I May Be Stupid…

“I may be stupid, but I know what love is.” ~Forrest Gump

This simple quote came to me as I was cooking and immediately my mind asked—Forrest Gump? Yes Forrest Gump, the Holy Spirit answered. I begin to ponder on the quotation until the “aha” that I was supposed to understand finally came to me. When I observe the climate of current society, everyone is asking that others be open-minded to their choices and lifestyle decisions. However, when Christians requests the same liberties regarding our beliefs it’s often times disregarded or directly linked with "close-mindedness". And when such opinions arise against Christianity many believers find it necessary to retaliate with verbal warfare. However, we are to fight with our love and not our haphazard lips.

If we momentarily glance at Christianity from the viewpoint of those who mock us, they perceive a unilateral depiction of what Christianity is. By counting Christians they’ve personally encountered as the majority, they sum our faith up as hypocritical and highly theoretical. And from this perspective I would call their assumption correct. (Stay with me now.) I believe that believers have forgotten the very thing that Christ promised would make us a peculiar people, differentiated from the heathens of the world. We have replaced His holy antidote with doctrine, denominations, rules and regulations. Hence, negating this necessary component has created a volatile situation not only in the world, but within the Church, itself.

We have forgotten L-O-V-E people! Love is what covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). Love is patient, kind, and keeps no record of wrongs (1 Cor. 13:4-8). Love is the highest commandment given to us by Christ to adhere to (Mat. 22:37-40), and LOVE is how people will know—for sure—that we are Christ’s disciples (John 13:35). I think it’s time that we all take an introspective check and ask ourselves if LOVE is the ultimate priority in our lives. If not, how do we expect to evangelize the world and make disciples?

With that, I expect the world to have sideways comments regarding Christianity. I expect darkness to NEVER comprehend light. But, even with the STUPID things that unbelievers suggest about Christianity, they know what LOVE is. They understand love perfectly because we were all created in perfect love. Hearts connect to hearts, so even when idiots speak against our faith, lure them to the light with love. It’s the only way to truly win souls for the Kingdom of God!

I Love You All!

Nikki D

“Big Sexy”: The Gospel Truth

        

I’ve just witnessed my first sixty minute encounter with "Big Sexy" on TLC…..

What do I feel? I’m not sure except that I’m beginning to experience the faint taste of bile in the back of my throat. This, bundled with utter sadness at the climate of today’s world regarding where women—specifically BIG women—fit in it. I find myself with a perplexed facial question mark as I watch the show. But, the answer to my visible WHY is strikingly clear. When people, especially a historically ostracized people (see fat folks) are suddenly given a chance to mount the world’s gawking platform to be ogled, exploitation is ALWAYS the result. And this is the case even when truthful “reality” is said to be the goal.

What I notice in this hour long presentation is a band of hurting girls—in one form or fashion. And how they are dealing with the hurts and disappointments of their current realities, is how any carnal human being would. As a matter of fact, I used to be that girl. I used to be the oversexed, emotion-driven, volatile woman who wrapped it all up in a “high-self-esteemed” LIE. It’s a sad reality, but true. And my heart goes out to these women when I hear the true cries of their souls in statements like, “We put up with garbage, but we know that there has to be a present in this garbage heap,” “I get rejected a lot”, or “I’m tired of fighting.”

These are the honest soul cries that surface—full throttle—when the cameras are turned off and the checks have been signed and dated. These internal messages are the residue found under the mounds of make-up, provocative clothing, and layers of false “big-girls-are-da-bomb” soliloquies. What do I see? I see nothing more than beautiful, lost women crying out for a Savior from the madness that they currently—and possibly have always—find themselves in.

I pray that ALL women understand from this message that I leave that God loves you the way you are, and there’s no need to impress Him with pumped-up presentations. Moreover, as a rule of thumb, over-compensation always means that there is lack of peace in some department. I pray that these representative “Big Sexy” women find the solace that they desire at the cross, and stop looking for LOVE in all the wrong places. God is love, and Jesus said that no man comes to the Father except through Me.

So, know, trust, and understand that your eternal joy and peace will never be found at the bottom of a cocktail, at a sleazy BBW singles party, or in empty self-deprecating “fat girl jokes”. It’s only found in our eternal Savior, Jesus Christ.

Signing Off With Love,

Nikki D

Making Every Scene Your Scene

Now I was the queen of the phrase, “That’s just not my scene”; and rightfully so in many instances. However, I discovered a secret that forever changed my life. I can make any scene my scene. How, by simply promising myself that wherever I am, whether in a stuffy room of borderline pharisaical Christians, or in a crowd of anything-goes-willy-nilliy free spirits, I would have a great time. And as a result, I transferred this social lesson into my lifestyle.

I found my happy medium and truly embody the words of Paul when he said “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11 NIV). It wasn’t that his circumstances morphed or that his “ideal world” was now present; no, Paul’s outlook on life itself changed. He discovered that life is comprised of more than dwelling on routine or happenstance. Paul understood that the secret to activating joy in every aspect of his existence was proper perspective.

Now, when I find myself in less than desirable situations, or in the company of those who are not necessarily “my cup of tea”, I remember Paul’s message. I willingly decide to make a glorious occasion out of every situation. Whether I break up the boring monotony of a lackluster conversation with a corny joke, that only I get, or sing songs of praise in the midst of utter sorrow, I consciously enjoy every moment in my life. Optimism doesn’t necessarily remedy life’s tough scenes, but it sure does help the time go by! And like the adage goes, “time flies when you’re having fun!”

So, enjoy every scene in your life regardless of how mundane or awful it may seem at any particular moment. Make it your own, and you’ll realize just how great God’s Spirit is residing within you. The joy of salvation is our strength! Therefore, live, laugh, love, and make every scene your scene!

Peace Out Home Skillets!

Nikki D

BREAKING NEWS: Boaz is Officially Off the Market!

After an interesting telephone conversation with my sister, we jointly discovered a phenomenon plaguing Christian woman. This epidemic which, I’ll dub “Boaz Obsession”, for naming purposes, is one that I have noticed hinders rather than helps women “locate” mates. Now, for those already scratching their heads, I suggest you head on over to your Bible and read the book of Ruth. It is here that you will find the peculiar love story that so many women long to reenact in their own lives. There have been, however, a vast number of misinterpretations of this romantic account that have left women striving for a man who was officially off the market by the close of the story.

What I gather from most conversations among Christian women is that they are itching to get married. I, myself, was once one of these very women who strived to capture the attention of “My Boaz”, while pretending to glean in a field near his. However, I came to the startling reality that I was doing everything that Ruth did not do to garner the attention of Boaz. First of all, Ruth was not trying to catch a man in the field, per say, when she went out to glean behind the other workers. Nope. Ruth was simply, trying to help the poor household of her mother-in-law Naomi. They were both coping with huge tragedies, and they needed food and money. Ruth saw it as her duty to help out; period.

However comma but, what many Christian women do is dress up, spray on smell good, and then travel out into the field with the intention of nabbing Boaz’s attention. Now don’t get me wrong a pulled together woman who smells good will get attention; and not only from Boaz but, from all the other field hands as well! What these women fail to realize is that their attempts read desperate in the eyes of a discerning potential mate. No man, especially Christian men, wants to feel like he is being forced or trapped into courting a woman. Men like to feel like the whole idea of dating and courting was their own idea. (SN: That’s men for ya! lol) But, the moment men sense that women are coming on too strong they retreat, or try to see what they can get, and then retreat. Now, the latter doesn’t apply to Christian men (wink) because they know better than to take advantage of people!

The second observation I made among searching Ruth’s is that their entire lifestyle becomes centered around preparing themselves for a man. Their career choice, education, style, conversation; EVERYTHING that they eat, breathe, and sleep is with the hopes that Boaz will find them appealing. It’s quite repulsive (yes I said it!), if you ask me. I have watched many a woman lose herself and God’s mission for her life, in order to score the affection of Joe Smoe because he thought she was cute. Don’t get me wrong, from personal experience, I understand the allure of receiving attention from the opposite sex. Every woman wants to know that her efforts are not going unnoticed. But, when your “man catching” efforts shape your livelihood—Houston we have a problem!

So, let’s set the record straight today! Number One: Boaz is off the market, He was Ruth’s man. So stop saying that you are waiting on Boaz! Number Two: Take your longing for a mate to the throne and not to the streets ladies. Desperation, regardless of how pretty her dress, is never a good look! Number Three: Get to work ladies! Ruth came in contact with Boaz because she was concentrating on the mission set before her; she needed to eat! Therefore, whatever tasks, duties, or goals God has placed before you, do them. And once you get busy about your Father’s business, He won’t withhold from you the desires of your heart.

I pray that this helps someone refocus her energies and pursue the things that really matter. Because at the end of the day, when you meet your Maker He won’t ask, “So what did you and Boaz do for the Kingdom?” No, God will want to know what your efforts for His Kingdom were. And you’ll want to have a better answer then, “Well, I got dressed up real nice so my Boaz could find me—”

Get a life ladies—literally!

I have nothing but love for ya!

Nikki D

Show Love First, Scriptures Later!

The Bible prophesies that in the end times there will be a great falling away in the body of Christ. It is my belief that this turning away from God has a lot to do with the current dynamics of the modern church. Within the sanctuary there is a vast influx of what I like to call “Bible Beaters”. These individuals have good intentions because they want to teach and convert the lost, but their approach is all wrong. Where a lot of seasoned Christians fall short is in the listening department. When sinners enter the church it’s an immediate pouncing that takes place on those who may only be looking for a hug at that particular moment. But, many miss these subtleties that are revealed by the Spirit because we are too busy trying to force feed scriptures to the “godly-malnourished”. Just think of a baby for a moment. During feeding times there are instances when Baby resists eating, now as a good parent you wouldn’t shove the spoon down the baby’s throat. No you would chug-a-chug-a- choo- choo (train sounds) until the baby associates eating with something fun and pleasurable. Once you reach this stage during feeding it becomes effortless, and much easier to introduce new food selections.


Therefore, people of God let’s follow the ministry of Jesus Christ during His time on earth. He had to be a pleasurable person to be around because so many diverse people followed Him and even invited Him to their households (see tax collectors, prostitutes, etc.). What Jesus has is love; He openly showed this to people from all walks of life. He didn’t immediately start quoting scriptures and pouring oil on sinners; He would be genuine and welcoming first! After He became acquainted with individuals (and they were comfortable in His presence) then He would teach them things of God. Furthermore, Jesus was so successful in His conversion of the lost that it aroused a growing suspicion among (get this!) the church folks. The church had more beef with Jesus (see Pharisees) than the lost world. Why?

The answer is very simple and is still relevant today. So many believers have been overtaken by the spirits of envy, jealousy, and pride that there is no longer any room for Christian love. Many “saints” are too busy wrongly judging others, while missing the prideful perspective from which they judge. Moreover, there is an influx of believers who thrive on making themselves feel better by downing those whose sins are on the surface. In turn, forgetting that if it had not been for the blood of Jesus they would strikingly resemble Mr. or Mrs. Such-and-Such. Get off your high horses people of God and let’s get back to the grass roots of ministry. Let’s show the world love first and scriptures later. Let’s actively listen to people and not just be preparing our rehearsed “holy spiel” within our minds. People will know when your evangelizing originates from a place of love or self righteousness. It’s time that we check ourselves (motives) before we wreck not only ourselves, but the lost as well.

We will be held accountable for our works. Make sure your love is genuine and your words are purely motivated! Remember when you show love you show God because He is love. Make sure your representation is bankable!

Be blessed good people.

Nikki D

Love: The Heart of the Matter

With so many worldly and satanic outside influences it’s a wonder that the very thing that is killing off Christians is an internal conflict. We learn from the words of scripture that flesh and spirit war daily (Gal. 5:17). However, the conflict that many Christians have is a battle with showing their transparency and vulnerability to the world. Just last night I found myself operating in the spirit of annoyance. I was annoyed with everything; my life, my family, my surroundings, everything! I was determined to find scripture to combat such feelings because although no name (at the time) could precisely pinpoint these emotions I knew that they were robbing me of my joy. I began to read scripture in 1 John that spoke on the love of God and how as followers of God we are to love as He does. It became clear to me that the enemy attacks the very thing within me that God is using to bring me before great men and women; my loving heart.

My heart has always been huge and very receptive to the needs of others, even when my will wanted to make my heart tendencies cease (to exist). But, what God was (and is) revealing to me is that what I thought was a weakness of mine (my big loving heart), because of the vulnerability that it sometimes brought, was my greatest asset in His kingdom. People are never receptive to individuals who they feel do not care for them. Therefore, my constant wearing of my heart on my sleeves is the catalyst that draws the audiences when I speak and/or write.

However, the enemy has many believers feeling that to show the emotional workings of the heart is weak; and could possibly produce loss of ground in situations. This is a lie people! God loved David and brought promotion and favor to his life because he was a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). God is love; thus, it is not until we tap into the essential love of God and begin to show it to the world that God’s favor will manifest. It’s time that people of God love with unrelenting, resilient love. In the face of opposition, love. When it makes you feel weak, love. Because love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8); and those sins are both the people that you are loving on and those that you notice when the reflection in the mirror is yours.

Your greatest asset in the kingdom of God is your love capacity. How much do you love regardless of wrongdoing? In love you will find the missing link in your chain towards eternal success. Love breeds the character of champions!

Love you all,

Nikki D

LOVE

Love
So many people use your name in vain
Love
Those who have faith in you sometimes go astray
Love
Through all the ups and downs the joys and hurts
Love
For better or worse I still will choose you first

~Musiq SoulChild

This thing called love is so serious that it’s imperative that we understand just what this four letter word really and truly encompasses. I woke up this morning and Musiq Soulchild’s song Love was playing in my head and immediately I thought about my relationship with God. Now this connection might not work for my SUPER SAVED CHRISTIANS, but keep reading if you would like to understand why. In the lyrics of his chorus many people think that he is talking about a woman (and this may be the case), but for me, I can only associate this love with the love I have for God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Yes, there is one man in my life (God), functioning in three different capacities. (SN: Replace the word LOVE with GOD)

God the Father is that nurturing, mindful DADDY who loves to see His children succeed, but is also disappointed when we fall short of the mark. God the Father hates sin! Therefore, when we allow ourselves to be driven by the lust of the flesh it’s no wonder that He is ready to disown us because He knows our potential. He wants us to flourish and find or daily, rest, joy, and solace in His presence, not our own lustful ambitions.

So, we make those sinful mistakes, and God is ready to disassociate himself with us, but thank God for the Son. God can look at Jesus Christ, at his right hand, and in His own words, “forgive us because we know not what we are doing.” Jesus is our lawyer in heaven always pleading, on our behalf, our building cases to the Father. All the while, hoping that we model the examples that He left us during His time spent on earth. God the Son understands that we make mistakes, but knows the motives of our heart, so once we have accepted Him, and are genuinely attempting to reach the status of holiness, He’s faithful even during our blunders.

Finally, God the Holy Spirit is the teacher. His job is to show us how to walk out (practically) the commandments of God the Father. He understands that our spirit battles daily with the thorns in our flesh; therefore, he is willing to re-teach the lesson(s) as many times as the Father allows. The Holy Spirit is the one who talks to us in those tough times and also in those moments of celebration (the Father and Son speak as well). However, so many people have cheapened the job of the Holy Spirit, and have made Him a mere “feeling” or “high” experienced on Sundays. The Holy Spirit is ALWAYAS there even outside of the church; however, we must be tuned in to His unction for your life.

Together these three equal love FULLY! I mean, God took the time to design the Trinity that we might have every possible chance to truly experience His agape (unconditional) love for us. If this be the case people, why are we not loving Him back like He loves us, and secondly not loving others (you know the people you see daily) with the same agape love?

Think About It

Nikki D