Happy Resurrection Sunday! Knowing that Jesus rose on the third day gives me hope. Hope that no matter how dark and dismal life becomes, or how long the pain lasts, there’s joy on the other side. Yes, joy is on the other side. Never give up hope.
I’ll leave you with a few words from the song, Rise Again –
“Because I’ll rise again, ain’t no power on earth can hold me down. Yes, I’ll rise again. Death can’t keep me in the ground.”
Today’s “Hello Sunday” is a reblog from April 11, 2021. Y’all, it’s a year later and I still tear up when I think about how God has allowed me to live the life I have always imagined. Well.. minus the husband. Seriously, it’s funny how I always believed I could not live my best life without being married. This isn’t to say I never want to remarry because I would definitely be lying. However, over the past year, I have discovered that I don’t have to wait until I find a significant other or get married to truly live. I guess being happy really is a state of mind. God is good.
Here is what I wrote last year:
Happy Sunday! Came across a quote from a few years ago which basically sums up how I have felt over the past week. It read, “And so, she started living the life she’d imagined.” Y’all, I’m in tears right now. I have never felt so free. So in control. So focused. Been watching God work. […]
Been avoiding the Will Smith/Chris Rock topic like I have been avoiding COVID-19. Not even going to dive deep into what took place. I’m still a fan of both men as well as Jada’s. A day or two before the incident happened, I posted a quote that read, “Sometimes good people make bad choices. It doesn’t mean they are bad. It means they are human.” God bless them all.
So, the only reason I referred to the incident is because of the Facebook memory I’ll share later. It’s about unconditional love. What do you think? Does unconditional love exist?
Well, I believe it does.
I believe.. and this is only my opinion.. I believe most people love unconditionally but won’t admit it. They will admit to loving family members under the guise of ‘blood is thicker than water.’ However, they seldom admit to loving significant others the same. Family, they love no matter what they do, but significant others are rarely given the same courtesy. I wonder why?
Anyhoo… here’s a post I shared several months ago about unconditional love.
Facebook Memory: November 6, 2021
Yesterday, I watched Oprah’s interview with Will Smith about his new book. Y’all, he dropped so many gems during their conversation that I had to pre-order the book. Can’t wait to read it!
Well afterwards, I couldn’t stop thinking about unconditional love. How many people actually find that person that no matter what happens in their relationship they’re bonded for life? Not because they feel obligated to be with that person, but because they truly love them. Y’all, that’s some deep stuff!
I also watched General Colin Powell’s funeral service yesterday. He and his wife were married almost 60 years. As with any marriage, I know they had their ups and downs; however, they stuck it out.
My prayer for us (those who want it) is that God sends us someone who loves us unconditionally (flaws, moods, craziness and all), and we love them just the same. No more one-sided giving. Mutual love. Mutual respect. Mutual support. Amen (Please feel free to add to this prayer. What else do you want?😉)
Unconditional love with a significant other is what I’m aiming for, and I know it’s possible!
Side note – Finished watching “Bridgerton” a few days ago so I’m more open to finding love.Yes, love is in the air!It’s time to find my King.I’m honestly thinking about referring to him as “Your Grace.”😂
Had to end on a lighter note. Please have a wonderful day and fabulous week! Thanks for reading.
When I woke up this morning, the first thing I said was today would be my day of rest. Then my brain started working overtime. All kinds of ideas started popping up about the things I could be doing while relaxing – not resting. Well, rest is what I said and rest is what I meant. My body and mind both need rest and I plan to oblige. Shutting down until tomorrow. Wow! I’m already breathing differently.
Where do I begin. I set out to write about something else. Even saved a quote from a podcast I listened to last week. And now that I’m writing, I realize the quote actually fits in so well with today’s blog. Here’s the quote:
If it’s meant to be in my life, teach me how to receive it.
Sarah Jakes Roberts
So, I had every intention to write about how over the past few years I have become good at letting things go. I mean, now, if it doesn’t sit right with my soul, it’s gone. No explanation needed. However, what I have not been good at, or even thought much about, is receiving. How I receive, what I receive, or what I reject. After hearing Sarah Jakes Roberts discuss receiving and letting go, it was like a something clicked – I haven’t been fully opened to receive.
Short story…
On this day six years ago, I had the opportunity to see The Passion Live in New Orleans. It was a live reenactment of the events that led up to the crucifixion of Jesus and his resurrection. Well, a few weeks before it was scheduled to happen, I saw a tweet about how it was going to be the event of the year and they were expecting over 20,000 people to attend and participate. I remember thinking how I wanted to attend but didn’t know if I could. I just knew the tickets were gone. Then, a few days before the event, I saw another tweet with the link for FREE tickets. You already know I clicked the link and got a ticket. That’s when I heard God say, “Now you can go.” And I went and truly enjoyed myself.
Y’all, I’m becoming quite emotional as I think about God’s gifts, especially the unexpected ones. The ones where I just think about wanting something and He delivers. So, you may be wondering how does this fit in with receiving because as you can see, I receive God’s gifts so well. Well.. at least I believe I do. Smile. The problem isn’t receiving His gifts but gifts from others. I’m saying gifts, but definitely not only referring to things that have monetary value. I’m also referring to simple things like compliments, accolades, even expressions of gratitude. It wasn’t until I listened to Sarah’s interview that I realized the reason I haven’t been open to receiving is because I have felt unworthy or not good enough. When God gives me things I know it’s because He loves me, unconditionally. When people give me things I always feel as if it’s not truly genuine or something is expected of me. Even if the expectation is for me to achieve more, it’s something that’s expected. The crazy part is I honestly give without expectations. So why do I believe others are not capable of doing the same?
Well, this year I am going to be intentional about receiving, receiving without reciprocation. Sorry for those who actually expect something in return. If God believes I’m worth receiving His gifts, then He must believe I’m more than worthy of receiving gifts from people. And for those who graciously give, I accept your gifts.
Note – I don’t believe everyone gives expecting reciprocity. I know there are people who generously give. The issue I have is accepting gifts from people I barely know or don’t interact withoften.
Anyhoo.. time to move on and start receiving. Just had an “Aha” moment! Some gifts God will deliver through people. Wow, how did I miss that? And it’s my job to be open to receive them. Smiling
As always, thank you so much for taking the time to read my blogs. Praying you have an extraordinary week. Be Blessed.
Shaun
Here are a few pictures from The Passion Live (March 20, 2016).
I was asked if I wanted to move closer to the stage, but I declined. No regrets. I believe I had a better view from where I was because I could see the entire stage. Great memories!Tyler Perry was the narrator.Trisha Yearwood was Mary.Seal was Pontius Pilot and Jesus, Jencarlos Canela.
March 13, 2020 “When it’s time, it will happen. Be patient. Nothing that’s meant for me will pass me by. I won’t have to go searching for it, it will find me.”
That’s an excerpt from my journal entry two years ago. Please allow me to pass on the same words of encouragement to you. No matter how grim things look at times, or how many days, months, years or even decades pass, whatever blessings God has for you will not pass you. They won’t be given to someone else. Also, you won’t have to go searching for them. They’ll find you.
Now, ease your mind and carry on. What will be, will be.
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