THE HEART THAT BLEEDS

I live from day to day with a bleeding heart as I witness how we, professing and born-again Christians appear to not be spiritually conscious...and fail to trust our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to take care of us during our time of tests and/or trials.

There's no doubt that our physical heart can suffer damage. The body learns to make adjustments and to survive with medical attention and proper care.

On the other hand our human spirit suffer emotional damage...often referred to as "broken-heart." We become saddened, depressed, hurt, and experience lonliness. We also become angry, unpleasant, defensive and arrogant.

When our heart is broken we often seek comfort and/or attention from different trusted or familiar sources; friends, relatives, counselors, the clergy and co-workers. Also, alcohol consumption, drugs, and illicit sex.

A broken-heart demands attention. We learn to pretend day to day; we learn to hide our true feelings and to act happy while really hurting.

Our heart-break may result from different areas; but every heart-break is painful. We don't choose our tests and/or trials. No one will ask for a broken heart...in life things happen. While traveling through life we make bad choices and sow seeds that result in pain. We will experience disappointments, deceit, abuse,disrespect, and rejection; just to mention a few...but all has purpose and works together for our good. There is light at the end of the tunnel and we only need to focus on the light that will lead us through.

I've decided that every day I will remember that I'm a born-again Sprit-filled Christian, I'm a woman, a mother, a daughter(parents deceased) a sister and a friend. I live in a physical body and experience emotions. I'm not a lone ranger...there are many of us in God's family. Every day of victory produces a stronger 'will' to stand and give God the glory. I realize that my 'faith' is increased and my desire to obey the Lord becomes more intense. I learn with every bleeding heart-beat that all the praise and glory belongs to God;that my purpose is to let my life reflect the love of God and to share this love with others. Sure, no one wants to suffer...but must become willing to remain faithful and to trust the Lord for deliverance.

I survive heart-break by remembering that God is concerned about everything that concerns me and that He is faithful to keep His promises. His grace is sufficient for me. The joy of knowing this gives me strength to stay focused. What a testimony to share with others; our overcoming heart-break experience.

We'll never grow in 'faith' without learning what it means to trust the Lord.

Our deliverance is found in accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior, believing and obeying the word of God.

Humility before honor(Proverbs 18:12).

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Martin Luther King- SWEET DREAMS

Marching was his method of receiving attention and of being heard,

As he spoke edifying and encouraging words;

Reaching the heart and mind of most people,

...depending on guidance and courage of his Keeper;

Thoughtful of the impressions he'd leave behind,

In concerned hearts and open minds;

Never seeming to let his tiredness show,

...as he spoke and traveled to and fro;

Letting his love and understanding freely flow,

...and caring for those whom he didn't know;

Unselfishly seeking ways to make the Black, the poor and oppressed free,

The way he knew God meant it to be;

...though many times falsely accused,

and ridiculed;

His dream still lives within us today,

...and gives us all hope for a better tomorrow,

Erasing memories of sadness, many tears and much sorrow;

Reaching high to accomplish goals appointed to him,

...there were times success looked hopeless and dim;

Enjoyment and the folly of life didn't corrupt his mind,

...as he left his beloved family behind;

He respected opinions and decisions of his fellowman,

...when some would disagree or fail to understand;

His focus was justice and peace for ALL mankind,

...he knew would come in its season and time;

Kindness shone all over his being,

In his mode of living, in his willingness to suffer, and in the power emanating from his voice as he shouted,

"Let freedom ring!!" "Let freedom ring!!"

Not discouraged by other's doubt,

...he knew that his dream for equality would be carried out;

Gone now from our daily reach,

...but his methods we shall continue to teach;

REVERAND MARTIN LUTHER KING, the Black man who had THE dream.

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This poem was selected for revision from a previous submission. ***********************************************************************************

GIVE THANKS

We arise...blessed to see another beautiful morning

that our precious Lord has made,

We've slept all night...

while the angels watched over us...

keeping us safe;

with "glory to God in the highest" on our lips,

joy overflowing our hearts...

to Him we give all the praise,

for another opportunity to make a new start,

We thank Him now, forever, and always...

for all the time of our earthly days.

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DON'T BE SURPRISED

If for some reason

you have not come to realize,

that parents are as human as you...

they make errors,

they feel pain,

they have fears,

yes, also cries;

they have dreams,

they have hopes,

they want what's best,

they have doubts,

they rebel,

they refuse,

and make bad choices,

yes, also fail their test;

Now that you've been informed,

be sure to keep these facts in mind,

so you'll be wise and know what to do,

when you become a parent too.

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GRANDPARENT

GRANDPARENT'S DAY

Webster defines grandparent as a parent's parent; grandfather, a father's or mother's father, a male ancestor and grandmother, the mother of one's father or mother; a female ancestor.

How beautiful our Father God has designed the Human Race to be reproductive...we're designed to have family, to reproduce and witness production;to share and to pass on traditions of our love ones. Most importantly; to recognize, respect, instruct and to encourage our love ones to obey and to worship Him.

The family who witnesses and shares the life of a grandparent or grandparents is a truly blessed family. Grandparents are great sources of wisdom, family history and experiences that can be shared with their grandchildren. They're the source of the family's past, the family's wisdom and the family's strength.

Grandchildren are blessings to grandparents; they bring unspeakable joy and happiness to the family...they're reflectors of God's love, they give grandparents a second chance to shower love upon the fruit of their offsprings; to impart truths that will open doors for success, and share experiences/testimonies about the reality of a life lived for Jesus Christ.

My testimony is that I am a blessed mother, grandmother and great-grandmother; I thank the Lord for five(5) children and their spouses: Karen(Dele), Robert(Nikki), Kathy(Larry), Kevin(Autumn), and Kofi; ten(10) grandchildren: Christina, Deborah, Estelle, DeVarus, DeMarcus, Christian, Christopher, Chancellor, Shanquala and Kinley...and four(4) great-grandchildren: Daniel, Jonathan, Matthew and Eva.

Love to all my offsprings. Praise the Lord!!!

WISDOM

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck , write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ...these are words to live by...we can only be blessed when we take heed and begin to practice what the word says to us.

There is much talk , fear and concern about what is happening in this country's economy; let's keep in mind that our survival is never dependent upon what is going on around us...but what our Father has promised to all who walk in the Spirit and not mind the things of the flesh. He is faithful to keep His promises...He is our Source.

I have experienced loss, humiliation, frustration, fear and anger...to name a few; but my Lord spoke to me and reminded me that His grace is sufficient, that He is still in charge and that He is still concerned about everything that concerns me.

I know that He has no respector of persons. He's our Father and loves us unconditionally. Let us be encouraged to depend upon Him...to share our blessings with others and testify of His goodness. Let's praise Him at all times...He is worthy.
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Scriptures: Proverbs 3:3-7

SHARING TO ENCOURAGE

It's no doubt in my mind that we who are Christian parents have experienced many challenges that were all but 'failing.' Many of us can look back and realize that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ covered us with His cloak of Grace and Mercy...in just the nick of time...He lifted us to safety and soundness of mind. I praise Him!!!

I am happy to share this testimony with you all... every day I realize that I'm an overcomer because I share the goodness of the Lord...testifying of His glory, His goodness, His compassion, the joy and peace that He pours into my heart. Nothing...yes, 'no thing' can come near to comparison. My God IS AWESOME!!!

TESTIMONY: MIRACULOUS VISIT

My son, Kofi Mandela Martin, whom had no physical contact with his biological father for 22 years...was blessed to finally meet and visit with him during the month of July. This meeting and visit was an answer to my prayer... as well as desires of Kofi and his father.

Regardless of the situation that separated Kofi and his father; I purposed in my heart to maintain a civil relationship with him and to make sure that Kofi knew of him. This was a challenge for my flesh...there was much bitterness to overcome and there were many teary-eyed days and nights, also fear of failure as an older mother. Prayer, faith and patience brought me through. I praise the Lord for His love, grace, long-suffering, and mercy.

Jesus brought me and my son through many challenges. He and his father had a great visit and the three of us have found an abundance of peace. All is well. AMEN!!!