positive

Renew Your Mind: The Power of God’s Word

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

We humans are such weird people. For no reason, we can break into tears just thinking of how God delivered us. This month, I turn my attention to spiritual warfare, which I think might or might not resonate with you.

be-transformed-by-the-rewnewing-of-your-mind-romans-12-in-due-time-blog-1

Years ago, I taught adult Sunday School and used Joyce Meyer’s book, The Battlefield of the Mind. I loved that book back then. Joyce always provides scripture to support her discussions, which is no different. She outlined some essential points: It is crucial to discern what we allow into our minds; it is vital to renew our minds; we need to be aware of mental strongholds and the importance of trusting in God. There are many scriptures, but there are two that I tend to feed myself regularly.

Romans 12:1-2, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then, you can test and approve God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will. Also, Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

I encourage you today to practice reciting scripture to yourself often. I don’t care how strong in the faith we think we are; when we are attacked, we are the most vulnerable to hearing white noise. We are weakened in body and mind due to worry, and that’s when the enemy will come in for the kill—reminding you how horrible you are or how naïve—telling you that everyone is against you and that when you don’t hear from anyone, you believe the lie.

If you plug into God’s Word, I am not saying you won’t struggle with self-doubt or insecurities. You will at some point. However, I learned by going through stuff that the Word of God gave me comfort and, in some instances, confidence. I came to say, Lord, whatever happens, I trust You. You may have to say this to yourself repeatedly, and that’s okay.

Remember, when you let your mind worry about all the “what-ifs,” push them out, fill your mouth with prayer, and speak the Word of God. “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them. For greater is He who is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4).

Finding Joy in Adversity: Overcoming Fear with Faith

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

Sometimes, it’s hard to admit that we can feel joy when the pressures of life are pushing us down. You may be generally a happy and optimistic person, but you find yourself worried, preoccupied, frustrated, and suspicious.

faithoverfear

Over the last several weeks, I have had my share of all the above, which frustrates me when I pride myself on being optimistic about everything. Experiencing these emotions only shows that even though we think we are superhuman, we are not; we are simply human. We are not God; only He is.

In times of turmoil, my go-to habit is always the Bible. But doing that sometimes doesn’t bring relief. But there is something to the scripture in Psalm 30:5 that says, “Weeping may endure for a night, but Joy comes in the morning.” As much as I found myself overwhelmed for several weeks, suddenly, one day, I read a devotional that triggered a release in my spirit. It was Romans 8:28, “All things work together for good to those who love God. To those who are called according to His Purpose.”

romans8-28

Like many others, I have known that scripture my entire life, but just as our elders would say, memorize scripture because the Holy Spirit will bring it back to you when needed. And that is precisely what happened.

The writer of that devotional reminded me that life’s journey has twists and turns. No path is always straight. However, at the end of the path, you and I will achieve His purpose. The writer talked about having Faith over fear—something I say a lot, but when it is you in the middle of something if we are not grounded in the joy of the Lord, fear can cripple us and overtake our Faith.

So, my breakthrough came on that Friday with the devotional. On Sunday, the message from my Pastor was loud and clear: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22:
• Be joyful always
• Pray continuously
• Give thanks in all circumstances
• Don’t stifle the Holy Spirit
• Don’t scoff at prophesies
• Test everything that is said
• Hold onto what is good
• Stay away from what is evil

When I heard that message and heard the words Faith over fear, I knew these words were for me. So, I tell you today, when you feel overwhelmed and scared, speak Faith. Philippians 4:7 says, “Be anxious for nothing but in all things by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

So, if worry enters your mind, prayer should fill your mouth.

Faith. Hope. Purpose

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

As I write this blog, we are entering Holy Week. As usual, this time of year always inspires me to reflect. I cannot help but think about the sacrifice and resurrection of my Lord, Jesus Christ. Amid my pondering, I am compelled to share a message of encouragement with you all.

We are blessed with the gift of life, with divine purpose and intention. Life is meant to be lived positively and purposefully; we should embrace every moment with gratitude and determination. Despite our challenges, we should cast aside blame and excuses, for they only hinder our progress.

Instead, let us embrace ownership of our lives, recognizing that we have the power to shape our destiny through our thoughts, words, and actions. Remember Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” With faith as our guide and God’s grace as our strength, there is nothing we cannot overcome.

As we approach Easter, let us reflect on Jesus Christ’s ultimate act of love and sacrifice on the cross. His resurrection symbolizes hope, renewal, and the promise of new beginnings. Let this be a reminder that no matter how difficult our circumstances may seem, there is always hope on the horizon.

So, my dear friends, I encourage you to embrace your life wholeheartedly. Seize each day with courage and conviction, knowing that the One who created you loves you unconditionally. I pray this Holy Week that we will allow faith, positivity, and purpose to drive our actions, for in doing so, we will unlock the full potential of our God-given talents.

May this Holy Week be a time of reflection, renewal, and recommitment to living a life that glorifies God in all that we do. Remember, it’s your life—own it. No blame. No excuses.

Lacking Confidence?

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

Have you ever looked at some people, and they just seemed to exude confidence? Yeah, I have, too. Have you ever wondered why some have no problem stepping up and taking on any challenge without worries while others shy away? Are you one of those who lacks confidence, and privately, you wonder why you cannot overcome the fear of not being “good enough?” Also, when does self-confidence become arrogance?

confidence

There are so many questions with one answer. It all begins with God. If you start with God as your foundation, you will surely build self-confidence rather than arrogance. How would you know? The Holy Spirit will remind you.

Now, how do you build confidence? It begins with God also.
The first thing that comes to mind is the scripture that reminds us that we are made in God’s image. Another. one says, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” And another tells us that “God’s gifts and calling are irrevocable.” So, if you begin with what the word of God says about you and fill your mind with these things rather than the harmful noise, you can build confidence.

This month, I want to emphasize the profound significance of believing in yourself, staying the course, and embracing confidence and consistency on the journey to success. As we navigate life’s challenges, a timeless wisdom is found in scripture that resonates with these principles.

Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our understanding. This scripture is a foundation for self-belief, urging us to believe in our abilities even when faced with uncertainties. The path to success often requires us to trust our capabilities, but I reject that. We must trust God first and then believe He cares about the things that concern us and will help us achieve our dreams and goals.

As we go through life, we will face obstacles, but faith, perseverance, and resilience can lead to eventual success. Staying true to our goals, even in the face of adversity, is a testament to God’s power working through us.

I can do all things

Confidence and consistency find a voice in Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This verse highlights the empowerment that comes from a confident belief in God and confidence in oneself, coupled with the consistency of effort. Remember, our abilities are amplified when rooted in faith and sustained through dedicated consistent action.

As you pursue your aspirations, remember to draw inspiration from the scriptures. They emphasize belief, perseverance, and confidence. Remember, by believing in ourselves, staying the course, and being confident and consistent, we unlock the door to a future where success is not just a destination but a journey of growth and fulfillment.

Imposter Syndrome? Grace Transforms Insecurities

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

Recently, I explored a theme that I have heard repeatedly. The phrase is Imposter Syndrome. After reading about it and hearing comments from various people, I began to wonder about it for myself. Do I ever experience this phenomenon? If I did, would I admit it to anyone? I would admit it to my husband. But in such a competitive world, I can see why people feel they are imposters, especially at work.

imposter syndrome


Social media doesn’t help, either. We believe everything we see on these platforms; worst yet, some of us compare ourselves to others and measure our happiness by their posts. We see friends and family traveling the world, looking happy, only to hear not long after a trip that there is shocking news that life, perhaps, wasn’t as rosy as portrayed. Also, look at the extremely popular people, and suddenly, we hear that they decided this life was just too hard.
To a certain extent, we can all be imposters at some point. However, I would not ascribe that description to many people I know. We are all just trying to do our best. Life gets complicated, and people want not only to survive but also to thrive. So they put on a face, even when the going gets tough, and forge ahead.

gods grace


If you feel you are an imposter, a person who often wears a mask to conceal your insecurities, join the club. But, also know that God knows who we are from the inside out and still loves us. His grace is a mirror reflecting our true worth.


I am sure you know this scripture, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9. See, there you have it. The scripture tells us that the unearned nature of God’s grace destroys our insecurities.


God’s unconditional love breaks the chains of the imposter syndrome because His love fosters a sense of security in His grace. I know some of you are struggling with this issue, but as I have told myself and others, you are not an imposter. Where you are right now is where you are supposed to be. If you are in a boardroom feeling you shouldn’t be there, or if you are in a bathroom trying to get the nerve up to enter a space, you feel overwhelmed, chin up, back straight, and walk like the child of God you are. Find strength and confidence through Christ.

What Is It About Me?

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

Have you ever found yourself pondering the enigmatic question, “What is it about me?” It’s a question that tends to surface when relationships crumble right before our eyes, leaving us with a sense of confusion and heartache. We wonder why people betray us, and we may even question what could be inherently wrong with us. The quest to understand the root of this issue can be both introspective and revealing.

First and foremost, it’s important to acknowledge that the notion of betrayal is a complex and multifaceted aspect of human relationships. It often stems from various factors, such as miscommunication, unmet expectations, and personal insecurities. While it’s easy to internalize these experiences and wonder what we did wrong, it’s crucial to remember that betrayal is not always a reflection of our worth or character.

proverbs 3

Scripture provides wisdom and comfort during times of personal reflection and adversity. In times of doubt and introspection, we can turn to my favorite book, the Bible, in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight.” This scripture reminds us that while we may question ourselves and our circumstances, ultimately, trust in God can provide clarity and guidance.

Self-reflection is an essential step in understanding the dynamics of our relationships. It can help us identify patterns in our interactions with others and reveal areas where we may need personal growth or improvement. However, this should not be a journey of self-blame or self-criticism, but rather an opportunity for self-awareness and self-empowerment.

When you find yourself asking, “What is it about me?” don’t do so blaming yourself for whatever went wrong. Instead, reframe your thoughts and consider the following:

  • Misunderstandings can lead to strained relationships. Reflect on your communication style. I didn’t say change it, but consider how you communicate. I know I have to do so regularly.
  • Unrealistic or unspoken expectations can lead to disappointment and feelings of betrayal.
  • Self-esteem and self-worth play a significant role in how we perceive and respond to betrayal. I have a strong sense of self and that helps me navigate challenging situations more confidently.
  • Betrayal can erode trust, making it difficult to establish healthy connections. I remind myself often that I have trust issues and that causes me to keep my guard up. Consider how trust issues may have affected your relationships and what steps you can take to rebuild trust.
  • Use the experience of betrayal as an opportunity for personal growth. Embrace the lessons learned, and seek ways to become a better version of yourself.
  • Sometimes, seeking guidance from a trusted friend or therapist can provide valuable insights and support in understanding your role in relationships and any recurring patterns.

Remember that relationships are a two-way street. While self-reflection is essential, it’s equally important to recognize that betrayal often arises from the complexities of both parties involved. Ultimately, asking “What is it about me?” can be a catalyst for personal growth and healthier, more fulfilling relationships. It’s a question that can lead to self-discovery and a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics of human connections.

Over the years, I have always had my guard up. People who knew me understood the guarded me and just accepted it. But there has always been a good reason to guard me, because true to form, people I would let it, would end up betraying me. Most times, I would accept the betrayal as another lesson learned, but there have been times when I had to ask myself, “What is it about me?”

Overcoming Fake Friends…

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment
losing fake friends

Don’t Be Surprised When People you thought supported you never really did. This type of fake friendship became very clear to me recently. Although I probably secretly already knew deep down, they did not care for me but chose to ignore my gut. Anyway, I think we always know if someone likes us or not. We sense if they are indeed our friends or not. We know based on their actions or inactions. Yes, we know because our gut or intuition warns us.

What-are-the-signs-of-fake-friends-spot-fake-friendships-and-fake-people

Yet, It always surprises me when people are shocked when their betrayer finally shows their true face. Honestly, I am never shocked anymore. When it happens, I go with it. Okay, so I may be caught off guard for a minute, but I was never shocked to find that some of the people I trusted didn’t care for me.

So, what do we do when we feel betrayed? Learn and not blame. Learn from the experience, but do not wallow in self-pity. And for God’s sake, don’t blame yourself for not seeing it sooner. Also, do not ask yourself, “Why?” or “What did you do?” If you did something, yes, apologize, but more likely than not, you did nothing.

Generally, we are raised to give people the “benefit of the doubt,” so when we see signs like them joking about us, making passive-aggressive comments towards us, etc., our gut warns us, but we tend to ignore it. Also, we don’t want to assume bad things about others.

We all do it, so you are with the majority. Second, although you will play your friendship over the years repeatedly in your mind, trying to look for signs you missed, let that play out also. For some reason, we must figure out where we went wrong in judging the fake friend. Finding out that someone you valued never valued you is hard. The sooner you accept that the sooner the healing process can begin. If you are a Believer, turn to scripture and prayer for comfort.

One scripture I found made me feel good to know that God will avenge me as long as I am confident that I have clean hands and heart. That doesn’t mean that I want the person to be held accountable. Not in the least. What I want is for me to move on beyond them as quickly as possible. But if someone goes beyond just hurting your feelings and disparage your name, remember Psalm 101:5-6, “ I will destroy the one who secretly slanders a friend. I will not allow the proud and arrogant to prevail. My eyes are looking at the faithful of the land so that they may live with me; The one who lives a life of integrity will serve me.”

See? You don’t have to do a thing except learn from the experience and not blame yourself. All else God will handle. Keep living, keep loving, and keep an open mind to future friendships. Also, maybe God is clearing the way for new and better friendships.

If Not Now, When?

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

So, I missed you last month. But, unfortunately, my life was so busy; I forgot to write. So here I am, ready to engage with you again.


Have you ever heard the phrase, “If not now, when? If not you, who?” I have always liked that saying because it epitomizes how I have lived my life. I have always believed that I could either sit around and blame someone else for my challenges, make excuses for why I could not do something, wait for someone to give me a chance or not give me one, or plot my path.


I was excited and enthusiastic about everything when I began my work career. I remember the first time I interviewed for the management training program with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service. That program offered college graduates an opportunity to join the company at the lowest managerial level and learn to be a manager. I recall the interview in Dallas and visiting the headquarters building. I was so enamored with the various professionals walking around, and back then, people wore suits to work!

if not now, when


Being from a family of churchgoers and not white-collar professionals, I always knew this was the kind of person I wanted to be. So, although I was not a student that anyone took an interest in, except one female basketball coach who also inspired me, I had to learn to believe in myself. I remember just being happy to be there with all the other potential hires. After the interviews, I got on the plane back to Florida, praying that I would be offered a job. Every day, I waited for the mail to see if I would receive a positive response from the company. Finally, one day, it came, and I was so happy to be seen, believed in, and accepted as a person for their program.


Today, some might think that my life’s journey has been easy, and I had only wonderful moments with no challenges at all. Truth be told, I was the first one in my family to attend college and graduate. When I said that to my family members, no one asked, “Why?” they just figured out a way for me to go. Their attitudes were, “Why not her?” and that was my attitude. No one had done it before me, but that doesn’t mean I can’t do it! So, if not me, who? After I attended and finished college, almost every one of my family members who came up after me attended college also. When I started working a white-collar job, nearly every family member younger than me did so, also. Why? It’s because they saw it to be possible.


Today is a new day. Don’t allow people with bad attitudes and old grudges to keep you from your dreams. Stop listening to the chatter of why you cannot do something. When others begin to project on you their limitations, don’t accept them. When they say that the system isn’t for you, I say, challenge the system, not in a hostile or aggressive way, but in a positive, polished, self-assured manner. Let your attitude be one of the possibilities, not of problems. Tell yourself and others, “If not now, when? If not me, who?” and let them try to convince you otherwise!

What Do We Do?

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

Every year, we hope the new year will bring something more wonderful than the year before. Some people, like me, make resolutions (I call them goals), while others feel doing so wastes time. Regardless, I am always hopeful about the future and what the new year will bring.

This year has gotten off to a rocky start for some. Although I feel my life is blessed beyond measure, I am devastated as the next person when something tragic happens to friends or family. Well, that is how this year started and continues today. As I write this blog, I cannot help but reflect on the news I received from a close family member of the scary “C” word. But, in the last week, close friends have lost loved ones, and others have experienced hearing the bad news of some kind regarding themselves or someone close to them.

joshua+1-5

I recognize that sickness and death are a part of our life cycle. Nevertheless, when people go through these life-changing events, I am reminded of how precious life is and how grateful I am to be given another day. I also think about the pain and heartbreak those closest to the situation are going through. I would like to know what I can do to ease the pain. When they share their devastating news, what do I say? I understand. We don’t if we haven’t experienced it, and even if we have, we don’t understand their particular circumstances. Then, do we say, I will be praying for you? Of course, we will, but more than those praying statements may be needed.

What do we do when we don’t know what to do? I can’t outline a plan for anyone to follow in such situations. I can only share that I stop a prayer. I pray that God will give me the right words or lead me to be quiet and sit in silence, waiting on Him to lead the way. Sometimes the silence is deafening, and we want to fill the space. But we should not rush to fill the silence; we should let the Holy Spirit do His work in that time.

One of the most effective tools in our arsenal in difficult times can be disconnecting from all the voices and plugging into the one voice that is sometimes drowned out in the chaos. The voice we need to hear the most is the voice of God. I am not saying an audible voice, but the feeling in your soul, whispering softly, reminding you that you are not alone. Or through something you read that reminds you of how strong you are even in your most vulnerable state because He is with you. You may feel alone, but you are not alone. You may feel helpless to help someone you love going through something you wish you could change, but you are not weak; you have hope. That hope can be shared through your smile, support, or just sitting and listening to another person.

No matter where we find ourselves today, I know that where we are, we are supposed to be. God will use us during the good times and in the dark times. And that’s it—be, the vessel He uses regardless of what is happening around you.

Christmas is More…

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

You have probably read tons of Christmas blogs by now, and if you are cynical, you probably think this is just another one. So, you say to yourself, here we go with the usual cliques that say, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” I feel you, but please bear with me for a minute.

Over 700 years ago, the Prophet Isaiah told of a baby who would be born and all the things he would do for humanity. Just think if someone predicted that you would be born 700 years before birth and they pointed out specifics about what you would do for the world. Can you imagine? I can’t. Even so, I bet there were as many critics back then saying “yeah, right” as there are now. Funny, I think about Noah, too, telling people that it was going to rain, and they considered him mad as he plugged away at building the boat year after year. He believed in God. Period.

I find it fascinating that after all my years of following Jesus, I never get tired of reflecting on this memorable holiday. I love this season, and as much as I get a kick out of sharing my time and resources with others, I always make sure that I focus my intentions on Christ. I do so through listening to praise music, reading the Bible, or listening to stories of faith from others. What has rung in my head over the last week has been Isaiah 9, ”For unto us a child is born, unto a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” When I consider these words, I get goosebump

Christmas is a joyful time for Believers of Christ. As you celebrate Christmas, amid gift-giving and laughter, stop and thank God for His gift to the world, Jesus. He changed the world in a short time, and His impact continues to this day. He fulfilled all that Isaiah predicted about Him. Yet, there is so much more to come. 

God bless you, and Merry CHRISTmas! Oh yeah, Jesus is the reason for the season.