Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing what happened or pretending it didn’t matter. It means choosing not to keep punishing yourself for something you cannot change.
One of the hardest things we face in life is learning to forgive ourselves. Mistakes, regrets, and wrong turns are part of every human journey, yet many of us struggle with letting go of our past. Sometimes, it feels even harder because people around us keep reminding us of who we used to be. They may only see the version of us who made those mistakes, not the person we’ve worked hard to become.
But here’s the truth: who you are now matters far more than who you were then.
The Weight of the Past
We all have moments we wish we could erase. Words we wish we hadn’t spoken. Decisions we wish we hadn’t made. For some, those memories replay in our minds like a never-ending film. Add to that the voices of people who refuse to let us move forward, and it can feel impossible to break free from the weight of yesterday.
But holding on to the past doesn’t change it. All it does is rob us of peace in the present.
Shifting the Perspective
The real question isn’t, “What mistakes did I make?” The real question is, “Who have I become because of them?” Every wrong step teaches us something. Every stumble strengthens us. Every regret sharpens our awareness. Growth often comes from the very things we wish had never happened.
If others can’t see your growth, that’s their limitation, not yours. You are not obligated to remain chained to the version of yourself that no longer exists.
Letting Go of Self-Blame
Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing what happened or pretending it didn’t matter. It means choosing not to keep punishing yourself for something you cannot change.
Think about it this way:
Would you hold someone else’s worst day against them forever?
Would you deny someone else the chance to grow, heal, and change?
If not, then why deny yourself that same grace?
Walking Forward in Freedom
Every sunrise brings a chance to live differently, to make better choices, and to create a story that reflects the best of who you are today. Don’t let the echoes of your past drown out the voice of your present.
So stop beating yourself up. Stop rehearsing the old stories. Stop agreeing with people who only want to define you by yesterday’s chapters.
Left-handed compliments are passive-aggressive. They’re sly. And they often leave you wondering, was that supposed to be nice?
Since publishing my book Transformation, I’ve been on a personal mission, one that’s both exciting and a little terrifying, to become the most authentic version of myself. I’ve been journaling the journey, collecting the lessons, and slowly shaping them into my next book, Nurturing the Soul. My hope is that it will one day serve as a gentle light for others walking their own path toward self-acceptance.
The very first step? Deciding I was done pretending.
For years, I wore a mask so seamlessly that even I forgot it was there. I smiled, I served, I poured myself out for others, so much so that I started losing sight of the person underneath the performance. Don’t get me wrong, I value kindness and service deeply. But somewhere along the way, “serving” others became a cover for something else: a fear of letting people down. And when you fear disappointing others, you learn to swallow your own needs… and sometimes even swallow insults.
One type of insult I’ve swallowed more times than I can count is what’s known as the left-handed compliment.
What’s a Left-handed Compliment?
Also called a “backhanded compliment,” it’s a remark that sounds like praise on the surface but is wrapped around a little barb of criticism. It’s a way of smiling at you while simultaneously poking you in the ribs.
It’s passive-aggressive. It’s sly. And it often leaves you wondering, was that supposed to be nice?
The truth is, these kinds of comments are less about lifting you up and more about putting you in your place. And while they might seem harmless to the speaker, they can sting, especially if you’re used to brushing things off in the name of keeping the peace.
So, let’s talk examples.
10 Examples of Left-handed Compliments
“You do you.” Translation: I think your choice is weird, but hey, if you want to be wrong, that’s on you.
“Wow, you look great… for your age.” Translation: You look good, but let’s not forget you’re no spring chicken.
“I could never pull that off, but it works for you.” Translation: That outfit is questionable, but somehow you manage to survive it.
“You’re so brave to wear something like that.” Translation: I would never wear that because I think it’s awful.
“You’re actually pretty good at this.” Translation: I assumed you’d be terrible, but you’ve exceeded my low expectations.
“That haircut makes you look… different.” Translation: I don’t like it, but I’ll pretend I’m neutral.
“You look so much better than you used to.” Translation: You were a mess before.
“You’re so confident!” Translation: I wouldn’t have the nerve to do what you’re doing, because it’s risky (or silly).
“I wish I had the freedom to dress like you do.” Translation: You clearly don’t care what people think, and maybe you should.
“You’re surprisingly articulate.” Translation: I didn’t expect you to sound intelligent.
Nurture Your Soul
Learning to spot these backhanded compliments has been one of the most freeing parts of my journey. They no longer slip by unnoticed. And more importantly, I no longer feel the need to laugh them off to avoid making things awkward.
Peeling off the mask isn’t just about being honest with others; it’s about being honest with yourself when something doesn’t feel right.
The more I practice this, the more I realize that nurturing the soul sometimes means pruning away the voices that don’t feed it. And I think that’s a compliment worth giving… and receiving.
Whenever God prepares you for greatness, He often begins by removing everything that no longer serves your growth.
Whenever God prepares you for greatness, He often begins by removing everything that no longer serves your growth, like people, habits, places, and even comforts that once felt essential. What feels like loss is often divine pruning. He breaks down what is unstable so He can rebuild something unshakable within you. This breaking is not punishment, it is preparation. It’s God clearing the path for a stronger, wiser, more refined version of you.
Just like a caterpillar cannot become a butterfly without shedding its former self, you cannot transform by clinging to what once was. The cocoon is a place of isolation and undoing, but it’s also the sacred space where wings are formed.
You may feel like your world is collapsing, but in truth, it’s being realigned. Some people will fall away, not because they dislike you, but because they are no longer meant to go where God is taking you. They were part of your past, not your purpose. And that’s okay. As one wise man said, “It’s better to walk alone than to walk with those who are going nowhere.”
Let God do the removing, the refining, and the reshaping. What He rebuilds will be greater than what you lost.
My mother was one of the kindest, gentlest souls you could ever meet. She wouldn’t hurt a fly, unless, of course, it landed in her space. Then all bets were off. “Boundaries!” she’d declare with righteous fury. “That fly invaded my boundaries!” And with that, she’d launch into a full-on swatting frenzy until the poor bug got the message: You don’t belong here.
These days, we refer to it as “staying in your lane.” But whether you’re talking about bugs or people, the principle is the same: We all need healthy boundaries.
I’ve never been a fan of confrontation. In fact, I avoid it like the plague. But I do appreciate it when people respect both my emotional and physical space.
To be clear, I’m not talking about pushing people away during times of grief or support. When my mom passed, I welcomed every hug and tearful word from friends and family. That kind of closeness is beautiful and healing.
What I’m talking about now are the uninvited intrusions, the ones where people overstep, press too hard, or get too close without invitation. You know the type. They mean well (sometimes), but they show up emotionally or physically where they don’t belong.
So, how do we let people know they’ve crossed a line without sounding rude, standoffish, or confrontational?
Here are three gracious but firm ways to say “Get out of my space” without flipping the table or pulling out the flyswatter.
1. “I appreciate your input, but I need a little space to think through this on my own.”
This phrase works like a charm when someone is crowding you with opinions or “help” you didn’t ask for. It sets a respectful boundary while acknowledging their (often unsolicited) good intentions.
Translation: Please step back and let me breathe.
2. “I’m taking some time for myself right now; can we connect a bit later?”
Perfect for when someone keeps texting, calling, or showing up unannounced. It lets them know you’re not available without shutting the door completely.
Translation: This is me time. Kindly wait your turn.
3. “I’m not comfortable with that.”
Short, sweet, and powerful. You don’t need to explain. You don’t need to justify. Just stand in your truth and let it be known that something has crossed a line.
Translation: That’s a boundary, friend. Step back.
Mom Would Be Proud
My mom taught me that boundaries are not about rejection; they’re about protection. Just like she didn’t hate that fly (well, not personally), she didn’t want it buzzing in her ear or walking across her sandwich.
The same goes for people. We can love them, care about them, and still need space from them sometimes.
What Do You Say?
Do you have a gentle but firm way to tell people to scoot? Have you ever struggled with setting personal boundaries? I’d love to hear your tips, stories, or wisdom that have been passed down from your own family.
There are some people who leave a mark on your heart that time cannot erase. For me, that person was my mother.
While she’s no longer with us, the wisdom she passed on continues to guide me, and it has the power to guide others as well. Her lessons weren’t grand lectures or complicated philosophies. They were simple, deeply rooted truths that touched every part of life.
Here are the three life lessons my mom taught me, lessons built on love, forgiveness, and grace.
Lesson 1: Love Without Limits
My mother was the very definition of love in motion.
When you looked at her, you saw love. When you talked with her, you heard love. And when she said, “I love you,” it wasn’t just words; it was a feeling that wrapped around you like music for the soul.
She believed that love should be unconditional and freely given.
“Love is love,” she’d say. “If you’re not loving with your whole heart, without expecting anything in return, then you’re not really loving.”
She took her cue from Scripture and lived these words daily:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” — John 13:34–35 (NIV)
Her life was a living example of Jesus’ most excellent command.
Lesson 2: Forgive as an Act of Love
To my mother, forgiveness wasn’t a sign of weakness; it was a strength born from love.
She often told me:
“When you love, you forgive. And when you forgive, you love.”
Forgiveness was woven into everything she did. She understood that no one is perfect, and that to love people genuinely, you have to be willing to let go of their wrongs.
She reminded me of this truth often:
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” — Matthew 6:14–15 (NIV)
Her grace was quiet but powerful. And because of her, I strive to walk in forgiveness every day.
Lesson 3: Judge Less, Love More
“Don’t waste time judging others,” Mom would say.
“Focus on your own walk. You’re not perfect either.”
She taught me to be self-reflective rather than critical. And whenever I felt justified in calling someone out, she would gently nudge me back to humility with her favorite reminder:
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” — Matthew 7:1 (NIV)
And then, she’d follow it with:
“You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” — Matthew 7:5 (NIV)
Mom always emphasized personal accountability over finger-pointing.
“Unless you’re perfect,” she’d say, “You have no business throwing stones.”
“…Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” — John 8:7 (NIV)
Her words shaped my heart and the way I treat others.
A Legacy of Love That Lives On
I miss my mother more than words can say. But I am so grateful for the legacy she left behind.
Her lessons were never forced; they were lived. And they continue to inspire me to love more deeply, forgive more quickly, and judge less.
If there’s one thing my mother would want you to remember, it’s this:
Everything, absolutely everything, comes back to love.
What life lessons did your mother or mentor teach you?
Share them in the comments below. I’d love to hear your stories.
If this message touched you, please feel free to share it with someone who needs a little light today.
I wrote this post because people often ask about my political beliefs. But when I try to explain where I stand, especially when my views differ from theirs, I’m often met with interruptions, condescension, or outright dismissal. Instead of having a respectful dialogue, I’m treated as if my beliefs are too offensive to even be heard.
Let me be clear: I listen. I stay open to what others have to say because I know we live in a world full of misinformation, manipulation, and media spin. Deepfakes, fake news, and agenda-driven narratives are everywhere. So, who can we really trust?
The truth is, in today’s world, “truth” often depends on what we choose to believe, and too often, our beliefs are shaped by sources that aren’t as honest or reliable as they claim to be. That’s why I think for myself. I seek out facts. And I form beliefs based on personal experience, reflection, and discernment.
This post isn’t about converting anyone to my way of thinking. It’s about having the space to share my perspective without being silenced, mocked, or dismissed. These are my beliefs. My truth. And I’m choosing to express them here, fully and freely, because every voice deserves to be heard with dignity, even if others don’t agree.
I’ve come to a place in life where I understand what matters most to me and my household. When I vote, it’s not about political parties. It’s about policies, policies that allow me to build the life I’ve worked hard to create.
Why I Vote the Way I Do
Over the years, I’ve noticed specific patterns. People in different life stages or economic situations often align with different parties. For instance, those working for others or facing financial hardship may find that Democratic policies better support their immediate needs, such as healthcare, job programs, or housing support. I can relate. When I was just starting out, I leaned that way, too. I needed support, and I appreciated the programs that helped me get on my feet.
But later, when I became a business owner, my perspective shifted. I began to see how certain regulations and tax requirements made it harder for me to keep my business going, let alone help it grow. In one particularly challenging year, I had to lay off and let go of my employees. The financial strain from government mandates was just too much.
Then, when the political landscape changed and new policies were introduced, ones that lightened the tax burden and made running a business more feasible, I was able to rebuild. It wasn’t about party loyalty. It was about what allowed me to continue providing jobs, serving my clients, and supporting my family.
I believe in paying my fair share. I believe in treating employees well. And anyone who has worked with me knows that I give generously when I’m able. But to give, I first need the freedom to grow, and sometimes, that means voting for policies that support businesses.
I also understand that people have different needs. Some voters may base their decisions on issues such as education, healthcare, or the environment. That’s their right, and I respect it. We all live different lives, and we all vote with the hope of improving them.
As for political affiliations, I don’t claim any one label. I vote based on alignment with my values and the future I want for my home. Do I agree with everything any one party says or does? No. But I try to choose the candidates whose policies will best serve my family’s needs.
On the topic of immigration, I believe this country is built on the strength and beauty of its immigrant roots. I’ve known many families who came here legally, worked hard, and became citizens. What I struggle with is the idea of bypassing the process. Like any home, I believe our country deserves the right to know who’s coming in and why, just as I would want to know before someone walks into my own home uninvited. That’s not about a lack of compassion. It’s about order, safety, and fairness.
At the end of the day, no matter who holds office, I choose to pray for them. Whether I voted for them or not, whether I like them or not, I believe in the power of prayer. I believe in praying for wisdom, for guidance, and for leadership that benefits all of us. That’s what my faith teaches me.
For People of Faith
For those who are people of faith, I think it’s important to remember what Scripture says about our leaders. Here are a few verses that guide me:
1 Timothy 2:1–2 (ESV) – “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions…”
Romans 13:1 (ESV) – “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God…”
Philippians 4:6 (ESV) – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
These verses help center me when politics feel divisive or discouraging. I believe our time here on earth is part of a greater test: to live by our faith and our values, regardless of what the world looks like around us. My role, as I see it, isn’t to complain or tear others down, but to live out my beliefs through love, prayer, and trust in God’s bigger plan.
So, when I cast my vote, I think about the bigger picture, my household, my faith, and how I can best contribute to the well-being of those around me. And I trust that others are doing the same, even if their choices look different from mine.
This is simply who I am: someone who chooses prayer over protest, love over labels, and faith over fear. I may not get everything right, but I try to walk this journey with integrity, grace, and compassion for all people.
Let’s Talk
I shared these thoughts not to argue or persuade, but to invite an honest and respectful conversation. These are my beliefs, shaped by my experiences and perspective. You may agree, or you may not, and that’s okay. My only ask is that we listen to each other with open minds and mutual respect. Let’s have the kind of discussion where every voice is heard, even when we don’t see eye to eye.
Grace yourself with the love of God and he will fight your battles for you.
Recently, I had the opportunity to practice forgiveness.
Friends, typically, forgiveness is not a difficult thing for me to do. Honestly, I see forgiveness as a way to get on with my life and let the other person get on with their life.
Let me share a recent moment when I was able to practice forgiveness by allowing God to work in my life, to fight a battle on my behalf. Also, let me first say that I will share this story in a way that protects the person who is not here to defend herself. Giving to that endeavor, I will only share a small portion of the total event.
In a recent encounter with a new woman in my sphere, this woman characterized me to be someone I am definitely not. We were discussing a business matter, and because she disagreed with the information I supplied, she called me a liar! She said a few other things not worth mentioning, and, as if I were a leper, she requested that I stay as far away from her as possible. I told her I was hurt by what she was saying, but it didn’t matter to her. Of course, after that I complied with her wish to stay far away from her. To protect myself from further abuse, I blocked her number from my phone and blocked her from my social media sites. I did not really care to hear from or be around someone with that kind of demeanor. I am reminded of the time Jesus was persecuted. In Luke 23:34 (NIV), we read,
“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
Luke 23:34 (NIV)
People can be so heartless. Evil abounds, but the Lord says He will fight our battles. And, I had to remember quickly that the Lord rescues His people from evil attacks. 2 Timothy 4:18 (NIV) reminds me of that.
“The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
2 Timothy 4:18 (NIV)
Evidence of the Lord’s word in 2 Timothy 4:28 came in the form of a gentleman who, knowing nothing about what was going on between the woman and me, was circumstantially placed in front of the woman. I see this gentleman as someone who was put in place to allow the woman to know that I was not lying after all. And, without provocation, and in a very organic conversation, the gentleman said to the woman, almost word-for-word, everything I had previously said to her. The gentleman’s words were validation that I was telling the truth. I learned of the gentleman’s involvement because the Lord made sure someone else was on the scene to witness and report back to me what had happened. The witness told me that after the gentleman said all that he said, the woman appeared to be in shock and at a loss for words. We don’t know what was on the woman’s mind, but the witness said it was as if she had received an epiphany of some sort.
Still, I have received no apology from the woman. Still, I must forgive the woman and pray that her life is filled with love and grace. Hanging on to what Jesus said, she knows not what she is doing.
Grace Yourself
By “Grace Yourself,” I mean align yourself with the Lord’s power. Adorn yourself with His Grace. His mighty angels are set aside for your protection. Yes, evil abounds, but we must remember that we do not have to fight our battles. When we let the Lord fight our battles, the battle is won.
Our only obligation is to stay faithful to the Lord. His lessons help us to remain calm in adversity as we rest in His love and care.
In the act of reverence and perseverance, my Lord asked me to forgive and move on beyond this event. As difficult as it was to forgive, as a faithful child of God, I had no other choice but to forgive the woman of her hurtful words. Whether she apologizes or not is immaterial.
We go through trials every day. And, there are times people put us into trials that we had no time to prepare for. I am here to say, let it go!
Friends, when someone does or says something to hurt you, I’m not going to lie. It hurts! I’ll tell you the truth right now. I was devastated when that woman said those hurtful words to me. No one had ever been that cruel to me in my whole life. I had a difficult time letting it go. But I am fortunate to have the most incredible friends in my life. When I found it difficult to let things go, my friends stepped in to remind me of God’s love and God’s ways. I am grateful for the friends I have on earth who know me and love me enough to steer me in the right direction at all times. I look forward to being with you all in God’s Kingdom.
Graced in the love of the Lord, I now feel refreshed and ready to enjoy life the way the Lord intends me to enjoy it.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Most often, when we read about Babylon, we read about the sinful nature of Babylon, but there is more to Babylon than its poor reputation.
The Rich History of Babylon
Much history about Babylon is lost, and specific knowledge claims are unaccountable. Still, it is known that at one time, Babylon was ruled by powerful leaders who built an impressive empire where law and order were established. Rules were followed, and it was a thriving city.
Babylon was located in Shinar, in ancient Mesopotamia, on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River. This location allowed Babylon to build a viable system of canals. These canals were used for irrigation and commerce. Many do not realize that Babylon was a place of culture with its beautiful buildings adorned with enameled brick, neatly paved streets, and statues of lions and dragons. Babylon is where a prescribed code of law, the Code of Hammurabi, was formed to maintain peace and prosperity. These laws were created by King Hammurabi, dating before the Mosaic Law. And most notably, because of King Hammurabi’s landscape architecture, Babylon is widely known for the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. These were magnificent, terraced gardens that were machine-watered. Today, many refer to these gardens as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
When King Hammurabi died, the Babylon that he built was taken over by the Hittites, and then the Kassites took reign and renamed the city Karanduniash. After the Kassites, the Assyrians took possession of the town. Under the rule of the Assyrian king Sennacherib, Babylon revolted, and that is when king Sennacherib had the city torn down and ruined.
Despite the devastation, the city of Babylon was able to be rebuilt under new power and rule.
However, as one successor after another presided over the land, the splendor of Babylon was eventually washed away, and Babylon, a city, favorably known as the Gate of the Gods, became a city of ruins.
What the Bible Says About Babylon
Babylon is mentioned in several books of the bible. However, it is discussed predominantly in the biblical books of Daniel, Jeremiah, and Isaiah.
While beautiful in structure, the people of Babylon worshipped pagan gods and heavily involved themselves in sexual immorality, cults, and prostitution.
We read in Jeremiah 50:1-3 (NLT):
The Lord gave Jeremiah the prophet this message concerning Babylon and the land of the Babylonians. This is what the Lord says: Tell the whole world, and keep nothing back. Raise a signal flag to tell everyone that Babylon will fall! Her images and idols will be shattered. Her gods Bel and Marduk will be utterly disgraced. For a nation will attack her from the north and bring such destruction that no one will live there again. Everything will be gone; both people and animals will flee.
Friends, if we have established that Babylon became notorious as a wicked and sinful place, and if we have learned that sin must be punished, let’s move on to the prophesied end-times mentioned concerning Babylon.
Revelation 14:8 –
Then another angel followed him through the sky, shouting, “Babylon is fallen—that great city is fallen—because she made all the nations of the world drink the wine of her passionate immorality.”
Revelation 16:19-21 –
The great city of Babylon split into three sections, and the cities of many nations fell into heaps of rubble. So God remembered all of Babylon’s sins, and he made her drink the cup that was filled with the wine of his fierce wrath. And every island disappeared, and all the mountains were leveled. There was a terrible hailstorm, and hailstones weighing as much as seventy-five pounds fell from the sky onto the people below. They cursed God because of the terrible plague of the hailstorm.
Revelation 17:5 – Regarding the drunken prostitute John saw when the angel took him into the wilderness.
A mysterious name was written on her forehead: “Babylon the Great, Mother of All Prostitutes and Obscenities in the World.”
Revelation 18:2 –
He gave a mighty shout: “Babylon is fallen—that great city is fallen! She has become a home for demons. She is a hideout for every foulspirit, a hideout for every foul vulture and every foul and dreadful animal.”
Revelation 18: 10 –
They will stand at a distance, terrified by her great torment. They will cry out, “How terrible, how terrible for you, O Babylon, you great city! In a single moment God’s judgment came on you.”
America, The Land of The Free
America has always been known as the land of opportunity. We talk about America being the land of the free and the home of the brave. Symbols representing these values include the American Flag, Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Bell, Uncle Sam, the White House, and the bald eagle. These symbols represent values such as hope, with the peace sign representing peace.
Let’s look at a few of our values more closely:
Life: Americans believe in an individual’s right to life, even to be able to defend themselves.
Liberty: Americans believe that we are free to have our own political or personal beliefs and that the beliefs of others should not be forced on people.
The Pursuit of Happiness: Americans believe that we have the right to pursue happiness in our own way, so long as our pursuit does not infringe upon the rights of others.
Common Good: Americans believe that we should act in a way that promotes the community’s welfare, in essence, for the benefit of all.
Other beliefs include equality, diversity, truth, popular sovereignty, patriotism, and more.
Have We Lost Sight of Our Values?
The crime rate in the U.S. is about 47.70 per 100,000 people. When I look at the crime statistics in America, my first response is to wonder why crime is so high. Then I look at our core values and see that America is pulling away from our core values.
Political leaders no longer act for the common good. Teachers and other people in authority act for personal rather than the public good. Criminals are being left free to commit crimes repeatedly.
Let me interject and ask, what purpose does it serve for a six-year-old child to be taught how to perform sexual acts?
Whenever I read about a teacher teaching our vulnerable children things they have no business being taught in a classroom situation, I cringe.
I base my thinking on the things I read in the bible. And since I believe most people who read the bible know what sin is and what sin is not, I will not go through this article pointing out specific sins. Just as the ancient Babylonians knew what sin was, Americans know what sin is. Yet, knowing does not deter people from sinning. In the preceding verses, we read God’s anger with the Babylonian people for their corruption. It makes me wonder if God did not tolerate what was going on in Babylon in historical times, what makes people think God will tolerate what is going on in America now? It’s just food for thought.
Please read the entire book of Revelation to understand what I say now. The Lord is coming back. We do not know when He is coming back because He has not told us when He is coming back. But, rest assured, He is coming back, and those who believe in Him will be spared. Those of us who do not believe in Him and who continue to live a life of sin will not be spared. It’s just so simple!
Revelation 22:
7 “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
10 And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. 11 Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.”
12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
Has America Become The New Babylon?
Has America become a corrupt nation? Have we become as bad as Babylon? If so, do we not know that God despises sin? Do we not know that as God destroyed Babylon because of the people’s rampant sin, He will also destroy America? Why not?
What Can We Do?
It is time for God’s people to see the world’s reality. It is time for God’s people to stop sinning and repent. It is time to stop living life as if nothing mattered but you.
If you believe in God and He is coming back to save His children (you and me), then now is the time to repent of our sins and start living a life that serves our God. And, as God-serving people, now is the time to start sharing the Word of God with others. Help others receive the rewards God promised to those who believe and trust Him.
It is so easy to be saved. All you must do is call upon the name of the Lord.
“But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2:21 NLT).
The Lord will hear your cry. Just cry out His name. Let Him know you love Him, and you trust Him. Tell Him of your sins and let Him know your plan to give up your sinful nature. That is all you need to do to be saved.
Now, remember this – you are human. Therefore, you are not perfect. Know that God does not expect you to be perfect. He only expects you to believe in Him and to trust in Him. And, when you sin, recognize your sin, confess your sin to the Lord, and move forward. Try with your heart to live a life that serves Him.
Bless you, and know that you are loved unconditionally by Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior.
We grow up in life expecting that life will be grand as we move out on our own and make our own decisions. Instead, as we maneuver through the world, we are met with disappointments, broken promises, and broken hearts. We discover the reality of this world. We find out that living life is not easy.
We discover that no one can guarantee us a life of bliss. Even God, our Creator, does not promise that we will live a life without chaos. He does say, however, that He will carry us through the chaos. See Isaiah 43:2 (NIV) –
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
There is so much turmoil in the world, and I know that worrying about it day and night will not do more than cause my blood pressure to rise. And so, it is my quest to live a life without worrying about all of those matters. I’m not saying I do not care about what happens to others in the world, and I do my part to help others when I can. I mean to say here that I prefer not to spend my life worrying about turmoil day in and day out.
It is easy to become overwhelmed, and when that happens, I refer to the bible. One of my “go-to” passages is in Matthew 6. In particular, the verses in Matthew 6:25-34 make me stop and recognize that my life is all taken care of. After reading those verses, I ask myself, what am I worried about? I realize God has me in the palm of His hand. He will make sure my needs are met. No matter what I need, He will provide it.
Even when it seems all is lost, somehow, if I step out of the way and let God have control of my life circumstances, everything works out more beautifully than my little mind could have ever planned it.
Oh, please don’t think I go through life willy-nilly, without plans. Oh, I plan! I plan many things, but here is what I do now that I did not do in the past. I take my plans and discern as best as I can if my plans are in tune with the desires of God. And, not being all-knowing, I am fortunate enough to be smart enough to give my plans to the Lord, who intercedes on my behalf to take my plans to God. I ask the Lord to look at my plans, and if they fit in with what God has planned for me, He would take them to God for me.
And then I go on about my life, and as my life unfolds, I see which plans come to fruition and which plans go by the wayside. I am pleased either way because I know God has my back.
Do Not Worry
I do not worry about things as much now as I had in the past. Please read Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV) to see what God wants us to know about worrying.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
When I read that final sentence, “Each day has enough trouble of its own,” I realize that God wants us to wake up each day and receive what He has in store for us in that day and that day alone. Isn’t it wonderful that our Heavenly Father takes care of us so that we do not have to worry about anything? We don’t need to worry about tomorrow. We only need to get through today.
You Are Not Alone
When you feel that all is lost, when you feel like you can’t possibly live another day, reach out to your Heavenly Father. He loves you, and He will carry you through whatever you are going through at any stage of your life.
When you feel sad, it is okay to cry. And, I want to encourage you to let go of your tendency to turn to the coping skills you may have used in the past. Instead, rely on God because He has you in the palm of His hands. He can remove all obstacles to make your world right. Rely on God for all things, big and small.
Reach for your bible for words of encouragement. When you feel that all is lost, remember the following verses that offer words of hope. Remember, God created you; God loves you, and God will never let you fail.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 46:4 (NIV)
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you
And remember that each time we go through a hardship, it is likely that we are going through that situation so that we can learn to trust in God more. Our Lord is here to help us get through life. One way He does that is by helping us learn to lean on Him for everything. You have noticed by now, that each time the Lord brings you through to the other side of a hardship, especially those times when you relied on Him, you came out of it a much stronger person than you were before. He has you in the palm of His hands.
I am hopelessly hopeful. You will discern this statement between the lines to mean I am optimistic despite what is happening all around me. I steadfastly cling to verses in the bible that speak of hope and pray that these verses will carry me through this time of sorrow.
I desperately need the comfort of the Lord as I mourn the recent passing of so many family and friends, one after another, in such a short period. Who will be next, I ask? Who will be taken from this world and into the next? I rely on the hope that I will see those who have gone from this earth again in heaven. I assume that I will make it into heaven, myself.
I assume that believing in our Savior, Jesus Christ, and living a righteous life, loving others as Jesus loves me, will spare me a place in heaven where I will be reunited with my loved ones who have left this life before me and with those who follow me.
Dear friends, my heart is heavy right now. It is heavy thinking about the wives who are now widows, the husbands who are now widowers, the parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who are now mourning. Even as an emphatic person, I cannot claim to know the pain survivors experience. No, all I can say is that my pain is unbearable on my own right now.
Sometimes I forget, but thankfully the Holy Spirit reminds me to go to the bible and read scripture to get help in recovering and gaining strength. I need to remember that no one on earth can help me through anything as much as the Lord can help me achieve balance and the ability to be strong amid the weakness of pain.
I don’t know the plans the Lord has for me. I don’t know the plans the Lord has for others. But, I do believe the Lord has a plan for us all. This is my belief. You may have a different belief, and I will still love and accept you. But, this is my belief, and I hold steadfast to it. It is, as a matter of fact, how I get through life. When things happen unexpectedly, and when I cannot find the strength to carry on, I run to the bible to read and re-read God’s promises to me. I read what He said he would do for me if only I believed in Him. And, I believe in Him, so I rest on His promises.
I have stopped counting the number of family and friends who have left this earth transitioning to heaven. God’s plan for them is not transparent to me, but God knows what He is doing. I like to think God is organizing and preparing His Kingdom. Those who went before us will already be there to warmly welcome us into the Kingdom.
If you are like me, struggling to survive the loss of a loved one, I encourage you to read the verses I am reading right now. I pray that they will help you through this time of sorrow.
Read and re-read the following scriptures. Believe they are words from God. Believe that they are words meant to comfort you and carry you through your heartache.
All verses are extracted from the New International Version (NIV).
Psalm 71:14 (New International Version)
14 As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.
Romans 15:13
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
1 Peter 5:10
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
1 Peter 1:13
13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
1 Peter 1:3-6
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade — kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.
Romans 5:2-7
2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.
God bless you today and always. Be strong in His word. Be hopeful!
Voice of Hope by Marlene 
