{"id":1818,"date":"2022-04-04T05:15:00","date_gmt":"2022-04-04T09:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/?p=1818"},"modified":"2022-04-04T05:15:00","modified_gmt":"2022-04-04T09:15:00","slug":"gotta-stay-faithful-through-it-all","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/2022\/04\/04\/gotta-stay-faithful-through-it-all\/","title":{"rendered":"Gotta stay faithful through it all."},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

My family and I were blessed to be able to attend worship service in person yesterday. Although I attend service online, there is a certain richness and connection I feel when I worship in person. God knew where I needed to be on yesterday and I bless His Holy name. Not only was the message spot on but the children\u2019s sermon, Sunday school lesson, fellowship, and songs of praise blessed my soul. It truly was the best way to start of a brand new week after having such a mentally, physically, and spiritually tough week on last week. It got me in to gear when I truly just wanted to give up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the past couple of Sundays I\u2019ve been blessed to join a group of Bible scholars and others who are well knowledgeable in the Bible on every Wednesday night and we have recently been discussing the end times. In saying that I have studied now more than ever the Book of Revelations. Although today\u2019s message was not about the end times, I thank God that what I have been learning and receiving through studying God\u2019s word; it has prepared my heart for Sunday morning worship services message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The message came from Revelation 3:71-13. The man of God spoke on Philadelphia: The Faithful Church. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Out of the seven churches, I pray to always try my best to exhibit the attributes of the faithful church no matter how hard things get or tough times may seem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The honest truth is I have fallen short. I\u2019ve found myself in the wilderness not knowing my right from left, my up from down, not being able to distinguish night from day, rain from sunshine. I\u2019ve had days when I could barely get out of bed because grief had stricken my heart. I\u2019ve felt so overwhelmed. At times depression sat in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was by God\u2019s Grace alone that has kept me going. At times the pain, grief, mental anguish was so heavy that I didn\u2019t even feel like fighting for the ones who God granted me the privilege of guardianship as their mother. I\u2019ll tell you at times I thought they would be better off without me. Yes I\u2019ll admit that because I\u2019m not ashamed to tell you just how low down and sorry I\u2019ve felt at times- and the ones reading today\u2019s message be honest with themselves they may could possibly relate in one way or another. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

God\u2019s Grace kept me going. It was by His strength and His strength alone that gave me hope. My hope never died even when my mind told me to give up. God\u2019s promises were the very foundation that pushed me to not give up and push me right now to never get up. I\u2019ll admit, it\u2019s tough sometimes. I don\u2019t want to go to hell because I can\u2019t stand the hell I\u2019m going through right now. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not wanting to be a \u201cnegative Nancy\u201d or a \u201cDebbie downer\u201d I\u2019ve kept so much in and it hasn\u2019t been good for me mentally. To be honest in order for me not to be one of those folks in the lukewarm or even the dead church I had to write today\u2019s message. I normally write to encourage others, but can I be selfish for just a moment and say some words to try an encourage myself?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You see I was listening to Kurt Carr\u2019s song entitled \u201cI Almost Let Go\u201d and as I listened to it on repeat I felt God telling me to share my story and not be ashamed but to show the courage and the strength of Mandie, Barbara, Kelly, Faith, and Anna. God told me to be blunt and straight forward like Mr. Ray, Patrick and Matt. He said be real and understand like Pastor Steven said \u201cit\u2019s okay to not be okay!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things have been rough lately. I\u2019m sure a lot of folks can relate. I\u2019ve focused so much on trying to be a good daughter, wife, mother, sister, cousin, supervisor, friend, aunt, you name it that I forgot what it felt like to take care of Whitnee\u2019. Sure I get my hair and nails done once a month, sure I buy clothes and make sure I\u2019m eating well (says my size 16-18 pants), and all that other good stuff but still there was a hole in my heart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many would think it\u2019s because I lost my mom last year but truth be told I\u2019ve grieving before my mom passed away. I was running and trying to suppress feelings and pretend that everything was going to be alright like Dave said, but in my heart I didn\u2019t believe it. My priorities were all wronged and I made myself busy but haven\u2019t really taken the time to just be. I haven\u2019t taken the time I need for me. Being a wife for 14 years, a mother for 13, a full time employee since 19 and the list of responsibilities go on, I can\u2019t remember the last time I did what was best for Whitnee\u2019. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve always done things and put others first because that\u2019s how I was raised and I never realized just how important it is to make sure self is okay as well. Not until my mental health started to be challenged. All I knew is like what Kirk Franklin said \u201cno matter what may come my way, my life is in His hands.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While I \u201cair my dirty laundry\u201d I feel like a weight is being lifted off of me. I guess I\u2019ve tormented myself about how people would view me as weak, a coward, or a quitter BUT by reading my own words and thinking at all the tests and mess and hell I\u2019ve been through over the last 3 years I can honestly jump up (if this fat knee of mine wouldn\u2019t give out lol) and shout glory hallelujah. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m seeing how God has kept me on this course and though it\u2019s been rough; it\u2019s been equally rewarding. I say that because I\u2019ve not given up but even when I wanted to quit the fighter spirit in me said, \u201cWhitnee\u2019 your race is not over, you got this,keep pushing, keep preserving\u2026\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m learning how to be my own cheerleader. I\u2019ve tried my whole life to encourage other people and to help them see their worth while this whole time I\u2019ve failed to do it for myself. It has nothing to do with low self esteem, hormone issues, or other negative things people say but this has been a huge life lesson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It took me loosing my father, then my mother, almost loosing my family, and most recently feeling like I lost my dern mind to realize what I\u2019ve trying to speak into other people: I am God\u2019s beloved, I am uniquely made, I am special, I am one of God\u2019s masterpieces, I AM LOVED! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Something in the message gave me a boost of confidence. Hearing the man of God say \u201cBe Faithful and know that God sees your faithfulness\u201d, and listening to how he so beautifully broke down Rev. 3:7-13 and then Barbara reflecting on Isaiah 43:16-. It was an eye opener. It was a huge awakening. I finally understand why it is good to show yourself Grace. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You see I want to receive that crown like Revelation 3:11 talks about. Knowing that God does not put more on us than we can bear and realizing I am one of His beloved it helps me to reestablish my faith. It helps me to deepen my relationship with Christ. It helps me recommit myself to His will. It has and is helping me to step aside and get out of my own way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My way of thinking has been off but I needed that message to set me straight to help me shake this devil off. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 Peter 5:8-9 reads: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring Lion seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I know today\u2019s message might not really make sense or have a clear direction- but it makes so much sense to me. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My hope is that by me sharing my story you will learn to be more willing to cast your cares and worry upon God. Relinquish control over your life- allow God to fight your battles. Know that nothing we go through is in vain, everything we go through has a purpose, having that intimate relationship with Christ and believing in His promises you will allow Him and His power to dwell in you so you can be the person He created you to be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like Mandie said, \u201cThere is a message out of this mess.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have to keep fighting and keep pushing towards the prize until we reach the crown that has been laid up for us. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

God sees us hurting, He knows we get weary, He sees our tears, our hurt, and our pain. God cares! We have to trust Him and give it to Him. We have to find shelter in Him. Find Peace in His word and reassurance from His promise. God is faithful, God is just, God never fails. Go to God if you need rest, Go to Him with a humble heart. Oh I bless God for allowing His word to minister to me in such a tangible way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I pray out of today\u2019s message you were able to take away at least one thing and that like myself you see the importance of self love, being patient with yourself, extending grace to yourself, and just trust God through it all! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

My family and I were blessed to be able to attend worship service in person yesterday. Although I attend service online, there is a certain richness and connection I feel when I worship in person. God knew where I needed… Read moreGotta stay faithful through it all.<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1817,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[14],"tags":[131],"class_list":["post-1818","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hopelessness","tag-crown","content-layout-excerpt-thumb"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/165789cb-ceb5-4b77-8374-db24564d4dca.png?fit=501%2C501&ssl=1","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2070,"url":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/2022\/08\/29\/have-i-truly-slowed-down-to-listen-to-god\/","url_meta":{"origin":1818,"position":0},"title":"Have I truly slowed down to listen to God?","author":"Whitnee","date":"August 29, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"After the Praise & Worship team had blessed us all on yesterday with Madison singing the lead on \u201cGod of possible\u201d, the man of God blessed us with a wonderful message entitled \u201cA Call to Listen.\u201d If you haven\u2019t gotten a chance to listen to Madison sing her little heart\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Listening to God"","block_context":{"text":"Listening to God","link":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/category\/listening-to-god\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/bd2130ff-77e7-4882-bca2-7d27f7d99e8e.png?fit=1080%2C1080&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/bd2130ff-77e7-4882-bca2-7d27f7d99e8e.png?fit=1080%2C1080&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/bd2130ff-77e7-4882-bca2-7d27f7d99e8e.png?fit=1080%2C1080&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/bd2130ff-77e7-4882-bca2-7d27f7d99e8e.png?fit=1080%2C1080&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/bd2130ff-77e7-4882-bca2-7d27f7d99e8e.png?fit=1080%2C1080&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2152,"url":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/2022\/10\/11\/an-example-of-serving-god\/","url_meta":{"origin":1818,"position":1},"title":"An example of serving God.","author":"Whitnee","date":"October 11, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"It\u2019s such a beautiful thing when we give of ourselves to help others. 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No he may not have known my\u2026","rel":"","context":"In \"#BlessedandHighlyFavored\"","block_context":{"text":"#BlessedandHighlyFavored","link":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/tag\/blessedandhighlyfavored\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/img_1563.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/img_1563.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/img_1563.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/img_1563.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/img_1563.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2745,"url":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/2026\/02\/09\/she-brought-new-flavor-to-our-ears\/","url_meta":{"origin":1818,"position":3},"title":"She brought new flavor to our ears.","author":"Whitnee","date":"February 9, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Pray in the Spirit at all times. Pray with all kinds of prayers, and ask for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready. Never give up. Always pray for all God\u2019s people. Ephesians 6:18 ICB Over the last few weeks we have been learning about the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Strength"","block_context":{"text":"Strength","link":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/category\/strength\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":1760,"url":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/2022\/01\/03\/proof\/","url_meta":{"origin":1818,"position":4},"title":"Proof.","author":"Whitnee","date":"January 3, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Booked any appointments lately? Haircut, wax, car wash, oil change, root canal, mammogram, air quality check? What is the one thing most folks wait on after they have booked their appointment or paid for their service? \u2026..You guessed it right! They wait on their confirmation. 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I pray it blesses you as it has truly blessed my soul! https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=WGlCGB4N1TU","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/WGlCGB4N1TU\/0.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pbfCFX-tk","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1818","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1818"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1818\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1817"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1818"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1818"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1818"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}