Hello my Sister,
This morning I woke up with you on my mind. Over the last couple of months, I have come across women who are experiencing great transitions in their lives. Some are going through a divorce; some have just gotten married; some are pregnant; some are dealing with the grief of losing a child; some are dealing with the fact that they will soon have an empty nest; some have moved to another state; some will soon relocate clear across the country; some are having financial difficulties; and some are on jobs that don't bring fulfillment, but pay the bills. There are other ladies who are depressed because they think they should be much farther along; some are trying to walk out of unhealthy relationships; some are dealing with health issues; and there are some who feel rejected by people and abandoned by God.
Whether you find yourself in any of these situations, you are still going through some type of transition. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines transition as a "passage from one state, stage, subject or place to another". We are all on the edge of a decision. We have a decision to accept the situation that we're currently in or the decision to move past our current location mentally, even if we can't separate ourselves physically. Transition!!!
Sometimes people look at my life and think that I have it all together. Look again! Yes, God gave me great parents and family, but I can remember those times when our electricity or water was temporarily cut off because the bill came before Daddy's paycheck. Yes, God blessed me with a voice to praise Him, but you weren't there the times when I cried and sang myself to sleep at night. Yes, I went to Spelman College and to Podiatric Medical School, but I'm still in debt over it. Some might even look at me and say, "hey, but you're a doctor". Uh yes, I am a PO-DI-A-TRIST (foot & ankle doctor)... I should be in a hospital somewhere, scrubbing in on a surgery or doing rounds at a nursing home. But Noooo I am here writing to you. What in the world?! What medical doctor sits and writes blogs to encourage people? I'm not supposed to be here!!!
Or am I right where God wants me?
I've seen great victory in my life because I transitioned my mind to believe that I am right where God wants me to be. Yes, I have been blessed with some wonderful things and opportunities, but even still I was "Created for MORE...".
You, too, can make that decision to believe that your transition is the precipice of your breakthrough.
My sister you are:
- more than your bank account
- more than your marital status
- more than your job
- more than your fertility situation
- more than your physical appearance
- more than ________________ (fill in the blank)
Personal note: During the last few years of Mommy's life, I began ministering to her about using what God had given her. My mother was an awesome singer, songwriter and directed many choirs in her day. She loved to encourage people. She could sit down to talk to you and preach a sermon right there. She gave the best hugs and people at her church loved to get a smile, hug or word of encouragement from "Sister Mattison". However during the last few years of her life she had so many challenges with her health. Kidney disease, joint disease and cancer was taking a slow toll on her. She couldn't make it to church as often as she'd like and if she did press her way, oftentimes, she was in excruciating pain. Oh but she could get a prayer through for you! I could tell that she battled with moments of depression, because she couldn't get around like she used to. But as God told Moses, to "use what he had in his hand"....I told my mother to use her words of encouragement to bless someone. Because she was so respected in the church, I knew that one word from her would brighten someone's day. My oldest brother bought her a box of cards and she began sending out cards to people on the prayer list. The month before Mommy passed, I went home and someone from church told me that she had received a card of encouragement from "Sister Mattison". She was so excited to tell me how special that one gesture made her feel.
See! No matter what situation you're in, God can use you to bless someone's life. You are Created for More than what you think! Maybe you can't do everything that you'd like to do, but once you make that transition in your mind, God can use you right where you are!!!
The Bible says in Roman 12:2, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God". (I grew up on the King James version, but I like the New Living translation.) "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect". It's about Transition and Transformation!!!
You have the opportunity to see yourself and your situation differently! Stop making excuses for what you can't do and begin to celebrate what you can do. Surround yourself with other sisters who can be real and transparent, who will lift your spirits when you need a boost. Stop focusing on doing and relish in the idea of being all that God has created you to be. No comparisons! No self- judgments! You have NOTHING to prove!
Transform your way of thinking and embrace the journey. God has called you to where you are for a purpose. He has a plan for you and if you stay connected, He will begin to reveal His plan to you. My sister, trust the process and enjoy the journey. You were "Created for More...".
Now walk it out...
