I usually wake up around 6:30 a.m., though that’s not set in stone. Some days I’m up earlier, other days a bit later. I prefer the early mornings—they give me a head start before the house is aroused with family activity. My goal is to have a post up by 8 a.m. Most mornings, I sit down without a clear idea of what I’m going to write. But God always provides the direction. Occasionally, I’ll go to bed with a thought that carries over into the morning that will lead me as I write. I also keep a list of draft topics—some are backup ideas for when I draw a blank, while others are reminders of moments or insights that came to me during the day and deserve more attention. When I know I won’t have time in the morning, especially when travel is involved, I try to write ahead and have something ready to post the night before. As Give Your Story continues to grow, I’m grateful that reader contributions are also helping shape and inspire the content.
I have written here before, that when I am effected by bipolar, I can often transfer that mindset into writing for the glory of God and edifying others. Unity in Servanthood is the goal. Through mid-March, well into April of this year, bipolar had a grasp on me. What I wrote during that time is a bit of a blur to recall. This past week, I have been granted a reprieve. I have been planning various topics that fit into the themes of hope that I write about here. This morning rather than write, I spent time researching and learning more about those ideas in preparation.
Last night as we watched TOPGUN Maverick, it was placed in my heart that todays post would just be a prayer. Prayer of Hope & Gratitude for the Future.
PRAYER
Good morning God. Thank you for guiding me to you first, this morning. I give you thanks with much gratitude for the future, as you continue to show me the path. I love you and pray that you guide me as I continue to develop key themes to glorify you and edify others and the church. I pray for wisdom and strength in providing hope to all through Giving our Stories. As I continue to research and learn your Word, may you give me continued wisdom to provide hope in recovery from addiction. May you give me strength and perseverance, in using my battle with bipolar, and may it provide hope to others. I ask that You continue to reveal and help me understand the complexities within our Christian churches—how, even with good intentions, some end up pursuing power with broken hearts. Though their messages may become toxic, there is still fruit to be found, as some genuinely strive to learn your Word. Help me to discern the difference with grace and wisdom that I may bring hope to those who have been harmed by these toxic messages in their church. While Jesus was focused on the Jews in His ministry, His message was for ALL = Equality. Paul was focused on empowering the risen Christ, Jesus for ALL = Equality. As new languages developed, and bible interpretations where made from Hebrew and Greek to English, words did not carry the same meaning and messages where skewed just as Genesis 3:15 states will happen.
Genesis 3:15
And I will put enmity
between you and the woman,
and between your offspring[a] and hers;
he will crush[b] your head,
and you will strike his heel.”
Please help me O’Lord as I continue to join in the community to battle the misinterpretation of Your Word, where men seek power over women in their marriages, in their churches and in their community. Help me to be a link of Hope to women in this Victory.
God, I thank you for all you have given me. Thank you for the hope you gave me to find Obedience, Faith, Fruit, Gifts, and willingness to Spread the Word. I am most grateful for your love and guidance through both women and men as they have lead me to you and this path you have given. Thank you for the repair in my marriage and my family and may you continue to humble me in my struggles, as I walk in your ways to the glory of your name as I spread your Holy Word – JESUS. He has Risen! He has Risen indeed! Jesus – Thank you for saving me.
AMEN.