Mr. Potential

"No matter how attractive a person's potential may be, you have to date their reality." Mandy Hale

We've all done it (I'm probably the queen of it!) Met a guy who
we saw so much potential in and really dug him because he was "going places." You know the kind...comes from a good family, in school and a Christian. What you refuse to see is that he doesn't honor his parents, this is year six in school, and the only time he prays to God is when being stopped for a traffic violation. Seeing the good in someone is a beautiful thing but ONLY acknowledging what he COULD be is a BIG no-no!

Women...especially black women are known for "holding their man down." And I'm all for it (but I'd much rather say, lifting their man up!) There's something about the struggle you go through with your significant other to only come out on the other side better and stronger...together. But don't be dumb. You cannot allow yourself to be the only one struggling (and this doesn't just apply to finances).  If this man has no SET goals and does not have a plan on how to obtain them...RUN!!!!

Women are nurturing individuals but do not be so blinded that you cannot see what's in front of you. Take the situation for what it is. Believe me! I've been there! The excuses flood your brain. "But I don't want to start over." "We've been in this thing for 3 years." "His rap career is about to take off." *sigh* There's a beauty in starting over. Do you want to commit another three years to a stagnant relationship? And girl, please! His rap career is NOT about to take off.
Trust. You will benefit in the end. You deserve so much more!

Just let him know.
"Dear. Mr. Potential,
You can no longer be my partner in this spades game. I always come with a strong hand but you can only offer up those weak possibles.

Signed,
Ms. Reality

Like my girl Ms. Maya said, "The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them."

As always, you are fearfully and wonderfully made! Psalm 139:14

What My Boyfriend Taught Me About My Prayer Life...

It was a regular Sunday night. We had finished eating dinner and we were just chillin' out watching tv. Out of the blue, my boyfriend turned to me and asked, "when do you pray?" Immediately, I got defensive! "You think I don't pray? I told you I pray in general and for you all the time!" He went on to say that he believed I prayed just wanted to know when because he never sees me. And that got me thinking...

I pray. I pray in the shower, while I'm driving, before I close my eyes at night. To be totally honest with myself and others, I pray when it's most convenient for me. That stings to even type that. But I'm being truthful. It is fine to pray at these times because the Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. I'm not saying that I don't carve out time to go before God and meditate, pray and read. I do. When I have my most intimate times with Him I'm alone, cell phone off, away from the world. But it is not as often as it should be. 

Now even though it was hard to hear those words come out of his mouth, it's what I needed. One, because that means I'm not being consistent with my prayer life. We are around each other enough for him to know that from this time to this time, do not call, text, or visit because that is the time she spends meditating, praying, reading and studying. It is imperative that we make time each day to reverence God. Just think what it would be like if He didn't make time for us! 

Two, this conversation reminded me that people are watching. Christians are constantly under a microscope! Is it fair? No! But favor ain't fair either! It comes with the territory. It's not necessarily a bad thing. It keeps you on the up and up. And who knows? By watching your walk with Christ, someone may come to Him. It also made me realize that I wasn't on my job! I couldn't remember the last time I asked for him to pray with me. 

Lastly, if I'm not foolin' man with these fly by night prayers, should I really think God is pleased?! This is the most important one of them all! It is impossible to have a deep, intimate relationship with God if there is no time spent with Him. How do you expect to get to know someone if you don't take the time to get to know them personally. The same applies to God. How can you know His voice or learn how to discern things when you don't spend time with him. 

The worst thing ANY of us could ever hear is God say, "I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers." Matthew 7:23 but we want to hear, "Well done thy good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23. 

How often do you pray and study the Word? What could you do to have a closer relationship with Him? I challenge you to take 30 minutes a day for 30 days to devote to devotion. Join me! I guarantee it will be worth it! 

As always, you are fearfully and wonderfully made! Psalm 139:14