Notes by La'Rue

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