Category Archives: Faith and Culture

A Change in Season

Posted on by yolandaberry
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Photo Credit: Yolanda Berry

As we come upon New Year’s Eve, we often reflect back on our lives and flood our thoughts with many memories of the past year. We often re-evaluate our dreams, goals, aspirations and vision. We either become greatly motivated or unseemingly depressed as we remember the past year’s victories and defeats. But, we must look ahead with great expectation with hope.

It seems as if time is moving faster. I feel like I just posted my New Year’s message and another year is upon us once again. Did you do everything that you planned or wished for?

When we begin to realize that life will deal unexpected experiences and circumstances, we will begin to realize how precious life really is. Unfortunately, alot of people did not even see the end of this year. This should give us a fresh perspective and we should seriously begin to appreciate and value every season in life that we experience for we are not promised tomorrow. As each year passes, I begin to realize this more and more.

On another note, we should make every effort to live our lives to the fullest potential. What’s holding you back? Don’t keep putting off what you want to do in life. It’s time to make a change. Take the time to look to the future with great expectation with hope. Don’t let circumstances or people dictate or control your divine destiny. God is bigger than your circumstances. There will always be someone who will not agree or believe in what you want to do. Keep moving forward until you see results. Take each day one day at a time and don’t look at your overall goals which always seem to be overwhelming. Just take time to carve out a plan and work that plan until you harvest fruit.

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.
— 1 Corinthians 2:9

May you be blessed with abundant health, peace, provision and protection for the upcoming year.

Happy New Year’s 2013!

Violence in America

Posted on by yolandaberry
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“Where there is no vision the people perish.” Proverbs 29:18

What is happening to America? As I watched the news unfold, I am horrified to see the world unravel in chaos within the school system as well as on every level in our society. What has gone wrong in America where school yards have become battlegrounds? Where shopping malls, churches and movie theaters have become targets of warfare?

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The sense of morals and values as well as respect for life has been lost by youth and our adults. The media has also played a  role in the social conditions where entertainment is being fed to the  population as “Trash TV,”   emphasizing murders, strong explicit sexual content and  profanity in our daily lives. It’s also reflected in music, movies  and other forms of entertainment. When someone constantly  feeds off of negativity,subconsciously it eventually affects their  psychological, spiritual, emotional and mental state. Not to mention all that they may be dealing with in their own lives. Others fester hatred in their hearts and do not have any value or regard for life. Period.

 

With the high level of social and economic problems in our  country, people are losing hope for their future. It is evident in the  continued senseless death of innocent lives being lost. This is a  disgrace to our Nation and in the eyes of God.

It states in the Bible, the Lord will cut down the wicked. Although the wicked seems to reign at this present time, God is still in control and has victory in the end. Satan is defeated.

In the act of suicide, the people who are projecting violence on the innocent truly believe they’re escaping their evil deeds, but everyone will face judgement upon the earth. You cannot escape the consequences of your actions through death.

This act of violence is demonic but disguised as entertainment. The devil is a master illusionist and the master of lies. He is taking hold of minds to commit his work and to gain lost souls.

It also doesn’t help that the mentally ill, hate group or ex-con has the access to purchase and carry guns on the streets of America. We are living in a modern-day wild wild west.

With the increase of random violence, these acts are becoming desensitized. Something has to change for the better and not the worse.

Our vision has to be uplifted to a higher standard for what we accept and what is fed to us in this country. When you start accepting and compromising truth, morals, values, character and integrity, you will eventually start to experience the unravel of an individual, group, system, family, community, society and a nation.

It starts with the individual. There is power in one, but there is also power in the masses. Prayer was taken out of the school system and replaced with guns, bullying, sexual abuse and other forms of violence. This is unacceptable behavior and should not be tolerated.

This country has become much too passive which is causing additional problems. The mentality of the masses has to change for our survival. The answer is not bringing more guns to protect our children in the school system or in public places, but to eliminate the use of guns in this country.

There is a problem when we have to use guns as a control method to eradicate the problem. This country is out of control if you have to seek military measures to secure and protect our children and our nation. This is not the solution.

We are losing our children and our future. In the process, generation upon generation is lost. It’s time to take back what the devil has stolen from us. The proper vision put to action will lead us. How can one see clearly if they don’t carry a Godly vision to see effectively?

When the blind leads the blind, they fall into a ditch. We need the vision of God who is the Father of wisdom, grace, mercy, discernment and love to led the way. It’s time to raise the standard of the people because the season is here.

2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem;
He gathers together the outcasts of Israel.
3 He heals the brokenhearted
And binds up their wounds.
4 He counts the number of the stars;
He calls them all by name.
5 Great is our Lord, and mighty in power;
His understanding is infinite.
6 The Lord lifts up the humble;
He casts the wicked down to the ground.

Psalms 147:2-6 (KJV)

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.