A Life of Mediocrity

Last weekend, as I scanned through radio channels on my drive home from DC, I landed on a message from a (not so) random Bible teaching. The young minister's words immediately struck a chord in my heart, "No believer should ever be bored." We were created to create. "If the believer is bored it is because they are not seeking ways to be creative."

We were not created to live a life of mediocrity. 

The few words that I received from that short sermon, before losing my radio signal with the rolling hills of northern Virginia, reminded me of all the times I allowed myself to be "bored" with life or the tasks that it would take for me to reach the level of greatness that I was created to reach.

All throughout my school-age years, teachers, school counselors and mentors (and my parents) would plead with me, "Nina...you could do so much if you would just apply yourself?!"

For example, because I am naturally a decent writer and overall lover of words, I would often wait until the last minute to do the work it took to write a solid paper, oftentimes having points deducted for turning my assignment in late. I cannot count the times I received my latest effort back from my teacher with zero red marks or notes on it because there were no red marks to be found. The paper had been perfectly written yet, at the top of the page was a big red B- because the paper had been turned in late.

As a sprinter/hurdler in track and field, I always came in second place. Literally, I was never first. Just as I reached the finish line, on the heels of state champion Maisha Prewitt (yeah, I remember her name...Lol), I would give up. Somewhere along the line I threw out the idea of actually, FINALLY beating her and I found myself cool with doing just enough to be considered good at what I did. Now at 34 years old, I'm still working to break those old habits and although it hasn't been easy, it has been WELL worth it!

As I continue growing spiritually and creatively, I am beginning to truly believe and understand all that I was created to be. While I may have never had dreams of reaching the Olympics or being awarded Poet Laureate, who's to say that I couldn't have done both had I truly put forth the effort to be my best and not just good at what I loved to do?

Here's the great thing about life:

As long as we have breath in our bodies, we are more than able to be whatever our heart's desire. As corny and cliché as it may sound, it's true. At what point will you determine that you are tired of living a life of mediocrity? At one point will you finally "apply yourself"?

Me? I begin today and I will apply myself in greater measure every day that I am allowed to live.

God will take our mediocre attitude and/or habits and clear out the doubt and excuses that keep us from reaching our full potential.

I Am Light

You ever experience a person who quietly enters the room but everyone seems to turn to look at them? That attraction isn't mere beauty...

Those who walk in a room and command attention do so with their presence first, which is a direct connection to their energy.

Contrary to popular belief, people are not attracted to our beauty, our clothes, etc. They are either attracted, or not attracted to our energy -- which we convey through our outward appearance.

You ever notice that person in the room who always seems to "try too hard" to get attention?

This is why it's important to understand that our bodies, our style, our money, none of it makes us who we are. WE make those things by WHO we are.

"There's just something about her..."
"He's just got IT..."

What is "it"?

It's energy.

If our energy is peaceful, others will feel peace when they're in our presence. If it is confident, loving, loyal, etc...do the math!
;-)

When we change our energy, we'll change our lives! Once we change our lives, we'll change the world, sometimes by simply confidently walking in a room.

Final thoughts:

Our sharing light and love does not automatically guarantee that everyone will like us. Some people are so used the darkness, they are irritated by the presence of light.

*BEAM*

Much Is Given

Although gaining financial wealth has always been a driving force in prosperity, I have personally seen a recent rise in the number of people who seem to be pushing towards making a dream come true for the sake of fortune and fame.

I have found myself growing weary of supporting people I see hustling their talents for money.  Even as indie artists, it’s possible to pimp oneself just as much as industry execs.  Many who have been driven by the need to make money off of their vision without understanding the greater purpose in creating have found that their hasty efforts were in vain often rushing projects to get them in the hands of whomever they think will be interested and in turn, putting out mediocre work! 

Putting out a product, be it a CD, book, a piece of fine art or even a service without ensuring it’s your best work is not only a waste money, time and energy but can also potentially tarnish the name/brand that you worked “so hard” at establishing.  Then when the product doesn’t gain popularity as hoped, people will scream that “people don’t support their own!”  Well, who do YOU know wants to endorse mess!?

I am learning that there will always be people who are willing to support your vision.  The key is actually having a vision and not just an idea!  Many don’t know the difference between the two!!!

This behavior is especially troubling when I see it displayed by those who consider themselves to be believers of Christ.  Lord knows that the current condition of the economy has people seeking to create multiple streams of income to support themselves and their families but our inability to focus on the will of God for our gifts/talents/ministry is merely tossing our seeds about which never generates a fruitful harvest. 

“A farmer went out to sow his seed. ⁴ As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. ⁵ Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. ⁶ But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. ⁷ Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. ⁸ Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop…” Matthew 13:4-8

I have been asked me why I do so many speaking engagements/gigs for free.  The answer is simple:  I give much because much as been given TO me. My talents, time and energy all serve a purpose greater than me. I dare not do what I do with the mere goal of making money.  I seek to fulfill my God given purpose and in doing so, KNOW and EXPECT that prosperity/wealth WELL BEYOND MONEY will come to me and my family.

If your "grind" has you focused on "making it" or "making money", you need to readjust your focus on PURPOSE.  Your gift will truly make room for you but we must “…seek ye first the Kingdom of God…” Y’all know how it goes!

One day (soon possibly), I'll get paid for all that I do but for now, the bank of my heart is filled with gratitude that God sees fit to use ME at all!  The payoff I receive from knowing that people are blessed by my words and even my presence is greater than the checks that will come!

“For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” Luke 12:48

I AM BEAUTIFUL!!!

I am beautiful.

I am grateful for my beauty and for God allowing me to be who I am...I am not perfect. Physicaly, I'm overweight and my skin is sensitive and dry, and there's more...too much to mention really...

Mentally, I tend to be too emotional, others can see it at times and even I can see it on occasion when I know I've taken something too far...

Spiritually, yeah. There is ALWAYS more that I can give the Lord. Always...It is amazing the revelation u receive when u actually READ ur Bible and EXPECT to hear from the Lord. The most simple things become so profound. If only I'd read more/listen more/see more...of You, Lord.

I am beautiful...

And I know this, generally speaking. Even at the times that I don't feel the part, God has a way of reminding me to play the part. To play MY part...and that my part doesn't include negativity and self-doubt.

I am beautiful...

Physically, my eyes are bright, my smile is wide, my thighs are curvatious and even during the winter, my skin glows *scratches back*...at the times that I don't feel "pretty" or "fly" or "fit", He sends someone along to express their admiration for my smile, eyes, my hair.

Mentally, I am stable. I am bright, charismatic, energetic, lovable, smart, funny (although cheesey at times! I love corny jokes) and always thinking...When mentally I feel a mess, and wonder, "how on EARTH am I supposed to inspire others when I can't move myself to write, workout, etc...?" God sends someone my way that is in need and allows me to give the words to encourage...

Spiritually, I am redeemed. That ALONE is enough to make me beautiful. I am in love with Christ...I am continuously gaining understanding of Christ and His life and His ministry...I have acknowledged my own calling...now to just walk in it. Obedience and wisdom.When I feel like I belong in hell, or oh, I must already be there, God opens the door for me to tell someone about Him! ME!? Lord, You are good and Your mercy endureth forrreeeevvverrrr! Lol

I say all of this to say...

I am beautiful.

If I am made in the likeness of God and He is the Creator of all things, then I am a creator...I am a creator of beauty being that beauty is within me...Thank u lord.You too, are beautiful...today and always. Try to see yourself through the eyes of God...and allow Him to use your beauty to show someone else how beautiful they are.