Monday, January 25, 2021

Your Mess is Your Message (1/24/2021)

SALUTATIONS: Hey yall, I hope that you've had a wonderful week thus far, even if you haven't, just because you cannot see the beauty in today, don't you pass on your negativity to someone who can. Remember, without tests, there are no testimonies and without a mess, there is no message. This week we'll explore how our mess is part of the message. Let's get into it. As always, I'd appreciate you taking a moment to review ALL of the AnnouncementsHealthy Living Tips, and other information detailed below, following the Reflections and Power in Prayer, whenever time permits. Your continued support is always appreciated. Keep spreading God's Gospel and feel free to share the Scripture of the Week with the hashtag SOW. Enjoy! **Disclaimer: Production and distribution days of the SOW are subject to change without warning**


PRAISE REPORTS: I just wanted to praise God for allowing Kaiser to approve assistance for a bill I accrued from an overnight stay in ER due to an inexplicable case of low blood pressure and extreme fatigue. Technically speaking, I'm considered low-income. In my field, at this particular company that I'm employed by, I only get paid when I see a client. That being said, this Covid-19 shutdown has decreased my hours at work significantly causing me to have to utilize EDD benefits; some weeks I work a total of about 9 hours, imagine that paycheck. I received a bill from my July hospitalization which exceeded $500, and one of my BFFs who works for Kaiser told me to hold off and fill out some paperwork for a program they have. I applied for the assistance program, yet, I received several bills thereafter. My friend kept telling me to ignore them, so I did... mercy... why is it that we aren't so easily compelled to "ignore" our problems when we present them before God in prayer? Anyway, fast forward to two weeks ago, I got a phone call from my friend informing me that I'd been approved and my Kaiser bill had been PAID IN FULL. YO! How much more will God provide if/when we TRUST His process? Take a moment to think about a time in your life that God came through; if your circumstance right now outweighs that time, then I submit for your consideration that your today was someone else's tomorrow that NEVER came. In other words, someone is NOT breathing today because yesterday, they went to sleep and never woke up, or, they lost consciousness and never regained it. Because we have life today, God deserves our praise. Abba, Father, we praise you through our struggles, we thank you for our past trials, our current obstacles, and our future triumphs. Continue to mend our unbelief. Hallelujah, all thanks be to you! If you have a specific praise report, please share, because we “overcame [the adversary] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of [our] testimony” (Revelation 12:11). **NOTE: All praise reports are shared with reference to your name unless anonymity is specified**

PRAYER REQUESTS: Last week's The Curse is Broken support meeting introduced me to a young lady whose name shall remain anonymous since I haven't gotten her permission to use it here. This young lady needs prayer of healing and peace due to the loss of her child back in 2018 due to negligence; she had a rare condition that required her to be placed in a healthcare facility whose negligence led to her passing shortly after turning one. The child was placed in the facility because the young lady had reached out to family and friends to take back-up training so that the child could be sent home to her mother's care, but none were willing. This young lady is hoping the facility is shut down, as they are also responsible for the death of 3 other children. I do not know the name of the facility and forgot the state, but God knows. This same young lady is also in need of a financial breakthrough so that her living circumstances may improve; she's currently residing with a family member whose home has traces of black mold. Since we are a community of believers and prayer warriors, let us love on this young lady by lifting her and her family up in prayer. God knows her name and the full extent of her circumstance, He's using us as vessels to give her suffering a voice. Let us also continue praying for one another and thanking Yahweh for the victory while refraining from confessing the problem caused by the enemy; ALWAYS pray for the desired result, NOT the unfavorable outcome (refer to the book The Tongue – A Creative Force, by Charles Capps; you can download your FREE copy here https://rb.gy/niy4go). If you or someone you know needs prayer, let me know, and your request will be added to the following SOW. **NOTE: All prayer requests are shared with reference to your name and need unless anonymity is specified**

BE ENCOURAGED: NEVER lose sight of God amidst adversity… Ponder this: "The universe is made of stories, not atoms." (Muriel Rukeyser). I'm no theological scholar, and even if I were a pastor or an expert on God's word, I would still advise you NEVER to take someone else's word as solid truth; "Study to show thyself approved" (2 Timothy 2:15), and CHALLENGE EVERYTHING by comparing it to the Word of God. If what you see, hear, or read does NOT fall in line with the Word of God, then it is NOT true... The rest of this day isn't promised, let alone tomorrow, so why not strengthen your faith TODAY? Feed your body healthy nutrition, be cautious of what things you allow your eyes, ears, and spirit to be exposed to (e.g., media, books, TV, music, etc.) so that YOU can start anew and become a better you NOW, rather than later. If you need someone to help you get there, or you're looking for an accountability partner, you've come to the right place. Here I am.
 
FEATURED SONGS OF PRAISE: "I'll Find You" by Lecrae (feat. Tori Kelly) (you can listen to it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jv8IqJm6q7w) and "My Testimony" by Elevation Worship (you can listen to it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyACLVtv8tw). I would also like to recommend Classical for Studying Radio on Pandora to better facilitate your meditation on the Word as you study, you can listen to that station here https://rb.gy/wtbmva.  

OPENING PRAYER: Yahweh, please let your presence set the tone for how this lesson will flow and how we will grow from it. Clear our mind and open our eyes, ears, and heart so that we may be decreased in self and increased in you. Fill us with your presence through the Holy Spirit to see as we look, to listen as we hear, to come into alignment with your word and your will, to receive, believe, and apply your truth, that we may be transformed by your intended message from this fellowship and become better as a result of it. In the name of Yeshua, Amen!
 
PASSAGE(S) – REVELATION 12:11"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." 

**Unless otherwise indicated all Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage**
 
REFLECTIONS: Have you ever wondered why some churches have a time for testimony? I mean, how is someone else's story significant to you? Our testimonies combine context of critical events and results whether good or bad, expected or unexpected. Perhaps one person's story means nothing to you directly, however, over your lifetime you'll find that we are all linked through our causal explanations of our life's stories. Our testimonies come from a test we may have failed yet eventually overcame. Our mess of a story is what provides the message for someone else experiencing a mirrored circumstance or something similar. Testimonies emphasize that life is an interconnected system, which is why it's important we not attempt to live life alone. I'm not suggesting those of you who are single find a significant other. I am, however, encouraging everyone to do life with someone other than yourself; establish a circle of friends who are like-minded and will add to your life not take away from it. Surround yourself in environments that facilitate personal, spiritual, mental, and/or emotional growth. It is possible to be single and content, but it is impossible to do life alone. You cannot have a successful business without consumers. You cannot build a circle, start a family, nor impact others without having others to DO that with. Through those formed relationships and shared testimonies, we edify one another and begin to see our planted seeds start to grow; our mess sprouts a message for someone that God assigned to us specifically. If you never experienced your unfavorable or unexpected circumstance, then you'd never have the words, experience, passion, or compassion needed to help nurse someone else through their own situation; your mess is the message

As a victim of childhood sexual abuse, and adolescent verbal and emotional abuse, I questioned God's motives. Yes, I displayed insolence over the years as I placed the blame for my misfortunes on the Lord. Yes, it is true that as an innocent child, an adult tainted my innocence, which developed into an unhealthy prowess in settling for toxic flesh-driven relationships. But "every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" (James 1:17NIV). Although the Lord will allow us to endure that which we can handle (read 1 Corinthians 10:13 here https://rb.gy/nvoxhq), it is not He who presents the trial it is the adversary. Throughout the Bible we see how Satan tests God's people; in the Book of Job, we see that Satan was granted permission to test but not harm Job physically (read Job 1:8-12NIV, here https://rb.gy/qancjj). In the Book of Matthew we see how Satan even tempts Jesus in the wilderness (read Matthew 4:1-11NIV, here https://rb.gy/bk9fc3), but the king of darkness has to seek permission from the Almighty King - the Father of ALL, to even present these trials (read Job: 1:12Mark 1:27, and Daniel 4:17NLT, here https://rb.gy/ui4lop).

We are all built differently but equipped the same - with God's power and authority over our words through Christ Jesus. We're placed in the time we are able to handle. I wasn't built for slavery else God would've borne me to a slave. I wasn't meant to be MLK or Rosa Parks. I was purposed to be me, in this day and age to help generations like me to overcome generational cycles and help bring awareness to the way out that we've become blind to. I believe that as children, we are allowed to experience certain hardships to fuel a passion that develops a skill to serve others who have similar stories. On the other hand, as adults, we are allowed to be tested and tried to learn a much-needed lesson that also prepares us for service to others. Take a moment to think about a time where God allowed you to be tested. For me, I was about 18 years old. I had been learning about fornication in church... 

WARNING: The following content may contain elements that are not suitable for some eyes, reader discretion is advised. Now back to our regularly scheduled program...

At a time in my life when all of my peers were discussing sexual activities, I had a boyfriend who may have been perceived as a bit possessive, yet I never felt disrespected or abused. Mind you, my peers had been discussing intimacy as early as 7th grade, and by that time I was a senior. If you haven't already deduced, I was also a virgin. Fast forward, I met this other guy who was the total opposite of anyone I'd ever been interested in before. For some reason, I was intrigued. When he said his name, he was chewing on gum, and a scene from one of my favorite movies, The Five Heartbeats, flashed into my head. It was the scene where Choir Boy started feeling himself when he took over as lead singer in replacement of Eddie King aka "Eddie Kang Junior," and he was trying to impress this chick. But that's neither here nor there. After a few conversations with the new guy, male cousins, and some of my peers, on separate occasions, I'd come to the conclusion that my boyfriend must be gay if he turned down the opportunity to try to take my virginity, right? I didn't have a legit reason to break-up with him, so I started being a jerk until I pushed him away. I allowed myself to accept the suggestions of those around me as truth. Additionally, I had been a firm believer that women need to take responsibility for their role in some of the inappropriate behaviors men might display towards them (e.g., dressing half-naked at the club, grinding during a dance, etc.); after a meeting at the new guy's home and engaging in an intimate kiss, he told me that I was teasing him and causing blue balls. "What the heck does blue balls meanIt sounds serious, I cannot be responsible for that. If he rapes me, it would be my fault for teasing him" I thought to myself. That guilt from my ignorant way of thinking led me to give my virginity to a stranger, which according to my friends was a good thing because then there'd be no attachments afterward. Boy were they WRONG!

In hindsight, I realize that my ex-boyfriend merely respected my spiritual journey and recognized that mentally, sex wasn't something I was prepared for. He must have recognized that truthfully, despite my curiosity at the time, I was disinterested in the act itself. The new guy, however, manipulated my naivety, belittled me, and contributed to low self-esteem that 22 years later, I'm still working to improve. Contrary to my friends' advice on losing one's virginity to a stranger, I fell head over heels in love and lost myself in him the way I should've been focused on losing myself to God (read Matthew 10:39 here https://rb.gy/ebzz03), putting him above myself and everything else in my life. Over time, God revealed to me that because I sought attention from man, it is man who continuously hurts me. I suppose that's why Psalm 118:8 (read it here https://rb.gy/ii249v) is still my favorite scripture. Though sexual abuse in my innocence led to many poor decisions in adolescence and adulthood, I knew that I had a choice, I just think my spiritual disconnect caused me to lack its understanding. 

Now back to you, have you reflected on a moment God allowed you to be tested? If you failed, do you recall your way out? Even though I failed to recognize red flags and exits many times thereafter, in hindsight, when I reflect on my tests and trials, I am also able to recognize the out that God provided yet I ignored. In the previous example, there were several ways out. First, I shouldn't have ever given the new guy my number. Despite the new guy's persistence I should've stood firm in my rejection since I had a boyfriend; having a boyfriend was my way out. Second, when he told me he was getting blue balls I should've just apologized and went on bout' my business. But I didn't and what was done cannot be undone. Fortunately, we don't need to dwell on the shoulda, coulda, wouldas, nor repeat the same tests over and over. I mean, at the end of the day, we all have choices and those decisions lead to good or bad outcomes. For every action is a consequence that'll either be positive or negative. Therefore, we have to consider the outcome beforehand and move forward in our decisions wisely, with God's compass directing our stepsRather than succumbing to pity parties, dwelling in the past, or swimming in the rivers of depression over things that can no longer be changed, we need to focus our attention on God to fine-tune our discernment so that we can recognize the obstacle and its way out before we even reach it.

Our accounts of life impact everything we do; how well you tell your story can make the difference in all facets of life, whether that is convincing someone to invest their time in you intimately, becoming a consumer of a product or business you’ve launched, the legacy you leave behind, or how well you impact those around you. Our stories connect us by revealing our common ground. Our testimonies help inspire others. The more we share our truths, we weaponize our past by learning from it and applying that which was learned to form a better life for ourselves, while increasing our courage because we saw how to run the race and won. We discover ourselves through our testimonies and we gain control over the life that we previously lost in the tribulation, in turn boosting our self-esteem. Your mess is the message because it emboldens, strengthens, and establishes how someone else can become their very best. Your mess is the message because it can nurture the possibility of transformation in others, helping them to discover who they are as they relate to your story and are moved by your testimony. Whether you have failed your tests time and time again, as you learn to exercise faith over fear, every step that you take towards, through, and away from your challenges adds depth to your narrative. But every step in-between each mess serves as conditioning to prepare us for the point of triumph. As we share our testimonies someone else's faith rises. Someone in the world is depending on YOU to allow your mess to be their message. Don't be afraid to share your story, you never know who it's purposed to help. #SOW

POWER IN PRAYER: POWER IN PRAYER: Abba, Yahweh, Elohim, Lord of lords, our redeemer, our savior, our provider, our friend, we praise your Holy name. We are grateful for your everlasting love and grace. We thank you that even though we were blinded by our flesh-driven desires time and time again, you still love us. That no matter how many times we missed our exit, you provided another. Lord, we ask that you fine-tune our minds to be in alignment with you. Restore our vision, so we may clearly see every way out that you provide amidst our tests and trials. Father, you know the name of the young lady mentioned in our prayer request, you also know her struggle and innermost needs even better than she. Lord, we ask that you will bring her peace that surpasses our understanding, financial relief, and deliverance from the black mold infestation. We pray that upon her deliverance and comfort that she'll give you all the honor and glory. We praise you for each breath we take, and for the shelter we have. Lord we realize that some may be without a home, food, shoes, or clean water, but for us, you gave provisions that satisfactorily meet our needs; help us to stop dwelling on the wants that we don't have and to acknowledge the needs that you have met. We thank you for clarity, wisdom, healing, and strength. We permit you to be the compass that leads us away from everything that is not inspired by you. Help us to be sensitive to the calling you have on our lives and give us the strength to step into it. Help us to develop an affinity for your Word so that it becomes the permanent atmosphere of our minds so that fear, anxiety, addiction, depression, anger, guilt, shame, and self-hate are dissolved. May your will be done in our lives, and may our trust in you be strong enough that we are genuine in that request. As your angels and Holy Spirit do your bidding on Earth and in Heaven, protect us and them with your recourse as you bind, loose, and cast out the demonic spirits of distraction, destruction, retaliation, revenge, and backlash. All these things we ask in the matchless name of Yeshua, Amen!

HEALTHY LIVING TIPS: Change begins within... As an exercise and weather-induced asthmatic and a survivor of Covid-19, I've found it necessary to limit my workout routines, however, I did not completely restrict them. Of course, there was a time during my bout with the virus that I wasn't able to do anything active but rest in bed, however, even when I was too weak to walk more than 5 or 10 minutes around our pool or inside our house, I made an effort to do some activity when I was able. Once my symptoms began to clear completely, I extended the time, speed, and distance of my walks. To be safe, I have limited my weekly exercise to a daily walk that is between 15-30 minutes of brisk walking with ankle weights, not including my normal walking throughout the day, and wall push-ups. I also volunteer at Mt. Rubidoux SDA Church on the weekends, which consumes several hours of my time doing moderate activity that exercises my legs and arms. 

If you suffer from lung diseases like asthma, COPD, or emphysema, and/or have been diagnosed with Covid-19, take caution in your exertion level. Make sure that you pace yourself and listen to your body; whether your strength appears to be 100% or not, take things slow. I'm not a nurse or physician, however, I do have a background in healthcare and am speaking from personal experience. Do not allow your diagnosis to serve as an excuse to be sedentary. If you're Covid-19 positive, remain quarantined and find ways to do light exercise indoors. Or, wear a mask and walk laps around your back yard. If you were positive but have completed your quarantine and no longer exhibit any symptoms, I suggest wearing a mask and taking walks around your neighborhood at a pace that is comfortable to you. Slowly increase your speed, distance, and routine as your strength increases. Pay attention to your body's reactions so that you can recognize your limitations and avoid overexertion. As always, stay safe and blessed!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
  1. I have been rallying interested volunteers for a neighborhood clean-up in Los Angeles. If you're interested in physically joining this crusade, donating supplies, and/or know of resources or contacts that can assist in this venture, hit me up.
  2. If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, I invite you to join my virtual support group via Zoom; we meet every 3rd Sunday at 2:30 PST. Just text "heal" to (323) 800-8616 to be added to our text notifications/reminders.
  3. Help me get FMBS Inc. back active in the community yall! I'd like to start regular community beautification projects, homeless outreach, and live workshops that will provide guidance, mentorship, resources, and helpful information for at-risk youth. Here's the thing, I don't know how to do any of this. I'm not tech-savvy or knowledgeable of what and/or who might assist in the execution of these ideas, but if you have any helpful information, please share.
  4. Please take a moment to register your Ralph's, Food 4 Less, and/or Kroger Rewards cards to enroll your member number/phone number for the Ralph's/Food 4 Less Community Contribution Program to help Fostering Mind, Body, and Soul Incorporated (aka FMBS Inc., serving communities throughout Southern Cali since 2012) raise funds to give back to the community; for every purchase you make, a small % is given as a donation to our non-profit organization - your rewards points are NOT affected by this enrollment. To enroll, you must go to their website here http://www.friendsindeedpas.org/get-involved/ralphs-community-contribution-program/ and link your rewards cards and/or telephone numbers (Alt ID) to our organization each year, and we will earn money for every purchase made under your rewards cards. Your continued support is always appreciated. 
  5. Update on my 1st children's book, Color Isn't Who I AM © 2019: Coming soon... to a bookshelf near you.
  6. Be on the lookout for the relaunch of my non-profit organization, Fostering Mind, Body, and Soul Incorporated (FMBS Inc.). Although I am willing to carry out my plans solo, I would be remiss if I didn't extend an invitation to ALL willing volunteers to help me serve our communities by accepting a significant role as a committed and trusted board member, or a contributor of time (physical volunteer work), monies, supplies, and/or resources. My appreciation is extended to anyone that can help facilitate making an impact in surrounding at-risk and underprivileged communities throughout Southern California. Part of our mission is to help supply the homeless as well as needy families with food and hygiene bags throughout the year and especially during the holidays and to serve as mentors and/or advocates for at-risk youth and victims of abuse. Reach out to me regarding your interest in service or to arrange another form of contribution; contact me via email at fmbsinc_2012@outlook.com, or leave a voicemail and/or text at (951) 790-2127.
JOIN OUR CAUSE: Fostering Mind, Body, and Soul Incorporated (FMBS Inc.) is on a never-ending quest to locate deserving individuals to extend our services to. Therefore, we are always in need of monetary donations and/or contributions of hygiene items, sealed snacks, bottled water, seasonal items (gloves, scarves, blankets, umbrellas, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, etc.), mini bibles, reading books, and so forth; our YEAR-ROUND mission is to serve homeless and/or needy individuals and families in underprivileged communities throughout Southern California. We also need DEDICATED volunteers and members – is this your calling? Eventually, when we have met our need for volunteers and board members, we will extend our services to assist and address some of the needs of our veterans and their family members. We are successful because of YOUR continued support. Please continue to back us up through participation, and/or by encouraging others to join our cause!
 
For more information about our organization contact fmbsinc_2012@outlook.com
 
Respectfully,
  Tylesha "Tye" Allen   
Behavioral Interventionist | Mobile Notary | CEO/Founder of FMBS Inc.
·         Mobile: (951) 790-2127
·         Address: Los Angeles, CA
·         Website: http://www.ready411.weebly.com | http://sodbytye.blogspot.com  
·         Email: professional1_99@hotmail.com
·         Change begins within; work on becoming a better You
·         "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man." (Psalm 118:8)

No comments:

Post a Comment