Don't Get Caught Without God During This Season

This quarantine has got me in a whole different kind of vibe, it feels like something I have never experienced before. This season for me has been filled with confusion, uncertainty, and chaos amongst other things. I have been feeling like life is getting to be too much to handle, and found myself speaking as such. I would hear myself saying things like, "This is too much and  I can't take this".

As I talked to one of my good friends, my friend said to me, "Carla, don't be one of those people who bring their life to God". He then said, "Some people go to God with their problems, and even their happy times to tell God what's happening to them". I realized that was me, a person who was bringing my life to God and not having consistent incorporation of God in my life. That is the reason I realized that I was feeling like my life was on complete overload. That was the reason, I was folding under the pressure of everything I was going through. Trying to handle everything on my own was what was too much.

credit: Iyanla Vanzant

I know that I am not the only one who gets caught up in their situation and completely tries to handle things myself. It's not until I begin to fold, that I remember to bring God in the mix. Leaving God out at this time can be the worst form of self-sabotage. There is a supernatural strength that comes through us when we allow the Divine to take the lead. We are able to understand that many of the situations we face are nothing more than temporary circumstances instead of making them our life story. That supernatural strength allows us to tap into our inner power to actively know that we can not only handle the situations that come at us, but handle them with honor and grace. As we understand the identity and gifts God has for us, we cannot forget that we have everything available to us to handle this season and win.

As you deal with whatever situation that seems heavy on your plate, know that God is waiting to carry you through it. Your adversities are not meant to get the best of you. During these uncertain times, the enemy tries to bring situations that will distract you from what God has for you. know that God will work every situation out for his glory. Even when you make the wrong decisions, and do things that are against the will of God. If you give your situation over to God he can take what the enemy meant for harm, and turn it into Good.

As a Transformation Purpose Coach, I help people who feel broken, lost, and uncertain in life gain clarity so they can discover their purpose. I also help them discover strategies and tools to bring their purpose to the forefront of their life. If you are struggling to find your self-value, are feeling as if you are lacking purpose, or life has gotten you to a down place and can't find your way back, I want to invite you to Check out the "Renewed and Restored Group Coaching Program". 

This program is Hosted by me, Carla Marcelle, founder of Touchpurpose.com. This program is designed to re-establish your self-value through an 8 week period where you restore your God-given Identity and challenge your self to identify your purpose in your pain to create your renewed life. If you would like to know more, visit www.touchpurpose.com

How To Find Purpose Over Heartache and Pain

 Sometimes our pain and hurt can seem as if it too much to handle. Life can seem so unfair, hurtful, and down right miserable. When we think of all the trails and tribulations that seem to plague our lives, it is no wonder why sometimes all we can do is cry.

Last week I found myself in a very low place-mentally, financially, and physically. What made it even worst was that I was in an environment that only seemed to enhance what I was feeling. In my self misery, I begin to think of all the trails I endured throughout my life, and how despite all of it I have never given up. I always had a positive attitude, I always set goals for myself and achieve them, I trust God when I don't feel like he is here, and I am a genuinely good person. Yet still, it seems like I cannot catch a break.

A few of the obstacles I faced last week included I have no money, my car broke down, I had to stay somewhere that just made me utterly uncomfortable, I started a job that depresses me so bad, and worst of all I was really missing the one person in the whole world that really brightens my day- my daughter. Then different scenarios from past began to replay in my heard, and in combined with all that I was currently feeling, I broke down. I began to sob, and I ask God why cant you be God and make everything better? Why can't you provide the opportunities for me that I deserve. I began to to run down my list of accomplishments, all the good I do, and the pain that I endured throughout life to God (as if he did not already know).  I was upset with God, I was mad. Then after a while, as I began to calm down God started to speak to my spirit. He said:  " Listen, It is Not in vain."

I began to feel a shift in my atmosphere, a purging in my spirit, and a peace that said "Hold on".

As I sat in stillness just to vibe in  my spirit for a little while, I begin to hear from God that my testimony is going to be so great. I began to see in my spirit how what I have endured will break chains for people, and how free they will become free because of what I have experienced.

     It was at that moment, I realized that it was my carnality, my pride, my flesh that made me think that I was entitled to something from God because I deemed myself Good. I deemed myself worthy of what the world seeks it pleasures in. Just that quick I realized that my fulfillment and satisfaction in life was not what God had destined  for me, but what I destined for myself. That being said, if I chose to trust God, I trust his plans for my life. If he designed a plan for my life, whatever I encounter in this life has been cleared with God. Therefore who am I to say I did not need to encounter these trails and tribulations. There is a purpose for all that I have been through. Though I may not understand while I am going through, if I truly trust God I know my best interest is at hand.


These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. -1 Peter 1:7 NLT

So these trials, pain, tears, heartache are all lessons to show us what we need to learn.  I cannot say what each individual has to learn from their trails, but what I can say is that they purify us, and test us to show our strength and our faith. We all know there is no growth without pain and discomfort. In order to grow and mature, to experience greater, we sometimes have to know what it is like to experience less. Sometimes in order to get things right, we have to get them wrong.   The one thing we cannot do is give up on ourselves no matter how hard the obstacles are that we face. We have to keep striving. Nothing you go through is in vain. Eventually we will see that there was a purpose for it all. There is a purpose in your pain. Do not give up your fight.

Subscribe to our mailing list

   
   

   

Kid President's Address on New Life and Grace

 

While I was was scrolling through tumblr, I ran into a very touching Gif set from Kid President! (above) He was talking about forgiveness. Pretty powerful for a nine-year old. Forgiveness is important, if we don't let things go, we just hurt ourselves. If people hurt us or mess up, it's not about us, it's truly about them and where there mind is. 

 I ran into another post in my scroll that read: "often the people who are hardest to love are the ones that need it the most." this is most certainly true. It's up to us to be graceful to others, just as God has grace with us! It all works for the glory of the greater good. Thank God that Life is as good as we make it! S/O to kid Prez for addressing wisdom!


Kid President's Welcome Address to New Life (video):





-April D. Byrd is a Writer and the founder/EIC of Breath Of Life Daily.

Buy Your Own Flowers

By: April D. Byrd

You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserves your love and affection. ~ Gautama Buddha

Someone once bought me flowers and I was extremely happy, later after the relationship didn't work. I realized that It was that gesture that I liked most, so instead of being sad. I thought: "why don't I buy my own"? It was a liberating thought that slightly changed my outlook on life. "Buy Your Own Flowers". We're not dependent on anyone. No one created our lives, so we shouldn't expect anyone to be a source of it. Instead let self-esteem and love blossom from the inside.  So many times we may wait to be honored or acknowledged by people.

Don't wait to be celebrated, loved, accepted, affirmed by anybody. When people see you've upgraded your life and doing well, they take notice. If you celebrate your value and your worth then others will too. Even if some don't it still doesn't matter.  Everything you need already comes from the inside of you. Loving yourself right first, causes everything else to fall into place. You will expect good treatment from others, because you treat yourself well. Make sure you love what you see in the mirror first, and dress up for yourself.

Sometimes we may feel lonely or expect love from others in return for our own, but its best to love with no expectations give from ourselves wholeheartedly without expecting anything in return. The ability to love without attachment comes from self-love. Self-discipline ignites from the flame of  self-love and makes achieving success much easier. In taking the initiative to buy my own flowers, pretty soon i'll have my own garden, and it will be filled with enough beauty inside to share with the world.

Celebrate yourself, Feel free to buy your own flowers (literally) and decorate your own soul, there are few things that are more liberating than realizing that you're worth everything.

21 Habits of Happy People

“Happiness is a habit – cultivate it.” ~ Elbert Hubbard

1. Appreciate Life

Be thankful that you woke up alive each morning. Develop a childlike sense of wonder towards life. Focus on the beauty of every living thing. Make the most of each day. Don’t take anything for granted. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

2. Choose Friends Wisely

Surround yourself with happy, positive people who share your values and goals. Friends that have the same ethics as you will encourage you to achieve your dreams. They help you to feel good about yourself. They are there to lend a helping hand when needed.

3. Be Considerate

Accept others for who they are as well as where they are in life. Respect them for who they are. Touch them with a kind and generous spirit. Help when you are able, without trying to change the other person. Try to brighten the day of everyone you come into contact with.

4. Learn Continuously

Keep up to date with the latest news regarding your career and hobbies. Try new and daring things that has sparked your interest – such as dancing, skiing, surfing or sky-diving.

5. Creative Problem Solving

Don’t wallow in self-pity. As soon as you face a challenge get busy finding a solution. Don’t let the set backs affect your mood, instead see each new obstacle you face as an opportunity to make a positive change. Learn to trust your gut instincts – it’s almost always right.

6. Do What They Love

Some statistics show that 80% of people dislike their jobs! No wonder there’s so many unhappy people running around. We spend a great deal of our life working. Choose a career that you enjoy – the extra money of a job you detest isn’t worth it. Make time to enjoy your hobbies and pursue special interests.

7. Enjoy Life

Take the time to see the beauty around you. There’s more to life than work. Take time to smell the roses, watch a sunset or sunrise with a loved one, take a walk along the seashore, hike in the woods etc. Learn to live in the present moment and cherish it. Don’t live in the past or the future.

8. Laugh

Don’t take yourself – or life to seriously. You can find humor in just about any situation. Laugh at yourself – no one’s perfect. When appropriate laugh and make light of the circumstances. (Naturally there are times that you should be serious as it would be improper to laugh.)

9. Forgive

Holding a grudge will hurt no one but you. Forgive others for your own peace of mind. When you make a mistake – own up to it – learn from it – and FORGIVE yourself.

10. Gratitude

Develop an attitude of gratitude. Count your blessings; All of them – even the things that seem trivial. Be grateful for your home, your work and most importantly your family and friends. Take the time to tell them that you are happy they are in your life.

11. Invest in Relationships

Always make sure your loved ones know you love them even in times of conflict. Nurture and grow your relationships with your family and friends by making the time to spend with them. Don’t break your promises to them. Be supportive.

12. Keep Their Word

Honesty is the best policy. Every action and decision you make should be based on honesty. Be honest with yourself and with your loved ones.

13. Meditate

Meditation gives your very active brain a rest. When it’s rested you will have more energy and function at a higher level. Types of meditation include yoga, hypnosis, relaxation tapes, affirmations, visualization or just sitting in complete silence. Find something you enjoy and make the time to practice daily.

14. Mind Their Own Business

Concentrate on creating your life the way you want it. Take care of you and your family. Don’t get overly concerned with what other people are doing or saying. Don’t get caught up with gossip or name calling. Don’t judge. Everyone has a right to live their own life the way they want to – including you.

15. Optimism

See the glass as half full. Find the positive side of any given situation. It’s there – even though it may be hard to find. Know that everything happens for a reason, even though you may never know what the reason is. Steer clear of negative thoughts. If a negative thought creeps in – replace it with a positive thought.

16. Love Unconditionally

Accept others for who they are. You don’t put limitations on your love. Even though you may not always like the actions of your loved ones – you continue to love them.

17. Persistence

Never give up. Face each new challenge with the attitude that it will bring you one step closer to your goal. You will never fail, as long as you never give up. Focus on what you want, learn the required skills, make a plan to succeed and take action. We are always happiest while pursuing something of value to us.

18. Be Proactive

Accept what can not be changed. Happy people don’t waste energy on circumstances beyond their control. Accept your limitations as a human being. Determine how you can take control by creating the outcome you desire – rather than waiting to respond.

19. Self Care

Take care of your mind, body and health. Get regular medical check ups. Eat healthy and work out. Get plenty of rest. Drink lots of water. Exercise your mind by continually energizing it with interesting and exciting challenges.

20. Self Confidence

Don’t try to be someone that you’re not. After all no one likes a phony. Determine who you are in the inside – your own personal likes and dislikes. Be confident in who you are. Do the best you can and don’t second guess yourself.

21. Take Responsibility

Happy people know and understand that they are 100% responsible for their life. They take responsibility for their moods, attitude, thoughts, feelings, actions and words. They are the first to admit when they've made a mistake.

Begin today by taking responsibility for your happiness. Work on developing these habits as you own. The more you incorporate the above habits into your daily lifestyle – the happier you will be.

(source: prettywildhealthy)

Motivation: Be Fierce

Maybe people don't like to hear that if you're called of God, you're going to be used anyway; whether you like it or not. Even though that is the case, there is a very real power in actively pursuing a purpose-driven life. Yes, God uses us, but the power of compliance makes life so much easier, and the power to act on one accord with the spirit is what makes life good.

"Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began," (1 Timothy 1: 6-9) NKJV

Stirring up the gifts within us is an action we have the power to take, even though life and love are major forces out of our control. We have the ability to hone the power that's found in them. A good friend of mine over the weekend told me to be fierce. Fierce means to be a little aggressive, to be active in pursuit. It's kind of hard to ignore the love and influence of God on our hearts, but sometimes it's harder to make right decisions for our best interest. It's easier to gravitate towards the cheap and easy, but if we really ever wanna get serious things done, we have to have a serious faith. 

Being fierce involves risk taking and that's where trusting God comes in. Our power lies in the very essence of who we are: children of God.  There are very few cowardly lions, they know they have power and authority, knowing who created you and why you were created gives you just the same confidence. Be Bold, Be Fierce, Be Ferocious on purpose and actively pursue your dreams and vision. You can do it.


What dreams and visions do you have an "Eye" for? Share them in the comments section below.

The Best Things in Life are Free

-->

The best things in life aren’t things.  -Art Buchwald

Some years ago, in Bhopal, India, poison gas leaked into the air through an industrial mishap. Disaster struck when people living in the vicinity of the factory inhaled those noxious fumes. Hundreds died and hundreds more were crippled for life. Even today memories of that dreadful day haunt those who survived, when Death came brandishing his blade, riding on the very air they breathed.

For most of us, what happened in Bhopal is a freak accident, not likely to happen to us. Although we pollute the air, we can breathe it, without the threat of disease or death, because gales of pure air drive out stagnant clouds of pollution. It is God’s way of continuing the free supply of air. And He levies no charges for His services.

Consider water. Could we live a normal day without it? Do we pay for it? Not really. The paltry sum we pay for the supply of water to our homes does not give us a true sense of its value, so much so we waste it. The abundance of water around us gives us the assurance that the waters of the earth will not run dry. That God will replenish dwindling stocks through life-giving rain.

What about the sights, smells and sounds of Nature? Watch a breathtaking dawn, when darkness cannot linger as the gates of morning are opened; or the grandeur of a sunset, as night drives back day, and you witness the Divine Artist at work. Wait, the show is not over. As evening lowers its dark mantle over the earth, a blood-red tropical moon casts its eerie glow. Wait a little longer to see twinkling stars adorn the dark sky. What a sight to behold, when night takes a deep breath and holds it!

Marvel at the flowerbeds – in a riot of colors - nodding their heads in the breeze. View unending lush green lawns or throw your head back and laud sturdy trees climb the sky. Take in the exhilarating fragrance of flowers and fruits, or taste delicious fruits that hang low from drooping branches, and you are beside yourself with unexplained joy. Or, stand in awe as jagged bolts of lightning touch the turbulent waters of the sea; or, be amazed at the power of the storm as it uproots and splinters giant leaf-clad monarchs of the forest; or, be stunned at the dexterity of the wind as it hurriedly sculpts the waters of the ocean into moving mountains. Even in its fury, Nature is beautiful!

Watch the seasons unfold. Spring, when the earth is unlocked, and the air is filled with the perfume of promise. Summer, when vegetation seems fulfilled, and fruit is abundant; and when hesitant summer rain cools your face. Listen to the music as your feet trample fallen autumn leaves. Watch the first snowflakes land lightly on expectant earth, as winter bids autumn goodbye. Gently the seasons make their entries and exits.

Be thrilled with the music of Nature – chirping birds and rustling leaves, whistling winds and the lapping of waves on the beach, rumbling thunder and rain pelting scorched earth.

We buy tickets to visit Art Galleries and Art Exhibitions, and to attend concerts and watch magic shows, but do not pay a penny to rejoice in the works of God. It is easy to dismiss these wonders as manifestations of Nature. What is Nature, but an outstretched finger pointing to God!

Have we stopped to think of time? Each moment is a gift because we do not know if the next will be ours. Yet, we are guilty of wasting precious time, because God gives it to us free.

His crowning gift is His love. Nothing that we do will diminish His love for us. His love brings with it an abiding peace. As an extension of His love for us, we receive love from those around us – parents, siblings, spouses, friends and others. And all the genuine love we receive is free.

Because we have life, we can plan and execute, perform and win praise, follow our creative urges, love and be loved,

raise a family, and cherish the love of children. It is true that death is an end to one phase of life – given to us free - but Death asks us to live life, when we have it.

We can enjoy life to the full only when we have bodies that house our souls. Rejoice at the miracle we call the body. Every single cell of the entire body is changed once in seven years. The average person possesses 500 to 700 different skills and abilities. The brain can store one hundred trillion facts. The nose can smell ten thousand different odors. Human touch can detect an item 1/25,000 of an inch thick. The tongue can taste one part of quinine in two million parts of water. The list goes on.

God is too good to be unkind and too wise to make mistakes. So, in His Infinite wisdom and mercy, He continues to shower us with His blessings. Neither will He stop giving nor will He take back any of His gifts. We are blessed. If we are to put a value to the gifts we receive from Him, we are millionaires, many times over.

Are we conscious of our indebtedness? Do we sincerely thank Him? Life in the mainstream has become a pavement-pounding activity in quest of profit, pleasure and possessions. We have little or no time to think of God. Even if we do, we try to keep Him out of our lives.

It is time we realized that the best things in life aren’t things and that they are free. It is also time that we gave Cicero’s words some thought: Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all. A thankful heart enjoys blessings twice – when they are received and when they are remembered.

-Ignatius Fernandez

Motivation: Your Power To Win Is Within

The blessing doesn't come from what you get out of life, 
but from what you put into it.” -April D. Byrd 

The DRIVE comes from inside...

We have the gift of life! Life is the ability to move, to do, make choices, make decisions, so on and etc. It encompasses everything we make it to be, because we have the power to make it so. Empowerment is action based. Truly every choice that we make and action we take can either bless us or break us down. When we have wisdom and enlightenment in our lives, we make better choices than if we didn't have them at all. Here are a few simple, yet powerful ways to take over the world:


Study:
Read the bible and other positively empowering or faith-based content. Show yourself approved, verified, certified. Stay Motivated! Wisdom makes you a more valuable human being. Knowledge is power and an asset to the whole world. “Because of your wisdom, because of your knowledge, because of your life giving word, you can help somebody out of the pain and anguish that they experience! You can also continually help yourself. Study is a reminder for the brain. Words are powerful don’t take studying and knowing the Lord for granted. Utilize the power!

Pray: 
Communication is key. Your life is based on your own perception of it, if you have a wrong perception of it can be miserable, if you have a God perception of it it will be exhilarating... to say the least. Prayer provides a confidante. It helps to give dominion and authority in decision making. It's also a practice of focus and it makes us more in touch with our good spirit daily.

Conquer: 
Self-discipline is vital for success. Harness the power of focus. It can be gained through prayer and meditation. Fasting also helps. Our conquering is in our concentration. its so easy to get distracted in all the business of the world . All the different types of media can be a big distraction. People can be as well. Do not let other peoples emotions affect your emotions, primarily ones of negativity or hostility. If someone else's bad mood sways your own it shows they control you, it projects your own lack of vision and good perception. Scripture reads if the blind lead the blind both will fall in the ditch(1), or otherwise grave. Where there is no vision the people perish(2). Hate kills. Your life is your liberty. Experience it as a gift.

(click) Matthew 25: 14-30

Seek good counsel and get the joy and peace you need for your soul. “Everything you want in life, you have the power to go get.”

but remember it's important what you get! Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all your getting get understanding. -Proverbs 4:7


Money doesn't rule the world, innovation does and it's all yours for the taking!. Make the choice to be awesome today and #thinkBOLD!


*references:
1.) Matthew 15:14
2.) Proverbs 29:18
3.) Matthew 25: 14-30
4.) Proverbs 4:7

More perfect.

by: Alisha De Freitas

A week ago, I had surgery to implant a permacath into my chest. A surgeon made a tiny incision and carefully inserted it into my jugular vein.

Afterwards, I went from Recovery to the Infusion Room in the same hospital for plasmapheresis. For two hours, I laid on a bed while my blood was pulled from my body, filtered through a machine, and then returned. I will repeat this therapy once a month for the rest of the year.

I have Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP). It's an autoimmune disease that attacks my peripheral sensory nerves. In so many ways, it has upended my life. After the birth of my daughter in 2011, it came on so strong I wound up in the hospital for two weeks. I have weekly, at home treatment (IVIG) administered by a nurse. In my fridge, there is milk, grapes and glass bottles of immunoglobin.

Many of my friends have moved out of state, and the ones who remain don't visit too often, if at all. I can't blame them. I don't go to poetry readings, jazz clubs or cafes the way I use to, and I don't visit them much, either. My mother was hospitalized twice in the past month, and I've only been able to visit her once. My brother and his wife are in overdrive, though, managing work, kids and frequent visits.

My almost two year old daughter does not belong to any play groups. We aren't in Mommy & Me or take swim lessons at the Y. I feel exceedingly grateful just managing to take her to the park or Barnes & Noble.

Yet... I am thankful for the lessons I have learned only because I have CIDP. I wanted to share a few here:

• It's helped me get over myself. Sound harsh? Well, it's true. I've struggled with my physical appearance since childhood. I berated my body for it's short stature, small breasts and pear shape. I hated my hips, lips and thighs. I cried over my hair texture and my big nose. I remember a few times, actually allowing overplucked brows or crookedly filed nails to sour my mood. Now, I actually laugh at my former self and my vanity. I have scars a-plenty from IVs and a biopsy. I'll be rocking a patch of bright white bandages for the next six months with a couple of cords (actually called lumen) dangling at the bottom. I now joke that I wish I had one with USB capabilities. In short, illness ain't pretty, and sometimes life isn't, either. It's best to focus on the good.

• I stop to truly appreciate the little things. I love India Arie's "Little Things", extolling the beauty of those things often overlooked in life. When I was working full time, caught up in the grind, I took so much- too much- for granted. A bright sky, a pretty arrangement of flowers, even a great meal would often pass without note. Now? I take it all in. Not knowing when I'll be able to get out again, I take the time to savor a meal at a restaurant instead of scarfing it down. I take my time playing at the park with Zoe, pointing out the colors of flowers and even going on the slide with her. I strike up a conversation with the barista at Starbucks and compliment strangers with cute shoes or a nice hairstyle.

• Not being able to trust myself has quite literally made me dependent on God. Since I was a a teen, I've been pretty self-reliant. I worked steadily throughout college and after, often a couple jobs. I'd pride myself in not taking help. I brought my own clothes, paid my own car insurance, and helped my family pay the bills. I was Neyo's "Miss Independent", not needing a man, family, or friends, and if I'm honest, even God, to keep my day to day on track. There's no wonder then, I eventually found myself drowning in doubt. Now, I know I need God. In the last two years, I almost lost my mother in a fire, watched my health crumble, resigned my job, and lost my sister. St. James tells us:
  

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

          I am being perfected because of my imperfections!

• My life forces me to confront my mortality. Yeah, you read that right. My life reminds me that I'm going to kick the bucket. Pretty morbid, I'll admit, but, yes, I'm thankful for this. Let me make this clear: as far as I know, this illness isn't putting me on the fast track to croaking. My organs are in great shape, so please hold off on the condolences. However, having a tube in my chest, popping handfuls of supplements, and the aches and pains are a very real reminder that this body will not last forever. It has an expiration date. My fried wiring has taught me to live with eternity in mind. This reorientation focuses me on God; the Everlasting, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.

HE DIED FOR US

“The measure of love is to love without measure.” -St. Augustine

In her enthralling book, In My Own Words, Mother Teresa recounts an incident. A woman suffering from AIDS confided in her: “Mother, when I can hardly stand my headaches, I share it with the pain Jesus must have suffered because of the crown of thorns. When the pain moves to the back, I share it with the pain Jesus must have felt when the soldiers gave Him lashes. When my hands hurt I share that pain that Jesus felt when He was crucified.” That was the measure of love one woman had for her crucified Savior. She knew that He loved her not because she was trying to be good, but because He loved without measure. Archbishop Desmond Tutu puts it succintly: “We are loved not because we are good. We are good because we are loved.”

The Gospel writers often make the statement: He died for us. Those words have lost their meaning because we no more reflect on them. It happened 2000 years ago; now, it is not relevant to our daily lifes. We concern ourselves with other things and lose our sense of gratitude to Him who gave His all, loving us without measure.

If only we stopped to think, we would discover that His dying for us was the greatest act of love in history. Let us consider the implication: Jesus is God, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, Son of the Eternal Father. He need not have become man and suffered for us. But He chose to suffer to redeem us from the wages of sin; an act of unmatched love for an enormous cause. It is the cause and not merely the death that makes the martyr. And, He chose the most ghastly death in becoming a martyr for humankind. For a moment, let us picture a master choosing to give up his life for his slave. Laudable! We would praise the master and hold him up as a model; the slave would find no words to thank his master. A billion times more significant is Jesus’ death. Yet, do we thank Him enough? His love remains unrequited!

In the Gospels we read of the passion and death of Jesus – the condemnation, the scourging, the crowning with thorns, the carrying of His cross and the brutal crucifixion. Much of what He suffered on the night before His death remains unknown to us. Sister Mary Magdalene ardently desired to learn of His secret sufferings. Jesus fulfilled her wish by revealing to her the fifteen secret torments that dehumanized Him. “They considered me as the most wretched man living on earth”, Jesus said in a deeply sad voice. That is why they struck Him with stones (imagine soliers doing that), and burnt Him with blazing embers and torches. They tied Him to a post and made Him stand, barefoot, on an incandescent metal sheet. They poured on His wounds liquid lead and resin and forced Him on to a chair that had nails sticking out. They found twelve other ways to brutalise Him, revelling in torture that their saddism devised. Did He protest or resist? No, He suffered meekly because of what was at stake – the cause. But, He did lament: “I looked for one that would comfort me, and I found none”. (The devotion to the fifteen secret torments of Jesus has been approved and recommended by Pope Clement II, 1730-1740.)

Why would a man choose to suffer such inhuman punishment? What would prompt him to be reduced to a mass of flesh and blood? Only love. We hear and read of sacrifices made by parents for their children, of spouses for each other, of friends for one another. But they all pale in comparison with the excruciating pain and horrific suffering Jesus took upon Himself to redeem us.

So, the next time we read the words – He died for us – let us stop to ponder the sufferings of the Lord and His love without measure; loving even the unlovable. Then the story Mother Teresa told would be purposeful. That woman offered her pain to her suffering Master – to be one with Him in His pain. Following her example, can we resolve to perform two acts of love: 1) Try not to make much of our discomforts and pain. In perspective, they appear to be no more than pinpricks. 2) Offer that pain – of mind and body – to Jesus, recalling His passion and death? When we have done that our pain would be sublimated and sanctified.

During a drought a tree drives its roots deeper into the soil to find water, so too sufferings push us beyond self-reliance to reliance on God. When we rely on God we shall harvest joy from the field of pain. Another lesson will quickly follow: that pain comes not to obstruct, but to instruct us. In such a state our faith will be confirmed, hope fortified, charity inflamed, and grace infused! Enriched, we will discover that before we are used greatly, we have to be wounded deeply – when God turns our wounds into badges of honor.

Ignatius Fernandez is the Author of the blog: http://thechildisfatheroftheman.blogspot.in/

Chasing After God

“What you are is God’s gift to you; what you do with yourself is your gift to God.”  -Danish Proverb

At Christmas and Easter time we exchange gifts, as a sign of goodwill. We give and receive gifts on birthdays and anniversaries; and on special occasions. In our families and social circles, gift giving is customary. But with God, how is it? Our hands never weary of receiving gifts from God, but they are seldom proffered with gifts in return. How one-sided can His giving be?

In Luke 17: 11-19 the story of the 10 lepers is told. Of the ten who were healed, only one returned to thank Jesus, the others, rejoicing in their healing, forgot the healer. The same story is told time and again. We ask and receive, yet do not acknowledge and thank God. Perhaps we are yet to learn the lesson that Gotthold Ephraim Lessing has to teach: “A single grateful thought raised to heaven is the most perfect prayer.”

What have we received from God? The list will run into pages. Briefly it will read: life, health and senses, material gifts, family and friends, and the earth with its abundance. Do we really understand our total dependence on God? Do we realize that without Him we are nothing? Do we thank Him enough? Sometimes we try feebly, but fail most of the time. Yet, God does not stop giving. He is lavish in His giving. He does not count the cost of His generosity.

A poor man prayed to God. God surprised him with His presence.

“What do you want, my son?” God asked, with great concern.

“I have nothing. I need money.” The man pleaded.

“How much do you want?” God checked.

Realizing that this was a once-in-a-life-time opportunity, the man pitched: “One million dollars.”

“Isn’t that a lot of money?” God asked.

“I have nothing. Look at John down the street. He has a big house and a big car, although he does not go to Church. I have nothing.”

“Do you really believe you have nothing?” God probed.

“Yes, I am penniless.”

“Well then, if I give you a million dollars, what will you give me?” God negotiated.

“I have nothing to give.” The man protested.

“Suppose I ask for your eyes, would you give them to me?” God tested.

“No. No. I will not be able to see.” The man argued.

“Let us not touch your eyes. If I asked for your hands, would you give them to me?” God continued.

“Not at all. I will not be able to work. I will be helpless.” The man refused.

“My beloved son,” God reasoned, “you refuse me your eyes and your hands because you value them. You value them more than a million dollars. Just think of it; you are already rich with more than two million dollars. With all the other gifts you have you are a multimillionaire. The problem is that you have eyes, but will not see.”

The vision ended abruptly. The man realized that he was not dreaming. He touched his eyes; they were in place. He felt his hands; he had not lost them. He ran his hands over his body; it was the same he had before God’s visit. He appreciated, rather late, that he had gifts with which he could earn an honest living and stop comparing himself with others.

The story is allegorical, but the lesson is profound. In the words of God: we have eyes, but will not see. We have gifts that we cannot put a value to; we have gifts that we cannot count. Like the one grateful leper who was healed, we need to turn to God and thank Him. Not that we can thank Him enough, because we will always be in His debt. We will always have to play catch-up with Him. 

What can we give Him in return for His numberless gifts? Money? No, because He owns the Universe, although He would like us to give our money to the needy. Time? No, because His time is eternity, although He would like us to spend time to comfort the troubled. Effort? No, because He has billions of angels at His command, to carry out His bidding, although He would like us to reach out to those in distress. Will we be giving Him something when we give others in His name? Jesus left no doubt when He said that doing things for others was doing things for Him.

Besides these what else can we give Him? Ourselves. “Give me your heart” is His plea. When we surrender to His holy will and place ourselves at His command, as the angels do, we are giving Him what He wants of us. Because He is God, He needs nothing. But He asks for our hearts for our sakes. When we give Him our hearts we are choosing the highest good – there is no good higher than God. Would the scales be balanced when we give Him our hearts? No, because He is topping His earlier gifts with more and more – each new day with new opportunities is a package of gifts, if only we use our eyes to see. The process will not end; the catch-up process, I mean. Our helpless state, is best described by the poet:

“When I contrive and plot to prove something,

 that may be conquest on my part,

Thou still, O Lord, outstrippest me.” Anon

-"Playing Catch-up With God" Ignatius Fernandez is the author of the blog: http://thechildisfatheroftheman.blogspot.in/