Wake up call....we all need one!!!!

Today has been an amazing experience! I didn't do anything extraordinary, but I am here....Thank God! This morning was like most of my Sunday mornings, I was awakened by the phone, it was my friend. I should have already been up getting dressed when she called, but I was sleeping too good, I'm talking about good! The plan for this particular Sunday was for me and the girls to get up early( I am always late) and attend church. She came through for a minute, in my excitement to show her my blog site, I didn't even consider the time.....it was 10 am....service begins at 11 am! This sister (my friend) said, "uuuummm yo but ain't going to church are you?" I'm glad she gave me a wake up call (literally) because discouragement had already set in. The thoughts started pouring in...you're going to be late, you may as well stay home because you're not going to get a parking spot or a seat in the Cathedral.......all of that! I told my girl, oh honey I'm going to church....I need a word today, so I'm going to get my word! She was like, "I know that's right!" She went on and did her thing and I began to get my two girls and myself ready for church. Although we were running a bit late, FAVOR showed up as soon as we pulled into the parking lot! The parking attendant asked me to wait a minute because they had a space that had just become available in the main parking lot (closer to the entrance). When we went into the church we were escorted to the CATHEDRAL balcony seating. How awesome is that? AWESOME!!! You may be thinking that this wasn't a big deal....I mean, what's so special about that? Well, the excuses that I was making up to use as a reason for not attending church this morning had been diminished simply because I SHOWED UP!!! Now that's VICTORY for me!

My girls and I took our seat as the Bishop was speaking. I was hoping that we had not missed anything, because I knew that word was for me! The Bishop brought the fire when he said, "Build the Kingdom of God and not your kingdom, because bringing attention to yourself isn't bringing attention to God (BE AWARE)!" When I tell you that word touched me down to my core.......oooohhh yes it did! See, I have recently stepped out to explore my purpose in life and a part of me has been concerned about this very thing.....how can I tell my story and bring God the glory? I was reluctant to share my story because I don't want to make it all about me(ego tripping), but I do want to use myself as an example of God's grace and mercy. I have to be honest with myself about these things....I like attention! I just want to keep it real about where I'm coming from. This word today, which came from 1 Corinthians 3 was a right on time word for ME! I needed to hear that as if my life depended on it, I now know that my future does. The only reason I have a story is because I am chosen by God! It wasn't as if I brought myself out of those situations....I merely acknowledged God's strength in my weakness (I had to learn how to do that) . See when you are chosen(by God), you are targeted (by the enemy). I haven't gone through any of the situations alone, God has been with me, giving me provision and protection! Surely I shouldn't think that he would abandon me now. God is faithful! I am learning to silence my EGO and say, "Less of me and more of you LORD!" I am so glad that I showed up today, because God made my purpose absolute! I no longer have to wonder if this is what I should be doing.....it is confirmed! I will continue to share my story, no matter how painful and ugly it may be.....why?...simply because I am being refined. I will tell my story, live my passion, and change my world.......God demands it!