Hope in a Hopeless Place...

I just read an article about a seven year old boy who hung himself.  While, that knowledge alone is reason enough to make you ‘wanna holla’ he hung himself because he was ‘depressed about his parents separation, being bullied at school and picked on for being the only boy in a home of eight females.’  The fact that this seven year old CHILD felt as if he had no hope, breaks my heart.  He felt as though he had no reason to go on and he could not see past his current circumstance toward the hope that lay ahead of him. 

How often do we become so consumed by our present condition that we take drastic measures without looking ahead?  How many times do we let the burdens of life weigh us down so heavily we cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel? 

In this post I will not get caught up in asking questions because there are far too many that can be asked; however, I will use this post to tell you this  – Regardless of what you are faced with today, THERE IS HOPE! 

Picture me standing in your face, with my hand on my hip saying, “Don’t you dare give up! There is hope for you, yet!  Hold on!! Help is on the way!”

In response I am sure you are saying, “But you don’t understand…”

Admittedly, I may not know your situation first hand but I do know the feeling of helplessness.  I understand the agony of despair and feeling as if all hope was gone.  I know what it is like to cry, what I wanted to be my last tears.  But more importantly I know the joy of finding hope in a hopeless place and that is why I can stand in your face with my shoulders squared and my eyes on you and say, “There IS hope!”

“Where?” you ask --> In Christ Jesus, He is the hope of glory.

Now, wait a minute before you tune me out, hear me out. 

There is a cry for love and hope throughout the world that can only be answered at the foot of the cross.  The cross is where the greatest example of love was shown and hope was given.  It was through this seemingly hopeless and helpless situation that Christ proved Himself to be the strongest.  And it is through your situation and your trust in Christ that you will find yourself to be the strongest.  Trust Him. 

In my moment of desperation, I cried out, “Father, I cannot do this.  You have got to help me!”  Tell, Him the same thing.  Ask God to show you the hope which lies in Christ Jesus.  Remind Him of His promise to never leave you nor forsake you.  Ask Him to come into your heart and take control of your life because right now things are out of control.  Give Him the opportunity to show you He loves you and wants His best for you. He never fails.  Then, tell yourself to ‘be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of (whatever you are dealing with), for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 

To know you are now on a team where the coach never fails, that’s your hope.  Now go WIN!

kRb

Get Over Yourself...

...Yea, so for this post I am going to give a disclaimer, not because it will be offensive, rather it will require you to think of someone other than yourself.  Uh-oh, that sentence alone may have cost me a reader.  *Disclaimer: This post is not meant to be from your perspective, it is meant to encourage you to see another person’s need.* For some this may be hard, as you are not used to this vantage point; however, read on, the observation from this perspective may be enlightening. 

Last week I asked a question, “Have we as a society become so desensitized to one another that we are clueless when one among us is silently crying?”  Unfortunately, I believe the answer is a resounding yes.  We have become so engulfed in ourselves that DAILY we fail to see the hurt which surrounds us, sometimes as close to us as the ones we love.  We fail to see that so many people are suffering from a hurt, which at times, seems so unbearable they don’t want to breathe.  Many people are walking around with broken hearts searching for a repair shop, only to be given ‘shotty’ service and in need of additional repairs.  These people are stumbling through their daily lives screaming; ‘Help!’ yet no one hears them or even seems to care. 

Why can’t we hear their cries? Why are their shouts going unheard?  How is it that drugs, alcohol, prostitution, violence, murder (need I go on) hear their cries before we do… as their friends, their family, their co-workers, their sisters and brothers in Christ (oh, I won’t go there)… Could it be that we (yes, I include myself because I am the first partaker) are too consumed with ourselves and our personal agendas to care enough to GENUINELY ‘love our neighbors as ourselves’.  Oh, it is easy to say, in hindsight, what we could have done or should have done but the question is what did we do, what are we doing?  

Are we too busy to lend an ear when someone needs to speak what is on their mind and in their heart, without being distracted by our phones, e-mails and numerous social media sites?  Can we be quiet long enough to hear when we are being instructed to help another?  Furthermore, will it break our pride to smile and/or say good morning to a passer-by in an effort to brighten their day?  And why does it seem as though giving a compliment or encouraging word to another person is like pulling a lion’s teeth? For that person who is hurting, if they were offered a smile, a simple ‘It will be alright’ or an interest in their well-being may be their end result could have been different.  May be they would have spoken with their mouth instead of a gun or the lower extremity of their body. Today I challenge you and I tell me – “GET OVER YOURSELF, LIFE IS NOT ALL ABOUT YOU!”

Let’s put our personal agenda on the shelf for a moment and help someone else, in helping them we ultimately help ourselves.  Proverbs 11:25 from the Message Bible reads – “The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.”  While, our desire to help others should derive from doing what is good and pleasing to the Father, isn’t it awesome to know that in the process WE are blessed too!   The two ears we have that allow us to hear are put to better use when we lend them to listen to the hearts of others, than if we only stop them up in an effort to isolate ourselves from the world around us. 

While we cannot solve every problem on our own and every situation will not be worked out with our hands alone, there is ONE who is able.  So after you have stepped out of your comfort zone to allow your ears to be the sounding board for the concerns of another, take it to the Lord in prayer. “Father God, I can’t, but you are more than able to work things out for their strength and your glory. Thank you God for using me as an earpiece, now on their behalf, I give their situation to you and ask that you have your way. In Jesus’ Name.”

Very simple!

You may never know the impact your time and prayer had on another person’s life but God knows.  Your acts of genuine love and kindness go further than the eye can see.  So from this day forth may our hearts be sensitive to the needs of others and our ears attentive to the voice of God, as He enables us to get over ourselves, so we can get to helping others. 

kRbz

The Experiences of the Changing Times

Oh, how times have changed...

As children we were taught what to do during a hurricane and tornado, the importance of ‘stop, drop and roll’ even taking shelter during a thunderstorm. Now we have to prepare ourselves and children for a ‘Zombie Apocalypse’ while learning how to protect ourselves from cannibalistic, drug-addicted individuals.  Not to mention the need to guard kids from stressed-out parents, willing to slaughter their children in an effort of relief or ‘cray’ kids who resort to murdering their parents in an effort to rid themselves of rules.  So often, when stories like these are heard we automatically cringe and shake our heads, yet never ‘seriously’ consider the state of devastation our world is in.  It is easy to shudder at the thought of such mindless acts, and then continue on with our lives while feeling we are oblivious to the touch of such antics.  But what force field do you have in place that protects you?  What prevents this deviant behavior from knocking at your door?  And if it were to visit you what would you do?  To whom would you call?  

Many have said, “Experience is a great teacher” and I believe this to be true.  We can learn not only from our own experiences but from the experiences of others.  Personally, I think the latter is less painful J  However, in life, hands on experience can sometimes be the greatest teacher.  Could it be, that more often than not, we miss the lessons that experience is trying to teach us, thus we end up with people who lose their bearings along with their grip on life, resorting to acts which boggle the minds of many?  Or could it be that hardship has placed people in a place where they feel hope cannot be found?  Moreover, do they think there is no one who understands their despair and is capable of guiding them in the right direction?  

Have we as a society become so desensitized to one another that we are clueless when one among us is silently crying?  Are we so engrossed with ourselves that we cannot see past our bubble to help another who is suffocating in their own?  Or is it that we simply don’t know where help can be found?  

I will not begin to address all of these questions in this particular blog, as it could go on and on, but I will say this - 

When life overwhelmed me and I found myself letting go of the ‘end of my rope’ my cry for help did not fall upon deaf ears.  When the pain of loss seemed to overtake me and the ‘whys’ of certain situations repeatedly escaped my lips there IS one who heard me.  “Listen! The Lord’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call.” Isaiah 59:1 (NLT)  My cries did not bounce off the walls of the oblivion, rather reached the ears of a God who cares for me and is always ready to come to my rescue.  “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” Psalm 46:1 (NLT) Promises like these gave me hope when I felt hopeless.  Please know, there is no reason for me (OR YOU) to feel alone and as if no one cares because “…be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 (NLT) 

Today, know this à God is with you.  God loves you.  God wants His best for you.  He will never leave you nor forsake you.  He wants to be the center of your joy. 

If experience is a great teacher, experience shows that eating the face of another person gets you shot and killed, drowning your kids gets you locked up and taking drugs to lessen the pain of life only sends you chasing a feeling of repression you will never have again; while seeking the face of a God who loves unconditionally brings a joy, thinking on His goodness gives a peace that surpasses all understanding and patterning your existence after Christ brings eternal life.

Your hope is not in what you have lost, it is in what remains, which you can find in Christ. 

There is hope, 

krbz

To Amend...

We all want to be winners but how do we handle it when the game does not end in our favor and instead of a victory we are faced with defeat? I am reminded of a time I watched some kids play a game. Both teams were serious about winning, as this was for the championship. These children hustled and gave it all they had but in the end someone had to lose. The team that would succumb to defeat had hurt written all over their faces and tears in their eyes, yet never did they yell, scream at or belittle the other team. Matter-of-fact each CHILD lined up and shook the hand of each member of their opposing team and congratulated them on a job well done, with a smile. These kids, although they were hurting, understood their anger would be misplaced if they took it out on the winning team, as it would not change the result. Sometimes I look at children and their innocence and I am reminded of the lessons we as adults could learn from them.

Which brings me to the fact that I did want to concede to the political tirades of ‘Amendment One’ yet, here goes…

In life there are moments of triumph and moments of disappointment.  While expressing one’s agitation for a defeat is normal, there is a vast difference between the sadness of an unwanted loss and the brutal attack of those who won.  No one wants to lose but every game (and election) has one – a winner and a loser.  When each person voted, whether for or against the Amendment, they knew (or should have known) the amendment would pass or not.  With that being said, how did we get to the point where we are ridiculing one another for their choice when exercising their civic duty?  The comments I have heard, the posts I have read, and the tweets that have been sent are appalling.  Whether you are happy with the results or not there is still so much work to do. Demeaning others never compliments growth, nor does it foster an environment for change; however, working together in love for the common good of ALL people garnishes results (you can quote me on that!). 

Many have expressed that ‘Amendment One’ is hurtful to the children of North Carolina; well I have a few questions...

What can you do to aid in changing things for these children?

How are your anger and/or cynicism going to help the children?

Do you not think children suffer to a degree when born out of wedlock?

Yes, I am sure you may think these questions are debatable and while you are debating, hollering your opinions, creating meaningless graphics that insult others, these children are waiting…

TRUTH

When you have truly experienced and understand the awesomeness of our great God and the ultimate sacrifice made on Calvary, you are no longer content with the mediocrity of religious talk, tradition and theatrics; rather endeavoring to pursue a life that portrays the true essence of who Christ really is...LOVE

Killer Epidemic

There is a major epidemic killing off people daily.  This epidemic is not partial to race, gender or age and seeks to destroy as many as it can.  However, the cure has been sitting under our noses for years, yet in our attempts to medicate and temporarily deaden the symptoms, we have completely missed the cure. 

Let me be the first to diagnose this disease and in an effort to preserve the lives we have left, share its cure.  This killer epidemic is called Desperation Syndrome (DS).  Before you assume you know where I am going, bear with me.   Far too many people are living in a state of desperation:

• So desperate for love that they are “looking for love in all the wrong places”
• So desperate for peace that they chase bottle after bottle, pill after pill, needle after needle
• So desperate for companionship that they lay in the bed of any man or woman who is willing (only to regret it moments later)
• So desperate for prestige that they will lie and manipulate many to be seen as ‘important’ to few
• So desperate for joy that they belittle others
• So desperate for healing from past hurts that they hurt people in their present preventing a future
• So desperate for admiration that debt is choking life out of their very being 

The list of desperation goes on and on and in our efforts to find the things we are most desperate for, we are slowly killing ourselves.  Everything we are desperate for can be found in one source, which is closer to us than we think.  So often we look externally for things that are internal.  For example: It doesn’t matter how many times “he” says you are beautiful or she “strokes your ego” if you don’t think what is said is the truth, they are wasting their breath and time. 

So, yes, there is a source for everything we need which will never deplete.  There is an abundance of love, peace, companionship, joy, healing, and admiration--whatever you need. 

Read the following labels from the source -

1. Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. (Mercy, peace and love has been given to us and it is overflowing, more than we can handle.)
2. His love endures forever. (Forever you are loved!)
3. Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. (Look for the right things and what you need you will find.)
4. Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (More grace and peace has been given.)
5. Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. (Peace, again, is with you and you are never alone.)
6. Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. (Not just any peace but GREAT peace)
7. You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (Think about the right thing and perfect peace will be yours.)

Stop searching for peace in a bottle, this source has all the peace you could ever need! 

Whatever you are desperate for you can find in this one source.  The cure for all disease, the strength for all that are weak, hope for the hopeless, love for those without…EVERYTHING is in Jesus Christ.

Stop being desperate for the trivial things people provide and go to the source of all things abundant.  “He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth,” Luke 1:14 – Who wouldn’t want to know this person, be connected to this person?  When Christ was born people rejoiced that alone speaks volumes of who He is. 

Don’t let DS kill you, get connected to the source of all that you could ever think or ask for.  Get connected to Jesus!

The value of your life with Christ is greater than without.  There is no co-pay, He paid it all at Calvary; therefore, Desperation Syndrome does not have to kill you, especially when there is already a cure.

Loving Living,

Khadijah

 

According to Merriam-Webster, desperation is defined as a state of hopelessness leading to rashness; rashness (rash) marked by or proceeding from undue haste or lack of deliberation

Labels from list above -

1. Jude 1:2
2. Psalm 136
3. Proverbs 21:21
4. Philemon 1:3
5. 2 Thessalonians 3:16
6. Psalm 119:165
7. Isaiah 26:3

Reality-Checked

I had a reality check today and wanted to share…

However, before I do, let me say something about myself.  I am a very focused person.  When I have a task or assignment I do not take it lightly. With that being said, at any given moment there are many thoughts and ideas going through my head, so more often than not, I am thinking and in a zone.  Today happened to be one of those days, my ideas were on ultra mega status and I have definitely been in a  ‘creative zone’, which leads to my reality check…

This afternoon I went into a store and while standing in line I am just thinking away.  When I get to the register the guy says, “Wow, you’re so serious.” I replied, “Am I?” and chuckle.  His response, “Yea, I feel a little intimidated.” My response, “Oh, you shouldn’t.” His response, “But I do.  You look so serious that it is intimidating.” I smiled and said, “You know what, you really shouldn’t because I am one of the nicest people you will ever meet.” “Ever?” He said.  “Ever.” I said and smiled. 

Now, you may say, “Uh, Khadijah what is so ‘reality-checkish’ [yes, I made that up] about that?  Well, let me tell you…this is not the first time someone has said this to me (sigh) …now there is a part of me that says, “Who cares let him (them) be intimidated” but a bigger part of me says “Khadijah, do better.”

There are several reasons for me to do better; however, the reason that is most important is the LOVE of Christ.  My desire in ALL I do is to please God first and be an extension of His love.   How can I be that extension if people are intimidated by me before I even open my mouth?  *exhale*  Hence, my reality check.

I am not sure how and when God will use me to touch someone else’s life.  I may not have hours, days, months or even years for that person to get to know me and realize ‘Oh, she really is a cool person’…so I have to be conscious of whether or not me being in ‘my zone’ is preventing God’s love from radiating thru me.  My goal is to be like Christ and when we look at the characteristics of Christ, intimidation is not one of them.

In this moment I am so thankful for God reminding me of how much He loves me, by taking the time to use (what some would call) a simple encounter to show me how I can be a better me for HE, the ONE who matters most.

Today, I’ve been reality-checked.

Living and Learning,

Khadijah