Cathy Gillfords, Her Life is a Miracle

Image by: Associated Press

For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. John 5:20

Last night, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords slowly entered the chambers under her own power to claim her seat one final time in the House of Representatives.  Just over a year ago, January 8, 2011, this same woman was facing death straight in the face after a gunman open fire on a crowd, which snuffed out five lives: one federal judge, a nine year old girl and that bullet which struck Gabby in the head at close range. Ms. Giffords also announced she was relinquishing her Arizona seat to dedicate full time toward rehabilitation and therapy. Gabby has beat the odds, all while baffling doctors and other specialist as to how someone can recover so well after suffering brain injury and in all practical purposes picked up life where she left off. 

I don’t know if Giffords is a believer in the faith or Jesus Christ, nevertheless I do sense people worldwide prayed for her recovery which ushered the Spirit of God to begin the healing process. This brave heart of a woman and her phenomenal recovery, once again, made me raise the question “is such phenomena’s like this luck or divine intervention?” Is it a coincidence, that Gabrielle survived or was it something short of a miracle? Does society chalk this up as another spectacular incident which is unexplainable by the laws of nature; question whether this act was of God or another fluke?   I am a firm believer there is power in prayer and Gabrielle Giffords is a living witness anything is possible with God.  This modern day example of a Miracle in Arizona should stand as proof that God provides observable wonders for all to see no different from the parting of the Red Sea.

Ms. Gillfords has demonstrated tenacity, a willingness to fight through grueling and painful therapy all with a smile on her face.  Her recovery has not been easy just as our faith journey with Christ is no leisurely walk in the park.  There will be trials, tribulations, and mountains to climb, events which seem endless and painful. Yet, in the darkest hour of one’s struggle is usually the day joy will come. Recall Christ’s words, faith with out works is dead so, the next time you feel that your burdens are too heavy and you want to give up, remember Gabrielle Giffords, despite all the odds for some reason this lady persevered, never gave up exemplifying the true essence of faith. Because of her confidence, will and determination she has received the greatest gift of all the miracle of life.   

Tigner J.

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Children, Their Lost Souls Under Siege

Image by: Tigner J.

Start children off on the way they should go and even when they are old they will not turn from it.  Proverbs 22:6

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid. Proverbs 12:1

Two principles have disappeared from society’s code of morals; children honoring, respecting, listening, obeying parents and parent’s fear/belief of sparing a child.  Because of this disconnect, a seismic shift in values has occurred in our communities. More so than anytime during the existence of man, humanity has deemed morals to be devalued, or futile. In short, this new ideology has replaced morality with vanity and egotism which has ruptured God’s foundation of basic living.  This immoral devastation can be debated from various perspectives, however my heartache is caused by lost souls of our children who have failed due to lack of knowledge; Honor your father and mother for your days will be longer on this earth Exodus 20:12 . My eyes also stink from tears because youth walk in the way of their heart and not in the sight of their eyes by not realizing God will bring them unto judgment based on their ways. Yet, for some strange reason adults, teachers, and parents who know these words are often afraid to practice what was preached to them years ago because of public backlash for such “idiotic” beliefs.

A great deal of troubles which plaque our nation come from not following God’s word or what people consider as correct.  For example, parents have reversed roles; allowing children to dictate what they want or Department of Human Services mandating it unlawful to discipline your child.  So, is it illicit for me to spank my child if they are cursing, stealing, or being defiant? By not enforcing some form of order children are surely heading down a path of no return; death, prison or without a doubt self destruction! Based on these findings one has to assume government would rather a child be killed or imprisoned opposed to praying, teaching, Gods, word along with a little whipping and a wailing.

The point I’m trying to make, all blame cannot be placed on the shoulders of our adolescence, for they know not what they do, however this burden should rest squarely on parents and adults who in many cases have failed to educate or practice many of God’s ‘Golden Rules’ such as spare the rod and spoil the child; for whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them. Prov. 13:24. Go back to what you know worked from your mother, father, Big Mama, auntie, or Ms. Mary down the street though you did not like the lectures, whippings, or long days in church yet through it all you turned out fairly well!

Parents, raising children is harder today than ever before yet sitting on most bookshelves or coffee tables is the best parenting Manuel of all times The Holy Bible, pick it up teach your children about God and his Majestic word before the difficult days come.   For childhood and youth are a time of vanity all else will fall short of joy and beauty until you [they] seek and know God!

Tigner J.

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God’s Mercy, Turning Sorrow into Sapphires

Image by: VOICE Today

It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. Luke 17:2 

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 

Betrayal of a child

One in four girls and one in six boys are sexually abused by their 18^th birthdays. These startling statistics are numbing reminders that the innocence of children are stolen every day; voices are silenced, their cries denied and because of this betrayal, children learn to suppress grief and after years of rejection they grow into teenagers, tagged with anger issues, depression, and drug abuse. The vicious cycle continues; with a voice unheard, children hurt, hearts filled with sorrow and another life lost. 

Angela Williams: VOICE Today, CEO

This  past weekend, I attended the East Metro Atlanta Christian Writers meeting where I met a dynamic woman, Angela Williams, author, international speaker as well as founder of VOICE Today.    Through our conversation, I witnessed a person, overflowing with passion, joy and always wearing a smile.  No one could have made me believe this vibrant and energetic woman was a survivor of incest and had lived a childhood filled with sorrow.  Yet, after suffering “14 years at the brutal hands of her stepfather”, Angela finally found peace and direction through God and was able to go from Sorrow to Sapphires  , the title of her book which illustrates how suffering became a pathway of healing for many people.  From her pain Christ gave her a testimony which led to purpose and from purpose to Angela’s passion which birthed a crusade to break the silence and cycle of child sexual abuse through her grassroots non-profit organization, VOICE Today www.voicetoday.org . 

In life,  people find themselves suspended over perplexed situations, abusive relationships, or depression, all can cause frustration and disappointment.  In the midst of these storms they are prompted to cry out to God even question where is He during their hurt.  Doubt penetrates the spirit sucking what microcosm of confidence inside.  The enemy adds insult to pain by pressing down until it feels as though you are dead and leaving your heart in despair.  (Psalms143:4) You are under attack.  Jesus Christ told His followers to take His yoke for His burden is easy.  During your darkest hour when it appears there is no hope, allow Christ to take all your burdens He knows what to do with them regain your self-assurance and believe again!  Sure it is easy for me to tell you how to get rid of your problems, but  just as Angela’s story and with all storms God is always there He knows your pain!  Through prayer, supplication, seeking help from churches and professionals, all things are possible through God!

While praying find the true connection with God, increase knowledge, relationship, trust, and faith in Christ anticipate God’s answers and choose not to hang on to the memories instead let go.  I’m here to remind you though the pain hurts deep, it will not last forever. Christ’s Grace is sufficient for you; for His strength is made perfect in weakness.  Angela Williams found a way to turn her pain into passion, start believing in YOU again because God is not through with you yet.

Sexual child abuse is a sick and sadistic crime if you or someone you know is suffering from any type of abuse get professional help. If the memories want go away contact VOICE Today  

Tigner J.

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You are a Hoarder Time to take an inventory of your life

DeKalb County
Seminole Land field
Image by: Tigner J.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  Matthew 6:19

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

We all have seen or heard about the A&E network series Hoarders which allow viewers to see how people live who have a difficult time parting with their belongings or pets.  In some cases, individuals have carried so much junk from their past life they are on the verge of loosing home, family, friends, and mental stability. We cringe through episodes, converse amongst ourselves as well as cast some form of judgment as to how could a person get to this point, or I would never allow myself to keep stuff like these people and not to leave out these are some real crazy folk.   I hate to be a bearer of bad news; you are a hoarder and to blind to see it!

A&E states, some 3 million people suffer from some form of hoarding or holding onto objects.  This secret disorder can reach catastrophic levels which opens the door to evictions, demolition notices, and costly citations. Parallel to physical hoarding a myriad of Christians and non-Christians alike have a fixation of mentally storing all types of pain, suffering, lost dreams, hopes, loves and desires.  These setbacks or so called failures have inflected hardship on a person’s daily life. Longsuffering then breeds a spirit of withdrawal, depression causing an exclusion of God from problems. Often times these disappointments, self blame, or blame shifting to God have consumed a person’s strength and wellbeing which keep many from obtaining their destiny.

 Albert Einstein so eloquently stated “insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results.” The most excellent way to end mental hoarding is to get in line with God let pass adversities stay behind. Yes, you have fallen short of God’s Glory caused by problems that seem insurmountable but God’s desire for you is healing and restoration.  Whatever your mind is hoarding there is a cure-all which corrects past encounters, wrongdoings, and mistakes when you dump these burdens on God.   His word clearly states that for as high as the heavens are above the earth, as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us Psalms 103:12. Simply put, once God heals He forgives us and forget our past. Hallelujah! Now, if the creator of all living things can be so gracious to forgive why you can’t find it in your heart to forgive the past as well as your self? 

Through praying and seeking forgiveness this can remove barriers which appear to be immovable or impeded us from moving forward in life. So stop hoarding, rekindle your relationship with Christ He is always waiting on His children to return, seek, praise, honor and adore Him! When you stop and absorb these words one has to realize your past is truly your past!

Let us not fail to recognize hoarding is a physical, mental, and spiritual behavioral disorder and if not treated this disease can attribute to life lasting problems.  If you or someone you know has a hoarding problem; (object form or spiritual forms) please seek professional help.

Tigner James

HOLD ON CHANGE IS COMING

Here is a post  by a another great blogger, Enyonam Gbekle, that i feel someone need to hear/read today... My God Bless and keep you! #comment-form


EZEKIEL 12:28

Therefore say to them, 'Thus says the Lord GOD, "None of My words will be delayed any longer. Whatever word I speak will be performed,"'" declares the Lord GOD.

I was really blessed by this scripture last night in our intercessory prayer session in Church and I couldn't help it but to share it with you my beloved sisters and brothers in Christ. I don't know what word the Lord has spoken concerning your family, marriage, career, work children, business, ministry or relationship. However whatever it is, I came to encourage and to remind us that the Lord says; no longer will His words delay any longer. Whatever word He has spoken He will perform without delay and speedily declares the Lord Almighty. So wipe your tears and don't give up not just yet because change is coming - Restoration without limts, Amen!

However, whilst we are waiting in expectancy lets continue to exercise our faith by feeding our spirit the Word as we remain attentive and sensitive to His instructions for the delivery of our long awaited package to the glory of His Name. Wow, what a Mighty God we serve, how merciful and gracious He is in all His ways! Rejoice my sisters and brothers, rejoice for affliction shall not rise up the second time.......!

VERSE FOR MEDITATION:

You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame.-- Joel 2:26


2011 by Enyonam Gbekle. All rights reserved.



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