Crossing Bridges with Rae

Have you ever stood in front of a mirror, grappling with the reflection staring back at you? This episode is an intimate exploration of that very moment, not of vanity, but of understanding and embracing the worth that lies within. Join me, Rae, as we traverse the tender terrain of self-love, an invaluable ingredient for a life steeped in fulfillment and authenticity. Through heart-to-heart conversation and a specially designed guided meditation, we'll learn to breathe in compassion and exhale doubt, cultivating a sanctuary of self-acceptance within.

In the sanctity of our presence, we uncover the courage to affirm that self-care is an indisputable right, not a mere indulgence. We dissect the art of setting boundaries as a declaration of self-respect, and how upholding these boundaries nourishes healthy relationships. Our dialogue celebrates the power of personal growth, the strength in our voice, and the bravery in sharing our true selves. As we conclude, let the echoes of this episode serve as a reminder that we are each a mosaic of experiences, deserving of love and capable of greatness. Carry these revelations with you, and let them fortify the most important relationship you will ever have—the one with yourself.

Your journey matters and your voice will always be heard here, so be sure to share your thoughts, questions, and reflections with me on my interwebs...click my link below!

Thank you for joining me for another episode as we cross this bridge together!

So much Love,

Rae

Rae's Links...

koji.to/xoloverae

HIGHLIGHT:

(05:24 - 08:17) Meditation and Emotion Acknowledgement

CHAPTERS:

(00:03) Self-Love and Guided Meditation Importance

This chapter focuses on the vital importance of self-love, a theme I hold dear and consider essential for a fulfilling life. I emphasize that self-love is not about selfishness, but about recognizing and appreciating our inherent value, which in turn positively influences all aspects of life, including relationships and career. The chapter also introduces a guided self-love meditation designed to foster self-acceptance, self-admiration, and a gentle approach to personal emotions and affirmations. By practicing deep, intentional breathing and repeating self-affirming statements, we can cultivate a sense of self-worth and gratitude for our past, present, and future selves.

TRANSCRIPT:

(09:50) The Importance of Self-Care and Self-Love

This chapter is a gentle reminder that self-care is not selfishness, and it's okay to experience a range of emotions. We explore the importance of self-approval over others' approval, recognizing personal growth, and embracing self-love. I discuss the right to set boundaries and the expectation that they be respected, the power of our own voices, and the significance of sharing our feelings. The conversation affirms that everyone is worthy of forgiveness and that mistakes do not define us. We touch on the freedom of releasing ourselves from perceived obligations and choosing to surround ourselves with positive influences. Lastly, we highlight the unique value each person brings to the world simply by existing and encourage carrying feelings of self-love throughout the day.

00:03 - Rachel "Rae" Mindy (Host)

Hello, welcome, welcome, welcome. Welcome to another episode of Crossing Bridges with Ray. I am your host, ray, and, as I always do, thank you so much for being here. So today I wanted to. I wanted to share a meditation, but before I go into the meditation, I want to tell you how important it is to me. The meditation is a self love guided meditation that I'm going to share with you, but I really want to just expound on how self love is so important. Like I cannot, I cannot express how important self love is, and what I realize is that God is love and we individually are expected to love Him and to love ourselves, first and foremost Because what I've learned over time and over the years is that if we don't love ourselves, nothing works. 

01:46

Nothing works Because we are sacrificing ourselves for other people, other circumstances, other you know, other experiences that don't really have anything to do with us, because we're not really counting ourselves. We're so enthralled in the outside that we're not placing the value on the inside, if that makes any sense. And so that goes along with everything. It goes along with relationships, it goes along with your career, your job, it goes along with, you know, your family, your children, your husband, your wife. It's just all encompassing and it has everything to do with you. And when you take yourself out of the equation, it's never a thing, and a lot of times, bad things happen when you take yourself out of the equation. In other words, you could possibly get taken advantage of. Abuse can take place, you know there's, you know, just being ignored. I can just go on and on, and so I feel like all of us, everyone in this world, need to put themselves first and learn to accept, forgive and love yourself, because when you put yourself first, everything else works. And I'm not talking about, I'm not talking about being selfish. I'm talking about being selfful and recognizing the enormous value that you have in this world and possibly in the lives of people that love you. So I wanted to record this as God in meditation because I really want to. I really really want to encourage self-acceptance, self-love, self-discovery, self-amoration. Yeah, because you are the most important person in your life. I'm going to say that one more time you are the most important person in your life, and so with that, let's begin a guided self-love meditation. Self-love is a practice. It can take time. Be very gentle with yourself If the affirmations don't feel authentic. Yet over time you will internalize them more. 

05:24

As emotions come up in the course of this meditation, do your very best to acknowledge them non-judgmentally. Let your emotions like clouds passing by. Notice them, but let them pass. Begin by settling into a seated position. Make sure you feel comfortable. Now focus on your breathing. What does your breath feel like as it enters your nose and exits your mouth? So the breathing that I'm referring to is taking a deep breath in your nose, holding it at the top and then allowing the release to exit through your mouth and allow it to just go until you can't go anymore. That is a full, deep breath. So let's try it out. Breathe in through your nose, hold it at the top, and out through your mouth, and out through your nose, and out through your nose and out through your mouth. Keep breathing. Zoom out and notice how your entire body feels. Are you holding any tension? Notice how your shoulders, your back and your jaw feel. For many people, those areas tend to hold tension. So if, if, so, if, I invite you to release the tension. Just invite yourself to release it, you know. Let your shoulders fall and continue to breathe. Don't worry if your mind starts to wander. Just gently bring your attention back to your breath. It will help you to focus and the feeling of warmth and self-love as you continue to take slow, deep breaths. Now repeat the following self-love affirmations slowly, with warmth and gentleness towards yourself. 

08:38

Rather than worry what others think, I choose to live my life for me, In every way. I am already enough. I choose to cultivate positive thoughts about myself. I am allowed to have needs and express them. I choose to be kind to myself. Rather than follow the expectations of others, I choose the path that's right for me. I love who I used to be, who I am and who I am becoming. When I look back on past versions of myself, I feel warmth and gratitude. 

09:50

Taking time for self-care is not the same as being selfish. Sometimes I feel emotionally turbulent. That's okay. I allow myself to feel all feelings. My own approval is worth more than the approval of others. When I look at my life, it's incredible how much I've grown. I walk through the world feeling loved by myself and by others. I am allowed to set boundaries and expect others to follow them. My voice deserves to be heard and my feelings deserve to be shared. I am worthy of forgiveness. I choose to forgive myself. I notice what feels like an obligation in my life and I release myself. I choose to associate with people who make me feel better and allow those who do not to drift away. Although I've made mistakes, they do not define me. I have something of value to give to the world just by being me. When you are ready, open your eyes, notice how good you feel, bring these feelings of self-love with you throughout the day and remember whenever you need it, it's already inside of you. Now, where are your feelings? 

Welcome back, dear listeners, to another soul-nourishing session of Crossing Bridges with Ray. As your guide, Ray, I'm truly grateful for your presence as we stand on the cusp of the new year. In this special installment, we embrace the magic of December 31st, 2023—a day that doubles as a rare portal day, occurring once every century. We reflect on the power of adding transformative practices into our routines and consider the significance of the day's numerological uniqueness. I urge you to explore this phenomenon further; it's a fascinating cosmic wink that adds an extra layer of excitement to our discussion.

Listen in as I share a personal dialogue with the divine, revealing a heartfelt message on how to kickstart the year with intention and spiritual alignment. I discuss the revival of my morning routine from four years prior, now enhanced with current wisdom and the commitment to incorporate both tried-and-true and fresh tools for personal growth. From meditation and journaling to exercise and fasting, I lay out a holistic blueprint for ushering in 2024 with vitality and purpose. Moreover, I extend an invitation to you to join me in this journey, potentially through an accountability group within our Soul Food Family. Let's stride into the new year empowered and united, ready to manifest our deepest aspirations. Happy New Year to all, and may this episode be the spark that ignites your transformative fire.

Your journey matters and your voice will always be heard here, so be sure to share your thoughts, questions, and reflections with me on my interwebs...click my link below!

Thank you for joining me for another episode as we cross this bridge together!

So much Love,

Rae

Rae's Links...

koji.to/xoloverae

HIGHLIGHTS:

(00:16 - 00:55) December 31st, 2023

(05:18 - 06:12) Short New Year's Message for 2023

TRANSCRIPT:

00:03 - Rachel "Rae" Mindy (Host)

Greetings, hello, hello, hello. Welcome to another episode of Crossing Bridges with Ray. I am your host, Ray, and first and foremost, thank you so much for being here. So today is a pretty special day. It's the very last day of the year, december 31st 2023. Actually, it's a portal day, too. I think it's the portal of 123123, which is another reason why it's so special, because apparently it doesn't happen, but like every 100 years. I will not go into that, though, but be sure to look it up. It's pretty interesting. 

00:47

So first let me address the last couple of episodes. So, really, they are just really tools and practices that I personally thought were very important to share and to express. These practices and tools, I believe, are necessary in life, but definitely when you are working on yourself, working on your belief, your faith, your desires for your life, moving forward and building something solid between you and God, today is a perfect day to dedicate yourself to adding these things into your routine. Starting tomorrow, the first of January, is actually a good day to really just contemplate on what you will do, how you will do it and when, for example, I asked God myself today what would you have me to do today, like how can I spend my day on purpose. Share with me what you will have me to know and I will share the answer with you. As to what God said back to me, it was to start my morning routine from 2019, which was four years ago, meaning start over, but with the knowledge that you have today that you did not have four years ago. 

02:16

Set your alarm for 4.30 again. Create a sacred space. Get up and use your tools, new and old, to shape your day and your world. Pray, meditate, journal, speak your mantras and affirmations. Exercise get those weights you've been looking at in the corner of your room and use them. Start with 30 minutes and work your way up to an hour. Start that Pilates class or do that online walking program that you started with. This will awaken you in many areas of your life. Get that water in your system and let's start the year off with a fast for a minimum of three days. Let's just juice and drink water for the first three days of the year and if it spills over, great. If not, that's cool too. Let's flow, but take it serious. Take this seriously. We are leaving 2023 behind and creating the new year for 2024. 

03:28

Reading let's get that reading in in the morning, allow it to be motivational, and in the evening, let's read something new about business and money. If you start your day this way and dedicate yourself to this, your life will look different sooner than you think. We promise you, and we is that is from God and my spirit team, spirit Tribe, whatever you want to call it. So they went on to say if you like, if you'd like, to join me, let me know. Maybe we can create an accountability group or something inside of Crossing Bridges with Ray Soul Food Family. What do you think? Let me know. 

04:21

I simply wanted to share this with you so that you can be inspired and to let you know that I am working right alongside with you on this journey of not just self-discovering, self-improvement, but just overall, wanting something better for yourself, for your life. Yeah, let's just leave it at that. But I also wanted you to know that you got this like you really got this. No matter where you decide to start, whether it be small or big or whatever your endeavors and whatever your desires are, just simply start and perfect it along the way. Just simply start, even if it's just one thing that you do differently that you did not do in 2023. 

05:26

So there we go. I just wanted to leave you a very short and sweet message for the last day of 2023. I pray that you are all safe, that you have a great, great day and a great evening, and I look forward to talking to you next year. Thank you for listening to me today and please, please, please, share this with someone who needs to hear this. I look forward to the next one. See you on the other side and again, happy new year. 

It was over two decades ago at the Hillside International Truth Center in Atlanta, Georgia that a simple, yet powerful prayer found its way into my daily life. Today, I'm peeling back the curtain on 'Crossing Bridges' to share this cherished spiritual tool with you. As your host, Ray, I recount the journey that these words have walked with me through—a shield during times of uncertainty and a beacon of gratitude in moments of joy. Join me as I reveal the alterations I've made to this prayer, molding it into a personal safeguard for my children and a fortifying mantra for friends enduring their trials.

Embark on an intimate exploration with me as we uncover the essence of faith and the spoken word's profound capacity to comfort and protect. Whether I'm behind the wheel or simply reflecting on life's tapestry, this prayer is my steadfast companion, intertwining my gratitude with requests for divine camaraderie. Discover the resilience that comes from intentional prayer and how it can serve as an anchor, affirming that indeed, wherever we are, God is. This episode isn't just about speaking truths—it's a testament to living them, and I'm honored to share this part of my spiritual walk with you.

Your journey matters and your voice will always be heard here, so be sure to share your thoughts, questions, and reflections with me on my interwebs.

Thank you for joining me for another episode as we cross this bridge together!

So much Love,

Rae

Rae's Links...

koji.to/xoloverae

UPDATE:

I found an extended version of the Prayer for Protection that I have never seen before but wanted to share...

Prayer for Protection

The Light of God surrounds me.

The Love of God enfolds me.

The Power of God protects me.

The Presence of God watches over me.

The Mind of God guides me.

The Life of God flows through me.

The Laws of God direct me.

The Power of God abides in me.

The Joy of God uplifts me.

The Strength of God renews me.

The Beauty of God inspires me.

Wherever I am, God is!

HIGHLIGHT:

(02:11 - 04:23) Prayer of Protection and Parental Concerns

TRANSCRIPT:

00:03 - Rachel "Rae" Mindy (Host)

Hello, welcome, welcome, welcome to another episode of Crossing Bridges with Ray. I am Ray, your host, and today this episode is probably going to be quick is dedicated to another tool in practice. This is a prayer called the prayer for protection or the prayer of protection. This was taught to, was taught to me when I joined Hillside International Truth Center in Atlanta, Georgia, years and years ago over 20 years ago. At this point, and when you have something that you do on a regular basis, sometimes you take it for granted. Sometimes, for example, like our father, we just kind of not all of us, but some of us just kind of say it and we don't really get into the words and the meaning and things of that nature. So that's basically how I was saying it in the very beginning. You know, I was just repeating it, learning it, memorizing it, and you know, over 20 plus years I have said this prayer. But as I started going through my spiritual transformation and you know different levels of healing, I really realized how powerful this short prayer is and I have kind of changed it up a little bit, because I pray for my children every day, sometimes several times a day. I pray for friends and definitely people that I know are suffering or going through something. I'm definitely going to be praying for them. Of course, if it's my knowledge, definitely so. A lot of times I kind of get on my kids nerves because I'm like asking them all these questions but I'm really not asking them for me. Like I'm not being nosy, I promise you I'm not. I literally want to know what it is that I can like infuse into their life, what sort of blessings, what sort of you know let's, you know. Let me just protect you in the best way that I know how.

And so I have, you know, changed it up a little bit, but for the most part, here is the Prayer of Protection.

The light of God surrounds me, the love of God enfolds me, the power of God protects me, the presence of God watches over me. Wherever we are, god is.

Now, when I say this prayer, I'm just going to repeat it again so I can show you how I just kind of changed it up a little bit the light of God surrounds me. Actually, excuse me for one second, let me repeat it this way the light of God surrounds us, the love of God enfolds us, the power of God protects us, the presence of God watches over us. Wherever I am, god is. Wherever Zion and Taylor are, god is. Thank you God, in me, through me, as me around me, through the Christ within, and so it is. 

04:25

I include my children in my prayer because I say this often If I'm getting in the car to go anywhere, I am saying this prayer. If I know that my children are driving anywhere, I don't care if it's to the store I am saying this prayer on their behalf. If I know that there's anything that's going on in their life and I mean good and bad, I'm saying this prayer Because when I say good, I want God to know that I'm grateful for what he has done and what he will do. And so, yeah, I really just wanted to take a moment to share this prayer because I suggested lots of things. I suggested meditation generally, prayer. I suggested a lot of things in the very beginning and I really wanted to give and share really what I do and what I have done, because I don't want anyone to think that I am just spewing out all of these things and I don't walk the walk, because I do and I have, and I believe that's why God wants me to share these things, because and I will digress for one second. 

05:58

There are a lot of people out here that you guys are listening to, that you're following, that you're believing in, that you get these aha moments with, or whatever, that are not walking the walk, that have not walked the walk and they haven't done the work, and it's really unfortunate, because what happens is that you can get lost, right, and then you'll have to figure out how to find your way Once you realize and you might not necessarily realize that they haven't done the work or they might not be as authentic as you believe that they are, which is why all of these things are so important because as you grow in your relationship with God, as you grow in your faith, as you grow in your belief, you will build your discernment. You will know whether or not. Wait a minute. That person said blah, blah, blah or whatever. I'm not really sure, but I'm not feeling it, and a lot of times when you're not feeling it is because it's not authentic. 

07:11

I'm not talking about someone that's, like you know, always questioning things. I'm talking about like a gut feeling, discerning whether or not what it is that you are taking in is for you, and so that's another reason why these practices and these things are so important because you don't need anyone else but God and a lot of things we have inside of us already. He built us pretty amazingly, but unfortunately, we have been taught other things and the unlearning is very uncomfortable. But it's so necessary, it's so necessary. I digress so, as I said, I just simply wanted to share the prayer of protection with you so that you can protect yourself, your family, your husband, your wife, your significant other, whatever it is that may be your mom, your dad, you know, whether it's a co-worker or your best friend or whatever Because I believe praying for yourself is amazing. 

08:37

Praying for others is such a gift. It's such a gift and when you ask your question, your request will be received. You must believe that yourself because whatever it is that we ask for, we are going to receive. When we're going to receive, it is in God's timing. But when you believe and when you have faith and you exclude all of that fear and all of that stuff that goes on on a daily basis and you know without a shadow of a doubt that you are protected because you are God's child, you're fearless. You are fearless. 

09:34

I never worry about my children anymore, the way that I used to. Oh my gosh, I used to be so crazy over how you know, I'm not even gonna go out, go into it, I will talk about parenting another day but I used to be so fearful about so many things, and as I started going through my spiritual awakening and my transformation and you know just the different levels of healing I really realized how absolutely bonkers and crazy that I was. But it's very easy to be that way. It's a very, very, very easy to be that way Because it's it's coming at you every day, every day, and if you spend any time on social media, it is coming at you like ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, to the point where you probably don't even realize it, because not only is there scary stuff on the news, and then there is scary stuff on social media, and then there's scary stuff in the movies and the shows that you watch. It's, it's all in common, it's all over the places, everywhere. 

10:58

So I digress again. Thank you for listening to me as I share with you another practice, another prayer, the prayer of protection, and use this whenever, whenever you feel you need to because it's like a tool in your back pocket. All you have to do is just pull it out and use it. Thank you Once again for listening to another episode of Crossing Bridges with Ray. I am your host, Rae, and I will see you on the other side. Thank you for listening. 

Join me on a reflective journey through one of the most beloved and comforting passages of scripture, Psalm 23. Listen in as I meticulously unpack this ancient text, verse by verse, infusing each line with contemporary relevance and a touch of personal insight. From exploring the themes of relationship and supply to security and eternity, I weave a tapestry of understanding that invites you to discover the profound depths of these sacred words. Accompanying each thematic exploration, I offer heartfelt prayers, aiming to connect your spirit to the divine and to empower you with faith, tranquility, and strength in the presence of God.

In the companion chapter, we embark on a quest to recognize the subtle yet profound ways God seeks our attention and affection. If you're tuning in, consider it a nudge from the divine, a sign that you're meant to hear this message of love and transformation. I share practical advice and spiritual practices that can kickstart your journey of self-love and deepen your bond with a God who cherishes you. Gratitude fills me as I extend this invitation to continue walking with me on this enlightening path in future installments of Crossing Bridges with Rae, where each step is a step closer to the heart of the divine.

Your journey matters and your voice will always be heard here, so be sure to share your thoughts, questions, and reflections with me on my interwebs. If you are called, click on my links below, shoot me a voice note, or join the waitlist for CBWR - The Conversation.

Thank you for joining me for another episode as we cross this bridge together!

So much Love,

Rae

Rae's Links...

koji.to/xoloverae

TRANSCRIPT:

00:03 - Rachel "Rae" Mindy (Host)

Okay. So allow me to share a breakdown of the 23rd song. I want this to be your go-to prayer. I also want this to be maybe even your first scripture or prayer that you have broken down and studied so that you fully know what it means and how it can carry you through and help you to form your belief, your conviction, and your faith in God. So the breakdown really is just giving you a theme for each verse. So the breakdown is the Lord is my shepherd, his relationship. 

01:14

I shall not want his supply and satisfaction. He maketh me lie down in green pastures, his rest. He leads me beside the still waters as a refreshment. He restores my soul. His healing. He leads me in the path of righteousness. His guidance For his namesake is purpose. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, his triumph and testing. I will fear no evil. His protection and trust For you are with me. His faithfulness, your rod, and your staff Accomplect me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. It's concern and compassion. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. It's hope and provision. You anoint my head with oil. That's consecration. My cup overflows. It's abundance. Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. It's a blessing, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord, and that is security and safety forever, and that is eternity in heaven. So what I also would like to do and I want to put this on the back end just as long, just because, if you don't want to go this far, you don't have to so I want to break down the verses and provide a prayer for each section. So, if you will allow me, the Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want, and here's the prayer. Lord, we thank you for being our shepherd, and for taking care of our every need, just as shepherds tend to. This far, we pray for faith, to trust in your provision, knowing that with you we lack nothing. Grant us peace in your green pastures and restore our souls when we are weary. Let us embrace your guidance and walk fearlessly in the path of righteousness for your namesake, amen. Verse two he makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside the still water, and the prayer is oh Lord, thank you for leading us beside the still waters. In the turbulence of life, help us find tranquility in your presence, allow us to rest and drink deeply from the water of life you offer. We know that you can calm every storm and still every fear. Strengthen us to follow your path of peace each and every day, amen. 

05:10

Verse three is he restores my soul. He guides me in the path of righteousness for His namesake. So for the first section, which is he restores my soul, the prayer is Gracious, lord, as you prepare, as you restore our souls, we ask for your healing touch. Refresh our spirits when we feel drained, restore us when we are broken, and renew us when we are tired. Empower us to reflect your love and grace to others, even as you have done for us. Guide us in the path of righteousness that we may bring glory to your name. Amen. He guides me in the path of righteousness for His namesake. God, we thank you for guiding us along the path of righteousness. Help us to make choices that honor you, even when the road is tough. May your actions reflect your love, justice, and mercy. Teach us to trust in your wisdom and follow your guidance every day of our lives, amen. 

06:44

The fourth verse Excuse me, even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. The prayer is in times when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Remind us, o Lord, that we need not fear. You are with us, your rod, and your staff. They comfort us. We pray for those who are facing trials and hardships. Help us to trust in your steadfast presence and protection, knowing you walk with us every step of the way, amen. The rest of that verse is I will fear no evil, for you are with me, and the prayer is Father, we are grateful that your comforting presence follows us all the days of our lives. Help us to be mindful of you in every moment, in our joys and in our sorrows, in our victories and challenges. Teach us to cultivate an enduring sense of presence that drives out fear and fosters peace. Amen. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, and the prayer is Heavenly Father, thank you for preparing a table before us even in the presence of our enemies, when we feel surrounded. Remind us that we feast under your watchful eye. Feel us with gratitude for the bounty You've provided and the courage to share your love even with those who oppose us. Amen. 

08:44

The rest of that verse is You anoint my head with oil, and the prayer is Thank you, Lord, for anointing our heads with oil, symbolizing your Holy Spirit's presence in our lives. May we overflow with your joy, love, and peace, and may our cups run over with your abundant blessings. Help us to live our lives as a testament to your love and goodness, touching others with the overflow of your grace. Amen. Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of my life. And the prayer is we praise you, god, for your goodness and mercy that follows us all the days of our lives. Even when we fail, your mercy is there. Even when we struggle, your goodness pursues us. We pray that we will strive to emulate your goodness and mercy in our interactions with others. Amen, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Lord, we are grateful for the promise that we will dwell in your house forever. This promise gives us hope and peace, knowing that our eternal home is secured with you. Guide us through the journey of life until we meet you face to face in glory, amen. 

10:31

So I cannot express enough how this prayer has changed me, has comforted me, has uplifted me, has allowed me to have unwavering faith in God. In the very, very beginning, I did not understand what I was saying. I really was just looking for a way to pray, and the fact that you can turn Psalm 23 into a prayer is just a miracle within itself. And I say that because and some of you may feel what I'm saying but when you are lost and you are seeking to be found, simplicity for me and this is my suggestion is the easiest thing for you to do. And the 23rd Psalm is literally like a poem, almost, and so the more that you say it, the more that you'll know it, the more that you'll be able to say it whenever you want to. Or I used to walk around with a little card in my wallet and then eventually I put it in my phone, but I would just say it all the time, because there's so much to this prayer, and so I pray that what it is that I have provided for you gives you at least a start to how you can pray and how, as I'm broken it down, how this Psalm is so encompassing in life, in life. 

12:45

So thank you for joining me for another episode of Crossing Bridges with Ray. I really appreciate you being here if you made it this far, and I really really implore you to share this and any other episodes with anyone who needs this information. I really really appreciate it. I just really appreciate anyone who's listening and anyone who is digesting this information, as I personally feel like it is really, really needed right now, from what it is that I see and observe, just overall. 

13:43

God is needed everywhere and I'm sure and I'm just going to go out on the limb and say this, I'm sure that he is trying to get your attention. He's trying to get your attention and if you landed here, then he's definitely getting your attention. So, thank you again for listening to another episode of Crossing Bridges with Rae. I pray that this, this tool, this practice, and the other tools that I have provided for you, will not only help you but allow you to have a shift and allow you to start the process of whatever that is that you're seeking and, prayerfully, you're seeking to not only start to love yourself but also to start a process of building a relationship and a love for God, because he already loves you. Until next time, I look forward to providing you. Until next time, thank you, thank you. Thank you for tuning in to another episode of Crossing Bridges with Rae. 

Join me, Rae, on a journey as we explore the transformative power of prayer in my latest conversation on Crossing Bridges. This heartfelt session is dedicated to a prayer I cherish and learned at Hillside International Truth Center in Atlanta, Georgia—a prayer that dates back to the 1800s, created by Hannah More-Koas of the Unity Movement. As we walk through the words of the 'Prayer of Faith,' I share how it became more than a recitation, evolving into a source of peace, miracles, and a deepening relationship with God.

Listen in as I dissect the prayer, offering personal insights and experiences on how its repetition with emotion and belief has the power to manifest needs and desires. I'll guide you through how to use specific lines of prayer to overcome feelings of loss, weakness, or the need for harmony in your life. Whether you're seeking spiritual guidance or simply looking to enrich your daily practice, this episode serves as a testament to the strength found in faith and the spoken word.

HIGHLIGHT:

(02:54 - 05:37) The Power of Prayer and Faith

Your journey matters and your voice will always be heard here, so be sure to share your thoughts, questions, and reflections with me on my interwebs. Click my link below and leave me a voice note

Thank you for joining me for another episode as we cross this bridge together!

So much Love, Rae

 Rae's Links...

koji.to/xoloverae

TRANSCRIPT:

00:03 - Rachel "Rae" Mindy (Host)

Hello and greetings. Soul food family. Welcome to another episode of Crossing Bridges with Rae. I am your host, Rae, and today's episode is simply going to be a prayer that I learned at Hillside, at Hillside International Truth Center in Atlanta, Georgia. It is a prayer that I believe was created by Hannah Moore-Polas back in 1905 (it was the 1800s). And she was part of the Unity Movement. 

00:45

The church that I belong to in Atlanta was a New Thought church, New Thought falls under Unity, and Miss Koas wrote a poem that eventually was used in the Unity Movement as a prayer, and this is a prayer that you know I used to just say in church because, you know, it's kind of something that we did every Sunday. So in the very beginning, it was just kind of like learning it, memorizing it, and then stating it every Sunday. But then as I started to go through different healing processes and then as I started to really, really get serious about building a relationship with God, but also finding peace in His words, or finding peace in words about Him, or finding peace in words that center around me and God, I really took these words to heart and really, really found a lot of peace, a lot of resolve in my daily life, a lot of miracles and things took place. I personally believe, because I believed in the words of this prayer, and so I want to read the prayer to you, but I'm going to give you some comments and things of that nature as we go along. So I'll read the whole entire prayer and then I will break down a couple of different parts so that you can kind of resonate with the meaning, or at least the meaning that it had for me. 

02:44

So the prayer is called the prayer of faith, and here we go. God is my help in every need. God does not every hunger feed. God walks beside me and guides my way through every moment of the day. I now wise. I now am true, patient, kind, and loving too. All things I am can do and be, through Christ, the truth that is in me. God is my health. I can't be sick. God is my strength. I'm feeling quick. God is my all. I know no fear since God and love and truth are here. Okay, and so let me just give you an example of how I've used this prayer In times where I felt lost or maybe even weak, or was just trying to figure something out let's just say that or trying to make a decision, I would stop and say this part of the prayer God is my help in every need. 

04:26

God does not every hunger feed. God walks beside me and guides my way through every moment of the day. Sometimes I will repeat it over and over, and, over and over again, and what would happen is the more that I repeated it, the more that I believed it, the more that I had feeling behind it, and the more whatever it is that I was going through, whatever it is that was bothering me or whatever it is that I was in need of, would appear. It might not have appeared immediately, it might not have appeared that day, but it did appear, not only just because I repeated it, but because I had feeling and emotion behind it and I believed it. And so I'm just giving you an example of how you can use this prayer because I personally believe that this prayer needs to be recited every single day and probably every single time you need it. Not just every day, because I can remember a time that I repeated this prayer on a regular basis throughout the day just to get me through. 

05:38

Another example of using this prayer is like let's just say you know, you just want everything to be like harmonious, or you want things to go well, or you're putting your desires and your emotions out there. For what it is that you want in the future, I would use this portion of the prayer. I now am wise. I now am true, patient, kind, and loving too. All things I am can do and be through Christ, the truth that is in me, yeah, so you know, anytime that you need to feel better, the more that you repeat this portion of the prayer and just the prayer itself. But the more that you repeat this portion of the prayer, the more that you will believe in it, the more that you will believe in it. 

06:43

And like anytime that I had, you know, headaches, stomach aches or just some unexplainable sickness or whatever the case may be, because you know when you're stressed, when you are depressed, when you, you know, are confused and when you just have, like all these thoughts and stuff going through you, you know stress brings on disease, stress brings on sickness. It is, is it a proven fact, and so a lot of times, especially once I had, you know, developed this unwavering faith in God, I literally would just say, to my pain or to my sickness, or to my headache or to my cough or my earache or, you know, whatever it is that I have. God is my health. I can't be sick. God is my strength. Unfailing, quick God is my all. I know no fear since God and love and truth are here. So this little prayer, I swear to you, will never fail you when you remember to not fail to use it daily. So I'm going to leave this here as another tool that you can use, and then also another prayer that you can use in your daily life or just to help you through whatever it is that you might be going through, good or bad. 

08:19

But thank you for listening to another. Thank you for listening to another episode of Crossing Bridges with Rae. I appreciate your ear and your time and I will see you on the next one. Have a great one. Thank you so much for listening. Thank you for your ear. Thank you for your time. I appreciate it. Thank you for listening to another episode of Crossing Bridges with Rae. Have a great one, and I'll see you on the next one. 

I remember feeling like I was constantly wrestling with shadows, my past looming over me like a relentless specter. But imagine a light so bright it chases the darkness away—that's what I found in a simple, yet profound declaration over Ephesians 3:20, a verse that promises blessings beyond imagination. In this heartfelt episode of Crossing Bridges, I lay bare the personal tactics that have fortified my faith and soothed my soul. It's not just a conversation; it's an intimate revelation of the power that daily affirmations hold and the astonishing outcomes they can manifest in our lives. 

Let's journey together through the transformative effects of steadfast belief and how it positions us for kindness and favor in ways we could never predict. I'll guide you through a moving prayer that's designed to liberate you from yesterday's chains and propel you into the promise of today's new beginnings. If you are seeking a source of hope or a catalyst for change, this episode may just be the beacon you need. Feel the embrace of divine favor as we affirm our trust in a power that works tirelessly, bringing about more than we could ever ask for or conceive. Amen.

HIGHLIGHT:

(02:15 - 03:35) Declaration and Prayer for Abundant Blessings

Your journey matters and your voice will always be heard here, so be sure to share your thoughts, questions, and reflections with me on my interwebs.

Thank you for joining me for another episode as we cross this bridge together!

So much Love, Rae

 Rae's Links...

koji.to/xoloverae

TRANSCRIPT:

00:02 - Rachel "Rae" Mindy (Host)

Greetings, hello, hello, hello, soul food family, thank you for being here. 

00:09

Welcome to another episode of Crossing Bridges with Rae. I'm your host, Rae, and today I just want to share with you a really short declaration and a prayer and just to give you some insight as to why I feel it's important for me to share so, as I've told you over and over again some of the things and tools that I used in the very beginning, when I was not only just trying to build a relationship with God, but also trying to feel better. I'm not trying to, but desiring to feel better, desiring to feel like, you know, I had someone on my side, I had someone to talk to, I had someone to go to when life was life and something to believe in and something to have faith in as well, because when you are unlearning what you have learned in your past, it is very daunting sometimes to do that, and so, very early on, I also listened a lot often to Joel Olsteen and one of the things that I picked up from him and this is actually from his book, I Declare where he, I believe, gave 31 declarations in his book, which is still to this day to me and a very important product to use, because one thing that I do know is constant repetition breeds belief, faith, trust. And so, for me, one of the things that I took from that book, or just took from him in his sharing or preaching or teaching, is the I believe this is the first declaration, but I don't quote me on that but the. The declaration is over Ephesians 3:20. And so I want to share that declaration as well as a prayer, and I implore you to use this daily and, if need be, several times a day, and I believe that you will start to see miracles happen if you're paying attention. If you're paying attention, you will see miracles happen. You will feel different changes in your ways of being, in the things that happen to you, in the things that materialize in your life. And so I'm going to go ahead and read it, and after I read the declaration, I'm going to read the prayer. Use it as you may. Here we go... 

03:10

I declare Ephesians 3:20 over my life. God will do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that I ask or think because I honor him. His blessings will chase me down and overtake me. I will be in the right place at the right time. People will go out of their way to be good to me. I am surrounded by God's favor. This is my declaration.

Prayer for today. Father, thank you that I am not limited by my past and how I was raised. Thank you this is a new day with new doors to open and new opportunities for me. I believe and declare that you are doing exceedingly abundantly, above all, that I ask and think. Thank you, Father, and so it is Amen. 

Could the harmonies of a single song be the key to unlocking self-love and acceptance within you? That's the revelation I experienced through Lalah Hathaway's "Mirror," a musical masterpiece that kickstarted my journey to inner peace.

Join me as I recount the cathartic moment at a live concert in Atlanta, where the lyrics reached deep into my soul, urging me on a path of self-discovery. This episode isn't just about my story; it's an invitation to explore the healing power of music and how it may offer you the same solace and encouragement it gave me.

This is more than a conversation; it's an interactive exploration of how self-love can revolutionize our lives. From the importance of mirror work to the ripple effects of self-affection on our relationships, I share the profound changes that occurred when I embraced who I truly am. Discover how music can act as a catalyst in this transformation, and consider the messages that lie within the songs you hold dear.

As we share our experiences and the music that moves us, we build a community of growth and support—each of us on our unique path to healing, with music as our guide. Let's celebrate the power of music together, and may you find your message within the melodies that move us all.

Check out Mirror by Lalah H. right here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiT9lbw8rY4

Your journey matters and your voice will always be heard here, so be sure to share your thoughts, questions, and reflections with me on my interwebs.

Thank you for joining me for another episode as we cross this bridge together!

So much Love, Rae

Rae's Links...

koji.to/xoloverae

TRANSCRIPT:

00:15 - Rachel "Rae" Mindy (Host)

okay to the Wednesday edition. And addition to the Crossing Bridges with Rae podcast. Music Musings with Rae. So the song that I will be riffing and or ranting about today is Mirror by Lalah Hathaway. The song has so much meaning for me and has touched my soul since 2016. And I think what I'm going to do is tell you a story. I've told this story somewhere before, but this is the perfect place to share this story. 

01:28

In 2016, I think I heard a couple of songs from this album and I was really excited to hear that Lalah Hathaway was coming to Atlanta. I believe I saw her, and don't get me to lie in, I'm sorry, I can't remember the names of the place, I digress, but it was a smaller venue. I love live music, I love music period, but I love, love, love live music, so we had great seats. I went with my significant other at the time, and so, first and foremost, in 2016, I was in the process of coming out of something that some would call a mental breakdown, maybe a year or so before, and I was very, very, very much disconnected from everything that I love, everything that I used to do, places that I used to go Like. I just was very, very disconnected. And so to music, I was very disconnected as well, and I had kind of come out of like a shell kind of. And so when I heard these songs on the radio as I was going to work, I was like, oh, I would love to see her. Because I had never seen Lalh Hathaway before, I had never had one of her albums before, I hadn't even bought it. But I love music and I really love people that can really and truly sing, and so when I heard that she was coming to Atlanta, I was excited, bought tickets, we're going. Ok, we're there. So I'm jamming to the music. Like live music just does something for people that really like it. It's almost like you don't even really have to know the song, the instruments, the singers, whatever is going on in the venue is just a vibe. So I'm listening to the songs, I'm jamming, we're having a great time, everything. And then the music comes on Do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do. I don't even know if I did that good or not, but anyway, please forgive me and the lights kind of sort of go down and she starts singing. 

04:02

Bitter hearts don't hold a smile. Trouble minds will wear you down. Use your past to get it in. Hold your tears and think. Instead, you have to find a way to make it. These clouds are letting up for a while. Oh, so those words alone. Those are just the first lyrics of the song. Right, I'm done. I'm done for it. 

04:41

I'm sitting next to my significant other and I am literally bawling as the song goes on. I mean I can go on and on with the lyrics, but as the song goes on, I mean from the deepest part of my insides, I'm letting out this just strongest cry, but at the same time trying to camouflage myself from him so he can't see that I'm literally having a breakdown. And I'm not really having a breakdown. I just feel each and every word of that song. Just think about that. 

05:22

Bitter hearts don't hold a smile. 

05:26

Trouble minds will wear you down. 

05:28

That was me. 

05:30

That was me. 

05:32

Use your past to get ahead. 

05:36

Hold your tears and think instead. 

05:39

You have to find a way to make it. 

05:43

These clouds are letting up for a while. 

05:48

Sometimes you have to make the mirror your best friend. Maybe then you'll find some peace within. Stop hiding yourself. Stop hiding yourself. Love yourself when no one else can. Can I tell you that those words like I can't even describe it. Even now, those words hit me like a ton of bricks. 

06:25

That's exactly how I felt, that's exactly what I have been saying to myself, and that song just pushed me into a totally different fire, for not just for God, but for understanding of myself, for loving myself, for just, yeah, it was just it for me. And so, you know, I did have a significant other and at the time, like I said, I was coming out of just a really deep funk. But I also was not happy, and I wasn't necessarily not happy with that with my significant other. I was unhappy with myself, and so therefore, I wasn't necessarily always happy in that relationship either. And I really just want to share this, because one music can be so healing. Two, music can really really like really speak to you in some of the deepest ways, and for me, that song was literally the catalyst to push me further and further, like to do whatever work that I needed to do so I could get to a place where I could find peace within and that I could stop hiding myself and love myself. 

08:16

And I just really want to share this with you, because I know that anyone that is listening to any of my recordings, any of my messages or whatever, we go together, like we have something, we have a connection. So I'm not talking to everybody, right, but I am talking to somebody, and so I hadn't heard this song in a long time and it came up on my feed, on my Facebook feed and now sorry, not Facebook, excuse me on my YouTube feed, and I clicked on the video and I listened to the song and one of the first things that I noticed was how it affected me, but it didn't affect me the way that it used to affect me. In other words, it did not make me feel sad and I know that I've done the work. You know what I mean. Like, I think that at times and this is if you're a music person or if you're a music buff but at times when you listen to a song, a song can bring up all kinds of different emotions and feelings and stuff, and one of the ways that I'm always able to tell how I have moved through whatever process or whatever feelings it is that I have, is whether or not I can go back to that instance or that song or whatever and listen to it and feel like stronger or feel good about myself or whatever the case may be. And when I listen to that song, I just first of all let me just say this Lalah Hathaway's voice is like none other. It is amazing, it's extraordinary. Hearing her live was just like the best thing ever. 

10:22

But that song, when it came on the other day, I was just like, oh, I love this song so much, but oh, I feel so much better about this song. You know what I mean. Like you made it over this hump of maybe not feeling good about yourself because that song was really specifically speaking to you and how you felt at the time. And when I heard it the other day, I just was so much more proud of myself for the work that I have done. The song still does brings here some of my sometimes, but nothing, nothing like when I was in that venue and sitting to my sitting next to my significant other literally balling. I don't know if he ever noticed me. I don't think that he did. And if he did, he didn't say anything. That's a whole other story for another day. 

11:18

So I wanted to tell that story, because I really do want to go through the lyrics of this song, because I really want whoever is listening to me to understand that if you are in this place, you don't always have to be here. You don't always have to be here, but it is good to have enough self awareness to know that this is where you are. Because one thing that I can say about people, I'm not just talking to women, I'm talking to men too, because it's not like men don't have these same feelings, even though, you know, we don't kind of sort of talk about them like that, not always but men have these same feelings and can have the same reaction to a song as well. But yeah, I just feel like I, first and foremost, I feel like loving yourself is the ultimate, the absolute ultimate. And speaking from someone who did not always love herself, for vast reasons, for many reasons, when you love yourself, you have a posture and an awareness and a mindset that is like none other. It is not selfish, but it's also very loving. It's loving of yourself. 

12:55

I find that because I love myself, I'm so much of a better person. I'm so much of a better mother, I'm so much of a better friend. I'm so much I'm just better. I'm just better because I am putting my best foot forward and I am presenting myself in the very best way because I love myself. You know, you hear people talking about boundaries and things of that nature, but when you have regard for yourself, I don't even know what word that I want to say. The reason why I love myself is because God loves me. The reason why I love myself is because I have really gone back to examine where that lack of love came from and I've walked through those instances and situations, whether it be childhood or whether it be high school or whether it be, you know, college, or whether it be in my 20s or my 30s, whatever, so that I can proudly, you know, really really stand in my confidence. It's such an amazing feeling because, if you are anything like me and have had to battle with that your entire life, because of things like your childhood or certain experiences that you had when you were much younger, or choices that you made because you did not love yourself, relationships that you have because you did not love yourself, it's becoming, you know, a people pleaser and allowing people to take from you and never give, and it's something like who it is that you really and truly are is such a gift. It's such a gift. 

15:25

And this song when I heard it back in 2016, when I was just coming out of my cocoon, it was so much to me because it really showed me like where it is that I actually was. I personally feel like I was in that seat and in that venue for that exact reason. Not necessarily because I love Lila Hathaway or not necessarily because I wanted to hear her album, or not necessarily because I love my music. It was because I needed to hear that song at that moment so that there could be a shift in my life at that time. And that's really what happened. And I really didn't think about this until, really, these last couple of days. And then 16 was when I started the process of going through coaching and going through different courses and classes and just shifting the way that I did things and ceasing some of the things that I did do. And it took me a while, from 2016 to to work on that part. And then there was another level that I went into from 2019 to 2023. 

16:56

Let's just say there has been another level of shifting and growing and healing that I have been doing, and so I don't want to ramble, I really just want to go back to the lyrics. I'm just going to read them and I just want you to listen to the lyrics and tell me how they make you feel. On my link inside of the description of this episode, there is a link at the bottom of well, not at the bottom, I'm sorry at the end of the description. That's called raised links. If you click on that link and you go to my Koji and it says leave me an audio message or a voice note or something like that, when you listen to this and it touches you or whatever it does for you, I want you to leave me a voice note there about this episode. Let me go through the lyrics. 

18:10

So bitter hearts don't hold a smile. Trouble minds will wear you down. Use your past to get ahead. Hold your tears and think instead. You have to find a way to make it. These clouds are letting up for a while. Sometimes you have to make the mirror your best friend and maybe then you'll find some peace within. Stop hiding yourself. Stop hiding yourself. Love yourself when no one else can. Now you know the remedy. Tell yourself you will achieve. Just go on and brush your shoulders off. This bridge is one that you must cross. You have to find a way to make it. These clouds are letting up for a while. Sometimes you have to make the mirror your best friend and maybe then you'll find some peace within. Stop hiding yourself, stop hiding yourself. Love yourself when no one else can. If you love yourself, you don't need nobody else. No one can love you like you. If you look inside, you'll find your strength. You'll find where your strength resides. No one can love you like you. Sometimes you got to make the mirror your best friend and maybe then you'll find some peace within. Stop hiding yourself, stop hiding yourself. Love yourself when no one else can. 

20:19

I am a proponent for first loving yourself before you can love anyone else, and that is only through trial, error, hurt, pain, betrayal and just learning about myself. And I personally believe and I tell, I especially tell young people to really, really really get to know themselves first and not be so anxious to bring you know these strange people in. You know, sometimes you're meeting people, you're going out with people, you're having sense with people and you really don't know these people. It is so, so, so important to get to know who you are, to value who you are, so that you can love, so that you can live your life accordingly, and not to say that you won't ever get hurt or your heart won't ever get broken. But I've learned over time that we should love ourselves the way that God loves us, and it's never too late to start loving yourself. 

21:53

And the mirror always reminds me of who talks about mirror work. It's not Catherine Ponder, but it's someone that I follow. I cannot remember her name. This is crazy. I'm sorry, but mirror work is so important. I think Lisa Nichols was talking about mirror work at one time when I was watching one of her videos. I believe Oprah's talked about mirror work. There are a lot of different personal development and self-love gurus and things of that nature that have talked about mirror work and looking yourself in the mirror and telling yourself every morning that you love yourself, looking yourself in your own eyes and saying beautiful things to yourself every day and not only help you to start the process of loving yourself, but if you continue to do that, if you take time, even if it's five minutes or a minute in fact, to just look yourself in the eye every morning, to look at yourself period, whether you're, you know, unclothed or not, and start finding love in what you see back in the mirror. I think that's such a beautiful thing, it's such a healing thing, and I think it's something that we really all need to do and to embrace ourselves, loving ourselves like no one else can. Thank you so much for listening to me. 

23:45

I hope I didn't ramble on too much, but I really wanted to share the words of the song with you, share my little story with you, and to implore you to maybe find some love that you can find in this song. Find a message or, yeah, find a message in this song. That's just for you if it touches you as well. You might not have ever heard this song before. You've never heard of Lalah Hathaway, but it's really. 

24:22

For me, it has always been about the words to the song and how this song made me feel. I absolutely love this song and I absolutely love the experience that I had back in 2016. And so, yeah, I just wanted to share this with you. I swear to God. Thank you guys so much for just riding with me this Music Musings with Rae. I love music. I can think of so many good songs that I want to share with you. I don't know if they'll be as close to my heart, as this song is for the experience that I had at that venue in 2016. But, yeah, I look forward to sharing these stories and sharing my personal opinions about them with you. So thank you for being here, thank you for taking this journey with me and thank you for listening to Music Musings with Rae. 

Recap...

Join me, your host Rae, as we explore the power of building a relationship with God through a dedicated morning routine. After sharing my throwback series of audios on what I shared when asked the question, “How did you cultivate this strong faith and belief in God?”

Listen in as I share my personal journey, emphasizing each person's path is unique and shouldn't be bound by strict rules or methods. Discover the sacred time in the morning that provides a special opportunity for communion with God and understand how this can transform your life. I share my insights on breaking habits such as phone addiction, and how finding happiness within oneself is deeply connected to nurturing a relationship with God.

We then shift our focus to the relationship between self-care and spirituality. I share my experiences and discuss the benefits of incorporating prayer, meditation, exercise, etc. into our morning routines. I emphasize the importance of making this routine your own and the need to maintain a positive mindset throughout the day. Whether it's listening to motivational recordings or praise and worship music, or maintaining physical health, I explore how these practices contribute to inner peace and strength. So tune in, and let's journey together in a recap and a continuance of discovering the transformative power of prioritizing your relationship with God.

Your journey matters, and your voice will always be heard here, so be sure to share your thoughts, questions and reflections with me on my interwebs.

Thank you for joining me for another episode as we cross this bridge together!

So much Love, Rae

Rae's Links...

koji.to/xoloverae

HIGHLIGHTS:

(02:47 - 04:03) Morning Routine and Personal Transformation

(17:01 - 18:40) Create a Community, Call for Support

CHAPTERS:

(00:01) Building Relationship With God Through Morning Routine

(09:42) Self-Care and Relationship With God

(00:01) Building Relationship With God Through Morning Routine

This chapter explores the importance of building a relationship with God through a morning routine. The host shares personal thoughts and experiences on the power of having sacred time in the morning to commune with God. Listeners are encouraged to focus on their own journey and what works best for them, rather than getting caught up in specific rules or methods. The positive changes that can occur when one prioritizes their relationship with God are highlighted, such as breaking phone addiction and finding confidence and happiness within oneself.

(09:42) Self-Care and Relationship With God

This chapter emphasizes the importance of building a relationship with God and how it can positively impact various aspects of our lives. The hosts share their personal experiences and discuss the benefits of incorporating a morning routine that includes prayer, meditation, and exercise. They highlight the need to make this practice your own and not get caught up in the details or feel discouraged if you miss a day. The hosts also mention the benefits of listening to motivational recordings and praise and worship music throughout the day to maintain a positive mindset. Overall, this chapter highlights the power of self-care and the role of spirituality in finding inner peace and strength.

Part 10...

Are you on a quest to develop a profound connection with a higher power? In this last episode of the series, sparked by a question, that guides you on how to build and strengthen your faith. We dive into the simplicity of daily routines and their profound role in fostering a stronger bond with the divine. We also tackle the challenges faced on this path, while highlighting the inherent rewards and the possibilities of experiencing miracles.

I share my heartfelt conversation with her, who, like many of us, is seeking guidance on nurturing her faith. Rest assured, the steps we elaborate on are not instantaneous requirements, but milestones you can progressively work towards. Remember, miracles happen every day, but they need to be backed with belief and faith. We invite you to join the conversation and share your thoughts, insights, or 'aha' moments with us. Thank you for being here and allowing me to be a part of your spiritual journey.

Your journey matters, and your voice will always be heard here, so be sure to share your thoughts, questions and reflections with me on my interwebs.

Thank you for joining me for another episode as we cross this bridge together!

So much Love, Rae

 Rae's Links...

koji.to/xoloverae

TRANSCRIPT:

00:14 - Rachel "Rae" Mindy (Host)

Hey, so I literally have been working on this video all day long, literally so different shirt, everything but I just wanted to put an end to this video because it just ends abruptly. I just really wanted to share with anyone who ever had a question as to how to build into having a relationship with God that's just not going to be difficult those things that I shared with a person that asked me this question. She knows that those things are not all like a requirement for her to do like right now, but she knows at least she has some steps that she can work on and that she can build on and that she can create for herself so that she can start not only just a morning routine or something that she does on a regular basis every single day, but that she knows that this is the purpose of this is for her to build a stronger relationship with God, for her to build on her faith and her belief in a higher power, and I just literally just wanted to share that. I personally feel in my heart that there are more than just her right out there looking for answers, and so, if you have gotten here to the video that I'm going to add to the end of the videos that I created today. Thank you for being here, thank you for listening and I hope something anything one thing, two, whatever that I said has helped you in any sort of way. This is challenging, but it's not hard and even though it's challenging, it's rewarding. It's rewarding. 

02:14

Miracles happen. Miracles happen once you've built and I'm not going to say once you built, because miracles happen every day, but of course those things have. They have to be backed up with belief and faith. But again, thank you, thank you for listening to me, thank you for letting me speak into your life, and I hope that something that I've said has helped you in any sort of way. And what I would love for you to do is for you to just leave me a comment, leave me something, tell me if you had an aha moment, and if you don't agree, that's cool too, but I probably I'm not even going to say that. Thank you for being here. Thank you, have a great one. Have a great one. 

Part 9...

Ever wonder why your spiritual life isn't taking off, despite your efforts? Well, just like you wouldn't expect washboard abs from a single gym session, building a relationship with God requires daily dedication, commitment, and time. We're unpacking this concept, drawing parallels between physical and spiritual transformations and sharing our own personal struggles along the journey.

Expect a candid discussion about my initial confusion around praying, meditating, and journaling, the determination required, and the power of starting small on this spiritual journey. We highlight practical steps such as dedicating just one minute for meditation, incorporating praise and worship, and keeping a journal to capture thoughts and reflections. This episode is all about being committed, patient, and persevering in the pursuit of a fulfilling and personal relationship with God It's not about quick fixes, it's about consistent work. Are you ready?.

Your journey matters, and your voice will always be heard here, so be sure to share your thoughts, questions and reflections with me on my interwebs.

Thank you for joining me for another episode as we cross this bridge together!

So much Love, Rae

 Rae's Links...

koji.to/xoloverae

TRANSCRIPT:

00:23 - Rachel "Rae" Mindy (Host)

Hey. So I want to talk a little bit more about the work. I can go on and on about this, which is why I probably got off on a tangent in a couple of the previous videos. But we have these expectations, especially in our current society where we want everything, like now. And comparing it to something like working out, yeah, like there's lots of us that want flat abs, now right. 

00:59

But if you're not going to get a operation or something like that done, you know that that takes work, right. You have to work on it every day so that you can get to your desired results, and that's the same thing with your relationship with God. If you haven't had one and you sit down and you get up, you know, whatever time you get up and you know create a sacred space or go in your closet or go in your bathroom or go into the empty room down the hallway because nobody sleeps in there. Excuse me, if you go in there one day, let's just say you go in there seven days it doesn't necessarily mean that your, like, your whole life, is going to change and that you and God are like besties. It doesn't work that way, and so the reason why I'm saying that is because you have to do, you have to be committed and you have to do the work. And so, for me, I'll just talk about a little bit about my struggles. 

02:01

In the very beginning, I did not know how to pray. I already said that I did not know how to meditate. You know, I didn't know what to write in my journal, like all of these things, but I was determined no longer to feel the way that I was feeling. I was determined to have a relationship with God and to figure it out. And so starting off small is ideal for anyone who wants to have one. 

02:29

You know, I'm not telling you that you have to open up your Bible and all these other things because we're starting off small. We can always build into that, but right now, as long as you surrender first of all and just let God know that you want him in your life period and that you're listening and you're, you know, asking questions, as long as you meditate, one minute 60 seconds, that's it. Okay, you pray, that only takes a minute. Probably. You incorporate some praise and worship. You find you a journal. I don't care if it's like I have one, but I'm not going to pull it out, I'm going to put it in a composition notebook and just write it.