Notes by La'Rue

On last Sunday, I had the wonderful pleasure of being the Guest Speaker for my church, and delivering the “Word” for the day. I shared with my congregation the brave story of a woman named DeOndra, and with you all, I’d like to do the same. I don’t know where you are in your life, where you want to be, nor how things maybe going for you, but I know without a doubt, regardless of your circumstances, we can all benefit and relate to DeOndra’s story.

DeOndra is a 34-year-old woman who has had every curve-ball that life can pitch thrown at her, yet she’s somehow managed to dodge them all.  She’s been extremely poor, depressed, contemplated suicide, and the list grows higher than Mount Everest. Disappointed in her circumstances, but certainly not God, she knew things would eventually get better.  However, as time passed and things remained the same, she began to lose faith, but fought to keep it, because her hope was already gone.  There were days, weeks, months and years even, that she cried out to God to be saved, but there wasn’t a rescue crew in sight.  One day, in the midst of her pain, she yelled out to God, “If what I am experiencing is any indication of how my life is going to be, then I want out”!

Ultimately, her situation became too “hot” for her to handle, so she was ready to be consumed by the flames.  Needless to say, DeOndra was desperate, and leapt at the first thing she thought would bring her relief.  Unbeknownst to her, although she may have felt the “heat”, God was already working to extinguish the “flames”.  You see, He created her on purpose, with a purpose, and what she was experiencing was all a part of HIS purpose! Besides, God was not going to allow something to die, when His intent was for it to live! Not wanting to keep you in the dark any longer, I AM “DeOndra”, and without an ounce of shame, I AM so glad God protected me from the flames!

When I was going through all that I was, I didn’t realize then, what I do now, what God was doing. He allowed me to go through trials, tribulations, adversity and so much more, because He was preparing me and giving me prior experience to handle the chaos and blessings to come. I needed to fall down 20 times and get back up 21, because I was going to encounter some people who are still down after their fall. He entrusted me to help them rise again, because I’ve been in their position and therefore, know EXACTLY what to do! You too maybe in a situation that is too hot and unbearable, but understand, God has a purpose for you also!

Whatever you do, hang on and know that your HELP is on the way! Remember, it’s hot, but there is a PURPOSE for the flames!

Until next time my NOTE takers!

Writefully yours,

Deetra La’Rue