Sunday, December 29, 2013

Strenghtened Faith in Hard Times 12/30 by ulmuhammad | Spirituality Podcasts

Tune in Live to this life-affirming show tomorrow at 2pm PST. My special guest is Pastor Marzette Mc Gary. Call in at (646) 716-7774. Strenghtened Faith in Hard Times 12/30 by ulmuhammad | Spirituality Podcasts

And if you want to start the New Year with power and inspiration, join me on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at 9am PST for a live Prayer Conference Call. (712) 432-1500 access code- 779433#. Email me any prayer requests at ulmuhammad@gmail.com.

Happy New Year!

Friday, December 6, 2013

Wake Me Up Before You Go-Letting Go to Receive

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36

We can live our lives holding onto yesterday. We hold onto past achievements, relationships, mind-sets, and habits. But, in order to have an abundant life, we have to be willing to let go of things and people of the past in order to make this present moment all it can be.

I remember when I was in a relationship years ago and couldn't understand why it wasn't working. I was constantly frustrated and feeling unsettled but could never put my finger on the source. Well, what I discovered after counseling, prayer, and intropspection was I was holding onto a previous relationship and was not giving the current relationship all the attention and chances it needed to flourish. I was comparing the new person to the old, I was trying to have them make up for the pain the other person caused me, I was trying to mold them into the perfect mate, and I was afraid I would be hurt and misunderstood as I was in the previous relationship. Which had me on an emotional rollercoaster and on a constant mission of self-sabotage. I was nagging all the time, I was controlling, miserable, fearful, and jealous. Nothing they did was ever good enough and they constantly had to prove how much they needed and loved me. While I on the other hand stood determined not to give anything of myself away and became the taker instead of the giver. All these things and more left me in a constant state of paranoia and rejection. Rejection because I couldn't see who they were or who I had become and so I rejected us both. The truth is they were living in the shadow of my previous relationship. And this shadow's light was coming from my romanticzing and holding onto choice memories of the previous relationship. This light was blinding me to the truth of what the relationship really was and most of all who I was and what I really wanted in a relationship. This was not fair to them or myself. 

Well, what did I do to change this? First, I had to verbally release the old mate and embrace the new one. I had to get rid of pictures and gifts that kept me attached to them. I had to stop seeing the previous relationship under the lens of fantasy and see what it really was- the good and the bad of it. Then, I did the hardest thing of all, I had to heal. I had to do my work of healing myself of what I dreamed it would be, and what it really was. I began to ask myself why was I with them? What did they deposit in me and what were the constant withdrawls being taken from my life as a result. I had to heal from the hurt, betrayal and other emotions that kept me bound to that person. And then I released every soul tie (emotional and sexual) associated with them. And finally, I had to get rid of the what if scenarios and let that relationship be at rest and peace. I woke up! The result was miraculous. It was as if I was lifted from a fog. I saw myself and others with a clearer perspective. The frustration, anger, guilt, shame and fear went away. I showed up for the current relationship and allowed what the current mate had to offer reach me. 

So as we end 2013, take inventory of what people or things you may be holding onto that is hindering your present moments. If you want an abundant life, you have to clear up the clutter of all the things and people that are getting in the way. Don't let fear of the unknown keep the love and prosperity that's waiting to reach you. So, let it go...let them go...so you can be in this present moment receiving all the miracles and blessings that are waitng for you to have room to receive them.

Peace & Blessings~ ULM

Monday, November 4, 2013

What Do You Mean I Can't Change You?

Women love a great project. We love DIY and making things are own. One of the major projects we love to take on is changing others, especially our significant other. 

I recently relocated and had all these expectations on what my husband should and shouldn't do. I had my timeline, packing sheets, he bought the boxes, we were ready to go. But, what I invisioned in my mind didn't materialize in my experience. I was inwardly seething and of course started going over my mantra of if I coulda, woulda, shoulda. And then one day, the Spirit said to me, this is who he is, why are you getting upset and expecting what he isn't willing or capable of giving. This thought changed my whole demeanor. First, I thought, this situation wasn't a deal breaker, so I wasn't leaving. I knew all the responsibilities he had, and lastly, I had more time and energy to get it done. So, I completed my tasks with a inner peace and did my best, not saying anything to him until two days before our move.  But, to my delight when we reached our new home he began the job of unpacking and placing things in their proper places once the children and I were asleep. Each day I awoke to a home forming before my eyes. 

The valuable lessons I learned were that I had to accept what I couldn't change, which is my husband. I can influence him for good or evil, that's it. And the only person I can change is me. When I made peace with my emotions there was no drama and I received a special gift of him literally doing the heavy lifting. These truths freed me and made me see the wonderful gift I had, just the way he is. Trust God with those you love. See and accept them for who they are and enjoy the journey. Peace and Blessings- ULM

Monday, August 26, 2013

Searching For Daddy

Today we are faced with major issues of women that were raised without their fathers or with emotionally absent fathers. This has created women in search of daddy. This search has had women looking in all the wrong places to find him. Women have looked in bedrooms, bars, malls, religious institutions, and more. This sometimes unconscious search has left many women feeling tired, frustrated, unworthy, shameful, and guilty. It's time for the search to be over and for women to face the truth of who their father was and is and make peace with this truth. I am going to share some ways women can stop the search for daddy and move from self-destructive to self-love and harmony with themselves and others.
  1. Tap into the Divine- realize there is a power and source greater than yourself. Acknowledge and accept God into your life. Learn more about God through reading the scriptures, joining a discipleship group, joing a prayer group, attending a worship service near you, and incorporating prayer and meditation to your daily routine. As you put God first, other things in your life will begin to shift in the right direction. Starting this process is not hard, you can begin it now! Taking the burden off of self to make everything in your life work and make sense will lift long carried burdens and allow you to see things and people in a new light. But most of all you will begin the process of becoming your authentic self- who God created you to be at your core.
  2. Find Daddy- Examine your relationship with your father in all it's truth. If you don't know who he is or there was no relationship, then see it and allow the emotions to come. As they come allow them to pass right through you, not holding on to them. Then make peace with your father. Send him love and blessings. and pray for him. Pray that wherever he is on this earth or if he has made his transition that all is well with him and you forgive him for whatever hurt, disappointment, unmet expectations, and abandonment you experienced because of him. Realize that he did the best he could with what he had and knew. Allow the tears, joy, and laughter to come as you remember the good and not so good things about your father. Give thanks that you made it in spite of who your dad was and what he may have done. Release him to God and release all the issues and circumstances that you felt he owed you. Cancel his debt in your heart and mind and know that God is the great healer, provider and debt collector. If there is an opportunity to be reconciled with your father, with prayer make that attempt. But, for some that may not be what needs to be done. Allow God and the Holy Spirit to guide and give you wisdom on next steps and trust the process. If in doubt you may want to seek out counseling through a therapist, spiritual teacher, or pastor.
  3. Find Yourself- Look at who you've become due to your issues with your father. Examine deeply and make peace with yourself. Look within to see some destructive habits and lifestyles you have taken on and decide to make changes. Ask God to show you what to do and how to change. For some this may mean letting some relationships go, moving from a location, changing your career, and healing from addictions. How do you accomplish this? One moment at a time. Giving every moment over to God and choosing wisdom and love over complacency and negativity. Choose to live your best life knowing. you will be guided throughout the process. 
  4. Repeat Until Done- Stay with the process until you know it's complete. You may have to repeat some steps, you may have to forgive your dad over and over again. Finding yourself is a process and will take time to forgive yourself and shift your thinking about who you really are. But, stay with it, and you will see results. When you have had a life of drama and chaos, it will take time to shift this to peace and consistency. So, allow the changes to occur naturally as you change how you think and act. Be paitiant and gracious with yourself and others. Let go of offenses quickly and love more.
The truth is you may not have known you were searching for daddy until you read this, but realize that today you can find him and so much more. Today you can find God in a new and rich way, make peace and see your dad for who he really is or was, and most of all you can find youself. It may seem overwhelming, but the truth is this can be an exciting and rewarding time for you. For everything and everyone that you have to let go of, know that what and who will be replaced will be precious gifts sent from God.  More peace, love, joy, and fun can be yours by being guided by the Creator. Realize how much God loves you and allow yourself to see how this has manifested in your life.Today decide the searching and striving is over, you are going to let it be in God and watch how your life will unfold into a beautiful masterpiece full of great adventures and experiences. Peace and Blessings- U.L Muhammad

Monday, July 22, 2013

How You Doing?


Today one of the major issues with women is competition. We are determining our self-worth and abilities by comparing ourselves with other women. We have found ourselves wanting to know what, when, how, and how much with the women we come in contact with. This behavior has left many frustrated, confused, angry, and off course. This comparison has also led to businesses folding, marriages ending, and relationships dissolving. And it's time for it to stop. As women we should embrace the sisterhood of our interconnectedness and not the differences that make us unique. The ways that we can combat this toxic behavior is by the following:
First, know who you are When you know who you are there is no need for comparison. You become comfortable in your own skin and celebrate your gifts, talents, and uniqueness as given by God. Secondly, you have to know what you want. Knowing what you need to make your life prosperous and successful is key. Many times our confusion, frustration, and comparison comes from not knowing what we want out of life so we focus on what other's are doing and judge ourselves based on their successes and failures. Finding out what we want takes time, prayer, meditation and the Word of God. We have to search the scriptures and ourselves to get to the key of what really matters and what's next for our lives. Adding prayer, meditation, and fasting help to unlock these treasures in their hidden places. And lastly, we have to learn to celebrate and encourage other women. Learning to sincerely encourage and congratulate other women as they accomplish great things will lead to harmonious relationships. The envious, jealous behavior brings toxicity and hurt along with it and makes everyone miserable. When you find something nice to say with joy it will enable you to be at peace and to enjoy the benefits of their cup running over. But, when you use your mouth to discourage, dismantle, and destroy others it will come back to you. Reaping and sowing are real and sometimes we forget this when we're dealing with others. 

So, the next time you ask your sister how's she doing? really listen and engage with her to find out the truth. The same grace, mercy, and love you give to others will come back to you in many areas of your life. Allow yourself to used as an instrument of blessings and not curses. Remember the only competition you have is yourself! Peace and Blessings- ULM


Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Am I My Sister's Keeper?

On my blog talk radio show we talked about Am I My Sister's Keeper? I wanted to make sure that I documented the key points from that show. 

There has always been issues between the female sex. Conflict, jealousy, envy, and competition. But, there has been deep connection, love, understanding, and unity. The problem is there are some women that have never experienced the greatness of being connected to other women and the benefits these connections and relationships bring to their lives. So today, we are going to talk about the sometimes toxic relationships we have with women and how we can get to a healthier place with them.

Some of the issues that keep women from having healthy relationships are: 

  1. Not knowing who they are and what they want
  2. When conflict happens not looking inward to their part, but always looking outward to others to place the blame. 
  3. Not realizing there needs to be personal healing and transformation.
  4. Isolation and self-centeredness
  5. Mother/ Daughter relationship issues. Father issues
How to have healthy relationships:
  1. Be true to self and realizing what they want and need
  2. Have realistic expectations of the woman and the relationship.
  3. Have proper boundaries
  4. Love for self and others
  5. Forgive self and others
  6. Give people room for growth and maturity
  7. Extend grace and mercy
  8. Know when it's time to severe an unhealthy relationship
Relationships are tricky but healthy female relationship are possible. Step out and allow God to send the right women into your life. If you don't have a relationship with a woman, pray and ask God to send it to you.The benefits will last a lifetime. Yes, you are your sisters keeper, because your sister is you.

To listen to the show ON DEMAND go to www.blogtalkradio.com/ulmuhammad and click on the show title.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Why Do I Have To Tolerate You?

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2

In today's society "tolerance" is the buzz word for what we all should be doing with one another. But, I think this is a word that should be changed. In the dictionary tolerance is defined as enduring adverse conditions, forbearing. This has a negative tone as if what you are doing is painfully putting up with someone or something. How can true authentic love flow from a place that we are enduring? We need to check ourselves, our beliefs,  and our thoughts of others. I would rather love, heal, bless, and pray for people and situations than tolerate them. This shift in perception takes judgment out of the equation and leaves it to the one true Judge (God). The tolerant mindset has us saying what is "politically correct" but not our truth. It has us putting on our public face while we go home with our private disdain. There is a more excellent way...We are called to love one another and this love will show people that we are followers of God. Does love mean agreement or acceptance of things that are not in alignment with our moral values? No, it means loving people with an Agape love which is the greatest of all love. It is being able to make informed choices about what/ and who you allow in your space. It is realizing that no one is perfect and we are all in process. It's opening yourself up to see things differently while standing firm on what's true and divine, even if we don't condone their choices or behavior. This allows us the freedom to engage in dialog, pray, and teach them as we ourselves are open to the same process. This process allows miracles to occur, because the one we tolerate, may be the one sent to be a blessing to us. Will this new insight change anything? I think so,  we would have a world with less hate crimes, prejudices, murders, betrayals, abuse, and pain. Because we would all be love ambassadors to the world showing them the beauty of self-acceptance and high esteem! This love will take the focus off of the acts of people, but the core issues that are causing them to act out, and create the chaos in their lives and the lives of others. So, next time you hear yourself saying, "I can't stand them" or "why are they so stupid?" or "they should be hung for what they have done." Remember there was one that was sent that paid the price for all of our mistakes and wrong-doing, Jesus. So, show some grace and mercy, have proper boundaries with people, and send the light of his love to all those that you want to "tolerate".

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Started From The Bottom

Women are first to appreciate a come-up story. A story of trials, tribulations and wrought with emotion. We love to see the underdog win and watch as against all odds, people make it. But, there is a story that is coming soon to your neighborhood, your circle of friends and family and this is going to be a blockbuster hit. This story is full of pain, joy, setbacks and setups, it has adventure, intrigue, drama, and comedy. There will not be a dry eye to all that hear and witness this story unfold. I don't want to spoil the plot, but in the end, You Win! Me? What are you talking about? This story is about you and your rise to the top. So remember every choice is a scene in this great saga, so choose wisely. And, when it's all said and done, you'll be singing, "Started from the bottom now I'm here!"

Friday, March 8, 2013

I'm Every Woman!

Today is International Women's Day. So, today allow yourself to embrace and celebrate your femininity. As women we are pros at multi-tasking. But I suggest we slow down today and look within and love on ourselves.We can get wrapped up in saving the world, our families, and our friends that we forget what self love and appreciation looks like. So, I suggest the following for tapping into your femininity and embracing all that you are, not just today but everyday:

First, take time every morning for prayer and meditation. This allows you to set your intentions for the day and to spend time in prayer for others. 

Second, find inspirational devotions, quotes, books that can motivate you to be all you can be. 

Third, take time to embrace who God made you. Look at your reflection in the mirror and learn to love what you see. Don't focus on what size you are, how big or small your eyes, lips, hips, or legs are. But, observe yourself in all of your beauty. Give thanks for who you are right now and start to look at what you or others might call flaws as uniqueness that sets you apart from everyone else. Ask God to allow you to see yourself as He sees you and love on yourself as the beautiful woman you are. 

Fourth, take the limits and labels off. Stop viewing who you are by society's standards, but by God's and yours. Stop allowing where you live, your profession, your sexuality, and your image to define who you are at the core. Realize and embrace that you can be who and what God says you can be. Take off all other labels except the one that was given to you when you entered into this earth. Woman. And ask God how do you want me to be in this skin of mine? Who am I and what did you call me to this earth to accomplish? How do you want me to express myself to the world? And then hear Him and then become who you are in the fullest expression. So put away the labels of Dr., Mrs., Ms., Minister, Author, Mother, etc...and be YOU with all your complexities and giftedness and walk in the infinite possibilities of who you can be and do!

And finally, learn the power and gift of your feminine energy. A lot of times as women we can operate in our masculine energy to excess that we forget what our feminine energy is. We are so busy doing and putting on all of our different hats fueled by masculine energy. We have to take the time to reconnect to our feminine energy. Allow yourself permission to be who God said you are. And allow the men in your life to be in their masculine energy. I'm noticing that many of us are living with the men around us in energy, and role reversal. And this has led to a lot of confusion, pain, frustration and anger. There are times when our expression will be the opposite energy, but we have to make sure that we are appropriately using our energy and role for each individual situation and circumstance. When we are relating to the men around us in our femininity and they in their masculinity we see how we compliment and need each other. This allow us to be partners and co-creators in life. And we see how the masculine and feminine flow brings synchronicity and harmony to our world.There will be no room for competition or comparison when we are living in this truth and flow. Now, what that looks like and how it is exhibited will be different for each individual. This is the wonderful gift of uniqueness and individuality that God gives us. Seek God and he will reveal to you what your femininity looks like. Realize that we have to stop allowing society, various groups/organizations, family, and friends to define this for us. This knowing and being comes only from constant communication and relationship with your creator, God. 

So, today on International Women's Day, realize that being a woman is a gift that should be embraced and cherished. It is about who you are at the core and allowing who that is to be expressed to this world. It is living out your purpose with passion and joy. It is tapping into all parts of yourself and knowing it's ok to be you. And most of all it is not about make-up, dresses, high heels, relationships, religion, children, or career. We are the sum of our beliefs, values, achievements, experiences, and thoughts. The key is knowing who you are and living out this truth everyday of your life. And seeing the inter-connectedness we have with every other woman on this earth. So, when we see other women we also see some part of ourselves. I'm every woman because I am connected to the giver of my womanhood and I express and live this everyday of my life with no regrets, explanations, or apologies. As we do this we are living testimonies of God's love, grace, and mercy and our lives become answered prayers to other women and men around us. 

Blessings!

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

My Sister, Myself - I Need You To Survive!

Society has us living our lives with an unhealthy focus on self. But to be Godly empowered women, we must allow our focus outward as well. There is a time for self- reflection, healing, and revelation, but we must also think about others and how our lifestyle, choices, and attitude affects those around us. Especially our sisters. When we shift our perception toward our sisters, we realize that what we are currently going through and have been through in our past  is not so terrible.  We see there is hope for change, healing, and redemption. When we observe our sisters and then reach out to them, we learn love, compassion, and the beauty of the "woman bond". When we come together and can laugh, cry, uplift, and encourage each other, all of our lives are better. There is a knowing that is within that spirit place, which let's us know that they see and understand. In this place of sisterhood, there is strength, wisdom, testimonies, and revelation for what we need to make our lives work. When we deny this sacred place among ourselves, we deny a part of who we are. So, the next time you find yourself saying, "I don't like women", or "I don't trust women" realize what you're really saying is "I don't like myself" and "I don't trust myself". That's when you go inward for the healing you need from any hurt, betrayal, and offenses that you have encounter at the hands of another woman. But, there comes the time when we must reach out again, love again, and trust again because we are apart of each other and we need one another to survive. My sister, I Need You To Survive!

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Who You Calling a B...?

Some women have allowed others to label and address them in ways that are not positive. We have used these terms among our girlfriends, family, friends, and in our relationships. But are these labels who we really are? I remember when I was younger my girlfriends and I addressed each other as the B word, until one day I realized, is this an affectionate term? Do they really mean this when they say it? and most of all is this who I am? I came to the conclusion that was not who I was nor what I wanted to be called. From that point on I let them know I would not be calling them by that word and I did not want them calling me it either. And they complied. There needs to be a self-reflection of how we see ourselves and then how we want others to see us. We don't need to tattoo it, say it, or make fun of it. We just need to stand in our integrity and be who we are and inform others to address us in the same manner. There's a time when we must put away childish things and walk in maturity of self and others. So next time someone calls you something other than the name on your birth certificate, stop and think, is this who I am today in this moment and is this who I want to be known and addressed by. If not, then find your voice and courage and be who God says you are- You are beautifully and wonderfully made, you are the head and not the tail, you are above only and not beneath, you are loved!

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

I Must!

Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.Zechariah 4:6

I started 2013 talking about, "I Can", "I Will", and now I will focus on I Must! As we shift our attention and intention to 2013, we need to make sure we have the drive and passion it takes to get things accomplished. We need the grit and determination to make our dreams reality and our purpose a done deal. How do we get the momentum and drive? First, by realizing what you are put on this earth to do. There is a plan for your life so find out what it is. Pray and ask God to reveal it to you and also look at what you're passionate about, what you like to do and pursue it. Become an expert on the topic by study and research. Second, get in the creative mindset. Allow that dream and purpose to spread its wings in the creative process. Get excited about what you are creating. Let the birthing process be fun, uplifting, and gratifying. Allow the hits and misses to fuel you to re-create on a greater scale. And lastly, create a cheer squad. Rally those you trust around you to keep you motivated and excited about what you are doing. Have positive people surround you with their love and encouragement. Allow the energy of well-wishes and love give you the fuel to complete your goals. And when you do, you will begin to live your purpose with satisfaction and joy. So, this year remember the mantra of  I Can, I Will, I Must! and watch everything you desire meet you at the point of your need.


Tuesday, January 15, 2013

I Will!

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:11-12

Last week we read about "I Can". This week, we will take a look at "I Will". In this first month of 2013, we have to align our thoughts with our purpose. We have to determine that whatever is thrown our way, we will accomplish what we were put on this earth to do. Setbacks need to viewed as setups, and closed doors as redirection to the right door. We have to learn the gift of contentment in this journey. So, that when we get to the tough spots, we can do whatever needs to be done and keep moving forward. We have to line our intentions with God's intentions for our lives and know that in the end, we win! How do we do this? Pray and meditate daily, study God's word, and study what it is you want to do. Become an expert on the subject so you can confidently be able to answer the questions, "What is your purpose?",  "What are your goals for 2013?", etc... Knowing that you are equipped for the moment when preparation meets opportunity. Learn from every obstacle, hard-ship, heartache, and loss. Knowing that these things are part of the journey as well as the joyous, peaceful, and fun times. When the voice and others says, "You can't", shout back with confidence and boldness- I WILL!


Wednesday, January 9, 2013

I Can

There are people who present a life with Christ by all the things you can't do. But, John 10:10 says, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." When you choose to put God first and govern your life from His principles, you have a life that is moment by moment becoming balanced. It's a life that allows the freedom of choice, being fully aware that there are consequences to those choices. Its a life that gives you a road map to peace, love, strength, wisdom, and joy. But, they are only manifested when we align our will with His will for our lives. Then there is endless possibilities of what can happen. Will this life be perfect? No, but it will be bearable and you find yourself growing through the difficult times instead of allowing the tough places to lead you to hopelessness and torment. Do you dare to believe and trust God? In this first week of 2013, start this year believing and embracing all the "I can's" in Christ and witness the exceptional blessings and opportunities that will come your way! 
Happy New Year- ULM