Mental health is real. God wants us to not only be physically well, but mentally health too. Don’t go it alone, there are a lot of resources and programs out there to help:

Preventureprogram.com, Silence the Shame, MDLive online counseling, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, and 988 Lifeline.

Remember friends, we are each others’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up.