Creating for Change

How’s it going readers? Is the New Year being good to you all so far? Can we all agree that despite our most recent events in Haiti, God is still being good to us so far? If not, you may want to take another look around. Check out all of the ways he’s working through all of us to help our neighbors in this tough time! Along with the lives that have left this earth, think about all of the lives he’s spared! Check out how he’s created a deep love for others we don’t even know in the hearts of practically ALL of us… for a people who have been hit with a LITERALLY earth shattering experience! Take a second look at what’s going on and you’ll see that despite all of the changes, God remains good through it all.

In recent conversation with the people I encounter on a regular basis (coworkers, family members, friends, etc.), I’ve come to realize that in a world that seems to live by the “every man for themselves” policy, a change has been made. Now I don’t know if this is a permanent change for people of the world. Only the future and time can reveal that. But what I do know is that this worldwide expression of love for our neighbors in Haiti is a change I welcome with open arms, as I’m sure we all do. And as people of God, it is our duty to be the primary example of how we ought to love our neighbors. When the world forgets about the Haitians, it will be on us to continue with the change. It will be on us to continue doing what we can to improve the circumstances of those living in Haiti, and in other underprivileged or disadvantages regions that need our help. It will be on us because this is what we were made to do. We were CREATED to be the CHANGE! Even if it didn’t start with just us, it will continue through us, amen?

Matthew 5:13-14 states the following about us as people of God:

“13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”

In reading this, my interpretation is simple. When it comes to a situation such as that in Haiti, it is our responsibility to keep the candle of kindheartedness lit. A change was created by God through the bit of him that lives in each and every one of us. All of the love shown to our brethren in Haiti was but a small sample of the salt and light he wants us to continuously spread throughout the world as his children. He created us to make things different. He wants to use us to make things better. And we all have the ability to do just that. Some of us are barely making ends meet in this recession. We’re asking ourselves, “How can I help? I have these credit cards already maxed out!” Or “I’m barely paying my rent and car insurance fees.” Whatever the situation, we’re giving, but it hurts. I recently attended a concert where as attendees, many of us were asked to “give until it hurts,” for the sake of the people of Haiti. And although I do agree we need to give SOMETHING, God has equipped us with the ability to give in ways that are not all painful. Sometimes it’s about knowing what to pray for and asking God to help us think outside the box. Sometimes it starts with him creating a change in our way of thinking. Once that happens, there can also be a change in our way of giving. As a result, there will be an increase in our ability and ways to give. There will be an increase in our ability to follow through with God’s plan for a change. As people of God, this has been told to us specifically through his word.

Romans 12:2 gives us the following instructions:

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

We’re told right there in black and white, or in the case of my blog, white and black… that change will take place in us, and in turn the world, once we start to think outside of the secular box! Now is that some God-sent advice right there or what? I just thank God because I see some of us are doing this already. Those of us who minister through music are collaborating to throw benefit concerts. Those of us who attend churches are coming together for food and clothing drives. And lastly, I thank God for an idea he gave me, which is to create and sell works of art as a way to earn money, which will provide me with more to give to the Haitians.

Now the first two ideas may sound a bit more familiar to you all than the last one. But that just goes to show you how innovative we as people of God can be in making changes in the world by expanding first in our way of thinking. For years, I’ve had a love of music, literature… art, and wondered “HOW can God use ALL of these things as ministry?” And as a result of seeking God for the answers, he has slowly but surely revealed them . If he can do that for me, he can definitely do that for you. Maybe you have a marketable talent that can help you raise money for people in need. Maybe you have a way with words or a unique voice that reaches people beyond even your own expectations. Maybe you don’t even know what you have… but trust and believe you have SOMETHING! You could not be “salt” or “a light” if you had nothing. For anyone reading this who is thinking, “I don’t have anything to give,” or “I don’t have enough to give,” seek God for a way where there seems to be none. That’s what I did, and I can testify that you’ll be presently surprised. Also know that I’m praying for you as I pray for the Haitians. I’m praying in faith that better days are in store for the people in Haiti and that he will use ALL of us to bring those better days into existence [Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:28].

This is my word for today. I pray it has blessed all of your hearts. As you meditate upon this word, feel free to take a look at the way in which God has shown me I can be of help to those in need. I have started a one woman project called, “Creating For Change (where there’s an art to making a difference).” Along with being blessed with the ability to write, God has given me the ability to capture images through various forms of aesthetically creative media. In other words, I’m a bit of an artist. If you like what you see in the link below, feel free to contact me regarding my services. I am able to create personalized portraits for sale, out of which a percentage will be given to those who need our help the most. At this time, that would be the people of Haiti. Thank you all for taking the time out to read my thoughts and in advance for reviewing my artwork. Allowing others to see our capabilities is more than a form of promotion or glorification. It’s a form of testimony. I pray mine has been of encouragement to all of you. God bless & much success….

KLC
My Artwork

Copyright ©2010 Keisha L. Clarke

Keeping God HOOKED!

“Rap is just the bait Christ aligned. This is the hook!” – J Skywalker!

I know you’re probably looking at the quote above and wondering, “Where is she going with THIS ONE?” Well, don’t worry because I’m about to tell you. But first I’d like to ask a question. When you read the first sentence of this post, what does it mean to you? And don’t answer that immediately either. Let the words really sink in before you respond. Now that you have your answer, let’s read the line again.

“Rap is just the bait Christ aligned. This is the hook!” – J Skywalker!

I really love that line because when I allow myself to meditate on its content; my interpretation is that as a form of ministry… Christian Rap or “Hip Hop” is simply a means in God delivering a message. In turn, his messages… his lessons and instructions, are the hook. In other words, what he has to offer through ministry and through his word is what’s going to keep us. And if you don’t believe me, take a look at the word. Genesis 28:15 reads as follows:

“And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.”

A friend recently said to me, “Keisha, you LOVE rap!” I said to this person, “I love music…” and they said, “No, you love RAP!” But you know what? I thought about it a little longer and it’s not that I love music OR rap! It’s that I love MINISTRY! Granted, I have a deep appreciation for all things lyrical and artistic, among which you will find music, and in turn… rap. But all of that is just the bait. God’s word, delivered through these mediums as forms of ministry, is what has me HOOKED! And isn’t it a blessing to know we have a savior who doesn’t just plan to reel us in without providing something that will keep us or help us consistently in our spiritual walk?

How often do we find something or someone appealing based on our initial impression? But once we’ve taken a bite at any bait; we wonder what happened to the hook? Is everyone still following me? Just in case anyone is lost, I’ll break it all down. Sometimes a job sounds good. Maybe you’re offered great benefits, a great salary, and so on and so forth. But then you find out things were implied in a way that was misleading. You’re told you receive salary with commission, but not how many customers your store DOESN’T pull in regularly! Maybe you interviewed for a security position that sounds guaranteed… but you have to pay for certification or training before you can even start! Or maybe you go out with someone a few times and in the beginning this person is sooo SMOOTHE! But the more you get to know each other, the more that smoothness starts to slip away. Maybe he used to buy you flowers just because, or she’d cook your favorite meal when you least expected it. Then one day it all stopped and you’re thinking, “Great! I went for the bait, but nothing’s keeping me hooked!”

With all of that said, how many of us can say that in our relationship with Christ, we’re working to keep him hooked? Are we doing the things we did when we first fell for Christ? Or do we get comfortable and start slacking? I think we’re ALL guilty of the latter at some point or another in our lives. Year after year, we set these resolutions to do this or do that. Maybe we want to lose weight or save more money. But how about saying, “This year I’m going to pay my tithes the way I did when I first got saved?” Or, “I’m going to give through ministry the way I did when I first got saved?” For me it might be, “I’m going to write blog posts consistently the way I did when I first started blogging,” or “I’m going to fast the way I used to when I first started fasting…” It doesn’t matter what day of the week, month, or year it is! It’s important to say to ourselves, “I want to keep my master hooked through my service.” Even if you’ve been slacking, you can rekindle that spiritual romance. If we can do it in the flesh, we can do it in the spirit, amen? AMEN!

The enemy may be saying, “You’re a joke! You always say you’re going to treat God better. You always say you’re going to get on track and do things the way you did in the beginning, but look at you!” Maybe he’ll say “The honeymoon phase is over and you’re not going to get it back!” But we can’t let the enemy discourage us! If we can even TRY to lose weight, save money, whatever it is we aim to do for OURSELVES, how much more can we do for the one who does so much for all of us? With this in mind, I’m writing with the hope that today or tonight, depending on when this is being read, we can all make a new US resolution. My hope is that we all can aim to do the things we did in the beginning our spiritual journey (and more) in order to consistently nurture our salvation. In other words, I’d like us all to make a commitment to keeping God HOOKED! This is my post for today and I pray it is a word for at least one person reading. God bless and Happy New US!

Your sis in Christ for life,

KLC

Copyright ©2010 Keisha L. Clarke

Holiday Wishes From Me to You

Unfortunately, the artist I usually post artwork from has less sites containing his work. But what the enemy has forgotten is that God has given us talents along with the life of his only son. As a result, I’m able to add illustration to this post with a self-portrait while expressing the fact that this is a personal Christmas greeting from my heart to yours.This is just my way of wishing you all well for the holidays. I hope it’s a blessing to you all as we celebrate the birth of Christ. The following poem was not written by me, but it has definitely captured & expressed my heartfelf wishes for all of you along with the true meaning of Christmas (poem below):

May you find this Christmas inner peace
Equal to the patient love you give,
Releasing all the pain you can release,
Renewing all the grace with which you live.
Yearnings may you turn to rhapsodies,
Choosing to find happiness in beauty,
Holding in their haunting melodies
Riches that sustain your sense of duty.
In anger may you find an evening star
Showing you the way to Bethlehem.
The angels that watch naked from afar
May you hear sing of who would none condemn.
As all you love are blessed in having you
So may you feel the joy in all you do.

Copyright by
Nicholas Gordon

Merry Christmas & God Bless!!!
Love Always,
KLC

Copyright ©2009 Keisha L. Clarke

Renaissance Warrior

Some say I’m a singer,
But they haven’t checked my roots.
I’m simply a vessel,
Who sings written truths.
With Solomon’s soul on my family tree,
I shake loose the noose
And metaphors run free.
Singing of my bridegroom
in Shakespearian speech,
My biblical forefathers
Were the ones to teach.

Some say I’m an artist,
But of myself, I’m just me.
A cocoon or a shell,
Filled continuously
With the beauty found in death
Of the flesh, that’s me.
No color, no canvas, no exhibit.
Just me.

Some say I’m a writer
But they don’t understand
Every talent’s God-given
Each creation, his plan.
Every dot, every “I”
Every “X,” every “Y”
Can only be written
Once I give myself to die.
I die to my sins,
To live with my King…
How am I the writer
When He’s everything?

No matter what you call me,
He’s the beginning and the end.
I’m simply a soldier
Who refuses to bend.

Some call me a poet,
But look deeper and you’ll see.
The truth is I’m simply
What he’s called me to be.
A servant, a symbol,
Humbly bowing,
That’s me.
A renaissance warrior,
Redefined and free!

© 2000-2009 GS Poetry. All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2009 Keisha L. Clarke

“I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.” [Songs of solomon 1:5]

It’s so amazing to me how God will minister to some of us through our own talents. Trust me when I say there are days when I don’t believe what I’ve just written. But God is so good. He had me write what he wanted me to know about and for myself. I don’t know who else this is for, but be encouraged. God is continuing to do a great work in you. As you give your lives, the fruits of your labor will abound in your beauty [2 Corinthians 9:7-9]. Continue to serve faithfully as he completes the good work he has started in you [Philippians 1:6]. Know that if he has started something in you, he will most certainly complete it. As we grow to become deeper reflections of our maker (and in turn, our biblical forefathers) we then grow to become more comely in his site. Know that in your great beauty, you all glow before me in prayer and in site. Sometimes we reflect and see the flaws no one else sees. We ask, “if God sees this too, how does he still love me?” But rather than have these questions bring us down, allow them to bring you to a place of humility. And as you bow humbly, receive the fact that he also sees beyond what you see. He sees what you’re becoming as he completes what he’s started. Let no one tell you that you’re anything less than beautiful in the eyes of our creator. This is today’s word, written with love by your sis in Christ…

KLC

Copyright ©2009 Keisha L. Clarke

Correction (November ‘09 Freestyle)

What’s going on folks? Hope you all enjoyed this past week’s holiday festivities and FEASTivities (yes I know that’s not a real word). On another note, for those who don’t already know, when I post a youtube link, please click on the “play” icon and listen as you read. You may have also noticed I sometimes use secular instrumentals. Real talk, I love all genres and I often find influence in positive/storytelling songs released by artists within those genres. As for this particular song, it’s just FIYAH! The message, the concept, and the video, are all simply GENIUS! So I’m using it with this post for that reason, and that reason alone. A few changes have been made since this piece received it’s first set of comments, but God willing, you’ll all feel it just the same. Hope you enjoy the ear candy along with the poem. Stay blessed.

The world regards me as a writer,
I’m a minister who writes.
At times I call myself a fighter,
I’m a warrior who fights!
Only my maker knows my plights,
He gives me sight
Beyond my sight,
When concrete bound,
He is my flight,
When trapped in darkness,
He’s my light.
In his perfections,
My correction.
When a hostage,
He’s my knight.
Self-appointed judges
May demote me with their grudges,
But I’ve found endless provision
Through the holy judge of judges.
When I fall, has Satan won?
Awe hecky naw,
Be easy son!
Truth is the battle’s just begun.
I conquer trials and tribulations,
Til a crown of life I’ve won.
Until united with the SON!
So you ask if I’m a writer,
I’m a minister who writes.
You wanna call ya girl a fighter?
I’m a warrior who fights.
Fighting through imperfections,
Thanking Jesus for correction.
Ending my new description
With a one word benediction.
Peace!

© 2000-2009 GS Poetry. All rights reserved.
Copyright ©2009 Keisha L. Clarke

When the Honeymoon Phase Fades to Black

Happy November everybody! I trust that this month has been a blessed month for all of you thus far. As for me, it’s definitely been a beautiful one. It’s a month filled with new adventures, new steps taken within my ventures, and multiple messages from my maker. But the message he’s brought to me for this month’s blog post is regarding the oh so infamous “Honeymoon Phase” or season many of us experience in different ways. When we hear this phrase, we often think about the point in relationships when the blissful days turn into something unfamiliar. We think of the point when reality hits that “OMG! I didn’t realize this about you before!” or “I didn’t feel this way before, what’s wrong with me? He’s/ she’s perfect, but something’s nagging at me…” And we ask ourselves if this is something/someone we can see being a permanent component in our lives. But what’s also true is the honeymoon phase is not only a season that comes and goes in male-female or same sex relationships. And please note that the words “same sex relationships” was NOT a typo. The truth is we’re not all living the way we were created to live as companions, but to stay on topic, I most definitely digress. Getting back onto the honeymoon phase, we experience this in our careers, in our friendships, and even in our spiritual walk. And so this will be the topic of discussion for this month’s post.

How many of us have been in relationships that seem so perfect in the beginning? Sometimes the beginning may last a month, 2 months, 4 months, and so forth. But you better believe at some point the beginning has its end. You find out things about this person that were either deliberately left unsaid, left to assume, or left to come out as time progressed. Then when these things are revealed, you think to yourself, “If I’d known this in the beginning, I would’ve been ghost! But I’m already attached so now we have to deal. I need to reevaluate and settle on an approach. Do we stay and work this out, or do we part ways, which will be a process.” Or it may be your mate who’s thinking these things about you! Yes I just said that because the fact is, not everyone reading this is the perfect one in the relationship. As the writer, I will honestly say I’ve been in situations where I’m the one with the delayed baggage being unloaded. The reality is that there IS no perfect one in the relationship. However, through Christ and through commitment, we’re able to build a love that makes us perfect for one another as we complement each other in our lives. As we bring each other balance and so many other things God knows we need, and therefore provides in the form of our companionship.

Now onto another type of honeymoon phase we experience. How many of us have felt we were called to pursue a specific career or be a part of a specific ministry as it appeared to be in line with the many talents and passions God had placed within us? Maybe you felt called to work with children, but never realized there would be sacrifices & contributions you’re called to make for their benefit. You may be asked to make monetary contributions and think, “Nobody told me I’d have to pay for meals when I was hired/ appointed!” or “I’m supposed to be reimbursed but they’re taking FOREVER to pay me back. I need my money!” And YES I just said that! Some may find that mindset selfish, and some may find it understandable being that we all have bills and expenses. And we often get paid less than we may need to survive for working in fields that are more of a work of “heart” than a work of art. Maybe you never realized you may have incidents where you could’ve handled things in a more efficient way. Maybe something happens to upset a parent, an incident causes endangerment to a child, or you just experience levels of stress you never expected you’d have to face. Then you ask yourself, “is this really where I belong? Is this really where I wanna be? Was that initial bliss and feeling of belonging all just a part of a honeymoon phase in my career or ministry?” If you’ve ever felt like this, please know you’re not alone. Speaking personally, I will admit I’ve been there to the point that I experienced a feeling of utter displacement and what could have become depression if I weren’t so firmly rooted in my walk. Sometimes we have to take a step back and reassess the situation. We have to seek God in what’s really good as our season in whatever place may be over. As the honeymoon phase fades to black, God may just be telling us, “this was for a season and now it’s time for me to show you what’s next.”

And for my final thoughts on the honeymoon phase, I’ll get to that blissful phase of Christianity. I’m talking about that point when this whole thing is new to you and you expect everything to be all good once you turn your life over to Christ. Then you make that big move and discover there are even more challenges than you felt you had as an unsaved person. You may fall in ways you never even fell when you were unsaved! The enemy asks you questions to raise doubt and have you question your ability to serve God fully. He asks “Can you really hang through all of this? If you lose your wife/husband, your job, your family members, your home, your freedom (imprisonment)… if you start failing all of your classes, if you feel forced to drop out of school, can you hang?” or “if you fall and I give you a premature pregnancy, an std, a mate who was sweet in the beginning, but turns out to be verbally/physically/financially abusive, are you still gonna trust that God is leading you to a life that’s all good?” These are real situations many of us go through, even those of us who are in the CHURCH! But we don’t talk about it. Sometimes we can’t talk to anyone BUT God, and that’s actually what makes it so evident that we need him! Through the growing pains that come after the honeymoon phase, we’re brought to deeper levels in our relationship with Christ, but only so long as we stick it out through this walk we were called & chosen to take[Matthew 22:14; Romans 8:28]. Only as long as we don’t give up. And often in relationships, careers, and areas of ministry, that’s also the case.

But you know what’s SOOO beautiful about our God? For him there is no honeymoon phase! And for Jesus, he turned away from that phase the moment he chose to live and die as a sacrifice. He knows our pain, our weaknesses, and our hearts. He knows we’re all far from perfect, and still he loves us. He loves us as if the honeymoon phase were permanent in his relationship with us! For whoever’s going through a feeling of displacement, guilt, or loss in an end to any kind of honeymoon phase, know that God is still with you. He allows certain things in his permissive will, but trust that through him, your latter will be greater [Haggai 2:9]. Allow him to speak to you on what to do next. Or if he doesn’t speak, maybe he’ll show you something; a door, an opportunity, a chance at hope where it seems there is none. But be still and be faithful. Through your patience you’ll be delivered. Trust this to be true as I can say I’ve experienced it in all aspects. I’ve experienced it in relationships, in career paths and ministries, and of course in my spiritual walk. And I have to say that God hasn’t failed me yet, and he hasn’t failed you either. We only fail ourselves, and even then he’s still there. Reach out and be still as we pray for one another. I trust God’s love is something we all have on our list of things to give thanks for on the upcoming holiday, and on everyday at that. I hope this is of encouragement to someone out there as it has been laid upon my heart. Happy Thanksgiving in advance. Your sis in Christ for life…

KLC

Copyright ©2009 Keisha L. Clarke

More to Me Than Meets the Eye

Hey y’all! If anyone’s down for talking about something other than Whitney, Kanye, or “Good Hair,” can I get a “WORD!?!” If you’re all hungry for the word and saying your prayers, how about a “NO DOUBT!?!” And lastly, if you know there’s more to our God than meets the physical eye, lemme get an “AMEN!!!”

Now that we’ve gotten that out of our systems, let’s get into the topic at hand. But just before we do, I’d like to touch on my previous post. I’m sure those of you who’ve read it may have left with a variety of thoughts. Some may have been thinking “There are parts I don’t understand, but this is really pretty.” Others may have been thinking, “Okay it’s a wrap! This lady is in LOVE!” Then there was at least one person who got the total purpose of it and said, “I needed this.” And just as there’s more to you and I than meets the eye, there was more to my reason for posting that piece than some may think. It was symbolic of my love for someone special, and of the fact that there’s more to me in my writing than scriptural encouragements. There’s the side of me that’s a woman, a human being, and a giver and receiver of love. And just as there are many sides to us as human beings, there’s more to the love God plans to give to and through us than meets even our own eyes. While expanding on and explaining how that love is personal for me, I’m sure at least one of you will be ministered to concerning your own relationship with Christ and his ability to love through you.

If any of you are artists or writers, I’m sure you will agree that our thoughts and feeling are often abstract. Our views can be very complex or “outside the box,” to the extreme that we may be misinterpreted. Many times we feel misunderstood, and in certain cases, some of us may even be labeled crazy! In my post entitled “The Moses Experience,” I spoke on two biblical figures whom God used in a way that may have seemed crazy. And in “Us,” I wrote of a love that may have only been partially understood, just as those used by God in the bible may not have been completely understood. So in this post, I’ll break things down in a way that can be better understood. As some of you know, I recently celebrated my 29th birthday. But what you may not know, or may have forgotten, is what I wrote about around this time last year. I wrote about something many folks in my age group struggle with. And that is a lack of faith that God will someday provide a companion especially designed for each of us; that he has our best interest at heart. In the meantime, he’s allowing us to grow… with occasional growing pains, while we become the best as his servants. And through this process, we’re also growing into the man or woman of God created to be a companion for someone special.

Many days, firmly believing the above statements are true can be a task to say the least. For many of us, we’ve been through so much! We’ve lost count of the amount of times we’ve been hurt or we’ve hurt others. We start to give up and often believe we’re damaged goods. But trust me when I say God has a LOT of love to give to and THROUGH you in the form of heterospiritual companionship. Yes that’s right. Another made up word presented as God speaks into my heart. And as usual, I’m going to follow my statements with a personal testimony.

Some of you are aware, whether through direct conversation or general observation, that I’ve been getting to know someone pretty special; someone who shares many of my interests and passions, as well as my love for God. And in becoming better acquainted, we’ve grown to care about one another a great deal. God has enabled us to develop a deep friendship with a love so great, it’s often difficult to label. And in turn, it’s often been misunderstood by others. Friends have questions like, “So are you guys official yet?” or have jokingly asked, “Are y’all still frontin’ like you’re not in love?” But you know what? Just as we have more to learn about God and his purpose for our individual lives… we have more to learn about one another and his total purpose for what we’ve established in our friendship. And as we learn and grow together, one thing God has revealed to me is that we’re not damaged goods.

There have been points in my life when I thought as a woman, I’d become irrevocably tainted and bruised by a world of mixed messages and a history of unhealthy relationships. So much so that it would be impossible for me to love the way God intended me to love. I often believed that I had become damaged goods. But through a new friendship, I’ve been reminded and reassured that God has so much he wants to give to and through me within a special kind of love. I’ve been told by my father that I’m the good thing he created me to be, and that restores my faith that in his time, I will be found by the man he’s been preparing for me [Prov 18:22]. And I want to say to you and to whoever that man may be, you are not damaged goods either! Many of us trust God to “create” in us “a clean heart”, and “renew a right spirit” within us [Psalms 51:10]. Even when we have wavering faith, our word reassures us that our requests for renewal will be granted. And in reading this, I see a whole new meaning. Cleansing of the heart means more than ridding us of guilt and sinful desires for our own sakes. It also means healing of the cuts and bruises we’ve received through growing pains. In other words, through Christ, our hearts can always be restored and repaired.

The sinful nature we’ve adapted through unhealthy relationships and encounters can be washed away. Whether it be rape, molestation, physical, verbal, or emotional abuse… being cheated on, having or ending strained relationships; God has the ability to heal and cleanse our hearts. But more than that, he has so much love to give through our healed or cleansed hearts! And I can say this because I’m a living testimony as I type. Not only am I a living testimony, but “Us” was a testimony for me, inspired by a love I can only thank God for. Trust God and seek him in providing a love just as great, if not greater for all of us as we seek him in being better servants. In his word this was his instruction for all of us. “Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.” [Eph 5:33]. He doesn’t just say some of us, but all of us; “every one” of us who desire that kind of companionship. And my testimony is only confirmation that he has a desire to love EACH and EVERY one of us through healthy, loving relationships. There were days when I thought it was too late for me. But as you can see, it’s not too late for me, and it’s not too late for any of you. I don’t care if you’re 30, 40, 50… whatever! God has more to do through you and your heart. Love in faith as you live in faith and just see what God does. This is my word for today as I pray it’s been a blessing to someone out there. Now if you believe there’s more to you and your heart than meets even your own eyes, let me get a final “AMEN!” Love you ALL, your sis in Christ for life…

KLC

Copyright ©2009 Keisha L. Clarkes

Us

My love overflows and spills onto this page,
seeping from my pen…
until you bandage me with kisses.

This distance leaves me leaking,
dripping metaphors unheard and syllables unspoken
until you bandage me with kisses.

Ointment in your love notes;
your phonecalls numb the pain.
They’ll have to do for now,
until you bandage me with kisses.

I bleed on canvas and capture your beauty
in countless shades of bright;
love’s scale depicts all hues; koleidescopes of light
and morphs into your child,
then morphs into your smile,
so you can bandage me with kisses.

This is…
this is…

This is water for our seeds,
soil for our new earth.
This is life…
within our kisses.

This is shade on a private beach;
hope when there’s no belief.
This is faith that’s beyond our kisses.

This is fate and we can’t escape it,
no matter how hard we try.
So afraid but we can’t deny.
This is more than hugs and kisses.

This is love…
This is us.

And if you still don’t get it,
I love you.
So… much.

Copyright ©2009 Keisha L. Clarke
© 2000-2009 GS Poetry. All rights reserved

- Until we become one, dedicated to the man I trust God has for me to love, and who will love me in return.

“22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.”
~ Eph 5:22-33, KJV

Copyright ©2009 Keisha L. Clarke

The Moses Experience

“EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE A MOSES EXPERIENCE. GO UP INTO THE MOUNTAINS WITH NO RADIO OR TELEVISION FOR AT LEAST A WEEK, AND ASK GOD TO SHOW YOU HIS GLORY, AND SPEAK TO YOUR HEART, AND MAKE CLEAR HIS PURPOSE AND WILL FOR YOUR LIFE. OMG…!!!!” -Julian Scott Varner

What’s good people? Hopefully a lot! As you can probably tell from the quote above, I’m gonna talk about the “Moses experience” and how important it is for us to have those intimate moments with God. For some of us, we spend years trying to figure out what our purpose is. We have our own passions and interests, we have people who envision us doing this or that, and then we have GOD’s will for our lives. Some of us have been told we look like teachers, doctors/nurses, athletes, etc. And many of us have our personal interests, goals, or desires. Some wish to become artists, actors/actresses, models, entertainers, and the list goes on. Then there’s the universal need to feel we know our God-given purpose. Many of us spend so much time out of our lives wondering what our individual purpose or calling might be; to the point that we seek God constantly for the answer. And as much as many of us need alone time just to relax, maybe watch a little tv or skim through a magazine, we need one on one time with God even more. I myself can say that I spend a lot of alone time reflecting, thinking… and just being still so that God can reveal to me what moves to make and not make in accordance to his will for my life. And recently, I’ve been spending a great deal of alone time reflecting and just talking to God. To the point that some have probably taken my distance personally or wondered what’s going on with me. But no worries folks! I’ve been going through my Moses experience, and I’m still going through it. I’m not literally cutting off the radio and television for weeks at a time, or ignoring phone calls from everyone while focusing on this experience. But I have been taking more time to get into the word in a way that’s personal for me and God’s plans for my life. For those who have reached out to me in an attempt to discuss the word collectively, you have my apologies for any unexplained distance. Truth be told, I was still figuring out the reasons myself. At times I was actually unavailable, which is when my exclusion was explained. But I know there were many days when it wasn’t. Some might think it’s the devil causing me to go into introvert mode, or it’s me just making excuses and closing myself off because I’m going through things. At times I do keep to myself while coping with personal issues. But please realize that some people function this way. We can’t all fake it til we make it or put on a happy face and join the party. Sometimes we have to have our personal time with God. And in the meantime we may ask for prayer from those we believe are a source of spiritual support.

For those I’ve reached out to for prayer, consolation, or input, please know that it’s an indication that I hold you in high esteem as members of my spiritual family. Over time, who I’ve approached for what, and how many I approach has changed to the point that some may be perplexed by the changes… or unsure of how to approach me in return. And to those who’ve come to feel this way, or have always felt this way, I do apologize. I’m far from “normal” according to common standards, and may not always express things in the ways you’re accustomed to, but know you all mean a lot to me for different reasons. And for those who’ve reached out to me, whether it be for an empathetic ear, a few words of wisdom, or for prayer as well… I hope God has guided and continues to guide me in being what you need. But in the times when man alone has no way of supplying our needs, I pray you’re able to have your own Moses experience. In the moments when God has a great calling he needs to speak to us about, I pray we all take the time to listen. Lately, that’s what I’ve been trying to do on so many levels. And when you do, you’ll understand why it’s so important to have at least one Moses experience in your lifetime. We never know when we’re gonna be called to the mountaintop, and consequently won’t always know how to relay what is happening to our loved ones… but go in faith that the end will always justify the means. And when I think about all of this, I also think about Noah…

Before there was Moses, there was Noah. He too was called to do something great. But unlike Moses, Noah was busy building during the time when God called him away from his people. And as he responded to God’s call, how do you think he felt? Just imagine living in the Middle East, which was nowhere near the coast, when suddenly God tells you to build a boat when you’re surrounded by land! I don’t know about you, but if I were in Noah’s shoes, I’d be a little confused. To top it all off, he’s prophesying about a flood! The people around him had to be thinking he was crazy!

Sometimes God has us going through things with a purpose that isn’t clear, and those around us just don’t get it. And we can’t even explain it because we’re still learning things ourselves! But according to the word, our God states that “as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” [Isaiah 55:9]. This means we won’t always understand the reason for certain circumstances in our lives right away. Sometimes we never understand, but those who come after us will see the fruits of our labor. And in those cases, it’s difficult to explain things to others. But stand firm as you surrender to your calling. Trust that all things will work together for good in the end [Romans 8:28]. For me personally, I’m seeing this happen through the messages God lays upon my heart, and in how it touches many of you as readers. And if this can be the case for me, it most certainly can be the case for you. Stand firm in your experiences and just watch and see what God does through you. This is my word for today. Stay tuned, stay faithful, & stay blessed…

KLC

Copyright ©2009 Keisha L. Clarke

The Age of Purpose

Morning, afternoon, or evening readers! Did you miss me? Well even if you didn’t, I missed all of you! And as many of you know, it’s been about 2 weeks since my last post. This means I’ve had a lot of time to sit and let God do what he does with my thoughts. And as he’s been working, he’s inspired me to write something for my spiritual peers (as opposed to literal/physical peers). I say this because my thoughts have been on the fact that I’m nearly 30 (next year…can’t believe it), and am NOW seeing passions and talents I’ve had since childhood being developed or put to use. I’m now seeing how they possibly fall in line with my purpose. And when I say these things are being developed, I don’t mean through classes, workshops, or any other form of training. I simply mean through self-discipline, decisions and blueprints for my goals, not to mention God having me encounter a few individuals who share the same passions. And in conversation with a dear friend, who ironically happens to be my beautician and employer, I was reminded that walking into your purpose at this age is actually nothing to feel strange about. I’m not saying I feel strange. I actually feel very much at peace and quite frankly, humbled. I’ve come to realize that the years approaching and recently going beyond 30 are the years when many of us just start to find ourselves completely. This may seem like something new, but it really isn’t. My friend Nellie reminded me that even Jesus himself was said to be 30 years old when he fully walked into his purpose, as it was revealed to him by the Lord [Luke 3:22-23]. Now how crazy is that?

I know many of us are going through a lot in our careers lately. So much so, that I’ve been led to write on this particular subject several times. Some of us are being laid off. Others are resigning. And then there is the population who dreads going to work everyday, but feels they have to stick things out where they are. We say to ourselves, “I have to pay the bills,” “I won’t be able to find anything else during this recession,” and lastly, “well I do have to thank God I even have a job.” If any of you feel you fit into at least one of these categories, this message is for you. Many of us have even attempted to pursue careers in fields we felt certain were in line with our calling. Yet somewhere down the line, we realized “this really isn’t for me,” “this isn’t where I belong,” or “this was only for a season.” So then we’re left with the number 1 question, “now what Lord? I’m lost!” At this moment, we have a hard time seeing a blessing within our circumstance. Yet in being lost, we’re led to seek God on a whole new level, which is a blessing like no other. We’re led to allow him to lead us through what comes naturally along with what we’ve probably always had a desire to do, but been apprehensive about pursuing. I’m going to share a story with all of you about my own struggle. Now if you ever grow tired of hearing my testimonies, all you have to do is stop reading my posts. However, if you feel a testimony is just what Dr. Jesus prescribed, or you simply enjoy learning more about me, you’ve come to the right place.

As a child, my parents could always entertain me with any of the following:
1) A pen/pencil and paper (crayons/ markers optional).
2) TV shows and movies
3) Audio cassettes or the radio (to all of my young readers, yes this was before CD’s & MP3’s).

Number one was great because I loved to draw, and often made up stories that I sometimes accompanied with illustrations. The next one was great because I loved to be entertained and visual forms of entertainment kept me engaged. And lastly, music was great because to me, it always told a story and painted a picture as well. Oftentimes, it painted a picture with words I could relate to, but was unable to put together on my own. Eventually, I realized I could actually hold a note, and grew to enjoy singing in small groups or choirs. And with all of these things to help me pass the time, there was a part of me that always dreamed of sharing different sides to my personality and telling my own stories in different ways. I saw fashion as one way being that I was an artistic child. Through fashion illustrations, I could create designs I may not have had the courage, confidence, or freedom to wear. And eventually, I realized art was even an escape for me. If I had problems I didn’t want to think about, I could focus all of my energy on my art. This worked wonders for me when I was in college (a time when I went through more than I ever knew I would). Then there was writing, which also became useful in my college years. Although I never imagined it would be something I’d later have a passion or special talent in, it was something I loved to do even as a child. It was my way of creating a story I sometimes wished was my own. I often wrote about twins because a part of me wished I had a friend who would never leave and who truly understood me. Eventually writing became more than a way for me to dream. It became my outlet and in a sense, God’s way of being that friend. Through writing, he allowed me to cope and to reflect. He allowed me find a freedom I’d never known before. Through writing, I was able to vent when no one was available to be my ear. I could speak freely without judgment or questions. I could pray and I could write, with the assurance that either way, God was listening and that he understood. And lastly, there was music.

Music provided anthems or soundtracks to my situations when I was lost for words. And as odd as it may sound, at times it gave me the same consolation I received from reading. I loved and still enjoy reading biographies because you learn how similar people are to you, and that you’re not alone. In music, I often learned the same. I would hear songs that spoke of my situations or similar emotions, and I’d either be encouraged of comforted… occasionally both. And then there’s the kind of music that gives you hope when you’re down. The kind that tells you “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” (Bob Marley), or that your name is “Victory” (Jonathan Nelson); Songs that remind you that you can trust in God, even when it’s not easy (James Fortune), and the list goes on and on. I’d listen to songs like these thinking, “I wanna make people feel the way this makes me feel, but I don’t know how I’m gonna do it. I mean… I love to draw, I love to write, I love to sing… but I’m not good enough to use THOSE things to make a difference.” I was even prophesied to as a child about God’s plan to have me “sew seeds,” yet I thought, “no way! If he means I’ll be teaching, nobody’s gonna listen to what I have to say! I look like a kid, and I’m quiet. And if he means through my art or writing… I can’t even think about that, scratch that!” This was my thought process. Yet years later, I did find myself teaching. And today, I find myself writing and doing so many other things. Only God knows where my new pastimes will take me, but I’m enjoying the ride while finding out. And to anyone out there who’s afraid your passions are in areas God can’t use you in, you’re WRONG!

The word of God tells us, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” [1 John 4:4]. Our father tells us that He is our light and our strength, and that with him on our side, we have no one and nothing to fear, not even failure [Psalms 27:1]. He instructs us to wait on him and to be courageous. While doing so, he promises to give us all the strength and guidance we need [Psalms 27:14]. I see these promises revealed as I seek God in my walk, and so will you. All you have to do is trust God as you allow him to fulfill his will while granting you the desires of your heart [Psalms 37:4; Proverbs 13:12; Proverbs 3:5]. So many scriptures speak to us of a promise concerning our desires if we simply trust God. And so, I encourage all of you who need this message, to stand firm in your faith and know that God is doing a new thing in your life as you read. My prayers are with you as I type it into existence. I pray and type in faith that as you submit your lives and your hearts to God, he will work wonders through your gifts. God bless as always, and keep me in your prayers as well. If you’ve already been doing so, you have my gratitude along with my love. Until the next post…

KLC

Copyright ©2009 Keisha L. Clarke