inspiration

Sometimes the thing you fear the most

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is the thing that blesses you the most. I learned many years ago that when that thing you fear the most comes upon you, let it. It is in those moments you meet God in a whole new way.

Let me explain. I had been praying over some things waiting on God’s answer. Writing in my journal and waiting. Some of the strangest struggles I have ever experienced came upon me. Imagine all of the things you feared happening all together at one time. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is where your bible memory verses come in.

When your situation starts to deteriorated, you have to remind yourself of who God is.  You won’t always have access to your bible or the app when Satan starts reminding you how dire your situation is.  You got to know God’s word. Remind yourself of God’s character. He said he would never leave you or forsake you. (Heb 13:5)  He said He knows how to give good gifts (Matt 7:9-11) You must trust what He is giving you is good even though the world and people around you will tell you it is bad.

Because of my struggles this week, I got to spend time meditating on Lecrae’s new album, All Things Work Together. Wow. What an incredible young man and powerful prophet! I love how God speaks to us through vernaculars we understand. I could relate to his need to be “Black Black” and a “prophet who visits the chicken shack.”

God knows me well. He knows what gets my juices pumping and what inspires me. He knows my heart and how to reach it.  As I listen to the words of this album and hear this young man’s story I can’t help but say “God, you are so awesome!”  I can’t do nothing but praise Him.

More than anything, I found this young man’s journey compelling.  He shared his pain and his triumph. His rhymes draw a picture of a real life poured out to Christ.  He is not a fake smile who only wants to talk about Jesus, but a real person who dealt with depression, anger and doubt. And he took it all and ministered to us.  But God told us our sons and daughters would prophesy (Joel 2:28)

What I prayed over for months, He answered in a moment. He taught me through the words of a rap album.  A song said “Crooked sticks draw straight lines.” Sit on that, cause we the stick. We ain’t doing the drawing.

Sit down and let the Lord of the Universe draw. He gives us the grace to take it.

For What You Have Sacrificed

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We thank you Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. You were not able to attend your kids soccer games or school programs. You were not able to see their wedding day or birth of their first children. You were not able to see the election of African American senators, congressmen and even the first African American President. But you marched on and we thank you.

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You showed us how to love when we were treated poorly. When they put the dogs on us, beat us brutally and even took us to jail. You taught us it was an opportunity to love.  Like the Apostle Paul, you even wrote us a letter from jail encouraging us during the fight.

You were not able to work for major corporations making high dollar salaries. You were not able to attend major universities seated next to children of senators and congressmen. You did not get to experience the wealth for which you fought. But you marched on and we thank you.

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You showed us that during times of adversity is when we need to take the high road. You taught us faith was depending on God and not on man. You taught us that we need to keep up the fight even though we might not see the results. You lived that example for us.

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You have left a powerful legacy. Thank you for the sacrifice. We don’t deserve it. Thank you for the example. We don’t deserve it. BUT we are going to do the same for the next generation and build on the example you have left. I pray that Lord will allow the stars in the heaven to shine brighter because of the work He has done through you.

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Who Is This Crazy Lady

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and why should you listen to anything she says?

I am first, a child of the Most High God. I have many roles in this life, but very few of them define me like being a Jesus follower.  I love Jesus. He gifted me with salvation. He has given me many other talents and a life full of adventure. He has created in me the ability to tell stories through several mediums: film, books and photography.

I have stood at the feet of the Great Emancipator in the District of Columbia, stood at the edge of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama and touched the Gates of Time in Oklahoma City, OK. Those are just a few of the places, I have stopped at. Not only has He given me adventure, but a heart for the people I encounter along the way.

I am also a mom, sister, travel companion, coworker, friend, annoying person who always reminds you of what God’s Word says on a subject. I cherish all of the roles (especially the latter.)

In 2016, many of you have gotten to know me by some of those roles and I would like to thank you. It has been a year full of photography, books and film. I appreciate your support.

I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Karen

UPP Creative Media

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I love to tell stories. I love allowing you to connect the dots in your head. My goal is always to create a moment that you can feel. When you read or view one of my stories I want to leave an impression of hope.

I love seeing how a good story is told. Frank Capra is one of my favorite storytellers. I enjoyed seeing how he saw the world and the people in it. There is a moment in “It’s a Wonderful Life” when George realizes his dream is not going to happen.  The rest of the film shows him he has something better than what he dreamt about.

This is our life.  There are things we want in this life and some of us are killing it to achieve. And we are so disappointed when we get there and it is not what we thought it would be. But God knows what we really need. After all, He made us. He knows us intimately.

Sometimes we are sent on detours to build up our spiritual muscles for the tasks that are coming to us.  You may be on a detour right now. Soak up as much as you can. Enjoy the journey. I am on a detour right now, and it is such a blessing.IMG_5854

Just like these roses don’t pop open instantly, they have to press the hard green leaves away so that they can bloom. Know the hard green leaves that are around you are there to protect you until it is time to bloom. Remember God has a season for everything.

The best quote from BSF this month was that true worship was when your spirit meets Jesus’. Amen. Don’t miss this opportunity because it could be the thing that takes you where your spirit will bloom. You see God only creates beautiful things.

It is my quest to stay connected to Jesus so that the work that comes from me will make you laugh. Be Encouraged. Live.

 

Have you set your goals for 2017?

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The new year will be here before you know it. Will you still be doing the same thing? Will you still be waiting for your big break?

The ones who win are the ones who plan. Plan to something to move yourself forward.

Your break is going to come when you do something about it.  If you have always wanted to publish that book, I can teach you how.

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