The Blessing Of You...

There is an epidemic that has lasted far longer than the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s bitter chills, feverish sensation and infectious contagion has contaminated the hearts and minds of millions of women. The curation of its deadly symptoms have killed the true essence of friendships, budding relationships and genuine connections. All of us have experienced the deadly sting of this virus and its’ residual effects which trigger a myriad of emotions including, isolation, pain, loneliness, self-doubt, regret, anger, pessimism, paranoia and fear.
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I don’t think there’s a woman on this planet that hasn’t experienced the chilling effects of this virus in one way or another. It enters subtly; almost without notice and spreads rapidly through the heart, mind and soul. By the time the host notices it, she has most likely infected, damaged and destroyed so many others. Well, it doesn’t take an infectious disease expert or leading doctor to raise our awareness of this virus.  It can be deadly.  In fact, it will kill you if you don’t kill it first. This virus caused Satan to be kicked out of heaven, Cain to kill his brother and our sisters, Rachel and Leah to fight like “the real housewives.” If you haven’t guessed it yet, the virus to which I am referring is called jealousy.  It is conceived through insecurity and comparison.  When one is not content with herself, her state or status, she begins to compare herself to others. If not dealt with, comparison quickly advances into jealousy. As jealousy festers, it develops into envy.

Ladies, God never intended for us to covet another sister’s “anything.” In Philippians 4:11(CEB),Paul emphatically declares, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself.” Contentment and comfort with your skillsets, talents and abilities are paramount in this season. God is looking to use the authentic you, not a duplicated, diluted, manufactured, generic version.  You see, when you fail to live and operate authentically, you deprive so many of the blessing of YOU.   The world suffers a little more because you are physically present but spiritually absent. You indirectly say to God, “you didn’t know what you were doing when you created me; or maybe you should have made me like her instead.” Furthermore, comparing yourself to others will steal your peace and deplete your joy. It is only when we take the journey of self-discovery that we will begin to celebrate the beauty of God; “that incorruptible treasure” that lives in all of us. (2 Cor. 4:7)

When we come to a place in this journey, where we begin to recognize and OWN our unique endowments, accomplishments and achievements, not only will we become more appreciative to God, but to all of our sisters that are traveling along with us on the road called “Life”.  We will become more accepting and less judgmental . . . more compassionate and less critical. We will become builders and not breakers…intercessors and not instigators.  We will begin to build a community of mothers, daughters, sisters and friends: curse-breakers that will employ the love of God to inoculate others of this vicious virus sent to attack us and generations to come. 

As Mother’s Day approaches, let’s reflect on how we can use our influence to build, instead of kill. Let’s pledge to reverse the negative effects of jealousy with celebration.  Know that you are loved and worthy of celebration.  I celebrate you for overcoming insurmountable odds, raising your children, working a nine-to-five, giving unselfishly to others; while in need of so much yourself! I celebrate you for your strength, tenacity, resilience and courage!  You’ve taken little and made much.  You are a diamond; a precious jewel and your light radiates further than your visibility. Sis, you shine bright for all the world to see.  You are rare, beautiful, precious, genuine, remarkable, extraordinary and uniquely YOU!  So as you continue to take life’s journey, proudly walk in the authentic YOU. With each and every step, you serve the world the blessing of YOU!!!-

Guest Blogger,
Sharonda Demars