Under Construction Christian

Mirror mirror in the book, do you need to take a closer look?

(I’ve heard) it’s almost impossible for a woman to walk by a mirror without stopping to glance at herself a bit. I’m not sure how accurate this is, or even where I heard it…🤔but I know it definitely applies to me. 😅Whether it’s a mirror in my apartment, or a dim reflection of myself as I walk by a building.. I’m guilty of taking a little glance to make sure I look just right.

The Word of God is like a mirror; as you read it, you see all the parts in your life that need a little sprucing up.

Unfortunately, there’s no manual that comes with life. Granted, there are many books out there to help you through the journey. Many authors have penned their experiences and knowledge in hopes that they may help someone else through their own journey. (Almost like this blog🤗..I digress) In my opinion, only one Book (the bestselling book of all time) is the official guide to life. If you’re a believer.. it is your guide to EVERYTHING.

I may not know every single scripture, story or historical event in the Bible (under construction Christian here …still growing) What I have learned and do know about the Word of God is that it’s applicable across the board. It literally gives you a guide on how to be a better citizen of God’s kingdom and a positive contribution to your own community. I say this to encourage you to crack that book open more often than when you see demons chasing you in your dreams or you have a job interview coming up🙃.

Chances are you wouldn’t walk by a mirror and see that you’re wearing your shirt backwards and leave it that way. In the same way, reading the Word of God allows you to see what looks good and what needs some more work. It encourages you to keep doing what is right and through the Holy Spirit, convicts you to improve in other areas. (When that conviction hits you …. chiillleeee😫… see post coming soon)

Go take a look in the mirror, you just might like what you see. Ultimately, you’ll walk away from the mirror (Bible) a better version of you.

“But you’re a lawyer, you’re making all the big bucks now” yea.. FALSE!!🙅🏾

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard some variation of that statement. It’s almost as though the term lawyer has become synonymous with wealth. To a certain a extent, I can see why. Lawyers are portrayed (for the most part) as being well-dressed, and living a lavish lifestyle, etc. For those who’ve had the unfortunate pleasure of needing a lawyer, they’ve become familiar with the “high” prices lawyers charge. So I guess, one can say that yea.. “I’m making the big bucks 🙄”

What if I told you that at one point in time (not too long ago actually) I was making less than an office assistant (no offense to this line of work–it’s a very important job) Let me put things into perspective. Before law school I worked as an account rep for a credit union (making decent money for a recent college grad). Had I stayed at that job and gave up on my dream (and ultimately my destiny) I would be making more money than I was AFTER getting my law degree. 😳LET THAT SINK IN… LET IT MARINATE.. yea.. exactly.

After all these years of schooling, studying, testing, reading, writing, oral arguments… one would think I’d be going home with “the big bucks💰”. I learned very quickly that perception is not always reality. You see, for a few months after graduating and passing the bar (thank you Jesus..won’t He do it🙌🏿) I was just getting by. Rent was always paid (somehow) food was never a problem (I’m a foodie… touch not my food and do my chocolate🍫 no harm🙅🏾) and well, I was not in want of clothes(flex for the gram📷). My savings account– ha.. that was a joke and a half. SOMEHOW “I got by”

HOW?? No I wasn’t working the corner, & NO I didn’t pick up a part-time job as bartender (like MANY new lawyers often do) or even drive Uber (you have no idea how many times I considered this😩).. so what did I do?

I GAVE–

Yup, I just said I was barely making it, had nothing in my savings, but here I was giving. A little backwards isn’t it? You have little, but you’re giving? 😟Yup.. that’s exactly what I was doing. See, I’m a trial by fire kind of a person. I’m the child who touched the hot iron even AFTER I was told not to. I’m the test me and prove me now kind of person, and that’s exactly what I did. At an early age (even before I became a devout Christian) I bought into the idea of seed sowing and tithe giving. It was the one concept of the Christian faith that I grasped quickly (which isn’t too much of a surprise because I enjoy giving gifts). You see, the Bible tells us to give the first 10 percent of our income to God. For some, giving that 10 percent is almost like ripping their child from their arms; it’d be easier to ask them to cut off their big toe. 😓Giving that 10 percent is NOT EASY AT ALL; especially when you do the math. When I thought about the things that 10 percent could do.. man! Like clockwork, by the grace of God (only by His grace, because Lord knows there were days… chiillleeee!!!) “I ripped that child from my arms and gave it away.”

Now here’s the interesting part.. EVERY time I paid my tithe, SOMEHOW I’d end the pay period with enough left over to treat myself🤗. It made NO SENSE. (Let’s be honest, half the time neither does GOD) On Fridays, I would look at what my paycheck was for that week, do A LOT of subtracting and sometimes end up with NEGATIVES (yup..that’s right😔). By the following week, SOMEHOW, I’d still have money left over. EVERY TIME. How? because no one sacrifices for God and goes unrewarded. Because God takes care of those who take care of His Kingdom. Because when he said “prove me now and see that I will open the storehouse of heaven and pour out a blessing so great that you won’t have enough room to take it in” HE WAS NOT JOKING!! There’d be times RANDOMLY money would come to me. Other times, something I thought I had to pay off would suddenly go from whatever the amount was to $0.00. Times when discounts that didn’t exist were created just for me (because “I like your smile”.. honey that’s FAVOR!!!🙌🏿)

Times it was so HARD to give (I mean rent is almost due, Sallie Mae is knocking at my door, that check engine light is whispering sweet nothings to me) I GAVE!! It wasn’t easy oh! Make no mistake. I’d find myself standing in front of church paying tithe or sowing a seed and inside I’m like “you this stubborn girl, you wont go sit down.” 😒 But the Kingdom of God must be taken care of. When you take care of God’s business (paying tithe, helping others in worse conditions that you) He takes care of you!

Not too long ago, God reminded me that if He can take care of the lilies of the field who do not labor, yet are splendidly clothed (Matt 6:28-29), He can also take care of me. God opened a door to a wonderful job opportunity. (Relax, don’t come for my “big bucks” – Sallie Mae is already on it😅) This job brought stability, benefits (any job willing to pay for my yearly bar fees has my heart forever😍) and a consistent reminder that GOD TRULY CARES FOR THOSE WHO CARE FOR HIM.

With that said, if you’re a tithe payer– be consistent with it, do it and do it well! The return may not come like you expect, (money for money) but it may come in the form of: favor with your boss, a miracle with your immigration status, full tuition for your child, or healing for an ailing family member. Hallelujah 🙌🏿🙌🏿 The Word of God is power and it’s active, it WORKS!

If you’re not paying tithe– baby girl/homie – stop robbing yourself of blessings; the money you THINK you’re saving is NOTHING compared to the blessings you’re wasting. I pray God gives you the grace and ability to take this step of faith. I PROMISE you, you will NOT regret it. "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” ‭‭Malachi‬ ‭3:10‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Tis all

You said. He said. She said. What has God said?🤔

Too often, we get ourselves involved in circumstances, whether out of excitement or impatience, that have no indication of God in it. We are led by our emotions, or even more dangerous, by the voices of those around us, into situations that were not meant for us. Before jumping into something…be it a new job opportunity, business deal, relationship, even something as “insignificant” as an outing… ask: “what is God’s will concerning this matter?” Know what His will is for that issue and for your life.

An indication (for me) that I’m walking in His will is the unexplainable peace that surrounds the matter. Even when others question the decisions or methods (in the name of showing concern), I remain firm in my conviction because the peace that surpasses all understanding has washed over me. 🙌🏿God is not an author of confusion. He is the God of peace and calmness in the storm. So when I find that I’m in a situation that isn’t bringing me peace, but rather confusion, I PAUSE.. hit the breaks! ✋🏾To the throne room, 🏃🏿‍♀️asking: God what is your will in this matter? What do you want me to do? 🤷🏾‍♀️Surrendering your will to His is an indication of total trust and dependence on God. When your daily steps are ordered by God’s directions and will for your life, you can be sure that you are secured.

Yes we know you’re “grown” “independent” “you can do bad all by yourself.” Failing to seek God’s will in a matter is essentially setting yourself up to do bad all by yourself (then need God’s rescuing later🤦🏾‍♀️)

Walking in the will of God is crucial as a believer. It keeps us from unnecessary harm. It gives as assurance that even when harm comes, the Omniscient One foresaw and has already prepared deliverance for us. Seek to walk in the perfect will of God; His original plan for your life. The plan where peace abounds and joy is everlasting. Find God’s will concerning the matter; it truly matters!

“Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13:20-21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

‬Breaking point: the point at which a person gives way under stress (Merriam-Webster). You have one, your mother has one, your pastor has one, the President has one. What we do when we get to that point is an indication of who we are; it's evidence of our character.

There comes a point where refuting negativity with positive and encouraging words becomes tiresome. The point where letting go is more comforting than holding on. The point where mustering up faith the size of a mustard seed is an insurmountable task. The point where holding on to faith becomes exhausting, dare I say unrealistic😰.

Been there. Done that. For reasons I’m still discovering, I’ve been the go-to person for many people when the going gets tough; when they’ve reached their breaking point. However, every so often, like David, I find myself saying “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?”

Not too long ago, I found myself going through the motions. Existing but not living. Life had me dangling on a string and I was holding on for dear mercy. While I had people around me to speak into my life and provide encouragement, it just didn’t do the trick. What came to mind was Psalm 42.. one of the most admirable men in the Bible had reached his breaking point, yet he found consolation in God through praise.

The hardest thing to do in difficult times is also the best thing for you: praise!! Sounds crazy I know. I’m crushed on all sides. Life is just beating me up. And you want me to do what.. praise? Yes!! That’s exactly what you should do. It’s counterintuitive, but so is God. If a woman over the age of 90 giving birth to her first child doesn’t show you just how unconventional God is, then I don’t know what will. 🤷🏾‍♀️

When you reach that breaking point where it seems as though you want to shout..go ahead and do it. Shout!! 🗣and then shout praises. Like I said before, what we do when we reach our breaking point is proof of who we are and what we’re made of. When you crush an olive, you get olive oil. When you crush a balloon, you get air. Olive oil is precious and highly valued. Air is just ..well air. Are you filled with hot air or are you made up of precious substance? 🤔Don’t wither under pressure. It’s easier said than done, but it can be done. David was pursued by a king, whose life mission was to see him dead. Yet, he praised.

Now be realistic, I don’t mean ignore the fact that life is hard and at the moment it’s beating you up worse than Floyd Mayweather did Manny Pacquiao. Allow emotions to have its way. Even David cried…”My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” (‭Psalm‬ ‭42:3‬ ‭NIV‬) It’s normal. It’s human. But when the crying ends (&& please let them end..no pity party🙅🏾), let your hope in God not cease. Let praise fill your mouth. Let life and the enemy know that, it’s best still can’t knock you out at your worst. So long as you breathe, there’s still fight in you. There’s still hope in you. There’s still a praise in you and through that, you will get through your breaking point.

We all have a breaking point, just don’t break, praise!

“Tis all. –

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭42:11‬ ‭NIV

W A I T || Four letters..one word. We’ve all heard it at one point in our lives. Many of us have had to do it. It’s not for the faint of heart. Those who succeed come out victorious and those who fail in the process live in resentment.

Whether it’s for a train ride back home after a long day at work or in a cue because the sale was so good everyone came out to shop.. we’ve all had to wait. The beauty in waiting is that it’s temporary (for the most part). You ultimately acquire the object causing the wait. After 10 minutes in line, you go home with those shoes that were 75% off. After looking at your watch every .03 seconds.. the train finally arrives and you make it home before your favorite show starts. What if you left the line because you didn’t want to wait, only to find out that the moment you walked away, a new register opened up and it would have been your turn to make your purchase. What if you finally gave up on waiting for the train and decided to take a cab; not knowing that traffic on the road was so bad you arrived home 2 hours later than you would have, had you waited for the train. Ouch. 😓

Waiting is by no means an easy task. It’s frustrating, irritating, annoying, and every other adjective you can imagine. BUT… it’s worth it, especially when you’re waiting on the Lord. The first thing that usually happens after the wait is over is forgetfulness. Once that train arrives and you get on, you forget how annoyed you were. Usually, the phrases that come out after seeing that train or realizing it’s your turn at the register is.. “finally!” or “thank God” or “it’s about time”. 🙌🏿 Not very long after, do we forget how annoyed, frustrated and irritated we were while waiting. Why? Because we’ve attained what we desired.

Waiting on God is no different. It can be very difficult and emotionally tasking. There’ll be times you’ll want to just walk away, or find an alternative. But like the person who decided not to wait for the train and was caught in 2 hour traffic, walking away from God will only extend your waiting process. I’ve personally dealt with this struggle. Chillleeee..😫 There’ve been times I wanted to just settle for any option that presented itself because waiting was just too much. In a moment of prayer–actually let me keep it 💯–in a time of frustration with God and venting to Him, He whispered to me: “don’t compromise what you desire for what is before you, simply because you’re tired of waiting.”

You see I was tired of waiting on that train, so I was ready to settle for a cab; it didn’t look like a train. But it was a mode of transportation. It wasn’t as fast as a train, but it was faster than walking. (I think you get where I’m going) sometimes we want to settle because the work is too much. But it’s important to remember that, waiting isn’t part of the process, it IS the process. Waiting develops patience in us. It cultivates a character of trust in God and creates total dependence on Him.

I’m a foodie, so forgive this example😅 imagine the amount of time it takes to make a meal that requires that the meat slowly cook for hours before you can eat it. By the time that meal is ready, every single bite is flavorful. The meat is tender, succulent and just perfect. As you eat, you forget that it took 4 hours in the slow cooker because your mouth is enjoying every bit of that 4 hours.

It’s the same when we wait on what God has promised us. When the waiting period is over, our impatience and hard heart has become tender and submissive to God’s will. When we receive what we were waiting for, we forget the pain and annoyance we endured while waiting. Why? Because the object of that wait has brought such joy and happiness and it’s incomparable to the anguish of the waiting process.

I don’t know what God has promised you. I do know He’ll come through. I also know the waiting is difficult, but it’s better than taking a shortcut. My father always says, “when you cut corners (take a shortcut) you create two more (make the process longer)” Don’t leave the line. Wait. Don’t find an alternative. Wait. Do NOT COMPROMISE. Just wait. Wait on the Lord and see the fulfillment of His promises.

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!” Psalms‬ ‭27:13-14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Before Anyone Else

You’re here because you think the post is about my bae; the apple of my eye, the one my heart beats for. You’re right. It is. 😍😍

It’s about Christ! Now that you’ve rolled your eyes and accepted that you’ve fallen victim to my trickery 😜 let’s get started.

Look in the comments section on Facebook or Instagram, you’ll see phrases like "girl you slayed” “looking fly bro,” etc. If you’re really honest with yourself, you enjoy receiving compliments. Everyone to a certain extent likes being admired. From time to time it helps to hear phrases of praise and flattery. ☝🏾Granted too much of it can make a person egotistical. But I digress.😅

Think of the last time someone gave you a compliment (in case no one has in a while: you’re awesome sauce! You totally rock!🤗) Receiving the flattering remark made you feel good about yourself; as though you mattered.

Scripture tells us that we were made in the image of God. (Gen. 1:27) As God is, so are we. Just as you enjoy hearing how fabulous you look, or how great you are at getting the job done, so does your Heavenly Father. What am I getting at? Worship!!

Merriam Webster dictionary defines worship as: "reverence offered a divine being or supernatural power; also; an act of expressing such reverence; extravagant respect or admiration for or devotion to an object of esteem.” Based on this definition, nearly anything can be the object of your worship; money, Beyoncé (topic for another day🙃) and most certainly, GOD.

Worship is more than that 25 minute block before the sermon starts on Sunday morning🙊. Worship is a lifestyle. It’s continuance reverence and expression of admiration unto God. Worship is not merely about the song, it’s about the heart. I imagine the people commenting on your pictures are not making those statements because they want something from you. 🤔(well at least not all of them) Some of them genuinely mean what they say. The compliments you receive, generally are sincere. In the same way you appreciate genuine words of praise and admiration, so does God.

Worship isn’t about coming to God to “hype” him up so he can drop a blessing. I often hear people say things like “you’re a miracle working God” when they are in need of a miracle. I’m not saying such statements are wrong. Au contraire. God truly is a miracle worker, but if the intent of the statement is not to acknowledge the supreme power of God, then the statement is disingenuous. If someone uttered the phrase “I think you’re amazing” only because they seek a favor, you’d doubt their sincerity. In the same way, it is important to come to God with a heart of sincerity.

There’s a time for prayer. Prayer can be defined as making a request; petition. If you find yourself coming to God only to make requests, you’re being a parasite! 🙊Make a conscious effort to come to God, not to ask of anything, but just to tell him how magnificent He is. Love on the Lord.

Fellas, when you want to woo a lady, you know what love songs to play for her; 😏songs with meaningful lyrics that make her feel like the only object of your affection. Ladies, you know the effect of a good meaningful song or heartfelt words of affection. It’s an amazing feeling. 😌God desires the same! It’s not that He doesn’t know He’s God. Be honest, whether someone tells you or not, you know you’re handsome/beautiful; however it certainly helps to hear it.

Take time out and get into an atmosphere of worship. Whether it’s playing music or filling heaven with songs from your heart. Do it! Whether it’s in the car, on the train, on the couch in your living room. Make it happen! When you’re in love with someone, you don’t care who’s around; your focus is on him/her. Don’t let your surroundings inhibit your worship. Let the world know you’re in love and you’re not afraid to show it. ❤️

“Tis all

That face you make when folks envy your blessing but they don’t know what you did or went through to get it. 🙃

I’m a big believer of emulating those who have attained what you desire.

One technique I was taught in law school during my job search was to schedule informational interviews. These meetings gave me an opportunity to pick the brains of the lawyers who were practicing in my fields of interest. I asked questions about daily life to biggest failures. The goal was to learn about the journey and process I would have to endure to acquire what the practicing lawyers had.

“Don’t desire the product when you despise the process.”

In order to attain what another person has, you must be ready to endure the sacrifices and work involved. For example, to attain a law degree, you must be ready to go through the process of college, then law school, then the bar exam and then the swearing-in ceremony. You can’t desire the title or position of an attorney without being ready and willing to bear the work. In that same way, when another has attained a new accomplishment; be it marriage, degree, job, or an uncommon breakthrough, rather than desire the product, inquire about the process.

Some blessings come with a hefty price. It’ll mean sacrificing food in order to strengthen the Spirit, or giving up sleep to partake in late night prayer vigils. It might mean foregoing of certain friends or events in order to be diligent in your walk with Christ. No matter the cost/process, it’ll be worth the product.

Surround yourself with people who are living and walking testimonies of God’s favor and power. As God blesses them, ask them what they did, what cross did they bear? Now everyone is different and it’s not a one size fits all thing. Ultimately, all things work according to God’s timing. However, by asking your fellow brother or sister about Godly ways that have helped him/her grow, it will not only strengthen your faith, but you might pick up a few pointers you hadn’t considered.

Personally, fasting is a concept I struggle with. (I LOVE food😍) but one trick I learned was to start off small. First day, fast for few hours then progressively increase until you’ve done a day. Sacrificing food and bringing the flesh under subjection may be the process you need to get that product that (unfortunately) may make you the subject of envy. But if they only knew …😉