Can't Keep This to Myself!!

I am not new to faith. I have seen and experienced miracles. I know and appreciate the goodness of God; and I still doubt God. I'm not proud of it, but I'm human. I contemplated the idea of not giving this past week after updating my budget. My conscious/the VOICE of God/the Holy Spirit wouldn't allow it without an honorable fight -- or reminding me of a few things...

It went a little something like this:


Me: Man, If I could just hold on to this money, I will have enough to do...
The VOICE: Remember the time...
Me: Oh yeah...but I won't be able to do what I planned if I give it all now. Maybe I can give half now, and work to make the rest to give next week.
The VOICE: You don't even know if you'll be here next week.
Me: yeah...I have made it on less that $24 in two weeks before...
The VOICE: Right, like the time when...
Me: Yep.

In reality, it went a little longer that that.

I started to remember all of the times I didn't have...all of the times I was awarded something in my lack - all of the times I was randomly given something or shown kindness to by strangers. After thinking of all the times I've seen or witnessed the reaping and sowing process (or law of giving in action), I did it.

I just let go and did it. I gave.

Yesterday (a few days later after I had forgotten about the self-imposed tug of war - with what I was given), I had money shoved into my purse. I didn't ask for it. I almost rejected it. It was just let go of and given to me. I immediately gave this testimony (to the person who forced funds in my handbag) and told myself I would blog about it. That's what I was told to do. I can't keep this to myself! I must let-it-go!

To give background, I am a Christian who has grown up in the Baptist church. I left for a while (during college) to learn more about religion and my spirituality; joined a nondenominational church after graduating; learned A LOT more, and joined a different church ten or so years later. I think I have a good [or better] understanding of my faith and spirituality...now anyway. Like all things and in all things, I must keep growing.

No matter what your religion is, the law of giving is universal and applies to us all (there are a few other universal laws/principles). And I love to experience and see it for myself.  I was reluctant to let go of something - in this case money. I let go of it, understanding why I needed to. [Let's be real: I was testing the principle of giving - I'm allowed to.]

Someone else was obedient to the same law and let go for me.

I hope this strengthens someone's faith out there. It's ok to let it go. What is yours will be for you. LET GO! Not because you will be rewarded, but because it's not that deep to keep and you will be taken care of. We have everything we need. There are others in GROSS need, whom could use us LETTING GO...

love.

What EVERY Creative Person Must be Reminded Of...

I was in a Twitter-surfing mood the other day and came across one of my favorite photographers (Jasmine Star's) twitter page. I was introduced to her work by my photographer (Tosha Francis). Side note: there's more favor shown when you appreciate the work of others who love your craft - I've definitely observed that. Anyway, Jasmine's timeline is usually entertaining, and she occasionally posts a tweet that pauses my thinking. The reason why this particular tweet resonated with me is because of what I've been experiencing doing hair and makeup lately. I am not downing my work, but - like most artists - when I review the finished product I want to either do it again or "touch something up." To my chagrin, my client either loves what has been created for him/her, or does not have time for [seemingly] minor modifications. However, it frustrates me... I thought I was alone; that I was going through a rough patch in what I love to do. Well, I may be wrong.

Thanks Jasmine for putting this out there.