Encouragement for Christians

Where do I even begin? I wrote that statement for "effect" because I know many of you are wondering "what can she say to me to encourage me for where I am in my life right now?"  I know exactly where I want to begin and You are exactly who I want to talk to. I want to Encourage you in your Stewardship. That's right, that thing God has given you to help advance the kingdom and you're thinking that you own it and have to make it grow and become all that God wants it to be.

Don't laugh, deep down and on some level you feel (or have felt) that way too. I surely felt that way about this Blog. Until the day God reminded me that I'm just a steward of this Blog.  The gift of writing God gave to me allows me to be able to post and hopefully minister to you, but He is the rightful owner. I was racking my brain wondering why no one was submitting their Guest Writer post to Encourage you even though they'd committed to do so.  I even went so far as to "suggest" what they should write about when someone told me that they could not or would not do it. How bad had I gotten? I saw this segment changing lives, softening hearts and gaining ground for the kingdom and no one wanted to help me.  But that was the problem and it wasn't mine to fix: they wouldn't only be helping me, they'd be helping God. 

When God reminded me I was a steward and that the people who wrote a Guest post would be partnering with Him and thereby ultimately be agreeable to submitting a post, it changed my whole outlook. I made a conscious decision to stop badgering people and allow God to speak to them to partner with me on this Journey. The first person I asked after getting this revelation was so excited about being able to submit a post.  My jaw just dropped at how awesome God really is and how faithful He is to His word. So you Christian, don't forget that you are a steward and God is the rightful owner of that gift, talent and ability He has given you.  You do your part and know that God has done His part and it will all work out in the end for your good and His glory.

               

Enjoy the Journey!

POE - Shauntell

#PATHSOFENCOURAGEMENT #POE

I was born to a mother and father that never wanted me. All of my baby pictures read "Grandmother's Baby". My grandparents raised me the best they could. My mother or father never tried to build a relationship with me. I have multiple stories about how it seems my parents didn't want me, but I will share the most recent story for both of them. 

I wrote my sperm donor (Dad) a letter giving him my address, telephone number, and a nice message that simply stated how I wanted to build a relationship that could possibly turn into a father daughter relationship. One year later and I haven't received a text, a call or a visit. I opened my heart to let my mother be there for my recent surgeries even though I didn't want to. She was not much of a help but I still appreciated the fact that she was there. One month later she sends me and my sister a text that reads:  "You two enjoy your sisterhood. Don't talk about me nor to me. I'm too old and have responsibilities to play these messy games y'all playing. Have a nice life. Mine will be just fine without y'all".

Yes I got upset. I was more upset with myself for opening my heart to her. I'm used to her not being in my life, but why did it hurt so bad? I prayed and asked God to take the hurt she caused and the hatred out of my heart that was towards my father and mother. The moral of my story is people hurt you and yes it may hurt, but My Heavenly Father never hurt me or disappointed me. All he does is love me and I'm so grateful he accepted me, flaws and all, and came into my heart. I end with saying thank you Jesus for your unconditional love.

Contributing Guest Writer: Shauntell Walker