They say, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." I don't know who "they" are and why "they" are constantly saying something. Not only that, but why do we adopt everything "they" say? Well, this particular quote I did choose to adopt as my life motto. The wonderful thing about making lemonade is that you may start with an ingredient that is sour to taste, but you end up with a thirst-quenching refreshment for others to enjoy with you. Your life journey is not just for you alone, so take your lemons and make a pitcher of lemonade to share!
Have you ever met a miserable person? One who believes that they are the only human being with problems? I call them “emotional vampires” because they tend to zap all of your energy with their negative perspective on life. Unfortunately, sometimes these are people we are assigned to help and other times these are just people we love and want to help. Here is a great practice…ask them a question. For example ask them, “Is your life worse than the homeless man you saw on the train the other day? Do you think he decided to be homeless for a living?” I know it seems a little direct or brass, but sometimes we need to be reminded that not only is there a common thread called “issues” between us all, but that there are definitely others in worse situations than ours. Spend at least one day a week NOT praying for or talking about yourself. Pass the pitcher...Live to love someone else today!
Wonderful! Proud of you!
ReplyDeleteHey step...this is Jeanine Hyman in NC. We use to sing together. Remember u from tge. This is powerful. I'm ashamed bc sometimes I'm this "emotional vampire" as a matter of fact...this was me today all day and I repent. I pray God will help me to be more positive not always focusing on my problems but instead on His grace.
ReplyDeleteHey Sis...Of course, I remember you as well. We all have been the "vampire", but thank God He allows us the opportunity to get it together. You should listen to "Blue God" by Jessica Reedy. I promise you it will bless your life. Check it out on YouTube and then write me back. Love you Sis and thanks for sharing.
DeleteI am so excited about all that God is doing for you my sister and friend for life. When going through, we never think that "this" is making stronger, wiser or better. However, you are proof that not only are you stronger, wiser and better, but a living testament to God's plan for our lives. I am encouraged not to be an "emotional vampire" but a testimony to God's love and faithfulness and divine favor. Yummy is the lemonade:) Love You.
ReplyDeleteI'm still trying to figure out if asking for wisdom is a wise thing...lol. Yummy is the lemonade...love that! I love you too. Thank you for years of support and love.
ReplyDeleteThere is a song by James Fortune called It could be worse.... This song automatically popped into my mind after reading your blog. He said in the song "So you may not have a mansion in a gated neighborhood
ReplyDeleteBut at least you have a roof over your head
You say your body needs a healing, well the healer’s here today....praise now it could be worst"
There is always someone else with a bigger problem than our own. What helps me remember that my problems may not be the worst is listening to my patients day in and day out discussing their different barriers they face as an HIV positive indvidual. Their stories range from substance abuse, domestic violence,sexual abuse, incarceration, housing, etc. This then makes me realize Nita problems are not that bad and praise God it could of been worst.
Funny, I've lived around that negativity all my life. It took a longgggg time for me to get the Ahha! moment. Now, I've come to a point in my life where I address it, dismiss it and pray on the person to see the light. This example hits the point tastefully.
ReplyDeleteSunday, as I prepared my Sunday dinner, I realized there was no other juice in the house except, Orange Juice, Prune Juice; Silk (Coconut and Vanilla), and water. I looked in the pantry and I had two choices to make, Ice Tea or Lemonade...I choose Lemonade.
BlackButterfli