In many, if not most, cases I believe we as humans have no clue what life is about. This leads to my perception of why faith/belief may serve as both relief and/or tremulous fear. Doubt, guilt, optimism, overwhelming sadness, or even unrelenting streaks of good luck, my friend, may influence your mental state and there is no telling where you may fall on the spectrum of “clarity” for the most important question of our entire existence because of these intoxicating emotions. “Why are we here, or why were we created?”
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I believe those who indulge in alcoholism/drug-use without pause are desperately trying to escape their sadness, hurt, and disappointment with the lack of answers and direction from the Almighty God. “If He spoke to people in the bible, then why not speak to me? Why can’t He hear me? Why doesn’t He respond to my prayers? Is He even listening? Is He really there?” These are the questions several brothers and sisters of faith have shared with me which have influenced the feeling of loneliness and abandonment, in terms of their connection to faith.
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In my mind, this has contributed greatly to the trending culture of “Living Your Best Life” or “You Only Live Once” lifestyles. Why think of the future, which you have no control over, if you can simply focus on the present and do what makes you happy? Do you think this thought process plays into why church congregations are declining? Was this the case for you? Some think it’s easier to live a life of no regrets and no consideration of consequences for their actions. There is nothing wrong with happiness on earth, right? We all deserve happiness, right? Anyone who chooses to live along the lines of these principles, I have one question. Do you think obtaining and maintaining the pleasures of this world is our ultimate purpose? Let that marinate for a moment as we continue to explore this topic.
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For me, life is extremely complicated while our individual purpose for existing is succinct and yet profound. The big question from me to you, is whether you’re going to allow your trials aka tests, to define you in a spiral of disarray, or lead you through a path of evolution and selflessness? The average human being fights relentlessly to return to their “old self” when life strikes them with tragedy or trauma. Unfortunately, they lose the fight each time which leads them to living the YOLO lifestyle as described above, due to constant defeat and lack of clarity. “Why can’t I be happy like before the incident(s)? Why do I feel this void?” My dear friend, when life kicks our a**, it’s not designed or expected of us to return to who we were in the past. We are expected to evolve to the next level spiritually, emotionally, and psychologically. Stop fighting backwards and begin moving forward with nothing but faith in your heart that God will lead you to prosperity, wholeness, joy, discernment, peace, and clarity! Don’t focus on the end result or outcome, but rather remain certain that you’re in good hands.
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That my friend, is how you pass the test! Place your focus on God and pray for alignment. Challenge your mindset from pursuing things that make you happy and replace it with thoughts and actions which may be pleasing to Him. Sounds easy, right? Hahaha! No, it’s much easier said than done, but your life can change to be more satisfying from a wholistic perspective that does not require mental stimulus from drugs or alcohol. Instead of running away from your fears and doubt, you will slowly begin to walk toward strength and positivity. You will gradually find yourself filled with optimism which will soon give birth to Hope! Don’t expect to go from 0-100. Don’t expect the process to be linear, as there will be times for a pause, a step to the side, or even a hop over an obstacle. Remember, the focus is on the journey rather than the finish line.
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No none of us know what the finish line looks like or when we will reach it. However, we can control how we get there and our mental, emotional, and psychological state when we make it. Many believe you can manifest the life you want and things will gravitate toward you based on your manifestation. My only caution is to ensure you’re tapping into the true light during your manifestations. I would hate for this earth to become the greatest “heaven” you will experience. There is so much more waiting for us!
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Be patient. Be kind. Be loving. Be resilient. Be courageous. Be bold. Be faithful, to God!
