Reflections and Perceptions...........

I decided to write the adjectives and phrases that others have used to describe me throughout my life. Some are positive, but others are negative. You will even notice opposites. I don't mind if you laugh as you are reading them =)....

calm, quiet, talkative, shy, outspoken, well-spoken, reserved, rigid, funny, friendly, nice, sweet, kind, judgemental, materialistic, frugal, polite, people pleaser, sexy, doesn't know she's sexy, needs to own her sexiness, down to earth, uppity, pretty, beautiful, ugly, a flosser, fine, well-dressed, boring, hot and haute, in need of a make-over, you don't need any make-up, why don't you wear more make-up, mean, gorgeous, sensual, bougie, proper, improper, gangsta, weird, nigger, oreo, white girl, left-handed (as in that explains all of her shortcomings and anything different about her), worrier, neat, clean, dirty, confident, bastard, weak, classy, different, nice skin, ugly skin, religious, spiritual, a blessing, honest, shady, controlling, submissive, focused, unfocused, open, a stubborn Taurus, won't let anyone close, pretty and bouncy hair, nappy hair, smart, intelligent, miss manners, air headed, dumb, street smart, common sense, lack of common sense, arrogant, conscious of others, stuck on herself, she won't date you unless you make over $60,000 (This is not true. Seriously, if I was going to choose an income level, it would be much higher than that =)), you'll never be good enough, you're better than the rest, wife material, she has alot going for herself and she doesn't have a man so she must be crazy, proud, ashamed, embarrassed, appreciative, unappreciative, focuses on the future, holds on to the past, forgiving, broke, determined to rise above her circumstances, doesn't work hard enough, ignorant, thinks too highly of herself, poor, broken, rich, blessed, loves, loved, .................

Thank you if you actually took the time to read all of them!!

It is true that I have to be careful about how others perceive me. I know that first impressions are often last impressions and that people see me before they hear me. I am also aware that so many people are turned off to God, religion, and spirituality, not because of something God did to them, but because of the way they were treated by people who claimed to men and women of God. Last night my pastor discussed how we cannot claim to love God and then mistreat others. How can we spend Sunday morning praising God and then go to brunch and be rude to the waiter or waitress? People do it all the time, and we wonder why the world thinks we're crazy.

However, I'm talking about a different level of perception, which is dwelling on negativity or what we don't have in comparison to others. If we care too much about the negative things people have to say about us, we will miss a move of God in our lives, because when that move comes, we will feel like we don't deserve it. We will feel like we are not worth receiving that thing God promised us.

We know that God made us in his image and likeness. We know that the Holy Spirit dwells in us. We know that we that through Jesus we are washed clean and have ABUNDANT life here on Earth. Given that we know these things, why is it easier for some people to complain and accept negativity than to speak life? Why do we tone down our blessings, as if we are afraid to outshine others? Why are there people who still can't receive a compliment? Why do people doubt their abilities?

What if I only believed in the negative things on that list. What if I only believed that I was ugly, shy, a nigger, judgmental, dumb, broke, weird, that something is wrong with left handed people, that my destiny is tied to my zodiac sign, that I will never be as good as others, or that I was stuck in the past? Seriously, what would happen?
We don't have to be geniuses to figure it out...........

1. I wouldn't see the point in reaching career goals or leading.
2. I wouldn't see the point in investing
3. I wouldn't see the point in taking care of my appearance
4. I'd probably date any man that smiled at me,and I wouldn't think I was worth a good man
5. I wouldn't believe it when people told me I was pretty
6. I would think that others are better than me
7. I would probably be a hater
8. I would miss out on opportunities
   
9. I would probably put all my junk and negativity on my children, family, and friends

The list goes on and on, but I think you get my point.

On the other hand, If we believe in the good things people say about us and God's promises to us, our destiny is nothing less than phenomenal. Our standards will not be compromised. Even when we are in our darkest hour, we will be able to see that thing we are hoping for and believe that it is going to happen. Sure, others will doubt you, but you know what's up!

My dear, it is soooooo easy to focus on the negative. We've all heard the saying that you can't keep a blessed woman down or you can't keep a blessed man down. Don't you know that they enemy also knows that. He's smart and has found all types of ways to creep into your minds to keep you focused on the negative. The devil knows that faith and speaking life are key ingredients to turning negative situations around and to reach your goals. What better way to block you then to keep you focused on the negative. My dear, today I want you to shake off any negative thoughts. I want to shake off the negative adjectives others put on you. I want you to shake off the negative adjectives that you put on yourself. The Buts, I can't, I don't know, this is hard, and the Impossibles are gone. It's time time to only think with thoughts of faith.

I'm going to use myself as an example again, but I want you to replace my thoughts of faith with yours: I know people probably think I'm crazy for saying I'm going to be extremely wealthy, especially after they look at my current bank statement, humble possessions, and knowing that I want to work with youth. I know people probably think I'm crazy for saying that I'm going to be this or that, especially when they look at my current situation. My dear, I'll miss my blessing if I focus on the negative and doubts of others. I can't afford to do that and neither can you. Let them keep laughing. Let them keep doubting. One day their doubts will be silenced by your blessing, and I can't wait for you to tell us all about it!

I love you so much!