I Don't Want Anything FAKE!!!

 “I Don’t Want Anything Fake”

Now and days it’s easy to get caught up in all the fluff and hype of the media.  They feed us what they want us to believe but ultimately it’s up to us to decipher the real from the fake. 

We have manipulators who scheme to acquire money from those whom they swindle.  The poor swindled work harder, striving to build riches and wealth but lack knowledge and thus continue the cycle of being deceived by the swindler. 

Teachers teach only what they’ve been taught and NOT what they know for sure.  Many share facts which are really opinions.

People are caught up in making themselves appear to be more than they are with fake hair, false teeth, fake eyelashes, people are even going as far as getting fake breast, calf and butt implants.  Some use skin lighteners while others use tanning beds.  Some add chemicals to straighten hair while others add chemicals to make hair curly. 

Are we that shallow, gullible, arrogant or just plain ignorant?

The truth is they have not been awakened to the natural beauty of who they are and how God created them uniquely as IS (wonderful and beautiful)...AS IS with access to all they need to live with the truest of realities. 

When I read Proverbs 1:2-7, I learn that to know wisdom and instruction is the beginning of knowledge.  So when I hear all these things in the world trying to dissuade me of who I am…aiming to persuade me to hate myself in essence I understand I am essentially being taught to hate God.

I don’t want anything fake to keep me from the knowledge and wisdom of God which is in me.  No embellished physical changes, false teachings, government, money, fear, tradition or bondage of any sort will keep me from THE REAL!!!

I DON’T WANT ANYTHING FAKE!!!

Study and KNOW THE TRUTH...Using every tool available to you

He Shall Sustain You - Psalm 55:22

He Shall Sustain You

By Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris

Weird thoughts running through my mind

Chills run the length of my spine

Whispers run softly through my ears

“Sit still, you’ll be fine. On me you are to cast your fears”

Still I consider the weather changing as the storms in my life are raging

I see the sky turn grey, my life is in disarray

I hear the thunder roar

Behind these walls is so much noise

Yet I feel a gentle touch

Warmly reminding me to keep my poise

That same touch grabs my heart

Caressing it back to a pleasant place

One I thought had been replaced

I see now these times last but for a moment

Though it feels like a lifetime

So once again I release my doubts, fears and worries

Believing God truly does carry

Carry all of the burdens

For He is my strong tower

In Him is life and magnificent power

Power to calm the sea, to stop the thunder, to turn grey skies blue

He has the power to do what HE wants to.

In Him is my resting place

Psalm 55:22

Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you;

He shall never permit the righteous to be moved

 

It's Not Easy Being You

“I know It’s Not Easy Being You”

I know it’s not easy being you…

Yes, you’ve shed one tear to many, spent nights awake searching for peace and contentment. You’ve treated others with love only to find yourself depleted from lack of receiving the same. Yes, you’ve done the best you could raising that family.  You’ve worked hard on your job yet you’re still being held in a position that does not allow you to expand, grow and demonstrate all your skills and abilities.  Yes, I know you’ve suffered the loss of close relatives all within close proximity to one another. 

I know it’s simply not easy being you… 

I know you’re still struggling with your identity as a faith filled believer, maybe you still feel the resistance of depression clinging to you though you’ve rebuked it and been set free a time or two before.  You may be challenged in your marriage and other relationships.  You have forgiven him, her and them far too many times yet they still bring hurt and pain to the doorway of your heart.  You’ve been chasing after the heart of God waiting for him in what you believe is a patient manner.  You seek God, desiring a closer walk, only to fall short to the lust of the flesh, or by using those words you know tear others down and maybe even being impatient in waiting on God’s will to be done. 

I KNOW it’s not easy being you…

And yes, I know you’ve been waiting on an answer, waiting for God to heal you as you watch others come out with a clean bill of health.  You’ve struggled with the why you have not been set free, delivered or healed…Well let me remind you of this one thing, you ARE the elect of the Lord.  God has not forgotten you.  Continue pressing forward.

May Colossians 3:12-17 stand as a reminder; that you are the elect of God -- You are Holy and beloved! So continue putting on the tender mercies of God, sharing in kindness with humility and meekness – continuing through longsuffering, remembering not only God’s promises of tomorrow but knowing that He has set you free before YESTERDAY and days past.  God has delivered you before.  God has healed you before (even if it was just a simple headache or cold).  Be patient.  Continue loving, even those who persecute and wrongfully judge.  Keep forgiving those who hurt you.  Let the peace of God rule in your heart and be thankful in and through all things.  Let your light grow, demonstrate the wisdom of God by what you say and do, continuing as an example in the earth and do all these things in the name of the Lord knowing He is your strength, your help, your redeemer and it is HE who eases every burden, big and small – Have faith and do NOT quit being you…although I know, it’s not easy being you.

PRAYER:

O LORD, MY GOD, MAKER OF ALL THINGS, GIVER OF LIFE, FREER OF SOULS, LOOSE THE CONTENTION IN THE ATMOSPHERE THAT THESE, MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS, YOUR CHILDREN MAY KNOW YOUR LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS.  GRANT US A PEACE, SUSTAIN US AND HEAL WITH YOUR MIGHTY POWERFUL HAND AS ONLY YOU CAN. LET US NOT GROW WEARY IN WELL DOING.  REMIND US WITH EVERY BREATH WE BREATHE THAT YOU ARE NEAR.  GROW US IN OUR FAITH AND IN LOVE.  HELP US TO FORGIVE JUST AS YOU HAVE FORGIVEN.  SHOW US OUR WORTH IN YOU.  LORD, REMOVE FEARS, DOUBTS AND ANY UNREST IN OUR SOULS.  THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU HAVE DOWN IN OUR LIVES.  LORD I ASK THAT YOU NOT REMOVE YOURSELF FROM US FOR WE NEED YOU MORE TODAY THAN YESTERDAY.  THANK YOU FORNEW MERCIES, IT IS IN YOUR HOLY, RIGHTEOUS AND PRECIOUS NAME I PRAY IN FAITH AND LOVE, AMEN

It's Too Much for Me

“It’s too Much for Me”

Romans 12:9-16

Let love be without hypocrisy.  Abhor what is evil.  Cling to what is good.  Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; no lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. 

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.  Be of the same mind toward one another.  Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble, do not be wise in your own opinion.

I dreamed I was “supposed” to be a passenger on a boat but when we set sail the captain asked me to check the deck and make sure everything was in its proper place.  I had no problem checking the deck so I did.  When I came back I saw an old college friend and we chatted for a while.  The captain interrupted our conversation asking me to check on and maintain the children as they were getting a little out of control.  Just as I got them to settle down and was about to sit to relax, I was asked to climb to the top of the boat and watch for trouble.  Now I did this but as I climbed to the top I asked myself, “What are you doing?  You didn’t come here for this!  You don’t even like heights!”

To those watching I was doing what I was asked to do but on the inside I was freaking out about the task.  When I reached the top I did not see any trouble but then the winds picked up and began blowing the thin string I was holding on to.  I was afraid and said to myself even more, “This is not your job.  Why are you up here? This is too much.”  The winds calmed and I climbed down.  Again I thought I would be able to rest as a regular passenger but I was asked to entertain the other guests.  The list went on and on with things for me to do and I did them, hesitant at first but then happy to do them because at least they did not require climbing. 

At the end of the trip, the boat was docked and everyone dismounted the boat.  We were supposed to take the children on a tour but I was tired.  I decided I would stay on the boat to rest but the captain insisted I come with him, saying they had something for me.  Reluctantly I climbed off the boat and followed everyone.  We entered a huge restaurant and to my surprise I was the guest of honor.  Everyone there celebrated me, serving me hand and foot.  I had a major feast, tasting everything in and out of sight.  It was wonderful!

When I woke up I looked around seeing the many tasks I needed to complete, remembering the many hats I wear daily as mother, friend, sister, aunt, business owner, minister, mentor, teacher and more.  Some hats I asked to wear and others I had no clue I would have the opportunity, pleasure, calling or gifting to wear.   As I consider the dream and its parallel to my everyday living according to the word of God I am reminded to be selfless.  Just as God watches our every move, so have we the eyes of people, watching, ridiculing, scrutinizing and judging; they even hope to learn from us.  They wait to see how we handle what comes our way.  They listen to see if we complain.  They watch how we love others. 

In the end we must remind ourselves to be encouraged, rejoicing in all things.  We must be steadfast, diligent and loving, wearing our hats, taking on the challenges that come our way, helping others with patience and gentleness.  Even when the tasks seem too much to accomplish or appears too much to bear alone; fear not as you are both chosen and equipped for every task.  I encourage you today to be diligent, rejoicing in the hope of the Lord, serving others with gladness, being patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer while tending to the needs of others with hospitality. 

NOW SAY THIS WITH ME:

IT’S NOT TOO MUCH FOR ME!!!

SICKNESS, NO DISEASE, NIETHER PARENTHOOD, NOR MARRIAGE, NOT MY JOB, THE EMPLOYEES, NONE OF THE BILLS, FINANCIAL CHALLENGES, WAR INSIDE MY HEAD, HOME AND THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, NOT THE JUDGMENT, MY PERSECUTORS, NOR THOSE WHO STAND AGAINST ME, NO HOUSE OR CAR, NOT FEAR, BEING MOTHERLESS OR FATHERLESS, NO ABUSER, NO INSECURITY, NOT CLASSISM, SEXISM, RACISM, NO PAST ISSUE, NO WICKEDNESS THAT SEEKS MY LIFE…NONE OF THIS IS TOO MUCH FOR ME!   

GOD IS MY SUSTAINER AND MY STRENGTH.  I SHALL ENDURE WITH PATIENCE, KINDNESS AND LOVE FOR WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE AND NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!!!

How Long

“How Long”

It is easy to rejoice when a baby is born or when he takes his first steps.  Certainly we learn to celebrate that same child throughout his life, preparing him along the way for greater blessings.  It’s easy to rejoice when a new love is found, a union is formed, vows are made and new life begins.

Dare I make the analogy comparing the fate of an oppressed people who for too long sits idly pointing fingers having forgotten its first love?  A people who fight against itself, having converted from physical chains to mental, social, emotional and all other forms of bondage.  When will we wake up celebrating where it all began for us? When will we remember our first steps of freedom? When will we remember our heritage? When will we repent cast away differences and ban together as one union in love? When will we receive our land, not the American dream, built with the blood of many from foreign nations but the promises of God? 

Everything in the earth was freely given to us by our creator.  He commanded that we put nothing and no one before him.  Yet we pay for the waters which fall freely from the mountains springs, with many making claims that it belongs solely to him.  We place money, power and even the gems of the earth before God.  We allow these things to lead us instead of being led by the spirit of God.  These things bring strife and envy, leading to murder and other chaotic destructions. 

Here we stand in a barren land believing it is our plenty.  We have been in this land with its struggles for long enough.  Much like the prophet Jeremiah I see us as a people still trying to live according to a society that has lost its way.  Having been founded on biblical principles now lost in false hopes, idolizing the paper that comes from the trees…the trees which are our life.  We tear down every resource that was placed in the earth, contaminate all the waters from end to end, search outside of the earth, amongst the stars because of foolish curiosity, arrogance and ungratefulness, building houses and hotels on the moon as if the earth isn’t enough.

Just as Jeremiah’s heart sunk so does mine, for to watch the people, an oppressed people run, scared and weary fighting against one another disheartens me.  How long will we stand disconnected from the very thing that keeps us?  How long will we remain stubborn and unmoved? How long will we kill for personal gain, keep others bound with chains, and stripe our children’s children from their heritage and promises of plenty? How long will we ignore the poor in heart, poor in spirit and just the plain poor? How long will we watch others suffer when we have the ability to aid, guide, support and protest? How long?  How long will we allow this system of oppression to keep us bound?  How long???

I WANT MY FREEDOM!!!

RECOMMENDED SCRIPTURE READINGS:

Lamentations (all 5 books)

Wrestling with Demons

Wrestling with Demons

This past March, 2011, my sister Karen died.  She was only thirty-three.  Ever since she made her transition I have fought with myself considering the parallels of our lives.  Why is it that we experienced many of the same struggles but I am here and she is not?  I have considered the battle that began when we were little girls.  My sister had “abnormal” experiences with the spirits. 

One night while my family slept Karen began screaming in a high pitched voice.  My mom, step-dad, brothers, sister and I scrambled, dazed and afraid of what we would see upon entering her bedroom.  As my step-dad turned on the light Karen sat erect in bed, grasping the covers with wild eyes as tears streaked her cheeks.   My mom began asking her what was wrong.  She looked as though she saw a ghost.  After three attempts of asking what was wrong, Karen blurted out, “It was a lot of them”.  We were all confused.  My oldest brother asked if she had seen mice.  She shook her head and said, almost yelling, “NO, spirits…it was a lot of them.”  

Karen wrestled with these same demons, or spirits as some may say, all the rest of her life until the day she transitioned.  My cousin told me just before my sister died she had been in the bathroom for half an hour telling him the voices would not stop talking to her.  My cousin said when Karen finally emerged from the bathroom she looked dazed as if she’d been fighting.  She told him the demons were telling her to just give up, just quit, give up and quit.  It was there she fell in the floor, took her last breath and died.  The doctors and coroner said it was natural causes, others say she was simply crazy but I say it was spiritual warfare.

My battle is not necessarily my sister’s battle but I’ve had my share of voices telling me to just quit.  Even now I often hear the voice of doubt trying to discount, discredit and discourage me from growing in the purpose God created for my life.  I could have died just like my sister but each time death came it was met with resistance from me.  I determined in my spirit that I would live out the purpose for my life and would not die.  The demon of depression came but I beat it.  The demon of a broken heart came, I cried a lot but pushed forward having my heart restored…I won that battle also.  Sickness and disease came, I conquered that too.   

See, we all have our own demons to wrestle with.  Some see with their natural eyes, some with their spirits but we all have unexplainable encounters, ones we acknowledge and those we do not.  God has already determined the outcome but it’s you that must stand resolved in your faith or give in and be consumed by those spirits that come to steal, kill and destroy.  My suggestion, put on the whole armor of God that you may have the proper tools to not only wrestle with your demons but to win every battle.

 May God’s grace, mercy and favor be with you.  May the battles of your mine be resolved.  May your faith increase.  May your peace grow in abundance.  May you be enlightened with the wisdom of God.  May you stand fearless, knowing God’s Angels war on your behalf.  May you overcome your days of wrestling with demons with victory and triumph. In Jesus Name, Amen

Ephesians 6:13-18
Wherefore take up the whole armor of God,
that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. 
Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God:
all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit,
and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints

Everything has an opposite

Everything has an opposite…

Psalm 107

4-They wandered in the wilderness in a desert way;
they found no city of habitation.
5-Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
6- Then they cried unto Jehovah in trouble,
and he delivered them out of their distresses,
7-He led them also by a straight way,
that they might go to ta city of habitation.
8-Oh that men would praise Jehovah for his loving-kindness,
and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
9-For he satisfieth the longing soul,
and the hungry soul he filleth with good
10-Such as sat in darkness and in the shadow of death
being bound in affliction and iron
11-Because they rebelled against the words of God,
and contemned the counsel of the Most High:
12-Therefore he brought down their heart with labor;
they fell down, and there was none to help
13-Then they cried unto Jehovah in their trouble,
and he saved them out of their darkness

Everything in the earth has its opposites.  All that goes up must come down.  If you go out, you had to first go in.  If you have the ability to turn left, you have an opportunity to turn right.  Dark streets are filled and brightened with its opposite, light in the form of lamp posts.   

At some time in my life I lived opposite all that I live now.  I was fearful but now am both bold and courageous.  Once my ears were closed to all things beautiful but now I can hear even the birds as they sing.  My lips were bound with silence but now I speak with power and authority.  My eyes saw with limits in black and white but now my vision is full of vivid colors.  My heart was closed and I could feel nothing but now my heart is open to love with every fabric of my being.

Most of all, I once was lost, but now am found.  I was lost without hope, lost without focus, lost to my burdens, lost in my mind, lost to strongholds, lost without faith…But finally one day at my lowest point I decided to change.   I wanted better and therefore decided; in order to have better I must first think better.  I decided to change my mind, making every negative a positive, turning every wrong turn into a right turn.

Now my hope is built on a solid rock.  I am no longer bound by the past, ill thinking, deceit, manipulation, or words…not even my own words.  I am no longer dead but I am now alive.  Free to live a fuller, healthy, more vibrant and fulfilling life.  Why?  Because I declared it from my mouth and spirit and am living it!  I am actualizing positives even with negative forces trying to tear down that hope which is now built.  Certainly, everything has its opposite.  How are you handling the opposites in your life?

Psalm 107 says give thanks to God which means we were possibly murmuring and complaining during difficulties.  I say make the change, decide to rejoice and give thanks instead and in advance.  Psalm 107 goes on to say the people were in the wilderness, a city with no habitation.  They were hungry and thirsty but just as they cried out in their trouble; God delivered them from their distresses.  He took them from a desolate place to a place full of life with resources.  The text goes on and on proving the point of opposites.  Everything empty became full and so forth and so on.

I want to encourage you this day, every pain has its end just as Ecclesiastes 3 says there is a time and place, a season for all things so make up your mind to see your opposites workout for your good.  The word declares it in Romans 8:28 all things work together for good.  Again I ask, how are you handling the opposites in your life?  Declare from your mouth that your negatives are your positives! Speak LIFE!!!

I'm on Fire, Fire on me

“I’m on Fire, Fire on me”
By: Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris

Hot and bothered
Teetering on explosions edge
A Woman with an intense fire
Spirit exposed
Burning with passion
Fire devours oxygen
Giving increase to its flames
Consuming some
Stirring others
The Elders say, “Control yourself”
The young say, “On with it”
I say, “Lord help me”

Reflections enter my mind of the first time a passionate fire ignited in my soul.  My heart raced uncontrollably; almost visibly pounding out of my chest.  My breathing had no syncopated rhythm.  Beads of sweat formed lines on my forehead creating streaks on my face.  It was as if every moment were in hells fire.  When I spoke my voice trembled with a deep, rich, bold texture – It said, “Hey!  I really mean what I say and you need to listen to me”. 

Whether defending my character, fighting for justice and equality, expressing my feelings with hopes to convince that special someone my love was pure or in the midst of heated discussions in class, one could always see the spark in my eyes.  Daily I strive to continue with the same consistent, intense passion and desire to assist others, to improve the quality of life for all and to enjoy living – fully living.  Often I wonder why some try to douse my enthusiasm for life, love and liberty.  There are times when certain tasks seem too difficult to accomplish by myself.  In those moments I look for persons possessing the same zeal and commitment to life as I embrace.   

The fire makes known its presence in every area of my life.  Attracting others to the light of my fire and we combine as one, creating an explosion drawing attention and focus to the purpose of life.  It’s important for us to forego the shame of our deep sense of connection to the earth, to people, to living – We, the fire starters and carriers should NOT act in the manner others expect, as we are NOT duplicates in approach to resolutions.  I say, “Lord help me, as I get on with it”.  So long as I breathe, my fire shall not die, therefore my passion cannot fade.

I encourage you to grasp an ember, sparking your own flames, lighting paths, changing the world as we know it! Be on fire and let the fire be on you!!!

SAY THIS PRAYER:

Lord God I thank you for allowing the ember to catch hold of my spirit, creating a trail that connected my heart, mind, body and spirit.  Thank you for the charge you give to me daily to LIVE, simply live.  Lord, help me to remain committed to the purpose for which you designed me.  Breathe on me. Breathe in me. Decrease the voices of the naysayers and increase the fire within that it may consume negativity and give life to positives, changing this world daily.  Bless me in my going out and my coming in.  Shield me with your hand of protection.  With passionate fire I seek your will to be done in my life and on earth as it is in heaven, In Christ name I pray, Amen.

Ezekiel 1:4-28

Then I looked, and behold, a whirlwind was coming out of the north, a great cloud with raging fire engulfing itself; and brightness was all around it and radiating out of its midst like the color of amber, out of the midst of the fire…and each one went straight forward; they went wherever the spirit wanted to go, and they did not turn when they went…their appearances was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches going back and forth among the living creatures.  The fire was bright, and out of the fire went lightning.  And the living creatures ran back and forth, in appearance like a flash of lightning…Wherever the spirit wanted to go, they went, because there the spirit went…for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels…Also from the appearance of His waist and upward I saw, as it were, the color of amber with the appearance of fire all around within it; and from the appearance of His waist and downward I saw, as it were, the appearance of fire with brightness all around.  Like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it.  This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.

August Meet Up & Prayer Call Update

Women's Monthly Meet Up is an opportunity to enjoy fellowship with like-minded women.  During the "Meet Up", we pray, discuss the book of the month, enjoy lite fare and open discussion on topics ranging from but not limited to; being single, dating, marriage, family, love, sex, domestic violence, abortion, politics, finances, submitting our will to God, buying a home and various other topics that impact and affect us on a daily basis.  The objective is to provide support and encouragement through fellowship and discussion.

Being whole is the goal...Mind, Body and Spirit! 
Join us for the next "Women's Meet Up":
Saturday, August 27, 2011, 5pm - 7pm.

Be amongst the first eight Women to arrive and receive special gift!!!
Book of the Month is "Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome" By Dr. Joy Leary
RSVP by Monday, Aug 22, 2011 to:  stacie.jharris@yahoo.com  See you there!

See below for "Women's Monthly Meet Up" schedule

Meeting Date             Book of the Month                      Author
August 27th - Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome - By Dr. Joy Leary
http://www.joydegruy.com/  

Sept 24th - The Audacity of Hope - By President Barack H. Obama

Oct 29th - MOVIE: "Stoning of Soraya"
Conversation facilitated by Visionary for God, Ms. Shanelle Gayden
http://www.encourageasister.org/

Nov 26th - MUSIC: A Cool Jazz like setting – Details Coming Soon
(This is my Birthday weekend - I'm a turkey baby Nov 24th)

Dec 17th - End of the year celebration
(Gift Receiving - Surprise gifts to all attendees)

IN CASE YOU MISSED ALL THE GREAT BOOKS WE’VE READ SO FAR:

Jan 29th - The Dream Giver - By Bruce Wilkinson

February 26th - The 5 Love Languages - By Gary Chapman
Book on sale NOW at Lifeway Christian Bookstore in White Marsh
http://www.lifewaystores.com/  ($9.99)

March 19th - Two Weeks Before the Rest of My Life
- By Harold T. Fisher (Author graced us with his presence)
Learn more about author at http://www.rosefogg.com/

April 28th - Inspiration for Life
- By Justin Jones-Fosu
Learn more about author at  http://www.justininspires.com/

May 28th - Verse in Motion
- By Renee Jean  (Author joined us via skype)
Learn more about author at  http://www.verseinmotion.com/
                                             
June 25th - The Lady, Her Lover and Her Lord - By Bishop TD Jakes

July 30th - Journey to the Well - By Bishop Vashti McKenzie
http://thisisyourwakeupcallonline.com/


Also, join us Sunday – Saturday 7am for our Women’s prayer via conference call. 
Be restored, healed, refreshed, delivered, renewed, set free, revived and strengthened with this 15 minute power-packed prayer call.  Dial in at 605.562.3000 code 223212#. 

Be well and we look forward to hearing you on the prayer call and seeing you during the monthly meet up.  Feel free to invite others to join the conference call and monthly meet ups.