2019 - Reflections of Grace

With the rapidly approaching and inevitable inauguration of 2020 among us, I sit reflecting on not only the end of 2019, but also over the conclusion of the last two decades.

Looking back, I remember the hysteria surrounding "Y2K" and the fear that blindly led the masses to prepare for the worse (black outs, computer failures, and even the possible misfiring or automatic launch of bombs, among other things).

Although I had not considered this as a possible "worse" outcome, the most devastating event leading into the 21st century involved my mother's sudden death. In fact, since my mother passed, me and my family (like many others) faced numerous tragedies, obstacles, hardships, and unplanned events. For instance, less than two years after my mother transitioned my aunt lost a short battle with cancer. Less than thirty days from my aunt's death one of my favorite cousins died unexpectedly. 

I could continue to list all the bad things that happened from the commencement of 2000 until this time, but that would not accurately show the outcome of my reflection or why I titled this post Reflections of Grace. 

Despite all the negatives that happened, God was present in and through it all. I know that some skeptic or person currently feeling the weight of life might read this and ask, "How do you know God was present?"

So, I will answer in this manner: I know that Psalm 46:1 tells us that God is "an ever-present help in trouble," but that is NOT why I stated that God was present. As I continue to reflect, I think about how God showed up through the small acts of kindness from others. 

• When I was sad, someone sacrificed their time to just sit with me while I cried.
• When I was depressed people showed up at my house to not only encourage me, but they cleaned my house, they tended to my children, and they showed up over and over again until my spirits were lifted.
• When I was homeless people took me and my children into their homes. 
• When I had a vision to start a business people gave gifts of their time, talent, and other resources to help me get started. 
• When I failed, people encouraged me to get back up and start again. 
• When I applied to law school (at the unction of the Holy Spirit, AND, after all deadlines had passed) more than 12 people wrote letters of recommendations (I only needed 3).
• When I moved to a new city, people took me in, fed me, provided job leads, treated me with dignity and respect and welcomed me as a member of their family.
• When I started my career after a traumatic brain injury, people wrapped around me with love and support. 

I could go on and on about all the ways God extended grace to me through the loving and selfless acts of others. Grace means favor in Hebrew. But, Grace is so much more than that. Grace, as a verb, bestows honor and dignity. Grace as a spiritual element strengthens during hard times. Grace encourages revival. Grace renews and inspires righteousness. 

God's grace has kept me through some of the most challenging seasons, and I endured because of that same grace!

As 2019 ends and 2020 begins, I encourage you to acknowledge and reflect on God's grace through the smallest of acts and/or gestures. And, if you happen to be full of joy, sitting happily on the top of the mountain instead of being in the valley with those struggling through life's challenges, please take a moment to BE God's vessel in the earth by extending GRACE! May the Lord bless and keep you on your journey, KNOWING that GOD is ever-present!

Happy New Year of Life!

Blessings of Love,

Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Strengthening Your Walk, Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris, Contributing Author
2. Designed for Dignity, Richard L. Pratt Jr. 
3. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality, Peter Scazzero
4. Traveling Light, Max Lucado
5. The Cure: What if God isn't who you think He is and neither are you, Trueface, et al

Where God guides, He provides - Isaiah 58:11

A Bleeding Heart

Senses heightened as my chest tightens and I struggle to grasp what went wrong. Same sadness exacerbated by years of familiarity. Why do I allow you to rip my heart from my chest over and over and over again? Why do I trust you, believe you, listen to you, follow you; allowing my movements and thoughts to be persuaded by you?

The sound of you rings sweetly in my ears. Why would I think you are preparing to consume me with your fire? How would I know your steps are masterfully calculated to devour me?

I hear the alarms sounding wildly in the echoes of the wind; still I allow you inside my deep stirring energy? You feed me blue skies and beautiful rays of sun so why would I consider you as the darkness that withdraws the moon from my midnight?

Optimistically I search for you with the smile of ten thousand children feeding at the bosom of a gentle, warm, and nurturing mother. Why would I consider your hand as one that would choke life from me?

You skillfully allure me with your charm and grace. Your strength weakens me, but no, I had not considered you a venomous poison. Why would I see a sly fox when behind your eyes is the source of life?

You entice me with your persistent pursuit of my attention. Curiously I pause to explore your chase. Your enchanting sway delights me to deliver the fabric of my being to your feet and await instructions. Passionately I pursue you, but why would I anticipate your withdrawal? Why would I think you would leave me alone, hungering after you?  

As blissfully as love enters, it retreats leaving me with a bleeding heart. The same one that builds and breathes life is the same destroyer that steals the innocence of my love leaving me with a bleeding heart. Though I build my resistance to love, the gift giver constantly and creatively encourages me to invite love in beyond my bleeding heart.

So shall it be.

Hell & Heaven at 8 - Embracing Me Book I

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"Embracing Me" Series Launches With
 "Hell & Heaven at 8"

"In order to know who you really are, In order to know the power which you possess, In order to grow, In order to live and be free, You must first be willing to embrace every moment…The days before your existence, The days when you came to be and the legacy that you will leave behind…Know thyself, Embrace who you are"    
~ Stacie J. Whitaker- Harris

(Baltimore, MD)— "Hell & Heaven at 8", one of four books in the Embracing Me series written by Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris, tells of her life’s journey from girlhood to womanhood while experiencing the disappointments of rape, molestation and other abuses that life serves. The story unfolds in eight-year increments, offering a glimpse into pivotal points in Harris’ life journey that have allowed her to heal, grow and embrace the woman she was created to be, using the waypoints as a platform for development.

According to Harris, this memoir is offered as a building block to encourage healing for women, men and families who have experienced life’s trauma and difficulties -- "Unfortunately, my story is a common one, often held inside, leaving young women wounded for generations. Although the book discloses true accounts of my life, it is not to bash or tear down but rather to build". As a turn from the norm, Harris’ book intersperses letters of apology from various men of varying backgrounds and experiences who speak to Harris’ experiences along the book’s journey.

"Hell & Heaven at 8," not only shares Harris’ own poignant, painful, and victorious story, but the letters of apology dispersed throughout the series from men, serve to inspire, encourage, motivate, and direct other women to embrace healing themselves. According to Dr. Allen C. Barham Sr., "I’m confident that not only will Stacie’s personal memoir touch your heart, and prod your instincts, but you will also find one, or many, letters in the series that will strike a powerful chord within your spirit that will provoke your emotions to react. Don’t be afraid of reacting, and of acting; it’s the non-action that has kept you stuck".

Harris believes healing broken women leads to healing and restoration of broken boys, men and eventually, families and uses a combination of reflection and restoration as evident through the letters distributed throughout the text as a catalyst to promote this healing process.

COMING JUNE 2015:

Embracing Me Memoir II: "16 Tears"

Embracing Me Memoir III: "Death At 24"

Embracing Me Memoir IV: "32 The Awakening"

2012 Declarations...

I decree and declare, this is the year of increased faith

I decree and declare, increased works due to increased faith

I decree and declare, this is the year of mended families

I decree and declare, this is the year of clarity

I decree and declare, this is the year of healing of the mind, body & spirit

I decree and declare, this is the year of peace

I decree and declare, this is the year of restoration of marriages

I decree and declare, this is the year of confidence

I decree and declare, this is the year of revival for communities

I decree and declare, this is the year of unity

I decree and declare, this is the year liberty from all forms of bondage

I decree and declare, this is the year we collectively serve the enemy notice

I decree and declare, this is the year we reclaim our children

I decree and declare, this is the year we TRULY walk by faith and NOT by sight

I decree and declare, this is the year of excellent stewardship

I decree and declare, this is the year of humility

I decree and declare, this is the year of intimate relationship with God

I decree and declare, churches recovered from persecution & poor leadership

I decree and declare, this is the year of Holy boldness

I decree and declare, an outpour of God’s spirit for a new era of Holy leadership

Decree and declare increase over everything in your life, BUT know this, YOU must be willing to do the work necessary for manifestation…so fast, pray, cry and then GET TO WORK!!!

PRAYER:  Most Holy & Loving God, now that mustard seed faith has developed, I seek your face for increase regarding my faith that I may be able to do those things which you have called, purposed, designed, ordained and created me to do according to your will.  Lord I pray for the courage and boldness to walk out my life with purpose and I release any and all unrest, uncertainty, fear and doubt into your hands.  Lord, speak to my heart and order our steps that I walk in faith living according to the mandates of your word.  In Jesus name, Amen