Sitting in Ashes

Hey you! Yeah I’m talking to you. The one sitting down in the heap of ashes that used to resemble your life.  The one who thinks that her life is over just because things didn’t work out like she planned.  The one who finds it impossible to gather the strength to move beyond her obvious failings.

Yes, lady. I’m talking to you. Look at me! Are you too ashamed to look up?

 You messed up huh? Things didn’t turn out exactly as you planned? So, you’re feeling like a failure? How many times have you rehearsed all of your decisions that led to this ‘hot mess’ you’re not sitting in? Woulda...Coulda….Shoulda... If only I had…That’s starting to sound like a new story line to me. But hey, I’m not judging.

Well, let me tell you one thing girlfriend, there is no guarantee that changing those decisions would change where you are right now.  Ok yeah, so you’ve made a mess of your life. I got that part. Here’s another piece to the puzzle…you can’t change a single minute detail about yesterday.

This is a brief excerpt from my new book Sitting In Ashes. As I've been typing this book for the past several months, I've been overjoyed with the fact that these words will impact someone's life. I just didn't know however, that I would be the first recipient to be encouraged from the words  I placed on the pages.  My entire life is upside down right now. I have been tempted to sit in the ashes and cry like a starving baby.

But how can you mourn about your situation, when you sit in front of the computer daily to encourage women across the globe. I chose to not sit in the ashes, but rather get off  my duff and press forward to a life that God is turning rightside up.I don't want a life that looks normal anymore. I'd rather have a life of expectancy for beautiful things, challenging experiences and interesting people.

So, in this season, I have no choice but to wait on God who sends much rain to dried up places.

Let God rain on you today...

Are you Still Thankful?

I woke up this morning thinking about my day yesterday. Partly because I'm still full from the dinner, but also about the value of family time. Somehow, in the midst of me thinking about the time with loved ones, this overwhelming feeling of "less than" began to overtake me.This nagging thought that I was a failure was taunting me early this morning. I would love to say that it was the turkey and dressing that was doing the talking, but it wasn't. It was the same 'ole voice that comes every time things are going well.

It's the voice that wants me to go back to a dark place where I feel useless. After a short time I recognized the voice and I then began to use my voice to praise God for all that is good and for calling me "more than". So, today, I can say that I am still thankful for all that I have and even more so, I am thankful for the things I've yet to possess. Gratitude will be my best attitude.

If you woke this morning with the same nagging feeling, then rejoice because progress is being made. Family is designed by God and He is bringing all of us back to the main thing.

Eat more turkey today and again take the opportunity to thank God for your life. You have a fabulous life and you are God's fabulous idea. I'm thankful for YOU!

Love, THE LaToya Brown...God's Super Model