31 Day Inspiration - Day 2: Diamonds

Many moons ago, my friend, Gloria Jackson, introduced me to a new genre of praise music. It wasn't the typical black folks praise songs. One of the many songs that I fell in love with was entitled Diamonds. This song summed up (and still does today) how I see my walk with Christ.

My favorite scripture is Isiah 64:8: "Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand (NIV)". I feel in love with this scripture during a time when Hell was trying to rest, rule, and abide in my world. Everyday felt like a new battle, a new failure. I was struggling to breathe. That was many moons ago when I was in my early 30s, right after I accepted Christ into my life. The enemy got busy and quickly. But, I thank God for those that were around me. Those that decided that they saw something. Those that didn't judge. I thank God for my parents, aunts and uncles, siblings, cousins, Grandma Ida, Lia, Gloria, Pastor Glen, Sabrina, Marguerite, Nana, Lovi, Joe, Towanna, Gail, Mama Aunt Gladys, Pastor Mike and Lady Jarene, Mama Hill, Mama Audrey, and so so many others. God saw fit to sit me down in the midst of strong towers. He allowed them to be my backbone and let me overcome by their testimonies.

I saw myself as His clay, but He saw the diamond that He had created and planted in my mother's womb. That diamond still has some ways to go to reach the surface but I thank God everyday that His hand stays upon me. That He continues to mold and bend me.

Here's what I know. I haven't arrived yet. I still have issues that I struggle with. I'm still seeking God for direction each day. But, I'm better than where I was yesterday, 2 years ago, 12 years ago, 20 years ago. It helped to accept that I wasn't perfect, nor was God asking me to be. I was, still am, a work in progress. Each day, I choose to be His. Each day, I strive to do His will. Some days I hit the bullseye yet others I thank God I wasn't actually in a competition because I missed the mark over and over again. However, I stopped doubting that He loved me - more importantly, I stopped doubting that I was worth His love. Just because I missed the mark, didn't mean His love stopped. He showed me how to pick myself up, dust off and keep going. And, that my friends, is all any of us can do. Get up!!

Be A Blessing and not Just Blessed

- Nakya