My Rejected Rose

"Fail that's all you'll ever do!"

"Do you know what you're doing?"

"You're no good for me."

Those were the words spoken over my life time and time again. What else was I supposed to do? Nothing else but believe all those false thoughts of myself. At that time I placed the Bible at the back of my mind, forgetting God's truth over my life.

Time after time I was rejected, kicked to the curb, named the outcast in society. I had a very hard time fitting into the "it" club. They were the popular kids and everyone liked them. I on the other hand was not popular. I was a chubby teenager with tons of zits all over my face. No guy ever wanted to date me and there was nothing to do on a Saturday night.

I developed low self esteem and became very desparate for anyone. It even got worse that I was very willing to take anything. Men saw a beautiful rose that was very inviting and inticing. They became intrigued and took advantage of my luring scent. Every attempt to start a relationship failed. One after the next, they dumped me. Outside of relationships, my lecturers weren't too kind to me. They thought I had no future in a career. I became frustrated and angry at myself. Oh yes I knew God, but still I didn't understand what He meant when He said He loved me.

At the point of no return, there came a time I was willing to end it. I didn't want to live anymore. My path seemed dark and dim. No one cared, no man wanted me and my career was in the pits. Then the Rescuer stepped in. He had enough of the torment I went through. I was a crumpled rose. I lost the colour and the life of my rose petals.

By His hand He recreated me. He took the time to scrape what remained of me and performed a miracle. He planted me in His garden and shined His light on me. Like a faithful gardner, He gave me water and ensured the soil I lived in was fertile enough for my roots to grow strong and firm in Him. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Psalm 1:3 NIV

When I wasn't considered to be someone who would go somewhere, He saw it from a billions of miles away at His throne. Every day I was surrounded by people and they never saw the potential in me. But my Lord, the One who sees all, saw this diamond, the treasure within. I am sure He would say you were once My Rejected Rose but now you glow and represent My Glory.

Isaiah 61:3 NIV and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

Comfort Her

You're a winner!

Vision

I saw myself running a hurdle race and as I approached the obstacle, I executed the technique like a professional athlete. God spoke to me loud and clear, you will clear every hurdle, you will win!

There's no mountain that's too high for us to run over or even too heavy to move out of your way. Jesus has given you the power and authority to crush the enemy's head! No power of darkness will overthrow you, for He came and took all power and authority from the enemy. Since we have received Him into our lives, we have access to His winning power.

No mountain or obstacle is too hard for you defeat in Jesus name. You have been blessed with the anointing to succeed, to defeat debt, to build a new home, to start a new career or business, to heal the nation, to speak life to those are hurting, to be all that He has created you to be.

Lady prosper today in the name of Jesus, I set you loose from every mind binding spirit, fear, doubt, worry, depression, suicide and heaviness in the name of Jesus. I release you to seek His face and to become the warrior He has called you to be, in the name of Jesus.

Amen!

Comfort Her

Don't Think It's Too Late

I have been down that road. The road where I thought would lead me to womanhood. The path I thought was the best possible means by which I could prove how much of an adult I am. You know the saying, if you play with fire you will be burnt and lady I have been burnt too many a time.

I was a hopeless cause. My heart raced the minute a man walked into a room, especially if he was a "Christian". At that instant I let my guard down and ladies that is a No No. I let them talk to me and soothe me and seduce me (not physically but emotionally). Then I found each man tell me after a few months, I am not attracted to you or I am already in a committed relationship. Ouch that did hurt, but this was part of my refining process.

My desperation for a man came from the severe heartbreak from my "first love". I am sure you ladies can identify with what I am talking about. The first man you really loved and knew you wanted to marry him the first couple of weeks you've been in relationship with him. The man you though you could not live without. That my friends was my downfall and to make matters worst, his heart was not after God. I held on out of desperation and gave my heart and mind to him. I placed him above God and that propelled me deeper into trouble.

Until that faithful day, God called me out of it. I was so blind I could not see the trouble I was placing myself in. Jesus began showing His heart to me and that the passion He had for me. I began to realise he was verbally abusive towards me and that he didn't have his best interest towards me. I stood boldly and broke up with him, I felt great after I dropped the dead weight until a week later I found out he was with another girl. I went into such a depression, that all I did was cry every night. I couldn't sleep, I didn't want to eat, I couldn't stand to see him at school with her and I was dying on the inside, but God stepped in and became the man I needed.

He dried every tear. He comforted me. He told me I am beautiful. He told me I am blessed. He washed me clean from my past mistakes. He purified me and held me close. I felt love for the first time, but I was still confused. My foundation was not solid on Him, I still needed a man, I still needed to feel whole. So there I went once again, looking for love in the wrong places. I knew there were good Christian men out there, but that didn't necessarily mean they were all together and right with Daddy.

I let down my guard so many times. It hurt too many times and it was painful. Jesus was calling me closer to Him, but I thought I would lose with Him, because He didn't know what was right for me. I thought I had it all together since I knew my previous relationship didn't work because he wasn't saved. I came to the end of myself. Torn apart and confused. Hurt, depressed, angry, suicidal, you name it. I had nothing left after many futile attempts, the enemy had me drained and I lacked the capacity to be used by God.

He spoke to me and said clearly, "Melinda you have to give over your total life to me. I want ALL of you my love. I want to be the Lord of your life. I want you to understand your purpose on earth, I want you to be able to stand on your two feet and be a complete individual. You let down your guard and you place yourself in unwanted situations. Please trust me and I will lead you."

I cried and I let go. I submitted and I came to the full realisation that He has my back. That He is in full control and that He knows what's best for me. Would you know it a guy came around after He spoke to me. The good news is that I learnt my lesson well. I am sure God breathed a huge sigh of relief and said by George she's finally got it! This same guy claimed he was saved and that I was to be his wife. I consulted God and He didn't answer me. Anytime you don't get an answer, ladies that means no. Believe me it's worth it to trust God.

After that test, the man of my dreams came into my life and it blows me away to this very day that he's here with me. Even when he came, I still had my objections. I told God he's too nice, he's this, he's that. I still had that "ideal" man in my head. Once again, He kicked me off my high horse and removed the scales from my eyes. I began to see the jewel of the man that he is and I am blessed to this very day. Thank God He set me straight and disciplined me. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and He knows what's best.

Ladies it pays to serve God with a whole heart and to be obedient to Him. Why not give Him your total heart today. Why not submit to His will. His will is not meant to harm you but to protect you. Don't think for one second it's too late for God to clean you and turn around your situations. Don't think for one minute that He will mislead you and not make your ways straight and clear. My God will not hurt you, but only bless you.

His plans and are perfect and painless. He has the ability to stop your emotional roller coaster and make you a solid woman. He has the ability to transform your financial situation and make you a more responsible woman. He has the ability to remove all the hurt, pain and guilt from abusive relationships. He has the ability to be Lord over your sexuality and make you straight. He has the ability to love, cherish and protect you. He's worth the wait!

Give Him in all of you, He's madly in love with you!

Comfort Her

Breast Cancer Awareness

Ladies during this month and beyond, let's ensure we value our bodies and use them for God's glory and to raise our awareness of breast cancer. This disease has affected the lives of many families and devastated millions all over the world. Let's do our part to be the light to these hurting people. Let's be Jesus to them. Let's give money to the Cancer Society who are fighting to find a cure. Let's give money to those who can't afford to have mammograms. Let's visit the cancer wards and being the strong shoulder to cry on. Let's allow God to move through us and perform healings.

Let's just allow God to move into the world and be the hope many men and women will gaze upon!

Comfort Her

I'm going under the knife!

Two best friends Mel and Jen decide to meet at Lucky Horseshoe. Mel has this life changing event she wishes to share with Jen. Let's listen in their conversation.

Mel: "Hi Jen, what's up!"

Jen: "I am blessed dear, very blessed."

Mel: "I am so glad you could meet with me today."

Jen: "I really can't wait for you to share the good news. So what is it?"

Mel: "Well, Jen. You know I've been looking for ways to improve my life and I can guarantee you this is the best method known to mankind."

Jen: "Well get on with it, spill the beans, the suspense is killing me!"

Mel: "Are you ready? I am going under the knife!"

Jen: "What?!"

Mel: "That's right babes, the TOTAL makeover. The whole works."

Jen: "I know you've been battling with self-esteem, but Mel isn't there a better alternative?"

Mel: "There's none quite like this. It's free of cost and it will hurt and sting, but the results will be oustanding."

Mel: "The man who will perform the surgery is very well trained. He's had years of experience in this area."

Mel: "I have a book, He's very famous, let me show you."

Jen: "Mel I still don't think this is a good....."

Mel reached into her bag took out her Bible and turned the pages to these verses. For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12-13 NKJV

Jen breathed a huge sigh of relief and smiled.

"Mel you had me going for a second there."

Comfort Her

You love me

How could a man be so in love with me. How could this man want to spend every second, minute and hour with me. You smile at me as I wake up in the morning, turn to my right and say Goodmorning to You. As I brush my hair, You're there. As I make my way to work You're there. As I work hard from nine to five, You're there. When I close my eyes at night, You're there.

Many times I felt like giving up, but You held me close and became a strong shoulder to cry on. You kissed my forehead and whisphered, my love it'll be okay. I will protect you my love, no harm will come near you. I am your Provider, Helper, Healer. I will drive all the fear away. The heaviness will fade, please put a smile on your face, because my love I am with thee!

When I think no one loves me, You draw me near and hold me close. I cry when my heart is overwhelmed and You take Your precious time to dry my one thousand tears. You take the time to care for me, because You loved me before the foundations of the earth. You knew one day I would be lost in this world. You graciously placed Your crown on Your throne and in it's place took three nails and a crown of thorns for me. You gave Your last breath for me on the cross that day, so I can live life abundantly. You took all the guilt, hurt and shame from my past, because You knew in advance, I was in need of purification and cleansing from the shackles of my dying state.

I am your bride and You're my bridegroom waiting for the day You can take me away to be with You forever. Then at last I will lay my head in Your lap and breathe deeply as You sing so sweetly to me. The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17 NIV

Comfort Her

You are Just so Beautiful to Me

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Psalm 139:13-14 NIV

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are a unique and beautiful woman. No one can be like you because that's what makes you special! God knew what He was doing when He carved you in the palm of His hand. He knew about your appearance, the length of your hair, the colour of your eyes. The list is endless!

No one on this earth is made with what the fashion industry calls a "perfect" frame. Some are short, some are tall. Some are slim, some are full figured. Some are white, some are black. Some have freckles, some have birth marks. He took the careful time to ensure we were fashioned correctly in His image. After all He did knit you together in your mother's womb and made sure every inch of your design bloomed into fruition.

Ladies, don't go thinking for one minute that your personality and character does not contribute to your beauty. Whatever is on the inside is very remarkable. He made sure He deposited that in you as well. You may see the most beautiful person in the world. You may think they have it all together, but normally they are empty on the inside. On the other hand an average looking woman who is so giving, nuturing and caring is beautiful because of her "big" heart.

I challenge you to ask the Lord to look into your heart today if you know it's not right. It's okay, there are times in our lives where each one of us needs to examine ourselves. The inmost being that God planted in you is just waiting to come out. Let go and allow God in to birth that hidden treasure within you. Your days will be filled with laughter! She is clothed with strength and dignity, she can laugh at the days to come. Proverbs 31:25 NIV

For me personally, I am a plus sized woman. I struggled for years with my identity and my personality. I asked the Lord why couldn't I have a body like the models in the magasines. I couldn't wear the clothes are girls are wearing today, because I'll be the odd one out. Bingo! I am unique, I am not like the rest of the women. There's only one Melinda on this earth with that caring and bubbly personality. I finally looked in the mirror and decided to accept my body, my eyes, my skin as a gift from God. I began buying clothes from the plus sized section which suited my body and believe me those clothes are very stylish. I don't look like everyone else when I go to town, I look like me! I have also learned to accept that my caring nature is necessary for this hurting world. I am His representation and my calling is to show compassion to the world, just as He did when He came to the world.

I am fearfully and wonderfully made, I know He is pleased with how He created me, because His works are wonderful. Every morning I wake up, I hear Him say, "you are just so beautiful to Me".

Comfort Her

Open your Heart

I am a new creation, the old woman has gone, the new woman has come. My heart was as cold as stone, but now I have a beating heart for the One who brought me out of the prison I was in.

Many days, tears stained my face, but He came in and healed my pain. His joy has been planted into my wounds and now I am healed, no longer scarred. My eyes are fixed on Him, the One who calls me beautiful, gifted, talented and fair.

He washed me with His tender words and transformed me daily. At times His passion for me was too intense. I ran away, but He came running after me. Day after day, He broke down the walls which were built to protect my heart from the many severe blows. With His resurrecting power I surrendered and fell right into His arms.

In His strong arms I am whole, I am at peace. I know I am strong. My feelings no longer determine who I am. His wisdom and knowledge and power tell me who I am. I hide them in my heart, when the storms seek to make me fall. But my boat keeps me afloat as I sail towards the One I love. My faith in Him has made me whole.

I am intelligent, skilled and crafted in my Maker's hand. Like the pure spring waters, I am free to flow where ever my Lover waits for me. His lady has finally become a woman, Lady He can do the same for you.

Comfort Her