Making Difficult Choices

It is sometimes quite intimidating to find yourself at a crossroads. The choice is difficult to make, and has permanent consequences, so you can’t take it lightly. In fact, you’ve been mulling over these ideas for quite some time, but something has always stopped you from making a move forward. Perhaps it is fear- fear of the unkown, fear of shame, fear of failure, or any combination of the three. Maybe you are stuck because of you are confused, and can’t figure out how you got here, why you are here, and there seems to be reasons to go in either direction. No matter the situation, the truth of the matter is that you have to make a choice. Your indecision will not be counted for anything. You cannot return to your past, and you cannot undo the other decisions you’ve made. You must choose a direction and move forward in it, no matter what paralyzes you.

This is why prayer is so necessary. Where you are paralyzed, you need to seek wisdom, and then actually DO something. Prayer helps to calm all the voices that send you conflicting messages, and the signs that seem to point in opposite directions. Sometimes you need a truly objective perspective, one that isn’t emotionally invested in the situation, in order to see things clearly. God sees the end from the begining, and can show you exactly what you need to do. Even when it seems He is silent. And trust me, as frustrating as it can be to wait on God, it is much worse to move forward and discover that you made a fatal mistake, and need critical resolution. If you are not one who prays to God, (and even if you are) perhaps a therapist/counselor can help.

Proverbs 11:14 says, “Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.”

Pracitcal, reasonable, and universally applicable advice. The truth is that if many people would simply stop depending on their own strength, their own intelligence, and their own perspectives, they’d stop ending up in some really messed up situations. Solomon, the wisest king in the world, surrounded himself with plenty of  wise and knowledgable people who could give him sane and valid advice. Every (sucsessful) ruling party in the world has some form of advisory board to help them lead nations, and not because they’re not qualified or intelligent, but because success is best attained when one admits to not knowing everything and admits to their shortcomings. Pride will only stunt your personal growth, and will ruin your chances at success. But please remember one thing- you’re only as good as the advice you take. If your advisors are messy, inconsistent, lack integrity, or are having the same issues as you are, you are better off neglecting their advice. Make sure you are seeking advice from people older, wiser, and who’ve survived your situation. Make sure that you’re not just sticking to your peers, your friends, or your family. They may not have the objectivity to make a clear assesment. And above all, be truthful. People give advice based on the information they are given. If you are really seeking accurate counsel, you need to be open and truthful. Nothing is worse then getting inaccurate advice based on inaccurate information. 

So to anyone (else) facing huge decisions, scary decisions, know that there is an abundance of help available to you. Pray about it. Seek wise counsel. And then move forward, even if all your questions haven’t been answered. You may never know why you’re in a particular situation, and you might have to wait until you’re long past the situation to truly see how you arrived at such a difficult place, but action is a risk that you absolutely must take in order to survive. You might think you’re risking everything in moving forward, but the greater risk is trying to stand still and letting the situation control your destiny, rather than the other way around. Your fear will kill you. So don’t let it.

Pray. Seek. Move. 

My Obsession With Water Lilies

I'm obsessed with water lilies. I'm fascinated by the fact that they are so beautiful but thrive in the muck. I see that in myself- rising above much adversity and yet still the clean, beautiful, and inspiring. I see them as the physical manifestation of living IN the world, but not being OF the world.

Even though you may be embedded in the mud of this world, stuck in a place that is dark, without hope of prospect, and surrounded by all sorts of undesirables- you can rise above. You can always rise beautiful, clean, new. As in baptism, rise up in the newness of a life in Christ- a new creature.  Someone reading this is making your way in the dark world, troubled by the notion of living a holy life while interacting with those around you. You want to be relatable to those in the world: be approachable and still live a righteous life. The water lily, the lotus, is proof that you can be surrounded by the mire and still rise unsullied.

You can love your friends with all their different lifestyles, beliefs, and worldviews- and still keep your integrity as a child of God, a follower of the Most High. You are human, therefore allowed to have a different opinion. Even though its almost a hate crime to say you're a Christian these days, know that it's okay to be you. Its okay for everyone else to be themselves too (by the way). You do not need to compromise, or check in with others' opinions of you in order to thrive as a Christian. If someone's bottom line/foundation isn't "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth," then that person is NOT subject to the law of God and you are wasting your time (and theirs) trying to argue, compromise, or holding them to God's standards. One who is seeking truth and knowledge is recognized by their questioning. One who seeks to mock and defame can also be known by their questions. 

Simply put, you are allowed to be you. I am allowed to be a Haitian-American who studied Chinese Medicine, a Christian who is usually surrounded by people who don't like religion. I can be an acupuncturist, author, singer/songwriter, and natural hair guru- and more! I am allowed to be as eclectic (read- weird) as I wish, because I can. I can do my best to ignore the pressure to conform, to blend in, to sit in one neat little box- because I know I was created to be different. And, of course- no one can box you in either. You have already risen above. So live above the mire. 

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." - Romans 12:2 KJV

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;" - 1 Peter 2:9 KJV

Scattered Gems

Welcome to the Scattered Gems blog!!

Everyone seeks out and finds hidden treasure. Not literally of course, or we'd all be rich (which would make none of us rich by default.) But everyone searches for things they consider to be of value and add it to their collections. Their perception of "something valuable" can vary. It could be gold, silver, or jewels. It could be a career, a spouse, or a life's dream. In my case, hidden treasures signify wisdom, truth, and purpose. I am always on a quest to enrich myself with things that are wise, true, and purposeful.

One of my favorite Bible verses is found in Proverbs 25:2.

It is the glory of God to conceal a thing:
but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. (KJV)

It is God’s privilege to conceal things
and the king’s privilege to discover them. (NLT)

Discovery is a beautiful thing! Sometimes it happens accidentally, while attending to another matter or searching for something else. Sometimes, you are simply reaping the rewards of the effort you have placed in conducting the search. But the Bible is clear. Though there are things that are hidden which need to be sought out, there is honor and privilege in the journey to discovery.

I believe that the nature of mankind demands to be challenged. Face it, if you get something easily, it probably won't mean that much to you. Things that we acquire easily also tend to be devalued quickly. The "shiny, new thing" phenomenon wears off, and its back to business as usual. But when we earn something, searching and finally finding that payoff, the feeling is so exhilarating that it leaves an imprint on our minds. 

My goal in life is to never stop searching for the things that will make me better. There is never such thing as "too much" wisdom. Your capacity to learn grows as you learn more. "Too much honesty"  can be an excuse for those who do not like to be held accountable. Truth serves as a mirror to help you correct destructive behaviors and reinforces the presence of great qualities you already possess. And in today's world where most actions and interactions are superficial, finding purpose in things, situations, and activities truly makes you wealthy in the things that matter. In purpose, you find a place in the world, a raison d'être. It increases your capacity for greatness, sparks motivation, and provides the patience and longevity to follow through when times are hard. 

These (and other gems) are scattered amongst our life experiences and interactions with others. They're meant to be uncovered with time (and diligence) so that we value them for the treasures they are. That being said, I hope that this blog provides a few "gems" to enrich your life. 

What do you think of when you hear the phrase "hidden treasure"?

Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
- Matt. 6:21 (NLT)