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Pulled from the fire (Conclusion)
As kids, we’re told not to play with fire, because it’s dangerous and we could get hurt. “Don’t touch that hot stove, or you’ll get burned,” is what I remember in my youth years. Not realizing God was about to turn the heat up in her life, Stevie didn’t have time to prepare for the […]
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Produced in the fire (Pt. IV)
Some of the greatest things you’ll ever accomplish in life, will be a result of the time you spend in the fire. That time is used to prune, prepare and equip you to serve God’s plan and purpose for your life. It will be painful and unpleasant, albeit it will be worth it. Obviously, when […]
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Faith under fire (Pt. III)
If you haven’t experienced any type of trouble in this world, you will. If you haven’t experienced any suffering or anguish in your lifetime, you will. If your faith hasn’t been under fire, get prepared. Stevie is a firm believer in God, but she doesn’t always believe His logic in doing things. She’s lamented and […]
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Through the fire (Pt. II)
I remember meeting Stevie about five years ago, when I worked as her director, for an underrepresented minority program. When she came into my office, she was frail, troubled and filled with a lot of pain. She was a delicate case, and I didn’t really know how to help her, so I did the only […]
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Thrust into the fire (Pt. I)
“My life has been a living hell!” Stevie exclaimed, with her fist and teeth tightly clinched. “I don’t understand why things are happening as they are, but I wish God would have mercy on me,” she continued. “My children are misbehaving, my finances are in shambles, I failed my school’s exit exam, and I can’t […]
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They see you
Imagine being unknown today and an icon tomorrow. You awake to countless Facebook and Instagram notifications from supporters congratulating you on your newfound fame, while the naysayers brag about once “knowing you.” Within the blink of an eye, you’re bombarded with cameras flashing, tv appearances, and numerous shouts of “Can I have your autograph?” Suddenly, […]
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Don’t carry that
I’ve always viewed myself as a problem solver, and was humbled when people came to me with their issues. Although I was going through my own, I didn’t mind it much, because I felt it was my duty to help. It didn’t matter how grand or minute the issue, because I knew I was the […]
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Get into the habit
Get into the habit of saying: “My purpose is not to make others comfortable.” “I’m not doing that.” “I’m taking a mental health day.” “No!” “I’m not okay.” “I don’t feel like myself.” “Something’s not right.” “I can’t.” “I’m tired.” “I’ll pass.” “I don’t think I can do this.” “I need help.” (Please say this […]
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Dismissed
I pay extreme attention to detail. A little too much attention, if you ask me. Yesterday, I was watching “The Lincoln Lawyer” on Netflix, and as Attorney Haller was being chauffeured around town, I immediately zoomed in on his license plate. It read “DISMISSD.” Instantly, God laid in my spirit that He was going to […]