kirk franklin – Just Love Them Anyway

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Monday Motivation: I Am…

April 25, 2016by SophieLeave a Comment

Hey guys!

I hope this Monday is finding you in good health and good spirits! This weekend while I was taking some time to relax I decided to scroll through my Instagram feed. Sometimes I like to take a look at old photos and reminisce. I came across one post in particular and that’s what birthed today’s post.

I grew up in a Pentecostal family. At 10 years old, I made a choice to follow Christ. At 13 years old, I received the gift of water baptism. At 15 I was filled with the Holy Spirit and from 16-21…. ( and sometimes still today!) I made poor decisions, I lived a “one foot in one foot out”lifestyle. I I struggled with anger and temper problems. I was in no way, shape or form a representation of the God I claimed to serve. I always felt guilty when I went astray and could never really be comfortable outside of the presence of God.

From the outside looking in, I was a lost cause! Deep down inside, I always knew who I was supposed to be, I was just having trouble staying on the straight and narrow!

Now what inspired that Instagram post many years ago was because of an incident that happened to me at my church. Who wouldn’t feel discouraged when you overhear people who are supposed to be lifting you up, plotting and betting on your demise?

That really hurt my feelings but I really thank God for wise parents who simply told me, “Well prove them wrong!”

Now that I have matured physically and spiritually I can look back at where I was and be grateful that I made it through my “rebellious” stage. But its also forced me to remember who I used to be when dealing with youth around me. It actually really hurts my feelings when somebody sees a young person struggling and automatically counts them out and doesn’t do anything to help them! What word of wisdom did you offer then while they were struggling?

That’s not to say that you condone their poor choices. But there is a way to reprimand with love! I always tell the young people I am around, “Don’t be like me, be better than me!” There’s only so much talking you can do. The best thing you can do is live by example and never stop praying and encouraging! You never know what someone may be struggling with and your encouraging word ( or lack thereof ) could be the catalyst for change ( or a continued walk down a dangerous path)

Like my Instagram post said, I’m super grateful for those who never gave up on me and it’s my plan to be an example to others! Regardless of how people may behave, remember to “just love them anyway”! ❤

One song that I actually had been listening all week prior to even going through my Instagram ( funny how God brings things together isn’t it? 🙂 ) is called ” I Am” by Kirk Franklin. The part of the chorus that really made an impact on me this week was :

I am so far from perfect
I thought life was worthless
Until you showed me who I am
Not here by mistake
No luck, only grace
I’m on my way to
Who I am

To anybody out there who feels like you let yourself, others and more importantly God down, remember that you are on your way to being who God designed you to be! You are not a mistake, you have a purpose. Don’t let your past put chains on your future! There is a quote by Joyce Meyer I love that states : “I’m not where I need to be, but thank God i’m not where I used to be.”

I’m so far from perfect or being a “perfect Christian” but God has truly shown up in my life and helped me realize who I am because of Him! Thank you Father! 🙂

Take a listen to the song down below! I hope it blesses you as it has me!

xoxo

How do you do?
I am a sinner
Born into sin and shaped in iniquity
Now I believe not who I was but still not what I shall be
You found me and gave me your name and
Things I desired have changed but
Inside you’ll see it’s still broken pieces
Deep in me reaches for you (hello)

How do you do?
I am a beggar (that means I’m)
Desperate for more
I hunger for your truth
See I am shattered
Though I may fall still you make all things new
You speak, the storm, it obeys and gone is the weight of mistakes and
Though I still feel you continue to heal, look close, and see (whoa)

[Chorus:]
I am so far from perfect
I thought life was worthless
Until you showed me who I am
Not here by mistake
No luck, only grace
I’m on my way to
Who I am (not who I was), I am (forgiven and loved)
I am (healed by your blood), I am (yes)
Thank God I am (still being changed)
I am (help me say), I am

How do you do?
I am a winner (it wasn’t easy)
I’ve lost a few and life’s knocked me to my knees
But now I am standing (hallelujah)
Not by my power, but your life inside of me (just like you, I’ve gone through)
Even through seasons and changes (no tear)
No tear has ever been wasted
Misunderstood still it worked for my good
look now and see
I am not the old me but still
(I am not the old me but still)

[Chorus:]
I am (I am) so far from perfect
I thought life was worthless
Until you showed me who I am (don’t forget you’re)
Not here by mistake (yes)
No luck, only grace
I’m on my way to
Who I am (now called your son), I am (forgiven for what I’ve done)
I am (forgiven for what I’ve done), I am (yes)
Thank God I am (sealed by your grace)
I am (still here, help me say), I am

[Bridge:]
Here and I’m closer, praise now is stronger
Stood up to fear, by faith I’m still here
Couldn’t walk away, love said not today
Times haven’t seen what God has for me
The hurt and the lies, through the pain, through the night
Cried and I cried but still I survived

[Chorus:]
I am so far from perfect
I thought life was worthless (yes God)
Until you showed me who I am (I am)
Not here by mistake
No luck, only grace
I’m on my way to
Who I am (and all of you), I am (I’m in love with you)
I am (here to worship you), I am (Jesus)
Thank God I am (ready to be closer)
I am (ready to go higher), I am

[Chorus:]
I am so far from perfect (so far)
I thought life was worthless (yes)
Until you showed me who I am (but you showed me)
Not here by mistake (thank you)
No luck, only grace (thank you)
I’m on my way to
Who I am (I’m not ashamed), I am (look, I’m not the same)
I am (I’m letting go of the pain), I am (yes Lord)
Thank God I am (more than what you see)
I am (not yet what I shall be), I am

Thank you
You didn’t give up on me while I was still in the process
Hallelujah God that you could see what I couldn’t see
Thank you

#Christian, #Christian, faith, gospel artist, gospel lyrics, gospel music, Jesus, kirk franklin, lyrics, monday, mood music, motivation, Uncategorized, weekend

Monday Motivation: Always…

April 4, 2016by Sophie2 Comments

Happy Monday Everyone!

I hope this Monday finds you in good health and good spirits! I am finally really on the mend! Finally getting my minor health issues under control and am able to be up and moving around like the old me!

This weekend, I spent lots of time with friends and friends who are more like family. I attended a fantastic stag and doe, a beautiful bridal party brunch for one of my dearest friends ( you can’t beat 25 years of friendship!) and then celebrated the same friends grandmothers 90th birthday ! Busy and full weekend surrounded by some of best people God has ever created!

At the end of the weekend, I spent some time reflecting on friendship. I have amazing friends who have really been there for me during some of the darkest times of my life. But, on the contrary, I have had some “friends” who have not been there for me. “Friends” who have kicked me when I was down ( figuratively speaking) and rejoiced in my failures… I use the word “friend” in quotations because to me that’s not the definition of a friend.

Merriam- Webster dictionary has a real simple definition of the word friend. It defines a friend as:

a person who you like and enjoy being with
: a person who helps or supports someone or something
one attached to another by affection or esteem

This really got me thinking about a great friend that I have…. and His name is Jesus! I know, I know super cliche but it’s so true. I have 2 best friends, that would do anything for me ( and vice versa) but even so there are limitations to what our friendship can do for each other.

My friendship with Jesus, really hits the definition of friendship on the head.Do I enjoy being with Jesus? Absolutely! I find peace and solace in my quiet time with Him! Does He support me ? Of course! Jesus is my biggest cheerleader! He also isn’t afraid to check me and put me in my place when needed!

This week I wanted to share the song, “Always” by Kirk Franklin with you. An oldie but a goodie! The lyrics of the song truly epitomizes how I feel!

Check out the lyrics and the song down below and may your week be blessed!!!
xoxo

[Verse 1]
You know I’ve had some lonely days
I’ve made mistakes and had to pay
I’ve had some friends that walked away
Just like mama told me
But there’s someone whose love is real
Who cares about the way I feel
Every pain, and erase every stain
There’s peace when I call out your name
(Listen)

[Chorus 1]
Jesus, You’re my everything
The cross, You did that just for me
So whatever You take me through
I promise you
I’ll spend my always with you

[Verse 2]
No one can touch my heart like You
Or make me smile the way You do
I finally found someone who
Who really, truly loves me
And when my strength has come and gone
Your life in me it makes me strong
Your hand is where my heart belongs
You take all my pain and erased every stain

[Chorus 1]

[Chorus 2]
Jesus, my whole life has changed
Since that day I cried Your name
For every time You’ve brought me through
I promise You
I’ll spend my always with You

Did He say He’ll never leave you?
Did He promise He’ll never forsake you?
How many of you believe that in here?
Let me hear you
(Ohhhhhhhh oohhhhhh ohhh)
He won’t let you down, right?
(Ohhhhhh ohhhhh)
He’ll catch every tear
So if you know He can be your Father and He cares for you
Come on and stand on your feet and help me praise Him in here

#Christian, bible, Christian blog, encouragement, faith, grief, holy spirit, kirk franklin, Uncategorized

Monday Motivation: He’ll Take The Pain Away…

February 22, 2016by SophieLeave a Comment

Hi guys!

I must apologize for being so missing in action this past week. I have had some health issues that have kept me away from this blogging journey but I am on the mend and ready to share some awesome content with you! 🙂

The month of February is a month usually associated with love. However, the month of February is often a tough one for me. Ten years ago, a dear friend of mine became a victim of a senseless crime. A beautiful girl who had her life cut short in a hail of bullets that weren’t intended for her…. . Rarely a day goes by that I don’t think of her and what she could’ve ( and would’ve) become. Her name was Chantel Dunn, and I miss her.

So while I was thinking about her a song dropped into my spirit. It’s a song that spoke to my spirit long before I knew what It would mean to me.

Let me set the stage: Sir Allan MacNab High school: 2001: Basketball Game. Game was super boring so I whipped out my good old trusty Walkman! (For all you millennials out there a “Walkman” is the late 90’s to mid 2000’s version of a mp3 player! ) I popped in my good old Kirk Franklin cassette tape and the song that I fast forwarded it to was “He’ll Take The Pain Away”. I really loved the simple arrangement of this song and so I passed one part of my headphones to my bestie Slim and we began to sing! Now, we grew up singing together as children in church, but I actually think that was the first time we actually sang in harmony together.

It was a beautiful moment… one I hadn’t thought about in over a decade… until this February as the anniversary of Chan’s passing approached. I really began to take in the lyrics of the song. Read the lyrics down below:

He’ll take the pain away, I know
He’ll take the pain away
He’ll take the pain away, I know
He’ll take the pain away

Though you’ve been searchin’ for such a long time
Searchin’ for hope and some peace of mind
There’s a friend who would step in on time
He’ll take the pain away, He’ll take the pain away

He’ll take the pain away, I know
He’ll take the pain away
He’ll take the pain away, I know
He’ll take the pain away

You’ve been searching all of here and all of there
And all God can take the pain away
And I tried him for my self and
Oh, I’m a living witness that God will take the pain away

Though you’ve been searchin’ for such a long time
Searchin’ for hope and some peace of mind
There’s a friend who would step in on time
He’ll take the pain away, He’ll take the pain away

He’ll take the pain away, I know
He’ll take the pain away
He’ll take the pain away, I know
He’ll take the pain away

Hold on, don’t give up

If any man be in Jesus
He’ll take the pain away
If any man be in Jesus brand new
He’ll take the pain away

Years ago, when this tragedy occurred, I would have said that It would be impossible for these wounds to heal. I found this quote that really resonated with me. It reads:

“It has been said, ‘time heals all wounds.’ I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. But it is never gone.”

Although my heart has never really recovered from this loss ( along with loss of many others) , I am so blessed to serve a God who steps in as a comforter! One line of the song reads: “There’s a friend who would step in on time He’ll take the pain away” .

What an awesome God I serve! One that can take what looks like the bleakest of situations and bring some sunshine to the grayest of days! If you are hurting put your trust in Jesus Christ. He died on the cross for us, and along with Him comes the Holy Spirit the comforter. He can take the broken pieces of your heart and mend them, just like He has done with mine! It’s not easy getting over a loss, but with Jesus it is easier

Psalm 55:22 (NLT) reads

²²Give your burdens to the Lord,
and he will take care of you.
He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.

“I’m a living witness that God can take the pain away!”

Have a blessed Monday folks!!

xoxo

#Christian, Christ, Christian, Christian blog, christianity, COGOP, encouragement, faith, God, gospel artist, gospel lyrics, gospel music, kirk franklin, lyrics, music, new music, Spirituality, Uncategorized

Monday Motivation: Road Trip…

November 23, 2015November 21, 2015by SophieLeave a Comment

Hey y’all!

Dropping by real quick to share some of what was on my heart today. I was listening to Kirk Franklin’s new album ( surprise surprise) and I got stuck on one track in particular entitled, “Road Trip”. Its a light fun sounding track but if you really take a moment to take in the lyrics… WOW! Let me break it down as how it spoke to me.

Pack a smile, cause this road won’t be easy
Doubt will come, believe me
Sometimes you’ll wonder if it’s alright
Hold on tight, it’s about to be amazing
When you see what God is making
I can’t wait for you to tell me that (it’s alright)

Have you ever felt like life is just unbearable? I know I have! Sometimes obstacles present themselves in your life that can really throw you off track and have you believing that everything you are working hard for is for nothing. People think that because you are a Christian, you don’t have fears and doubts. But that’s not the case. Sometimes you really have to remind yourself that someone ( God) is working on your behalf and you just have to be patient!

Travel light and leave room for tomorrow, expect delays
And sorrow, avoid left turns, don’t forget what’s right
Pray always, listen to that voice above you
Only let folk ride that love you, see you’ve come too far
You’ve gotta wrap on tight

Point, blank, period, life is always going to happen! Yes, God always has our back, but sometimes He allows situations to happen in our lives to happen to enable us to learn and grow. Example: I was in a relationship ( long distance) for a long time. I thought that this was it! I was totally in love! But… I let that relationship take precedence in my life and once God is not in the center….. it’s downhill from there. I was crushed and it took me a long time to recover from that situation. However, during those dark times, It allowed me to really turn my focus back to God and really listen to His voice and follow his map for my life!

But every time that you’ve been through
For His glory God is using you
See it’s only in the darkest night
That you really see the stars shine bright

It’s so true! Everything you’ve been through is preparation for greater things! I tell you… I’ve been through some things in my life where I didn’t know how I was going to get through. As I spend time with children and youth, both professionally, personally and in ministry, it is my hope that my story will encourage them in some way.

So pack a smile, cause this road won’t be easy
Doubt will come, believe me
Sometimes you’ll wonder if it’s alright
Hold on tight, it’s about to be amazing
When you see what God is making
I can’t wait for you to tell me that (it’s alright)

See I know, dreams can take forever
Especially in stormy weather
It’s hard to see where the road will end
But good news, your destination is determined
It’s selected and predestined
Ain’t it good to know you win before you begin?

Man.. sometimes waiting for things is so hard! Have you ever read a book that was so interesting, but you just can’t wait to see what happens so you skip ahead? Well unfortunately, ( Or maybe fortunately) we can’t just skip ahead through portions of our life that are unpleasing. We have to trust and believe that things will work out! Our life was already planned and predestined long before we were in existence and we are destined to win! Even winners get knocked down once in awhile( Ronda Rousey anyone lol) but a real champion gets back up and keeps going!

But every time that you’ve been through
For His glory God is using you
See it’s only in the darkest night
That you really see the stars shine bright

It’s alright, it’s alright
It’s alright, it’s alright

The rear view mirror is smaller
Because when you can
You’re only supposed to look back at it real quick
Cause where you’re going is a lot greater

Don’t look back! When you drive, you really only use to rear view mirror to make sure things are safe behind you. Your real focus is what’s ahead! Keep your eyes on the prize!

Get tired of runnin’, but it’s alright
Cause I see what’s comin, and it’s alright
Wanted to give up, some days I tried
But your hand wouldn’t let me, now I’m alright

God’s always got your back! Even when you feel like giving up, remember He’s always there! Trust me, I’ve tried to give up and do things on my own….. and that didn’t work out so well for me! So, I’ll just let God to what He’s best at- taking care of me!

Take a listen to the track down here and have a blessed Monday!

xoxo

Lyrics found @: Kirk Franklin – Road Trip Lyrics | MetroLyrics

PS: Happy Thanksgiving to all American Readers this week!

#Christian, faith, gospel, gospel lyrics, gospel music, kirk franklin, motivation, music

Monday Motivation: 123, Victory…

October 19, 2015October 19, 2015by Sophie3 Comments

Hey guys!

Quick blog post today because your girl is TIRED( lol). Nothing would give me more joy than to jump right in some cozy pajamas and my bed and call it night, but I couldn’t do that without stopping in and leaving a quick message for you 🙂

This weekend I was listening to the song “Wanna Be Happy” by Kirk Franklin and I decided to stop by the ITunes store to see when Kirk’s new album was due to be released ( just out of curiosity because I love that song 🙂 … its due out November 13th ) While I was there browsing the set list, I saw that another track had been released. So naturally, I clicked on it and gave it a listen. The track is called 1 2 3 Victory… and the way that track spoke to me in that moment…. sigh..

I can’t even begin to explain how much I needed to hear the message in this song. As light-hearted as the track is, the message is so real! We sometimes forget when we are going through struggles, that we are not alone and ! Part of lyrics read, ” You waiting on God, He’s waiting on you, With all you been through, Now its on you, What you gonna do?’. A smart soldier never goes into a battle alone. God’s waiting on you to tag Him in! That’s what He’s here for! Give all your worries to Him and you will be victorious!! So God, I’m tapping you in!!! ❤

Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Check out the song and lyrics down below and have a blessed Monday!

xoxo

1,2,3, Victory Lyrics:

Chorus:
Hey Yo 1, 2 3
Get up we got Victory
No weapon they throw at me
You know it wont prosper, no

Verse:1
Just got laid off ( I’m doing good)
House aint even paid off ( I’m doing good)
Should be afraid but ( I’m feeling good)
All the time you say ( God is good)

You can calm down, down down
Don’t forget who’s in control
Walls are falling down down down
Get ready for the new Jericho

Chorus 2:
You waiting on God
He’s waiting on you
( so what you gon’ do)

Chorus (2x)

Verse 2:

Storms raging ( I’m doing good)
See the world changing( I’m doing good)
I know it’s not easy
But life can’t defeat me (God is good)

Chorus 2:

You waiting on God
He’s waiting on you
With all you been through
Now its on you , so what you gonna do?

Bridge:
The battles not yours
It is the Lords
Tried on your own
You’re not that strong
But greater is He
That takes up for me
And soon they will see
My names victory( 2X)

Christian, christianity, faith, gospel, gospel artist, gospel lyrics, happiness, happy, kirk franklin

Monday Motivation: Wanna Be Happy…

August 31, 2015August 31, 2015by Sophie3 Comments

Hey y’all

Kirk Franklin is back! He released his new song this past week entitled, ” Wanna Be Happy”. The lyrics read so true! It touches on a topic that is so relevant. We, as humans want to be happy but we keep on doing the same things over and over again that keep us far away from our desired happiness. We find ourselves stuck in a rut. We choose to cry and whine and stay in our dark hole instead of trying to do something about it, and when we do, we leave our happiness in the hands of peers, family and even social media!

Now, all of those things are great sources of joy and happiness but that isn’t the main source! Many people stress the fact that happiness comes from within ( and yes I agree to an extent) but I lean more on finding my happiness in my faith. I know I certainly don’t have all the answers to life but the key to my happiness is knowing that someone greater than I has my future in His hands! If you’re tired of things not changing, try looking for joy in a new place. Instead of seeking happiness in an unsatisfying relationship,or in the bottom of a bottle try Christ.

Everything you have been searching for is in HIs hands! It’s up to you to allow Him to put His plan in motion. One section in the song states ” I just wanna be happy /But if I keep on doing the things /That keep on bringing me pain/There’s no one else I can blame /If I’m not happy/Wasted time but now I can see/The biggest enemy is me So I’m not happy…..

It’s so true! Sometimes WE are the ones standing in the way of our own happiness! So get out of the way and let God do His thing!!!!! Take a moment and meditate on Psalms 37:4 which reads…

“Take delight in the Lord,and he will give you your heart’s desires.”

Check out the lyrics and song down below and have a wonderful Monday! Stay Blessed!

xoxo

The truth can hurt you
Or the truth can change you
What would truth do to you

I just wanna be happy
But if I keep on doing the things
That keep on bringing me pain
There’s no one else I can blame
If I’m not happy
Wasted time but now I can see
The biggest enemy is me
So I’m not happy

Cry yourself to sleep
Shout and raise your hands
It wont change a thing child
Until you understand

If you’re tired of being the same
If you’re tired of things not changing
It’s time for you to get out the way
Don’t get stuck in how you feel
Say Jesus take the wheel
He knows the road that you need to take
(But it only works if)
If you wanna be happy
(Look at yourself and say)
Don’t you wanna be happy
I just wanna be happy

But if I keep on giving my heart
For people to tear apart
The healing will never start
So I can be happy
Will I ever be happy

Cry yourself to sleep
Shout and raise your hands
It wont change a thing child
Until you understand

(If I’m talking to you now say)
If you’re tired of being the same
If you’re tired of things not changing
It’s time for you to get out the way
(You been down too long)
Don’t get stuck in how you feel
Say Jesus take the wheel
He knows the road that you need to take
(I feel different right here)
It’s so easy to complain
Addicted to the pain
You give you heart, they push it away
(But I got good news for ya)
Jesus knows just how you feel
Just let him take the wheel
The love you need, he already gave
(But the question is)
Do you wanna be happy
(If you’re tired of you then say)
I just wanna be happy
(Now if you really mean that, open up your heart and say it)

Let me hear you say yeah
Yeah yeah
(If you’re tired of going in circles)
Let me hear you say yeah
Yeah yeah
(Tired of making the same mistakes)
Let me hear you say yeah
Yeah yeah
(But now’s your chance)
Let me hear you say yeah
(Say yeah)
Yeah yeah

If you’re tired of being the same
If you’re tired of things not changing
It’s time for you to get out the way
(Are you ready, come on)
Don’t get stuck in how you feel
Say Jesus take the wheel
(What you doin’)
He knows the road that you need to take
(So easy to complain)
It’s so easy to complain
(Come on)
Addicted to the pain
You give you heart, they push it away
(There’s somebody that’ll never leave ya)
Jesus knows just how you feel
Just let him take the wheel
The love you need, he already gave
(But the question is)
Do you wanna be happy
(Took a long time but I’m ready)
I just wanna be happy
(Thank you Lord, every day ask yourself)
Do you wanna be happy
(Yes, pull over, let him drive)
I just wanna be happy

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