When we are born into this world, we are given a name. Many will keep that name their entire lives, yet never own their identity. What if your name is not your real one? Like Saul who spent many years with contempt for Christians changed his name to Paul. In actuality, he never changed his name, but God gave him his real name. It took him to break, and admit his flaws, only then had he earned his real name. We live our lives wounded by others and accepted it as our identity. Perhaps it was your dad calling you “stupid, weak or sissy.” Or your “friends” that bullied you into a false personality. We are marked by people’s opinions, and they scar us, many times for life. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17 In defense, we give up our real identity. We protect ourselves by a false worldly view. As an imposter, we live out our lives living a lie. No longer do we recognize ourselves. Our ego takes over, we attach labels to ourselves to hide behind. Speaker, Writer, Blogger, entrepreneur, the list goes on. Labels we hide behind,  identities that hide the real you. Who are you? Whatever appellation you go by. God sees through all the false fronts. You may create a new persona that your online world sees. Or perhaps even a facade that even your closest of friends think is […]

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Sometimes we must slow down to listen, other times we must turn up the volume to hear. Lately I have been gently reminded that there is a plan for me. These reminders have come in many shapes, sizes and voices. Ever since I was told a few months ago to press into the Lord he has fervently been chasing me to get my attention. Whether it was listening to others share their stories in the hills near music city. Or maybe it was the beautiful sounds in the mountains of Haiti. Perhaps it was when I got the attention of the pastor during his sermon while visiting a church down south. Maybe it was when my own priest asked me to lead in ways that are uncomfortable. Or was it the time I spoke with someone whom my writing ministered to. Maybe it was when I watched a movie that brought me to tears (yes guys we do it too). When you press into Him, no matter the noise you will hear His voice. Click To Tweet Each moment that I have experienced lately were not my chance. He has been molding me slowly to do more. I am not sure what any of this will lead to, all I know is that it was not by accident but by design that these words have been written at the time that they have. Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. ~ Jeremiah 33:3 We are […]

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Everyone wants to be a leader or do they? Most of us go through our days wanting to hide in the shadows and complain about those that lead.  We are quick to judge and criticize but slow to step up or recognize.  We allow fear to paralyze our ambition and rather than lead we rather be submissive. Leaders have to be strong … right? Well that guy is just more confident than me. He must be a born leader destined to win.  I don’t want all that responsibility, they can have it.  Strength comes through weakness, a true leader must humbly serve or they can never lead. “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3 A true leader sets aside his ego, does not focus on what he can gain, turns his attention to those he leads. Take a moment, reflect, is there a leader in you? Every man is born a leader, as we all are born into a humble beginning, it is our decisions that determine how we will be.  There are more leaders in the followers than in the leaders that forcefully lead.  Put the needs of your fellow-man before your own.  Turn your eye towards God’s word.  You too can be a leader others will see as worth following. “He must become greater; I must become less.” – John 3:30 Blessings, CJ