Be Proud!

Today has been another profound day for me thus far. I decided that I am not going to count the days anymore, just going to let GOD continue to use me for however long HE chooses......its NOT about me! I am confident HE will answer my prayers, all of our prayers in His time, so I rest in that! Now with that being said, let me break down today. I got up around 3ish. When I checked my voice mail, it was from my sister (female best friend) Trina. The voice mail said for me to go to my Facebook page as soon as I can, then call her. This is what she left on my page:

Trina Perrineau wrote at 9:42am
What would I do w/o you? I mean really. You are the walking definition of friend. And you are a friend to so so many. But if I didn't know better I'd think that I was your only friend in the world. I don't really know how you do that. You hold everyone down and somehow you always manage to be there when I need you too. Almost like you have the ability to split yourself. Maybe you're really an alien? That would explain the size of that head!(lol. loving the blog updates)

(Then my friend from high school Andrea commented on Trina's comment)

Andrea Abrahams Harrison wrote at 9:53am
Trina - What you said about Corey is so true. I was telling my husband just how caring and concerned he was for me when I was in NY this past weekend for the funeral. He kept asking me if I was ok...did I eat...did I need him to find me a place to stay...etc. I was so humbled by his brotherly love. We need to take a page out of his book and show others that same kind of love. Corey you truly exemplify the love of Christ to your brothers and sisters!

(Trina's response)

Trina Perrineau wrote at 10:11am
Yep, thanks Andrea. My condolences for your loss... You are so right. We could all take a page. I didn't know Rip but I'm sure he was a great person. I know Corey braved a snowstorm (and other things) in order to make the funeral (and managed to stop off 95 to check on my sister and leave some love and inspiration with her) And you know...he did the exact same thing six years ago when I lost my mom. Snowstorm and all. I love u bro.

Trina Perrineau wrote at 11:14am
sorry, let me chime back in one last time.. I know it's all ONLY possible through the LOVE of God... An example of what happens when we open ourselves up to ABOUNDING Universal love.

NOW, having read these messages, I was stuck. Staring at my computer screen as the tears welled up in my eyes. I never took the time to look back at what I had done in the past.....yesterday, last weekend, 6 years ago. I just kinda go into auto pilot mode. I am just really appreciative that God has enabled me the capacity to be there in any way I could.

Before I go any further, this is not a post about how GREAT I AM!!! There is a reason and a timing for this.

Without going in too deep, Andrea asked me to forward yesterday's blog post to her husband. I did it with no problem. He responded via email:

Thank you my brother in christ. I will read the bible verses as soon as I get in. I find myself resting in Romans 12 and Psalm 139. I will get back to you later. I am going to prepare a meal for the Fam.

I immediately grabbed my bible and began reading Romans 12. In my bible it is subtitled Christian Conduct.
Romans 12 (Amplified Bible)
Romans 12 1 I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.
2Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].
3For by the grace (unmerited favor of God) given to me I warn everyone among you not to estimate and think of himself more highly than he ought [not to have an exaggerated opinion of his own importance], but to rate his ability with sober judgment, each according to the degree of faith apportioned by God to him.
4For as in one physical body we have many parts (organs, members) and all of these parts do not have the same function or use,
5So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts one of another [mutually dependent on one another].
6Having gifts (faculties, talents, qualities) that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them: [He whose gift is] prophecy, [let him prophesy] according to the proportion of his faith;
7[He whose gift is] practical service, let him give himself to serving; he who teaches, to his teaching;
8He who exhorts (encourages), to his exhortation; he who contributes, let him do it in simplicity and liberality; he who gives aid and superintends, with zeal and singleness of mind; he who does acts of mercy, with genuine cheerfulness and joyful eagerness.
9[Let your] love be sincere (a real thing); hate what is evil [loathe all ungodliness, turn in horror from wickedness], but hold fast to that which is good.
10Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another.
11Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord.
12Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer.
13Contribute to the needs of God's people [sharing in the necessities of the saints]; pursue the practice of hospitality.
14Bless those who persecute you [who are cruel in their attitude toward you]; bless and do not curse them.
15Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others' joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others' grief].
16Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty (snobbish, high-minded, exclusive), but readily adjust yourself to [people, things] and give yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself or be wise in your own conceits.
17Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is honest and proper and noble [aiming to be above reproach] in the sight of everyone.
18If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
19Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God's] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord.
20But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.
21Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good.
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I almost didn't want to post the chapter due to the length, but its not about me. I knew if I just put the scripture up, some of us wouldn't get the chance to read it. I also posted because, I have been in a position in the past to defend my GIFTS. Make excuses for why I do for others, etc...this was just a confirmation that I was on the right path.

Thank You Mr. & Mrs. Harrison for the kinds words and the scriptures.
Thank You Trina for being moved enough to post your feelings on my facebook page. This could have easily been a phone conversation. I LOVE the way GOD lines things up!!!!!!!

TODAY'S MEDITATION
What talents and gifts has God blessed you with? Are you utilizing them? What are your strengths? ROMANS 12 baby!!!! ROMANS 12.

One more thing. Thalia and K.Brenai, I read your comments in yesterdays post, and I hope this helps!