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Don't Faint and Don't Give Up

Dear Family,
This year as I grow a year older I learn a valuable lesson, an amazing revelation that I just have to share. - Don't Faint and Don't Give Up, Galatians 6:9 says "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."KJV. International Standard Version states "Let's not get tired of doing what is good, for at the right time we will reap a harvest-if we do not give up."

The Enemy is the Inner Me
In 2007, I began having fainting spells, physically due to anxiety and spiritually due to discouragement. I'd been working very hard with very little reward, wondering why in the world is everyone around me more blessed than me, why do I work so hard, why am I so concerned when so many are not, why, why, why? I began asking, WIFM (what's in it for me). I was at the crux of chosing a Bitter or Better attitude and the latter was losing.

Sometimes the "Enemy" is the "Inner Me", a master intimidator, come to discourage plans, crush dreams, think "rationally" and make you give up - a plain ol internal bully, provoking you to change who you are.

When you get tired, and you will, slow down, understand when you need a break, but don’t quit, don’t stop, don’t give up on your dreams, remember Faith isn't rational, it is requires going on despite of what things looks like.
Wait, Your Strength Will Be Renewed
During your lull, take the time rest, examine the situation, and praise God through the trials, remember the joy of the Lord is your strength and in due season, at the right time, you shall reap a harvest.

During my slowdown, I was reminded that it is OK to be frustrated but most of all to have faith and trust, God can handle your gripes. I learned not to concentrate so much on the storm that’s around me but to focus on on God’s Word. The waves, wind, and everything else is just a distraction to try to get you to lose your focus and compromise your integrity.
Our Lives Are Not Our Own
Contrary to what we might like to believe, our lives are not all about us, someone may need to see your struggle, or how you carry yourself through crisis, or your character during uncertain times.
Dr. King once said that we all have to decide whether we "will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. Life's most persistent and nagging question, he said, is `what are you doing for others?'" he would quote Mark 9:35, the scripture in which Jesus of Nazareth tells James and John "...whosoever will be great among you shall be your servant; and whosoever among you will be the first shall be the servant of all." And when Martin talked about the end of his mortal life in one of his last sermons, on February 4, 1968 in the pulpit of Ebenezer Baptist Church, even then he lifted up the value of service as the hallmark of a full life.
"I'd like somebody to mention on that day Martin Luther King, Jr. tried to give his life serving others," he said. "I want you to say on that day, that I did try in my life...to love and serve humanity.
Steadfast and Encouraged
I stopped having fainting spells. No red cape for me, I take breaks when I need and recognize my limitations. Many are the trials of the righteous and if I fall out at every adversity I will never learn to stand. I am growing like a deep rooted tree. I face the wind head on with focus on the one that is the source of my stregnth.

So be steadfast and encouraged. You’ve come so far, don’t stop being who you are..for it is almost time.


Peace

Comments

Jo said…
I am so glad you are rooted and no longer easily tipped over or blown away! Happy birthday and happy new year! I enjoyed reading your words of wisdom. They were right on the money! I will make sure I don't faint! :o) - jo

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