I am writing this post because I am compelled by God. My heart breaks because his heart breaks. I am not trying to cause offense. I speak the truth in love.  
       Two weeks ago I attended a talk focused on how to make my city a more equitable place for black girls. The topic made me venture downtown. My passion for girls and women knowing their value to God and my life experiences motivated me to learn more.
     The statistics I learned about the plight of black girls shocked me.
     My heart hurts at the injustice of their treatment. The sole perpetrators of these violations are not done by only one type of people. This maltreatment is done by all races, including their own.
   These girls and women are in unhealthy home and community environments that foster violence, disrespect, self - preservation by any means necessary, risky sexual behaviors, hopelessness and fatalism. A toxic environment influences toxic behavior.
     Outside of the toxic home/community situation they are bombarded with the climate of schools or work. An environment of devaluation, disrespect, low – worth and other micro aggressions beats them down. These conditions are another weight on their fragile psyche.
    The media environment is more detrimental. Many black girls and women esteem some celebrities that have sex appeal, are raunchy, violent and devalue other women. Disrespect exudes from their pores. The false stance of feminism is believed, taking them farther down into the mire of deception.
      The Holy Spirit is grieving. I feel his sadness.
     Injustice against women – predominately black girls and women -is rampant in this world. Justice can’t be served without Jesus. He’s the pillar of truth and equity. He is the real avenger. God’s truth wins.
     God wants you to know the truth.  The certainty of his love for you.  The facts of your value in the world. The good news of Jesus. These revelations can break down barriers. Receive and believe them.
                                                                      5 Truths a woman should know:
1.You are made in God’s image.
So God created human beings[a] in his own image.
    In the image of God he created them;
    male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 NLT
2. You are important. God made you with a purpose. He knows about you.
“What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. Luke 121:6-7 NLT
3. You are beautiful no matter what color you are. God made women and girls as creatures of beauty. God doesn’t make junk. You are unique and special.
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 NLT
Masterpiece means a person’s best work.
4. You are precious in God’s sight. He knit you in the womb! Read all of Psalm 139.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! Psalm 139:17 NLT
5. God loves you. He sent his son Jesus to sacrifice his life for you. He died in your place so you can have a relationship with God. There is no shame or guilt in Jesus.
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17 NLT

      There are many more truths God wants you to know. But I don't have enough space for them. You can find them in the Bible, nature, a child's laughter, a dog's wagging tail, a cats purr, the birds singing, spring flowers, crisp snow, a smile, chocolate, sunshine, hugs, soft blankets....you get the picture. (I might make this post a series, there is lots to cover)
        God loves you with an everlasting love. I love you, too!
Thanks for reading. I love to hear your thoughts.

    Last week during Bible study, we watched a powerful Bible resource video. The video, from The Bible Project, helped us better understand the book of Colossians. 
   This week I went to The Bible Project website and was hooked! "Visual storytelling meets the Bible." - The Bible Project. There are videos for each book in the Bible, videos on themes found in the Bible word study and more. 
      Last night I binged watched their videos and didn't feel guilty. The Bible Project is a compelling, intimate comprehension of the Bible for all ages. I recommend The Bible Project as a supplement to your Bible reading. However, it is to not take place of reading and meditating on God word.
     We need to read the Bible for peace, wisdom, understanding and closeness with God. Daily time in the Word helps us to thrive.
    Below is one of the videos I watched. It is very interesting what it shows about the Old Testament. I pray you visit theBible Project and binge watch these videos!

        Thanks for reading. Have you heard of the Bible Project? What are your thoughts and comments? Love ya!

            I wasn’t able to write the blog post Wednesday.  Yesterday I realized why.
     Thursday morning is a favorite day of my week: Women’s Bible study. My soul gets fed with God’s word. I am blessed from fellowship with genuine Christ loving women. Afterwards I experience the best writing all week because of the powerful morning.
      After eating breakfast, I go to my usual seat in the chapel. I pick up my binder and place it on my lap. I’m ready to take notes. My row mate sits two seats down and picks up a pencil that was lying on the seat between us. She asks if owned the pencil. I said it’s not mine.
     I dug in my purse for the pen I always have and couldn’t find the pen! I turned picked up the pencil and said to her, “I can’t find my pen.” We laughed and finished getting ready for worship.
     I settled into my seat with a smile on my face. ‘God Made Me Special’ was on the pencil. Thank you Lord! God had the pencil there at the right time. He knew I wouldn’t find my pen. He knows how important the lessons are and note taking is essential.
       I knew I had to share this. God always provides. Even when we think we have what we need, He is ready and waiting, standing holding it in the palms of His hands. Sometimes we grab it with a little nod of thanks, sometimes with no thanks. Sometime with lots of praise and worship.
     Other times we glance over His open hand and don’t take what we need. Times like that is when we really feel the recoil of our bad choice. But God is still there holding His hand out waiting for us to take what Jesus died for: Love, grace, peace, hope, mercy, forgiveness, wisdom, power, protection, help, freedom and so much more.
       Grab God’s provision with a grateful heart.
      Psalm 34 is powerful testaments and promises of what God does and will do. Pray and declare this Psalm over your life. Trust God, believe, obey and receive.
                  Psalm 34
I will praise the Lord at all times.
    I will constantly speak his praises.
2 I will boast only in the Lord;
    let all who are helpless take heart.
3 Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness;
    let us exalt his name together.
 4 I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.
    He freed me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
    no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
6 In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;
    he saved me from all my troubles.
7 For the angel of the Lord is a guard;
    he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
 8 Taste and see that the Lord is good.
    Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
9 Fear the Lord, you his godly people,
    for those who fear him will have all they need.
10 Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry,
    but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.
11 Come, my children, and listen to me,
    and I will teach you to fear the Lord.
12 Does anyone want to live a life
    that is long and prosperous?
13 Then keep your tongue from speaking evil
    and your lips from telling lies!
14 Turn away from evil and do good.
    Search for peace, and work to maintain it.
15 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right;
    his ears are open to their cries for help.
16 But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil;
    he will erase their memory from the earth.
17 The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.
    He rescues them from all their troubles.
18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
    he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
19 The righteous person faces many troubles,
    but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.
20 For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous;
    not one of them is broken!
21 Calamity will surely destroy the wicked,
    and those who hate the righteous will be punished.
22 But the Lord will redeem those who serve him.
    No one who takes refuge in him will be condemned. Psalm 34 NLT
    Thank you for reading! I love to hear comments and stories of when God provides.  Do you have a favorite Bible verse/ promise you declare? Your stories are encouragement and hope to others. Love ya!