The ugly side

The promise is always better than the process. It may take you awhile to get to it, but eventually you will. I used to side eye people who professed the patience and joy they had, as they awaited the birth of a new season. For them, waiting was “easy” and they did it without complaints, because they knew the end would be better than the beginning. “I count it all joy, because I know God is going to victoriously bring me out, so I’m happy to endure, as I go through many trials and tribulations.” While I didn’t think they were necessarily being entirely truthful, I always wondered if I’d ever get to that point. Without any hesitation or reservation, I will admit that I’ve been very bitter, angry, doubtful, and anything but joyful, during my seasons of waiting. Considering the severity of my situation, there was no way you could convince me to wait patiently with excitement, when I didn’t have anything to be enthused about.

Despite not having enthusiasm, one thing I do have is faith. I’m sure like many of you, there are many things you have prayed and hoped for, and because you don’t see it, you think it’s not coming. In some cases, that may be true, especially if it’s not what God has for you. Nonetheless, you’ve got to keep praying. It doesn’t matter what your situation looks like, or what it looks like God isn’t doing, keep praying. It can be hard to do, especially during trying times. In the midst of your doubt, worrying, and questioning God, you’ve got to smile and pretend nothing is going on, even though you and everything around you is slowly coming undone. That’s the ugly side of waiting on answered prayers that people don’t often tell you about.

No matter how ugly things get, something “pretty” amazing is on the horizon!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

Hidden until the perfect time

Do you know who you are? Are you mad because others don’t? Are you still struggling to be seen? Have you done great and wonderful things, only for it all to go unnoticed? You’re amped up, hype and excited for the phase in your life, because now couldn’t be a better time, so you believe. Not only is it not time, but it is the most inopportune time. God is still molding, stretching, and pruning you, and until He says you’re ready, you’ll remain hidden until the perfect time. I know you’re still waiting to be harvested, but you’ve got a little more growing to do. Be patient with the process, but don’t give up on it.

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

A little bit goes a long way

Every now and then, I’ll meander into the kitchen, and 30 minutes later, I’m cooking. Before you ask for a plate, there’s nothing unique, elaborate, or special even, about my meals, partly because I don’t know how to cook. I’ll admit, it’s fun to try, but I don’t necessarily want to make a habit of it, especially when I don’t know what I’m doing. Needless to say, I do it anyway. Most of the times, I follow recipes or just call my momma for help. One thing I’ve noticed, is just about all of the recipes calls for salt. Although I’m not a fan of it, I know that ‘it’ is what makes the meal. Not only does it give it flavor, it gives contentment. Don’t fight me on this. How many times have you eaten food, and quickly discover, “Hmm, it’s missing something?” If you’re honest, the very first thing you reach for is the salt. After sprinkling just a little bit, you immediately notice a difference. All it took was just a few shakes to make your meal tasty, and your belly full.

Can I share something with you? If you’re discontent with your bland life and current circumstances, all you need is a little bit of faith. It doesn’t have to be the size of a mountain, only a mustard seed. You may be thinking, “With all the hardships and hell I’ve been through, I don’t think I have much faith left,” and it’s okay if you don’t. As long as you have a little bit, then it will certainly take you a long way.

Remember, you need a few sprinkles of salt to make your food better, but only one mustard seed to better your situation.

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

I didn’t forget

I’m often asked, “Where does your notes come from?” To which I always reply, “God.” I’m not saying that for points, to be cliché, or viewed as impressive, but it’s the truth. When I sit down to write, I have no idea what I’m going to say, until God releases it to me. I just thank Him prior to, because I already know what He’s about to do, and that’s to use me to help somebody. I’ve written several books, and although I’m given the credit, God is really the Author. A lot of people find themselves in high positions, with a substantial amount of wealth and power, and attribute it to their doing. Suddenly, “I did” replaces “God did,” and somehow we’ve managed to give the person the glory and praise for what they have acquired, instead of the one from whom it came.

It’s as if these individuals have suffered a memory loss, because they can’t seem to remember, that the things they now have, are the things they once prayed to God for. However, I didn’t forget. All that I have and who I am becoming, is a direct result of God. I didn’t do anything, so I’ll never plagiarize what He’s done, and then take all the credit for His work. Let’s be honest, we’ve all been helped by someone before. It doesn’t matter what they did, or how it was done, all that matters is that you don’t forget who did it.

You can have the possessions, you can have the wealth, and you can have the accolades, but you can’t have the praise! God did it, not you!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

Listen to your heart

We’ve all heard the expression, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste”, but following it can get you in trouble at times. A year and some change ago (if you’re from the south like me, you’ll know the meaning of that metaphor), I befriended a guy, that I really should’ve looked the other way on. Initially, he was very intriguing and charismatic, but deep down in my heart, I knew there was just something not quite right about him. Seeking to prove myself wrong, and discredit my heart, I continued to engage with him. Things were pretty good in the beginning, and although I took no issues with him or anything he said, my skepticism continued to lurk behind. As time passed, things gradually went from good to great, until the smoke alarm begin to siren. Immediately, I felt the sudden urge to run, but my mind kept me in place. It assured me that it was a false alarm, and shortly thereafter, everything resumed to normal.

Fast forwarding, while we too, were moving fast, I felt the sudden need to slow things down. In fact, I wanted them to come to a halt, because the person I met, was far from the one I had suddenly been introduced to. From his ugly attitude, un-Christian like spirit, to the low language he used, I witnessed it all! God had given me a front row seat to the real him, and repeatedly said, “This is what I was trying to get you to see all along. Throughout this whole ordeal, I had been speaking to you through your heart, and tried to change your mind, but you just wouldn’t listen. It took me using this situation to hurt you, just so you could walk away.” Whew! Talk about being chastened by God. I’ll admit, I was very much hurt by the situation, but more than anything, I was hurt that I didn’t listen to my heart.

Whether or not you know it or believe it, God speaks to us through our heart (Hebrews 4:13), and the enemy through our mind. Anytime you have negative, harmful, evil, doubtful, hopeless or low thoughts, listen to your heart, because it makes it impossible to hear the enemy. How you feel at times, doesn’t always go along with what you’re thinking. You may feel like you’re going to be a millionaire one day, but your mind will remind you of your empty bank account. You may be offered the opportunity that you’ve prayed to God for, but your mind will create doubt and question, “Are you sure?” You may feel as though you will overcome the difficulties you’re facing right now, but your mind will continue to remind you of your current circumstances and say, “Things will always be this way.” I’m here to tell you, no they won’t! Trouble don’t last always. At some point, it has to get better. If you change your mind, you can change your situation!

Here’s something to remember, the mind is powerful, but the heart is much stronger!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

Waitlisted

My oldest sister loves luxury, designer, high-end, high-quality things. While she is not materialistic, she is a woman who gets what she wants, especially if she has the means to do so. For quite some time, I’ve known she’s wanted a particular luxury purse. As a result of it being in high demand, she hasn’t being able to get her hands on it. Nonetheless, she continued her search for it. After some time had passed, lo and behold, she was able to find the bag, but still unable to get it. I don’t remember the exact reason why, whether it be the bag was out of stock or there were only a few of them, and too many people to accommodate for the shortage. Whatever the reason, she was waitlisted.

I know waiting for something you’ve wanted for so long, can be hard to do. However, you’re to be joyful and wait with excitement, because you know eventually you’re going to get it. I’m sure my sister is ecstatic, because in a short while, she’ll be getting something she’s wanted for quite some time.

Do you feel like you’ve been waitlisted by God? For years, you’ve prayed to Him for financial increase, a husband, wife, children, healing, a house, a car, and a better job, only to find yourself still without it. When you look around, you see everyone getting what you’ve desired, and you’re left wondering, “God, when will it be my turn?” You start to feel as though He’s forgotten about you, and nothing you’ve prayed for will ever come to pass. Besides, you’ve been praying for it for so long and you still don’t have it, so you think, maybe it wasn’t intended for you.

Oh, but it is! Just because you don’t see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t there. It is and always has. It’s just making its way to you. Until then, you too can wait with excitement, because you know, after awhile, God will remove you from the waitlist.

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

I remember

Tomorrow is 9/11, and I remember it as if it happened on yesterday.

I remember exactly where I was, when we we’re under attack.

I remember all the horrific and bloody images that scrolled across the television screen.

I remember the alarming number of deaths, and people that not only lost their lives in the attack, but the ones who risked theirs to help.

I remember America being in complete turmoil and mourning.

I remember the chaos and feelings of fear, and uncertainty, that ensued thereafter.

I remember people being afraid to fly, because they thought their plane would be hijacked.

I remember asking God, “Why?” However, more than anything, I remember Him getting us through such a horrific time as that. This country is no stranger to adversity and we’ve dealt with a lot of unimaginable things, particularly C-19. Although we’ve been through it all, God has been right there with us, and 20 years to the date later, He’s still here.

Remembering all the people who lost their lives in the attacks! #9/11

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

One more fight

I know a young lady who’s had trouble to follow her all the days of her life. While most of it stems from her childhood, her adult years hasn’t been that great either. Although she’s had moments of joy and laughter, now there appears to be no happiness at all. Every time I see her, my heart aches, and I have an overwhelming feeling of sadness. I’m talking about the kind of sadness that lingers for days at a time, almost to the point it turns into mourning. However, she’s not dead, but if her situation continues as it has, she will be. I want to feel sorry for her, but I can’t, and that’s because she won’t let me. When we talk, one minute things are getting better, and the next, they’ve turned for the worse. When I stare into her eyes, I see a woman who is filled with so much light, but even it fails to drive out her darkness.

I’ve tried everything I can to help her, or make her feel better, but it was all to no avail. Sometimes I sit and wonder how did her life get this way, when years ago, she started to live and do things the right way. Was this punishment? Was this all her doing? Was what she’s experiencing the beginning, or was it all about to come to an end? Whichever the case, all I know is, I want her to get her joy back, because when she had it, the darkness couldn’t have her. Whether it’s a consolation or not, I’m always rooting for her and reminding her how phenomenal she is, but it’s hard trying to get her to see how I feel, when she can’t see anything for herself. She’s expressed her weariness and seasons of being tired, but no matter how low she feels or her willingness to give up, I always challenge her to just one more fight.

Times are hard, but seeing someone you love go through hard times, makes things so much harder. I don’t pretend to have it all or know all the answers, but what I do know is this, please check on your family and friends. I’ve realized that, some of the most unbothered, happy, upbeat, and strong people, are the main ones dying to be saved. One someone vents, don’t just listen, but pay close attention. It isn’t always about them getting things out, but more so letting you in. They don’t just want your ear, they want your help more than anything.

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

Clear the way

I have a 7-year-old niece who thoroughly enjoys hitting flips. Whether she’s flipping across the floor, on me, or from sofa to sofa, she is quite the acrobat. Whenever I’d yell for her to “stop flipping or you’ll hurt yourself,” she always replies, “I’m a gymnasts. It’s what I’m supposed to do.” Granted she does participate in gymnastics after school, but I assure you she was flipping well before then. In the midst of her acrobatic moments, it occurred to me, “What if this is something she’s supposed to be doing? What if she grows up to be greater than Simon Biles or Gabby Douglas?” Who knows. Then again, who knows if this is something she’s truly supposed to be doing. All I know, when I heard her say that, I heard God say, do whatever it is you’re supposed to be doing. Whether you’re in school to become an Engineer, in the beginning stages of opening your business, packing to move across the country, or looking to purchase your first home. It doesn’t matter what you’re doing or who tells you to stop, do it anyway!

A lot of dreams are deferred, goals unattained, and missions aborted, because someone has been told, “stop!” Don’t focus on the things/people that get in your way, instead, focus on clearing the way, so you can do whatever it is God has called you to do.

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

Peddling nowhere

Have you ever seen someone struggling to ride a bike up a hill, only for them to continuously roll back down? No matter how many times they tried, it seemed as if they were peddling nowhere? Had you stuck around long enough, what do you supposed happened next? They finally made it to the top, or they quit after many failed attempts? If you went with the aforementioned, you’re probably right. If you went with the latter, you’re probably the cyclist. For most of your life, you’ve struggled. Whether you’ve struggled with poverty, loving yourself, finding the right job, your finances, finishing school, getting pregnant, quitting a bad habit, drinking, gambling, and the list goes on and on. Most of us have struggled, and while some people have overcome, there are still others struggling to make it through. They’ve been peddling for years, and still haven’t managed to make it anywhere. After seeing so many people happily pass them, especially the ones that where with them in the struggle, they begin to wonder if they’ll ever get the chance to joy ride. In order to find out, they mustn’t stop peddling. Don’t quit because you think you haven’t gotten anywhere. Take a look around you. I guarantee you aren’t in the position you were in 5 years ago. You’ve made progressed, just not at the speed in which you were hoping.

It doesn’t matter how great the struggle, what’s important, is that you never stop peddling. Don’t worry about those who’ve gone on ahead of you. Focus on climbing the hill that’s ahead of you. Once you make it to the top, pause and help someone else up.

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue