So this week, I’ve probably read the most depressing xanga entries….coming from all of my friends. I read them all….and I just thought “Oh man….what’s going on?” Like seriously….why is everyone having such horrible weeks? I just wanna give y’all big ol’ hugs!!

People are getting discouraged, made fun of, losing their jobs, failing tests, feeling lost, being ridiculed….HURTING….and for a long time, I couldn’t understand WHY….well…I don’t know why….but here’s something to consider…..

I’ve had my fair share of problems in my life. I grew up in a home where my father did drugs….while i was at home and my mother wasn’t….people made fun of me because I was chubby….people made assumptions about me because of my race…my parents got a divorce for a reason i wish to remain undisclosed…..I still face a great deal of problems today….no one can escape the problems handed to them by life….they’re inevitable. But you know what? Problems and challenges are GOOD. I mean, yeah, they suck at the time….but one thing that has always helped me to appreciate a challenge, is the fact that they’re brought upon us for a reason….they’re meant to shape our world…and to make us stronger. I’ve always been told that it’s the way in which you REACT to a situation that determines the kind of person you are….

My sophomore year of college, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I had always believed in God and Jesus, but I had never fully followed the Lord. Since then, I’ve looked at life through an entirely different set of lenses. That’s not to say that with Jesus, life is perfect. In fact, it’s the more difficult path, because it’s the path less chosen: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life , and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13). Becoming a Christian meant that I would change my approach to life….my way of thinking….it meant that I would follow the will of God….and not my own.

Problems are trials presented to us….they’re tests….from God: “…count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. ” (James 1: 2-5). MAN…that’s so amazing to me. I know…easier said than done…..i mean, gees….when you lose something extremely important, or, when someone says something horrible to you….the LAST thing you’d wanna do is be all “Man….what a joyful event!…”…BUT….what if you could?

If you know me personally, you know the type of personality I have. I love people (hey…i love YOU! )…i like to joke, to laugh, to help people, to smile….I LOVE THOSE THINGS! And i have to attribute it all to Jesus….because He did something so incredible…so selfless…so beautiful: He died….for me….for you….all humankind. Everyday I try to live for Him with a grateful attitude because of what He did. I may not always be SUCCESSFUL in doing so, but I know He honors my effort. I’m by NO means perfect, nor do i lead a perfect, happy life (geez, we’re all human here!). I have bum days, where I sulk in sadness….but somehow, God uses someone, or a situation, to remind me that I’m loved by Him, and by my family and friends. All these problems seem to mean very little….because I know that when my time on earth is done, I’ll be with Jesus….

You know….that reminds me. As cliche as this sounds yo…I really try to just remember the great things that are going on in my life in the midst of all the problems. I think “Man….i’m so blessed to have a home, food..etc” Often times, people are most thankful for people….I’m thankful for my mom, and yes…even my dad. For my best friend…whom i appreciate much more than he could ever know. All of these things and more FAR exceed the depression of a situation gone wrong….because I know i still have these things by the grace of God.

Welp, this is getting long..and there’s so much more i wanna say..but essentially, I just want all of you to know something….maybe this void in your life, is a relationship with with God. Maybe you have one already, and you just need to get back on track. I dunno…..I just felt compelled to share with you what drives my life. I know that not everyone is on the same page when it comes to Christianity, and people may get offended….which is NOT my intent….but, I just wanna let you know where i’m coming from.

I hope this helps y’all….if there’s anything i can do to help, let a brotha know! I hope and pray that er’thang goes well for all of y’all during the tough times….just remember…trials are blessings!! God loves you…no matter what!

God Bless,
-m