Monday 14 July 2014

Give. Of yourself, your time, and your resources.

Everyone who knew my mum will attest to the fact that she was one of the truly generous people that have walked this earth.
She was always willing to lend a helping hand or assist people in need, whether they asked her to or not. Oft times, she didn't wait to be asked for help. She just perceived a need, and then takes it upon herself to fix it. For family, friends, colleagues, patients, people from church, neighbours, acquaintances, even for strangers. She gave to people who loved her and also to people who didn't. It didn't matter to her who you are, what you need nor when you need it. Her policy was simple: If she can proffer a solution, she will.
She shared our food, and our clothes. She made us share our rooms and most times our beds. We shared our books and even at one point, she gave away our school uniform and we had to make do with one set each, until she raised money to make new sets for us.
She helped people with school fees for their children. She gave medications to people who needed it without asking for payments. She forgave debts and overlooked somethings that we considered unforgivable.
At one point, while she working in a rural village where water was scarce, she gave away our water.
She spent time with people, just because she said they needed someone to talk to. I remember going on walks with her and then coming back alone or with someone else, because along the way, someone needed something.  I had gone shopping with my Mum and seen half of the things we bought disappear on the way before we got home. I have seen her buying things we don't need, just because, "you never know who might need it tomorrow".

Mum never stopped giving. She was convinced that as long as she gave, she will never know lack.
She was right. We never lacked. Sometimes, we had too much of things and sometimes we had just enough. But, we never ever went hungry. We were never short of anything that truly mattered. We knew no lack.

I learnt and I'm still learning to give. To give what I have and sometimes even things I don't have.
I have learnt never to hold on to any material thing while someone might have need of it.
I am learning to count myself only as a custodian of things and to have a free hand and willing spirit that will not hesitate to give them away when someone else needs them.
I am learning as far as I am willing to give, things will always find their way to me, but so also will people who need them.
My time, my resources, myself and all that I have and will ever have is not mine to keep.
I have learnt to give to God. I have learnt to give to others. And, I am learning to, occasionally give to myself.

Thursday 10 July 2014

The woman you ought to be: A Woman after God's Own Heart.


A WOMAN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART.
Who is she, where is she, where does she live? Has anyone seen or heard of her? Does she actually exist? Is she human, robot or alien? Is this reality or myth? 
We are told that, she does, indeed, exist. We are told who she is. We are given a picture of her.

She is described as a woman full of the Holy Ghost. The essence of who she is is the Holy Spirit.
She is a life giver, a nurturer and one who totally abides in the word and the presence of God.
Her heart beats for the things of God, the bible is her source of inspiration and her most vital, critical and irrevocable reality. Her focus and passion for God and her home is clearly seen. And, this is the woman I am.

She rises up early and starts the day firstly, with communion with the one who equips and guides her. She is always adorned with a cheerful and a thankful spirit. She always has a smile and a cheer about, expressing the goodness and blessing the days hold. 
And this is the woman I am.
Her words are melodious, releasing cherished words that are music, joy and healing balm to the ears of her listeners. Not only does she expect to be loved, she loves from the depths of her heart regardless of the situation she finds herself in. Genuinely, freely, unconditionally and generously, she spreads the love of God which has been shed abroad in her heart, around her. Love guides her every word and deed. Her expressions of love never cease to ring a bell in the heart of her spouse, her children and her world. 
And this is the woman I am.
She is a woman - a beautiful woman, both inside and outside. Her outward appearance is an expression and a testimony of the grace of God. She fortifies her inside and so, the peace that she has overflows on the outside and keeps her glowing. She follows the word of God and the glory, praise and beauty of God is completely seen in her, and through her, and around her. She is a woman after God's own Heart. 
And, This is the woman I am.

She has the wisdom to choose her friends wisely, to get rid of bad influences quickly and she endeavors to surround herself with godly people who God has placed in her path. She is enthusiastic to learn and to bless others around her. She seeks out the secrets of building her life and her home on a solid foundation and she hears to do. Every second of the day is precious in her eyes. She plans her day, knowing exactly what needs to be done, when it should be done and how it must be done. 
And, this is the woman I am.

Her home is clean, tidy and always ready to receive visitors at anytime of the day or night. And this way, she has unknowingly entertained angels. Her home knows no lack and no ill health. Her family is clothed with the joy and peace that only comes with the presence of God. She works with her hands and settles the affairs of her family long before they even realise. She prays and watches over her affairs, her household and her relationships. Her strength of character is a defence against anything that might threaten the haven she builds for her own. She knows how to hold her fort in any situation. She knows how to love herself, her spouse and the people in her world without losing herself.
She isn't tossed to and fro by the whims and charms of the society, neither is she moved by peer pressure nor prompting from any external influences. 
And, this is the woman I ought to be. 
Her first priority after her God is her spouse, her children and her family. She challenges any form of suggestion, comments or insinuations that ridicules her spouse or his decisions. She covers his weaknesses and makes him feel like superman. She never puts him down neither does she highlight his short comings or defects. In her eyes he is king, in the eyes of others he is the perfect man, partner and father, hardworking and always able to provide for all the family's needs. She acknowledges, celebrates and speaks to the king inside of him. She disperses his fears, and draws out his strengths thereby motivating him to love more, to give more, to be more of all that God has called him to be. 
And, this the woman I ought to be.

Her husband longs to come home from work to a place of comfort, peace and respite from the busy and hectic life at work. He is welcomed by her warm arms around him, with the whispers he longs to hear all day. His words are keenly listened to with every word heard and understood. He is not bugged down with only complains or naggings, but he also gets to be heard and given an environment to share his vision for life and passion for work. His ideas are not ignored, ridiculed or disregarded. He finds encouragement from her lips to keep on ticking when the world only presents discouragements, doubts and challenges. She is his strongest support, his number one fan and his personal cheerleader. He feels appreciated in her presence; her words are jewels to his ears and music in echoes of war. His unspoken words are heard loud and clear, the mysteries of his eyes are easily discerned. 
And, this is the woman I ought to be.

The world is blessed by her. People are inspired by her. Out of her flows rivers of living waters. She is respected, admired and loved where ever she goes. Her spouse, her children, her family, her friends and everyone who comes in contact with her call her blessed.

Has anyone seen this woman? Who is she, where is she, where does she live? Does she actually exist? Is she human, robot or alien? Is this reality or myth?
Are you that woman after God's Heart? Do you want to be this woman?

She is in you. Find her, bring her out, nurture her and let her flourish.
Men, when you find her, celebrate her, bless her and never let go.
And even if you think you can’t recognise her in your wife, you have it in you to bring this woman out of her. The Holy Ghost will show you how. Ask him!

“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” - Proverbs 31: 29- 30