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!"

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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