Breaking the "I'm Not Good Enough" Syndrome and People Bondage

The Life of a Perfectionist
A life I know too well. For as long as I can remember, I've always tried to do my best in everything I've ever done, whether it was school, friendships, work, competitions, etc. In school. I would make sure that I would get good grades and make the honor roll. At work, I would kill myself trying to do my best to please my boss in hopes that they would see that I was a valuable employee. I thrilled from being competitive whether it was in talent shows or a spelling bee. My expectations were always high. I saw life as a perfect picture and that it was suppose to happen just the way I planned it. But what do you do when life ISN'T that perfect picture or when your plans don't work out?

What happens when you make a C for the first time? What happens when you make a mistake at work? What happens when you can't get your hair just right? What happens when you misspell a word in the spelling bee that you studied so hard for? What happens when you don't get the job? What happens when you burn the bacon by accident? What happens when your friends bail out on your plans? How do you react? Your reaction may have a lot to do in telling if you are a perfectionist or not. I'm here to tell you:



PERFECTION IS IMPOSSIBLE

It is absolutely impossible to reach the state of perfection, no matter how perfect you think you've gotten your hair to be or how perfect your body may seem. We all still have flaws of some type. God created us as imperfect people in whom He loves so much anyway. I like this passage in Psalm 139.

13. You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body

And knit me together in my mother's womb.

14. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! You workmanship 

is marvelous-how well I know it.

15. You watched me as I was woven together in the 

dark of the womb.

16. You saw me before I was born. Every say of my life was recorded in

your book. Every moment was laid out before a single 

day had passed.

17. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be 

numbered! 

18. I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when

I wake up, you are still with me! 

God already knows about your flaws and struggles. He already knew who you were before you were created. You are a masterpiece. So why is it that we beat ourselves up  and become so critical about our flaws and struggles when we fall short of perfection?
The truth? It's because we are entangled into people bondage. We care more about what others think about us and how we are perceived by others. We care more about impressing others to the point where it has an affect on your mindset. When you so focused on being perfect, you always hear this little, negative, critical voice in your ear. For example, "I made a mistake at work, now everyone  is going to think I am stupid" or "I burnt the bacon, now everyone is going to think I'm a lousy cook."

Galatians 1:10 says, "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ."

Think, what is your motive for trying to reach perfection? What is your motive for making sure that every hair is laid exactly right? What is your motive for killing yourself to be perfect at your job? Your motive is to impress and please others. We are surely not doing these things for ourselves although we may be convincing ourselves that we are. Admit it. WE CARE ABOUT WHAT OTHERS THINK ABOUT US because if we didn't we would not stress ourselves out trying to please and impress others.

You cannot fully serve God if you care about pleasing this world more than him.

1. You know the bible says to flee fornication, but because you feel lonely and really like this guy/girl, you go against what God says to please him/her.
2. You know you don't go to the club anymore, but because your friends are going, you go against your conviction and decide one night won't hurt.
3. You know the bible says to love everyone, but you join in the bullying of another classmate at school to look cool in front of your friends.
4. You know you have a lot to do on your off day, but you decide to go into work when someone calls in, to please your boss. So now you have a bunch of work that has to be put off until you next off day, in which you can't enjoy.
5. Everyone in your family wants you to be a lawyer, but you know for sure God has given you other plans in life, but you go to law school anyway to please your family and end up hating what it is that you do and now you have a boat load of student loans that you have to pay back. These are just a few examples of people pleasing. 

Jeremiah 17:5 (NLT), This is what the Lord says, "Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord."

You can feel "cursed" when you are in people bondage. Emotions like anger, bitterness, sadness, fear and anxiety is what comes along with being in people bondage. You literally feel like you are losing your mind. These are also symptoms of the "I'm not good enough" syndrome. **cough,cough**

You have to have a foundation for your thoughts. You have to have something to lean on because if you don't, you will sway just like the wind. Every little thing someone says about you, you will find yourself going along with it and now you are convinced in your mind that is who you are. Even your own opinions and thoughts about yourself can have you convinced that you are not good enough.

2 Corinthians 10:5 says, "Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, and bringing into captivity every thought to the OBEDIENCE OF GOD."

The knowledge of God is in the bible. Satan is so busy trying to plant lies in your heart so that you can go against the knowledge of God. Satan is trying to stop you in every way possible. He wants you to beat yourself  and be over critical. He wants you to feel like you are not good enough and that you are nothing. He wants you to feel like when you mess up, God does not love or care about you.

You have to capture every thought and make it obey the word of God. God has so many good things that He says about us in His word. God knows that we struggle and that we are flawed but that does not mean He doesn't love you. People are not going to grace you when you mess up. In fact, they will keep a track record on you. God is a God of grace and mercy that is new each and every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23)

There was only one person on this earth who was perfect and that was Jesus Christ, who now sits on the right hand of God. Stop stressing yourself out trying to please others and follow God's leading for your life. Commit EVERYTHING YOU DO to God and not to man. We were put on this Earth to serve and please God. Die to those negative thoughts and self-criticism when you mess up or don't reach "your level" of perfectionism. God already knew that you were going to fall short. Your days were already written in His book before any of them had passed. God knew you from the womb. He created you. Think about it, if you were already perfect, Jesus would not have had a reason to die on the cross. Your perfection by "your standards" means nothing to God. You are seen perfect to God through the blood of Jesus.

 Acknowledge. Fix. Keep it Moving.. (No Condemnation)

Helpful Scriptures

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that God, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God - Romans 12:2

Set your affection on the things above, not on things on earth - Colossians 3:2

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him - Colossians 3:17

Servants, obey in all things your masters (those in authority) according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleaser; but in the singleness of heart, fearing God - Colossians 3:22

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men - Colossians 3:23

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind - 2 Tim 1:7

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit - Romans 8:1

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage - Galatians 5:1

For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God - I John 3:20-21

All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits - Proverbs 16:2

It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man - Psalm 118:8

 

Godfidence

It's time to be BOLD, be STRONG, be COURAGEOUS, be WHO GOD HAS MADE YOU.
This past weekend I was able to speak on this theme for Courageous Lady in Montgomery, AL, a ministry that empowers, encourages, as well as bless and assist women to transition from "fear" to embracing the God-given "courage" to live and be the person who God destined and designed them to be. We gain our God-given courage or confidence from putting our faith and trust in God and not in ourselves.

 A word that I like to describe this as "GOD-FIDENCE."
But let's first start by defining the word confidence. Confidence is defined as a feeling of self assurance arising from one's appreciation of their own abilities and qualities. We have to appreciate and love how God has created us and the portion that he has gifted you with.

There is a difference between self-confidence and "Godfidence."


Self-confidence is a word that is more commonly used in this society. It is simply the belief in self. You trust is put into yourself. It can come off for example as, "I can do anything I set my mind to" or "I got this." "Self-made." But we should be careful because self-confidence can be a little shaky and unstable and can wear off from time to time depending on how we feel.

2 Corinthians 1:9 states ,"...that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead."

On the other hand, confidence in God is the trust that is put into Him that his promises shall come to pass in our lives and that He is always with us. It is guaranteed assurance.

Self-confidence says, "I think I can...I think I can.....I think..."Yes, the famous quote from The Little Engine That Could.
Godfidence says, "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me."
You don't have to think you can when your confidence is put into God because you know HE can and nothing is impossible with God.

2 Corinthians 3:4-5 (NLT) states, "We are confident of all of this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. (5) Our qualification comes from God.

When we put our trust in Him, we have that assurance about who we are and what we are able to do through Christ. Greater is He that is within me, than he who is in the world. When we are not able to work in our own strength, that is where our confidence in God steps in.

2 Corinthians 12:9 states, "And he said unto thee, my grace is sufficient for thee for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Vs 10 goes on to say, "....for when I am weak, I am strong."

This makes me think of the story of David and Goliath. David was already pretty confident that he could defeat Goliath. He was like "Go ahead and send me." Saul did not think he was qualified to go because of his youthful age. David was like..check my credentials. "I've defeated lions and bears who tried to attack my father's flock and the Lord delivered me from them, so I know He will deliver me from Goliath." Now I believe if David was working in his own strength, there may be a little intimidation there because Goliath was a giant." David has no armor, no formal training, or any huge weapons. All he has was this little sling that he pulled from his pocket. (Can you imagine going into battle with a giant only using a rock and a sling?) David told Goliath that this battle is not his, but the Lord's and He was able to defeat Goliath. Not in his own strength, but through God, because the Lord was with him.
That's some true Godfidence right there!

We must understand that true Godfidence comes from within. Our confidence is not validated by what we look like, what we put on, what we drive, where we work, etc. These are used as a clutch. People lean on these values to give them the boost of confidence or esteem needed. Confidence has nothing to do with materialistic values. It all comes down to how your feel about yourself on the inside. Will you still feel good bout yourself if you were without these things? We must remember that our true validation comes from Christ and Christ alone.

I Samuel 16:7 states, "But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him; for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."

People may look at others and think because they are well put together in dress and looks that they must be really confident. You want the type of confidence that when you walk in a room, you're not catching people's attention based off of your looks or what you have on. But you are glowing because of the God that is on the inside of you.

I have 3 ways that we can gain and maintain Godfidence so that we can boldly and courageously walk into the purpose that God has laid before us:
1.) Understanding your identity in Christ 

• Whose eyes are we viewing ourselves through? The world's or God's? Are we viewing ourselves through our failures, disappointments, our past, or other people? Or are we viewing ourselves through the word of God? Negative thoughts about ourselves can appear when our focus is shifted from Christ. When Christ is not the center, we will start focusing on other people's lives, our doubts, what we lack, our discontentment, etc. The enemy is hard at work when you find yourself focusing on your shortcomings and your past and you start beating yourself up because you believe the lies planted in your heart that you are not worthy, pretty, smart, or good enough. The enemy wants you to believe those negative things about yourself because he knows if you don't have confidence in God, you won't be able to boldly and courageously walk into the purpose that God has laid before you. Proverbs 23:7 states, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he." We have to learn how to transform our thought process and eliminate those negative thoughts about ourselves. We need to fill ourselves up with the word of God daily. Recognize the positive things that God says about us in the bible for example, in Genesis, we are made in His image and in Psalms, we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Life and death is in the power of the tongue. Speak life!

2.) Accepting Your Portion: Being Content and Not Comparing Your Lives to Others

• Comparison is the thief of your joy. A lot of times society and social media can affect how we look and feel about ourselves on the inside. By comparing your life to others, you are planting seeds of discontentment in your heart, which will eventually sprout up envy, anger, sorrow, bitterness, or anything else that is not of God. This is attacking your confidence within yourself as well as your confidence in God because you don't trust His timing. Philippians 4:11 states, "Not that I speak in respect of want, for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."You don't have to compare your life to others when you are focused in your lane doing what God has called your to do and following His leading. God portion you just the way He wanted with gifts, talents, and all. There is only one you in this world. Why would you want to be anyone else. Why be pretty like her, when you can be pretty like you? Jeremiah 1:5 states, "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before thou camest out of the womb, I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee." Your blueprint of life is already laid out. Before you entered this world, it was already done. God already knew who He wanted you to be. Did you know He ordained each and every one of you with a purpose? Even if you don't understand what it is yet, you have one. We should not focus on what we lack or even dare look at any one else's grass because the grass is not always greener on the other side. We should be content with the person God has created and place our confidence in Him that He will finish the good work that He started in us from the womb.

3.) Committing to Taking Care of Your Temple

• We, as believers, are renting these earthly bodies until it is time to transition into our heavenly bodies. But while we are here on earth, we want to make sure that we are taking care of our "temples" so that we can live long and healthy lives. We were bought with a price by the way. 1 Corinthians 6:19 states, "What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, are not your own?" We want to make sure that we are making the Holy ghost within us comfortable. We want to do the proper steps to commit to taking care of our bodies. Some ways we can make sure that we are dedicated to taking care of self is by eating healthy and watching what we are consuming in our bodies, being in good health by making sure that we are going to the doctor and getting our regular check-ups and exams, exercising and staying in good shape, and having good hygiene. A healthy lifestyle leads to a confident lifestyle.

Our Godfidence is already planted on the inside of us. We just have to tap into it. Just as the word says, one plants, one waters, but God gives the increase, your seed is already planted. We just need to water it daily with the word and watch our Godfidence grow and increase. I know we have some visions and ventures that we want to step out on faith on, but fear and doubt is holding us back.

 2 Timothy 1:7 states, "For God hath not giving us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and a sound mind."

 Failure is the number one fear that holds many back from fully walking into their purpose. You can't fail with God. Failure is not in His vocabulary and it is definitely not in His track record. You were created to fill a purpose that only you could do. ONLY YOU. You were built for this. If there is anything that I've learned concerning confidence is that God does not give you a task if He didn't think you could do it. Nobody could have told me 5 years ago, that I would be speaking and encouraging over 75+ women about finding their confidence. Me? When God wants your to do something, HE WILL PUT YOU IN POSITION TO DO IT. He's already qualified you to do it despite your past, background, credentials, etc. Your past is the reason you've been brought to this appointed time and appointed job. If there is something that God I giving your to do, put your trust in Him so that you can activate your Godfidence and be obedient. He WILL take care of the rest.
Acknowledge. Fix. Keep it Moving..

Speaking at Courageous Lady July 25, 2015

Montgomery, AL

Life After High School: 10 Years Later

"Um...I created post-its."
That infamous line from the movie "Romy and Michele's High School Reunion".

Today marks 10 years since I've graduated from Creekside High School. When you attend your class reunion, you'll usually get questions about your accomplishments and what you have been up to all of these years.

My answer? Life.

I remember May 21, 2005 like it was yesterday. I was excited. My parents was proud. It was an end to an awesome high school career for me. I was a honor graduate with a 3.6 G.P.A and in the top 20 percentile of my class. College was definitely an option but I was actually late making that decision which landed me at Atlanta Metropolitan College for a semester. I watched that semester as several of my friends attended 4-year colleges/universities as well as football games, step shows, etc. By the end of fall 2005, I had made the decision to transfer to my now alma mater, Alabama State University in Montgomery, AL, a place I was very familiar with. (I stayed in Montgomery 4 years prior to moving to Atlanta).

College was very different than the life I was used to at home. It was definitely an eye opener. I started to experience LIFE. I experienced drama. I experienced having to cope with people. I experienced living with others besides my family. I experienced dating. I experienced heartbreak. I experienced stress. I experienced loneliness at times and several other things.
I'm like whoa...hold up...wait a minute. Life is knocking me left and right. But would I take it back? Absolutely not. Life has taught me some very valuable lessons.
I would not be the woman I am today, if I didn't have to go through "life".

But I also had a lot of awesome times in college as well. I made the honor roll a few semesters. I was crowned as a dormitory queen and participated in the 2010 Miss ASU coronation. I participated in the Turkey Day Classic parade twice. I marched in a MLK parade. I visited several historical sites. I volunteered a lot and met new friends, who eventually became life long friends. I started my makeup career. I attended several football and basketball games as well as other events. I traveled a lot, and found a second church family.

I graduated from Alabama State University on December 11, 2010 with a bachelor of science degree in Biology.
Since moving back home, I've held a few jobs here and there at restaurants, salons, etc but I've been working as a certified pharmacy technician since January 2012.
I'm not married and I don't have kids yet. However, I do desire it, but in God's timing.

Sometimes, people's biggest fear when attending a class reunion is feeling like they are inadequate or not as successful as some of their other classmates. Some may feel like they have to redeem themselves from the person they were in high school. God has put everyone on different journeys. Never compare your journey to anyone else 's journey.

                                              So how was I in high school?

Me? I was just really quiet. I got along with anyone I talked to. I wasn't well known or one of the popular kids but I had the few friends that I hung out with, which whom I'm still friends with to this day. I was very focused academically wise. I did not take high school for granted though. I was gonna make sure I enjoyed it even though I was the new kid. I joined several clubs and extracurricular activities, including the marching and concert band and I was inducted into the Beta Club. My parents were very involved with the school as well. They were band boosters and my dad worked the concession stand at football games. Honestly, the only thing that has changed about me is that I have a sense of who I am now. I wasn't always comfortable or confident within myself...but hey...I was just a 17 year old girl.

Although these may seem like huge accomplishments, my biggest accomplishment was gaining a closer relationship with God. I made the decision that it was not my will, but His will be done in my life. I got tired of trying to do everything on my own and surrendered my life, my plans, my goals, etc to Him.

Proverbs 19:21 (NLT) says, "You can make plans, but the Lord's purpose will prevail."

Now is it easy? Noooooo...not at all. Sometimes I don't even understand God's plans but I have to trust His leading and His timing. But one thing I do know is God will never steer me in the wrong direction.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) says "For I know the plans I have for you" declares The Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

God has a purpose for everything we had to go through in life. What seemed like a setback in life was actually a setup for your comeback. God put me in position to head a teen empowerment ministry called Princesses of Power, where I hold a bi-annual event called "The Princess Tea" in which we issue out purity rings. I also started a Christian-based blog, called "Perfectly Imperfect: Just a Woman Living for God." I get to speak at different events about things I never thought I could give insight on..things I used to struggle with as a teen like confidence, beauty, public speaking, etc. I get to minister to ladies in my makeup chair when they don't feel too confident about themselves. NOBODY and I mean nobody could have told me I would be doing any of this 5-6 or even 10 years ago.

If anyone was to ask me what my biggest accomplishments were since high school, it was receiving salvation through Christ and working in my God-given purpose. It's not about having this awesome career, making this amount of money, having this number of degrees, living in this type of house, driving this type of car, etc. I'm not saying that those are not good things to have but we can sometimes be so focused on placing our identity around those materialistic values and impressing others. I know that my desires and my success is found only in Christ.

Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight thyself in The Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."
Pour into God and He will pour into you. I can do nothing but give God glory for all He has done in my life so far.

To the Creekside Class of 2005: This is a time to celebrate! We made it 10 years! A whole decade...lol. So yeah...we're starting to get old. I wish nothing more than that you keep prospering and succeeding in all areas of life.
However, we know that everyone did not make this journey with us but they are in our hearts daily and in remembrance. R.I.P to our fallen angels

To the class of 2015: Congratulations! You have reached a huge milestone in your life. You have a journey ahead of you but KNOW that God is with you every step of the way. Put Him first in everything that you do. The sky is the limit! No...I take that back. There are no limits with God.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in The Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding (6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."


Acknowledge. Fix. Keep it moving...

Photo Credit: Cheryl Johnson

Praise the Lord, Hallelujah I'm Free

Brethren, I count not myself apprehended, but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus  - Philippians 3:13-14

It's hard to fully walk into the purpose that God has laid before you when you are still holding on to your past. You keep dwelling on your past mistakes, hurts, habits and then you on top of it you have people throwing your past in your face when you try to move forward. You are broken because of your past and you're entangled in bondage. You feel so guilty that it's impossible for you to move forward. I'm here to tell you that it's time to LET IT GO. I know it sounds easier said than done but it is time to reclaim your freedom. It can be done!

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage - Ephesians 5:1

We need to gain a full understanding of God's love for us. It's hard to get over your past and your hurts when you don't understand God's love and forgiveness towards you. We've painted this picture somehow that because of our past, God doesn't love us or he is disappointed and has turned his face away. I felt like that all through my college years. I felt God was disappointed in me and that he did not like me. I felt separated from him. But what I didn't understand was that my sins were making me feel separated from God. (Let's get that straight). All God want you to do is repent, get up, and keep it moving.  I didn't have the full understanding of God's grace and mercy as well as his love and forgiveness. God woke me up every morning to reach towards the purpose that he has instilled inside of me and although I didn't see it then, He knew exactly what He was doing. God could have cut it off a long time ago but he chose not to. That's love and the following scripture is a definite showing of God's love towards us:

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" - John 3:16

God loved us that much that He sent his son, Jesus, to die on the cross to conquer sin. He conquered your present, future, as well as your PAST sins. He nailed them to the cross never to be remembered again. So why is it that we are still holding on to past mistakes and going on this guilt trip causing us not to fully walk into our purpose?

Therefore now there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ - Romans 8:1

Stop beating yourself up! Jesus did not die on the cross for us to still be living in bondage. Because you are covered by the blood of Christ, you are not being held guilty. He has already overcome the world for us. You ever heard the Donnie McClurkin song, "We Fall Down"? He also says in the lyrics that we also GET UP. Don't stay down because you have fallen and made a mistake. Repent of your sins and GET UP. God's forgiveness falls on you when you repent. It's easy to feel guilty when it feels like people or even ourselves are keeping a track record of your mess ups. We have to remember that people keep track records, God doesn't. He said he won't remember our sins from the east to the west and that they are cast down in the deepest of the sea. That is why it is important to break the bondage that people hold over us. We're afraid to do what God has called us to do because we fear of being judged by our past.

I started to see a drastic change on my Instagram page. My posts went from entertaining the world to entertaining Christ. I used my page to start spreading the gospel and encouraging those who may be going through. Now you know somebody is sitting back judging and talking about "How she gonna be on here talking about Jesus when I know for a fact that she used to be this way, wear this, or she used to do this, etc.."  I don't care if your past was yesterday or 2 years ago, once God has cleansed and forgiven you, it is over. The bible says those who are in Christ are a new creature. Old things are passed away and behold all things are become new. Don't have people thinking that you can't change or that God can't use you because of your past. God can use ANYBODY and know he will get the glory out of it. There are several examples in the bible where God has used people that may not have had the best past or track record.

1.) Rahab was a prostitute but God still used as simply an "inn keeper"

2.) Moses was a murderer but God used him to lead him people to the promise land

3.) Noah was a drunk but God still used him to build an arc

God used all of these people despite what their past looked like. Get out of what people think or will think about you and do what God has called you to do. You were born with a purpose to make an impact.

For do I persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be a servant of Christ. - Galatians 1:10

WAYS TO OVERCOME YOUR PAST

• READ THE WORD: You have to come to the realization of who you are in Christ. Not who you are to other people, or to the world, or to anything else, but to Christ. You have to understand God's love for you. God loves you UNCONDITIONALLY, not matter what you may have done or even what you think about yourself. We are not perfect and yes we are still going to make mistakes but you have to understand that there are no boundaries to God's love. Look for different scriptures that demonstrates God's love and grace and mercy and get them planted deep in your heart.

• CAPTURE THOSE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS: You have to shut those negative, condemning thoughts about your past down before they even seep into the chambers of your heart. 2 Corinthians 1-:5 says, "Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. If you're thinking that you're nothing because of your past, come back with greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world. You have to have a "clap back." The enemy is after your mind. He wants you to feel bad about yourself and think that God will not use you. You have to renew your mind daily with the word of God.

• PRAY: Give all of your thoughts to God. Be honest with Him and express how you are feeling. He will let your know exactly how He feels about you and you'll start to feel His love all over again.

Bro and sis, your past is OVER. Let it go. You have to remember what and why Jesus did what he did on the cross. It was all in God's plan to send His only son to die on the cross for our sins and He did it because HE LOVES YOU. HE SAVED YOU. Nothing you have done or could do can separate you from the love of God. If your past has been holding you back from all you could be in Christ, lay it at his feet and GET UP. You got work to do. God has implanted it in you. Walk boldly and fully into the purpose that God has placed on your life for his kingdom. 









Acknowledge. Fix. Keep it Moving..



I Remember The Days I Prayed For The Things I Have Now

I remember the days I prayed for the things I have now. It was a quote that I ran across on Instagram. This says so much to me. My mind started traveling back in time thinking of the things I've prayed for that has now come to pass. It just makes me think about the power of prayer. But a lot of times, we can become discontent with where we are now in life or start complaining about what we don't have instead of focusing on what we do have.  A lot of the things we have and the places where we are now are because of the prayers that were sent up at one time in your life.



I can go all the way back to my college days. I remember praying "Lord, I really want my degree. Lead me to the path. I really need to pass genetics," I prayed but I worked my tail off and earned it in Dec 2010. I remember praying a few years back to pass my pharmacy technician certification exam (PTCE). While praying, I joined a tutorial class as well as studied on my own. I passed that test with a breeze on Jan 2012. I remember going through a season after I was certified of trying to find a job in a retail pharmacy. I was blessed with opportunity to work at Wal-mart for the past 2 1/2 years becoming a valued employee and establishing my pharmacy experience. I remember praying for at least 5 years for a reliable vehicle. I prayed and saved my money and I was blessed to purchase a new vehicle in May 2014.



Now, everything is not always peachy and it makes it very easy to complain and become discontent. Sometimes, we need to take a look back and remember the times where we didn't have that job, reliable car, diploma, degree, certification, spouse, etc., and we were laying face down praying to God to move in our lives and bless us with the desires of our hearts. This is how you become humble, grateful, and content for where you are. God has a season and a perfect timing for everything. He knows you don't want to stay in the same place forever. God is a god of elevation! He has to mold and prepare you for the next.



Pray for the things that you are desiring for your life. But not only pray, but also move your feet.



James 2:26 says, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."



While you are praying, also work towards what you desire. There is no point in doing it if you don't have faith that the door is going to even open. If you are desiring a new job, you need to fill out applications. If you are unsure where to go in life, you need to seek guidance and direction from The Lord and wait to hear from him. If you are praying for a house or car, you would need to get your finances together. God will open the right door when it is time. Hebrews 11:6 mentions that without faith it is impossible to please God. You know the saying: Until the door opens, praise him in the hallway." You have to praise your way through. Don't walk around in a downing spirit...just sitting and waiting for something to happen. Get up and enjoy each day! You have to learn to be content with where you are for the time being and stop comparing your life to others. This is not a race! Everyone is on a separate journey.


Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known unto God. (7) And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ."


Jesus said he will never leave you or forsake you. So why are we worried about our circumstances or our future? As long as Jesus is by our side, He will not lead us astray. You just have the trust his leading.


Colossians 3:2 says, "Set your affection on the things above, not the things on earth."
Sometimes, I can become so consumed with wanting to be established to a certain point and successful until it clouds my mind. It becomes what I'm chasing after. Understand this, we were not put on this earth to chase after cars, careers, money, fame, success, status, etc. Yes, it is nice to have some of these things but it should not be a priority. Our main focus should be chasing after Christ and seeking him daily. Our sights should be on heaven. We should be more focused with spreading the gospel. All of these temporary things will pass away. I'm not saying that we shouldn't desire some things but don't let it consume you.


Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."


Just live! Give everything to God. He got you. He knows the plans for your life and means no harm for your future.


Jeremiah 29:11 says. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not evil, to give you an expected end.


An EXPECTED end. A lot of times we put our expectations in everything and every one else and get disappointed. With God, there are no disappointments. Whatever was meant for your bad, God will turn it around for your good. All things work together for the good of those who love God. (Rom8:28).


Stop focusing on what you don't have and be content with what you do have. What you have now is what you prayed for in previous seasons whether it took a month or a few years to come to pass. Don't ever think that you are stuck in a season.
Galatians 6:9 says, "And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."


Psalm 37:4-5 says, "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (5) Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him and he shall bring it to pass."


Just think, you'll be able to look back again and say "I remember the days I prayed for the things I have now."


Acknowledge. Fix. Keep it Moving...

My past? Oh, I Don't Live There Anymore

2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.



      So you have just given your life to Christ. You are excited and you are walking boldly in your new found journey or you have rededicated your life back to Jesus and you made the decision to start wholeheartedly living for him. Then BAM! You run into an old friend or associate. They see the fruit you are producing and start to test your walk. They are trying to see if you want to hang out and partake in some things that you don't do anymore. You simply reply, "No, thank you, I don't do that anymore." Then they hit you with the "Oh, so you think you're better than me or something? Let's not forget, I remember what you used to do."  



1 Peter 4:4 (NLT) says, "Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. But remember that they will have to face God, who stands ready to judge everyone, both the living and the dead."                                               


                                                                    PAUSE




Ok, so let's dissect 2 Corinthians 5:17. The first part states "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Once you have accepted Jesus into your life as your personal Lord and Savior, your past is forgiven. You are covered under the blood. Your name is written in the lamb's book of life. In fact, your name has been changed. For example, you are no longer known as ________, the thief, the drug dealer, the liar, the whoremonger, the stripper, etc. but __________, the child of God, the son or daughter of the King. You are no longer labeled as a sinner. Sin no longer have dominion over you because you live under grace and not the law. (Now that doesn't mean go and do what you want). You are not sentenced to death because you have the gift of God which is eternal life through Jesus Christ.


The second part of the scripture states "...old things are passed away; behold, all things are new. Your past is old news! You're not that person anymore. Don't let anyone condemn you. Put the past behind you and move forward onto your God given purpose. You don't have time to wallow in the past when you're focused on what God wants you to do. Jesus has washed away your sins with his blood and now it is new. You have a new slate and a new beginning ahead of you. Walk into it!

Galatians 5:1 says, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."

Do you think that the devil is happy that you gave your life to Christ or that you decided to make a change towards the better in your life? Of course not! He is not happy that he lost one of his teammates for #teamJesus. So you know what he is trying to do. He is going to try any and everything possible to try to win you back on his team. Just like God can use us, so can the devil. He's going to use your ex-friends, associates, ex boos and boo-ettes, former boyfriends/girlfriends, and even the current ones to try to throw your past in your face. He want you to feel unworthy of yourself and He wants you to feel undeserving of God's love. Because you were set free, the devil wants to put you back into bondage.

Nobody and I mean NOBODY can dangle your past in your face. We as Christians have to stop caring about what others think. We are not here to please people but to serve God. You can't be a true follower of Christ and be overwhelmingly consumed in people bondage, constantly seeking their approval rather than the approval of God. That's why it is very important to get God's word planted deep into our heart. We need to know and understand what God says about us.

Lamentations 3:22-23 says, "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. (23) They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness."

God love never fails. We think that God is mad at us and we separate ourselves from him when He was there the whole time. Because of you feeling condemned, you feel like God can't use you. You start shying away from your purpose. That is the enemy attacking your mind again. You can look all through the bible and see people that did not have the greatest pasts being used by God to do mighty things.

Roman 8:1 says, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit."
This is the scripture that we should be reminded of daily. People may condemn you but Jesus does not. Isn't that awesome?

The next time someone hits you with the "I know who you USED to be, or what you USED to do, remind them that the word "used" is past tense and "PAST" means gone by in time and no longer existing. So.. my past? Oh, I don't live there anymore.



Remember I John 3:20-21 "For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. (21) Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God."

Acknowledge. Fix. Keep it Moving...
Matthew West- Hello, My Name Is