Greater Than

God is greater. Period. Point blank. It doesn't matter what it is. It doesn't matter how it seems. Yes, it hurts. Yes, it's uncomfortable. No, it's not unavoidable. Nope that doesn't make a difference. You're right. It's not fair. But let me remind you, God is greater. God is greater than insert blank...your feelings, your doubt, your diagnosis, your circumstance. It doesn't matter what you put in that space. Say it with me. God is greater! You're welcome.

Talent

Proverbs 18:16 Kjv  A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

Gifts. Things you’re good at. Things that come easy to you. Something you would do for free. These are all your talents. What are you doing with your talent? Are you honing your skill? Are you burying your gift? The Bible says, “your gift will make room for you.” So, let it. Walk in it. Put it on full display for the world to see. Give it away. Make someone pay for it. Just use it, before you lose it.

Refresh

Do not discount how much a change of scenery can do for your mental health. I had a quick weekend getaway, and I feel like I can conquer the world. The walls aren’t closing in on me as much. The monotony isn’t too much. The routine is a bit easier to get through. I feel refreshed. What have you done today for your mental health? What would make you feel refreshed? Maybe it’s a walk or a run. Maybe it's spending time in the yard. Take care of yourself. Relax. Relate. Refresh.

Worrier

So, genetics may play a role in how you handle stress. Don’t believe me? Google worrier gene. Or just click this link. It’s really a thing. Now, don’t get me wrong. We are predisposed to a lot of things that don’t have to necessarily manifest in our lives. How do you handle stress? Are you more prone to fight or flight? I've had my moments, but I don't let myself have too many doubts. My faith makes me have a knee jerk reaction to doubt. If I wallow too long, my inner voice is quick to say, “Now, Khia…” Scriptures come to mind. Affirmations come out of my mouth. All the word I’ve buried in heart keeps me from being a worrier. What's in your heart? Are you a warrior or a worrier?

Counting the Cost

My news feed is filled with Chadwick Boseman tributes. There are so many statements about the testament of his character. For all accounts, he was an amazing human being with a legacy for the ages. I have to admit, I’ve been a fan since 42 and followed his career. More than his films, I’m impressed by how he lived his life. I can only imagine receiving a terminal diagnosis at the height of my career, and still choosing to live. He choose to still use and share his gifts regardless of how long he had left on this Earth. He chose to work despite his pain. He chose to give despite his need. He chose to encourage despite his own diagnosis. He chose art. He chose charity. All of us will have to count the cost. We will have to make decisions and ask ourselves, “is it worth it?” Will my gifts last? Does my life matter? Will my actions make life better for someone else? If the reward is greater than this risk, then it’s probably worth it. Counting the cost is the easy part. Living despite the cost is the hard part. Thank you Chadwick for doing the hard part, for giving us you in spite of your circumstances. #wakandaforever

Beauty for Ashes

Isaiah 61:3 “and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.”

I’ve got to have hope. I’ve got to believe that this is not it. I’ve got to believe it gets better. I’ve got to think that this too shall pass. I’ve got to know that all of this is for my good. It gets better. Every day there is something. Bad news. Crazy headlines. Death and despair everywhere, BUT God! His word gives us comfort that there will be a great exchange. We will trade our ashes for beauty. What are the ashes? They are all the difficult and challenging things we have experienced. We can give God our burdens. We can give God our hurt. We can give God our fear. We can give God our anger. We can give it all to God. We can have beauty for ashes.