Fight till the end

God’s Word reminds us that we shouldn't return evil for evil or anger for anger. Instead, when somebody hurts us, we choose to trust God with our pain or injustice and overcome anger with good. – Joyce Meyer

Well, I must confess that is one hard task to do; but, the good news is I'm trying. As Christians, “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12).  But the reality is, anger can be a real problem. We have to fight this feeling to the end.

I thank God for the openness of my Pastor here in Canada. I was going through one of through rough periods at home and Pastor Jamaal Fyffe hinted once in our conversation that anger tends to start as a harmless feeling then it quickly transforms into something dangerous that’s hard to control. He was very right, I allowed my feelings and what I thought I knew to blossom into a vicious Melicia; one who snapped for the simplest of things. His insight led me to three (3) tips that I want to share with you that I have been using to fight the anger immediately, before I hurt someone else.

1. Exercise self-control and walk in peace. This is a demanding task but it is easy when you put on the whole armour of Christ as seen in Ephesians 6.
2. Get to the root cause of the harmful behaviour. That is, be truthful to yourself and identify the root of what triggers the anger. This will help you to understand how to respond in love.
3.  Respond to “injustice”, “unkind treatment” and “plain ignorance” by doing the right thing. This I understood was to treat the one who angers us with love and compassion.

Isn't it simple? Right! These are easily typewritten than done. But, I will assure you that once you are making the effort…it will become easier. I charge you to put your focus on God as your Vindicator, it becomes easier and easier to conquer angry feelings and walk in peace. And you will be a blessing as you overcome evil with good!

Be blessed…

Every time I think it’s straight and all is smooth sailing…yup, there’s that one little hiccup.

It is funny how we get so caught up with holding grouses and talking against others. I had a serious issue with someone and for the love of life, I needed that person to come and ask me to do something for them. Why? So, that I could quickly climb up on my high horse and show them how wrong they were to make me feel the way I am feeling. Wait, I even wanted to sneak in how God doesn't like people who are inconsistent; you know drop a little Matthew 6:24 and tweak it to the situation. (Hold up!) Guess who had to humble herself and take a step back…and had to take a chill pill? (Yup…Me!!! -_-)

I have been getting the light bulb effect at my desk but gosh….this time, it was more like a hit in the face revelation. I had to let go of what I had been holding up against the person. You see you can’t serve two masters and think you can proclaim God’s goodness with a filthy heart. (No way!) So guess who realise that in order for God to be seen through her and the fact that He is quick to forgive her, she had to quickly forgive the person? (Yes, you got that right…me!) The story behind this blog is to shut up, stop holding things up and just let it go…you can’t be a Christian and act like others. It’s ok to be unique and look stupid to the world. Remember, it’s not about people walking over you, it’s about Godly wisdom and keeping your eyes on the prize.

Happy International Women's Day

Let me start by wishing all my female readers a happy women's day! We rock!

I am not using this medium to bash any Caucasian woman because that would be a FAUX PAS. However, as Black women we were created to be phenomenal  strong, confident and ambitious. We come in many shapes and sizes. We are beautiful inside out...so we do not let a brother rule us! We naturally stand on our own and work hard to be successful.

I just had to re-post this about a ...

White woman's opinion of black women & a brother's response...Pretty Deep! Thumbs up to this black man.. Enjoy!

It seems that an article was written to Sister 2 Sister magazine by a Caucasian woman who requested a response from black men. I'm so glad she got what she asked for (and more) !!!

Dear Jamie: I'm sorry but I would like to challenge some of your Black male readers. I am a White female who is engaged to a Black male-good-looking, educated and loving. I just don't understand a lot of Black female's attitudes about our relationship. My man decided he wanted me because the pickings amongst Black women were slim to none. As he said they were either too fat, too loud, too mean, too argumentative, too needy, too materialistic or carrying too much excess baggage. Before I became engaged, whenever I went out I was constantly approached by Black men, willing to wine and dine me and give me the world. If Black women are so up in arms about us being with their men, why don't they look at themselves and make some changes. I am tired of the dirty looks I get and snide remarks when we're out in public. I would like to hear from some Black men about why we are so appealing and coveted by them. Bryant Gumbel just left his wife of 26 years for one of us Charles Barkley, Scottie Pippen, the model Tyson Beckford, Montell Williams, Quincy Jones, James Earl Jones, Harry Belafonte, Sydney Poitier, Kofi Anan, Cuba Gooding Jr., Don Cornelius, Berry Gordy, Billy Blanks, Larry Fishburne, Wesley Snipes... I could go on and on. But, right now, I'm a little angry and that is why I wrote this so hurriedly. Don't be mad with us White women because so many of your men want us. Get your acts together and learn from us and we may lead you to treat your men better. If I'm wrong, Black men, let me know. Disgusted White Girl, Somewhere in VA RESPONSE

Dear Jamie: I would like to respond to the letter written by A Disgusted White Girl. Let me start by saying that I am a 28-year old black man. I graduated from one of the most prestigious universities in Atlanta, Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Management. I have a good job at a major corporation and have recently purchased a house. So, I consider myself to be among the ranks of successful black men. I will not use my precious time to slander white people. I just want to set the record straight of why black men date white women. Back in the day, one of the biggest reasons why black men dated white women was because they were considered easy. The black girls in my neighborhood were raised in the church. They were very strict about when they lost their virginity and who they lost it to. Because of our impatience to wait, brothers would look for someone who would give it up easy without too much hassle. So, they turned to the white girls. Nowadays, in my opinion, a lot of brothers date white women because they are docile and easy to control. A lot of black men, because of insecurities, fears, and overall weaknesses, have become intimidated by the strength of our black women. We are afraid that our woman will be more successful than us, make more money than us, drive nicer cars and own bigger houses.

Because of this fear, many black men look for a more docile woman. Someone we can control. I have talked to numerous black men and they continuously comment on how easy it is to control and walk over their white women. I just want to set the record straight. I want A Disgusted White Girl to know that not all successful black men date white women. Brothers like Ahmad Rashad, Denzel Washington, Michael Jordan, Morris Chestnut, Will Smith, Blair Underwood, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Samuel L. Jackson, and Chris Rock all married strong black women And, to flip the script, there are numerous white men, in and out of the spot light, who openly or secretly desire black women over white women. Ted Danson, Robert DeNiro, and David Bowie to name a few. I just don't want a disgusted white girl to be misinformed Stop thinking that because you are white that you are some type of goddess. Remember, when black Egyptian Queens like Hatsepshut and Nitorcris were ruling Dynasties and armies of men in Egypt, you were over in the caves of Europe eating raw meat and beating each other over the head with clubs.

Read your history! It was the black woman that taught you how to cook and season your food. It was the black woman that taught you how to raise your children. It was black women who were breast feeding and raising your babies during slavery. It is the black woman that had to endure watching their fathers, husbands, and children beaten, killed, and thrown in jail. Black women were born with two strikes against them: being black and being a woman. And, through all this, Still They Rise! It is because of the black women's strength, elegance, power, love and beauty that I could> never> date anyone except my black Queen. It is not just the outer beauty that captivates and draws me to them. It is not the fact that they come in all shapes, sizes, colors and shades that I love them. Their inner beauty is what I find most appealing about black women. Their strong spirit, loving and nurturing souls, their integrity, their ability to overcome great obstacles, their willingness to stand for what they believe in, and their determination to succeed and reach their highest potential while enduring great pain and suffering is why I have fallen in love with black women. I honestly believe that your anger is geared more toward jealousy and envy more so than snotty looks. If this were not so, then why do you continuously go to tanning salons to darken your skin? If you are so proud to be white, then why don't you just be happy with your pale skin? Why do you continue to inject your lips, hips, and breasts with unnatural and dangerous substances so you can look fuller and more voluptuous? I think that your anger is really a result of you wanting to have what the black woman has.

BOTTOM LINE: If I were looking for a docile woman, someone I can walk over and control, I would give you a call. But, unfortunately, I am looking for a Virtuous Woman. Someone that can be a good wife and mother to my children. Someone who can be my best friend and understands my struggles. I am looking for a soul mate. I am looking for a sister and; unfortunately, you do not and CANNOT fit the bill. No offense taken, none given. 

Signed, Black Royalty

#iMelicia

Hi friends, I just wanted to share this devotional with you that I wrote. Be blessed...

“Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.” (Matthew 14:25, NIV).

Faith is the ability to trust what we cannot see. John Shedd says, "A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." Faith is willing to take risks, embrace the unseen and step away from the safety of the shore. We fear the outcome or don't understand the step God has asked us to take. We are afraid to fail and are more concerned about our "reputation" as a Christian than we are about being obedient to God. As long as the enemy can keep us preoccupied with a selfish perspective, our faith is impotent.

Authentic faith naturally produces action, but faith is hindered unless we abandon ourselves to that faith. Did you know that the African impala can jump to a height of over ten feet and cover a distance of greater than thirty feet? Yet these magnificent creatures can be kept in any zoo by a three-foot wall. The animals will not jump if they cannot see where their feet will land.

Many people say they do believe God is who He says He is and that He is able to do what He says he will do but falter at the point of believing that God is willing to work in their lives. If we don't believe He is willing to keep His promises, we are not walking in faith. Oh, we find it easy to agree mentally with the truth that we serve a powerful God who loves us and has a great plan for our life, but that belief is worthless until it settles in our hearts and changes the way we live.

If we don't live it, we don't really believe it. If we are not willing to step away from the shore, we will miss so much of what God has for us in life.

Read the lyrics of Mali Music “Walk on Water”

You know what they say, "No one's perfect."
Well neither am I, and I guess that's why nothing's working.
They say God is Good. But how can that be?
It feels I'm the proof, if you want to see just look at me.

I'm tryna walk on yeah (walk on) Water water (water)
Every step I (oh) take, I start to think this is impossible (impossible)
It feels like I'm tryna walk on (walk on) walk on Water (water)
Every move I make, I start to sink this is improbable (improbable)

Preachers say, "Just have faith!" But what does that mean?
Cuz I believe, I believe and all these bad things are still happening to me.
They say to try to walk right, they say to try to live saved.
But theres a storm in your life and its seems you've been fighting all your days.

All your days you tryna walk on (walk on) water (water)
Every step that you (oh) take, it gets easy to think this is impossible (impossible)
Still you tryna walk on, walk on, walk on (walk on) Water, Water (water)
Every move you make, it feels like you're sinking and it's improbable (improbable)

Now trust me this ain't another attempt to bring you in
Cuz we on the same plane, in the same world, and I feel you my friend.
But as long as you live there will be hardships and pain.
But I know a man who brings peace to the storm, He can stop the rain.

And He can walk on (walk on) He can walk on water (water)
Just forget what you think (oh) theres no way you can sink with Him it's possible (possible) yeah
And He can walk on (walk on) walk on water (water)
Full of power and might (oh) Jesus the Christ defies the logical (logical)

Just keep your eyes on Him (Him), Keep your eyes on Him (Him)
Don't look to the left (oh) nor to the right, just walk to the light (walk to the light).
Keep your eyes on Him (Him), Keep your eyes on him (Him)
When you look down they'll be no ground you'll be standing on water (water)

Standing on (water)
Walking on (water)
Walk on (water)

Source: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/malimusic/walkonwater.html

I think part of the problem is that we don't know how to define "blessing." A blessing is not always easy, painless, simple, comfortable or expected. A blessing often comes, wrapped in the mystery of darkness. But I am learning the truth that anything that makes us cry out to God can be counted as a blessing. Why? Because when we are desperate and in pain, when we have no answers and the darkness is closing in, we cry out to God, just as the disciples did, and He comes! Not because we have earned His presence or His mercy, but because we cried out with a tiny seed of faith, as His children, knowing He is not only able but He is willing to come. Step away from that shore, girlfriend. He will meet you there.

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:6 NIV).

Prayer of my heart 
Father, I come to You today with a faith that seems so small. I want to believe You, Lord. I want to walk by faith, knowing that You will keep every promise You have ever made. Help my unbelief, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Reference: http://www.girlfriendsingod.com/

Melicia l'examen du film Les Misérables

This is a unique and rather unnatural move to be giving this review. From the night I watched the movie my friend Debranette told me to write a blog on it, but I was delayed due to circumstances beyond my control. I must confess that I am surprised that I can still remember the movie. So...Read on....

The director Tom Hooper...wow!...he did a fantastic job. The audio and motion picture were phenomenal  This is evident with the three(3) Golden Globe awards won. 

But let me bring you to the source and guide of this movie. "Les Misérables is a French historical novel written by Victor Hugo, first published in 1862, that is considered one of the greatest novels of the nineteenth century." That is a direct quote from author A.F. Davidson in his book on Victor Hugo's life and work (see reference in the footnote). You may ask, why so much history MelG? But readers, little did I know that the same-titled movie was a rework of a rather interesting book as expressed to me by my two friends, La-Toya and La-Shanna who accompanied me to the Colossum Theater. They disclosed that it was a Literature text for them in high school. 


Review
The movie is a musical, so if you don't have that artistic thrust...please, spare yourself that heartache to sit and watch it. But even if you are not a musical fanatic but have that little interest in French History...it will be a good movie to watch. Luckily for me, I love musicals. The movie is set in nineteenth century France where a rather heartless policeman Javert (please get the French accent going...ahaha) was seeking Jean Valjean who broke his parole. Jean stole bread to feed his ailing nephew and was imprisoned for 10 years (rather harsh...huh?). After he broke parole, he was working in disguise as a factory owner for 7 years before Javert caught up on him. 

Fantine a beautiful lady working for Jean was forced out of the factory after workers plotted against her and disclosed that she was stealing from the factory. Fantine went from a fair damsel to a prostitute. When she was on her death bed after being rescued by Jean. She asked him to care for Cosette her daughter. Readers, that fateful decision changed their lives forever.

Aspects of the French revolution was role played, I am not a history scholar so I would do no justice in bringing clarity to that historical scene. I loved little Gavroche's personality though, but unfortunately he was shot by a member of the French military while he collected ambush materials for the mini-army that was fighting against the French military. Prior to that, Eponine saved his life. She was the daughter of 2 tricksters who partially grew Cosette. She was madly in love with Marius but he found that out when she revealed her love to him a few seconds before she "kicked the bucket".

Getting to mushy and rather stinky part....Marius was in love with Cosette and when Jean was aware that they were in love he ensured that the 2 were together forever. 

I admired Jean because he understood the true purpose of a second chance. When that Catholic Father lied for him when he stole 2 golden candlesticks from the cathedral he never went back on his words to always do good for others. 

So in the end after Jean saved Marius' life when the mini-army was defeated  by taking him through a sewer (ewww...gross...). On Jean's death bed, he revealed his motive for always doing good. Well, what happened to Javert? He committed suicide after he realised Jean's goodness in everything he did.

I enjoyed the movie thoroughly and my take away was...in life always do good, you may not see the benefit in the now but think of the future and your generation to come. 


Ciao,
MelG



 A. F. Davidson, Victor Hugo His Life And Work (J.B. Lippincott, 1929), Kindle Location 4026, 4189

Unhealthy Comparison

Hey Readers,

It has been a while since I wrote a blog. But I would like to share this devotional I received 2 weeks ago about making unhealthy comparisons. I thought it was very timely and important to share. Read on...

They measure themselves by themselves 2 Corinthians 10:12 (NIV)

A certain level of competitiveness is good. You need it. When children enter a spelling contest they study harder and learn more because they’re going to compete. They know academic prowess is about to be challenged and they get ready for it because we like to win. But when your competitiveness makes you feel “less than” or “better than” another person, it’s gone to far. Paul writes “when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. We, however will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God has assigned to us 12-13).

 To evaluate your success accurately you must first understand your God-given purpose. When you play on a team your position determines your purpose. Attackers and Defenders have different skills, but to win the team need both. The defender who keeps the opposing team from scoring is just as valuable as the attacker who scores. One ma get more applause than the other, but victory belongs to them all. When you keep comparing yourself with others you’re denied a sense of accomplishment, because you’ve made the benchmark to be like somebody else.No, they are playing a different position.

They have a different purpose. They have a different skill set designed to fulfill the role God has given them. God gives you everything you need for the position you play and the purpose you have. What a liberating truth! And God, who gave others the ability to excel at what they do will do the same for you when you learn to focus on him, not them.

(Adopted from Chicas in Christ Daily Devotionals Author Crystal Gareave)

Remember we all have different purposes...keep focus on the path God has set you on. If you are not yet saved, please feel free to whisper this prayer and welcome God in your life:

Dear God,

I come to You...I am a sinner and I have done wrong. I am asking you to forgive me and to come into my heart. Today, I choose to walk in Your authority. I know I can do this. You are God and You are Supreme and Mighty in all You do. Take my life and have Your way with it.

Amen

Getting the hang of it...

Today was quite a trip! ...pun, intended. The temperature was -2 degrees Celsius and when I was leaving the condo there were little flurries falling. The bus stop I decided to walk to was couple miles away from the condo. During the walk, I was singing Tamela Mann's version of How Excellent, well...I tried all the parts. I think I was doing a "Cheraulae" during the process. I entertained myself while I  keept a close eye on Google maps. My right hand was punished for that...

Wait for me...

I checked the time and noticed that I needed to get to the bus stop within 2 minutes. Today, I realised that the bus system in Jamaica "bruk me bad". The transport system here is so organized. I had to walk briskly to catch the bus...luckily, the driver saw the "dear God, please don't let the bus leave me" look on my face. I boarded the bus and thawed. The driver was very courteous; I must add he was quite helpful.

I am a winner...

Having been on the campus before, I walked in with more confidence this time. I was able to find a restroom easily and it was not difficult speaking to persons there since I have quickly acquired a slur in pronouncing several words (#POW). My daily schedule was full but the day went smoothly. I attended all the seminars I was scheduled to attend. Then, for a relaxer, I went to the Mature Student Mix & Mingle; to my surprise only 10 persons were there. The moderator ensured persons were relaxed and then we were asked to share our names and the program we will be doing. Guess who had to squeeze in where they are from? Yes, yours truly...ahaha. We played several games but the competitive Melicia came out. When all the games were finished, I walked away with a Humber T-shirt, pocket book (the contemporary looking one) and a frisbee....did I say frisbee? ...ahaha (weh me ago do wid dat?) Anyhow, a winner is a winner.

Well...the WAY FORWARD is what I am focused on. With Christ Jesus, all things are possible.

So, Day 2 was a success!

Ciao!