Allegiance

We live in a country where allegiances are undefined and unclear. We have presidential ties to Russia. We are uncertain of our future and that is disconcerting. We have allegiances to people, places, and things that are of no benefit to us. What are you committed to? Where do your allegiances lie? Are your allegiances beneficial? 

Pearls

I grew up wanting to wear my grandmother's pearls. I loved how beautiful and shiny they were against her brown skin. I knew it was a special occasion if my grandmother was wearing her pearls. Ironically, "pearl" was one of her nicknames. My grandmother valued her pearls, maybe because she knew what it cost her or maybe because wearing her pearls made her forget momentarily that she was a Black woman raised in the segregated South.

The bible speaks about not throwing your pearls to swine. Simply put, don't give what you value away. Some species of oysters die when a pearl is harvested. Are you willing to die for what you produced? Are you willing to die for your purpose to be accomplished? Your life's work is your pearl. 

Pearls are produced by irritation. The defense mechanism of the oyster is to isolate the irritant. What's irritating you? It's producing your pearls. Every layer you use to isolate the irritation is adding dimension, color, and value to your pearls. 

Consistency

Everyone needs consistency. We need consistency of finance. We need consistency in relationships. We need consistency in friendships. We need to know that people are going to be around. We need to know that they mean what they say. We need to know what to expect to some degree. Consistency is just one way to build trust in relationships. Are you consistent?

Correction

I have never been a fan of rules. I was definitely a child who challenged authority and tested limitations. On the flipside, I despise consequences. I learned at a very early age how to glean wisdom. I learned that I could learn from the mistakes of others. I did not have to repeat the sins of my father or mother. I prayed for wisdom. I prayed that generational curses ended with me. I prayed that I learned the lesson the first time. I've made a lot of mistakes, but for the most part, I haven't made the same mistake twice. Correction is not something we should run from. Correction is wisdom, sometimes wrapped in hard lessons. Correction is God allowing us to change directions. Correction is God saying, "there's a better way." 

Collateral Damage

Every action has a reaction. Sometimes, our actions affect people in ways we never imagined. We can’t control all the variables. We can’t control all the reactions. We have to deal with the outcome. We have to pick up the pieces. We have to deal with the collateral damage.

Invest

Most of us weren't taught to invest. Most of think about money when the word invest is mentioned. However, there are plenty of ways to invest that are not monetary. First and foremost, we must invest in ourselves. We must invest in each other. We have to nurture our own personal growth spiritually, physically, and financially. How can we better ourselves? How can we better each other? How can we better our environment? Most importantly, investment is intentional. We have to be deliberate. We have to make time and make room. Invest in something today.

Faith

How big is your faith? I was inspired by a fellow blogger, Brittany Bonnaffons. She is a former classmate of mine. She has a blog that is nothing short of inspiring. So much so, that it inspired this Facebook post in response to her post.

For those of you who have given up....for those of you who have thrown in the towel....for those of you who have said, "I can't take anymore!" For those of you who think that you are beyond broken and beyond pressed...it ain't over till God says it's over! This too shall pass and you shall come out as pure gold. The test is only for a season. Big prayers don't always require big faith. Remember the mustard seed. Hold on! 

Mustard Seed Facts:

• Seeds are usually about 1 to 2 millimetres (0.039 to 0.079 in) in diameter.

• They are an important regional spice.

• Grinding or mixing the seeds with water and vinegar produce mustard.

• Mustard seeds take seven to ten days to germinate.

If you have faith the size of a mustard seed:

• It doesn’t require Big Faith.

• Your faith is important to your region. (Matthew 5:13- You are the salt of the Earth)

• If you mix your faith with something else, it can produce something on your behalf.

• It won’t take long for your Faith to grow.

• According to scripture, you can Move Mountains.

• Nothing will be impossible to you.

Matthew 17:20-21- Because you have so little faith, " He answered. "For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there, ' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."