On the cusp standing firm on Your word
My will totally surrender to Yours
Heart racing because of all the expected changes
Yet there is a peace that resides on the inside
As I look ahead, I smile
In my mind’s eye, all I see is rainbow
Reminding me of the surety of Your promises
I inhale and exhale deeply
As my diaphragm expand and contract, I am assured of Your very present spirit
I am ready for the journey
So I step off the cusp onto the path that You have destined for me
4.4.17 Dr.RA.
Life is filled with constant hustling and bustling. It is a whirlwind of decisions to make, things to do, people to meet, problems to solve, places to go, dreams to accomplish, etc., that leaves an individual in a frenzy. One can hardly find time to catch their breath with the consistent demands for attention and affection. This result in one feeling pressured and downright obligated to continually be dressed in the “superhero cape.” Notwithstanding, the need for pause is quite eminent. As Mark Twain stated, “the right word may be effective, but not as effective as a rightly timed pause.”
Pausing gives us time to breathe and to have clarity of thoughts so that the right decisions can be made. It also affords us the privilege of not operating from an emotional standpoint. Additionally, when we pause, we get more accomplished. Usually, when we succumb to external forces and make a decision, we encounter more harm than necessary.
In the book of Ruth, we learn about a man who left his home with his wife and kids to live in a strange land. At the time he made that decision his homeland was experiencing the severe duress of famine. The external condition caused him to make a decision that would not benefit him as planned. The Bible lets us know that he died in the land of Moab along with his two sons, leaving behind his wife and children’s wives. The story continued making us aware that the wife and one daughter-in-law went back to their homeland and actually prospered in that land. One can only wonder what if he had implemented a pause before making such a decision. What if he had waited like the other inhabitants of that land? Would he not have experienced the overflowing abundance like the others?
Moral of the story is to implement the “pause” when making a decision. Do not let the pressure of external factor influence your decision-making process. Take time and breathe before making a decision. A pause could save your life.
4/2/17 Dr.R.A.
The true nature of a person is not always seen is moments of comfort or convenience. Most persons tend to be extremely polite and friendly whenever things are going well in their life. However, whenever a person perceives that the “sky is falling” in their life, then their demeanor changes. This is the moment when what is on the inside of someone will begin to be revealed.
The Bible tells of a story about a man named Job who faced great misfortune of having lost all his riches and children in a day. As if his situation was not bad enough, he then lost his health and had his wife encourage him to curse God and die. His friends that initially came with the intent of comforting him started to have disputing conversations with him, accusing him of sinning. His true character, however, shone forth as he continued to give praise to God.
What controversy are you faced with today? What characteristics are shining from within? Are you able to still give God glory in the midst of a dispute?
3/18/2017 Dr.R.A.
Many individuals believe in luck. They think that finding a four-leaf clover or walking around with a horseshoe will bring the good fortune that they are expecting. Personally, however, I do not subscribe to the notion of luck. I believe that nothing really happens by chance, especially in the life of the believer. Everything is strategically ordered by God. So when good fortune takes places God is the One who ordered our steps at the correct time and season for reaping. He keeps blessing even when we are not cognizant of what He is doing. As such, we should speak blessing over each other. God bless is should be the thing that we utter instead of good luck.
03.17.17 Dr.R.A.
It took some time to get here
All the way atop
Blood, sweat, and tears
Joints ached, skinned bruised
Yet I continued to climb
Some slopes were very steep and slippery
My mind was filled with the uncertainty of how to maneuver
Yet I crawled when I was too weak to walk
As I was determined to get to the top
Finally, I saw the exquisitely magnificent view
The beautiful rays of the sun and gorgeous rainbow
I stretched my hands out and inhaled so deeply
Exhaling crisp, clean oxygen
I looked on knowing the journey has not end
As there is still higher peaks around
But my heart was happy to know that I have yet survived
I rested a little
Regaining my strength as I reminisced on the journey to the top
Anxiously awaiting the next adventure to the top
3/15/17 Dr.R.A.
Immerse me in Your love.
Until all my fears are cast away.
Let the warmth of Your love envelope me.
Until I can no longer feel the cold of the outside world.
Submerge me in You.
Until all anxiety recedes and vanishes.
Let me plunge deeper.
Until the fulness of You fills me.
Drench me with Your wisdom.
Until I become wise and operate in full understanding.
Saturate me with Your favor.
Until I am known and called as “the favored.”
More of You is what I need.
So souse me,
Immerse me!
Until you fill every fiber of my being.
03/14/2017
Murmuration generally relates to the sound that starlings make. It is a low continuous sound. However, murmuration is not limited to the sound of birds. It actually incorporates sounds which humans make. Sometimes we are placed in a situation where we are uncomfortable, and as such, we murmur. Murmuring is not a normal sound but rather one that can be considered abnormal. But what if that abnormal sound could be used in a positive way?
We could apply murmuration to prayer. To ceaselessly articulate that which is our desires to the One who cares. The One who can answer and supply whatever our needs are. To softly whisper to Him that which we are expecting and allow Him to give us the expected end. To never stop asking until we see the desires of our hearts before our very eyes. Let’s flip the script and begin to use our abnormality to produce something positive.
3.12.17 Dr.R.A.
There are so many things that cause an individual to become nervous. However, I believe that it is anticipated changes that are the core of being nervous. As individuals, we do not like changes. Nevertheless for growth to take place, then change is necessary. Therefore we should embrace change.
Sometimes we find ourselves in a place of complacency because we are afraid to make a move. Nervousness has paralyzed us and prevent us from achieving greatness. Self-actualization is beckoning. Can you hear it above the rattling of your bones, chattering of your teeth and screams in your mind?
It is time to make that decision and walk into your destiny.
3.9.17 Dr. R.A.
Decisions to make!
Decisions to make!
Should you stay?
Or should you leave?
For far too long you have been complacent.
Having a front row to your life passing by.
Now the opportunity to do something great is present.
And instead of taking a leap you sit and ruminate.
Get up!
Shake yourself!
The time to act is now.
Opportunity is knocking.
Answer the door.
Step out of your past and present.
Walk into your future.
Don’t waste any more time ruminating.
With one step awaits greatness and better fortune in store.
3/7/17 Dr.R.A.
When the enemy comes in like a swarm of killer bees.
I will not fear!
Because the Lord of Host will lift up a standard.
Although I may be outnumbered by the swarm.
I will be confident!
Knowing that He who is with me is greater than he that is against me.
At times it may seem like the swarm of enemies has got me covered.
But I will remain astutely convinced in the ability of my God and King.
Because I know that my God will never leave me or forsake me.
I am the apple of His eye and the plans He has for me is good and not evil to give me an expected end.
My God will fight my battles for me if I just hold my peace, stand still and see His salvation.
He will annihilate the swarm of enemies that have risen against and give the victory on every side.
Therefore I will rejoice!
Because victory belongs to my God and King!!
3/6/17 Dr.R.A.
Issues from the Heart 