In Rotation: Inspiring Music I’ve Been Listening To
Here are some favorites coming through my earbuds lately:
Inspiration: Have Your Way from Britt Nicole
I’m sure we’ve all had those experiences where we feel lost, burdened and alone, and where we can turn nowhere except into the arms of God to bring us through. I love how Britt has poured her heart to create music that is so personal, relatable and real…
Music Pick: Hold Me Video & EP from Jamie Grace Harper
I’ve got the song “Hold Me” from Jamie Grace stuck in my head – it’s so upbeat, unique and catchy. For the past couple of weeks I’ve played it on repeat for the 1st and second grade girls who I teach at church, to get them focused on their art projects (and to stop talking about Justin Bieber:) and they love listening to it too as they sing along and color. Glad they appreciate great music:)…
Inspiration: “I Smile” & “I Am” – New Songs From Kirk Franklin’s Upcoming Album Hello Fear
One of the few artists of whom I own almost every single one of his CDs (physical copies not mP3s – yes, I know, dedicated) is Kirk Franklin. To say I’m excited for his upcoming album Hello Fear which debuts on March 22 is an understatement! Listen to two of the songs on the album…
Inspiration: What Love Really Means – JJ Heller
A new favorite of mine – “What Love Really Means” is a beautiful and moving song, from the album “When I’m With You” by JJ Heller. Watch the video and listen to the lyrics to hear her paint the meaning of love. Lyrics He cries in the corner where nobody sees He’s the kid with […]
Brooke Fraser – Something In The Water Video
Love this song and creative video, Something in the Water, from Brooke Fraser…
A Circumstance Away: Remember the Faces of Haiti – Photos From My Visit
Above: Two girls from the village of Bahaya in Haiti, one of the poorest areas that we were in, and where my mother and sister were born.
In July I journeyed to Haiti for the first time and was able to visit and meet family there in various cities (Port Au Prince, Forte Liberte, Cap Haitien and some others). The trip was bittersweet with joyful moments laughing and talking with aunts, uncles and loads of cousins (many loads), but also being reminded of the shaking of the earth a few months before in the faces of those who survived, and how so many were lost on the ground we walked on.
Seeing the country for the first time in my life was an eye-opener for me. In cracking walls I thought of the standing structure I call home in the U.S. In the children asking for loose change I thought of change that is often disregarded in many purses and pockets. In the kindness of the people and resilience in their eyes I realized how grateful I am to be alive.
It is so humbling to know that we each could be a few circumstances away from living eachother’s reality… If my mother had not come from Haiti to the United States 30 years ago, I would be living in much dire conditions and might even be standing in the place of one of the children I met. If such a disaster took place in the United States, who knows the consequences? God alone.
Let’s remember the faces of Haiti in praying and helping with the recovery and rebuilding of lives and homes; we would yearn the same compassion if we were in their place. In the same way, let’s show compassion to people who are less fortunate throughout the world – from those suffering as a result of the flood in Pakistan, to those still recovering from tragedies closer to home.
“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me.'” Matthew 25:40
Visit A Home in Haiti for information on how you can help build schools and orphanages in Haiti. Currently they are doing their first construction project – “the largest home and school for severely disabled orphans with cerebral palsy, autism, and more in all of Haiti.” Watch the video below chronicling some of their recent work:
Click here and see below to view more photos from my trip.
Sharing My Story
Recently I was asked to share part of my story of overcoming obstacles and hardships as a teen with a website for teen girls called Girls 4 God. The editor of the site, Annika, has an inspiring ministry and features the stories of various women to encourage girls to grow in Christ. I was glad to be able to contribute part of my experience:
He Touched Me & Made Me Whole
Despite of the pain God has renewed me and I want to share my journey with other girls so that they know there is hope beyond the hurt…
It is amazing how God has taken me from being moss under a rock to being planted as a blooming flower in His fertile ground. Our teen years can be really difficult at times when we’re going through changes, pressures and frustrations, and mine were no different. Despite of the pain God has renewed me and I want to share my journey with other girls so that they know there is hope beyond the hurt…
Growing up I as a child was extremely shy but entering my teen years my self-esteem plummeted. I became increasingly self-conscious and would not ever step out or let my voice be heard aloud except when needed. I disliked the way I looked, felt as if I didn’t really matter and would cower at the sight of people, only speaking freely to my closest family and friends.
Coupled with that I felt abandoned after my father left the family when I was a child. I was also struggling with an illness at the time that made it difficult to go to school regularly, and so in high school I missed many days because of trips to the doctor’s office. It was a dark and lonely road.
Everything seemed bleak and I was merely going through the motions, not embracing life to its fullest potential. At 15-years-old I became depressed and only half aware of being alive and I was hardly taking care of myself.
My body and spirit were shriveling into a tense, broken, guarded existence.
I only felt good about myself when I could please and have the approval of others through my abilities. My life revolved around serving and pleasing people but not only in a godly way; rather I felt that my only worth was in doing what people wanted me to, that they would be angry with me if I didn’t, and that there was nothing else about me left to offer. I had lost all joy I had as a child and even forgot the hobbies and pastimes I had enjoyed; nothing seemed worth it anymore.
I grew up going to church and still went with my mother, but the truth of God’s love didn’t quite become real to me until I was in college. After dealing with loneliness and isolation I began seeking after God like I never had before, asking Him to reveal Himself to me so I knew He was real.
In 2009 I had an experience when God showered me with His love in a real way. It began when I was very ill and had to be rushed to the hospital as a result of a complication. At the time I could remember being only half aware of what was going on around me. My chest was tight and I was scared that I might die there in the hospital. The fear didn’t last long because an intense feeling of peace and calm that I’d never felt before embraced me.
In those moments it seemed as if God was comforting me, telling me to let go and stop holding back.
In those moments it seemed as if God was comforting me, telling me to let go and stop holding back. The thought of, “Who told you that you were worthless? Who said you weren’t allowed live? Who said you can’t?” kept repeating in my mind. I felt as if He was telling me to stop trying to make sense of my circumstances, stop belittling myself and to trust Him with my heart. He controls every beat, created me wonderfully and He is always there with me – just let go. Obeying that command has been a day-by-day release, but I can feel Him enveloping me in His freedom more all the time. Not only has He taught me to let go of anxiety and trying to live in my own strength, I know that because Jesus is the antidote to my sinful nature I can have a deep, intimate relationship with God that is beyond anything on Earth.
Before I was afraid to speak, to share, and to live freely. Now I am speaking, sharing and living to show and tell others about the love that saved me. He’s given me visions of my destiny and my passion now is to wake others up from sleepwalking through life to realize that they too have significance in Christ. From speaking engagements to sharing my story with youth that I teach, God has been amazing in revealing my purpose and launching me into hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
My pain has become a conduit to reach others going though the same.
I know He loves me, and I know He loves you – will you let Him into your heart?
You don’t have to wait until a major event like an illness to happen to realize that you and your life are worth it in God’s eyes. Let Him takeover today – let loose your fears, hurts and troubles to Him. Jesus says:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29).
You will be amazed at how trusting in the Lord as your Savior and strength in life, and deciding to live your life by only His opinions of you will liberate your heart, mind and spirit.
He freed me from darkness and nurtures me to grow beautifully into His light; for that I am ever grateful.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord…
Jeremiah 29:11-14
Inspiration
Update in 2012: When I first heard the song “All This Time” from one of my favorite singers Britt Nicole, her words resonated with my heart I related to her story. The song became an encouragement to me that God was there walking with me every step of my journey, be inspired:
All This Time lyrics
I remember the moment
I remember the pain
I was only a girl
But I grew up that day
Tears were falling
I know You saw me
Hiding there in my bedroom
So alone
I was doing my best
Trying to be strong
No one to turn to
That’s when I met You
Chorus
All this time
From the first tear cried
‘Til today’s sunrise
And every single moment between
You were there
You were always there
It was You and I
You’ve been walking with me all this time
You’ve been walking with me all this time
Ever since that day
It’s been clear to me
That no matter what comes
You will never leave
I know You’re for me
And You’re restoring
Every heartache and failure
Every broken dream
You’re the God who sees
The God who rescued me
This is my story
This is my story…
Chorus
I hear these people asking me
How do I know what I believe?
Well I’m not the same me
And that’s all the proof I need
I felt love, I felt Your grace
You stole my heart that day
All this time
From the first tear cry
Till today’s sunrise
And every single moment between
You were there
You were always there
It was You and I
You’ve been walking with me all this time
Ever since the first tear cry
It was You, You and I
You’ve been walking with me all this time
Ayiti Cheri
On January 12, 2010, thousands of lives were lost, buildings destroyed and many injured and in desperate need of aid after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit the small nation of Haiti. I want to encourage you to both pray and send your support to help those affected. This news is very close to my heart as a Haitian American, as I have several family members there and I know many others feeling helpless and trying to make sense out of confusion. Let’s continue pray for peace in the hearts that are hurting and put action and love behind our faith.
How You Can Help:
Visit A Home in Haiti for information on how you can help build schools and orphanages in Haiti. Currently they are doing their first construction project – “the largest home and school for severely disabled orphans with cerebral palsy, autism, and more in all of Haiti.” Watch the video below chronicling some of their recent work:
Oprah’s Special: The Dream Lives
I really enjoyed The Dream Lives Special Presentation on today’s Oprah Winfrey Show. If you missed it you can read the stories on the website or even pre-order a copy of the presentation on DVD. It was inspiring to view stories about interracial relationships, the history of civil rights in the United States, and ways of how everyday people today are living Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream of freedom and unity.
The last story was of how a bus driver in Los Angeles, Tanya, encouraged her students to improve their grades. She started an organization where she drove the children around and took them on trips to view places around the world, places like civil rights sites and “a marine biology cruise just a short ride away from the inner city”.
Tanya explained, “…a few of my students pulled me to the side and said, ‘Miss Walters, I didn’t realize there was a life outside my community,'” she says. “And that gave me the strength to know that I had a purpose in life.”
Tanya said that the trips began to change the children. She says, “They’re able to link history together, and I think that’s what our youth need right now is to know that people came from all walks of background and [have] struggled for all different reasons.”
“They go through life, and they think that they can’t achieve. They think that they won’t amount to anything. And it’s not such!” Tanya says. “My goal, when I bring our kids together, is for them to dream again, for them to bring back hope. Because when you have hope, you have determination.”
Watching that last story strung a cord in me, and made me begin to think about what could be done to help younger people, like those I saw everyday in my inner-city community in South Florida, keep dreaming. I think its so true that if young people don’t know what’s possible or what’s beyond the walls of their neighborhoods, they can’t really dream to full extent. Without dreams, there’s nothing to strive toward, nothing to wish for, nothing to drive one to keep going.
Langston Hughes said it the best in his poem:
Hold fast to dreams, For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird, That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams, For when dreams go
Life is a barren field, Frozen with snow.
– Langston Hughes
________________________________
Note: I’ll be taking a short hiatus from posting, because of my workload at school and business. I’ll be back the last week of February with all new posts!
