Soar Above The Clouds - A Word of Encouragement

"A conscious decision must be made to do whatever it takes to get above the clouds and to stay there perpetually."

The following blog entry was birthed during my two-and-a-half-hour layover in DFW yesterday morning (02-20-10). I hope it blesses you!

As I sat aboard my flight this morning, I noticed something amazing. As our plane began to cut through the clouds, this bright, beaming light shone through the windows as I felt the rays' warmth on my face. (Anyone who halfway knows me already knows how I'm cold ALL THE TIME. LOL!) But prior to this moment, I really hadn't noticed how cloudy the sky was before boarding my flight. I was so caught up in the hustle and bustle of getting to the airport, checking in, going through security and finally boarding that I completely dismissed the cloudiness as if it were simply the norm.

This reminded me of something that I just heard this past Sunday: people are experiencing depression and don't even know it. Life has become so hum-drum and dreary that the atmosphere is merely accepted. How horrible?! One thing this has taught me - if nothing else - is that if you're going to command your morning, you need to know that it's night. Joy cannot be commanded to come until sadness is acknowledged. Commanding prosperity's attention is impossible without the ability to identify poverty. This is why the Apostle Paul admonished us in his letter to the church at Rome that transformation occurs when the mind is renewed by the Word of GOD (Romans 12:1-2). Simply put: our thinking MUST be changed.

But you may ask, "How do you even begin this transformation?" If you're not born again, you definitely need to get that taken care of first. However, if you've been translated into the Kingdom of GOD's dear Son, Jesus the Christ, then the path towards transformation begins with being open to experiencing change, even in the smallest of doses. As the plane emerged from the clouds, the sunshine beamed in brilliantly and, as I mentioned. Its warmth was a welcome relief from the coldness I felt. For some people, when GOD shines His light on their situation, it's the most uncomfortable experience for them, so much so that they pull down the shade, cover up or even turn away -- ANYTHING!!! -- to avoid the light and any feelings it brings to mind. You know, an unwillingness to experience change will keep anyone from being renewed and transformed. The human will is extremely powerful...in fact, it's so powerful that GOD will not touch a man's will.

Those who choose to embrace the brightness and warmth of the sun, however, get to experience something different from the overcast skies to which they've become so accustomed. The experience, if enjoyed, can even create a desire within to experience that feeling more often. Thus begins the process of transformation. The desire to experience something different -- something BETTER -- urges one to avail him/herself to experience it all over again. Moreover, it is the strength of that urge as well as a person's determination to repeat this experience that serves as motivation to change: to change one's mind, one's outlook, one's behavior. Hence we see modifications beginning to be made to ensure that life is now lived high above the clouds, where the sun continues to shine irregardless of how cloudy life's skies may get. Why? Because a level of understanding has been achieved: a conscious decision must be made to do whatever it takes to get above the clouds and to stay there perpetually.

Some days, clouds may fill our skies; on others, they may never even be seen. But when you make a choice -- despite the atmospheric conditions -- to live above the clouds, there's no feeling like it. Yes, you'll be talked about, criticized and maybe even ostracized, but there's nothing like the stability that the Word of GOD brings to a life that's only known the ups and downs of an existence that's as unstable as the weather. When your mind has been renewed by the infallible Word of GOD, you don't face situations because SITUATIONS ARE NOW FACING YOU. I wish to encourage anyone who may be reading this that you indeed have the power to change, and don't you let anyone try to convince you otherwise. You only need to choose to exercise the willpower GOD has already placed inside of you. Happiness is awaiting you. Peace awaits you. Prosperity is waiting JUST FOR YOU. My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, choose to soar above the clouds. You can soar above whatever you're grappling with and whatever may be causing you so much pain and grief. GOD loves you and He wants you to live freely. As a matter of fact, His Son came to earth that you might have life more abundantly. Therefore, choose to soar above your issues today and walk in your abundance the balance of your days. Be blessed!