Category Archives: Testimonials – Faith Journey

Short stories about personal life experiences and faith journey

Seeing Past Your Blindspot

Posted on by yolandaberry
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“Brethen, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.” Phil 3:13

When you look through a rear view mirror, you cannot see a specific area when you are backing up a vehicle. If you assume or estimate the distance without really knowing if anyone or anything is behind the blind spot, it can lead to imminent danger if you are not cautious.

Many times in life, you may face a blind spot. The blind spot is a very uncomfortable place. You feel stuck. You don’t know which direction to go. You don’t have clear vision. You may not even understand how and why you got yourself in such a predicament, situation or circumstance. It’s a lonely place. It’s a temporary place. It’s an unpredictable place.

In the blind spot, people’s approval or opinions does not matter. It’s a place of solitude. You do not care about seeking advice or listening to a circle of friends, but you are in desperate need to hear from God alone.

The blind spot was designed to remove you from your comfort zone. It was created to stretch your faith. It is a place and moment in time where God gets your attention by calling you to a new place either spiritually or physically. It’s a place that you’re yet to discover. It’s also a place where you can’t force things to happen on your own terms, in your own way and on your own timeline. You must trust God in knowing that He is working behind the scenes.

Although it’s beautiful to hold onto joyous memories, it can slow you down or hold you back if you continue to hold onto the past or feel that life will never be the same. Due to unfortunate circumstances such as a death of a loved one, an illness, a sudden disability, or even surviving a natural disaster, it’s possible that life will never be the same, but God has much more promises and dreams to fulfill in your life. He has much more people for you to meet. He has many more opportunities to receive. Many more mistakes to learn from and many places for you to visit and explore. He has much more love for you to share. “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a hope and a future.” Jer 29:11

You can’t continue to go in reverse and keep dwelling on past mistakes, bad experiences or memories. You must forge ahead with assurance and confidence knowing that you have much more to experience, learn and understand. You can’t move forward if you continue to look backwards. You have to give the Lord the driver’s wheel and trust that He will lead you in the right direction.

“Faith is the evidence of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” Heb 11:1

Living on Purpose

Posted on by yolandaberry
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I’m compelled to address the current job market situation with over 24.5 million unemployed workers in the job market as stated on the Yahoo website on May 17th. I’m surprised that I haven’t written about this issue sooner.

My blog was created in the midst of the economic downturn through my own experiences with job loss. However, I really felt the economic condition was too overwhelming for me to address. I remember my pastor at my home church in Atlanta taught me if you see a need, you should fill it.

There are a lot of hurting people in the world who are devastated by their loss on all levels: Financial, material, emotional, psychological, and emotional. They have loss their jobs, cars, material possessions, even their homes and not to exclude the people who suffered loss through natural disasters who have even loss their family members.

How do you find hope and hold onto your faith in troublous times? In Matthew 6:24 it states, “No man can serve two masters for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Most people have an attachment to their “things” which is an idol if you treasure it too the point that you put it before the Lord. Technology, celebrities, sports, etc is also another type of idolization. These “things” also include job titles, status, class or position which is defined by society and yourself; by what you own, where you live and who you are including in your associations.

Most people carry an emotional and psychological attachment to their Things.” It’s a form of bondage and weight when you have to live up to a certain image or status. Even though we live in a physical world, we must not get too attached to material things. There is a danger when your happiness, joy and peace are tied to what the world defines as success.

In Luke 9: 25 it states, “What profit a man if he gained the whole world and lose his soul.” It’s very unhealthy to think people or things will fulfill or satisfy your needs. You can spend a lifetime searching in frustration.

People seek “things” to fulfill and satisfy their needs. I’m not exempt from the desire to want and buy “things.” Through my experience, you must consciously guard your mind and heart not to allow temptation to overtake you. You must learn to emotionally and psychologically detach from material possessions, a job, location or whatever is keeping you in a prison. Simplicity is freedom.

Most people are not really doing what they love or want to do in life. This lack of fulfillment leads to frustration, anger and bitterness. In a position, salary or job responsibilities is the main reason why people decide to leave a position. Unfortunately, with the recession, this is no longer the case. You may be underemployed or unemployed. In either case, you are left feeling worthless, discouraged, taken advantage or under-appreciated.

The majority of people may not be utilizing their skills, talents and abilities that God has designed for them to use as a service for others. When you are working “On” purpose, you receive enthusiasm, energy and creativity. Notice I said, “On” purpose which means it’s a set of skills, talents or abilities that can be used in any industry “for” the same purpose. When you are working “On” purpose, you will feel a sense of accomplishment no matter how small the tasks. You will feel complete and satisfied because you are fulfilling “your” purpose.

You must access your past work experiences and know your weaknesses and strengths, likes and dislikes to begin the journey. Directing your journey should be a strong prayer life and Bible study, as well as building a network of spiritual-led and positive minded individuals who can encourage, support and uplift you during your challenges and obstacles towards your purpose. You simply cannot expect to jump in your car and go on a road trip without a GPS system, map, or driving instructions. I hope you get the point.

So here is that stinging question again? How do you find hope and hold onto your faith in troublous times? The key word is “Endurance.” Due not grow weary in well doing, but in due season you will reap if you faint not.”

In other words, “Don’t Give Up!!!” Moving in faith will not be easy, but it’s attainable despite whatever circumstances you’re facing right now.

In Psalm 30, it states, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” In translation, through every dark cloud, there is a silver lining or a rainbow. It’s imperative that you just keep pushing through the storms of life.

Most of all, in Matthew 6:25-32 it states, “The Lord orders your steps.” You must be patient. In Hebrews 6:12 it states, “It’s through faith and patience that you will inherit the promises.” It’s on God’s timing and sometime God’s seasons are extremely looooong!!!

To endure the trial, your faith must be tested to see what’s really in your heart. If you really want to know a person, everything is revealed within their heart. Will you still love God despite your desert experience? In Luke 9:23 it states, “To pick up your cross and follow me” which means it’s not about you. He wants to to put Him first in all areas of your life.

You are made and designed for God’s purposes and to complete His will. Be still and know that He is God. Psalm 46:10 In the process of being still, you still need to work towards the goals. Faith without works is dead. He will reveal your purpose and what you need to do.

In the meantime, He completely molds, shapes and transforms your character to who He designed you to be—not by the world’s definition or standards.

In A Split Second – How One Day Changed My Life

Posted on by yolandaberry
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car accident

On August 16, 1998, I was helping my friend move to Macon, Georgia to attend Macon State University in the Fall. She rented a moving truck and we started loading her furniture, personal items, etc onto the truck. We stopped at the gas station before we started the long, vigorous moving trip. I was getting a very strange feeling that day before we left the apartment. Our trip was delayed because of a short rainstorm, but the sun came out right about the time we left to pick up the truck.

As my friend pumped the gas into the vehicle, I stood between the gas pump and the truck. I just felt extremely anxious and nervous. I was shaking inside and immediately sat down inside the truck while my friend went to pay for the gas.

As we started on the highway, we smelled something burning. Since it was a hot day, we thought it was the air conditioning unit so my friend turned it off. We played music and talked about her new beginning at Macon State. She mentioned that the truck was not picking up speed and we were going no more than 50 mph.

As we continued to drive, the burning smell grew stronger. Suddenly, we saw a man on the right side of us, waving his arm outside of his car window, flagging us to pull over on the right side of the highway. We crossed over three lanes of traffic, but as we entered the emergency lane my friend was pumping on the brakes and the truck would not slow down. We was going about 50 mph when she decided to slam onto the emergency rail to slow the truck down. We continued to bounce back and forth onto the emergency rail while my friend yelled for me to jump out of the truck. I thought she was crazy. I told her I was not jumping out of the truck.

I immediately looked into the rear view mirror and saw a trail of the blackest smoke that I ever saw in my life. It smothered the entire highway. My instinct told me that I had no choice but to jump. When I opened my door, there were flames shooting from under the truck. I did not expect to see fire. I did not look back to see what my friend was doing, I didn’t think about anything but getting out of the truck. As I jumped, I felt tremendous heat on my legs. It felt like I was moving in slow motion. I somehow landed on my feet and stumbled to catch myself. The truck continued to roll. I felt my friend’s arm hug me as we stood and trembled and cried together.

As the truck rolled, the front area where we sat burst into flames. Suddenly, it started to thunderstorm severely. I stood in the heavy rain screaming and crying. The man who flagged us down pulled his car to the side of the road to help us. There was a woman and child in the car. We sat in silence inside their car as we waited until the fire and emergency unit came on the scene. In the faint distance, I heard the screeching sirens of the ambulance and fire trucks.

As I reflect on this dramatic experience, my eyes still fill with tears. I never knew the man’s name that assisted us. I can’t even remember what he looked like. I never even got the opportunity to thank him. Amazingly, my friend and I did not have a scratch or burn on our bodies. We were not crippled or paralyzed. Nor did we perish on that day. I sometimes reflect on all the things that could of happened and I probably would not be here to even tell you the details of this incident.

The Lord lifted us out of that truck and gave us another chance at life. I never quite looked at life the same after that day. It’s a testimony that I will carry for the rest of my life. I didn’t understand why my life was spared on that Saturday afternoon, but after years of walking with Jesus, I come to realize that this incident was the beginning of my ministry. I’ve had several accounts of testimonies through severe trials, obstacles, tribulations. But through it all, I’m standing in victory. God is faithful.