Notes by La'Rue

Still thankful

If you’re not where you want to be, count your blessings and continue to give God thanks

Because so many people are praying to be in your shoes, but due to their misfortunes, they simply can’t

Life is not about the sq ft of your home, or the sum of money that resides in your account

If you have your family, that’s more valuable than your assets, even if you have a large amount

Always give thanks and never take anything for granted, not your life, your family, or friends

If you were to lose it all today and was left with nothing, they’d still be there for you in the end

Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

Although some people find it difficult to do, I love smiling. It’s not that I have perfect teeth (nor are they the whitest), but because I’ve got so many reasons to. This may come off as weird, but when I meet people or am talking to someone, and they smile, I often try to figure out what’s behind it. It could simply be joy, happiness, or peace, but often times, there’s a war that’s brewing. Last month, I ran into one of my former high school classmates at a gas station. “Deetra!” I heard, as I was darting back to my gas pump. Looking a bit confused and unsure, I proceeded to approach the car that held the voice. “Oh, hey girl,” I answered back, while still trying to figure out who this person was.

“I’ve been following you on social media and see you have written many books, and I’m so proud of you.” I replied, “thank you,” while hoping she didn’t ask me anything that would expose me for not knowing her name. As she continued to talk, her name suddenly came to me, and I was at ease and could fully engage with her. After we spent 15 minutes catching up on what we’ve been up to, for the past 20 years of our lives, she began to provoke my spirit. I felt this overwhelming sense of sadness, but it wasn’t mine. Instead, it was hers. Although she was talking and smiling to me about her family, I could see the war behind the smile. On the outside, she was fine, but on the inside, she was crying. I know you’re probably wondering, “How were you able to discern that, just by talking with her?”

I was able to, because I’m good with pretending and hiding. The very thing that she was doing and thought I had no clue of, I used to do. In other words, I saw me in her! I felt bad for a moment, because my focus shifted from listening to the “joys” of her life, to trying to figure out at what point did she lose hers. Nonetheless, we exchanged numbers, and as I walked away, I managed to look back, only to see her smile had turned upside down. I don’t know personally what she was going through, and I didn’t intrude, especially since we hadn’t seen or spoken to each other in almost 20 years. However, that just goes to show you, you never know what’s behind someone’s smile. That’s why it’s so important to be as kind to them as you can, because you have no clue how hard they’re fighting, let alone what they’re battling.

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

It stops with 21

All of the negative thoughts and conversations you have with yourself, regarding yourself, it ends today. The pessimism, hopelessness, doubt, fear, and anxiety, has no place in your life, so stop allowing them to take up room. No longer are the days of uncertainty, sadness, heavy burdens or heavy hearts. Everything that has held you back, caused you to misstep, lack, question your sanity, or whether or not things will ever get better, must be put away. There are 39 days left in this year, and despite how hard, difficult, or trying times have been, all of it stops with 21. That means, everything that has caused you strife and almost took you out, ends in 2021. The new year is just around the corner, so don’t take anything in it, that you don’t need. You don’t need to worry. You don’t need to give up on yourself or dreams. You don’t need to hold onto self-defeating behaviors, and you don’t need anything or anyone to get in your way. If anything, make way for all that is new, and overdue to you! It’s not too early to expect the best, as you struggle to get through the worst.

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

I was used

I’ve gone through a lot, but I did it all for you. I didn’t intentionally mean for things to happen as they have, because if the decision was mine, it would’ve never been made. Excuse me if I sound bitter, but I was used to make things a little bit sweeter for you. Do you know how many storms I’ve weathered, so the sun could shine your way? Do you know how many times I’ve lied in bed depressed, but God commanded me to get up, even though I wanted to stay? I’ve been subjected to some of my darkest times, but If I hadn’t, you wouldn’t believe there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Most of my nights were sleepless, and involved a lot of crying, but I did it so you could be at rest. I’m the perfect example of “not looking like what I’ve been through,” but isn’t it ironic how what I’ve been through looks just like you? I didn’t want to be an example, but God used me, so you could see what not to do. It didn’t matter that I was broken, as long as He could use me to fix you. All of the stress and anxiety took a toll on my body, but my sickness is what made you well. So tell me, which do you consider to be worse? The things that I’ve suffered, or how you were healed as a result of my hell?

I was used, so you could get better. God allowed me to experience some things first, because He knew I could handle it, but you on the other hand, would need help. Although my personal hardships hurt and made me feel extremely terrible, I feel good knowing those very hardships are going to help you overcome. Stop thinking you’re alone, when so many people have been where you are. If we survived, so will you!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

If that’s how you feel

It annoys me when someone is expressing themselves, and while doing so, they’re cut off with the words, “Stop crying, and suck it up!” Usually, the expresser typically does, but why should they? Why can’t they let it all out, instead of being forced to keep it in? I often regretted when I’d pour my heart out to someone as I vented and voiced my frustrations, and how past situations I experienced negatively affected me, only to be met with raised eyebrows, deep stares, and the phrase, “I know you aren’t crying? You’re the strong one I normally run to?” Well, I guess “strong people” don’t get weak, huh? *Insert eye roll*

As a result of being “indirectly” asked to suppress my feelings, I pretty much kept going with that trend. I can be overwhelmed with sadness, and rather than try to pinpoint the source of my emotions, I’ll deny myself the chance to actually feel what I’m feeling. Instead, I would quickly stuff my tears and pain in a box and put them out of sight and out of mind. Besides, I’m not supposed to feel down, when I’m the “strong one”, right? Wrong! You need to allow yourself to be happy, sad, angry, mad, and how ever else you choose to feel, if that’s how you feel! No one should dictate your emotions, let alone make you feel guilty for expressing them, even if they aren’t comfortable doing it themselves.

I know men in particular, are often ridiculed or deemed as “soft”, should they express themselves. Sometimes, because of that very reason and them not wanting to be viewed that way, they’ll hold the hurt, trauma, and pain inside, which I find to be completely unfair! It doesn’t matter if you’re male, female, or whoever you identify yourself as, none of it should be used to measure how strong you get to be, so stop allowing others to!

Everything that you’re holding onto and inside of you, release it! A lot of times, the things we hold onto, often negative, is most detrimental to us. It could lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety, amongst other things. I’m not a doctor, but I can definitely speak for myself, when I say I’ve experienced the two. Besides, I’d rather release the hurt inside, instead of allowing it to reside, and continue to hurt me.

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

Do it for them

I had an encounter with a young mother on yesterday, and I although I didn’t have an ounce of strength to lift myself up (it was a rough day), God gave me just enough for her. She was struggling mentally and financially, and at the point of no return. She stated, “I just want to give up. I just can’t seem to get ahead, no matter how good I try to be or what I try to do. I’m just tired.” I questioned, “I know you are tired, because I feel your pain and have been where you are, so many times, but what do you suppose would happen to your son if you did give up? Have you considered who’s going to take care of him? Have you at least gotten that part figured out?” She sighed and had become quiet, and I had become the support that she needed, and may not have had.

I didn’t make her feel bad for the statements she made, but I wanted her to understand that life doesn’t end, just because you can’t see an end out of your situation. I continued with sharing my personal struggles so I could not only be relatable, but serve as motivation and an example to her, that she too can overcome. Do I feel like I was able to get the message through to her? Maybe, but I understood her position, because I was once in her shoes. However, during the times I wanted to give up, and was suicidal, I had a few reminders as to why I shouldn’t; my mother, nieces, and nephew. I always wondered what they’d think of me if I did, and the amount of pain I’d cause. When I felt I couldn’t continue on for myself, I chose to do it for them. After I imparted my final words to her, I departed, said a prayer, and hoped that I made a difference in her life, even if it was just a little. And sometimes, it’s the little things that count the most!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

The other side

Does it seem as though the storms are lasting longer, with no signs of hope in sight?

Have your cloudy days blocked the sun rays, making it impossible for you to see the light?

Has your joy been drowned in the river of your tears, and anxiety has smothered your will?

Are you overwhelmed by the negative thoughts running rampant in your mind, and wish for once they’d all be still?

Are you tired of trying, only to make progress, and get setback more steps than you took?

Do you sometimes feel neglected and wonder if anyone cares, because too often you’ve been overlooked?

Are you discouraged by the wait, and don’t believe things will change, because the truth has somehow been buried underneath all the lies?

Or are you starting to question if you have what it takes, to make it to the other side?

It’s never too late to get to where you’re going, but first you’ve got to get going! Success, joy, promotion, marriage, great health, and so much more, is still reserved for you. Don’t allow fear, anxiety, hopelessness, or setbacks to set you back! Get back up and keep on going!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

Connect the dots

I believe there are people in this world we are meant to be connected to, and others we’re not. When we link with the wrong people, we tend to experience delays, setbacks, and are often influenced to go against everything we know to be right, just so we can be with someone who we know is wrong for us. These types of connections are detrimental to your progress, journey, and assignment, and if you choose not to break loose, they may end up breaking you. As a result of your drive, ambition and tenacity, you’ll sometimes cross paths with the wrong people, who seem to have the right agenda. All of your ideas align, your goals and thinking are the same, so much so, you start to believe you were meant to be connected, only for you to later determine, “Something isn’t adding up.”

Not only are things not adding up, nor is that person adding any value to your life. If anything, they’re taking from you, things they know they could never have for themselves. Some people are only connected to you, because of who you are, and what you can do for them. While I don’t believe everyone to be bad or have ulterior motives, I do believe some people are bad for you. I know you want to remain attached to them, because you feel they can help you out, advance your career, or put you in contact with the right people, but God is your biggest connect, and when the time is right, He’s going to bring all the pieces (and people) you need in your life, together.

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

Worth the wait

It took me longer than anticipated, but I finally got it done. I am so excited, happy, and proud to say, I have yet another book on Amazon! Never in a million years, did I think I’d have two books on one of the largest platforms in the world, let alone one. More times than plenty, I’m always expressing the importance of waiting, and being patient, something most people struggle with. In my waiting season, I’ve learned that waiting gives both you and God the opportunity to go to work. While God is working out your situation, you should be working on yourself. It would be ideal if you took advantage of the delay, to prepare for the promise, as opposed to just waiting for it.

God pulled everything out of me, and put it in this book, and although it’s been long over due, I can definitely say, it was well worth the wait! If you or someone you know has struggles with waiting, go to Amazon.com, and purchase your copy of Surviving the wait: How I learned to be still and wait on God! With this incredible, thought-provoking book, I not only teach you patience, but show you the important benefits of waiting on God!

Thank you, so much, to those who’ve purchased one copy or several! I appreciate you supporting me, and also allowing me to bring you daily “notes” of inspiration, motivation, and encouragement!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue

He constantly stayed

When your spouse left, because the love was no longer there, because of His love for you, God stayed.

When your money ran out, so did the people, but because of His love for you, God stayed.

When your family disowned you and stopped coming around, because of His love for you, God stayed.

When the doctors said, “We’ve done all we can do,” and left the room, because of His love for you, God stayed.

When you’ve messed up and everything you had is now gone, because of His love for you, God stayed.

When the battles are tough, and you have no one there to help, because of His love for you, God stayed.

No matter what you do, or the things you go through, God is always constant!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Deetra La’Rue