Sometimes it’s just best to tell your story before your story gets told. In all I’ve endured God has been GOOD! I hope this helps someone know that no lesson in life is wasted.
Tag Archives: encouragement
I’m Not Feeling It
Here’s my truth…
Sometimes I’m not feeling it. I mean really. Sometimes I don’t feel like talking. I don’t feel like smiling or being nice. I don’t feel like helping or hearing other people’s problems. I don’t feel like remembering what Jesus said do or don’t do. I don’t feel like taking the high road and being silent about tomfoolery and things which are unfair. I don’t feel like squashing the feisty part of my #35211. I don’t feel like looking at the bright side, looking for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow or even looking for the rainbow at the end of the storm. Sometimes I’m just not feeling it.
But in those times you shouldn’t know it and it shouldn’t show because my feelings and not feeling it are between the God who can fix them and me. So on those days like today, in addition to prayer, I blast my William Murphy Demonstrate (Deluxe Edition) on Spotify really loudly in the morning before work. I search for the motivating posts and scroll quickly through the ones with complaints and bad news. I purposely think about the great things going on or coming up and think of them often. I get a dose of 90s-themed Hip Hop, usually with a Miami or Atlanta-inspired heavy, bass background. I fight back the urge to stay in bed, but I do leave my linen pulled by just enough for me to motivate me to hurry up and get back home. I fluff out my hair accessory (my wig), pull out my FINEST Kmart couture and take great care to make my lips pop with a bold red or rich purple.
Sometimes I’m not feeling it, but in those times I do whatever I have to do to look and feel better because looking and feeling bad is not a good look for me.
@AngelaMMoore316
Work is Not Your World
A recent conversation with a loved one sharing work challenges (i.e. inter-office drama) called forth the simple statement “Work is not your world”. As I listened to the story and shared my spin those words rang true at that moment as they have for me so many times before, “Work is not your world.”
One of the things which can disturb us like few is discord on the job. Whether it be being unappreciated, not being compensated properly, inequity in titles or treatment, being treated unfairly or viewed unfavorably, being overworked, not being heard or well-received, lack of support for advancement or plain ol’ mess with groups and/or individuals, a lot of us spend a LOT of time at work hopefully because something we do is something we love to do. To have drama in the midst of having to do what we researched on, applied for, interviewed for, prayed about, told our loved ones about, posted on, prepared for and committed to show up to do is a bummer, a real bummer.
The good news is, “work is not your world.” It’s as simple as that. Yes, the environment might be uncomfortable. Yes, the people might be “interesting”. Yes, people might be paid more than you for less work than you do. Yes, you might have envisioned yourself being further along or somewhere else way before this point in time. Yes, your boss might be totally wrong in his/her actions. Yes, systems might not be in place which need to be. Yes. Yes. Yes to all of that which might be going on, BUT “work is not your world.” So with that said:
- Pray before you go to work, while there and when you leave.
- Place your “challenges and challengers” at the top of the list in a sincere, God-approved way, of course.
- Do your best, especially in times of challenge.
- There is never a good time for slacking, but when trouble is brewing is certainly not the time as you want to maintain your excellence and perception of excellence at all times (in other words, don’t give your challengers or challenges any proof that they were right.)
- Get a life…outside of work.
- Be sociable, but don’t find all your friends at work. Don’t put all of your eggs in the proverbial job basket.
- Learn all you can about what to do and what not to do in leadership while there.
- Avoid the water cooler or coffeepot talk about the negative things going on as to not let it further frustrate you.
- Don’t get caught up in the unprofessional actions or reactions of others.
- Ask God why you are still there and be open to the wonderful reasons why even if they don’t feel like it.
- Go home when it’s time and leave work where it belongs.
- When challenged by situations revolving around co-workers or work-related scenarios think of your loved ones and who and what really matters.
- And MOST IMPORTANTLY….
- Do not, I repeat. Do not ever forget that your job is just a resource. There’s a Source so much bigger than your 9am to 5pm, 11pm to7am or 4am to 4pm. God’s got you! He knows what He’s doing, why He’s doing it, what He’s allowing, how it’s working for your good and when He’s going to move you up, move you out or move you right on up out of there.
@AngelaMMoore316
Peace, My People
So much is going on in the world, big and small. Friends, loved ones and colleagues are reeling from politics, surprise separations, health challenges, financial struggles, job transitions and so much more. I don’t recall my prayer list being this long in a long time. Like for real. In the midst of it all, I thank God for His word which promises peace. I will let my Lord and Savior speak to and comfort us instead. I’m so grateful for God’s word, now more than ever.
I Shall Not Be Moved
Whew! Last week was a doozy. On Thursday around 11am knee-deep in boxes, garbage, too much stuff, plans, phone calls, scheduling, rescheduling, unexpected conflict and the likes I was preparing for the move from my old house to my new and I found myself sitting on the steps of my downstairs den about to bawl like a baby. Actually, I think a tear did fall. This was supposed to be a blessed day. I’d prayed for this moving day FOR YEARS, and had overcome the struggles in the weeks prior just to find somewhere to live and a resource to afford it. I’d even celebrated this moment in advance as I prepared to finally be moved. But it did not feel like a blessing as moving day progressed.
On moving day things got off to a great start. I woke earlier than planned. The packing the days prior from some certified angels on earth was stellar. The threat of rain appeared to be only a threat. The Two Men and a Truck movers were moving right along. My very own personal handy man was fulfilling his role as only he could in helping me handle business then out of nowhere the rain came, the progress slowed down, the rain came even harder, the heavy items presented major problems, the rain stopped/tricked me/started again, the clock of payment kept ticking (at an hourly rate I can’t even type) and all I could think of was WHY. Why was this happening to me? Why did I have to go through this years-long process and pay for it big time? Why would it start raining just as they were moving out the things with fabric? Why was I already so tired from recently having to balance more on my plate to be able to afford to move because of circumstances totally out of my control or causing? Why was it taking so doggone long to move all of my stuff causing my ever-ticking tab to skyrocket? Why? Why? Why?
I know my attitude the morning of March 24th toward a few key people wasn’t its best as I grappled with what I was feeling internally. I apologize to them. To make matters worse, as in my attitude, when we finally made it to my new house it appeared that my furniture wouldn’t fit. You can not imagine the frustration overflowing. At that moment, with the amazingly helpful men struggling and sweating to try to accommodate me and all my stuff, moving a heavy California King bed and other items which are paid in full and all I have, and knowing the clock which started at 8:30am and was well into the pm, I was on the verge of officially losing it. I wanted to QUIT IT ALL right there in the midst of the move. But I didn’t. For one, I couldn’t. I was too far in. For two, I couldn’t. That’s just not like me no matter how tempting. So what I did was rally up the troops. I listened to the sound advice, the kind comfort, the touch of love, the tough love, the sage wisdom and the firm facts of faith from those who were privy to what I was experiencing and I heeded their advice, trusted the process, and I let go. I simply blew out a really deep breath and let it go. I relinquished my lists of “what ifs”, “what am I going to do” and “this isn’t fair”. I reflected not on how I ended up in this place in the first place. I didn’t continue to calculate the growing costs in my mind. I just let it go and decided I shall not be moved…but I finally was moved…into a new home and on with my life. Thanks be to God!
Dear February…What Just Happened?!?!?
Hallelujah, March has made it! It’s not unusual for me to be excited about the month that brings about my birthday, the birthdays of some special loved ones and friends, Spring, Spring Break and this year the celebration of Easter, the Resurrection of Christ.
But this March has been stuck in my mind like my favorite American Bandstand song from the 80’s after the month of February tried to whip me like I stole something and lied. Whew! From the death of multiple loved ones to the extended hospitalization of my dad, to fatigue (and a hint of fear), to financial finagling at my finest (I’m really proud of how I did what I did in February), to loved ones facing devastating disappointment, to house and career opportunities disguised as challenges and so on, February 2016 came out swinging like a frightened child in a swarm of bees. And it fought till the very end.
But guess what. So did I. And so did my loved ones who personally faced far greater obstacles than I did and still live to see another beautiful day marking another hope-filled month, even mustering up a smile when they can. We made it through to the here and now, and the beautiful blessing that will be March. We made it and that’s all that matters! Come to think of it, you made it too. Yippee!!!!
So with that I say, “Welcome March”. We’ve been waiting on you. Bring on your season of celebration of life (mine to be exact), promise of new beginnings marked by Spring, sign of respite as evident of Spring Break and GUARANTEE of resurrection as always noted through Easter. Not to put all of my eggs in one proverbial basket, but please March, be good to us all. After all, we’re coming out of February and need all the reprieve we can receive. Thank you. Amen.
@AngelaMMoore316
I’m 56. Wait! What?
Recently I had an opportunity to travel to an in-state college to recruit for my job. I made the two and a half hour trek south of 65 and 85 to parts I rarely venture (as I am an avid University of Alabama fan/grad), and braved the athletic enemy’s territory for the sake of my calling. I arrived early, not aware of how traffic would be, and was able to sit in my car for a spell to check email and listen to some of the finest hip-hop the Columbus, GA neighboring station could provide.
At 4:30, the expected time for vendor arrivals, I unloaded my car, looked back at my University of Alabama alumni tag, as if I were about to cheat on it, and strolled into the orange and blue haven. (Side note: I must admit, the campus and building were beautiful, as they were the last time I visited. The BIG picture of Cam didn’t hurt either.) I registered at the table stocked with hospitable, smiling faces. I reluctantly fought back the urge to take a selfie in front of the orange and blue all around attaching to it something about the reigning National Champions. I received my packet of welcome info, including the number I was assigned to set up for the Career Fair. There were 59 assigned tables. I was number 56.
Upon site of 56 just above the 59 my first thought was, “Wait! What? I don’t want to be 56!” I immediately thought I would be WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY across the arena in the forgotten section unvisited by eager students ready for life after college and truly ready for the barbecue after this college fair. I just knew my slot was one destined to a big, ol’ hunk of nothing. I was prepared to fight through full-blown sourpuss mode the entire four hours I was scheduled to be there.
Well, wouldn’t you know it, right after the fresh-faced student walked me into the arena the fourth table from the door had my name on it…well, not my name, but my number. Not only was table number 56 right at the door used for everyone to enter, I was smack dab in front of the double-lined buffet of hot, smoky barbecue chicken and tender, sliced turkey, green beans, tossed salad, sweet tea, chocolate cookies and the famous cheddar biscuits which put Jim-n-Nicks on the map, at least in my mouth.
When I received my assigned 56 out of the 59 I completely counted myself and my number out. Then boom, with a just few simple steps forward I was like the 2015 National Champions. I was #winning!
The moral of this story is: I/we win REGARDLESS. We just have to keep stepping.
@AngelaMMoore316
How Low Can You Go?
2015 is soon coming to a close and I’ll be honest. It’s been a growth-inducing year. In other words, it gave your girl, and many in her close circle a soul-stirring, faith-producing, temper-testing, fear-fighting, anger-squelching, emotional rollercoaster ride, run for her money, or the lack thereof (money) at times. I’m not going to dwell too much on the “only God could carry me through” details of what all 2015 served up because that’s not the point of the post. That’s for later and on a larger platform.
The point of the post is that, even though not much APPEARS TO HAVE YET changed for the better, for the last two weeks or so, this has been in my spirit, “This is as bad as it will get and AS LOW AS YOU WILL GO.”
I already know how low I can go! Praise the Lord!
Yep, that’s it, literally and figuratively. No matter what. (Now let that dance around in your spirit like a hip-hop melody.)
@AngelaMMoore316
What Is Your Super Power? by Kushuna Williams
***This inspiring post is by guest blogger Kushuna Williams, as featured in the feature picture with me sporting her big smile and even bigger heart.***
It’s no secret that my life did a total 180 degree turn when I was laid off from a company that I had been employed with for 7 years. When I first got laid off, I was full of “this is God’s will” or “the plans that God has for me are great” and “God has something better”…. well these words began to drift slowly away from my vocabulary as I continued to be laid off. It became increasingly difficult to chant them with confidence, especially when the one year mark came up and I still have not found a job in my field. I can remember the confidence I had in my education, work experience and well written resume, but these things have not been instrumental in helping me to become employed in my desired field with a salary that is more than just minimum wage.
I’m no stranger to the disappointments that life just tosses at you. I’ve had family issues, less than enough finances, more than enough bills, car accidents, health woes, friends that turned into enemies and enemies that turned into guardian angels. I think back on ALL those life lessons and often wondered why those things didn’t have the emotional impact that being laid off has had on me. Some of those things were actually more difficult especially the year I was involved in two car accidents where I totaled two vehicles. The difference: GRATITUDE. I somehow made gratitude my attitude of choice. My ability to be resilient and effervescent during those tough times came from a sincere attitude of thankfulness. I was able to be content in midst of every situation because I chose to be grateful. Gratitude was my superpower, and some where between January 2015 and lately I have forgotten my super power. I spent a lot of time being bitter, complaining, crying, wondering why me or when will it be me…God owes me NOTHING. I made up in my mind that something HAD to change, my negative emotions were making me sick, literally. God reminded me of my super power; that gratitude for what you already have will make you reevaluate what you think you need. I WANT a job in my field, a bigger home, my savings account to look like it did before I lost my job, and to be pregnant. What I HAVE is a job that is stable, a loving/praying husband that is content with our current living space, an opportunity to learn how to be wife before I become a mom and a God that has promised and proven to perfect everything that concerns me. Gratitude is my super power, it might not necessarily be your super power, but it couldn’t hurt sprinkling it everywhere!
What Makes Faith?
A friend and I were talking about a situation recently, one that is stretching me to grow in an area I thought I was already fully grown. After stating my “claim”, this trusted sage said, “Oh, and here I thought you were a Christian.” Huh? What?!?!?! I blinked my eyes and said with southern sarcasm, “I am!” The response…”Well, you’re not acting like it. Where is your faith? You talk all that talk and now that this is happening, and you’ve been waiting on it to happen you’re acting like a little chicken. This is nothing new to the God you say you believe in. Gone way from here with that!” And just like that I got “read” like a Housewives reunion on repeat.
So I pose this question to you all. What makes faith? I think it’s the situations we face which cause us to stretch and grow, especially when we thought we were already fully grown, think we can’t go another inch, think we’ve already made it through, push us out of comfort, knock the wind out of us which make our faith. It’s the times we (rightfully) believe we deserve a break, have just come out of battle and face another way, have had success in that area already and thought that “class” was over, can’t figure out the solution to save our life, have to daily battle fear within our flesh and HAVE TO HAVE absolute, total reliance on God as the only One to see us through which make faith and make the best testimonies of God’s great, great power.
@AngelaMMoore316
Life Gets Better 