I CAN'T SEE...

"I don't need glasses but I can't see. My visibility has decreased to almost zero. I wasn't born this way. God just figured my life would be better if I depended on Him for everything; my sight included. I continually ask Him, "Why?" but He never answers me because I already know the answer. So let me tell you a story about a blind little girl who grew up to be a woman that forgot she couldn't see."

...Bullets flying through windows and drug deals gone bad was a constant in my neighborhood. I walked home with my sister from the bus stop everyday. I was blind, but I made it without any assistance; I thought. I was carefree and lived a pretty normal life from my perspective. Although I didn't have everything I wanted, I certainly never went without anything; except my sight. I don't think anybody really knew I was blind. In fact, I didn't even know. But God knew. He not only allowed it but I believe He, in a sense, caused or created it. He didn't want me to see what many people saw. So He placed a protective film over my eyes, rendering me a blind little girl...

...I am older now. In fact, I am an adult with limited visibility. There was a time when I could see a lot clearer but I messed that up. I used my sight for evil and not good. I looked at others as if they were visible obstructions on my journey. If there was something I wanted, I went after it; no questions asked. Nothing could stop me because I could see! I didn't need anybody, I thought. I had no use for the assistance of another person, place, or thing. The problem occurred when I thought my sight was the thing that led my steps; only to find out that my path was set and my steps were ordered... By God's sight, not mine.

"...But I still can't see. God what is up with that?" He still won't give me an answer. He just says, "YOU KNOW WHY." "Ugh! Come on Jesus! You know I need to see! I can't see where I'm going without my sight! Please Help Me! Didn't you promise to be there for me, to lead me, and to guide me?" "AND I'VE KEPT MY PROMISE." "You have?" TRUST ME, I'VE KEPT MY PROMISE. HAVE YOU KEPT YOURS?" 'But how have you kept your promise', is what I wanted to ask Him because I didn't feel the need to start recounting how many times I broke mine. Shoot! Jesus show' know how to shift the blame huh? (LOL) Okay, let's do this Jesus. Since you took my sight, give me back my mind and let me think on those things... Hmmm...(He spoke through my memory.)

"When you were little girl, it's not that you couldn't see the drugs, the violence, or the abuse, I just blinded your eyes so it wouldn't effect you as much as it did others. I wanted you to grow up believing that you could be or do anything. And for the most part, you have succeeded. But you still have a ways to go." (I open my mouth to speak.) Let me finish before you ask me another question. Do you remember those times when all seemed well at first, and then suddenly, everything somehow took a turn for the worst? (I nod.) Well, the reason that happened was because you called yourself going to get some 'glasses' so you could see better. You picked out the frames and waited patiently for your new eyes. They worked for a while but stopped. Didn't they? (I tearfully nod again.) Well I think you know where I'm going with this, but to make 100% certain, I'll refresh your memory once more. ('Okay,' I whisper.) Do you remember when you were driving in the snow and ice storm and your wipers broke? (My tears bore witness) You questioned how you were going to make it home and for a moment, you didn't believe you would. Naturally, you shouldn't have made it, but you already know we deal with the spirit! Your windshield was 98% covered in ice and no matter how hard you tried to stop and scrape it off at each intersection, the wind blew more ice. You began to cry which further limited your visibility. Then finally..., you put your trust where it should've been all along. You put your trust in me! You took off your 'glasses' and you allowed me to see for you. You got home didn't you? (Again I nod.)Without your eyes but with mine. So...truthfully, you do realize that every time you put your 'glasses' on, thinking that you can do it without me, you will always get to the point when you need to take them off and use my eyes! The storms will come and the winds will blow; limiting or diminishing your visibility; but if your trust remains in me, I'll take care of everything for you by being your eyes with which to see!"
"Thank You Father, That I Can't See! The ice of life has frozen solid over my window but I'd rather put my trust in You because I've realized; I see a whole lot better with Your EYES."

"Because I Didn't Deserve It..."

"What are you getting me for Christmas? 'Nothing', you say? Well, why not? Because 'I don't Deserve It'? Man! You have got to be kidding me! Did you not see what I've done? Haven't you payed any real attention to me? Ugh! I can't believe this! Well you know what? You can kiss my... ."Aah! You thought I was gone cuss' huh? (LOL)

Can you imagine having a conversation like that with somebody; possibly a friend or a loved one? Shoot! Some of you may not have to imagine it, either because it has happened before or it happens all too frequently. To hear the words, 'Because you don't deserve it', seems pretty cruel; especially in this season of gift-giving. But to better understand the rhyme behind the reason, you have to know a person; either by association or the assimilation of a relationship. As a kid, hearing the phrase from your parents let you know that your behavior was unacceptable. But as an adult, you figure the phrase has an underlying meaning. A grown-up can't possibly tell another, 'You ain't gettin' nothing because you don't deserve it'. The reason being is because the pot can't call the kettle black! I just wish the 'grown-ups' who say such things would be truthful and honest about the entire situation. Joka'? Just say you broke! (LOL) It feels better to tell the truth anyway rather than lying and/or spending money you don't have! (Gotcha thinkin' or talkin' huh? Maybe even both... .) Okay, let me get to the time, when if you hear those words, you can and will rejoice. I know what you're saying. And I thought so too. "When will I ever be happy that someone said that to me?" Just let me explain. You payin' attention? Okay.

Just think for one moment, (you don't even have to think back far) when God blessed you and you didn't even deserve it. How He brought you through a situation that you put yourself in and had no way of getting out. Think about the time when you should've died but didn't. Let's not talk about all the times He has forgiven you and turned a blind eye to your ignorance. Ooooh! We won't even get into the times when He Made a Way Out Of No Way will we?! Do you remember the time when you threw the rock (whether it be a physical rock or a symbolic one)and hid your hands? You thought and still think, nobody saw you, but God did. How many times has He brought healing to your body? How many times has He brought you off of the operating table, when you should've died? Remember that car wreck? The one that was supposed to kill you but only bruised you? What about your children or loved ones? Has HE ever done anything for them? Have you ever been hungry and He gave you food? Thirsty, and He gave you drink? In the dark, (because you didn't have money to pay your bill) and He made a way for you to have light? Can you walk, whether you need assistance or not? Are you breathing? Well we know the answer to that one huh? Because you're reading this. And since that is the case, You have eyes to see! (Okay, Okay! I'm done!)(sniff)

I just wanted to make you think a little bit about that infamous slogan. It isn't so bad when you realize the gift(s) you already possess, were given to you, EVEN WHEN YOU DIDN'T DESERVE IT! So when somebody comes at you this season with that weak statement about what you don't deserve; simply smile at them and rejoice while saying, "Thank You". Now they will ask you either with their lips or their eyes, why you thanked them. Just offer them this simple explanation: "Thank You for reminding that God gave me LIFE, Because I didn't deserve it!"

-A. Life...

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Secret Wounds & Hidden Pain by A. Life...

As I wrote this book, I pondered the title as a subject and was floored. Tears ran the length of my face because I never really acknowledged the mere thoughts or ideas behind my life's scars; visible as well as hidden. When my visibility was clearer and the tears were dried up, I was able to stand boldly and give what I had been babying; a name. That name as we have come to know is none other than the title of my latest novel; Secret Wounds & Hidden Pain. As I began to question the similitude of the terms; wounds and pain, along with secret and hidden; an answer quickly forced itself into my mental fibers. How can a wound be secret? How can you hide pain? The answer is simple; a cover-up. We all know what covers were created to do but do we understand fully what they weren't created for as well? COVERS ARE TEMPORARY SHIELDS FROM EXTERNAL ELEMENTS! When the outside threat is extinguished, the cover is to be removed. This is the part we forget about. That which is 'undercover' needs to be exposed. Remember, even the rough has to move, so the brilliancy of the diamond can be seen by the world. TAKE THE COVERS OFF AND YOU'LL BE AMAZED AT HOW GOOD THE 'YOU' YOU'VE BEEN HIDING REALLY LOOKS.

But Tell Me This…How Many Scars Do You Really Have?

Few people know or realize that the word scar is a derivative of a Greek term meaning; place of fire. (Hence, the burning sensation one gets when an injury occurs.) In life, we all go through our own ‘fires’ but it is how we come out that determines what type of scar, if any, we will incur. Aside from the fact that a scar’s appearance is the direct result of a previous wound, it doesn't seem so bad if it’s small or in an inconspicuous location that’s easy to conceal. And though we desire ways to treat the scar(s), we often find ourselves trying to hide them behind the walls of clothing. Truth be told, scars never completely go away, but there are some methods that can aide in the reduction of its size and appearance. Author A. Life… displays in her latest release, titled: Secret Wounds & Hidden Pain (ISBN: 978-1-61623-785-1), the lives of four different women; all wearing the same mask-like band-aid, with the intent of hiding the pain of life’s wounds. She uniquely demonstrates in each woman; how she received her wound(s) and how she will eventually receive her scar(s) of healing. While it is impossible for her to shield us from all injury, it is Life’s desire that we come to know that scars are a natural part of the healing process. And in order to speed up the process we must be willing to remove the secrecy of all masks and/or bandages, so the air of life can act as a healer. When we openly reveal ourselves to the world, what is seen is truth. Wounds are not always secret and real pain is certainly not something that can be hidden. As stated by the author, “We as a people must try not to falsely hide behind walls of wounds, but showcase our lives in such a way that everyone is able to see a life free of pain, displaying scar-like wounds of beauty. For He promised to give us beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…” How many scars do you have? Show’em off!