Readjusting My Crown

Pine trees, grass and a whole lot of pollen are some of the perks of springtime in the South. And accompanying the blooming flowers are the dreaded allergies. Just between you and me, I believe they’re agents of the devil

Normally grabbing an over the counter antihistamine does the job in getting rid of the symptoms. But not this time.

The meds were mere light weights compared to my incessant sneezing and stuffy nose. And on a scale from one to ten, my itchy eyes, ears, throat, arms, and hands were a twelve! sigh

I thought I had it bad .... until my scalp became inflamed and formed blisters. The center of my head itched, bled and oozed... I hope you’re not eating

My previous symptoms were nothing compared to this. One, five, ten....fourteen days passed without being able to sleep at night. I prayed, listened to scripture, confessed scriptures on healing and asked my friends to pray. I went to the doctor, the dermatologist and a nutritionist but, I wasn’t getting better. Lord have mercy

Finally, my friend suggested that I go to an allergist. By this time, my arms and hands looked as if they were severely burned. Plus, I was on the second or was it the third steroid eye drop. And my hair well...it felt like a Brillo Pad and had started to disappear. Now I don’t mean just breaking off. I was going bald! I was already physically sick. Loosing my hair made me emotionally ill.

The doctor discovered that there was a long list of things that were causing my reaction. But it seemed that the main culprit was Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) don’t ask me to pronounce it - a chemical found in permanent hair dye. I was using a little rinse to cover up the silver dew that was taking up residence in my hair.

It was a nightmare that had been ongoing for months. I was ready to hear whatever God had to say. so I thought

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Eventually, I gathered my courage and got my hair cut. It was short or more like shaved. And I did. not. like. it. So, I did the next natural thing. I got a wig.

And then God dropped a question right on top of me. Why are you hiding what I’m taking you through? whew

The conversation continued .... “Everybody I blessed in scripture, I put their problems on display. David was running from Saul, Mary was pregnant prior to marriage, Joseph was in jail and Daniel was in a lion’s den....so why are you hiding?” And, if that wasn’t enough, the next question came rushing in like a flood. “Why did you put your confidence in something that was temporal?”

Truth moment. I was hiding because I was embarrassed, uncomfortable, had never seen myself without hair. And, I didn’t want to face harsh comments. you know people let the most mindless things fly out of their mouths.

The putting confidence in temporal things part? I guess I had just wandered over into crazy land. Lord thank you for coming to get me

The underlying answer to both questions was pride. Webster describes it as - “a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements; to be especially proud of a particular quality or skill.” “one’s own achievement“??? - I know I knew better

I would have appreciated it if God had gotten my attention in a different way. But, I have to admit that his was way more effective.

My health issues made me vulnerable. They caused me to seek God. And, I became more transparent and open to whatever he wanted to change. While I was readjusting my crown, God was rearranging my heart. - Psalm 139:23-24

God already knew the answers to the questions he was asking. He wanted me to know.

So did my hair grow back? Thankfully it did. But, I decided to keep it short. It's less of a fuss and more importantly, it's a reminder that I went through something but, God brought me out. It's a part of my testimony.

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Are you overly consumed with your career, gifts, talents, status, relationships, possessions, friends or family? Is it possible that you’re placing more emphasis on the creation instead of the creator? If the answer is yes, try setting aside some quiet time and allow God to make a few adjustments. I can’t say that you’ll be happy with the process but, you’ll love the outcome.

Your Sister Friend,

Sandra

The Stretch

Books stores have always aroused mixed emotions for me. It’s sort of a love hate relationship. Part of me is fascinated by the opportunities to discover something new. The other part is discouraged by all of things that I have yet to learn. Anyhoo, I’ve resigned myself to delving into one book at a time.

Recently after seeing Lisa Harper at a conference, I knew I wanted to hear more of what she had to say. The title of her book immediately caught my attention,mostly because I'm all too familiar with being Overextended. But even more so, I wanted to understand how to love and embrace life with a plate that’s full and often overflowing.

I thought I had a busy schedule until, Lisa gave me a peek into her world. She is stretched like Elastigirl from the Incredibles. In comparison, I might as well be lying on a beach in the Caribbean sipping fruit smoothies. oh Lord let it be soon

Throughout the pages of Overextended, Lisa has masterfully managed to combine a good dose of theology, engaging transparent stories and laugh out loud humor.

But, it’s not just your ordinary feel good read. Lisa challenges you to experience everything God has for you by jumping into His will with both feet. Often times it requires so much more than you think you have to give.

Are you operating on fumes? Do you feel as though life's challenges are pulling you in several directions at the same time? Grab a copy of Lisa Harper’s Overextended and Loving Most of It! I believe you’ll discover that in the midst of the stretch, there’s a beautiful testimony that God is unfolding.

Your Sister Friend,

Sandra

Your Mic is Hot

It wasn’t the first time. Actually, it was a common occurrence. My coworker, we’ll just call him Barry, would claim that I failed to complete a commercial production work order according to specifications. Strangely enough, I would have the proof of my compliance in his handwriting on my desk. In spite of the evidence, the scenario would always play out the same. I would have to stay after work to revise a commercial. Barry would get what he wanted. And then, we would start the process all over again. yeah I was looking for another job

Usually this exchange would take place in my office or my supervisor's area. But on one occasion it happened in a rather centralized location. other folks were around

Barry begin his normal routine and this time started yelling...furious side eye

Now let me just say, when I start a sentence off with, "Who are you talking to?" things start spiraling pretty fast. pray my strength in the Lord

After I told him what was and was not going to happen, I walked back to my office.....fuming.

That night we had revival. I couldn't wait to get into God's presence and pour my heart out. Feeling completely justified, I knelt down to pray, but before I could get the words out I heard, “Don’t pray!”Go apologize to Barry in the same place, in front of the same people and then come back.” chile, you could have bought me for a penny

While Barry was wrong, I had jumped over in the ‘won’t do right’ basket with him. God handed me the mic to be an example of Christ. But I missed it. you can say ouch or amen

By now you know God was teaching me something through this exchange. So, keep reading.

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God Is My Defender

After way too long, it hit me. I was completely missing the point. It wasn’t about Barry or me. All along the enemy was after my witness. You know his job is to discredit us “Kingdom Girls". - Rev. 12: 9 -11

But more importantly, God was trying to form his character in me. And since I was not cooperating, God was gracious enough to keep giving me the same test over and over again. sigh

Does it mean that you have to be a doormat? No ma'am! But there's a right way and a wrong way to do everything. did your mama ever tell you that?

Psalm 66:18 declares, "If a man’s ways please the Lord, He will make even his enemies be at peace with him." Notice that our only responsibility is to please God. That's it! We don't have to strive to make our own way. God is our defender! He knows how and when to make crooked places straight. Plus, he's already gone before us and he is with us! - Deuteronomy 31:8

I get it. Relying on God to fight your battles takes a ton of faith, especially when you're accustomed to handling things on your own. But, he’s able to work things out far better than you could ever imagine. Just take a deep breath, relax and let God be God.

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So did I apologize? Girl yes! Now, I felt about as big as a baby ant, but I did it. And this time when my mic was hot, my behavior matched my confession as a believer. Obeying God gave me the stage to share the gospel with the other folks in the room. And the second night of prayer you know who was at the altar.

Oh and let me just say that the next time I had an issue with Barry, I stepped aside and let God handle it. I was as quiet as a mouse, except for a little snickering on the inside. That day I went home on time. spinning and twirling

Not long afterwards, I received a call from another company asking if I would come in for an interview. The manager said that he had been hearing about me for three years... which was the same length of time I had been on my job. well just bless my soul

Are you being treated unfairly? Are you loosing ground trying to change or fix your circumstances on your own? Maybe God wants you to give the situation over to him.

Somewhere in the midst of your adversity there‘s a mic. Will you have your say or will you let God have his?

Your Sister Friend,

Sandra