Originally posted 2020-07-21 20:36:40.
Hi!
When change is working its way into your life, it shows itself in many different ways. Sometimes you see periodic glimpses of better days to come. Those sneak peeks ignite a push within you. Other times you go through pain that nudges you to realize change is necessary.
The great thing about these opposite analogies is that they both ultimately stretch you to a place of strength. But if pain must take place first, get through it and DO NOT give up. Because, your sorrow is just a brief road to the other side where joy and happiness reside. Remember and speak out loud, “…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalms 30:5 KJV
Wow! That is the first ‘Quantum Leap’ you need to make in order to be happy. Speak and believe the Word of God, to combat pain.
There is more?
I woke up the other day with an overwhelming feeling of sadness. That unwanted visitor has encumbered upon my mental space since early May of this year. The weariness has been so intense until it has pressed me to cry practically every day since the beginning of June. When it first started, I thought it was the yearly grief that creeps in every anniversary of my mother, sister and daughter’s deaths.
The first week of May has significance for me. It was during that week when my mother and sister died, and my daughter went into the hospital to never come out alive. Though the time span of these occurrences range from 2002 to 2016; they touch my heart every year..
There is more?
This year has recorded multiple unexpected deaths of people’s friends and family members throughout the world. Two pastors in our church’s jurisdiction, my pastor’s mom, my cousin who was like an aunt, another cousin’s wife, and most recently, one of the dear mothers at my church passed away. Last week, I received more devastating news that one of my cousin’s 9 year old son died. Those areas are major contributors to the surge of tears.
My friend, it might look like I just rolled out an agenda for professional mourners. But that is not the case. Actually, I don’t like to cry at all. So, in the wake of so much death, I prayed to God.
I examined myself to target in on why this unhappiness has such a tight grip. The Holy Spirit let me know that my tears mainly sprang forth because, I am an intercessor. I have not only been feeling my own pain, but the pain of others who are experiencing heartache from their losses. An intercessor’s warfare of feeling other people’s pain comes with the territory.
The best thing to do is to continue to pray!
Prayer opens up your line of communication with God. Through praying and seeking God’s Will, the Holy Spirit let me see more. He gave me an enlightening epiphany about my forlorn state of being. He told me to go back and target in on what has been in my spirit for days.
God is so good. He dropped periodic nuggets in my spirit about my need for joy and happiness. He told me that it began weeks ago when I became frustrated and felt all alone. I could not find in my sons what my daughter and I shared. I love my sons, and we have wonderful relationships, but they are not daughters. They think like men; which is natural.
Girls need girlfriends to share girly frustrations and feminine based joys.
My daughter, my best friend, my girlfriend is gone. I miss her terribly. Though I could have called my childhood BFF, Joi, who lives in Louisville, Kentucky; it is not the same. Though I could have called my cousin Belinda, who lives in St. Louis, Missouri; it is not the same. I did not want to dump my sadness onto them. So I cried to the Lord, “Father God, in the name of Jesus, help me to be happy!”
QUANTUM LEAPS ARE ESSENTIAL!
Merriam-Webster defines ‘quantum leap’ as, ‘an abrupt change, sudden increase, or dramatic advance.’ What I did not know is that the uncomfortable moments I was experiencing were ushering in abrupt changes in my life.
One Saturday, my sons did not call me. The only calls I received that day were from one of my brothers in the Lord who wanted to discuss scriptures. They were interesting theological conversations that stimulated my love for the Word of God. But, after they were over, sadness came back and parked in my room.
That night, before I went to sleep, The Holy Spirit said to me, “Rochelle, your sons are grown and have their relationships! They may have been busy. It is time to get used to not talking to them every day! Your happiness can no longer center around your children!” I uttered, “Okay Lord!” I bathed, read one of my Bible plans, prayed and went to sleep.
That Sunday morning, I woke up with a peculiar feeling. I prayed, bathed, got dressed and watched my church on Facebook Live. The Word really blessed me. But, when the service was over, the unsettling feeling came back.
Here comes a forceful ‘Quantum Leap!’
I went to Kroger to purchase fixings to make a large salad for a small family gathering. While I was in the store, It started raining outside. I received a call informing me that our planned gathering was cancelled. I frustratingly returned the items from my basket back to their places. Then the enemy attacked me. I began to cry, paid for a few items for home, and walked out of the store through the rain, got in my suv and pulled out of the lot.
The spirit of disappointment filled my vehicle. As I drove and cried, the enemy told me to call a male associate and go to his house. But, the Holy Spirit lifted up a standard and said, “Rochelle drive to Highland Lakes, where you and your mother lived 39 years ago!” As I drove to Northville, Michigan joy came into my heart. I started looking forward to seeing 41297 Lehigh Lane again; even though it was only the outside.
When I pulled up and parked near that address to reflect, I realized a significant advancement had taken place in me. The pain from associating that condominium with my mother’s plight is gone. Thank you Jesus!
The Lord also helped me tap into my inner delight of having beautiful experiences. The joy of seeing Northville, Michigan’s development was intriguing. I noticed how the trees had grown and how the area looked more like a developed city with neighborhoods, rather than a nice spot in the middle of nowhere. Some of the lakes were even surrounded by trees. I realized how much I enjoy seeing diverse architectural structures of new buildings, houses, and condominiums.
What an abrupt change!
I started thanking God for being such an awesome creator. I thanked God for helping me see myself in the midst of new during these trying times. I thanked God for helping me see myself living out more of my dreams. I thanked God for the old goals I still have, for new goals and for re-igniting hope in me. Those precious ‘Quantum Leaps’ in my spirit, thoughts and emotions helped me refocus on who my joy and happiness should be centered around. The Lord! Yaaaaayyyy!!!
My friend, how has, or how can ‘Quantum Leaps’ trigger new advancements and more happiness in your life? Take your time and think about it!
Pray with me that there are more ‘Quantum Leaps’ to come for the both of us. Let’s close with a great verse to meditate upon whenever our joy and happiness wanes. “Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 KJV
Thank you for joining me today! We will talk with you soon!
Blessings!
Rochelle 🌹
