Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Clearly Amazing

I'm under so much stress. So much stress that I feel like a boulder is sitting on top of my chest... But what is amazing to me is that I'm still breathing despite the fact that the stress feels like it's strangling the very life out of me. I'm amazed that God has allowed me to continue to feel his cool breath of life in my lungs during this trying time.

When I come across people that know me and know about all the things that I have gone through in my life, they always tell me how strong they think I am. Well, I don't feel strong at all. And the truth is that I am not strong.

I'm an empty, weak, hollow shell, that has no problem admitting that I need the Lord in my life. Without Him, I am insignificant, unaccomplished, scared, weak, and broken.

But with Him, I am more than a conquerer. With Him, I can do all things. With Him, I am able to resist the evil in the world. With Him, I am able to rise above all the pain.

So, I don't take any credit for this so called strength that I demonstrate in my daily walk through this thing we call life. I give all the credit to the Living God, who strengthens me to do every single thing I do.

I can't recall the exact wording and location of the scripture that's coming to mind, but I am encouraged by the scripture: "He'll give you beauty for your ashes." (Asa or Heber, help me out. Y'all are the theologeons. **smile**)

I pray that is indeed the truth as I sit and look at all the ashes around me. I hope and pray, as I am without a place to actually call home, that God will renew me, will restore me, will refresh me, will reinvent me.

**I know that this post was a little all over the place. But that's how I'm feeling. I'm just trying to sort through it all, while keeping things in the right perspective.

Continue to keep me and mine in prayer. We need it.

Oh yea... I graduate December 15th if everything goes as planned. I'm so excited! Angela Braden with a masters degree. Yet one more thing that I will have accomplished with the help of God. I'll post on that whole graduation as it gets closer and more definite that I will indeed be eligible for my degree.

Until we meet up in this place again or yours, I wish you the best.

Love and hugs,

Angela**

3 comments:

Amenta said...

Angie, My prayers are with you surely. I fully understand what you and your family are dealing with as mine is dealing with the "joy" of life right now as you are.

Peace

Babz Rawls Ivy said...

In the words of the Great One..Bob Marley:
Don't worry about a thing, every little thing is going to be alright!
Love,
Babz.

Angela L. Braden, Writer, Speaker, Professor said...

Hey Ensayn and Lovebabz! Thanks to the both of you for the words of encouragement. I appreciate it so much. God bless you!

Angela