Viability - the ability to live, grow, and develop; the ability to work successfully; the ability to survive or live successfully. 

Visibility - the state of being visible (seen); capability of being readily noticed; the degree to which something has attracted general attention.

In this day and age, so many people are working tirelessly for Visibility, but many don't have any Viability. We are working to be seen; we’re working for likes and shares and comments; but, are you really building something? Is your work Viable? Are you working to build something that will last well beyond the likes and the shares and the comments? Let's work to do something that is Viable and not just try to be seen. Let's not just try to be Visible. 

Scripture tells us that “Men will see our good works and glorify God who is in Heaven (Matthew 5:16).” So, we want people to see our good works - not just our good posts; not just our good photos - but our good works. You want something that is going to be sustainable. You want something that is going to last well beyond your days here. Let's start building now. You want to leave an inheritance for your children and your children’s children. You want to leave an inheritance for generations to come. So, what is it that you’re building now? Are you just building a great social media following, with nothing that's really tangible; or do you want to build something that is Viable; something that will last; something that will bless people; something that will encourage people; something that will empower people; something that will last well beyond you; something that will precede you? No, we don't do it to bring glory and honor to our name - whatever we do, we should do it for an audience of one, the Lord Jesus Christ (I'm a firm believer in that). When scripture says: “Men will see your good works and glorify God (Matthew 5:16);” what if they don't know God? They may applaud you and they may glorify you; then it is up to you to point them to God; to give God the glory; to honor God for the strength, the ability, the wisdom, the creativity to be able to create and execute whatever that thing is that you're doing. 

We want to work to be Viable not just Visible. Many people are doing so many things to look busy, but my question is: “Are you productive? Are you producing anything? Are you yielding any real tangible results? Are you producing something that is going to last longer than the length or the duration of a Facebook story? Are you going to produce something that's going to last beyond 24-hours, the duration of an Instagram story? Are you producing something that is going to help people? Are you producing something that is going to educate and empower people? Are you producing something that will be here for generations to come? 

I challenge you, throughout the rest of your life: Whatever you put your hands to; whatever you set out to do - do it in the Spirit of Excellence; do it to the Glory of God. Build something that is going to be Viable and stop trying to just be Visible. This is what I believe: When you do it right; when you do it with the right motives; when you do it with the right intentions, it's going to be seen any way; it's going to be admired by many anyway. But, when you're doing it just to be Visible, what happens when they see it but they leave the same, they leave unchanged? You may have gotten a lot of likes and comments and shares, but who did you impact? That is the question… 

So, whatever it is that you're doing; whatever it is that you’re planning to build, ask yourself: “Is this Viable, or am I just doing this to be Visible?” 

Make sure your motives are pure.

Remember, If God said it, then That Settles It. 

About two years ago, I was named Brand Ambassador for my Favorite bakery. It was kind of a Big Deal (to me). My friends laughed at me because they, and anyone who follows me on social media, know how much I Absolutely Love this bakery. I am always checking in (via Facebook and Instagram) at this bakery as I pick up my delectable treats. One of my Facebook friends even commented that they need to pay me for all the advertising I do for them.

As I chuckled at myself and my “Newfound Fame,” I thought about how being a Brand Ambassador is not new to me.

When you think about what a Brand Ambassador really is…

A Brand Ambassador is a person who represents a brand in a positive light, and by doing so, helps increase brand awareness and sales.

As a Believer, I am supposed to be an Ambassador for the Kingdom of God. 

So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 2 Corinthians 5:20 NLT

I have been doing this for the Kingdom of God for about 16 years. I remember when I first received the free gift of salvation, I told everyone. I was excited about this God who saved me. I wanted everyone to come to Him and get to know Him. I wanted everyone to receive this free gift. No one had to pay me; no one had to tell me to do it. There was no incentive. It’s something I believe in. That’s a Brand Ambassador.

I recently shared with a friend: Being a Brand Ambassador for me, has to be organic. I can’t do it just for the sake of doing it. If I am going to be a Brand Ambassador for a person, product, or brand, it has to be something I believe in, something I have tried. For me that’s the only way I will be able to truly sell it. 

As I continue to grow in faith and mature spiritually, I not only tell people about God and all the wonderful things He wants to do in their lives, but they are able to witness it in my life. They see me endeavoring to live a life that is pleasing to Him, and they see His unmerited favor all over my life. As I continue to strive to be the Best Brand Ambassador for His Kingdom, God is allowing others to see His many benefits.

Now, my challenge to you this week is to ask yourself, “Am I a Good Brand Ambassador for the Kingdom of God?” Answer yourself honestly. Do your coworkers, family, and friends know that you are a Born-again Believer? Do they see your fruit (of the Spirit)? Is your life compelling people to come and ask, “What must I do to be saved?” If not, do something about it. Don’t miss this: I am not telling you to live a life that is pleasing to men. I am reminding you to live the life God has called you to live.

This is your reminder: You are a Brand Ambassador, and the world is watching you. Show them what they are missing. Let your life represent God in a positive light and help increase awareness of His Goodness, His Mercy, His Grace, and His lovingkindness towards us; thus, increasing souls being added to the Kingdom.

Remember, if God said it, then That Settles It. 

As we approach Thanksgiving, many of us will celebrate with whatever our version of Thanksgiving is for this year – whether with family, with only those in our household, or virtually. This year will probably look a little different, but one thing that has not changed, is we all have something for which we can be grateful. 

I have learned how to express my Sincerest Gratitude while living in, being present in, and enjoying the moment. I recently shared with someone, that “I am going to enjoy THIS moment. I am not worried or concerned about the “what if,” or the next moment – I am going to breathe in and embrace THIS moment. I am going to take it all in and enjoy THIS moment.” 

I have never seen a more grateful person than someone who knows they don’t deserve whatever it is they received. Their joy, happiness and expression are unmatched. For me, one of the things I am so grateful for is Grace, God’s Grace. It is sufficient and it endures forever. We deserved death hell and the grave. But, because of the Blood of Jesus and His sacrifice, we now have a right to the Tree of Life; we now have a right to life and life more abundantly. Grace is God’s unmerited favor – we don’t deserve it, we can’t earn it, but yet He bestows it upon us. For that, I express my Sincerest Gratitude (daily). 

I am reminded of the story of the two criminals who were being crucified alongside Jesus…

One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

~Luke 23:39-43 ESV 

Throughout this week and beyond, be intentional about expressing your Sincerest Gratitude; especially for those things you know you don’t deserve, but God still chose to Grace you and Bless you with anyway. Give Thanks! 

Remember, if God said it, then That Settles It. 

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Over 20 years ago, my good friend April and I were driving around in her aunt’s Volvo station wagon and I said, “It seems like everywhere we go somebody’s brakes are squealing. These people really need to get their brakes fixed!” My friend was laughing uncontrollably for about 10 minutes, until she was able to inform me that it wasn’t everybody else’s brakes squealing, IT WAS OURS! 

As I reflected upon that crazy story, I had a revelation and I thought about how that is true for many of us. How many of us are quick to point the finger at others when there is an issue or a problem? Without thinking about it, we are quick to blame others – it’s never us.

About two years ago, God started dealing with me, instructing me to be intentional about looking at myself first; asking those difficult questions: “Did I do something wrong? Could I have done something differently?” And not hastening to point the finger at others. 

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. ~Matthew 7:3-5 ESV

I want to challenge you this week to be intentional about first assessing if, or how, you contributed to the problem; and not be in such a hurry to point the finger at others. I know there are times when we are faultless, I get it. But the goal is to condition ourselves to always be willing to do a self-assessment FIRST, and not be so quick to blame others. This also keeps us humble by reminding us not to be so proud or pious, thinking we are incapable of doing anything wrong. We are all human and we all err. Also, this is a great opportunity for us to extend grace to those who are at fault. 

Remember, if God said it, then That Settles It.

I’d love to hear from you. Share your feedback and experiences with me as you take this challenge of self-assessment FIRST this week. 

I remember when I was 16, my parents bought me a Ford Mustang. I had a part-time job and a little money in my savings account; I was living the life. My mother said something that I didn’t like one night and that was the last straw! I had enough of her, so I decided that I was going to run away. As I look back, I marvel at the level of influence I had even at that age; because I managed to convince my older brother and cousin to push my car out of the driveway and down the street so that my parents wouldn’t hear me start it up that night. I got in the car and made my boyfriend go with me. We were headed to New Jersey (at least we thought we were). My plan was to go live with my older cousin. There was one issue: I had only been driving for a short while and I was terrified to drive across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, especially at night. So, my cousin convinced me to stay at a hotel for the night and then, if I was still determined to leave in the morning, I could try to tackle that bridge during daylight. Early the next morning, my boyfriend called his house and my mother had already begun terrorizing everyone trying to find us. She threatened my boyfriend’s family, saying that she was going to have him arrested. She was relentless in her pursuit to find her baby (ME). I was afraid at this point, because I knew that I would feel her wrath if I went home. Eventually, I gave in and spoke to her on the phone. Immediately, I could hear the fear and hurt in her voice. She cried and pleaded with me to just come home. My cousin got on the phone and yelled at me for being so selfish and spoiled and inconsiderate. I went home and my mother just held me, she hugged me, she kissed me, she cried, she begged me to never scare her like that again.

This story reminds me so much of God and His love for us. He does everything to help us fulfill our purpose and destiny. We do so many things to hurt Him. We do things that we know are wrong. We have the audacity to get upset when He chastises us; we know it’s for our good, but it doesn’t feel good. We don’t like it, so we run. It’s time to Stop Running.

For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. ~Hebrews 12:6

And what about the people in our lives who, according to their ability, genuinely love and care for us? What about when they say or do something we don’t like and we decide we want out? We become distant. We stop talking or texting. We, all of a sudden, become too busy and have no time for them. Thankfully, when we come to our senses and realize how immature and petty we are, they are right there waiting with open arms. It’s time to Stop Running.

 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. ~Proverbs 27:6

I share this because I know what it’s like to take for granted those who love us, then to look up one day and they are no longer here. Let’s Stop Running! Let’s express our gratitude for every person who is a blessing in our lives, while they are still here.

Remember, If God said it, then That Settles It. 

My prayer for you is that your Creativity be Unlocked/Unblocked. We are created in the image and the likeness of the Ultimate Creator, God (Gen. 1:27). He created you; and me; and this world in which we live. If we are created in His image and likeness, then we have the same ability to create. If we can conceive it; if we can think it; we can create it. 

When we are children our creativity is flowing freely and we believe we can do anything. It’s not until we face life circumstances, or we encounter people who speak and cause us to doubt, that our creativity may become blocked. That’s when we begin to limit ourselves and cease to create, or even believe we can create.

We need to assess our lives and make sure we are surrounded by like-minded people; people who are creative; people who believe that dreams are possible; people who will speak life to our dreams, and not kill them with words of doubt and disbelief. We need to dream again like we did when we were kids. Think like a child. Daydream as much as possible. Let go of the idea of perfection – that will come with practice, persistence, and improvement. The idea right now is to Unlock or Unblock Your Creativity. Dream Again and Create!

Remember, if God said it, then That Settles It. 

If you have a chance, you really should take some time and read about Jacob in the Bible (Genesis 25-35). Jacob was considered a deceiver (deceiving his own father early in his life). Later in his life he is seen wrestling with the Angel of God. His name was changed to Israel, and he spent the remainder of his life serving God. I began to ponder Jacob’s life, and I came to this conclusion: He Loves Me! No matter what we have done, God still loves us and He is still our God. Isn’t that wonderful? Just take a few moments and reflect back over your life. Think about all the bad, evil, mean, and cold-hearted things you have done. Think about the things for which you still haven’t forgiven yourself. Think about the things that you hope no one ever finds out about you, or your past. Now think about this: In spite of ALL of that, He still loves you and He still wants to be your God! Doesn’t this just give you so much hope and joy? I know my joy is refilled when I think about it. After all, I know ME, and I know what I’ve done (and so does He), yet He Still Loves Me. That’s a great reason to Rejoice! 

Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you (Psalm 139:7-12 ESV).

Remember, if God said it, then That Settles It. 

Be encouraged. No matter what you have done up to this very second, God still loves you. Ask for His forgiveness. Thank Him for His Grace. Repent and turn away from those things that you know are wrong. Forgive yourself, and walk in the “Newness of Life,” that He has promised us all.

The Chosen Vessel

The Master was searching for a vessel to use;
On the shelf there were many - which one would He choose?
Take me, cried the gold one, I'm shiny and bright,
I'm of great value and I do things just right.
My beauty and luster will outshine the rest
And for someone like You, Master, gold would be the best!

The Master passed on with no word at all;
He looked at a silver urn, narrow and tall;
I'll serve You, dear Master, I'll pour out Your wine
And I'll be at Your table whenever You dine,
My lines are so graceful, my carvings so true,
And my silver will always compliment You.

Unheeding the Master passed on to the brass,
It was widemouthed and shallow, and polished like glass.
Here! Here! cried the vessel, I know I will do,
Place me on Your table for all men to view.

Look at me, called the goblet of crystal so clear,
My transparency shows my contents so dear,
Though fragile am I, I will serve You with pride,
And I'm sure I'll be happy in Your house to abide.

The Master came next to a vessel of wood,
Polished and carved, it solidly stood.
You may use me, dear Master, the wooden bowl said,
But I'd rather You used me for fruit, not for bread!

Then the Master looked down and saw a vessel of clay.
Empty and broken it helplessly lay.
No hope had the vessel that the Master might choose,
To cleanse and make whole, to fill and to use.

Ah! This is the vessel I've been hoping to find,
I will mend and use it and make it all Mine.
I need not the vessel with pride of its self;
Nor the one who is narrow to sit on the shelf;
Nor the one who is bigmouthed and shallow and loud;
Nor one who displays his contents so proud;
Not the one who thinks he can do all things just right;
But this plain earthy vessel filled with My power and might.

Then gently He lifted the vessel of clay.
Mended and cleansed it and filled it that day.
Spoke to it kindly. There's work you must do,
Just pour out to others as I pour into you.

By Beulah V. Cornwall

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.
2 Timothy 2:20 NKJV

Question: Which Vessel Are You???

You MUST know your worth! You cannot let other people define it – that’s your job – and it’s very important. It is one of the most important jobs you will ever have.

Some people will come into your life and try to make you into the person they want you to be – not for your betterment – but for their benefit. You will never be good enough for these people, no matter how hard you try; and that’s not your issue, it’s theirs. Tell those people “Don’t Settle For Me.” Tell them, “I Choose Me,” and bid them adieu. 

It is written: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Rom. 8:28).” 

So, learn to walk away from every life experience asking yourself, “What can I learn from this; what is the takeaway? And grow from it. 

There are times when we will have to be flexible, especially if we think the relationship is worth it; but we should NEVER have to lose our identity just to please others.

Surround yourself with people who will REAFFIRM what you already know about you. Meaning they aren’t telling you anything you don’t already know about you. 

Get in the habit of waking up every morning and declaring: “I Choose Me!”

Check out this month's blog post, "Don't Settle For Me." 
https://thatsettlesit.wordpress.com/blog/ 

I have heard the phrase, “Looking for love in all the wrong places,” throughout most of my life – you probably have too. There are even songs about it; so, I think we get the idea about looking for love in all the wrong places. Now, I want to challenge your thinking and your expectations by provoking you to begin Looking for Love in All the Right Places. What does that look like? Here we go…

Start by looking to God – for God is Love. It is imperative that we believe that God loves us, in spite of us and our imperfections. God’s love is evident. If you believe, you can see it, sense it, and feel it all around you. Now, embrace it and believe that you are worthy of it.

Next – the most important place to look for love in the earth is in YOU! Remember, God is love; and if he lives in You, then love is in you. You may have to do some digging and removing layers of hurt and distrust to see it, but trust me, it’s there. 

We are taught from a young age to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, but the problem is many of us were never taught how to love ourselves…

Use 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 as a guide to love yourself.

Be patient and kind to yourself. 

Don’t hold grudges against yourself, forgive yourself. 

Stop keeping an account of all your wrongs.   

Be loyal to yourself – no matter the cost. 

Always believe in yourself.

Always expect the best of you.

Always stand your ground in defending you.

As you learn to properly love yourself, it emanates through you. Also, your love for yourself is a guide to teach others how to properly love you. Once you truly and authentically love yourself, you will begin to attract the right people and form synergistic relationships – only competing to outdo each other in love.

Begin Looking for Love in All the Right Places. 

Remember, if God said it, then That Settles It.