10.16.22
by

Seeds of Doubt

Yesterday was another Saturday at home, resting and healing from my recent accident. I also had to watch my youngest nephew for a few hours. Thankfully, I managed to keep him still for a little while—we watched movies, he snacked, had lunch, and then finally took a nap. Thank God, because that little guy is one busy toddler, lol!

But it was really just one movie that I watched—well, more like I watched it—that gave me another eye-opener. I’ve seen this movie several times before, but this time, I felt a clear ping from the Holy Spirit!

Spoiler Alert below.

I was watching The Hand That Rocks The Cradle, where a pregnant mom gets molested by her doctor. She comes forward to expose him, he takes his life, and his widow realizes not only is his life over but hers is collapsing also. The widow goes into labor prematurely, and the baby doesn’t survive. She is in the hospital recovering after such loss of her child, and I believe she also had an emergency hysterectomy done. She sees the victim of her husband on tv, and this is where the grief and anger surfaces. The evil wheels get to spinning.

Six months later, the lady, Claire, who was molested by the doctor has given birth to her second child and he is now three months. The widow of the doctor, Peyton, meets Claire. She is applying for the nanny job and Claire and her husband approves of her. Peyton moves in with them to begin her duties. They do not know who she is and she is not going to reveal it.

After Peyton moves in, all hell breaks loose. I am not going to tell you all the things that happened, but Peyton was behind them all. And it was how she did everything. The light bulb went on, and I’m like man, “this lady is crazy and evil,” and her schemes were working at first.

Peyton caused chaos, confusion and strife. And how did she? By sowing seeds of doubt. Sowing seeds of doubt about Claire’s family handyman’s interaction with her daughter who was totally innocent. By sowing seeds of doubt about her husband and his faithfulness. By sowing seeds of doubt about her competency as a mother. She did more stuff but you have to watch or rewatch the movie if you have seen it before.

And that is what the enemy does. He sows seeds of doubt. According to the Idioms – Free Dictionary.com, sowing seeds of doubt is To cause someone to have doubts, worries, or concerns (about something); to introduce someone to a doubtful or worrisome idea. He plants seeds of doubt and causes strife and confusion and everything in between.

Now Peyton came in the door winning everyone over. She was supportive and a great help to the family but slowly turning the household upside down. Sounds familiar?

What helped them realize at first something was wrong although they couldn’t put their finger on it fully? There was too much disorder and confusion. Claire was falling apart at the seams. She couldn’t as she said go on like that. There was no peace or little peace.

And Peyton seemed to be at the source of it all.

Peyton even tries to seduce Claire’s husband. But love was stronger, boundaries were set. He looked like he may have been wrestling a bit in his head, but he clearly respected his wife and marriage and didn’t take the bait.

So, realize the enemy comes into sow seeds of doubt. He may not send a Peyton, but he may send something or someone else and in a different way. And we must do the following to overcome:

  • Be alert. Know the spiritual climate of your home and when something is off, seek God’s wisdom and address it. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8) Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Mark 14:38
  • Guard your heart. Guard it with the Truth of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. Saturate in the Word of God. Ask God to cleanse it and to heal any areas of it that need healing. Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life (Proverbs 4:23) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7) Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me (Psalm 51:10).
  • Ask God for wisdom to discern the enemy’s lies. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him (James 1:5).
  • Set boundaries and enforce them. Set standards and keep them. Setting boundaries protects you and others. It enforces self control and it draws the line with disrespect, unhealthy or ungodly intrusion. It show people how to respect you and treat you. For scriptures regarding boundaries, I will just include the link here. https://www.openbible.info/topics/boundaries
  • Know your enemy. Even if he disguises himself, we should be able to recognize his tactics, his M.O, his ways, etc. And remember we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12). For knowing your enemy, I will include more scriptures regarding such here. https://www.openbible.info/topics/knowing_your_enemy
  • Trust God and know that His love is unfailing. He will win and help you overcome. Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses (Proverbs 10:12). So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).

Claire and her husband’s love won and in the end they trusted one another and came together to protect their family.

Whew, we don’t always see the enemy coming nor realize that he has been either invited in, has crept in, or finessed his way in, but I pray we realize more and more his tactics and lies. And I pray we replace his lies with the Truth of the Lord. That is what Jesus did. He fought the enemy with the Word of God, the Truth, and His commitment to the Father didn’t wane. Sidebar: He also knew His own identity and He knew His opponent. Knowing who we are as well as knowing and receiving God’s love and purpose for us are crucial in our walk of life and continual fight for our destinies, souls, and families. We are in this fight whether we want to be in it or not.

Moreover, be alert as best as you can. Allow God to remove the distractions, heal you where needed, and to see things the way He does. We need His insight, wisdom like never before in these times. I pray peace for all over our homes, the kind of peace that surpasses all understanding and that peace only comes from Jesus.

09.25.22
by

My Thoughts On This|Simone Biles Tweet

https://www.essentiallysports.com/us-sports-news-olympics-news-gymnastics-news-my-year-off-is-killing-her-simone-biles-mother-grew-restless-as-she-took-her-first-ever-extended-break-from-gymnastics-in-2017/

I read the title of the article and just had to click on it.

I am so glad that Momma Biles indeed felt safe to express herself about her daughter’s break, sabbatical, temporary journey without gymnastics. It was indeed a “fun exchange” between her and her mother.

However, I felt led to say a prayer for Simone Biles and Momma Biles.

I believe Simone took a break to not only give her body a rest but for her mental health also. And I am glad she did this for herself.

This space of time will allow her several things. One, it gives her the time to refresh and heal her body. I am no gymnasts but I am sure their bodies go through a lot.

Two, this break will give her the time to practice self-care at a certain rhythm: self-care at the rhythm or pace she needs and desires. And not just self-care physically, but emotionally and mentally.

Three, she is young, and this time off can help her to figure out what she wants the next season of her life to look like. It is her destiny or purpose to be a gymnast but I believe we as humans can only see a small picture of things as God sees the bigger picture, and He has far greater than what we can ever imagine. God has more for her to do and be. Let her explore those things as God leads her so she can fulfill her full destiny.

And listen ladies or gents, it is never too late to find or create space to discover yourself and the rest of the pieces to your destiny. You may need to create space just to rest up and get some things in order. So, it doesn’t matter how old you are. If you need a pause, do so and with purpose.

As for Momma Biles, I pray she realizes that although Simone is a part of her destiny or purpose, God has more for her also. This is a great time for her, too, to explore how she wants the next season of her life to look. Rest Momma Biles, also. All of us need periods of time where we rest, allow God to restore us, and refresh us. Find some new things you like to do and see old things you put down that you like to do. Know that God is the source of your destiny and the source of your fulfillment. And keep an eye out for the Lord, sending you more young ladies to inspire and motivate towards greatness. But in the meantime, allow your child to discover herself, heal, grow, and prepare for the next season (most likely, not that you are not).

Take one day at a time,

Tannika

09.25.22
by

God Wants You To Love Yourself

Before I begin let’s note one thing. Lovers of (your own) self (only) and loving yourself are two different things.

You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
2 Timothy 3:1‭-‬5 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/2ti.3.1-5.NLT

For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy….
2 Timothy 3:2 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/2ti.3.2.KJV

Lovers of self and themselves only is how one is consumed with themselves and their desires only. They are selfish and always put their own desires and needs before others. In reality and biblically, sometimes you will have to consider others and their needs. And there will be times when you will put their needs before your own.

Another thing to look out for that is in line with lovers of self is the following. If you make yourself or your desires idols or are constantly obsessing over being and doing better, those too can be idolatry. There is a wearing ourselves out to get rich and for some wearing ourselves out to be better. Both can be weary, greed, and idolatry. And when we are trying to do things without God, over pursuing wealth or riches and “better” can consume us or weary us as well as can be a detriment to the people around us.

Now, it is nothing wrong with wanting to be loved, successful, wealthy, and/or the best versions of ourselves. But without God, it is futile. Obsessing and draining our very being to obtain such can wear on our souls and can lead us astray.

Your love for yourself should not put others in danger. It should not cause hurt. However, your love for yourself may challenge some people, especially those who are out to manipulate you or control you (and you don’t have to subject yourself to mental abuse). But, it should never danger someone or make someone feel they are an inconvenience or not worthy of love (agape) themselves. To further expound, your self love should neither be marked with pride and selfishness, nor lead you to hurt someone.

Furthermore, you should not obsess or worry about what others think. However, don’t shun away every criticism or perspective. Chew the meat and spit out the bones. Just maybe that person is not a hater. Just maybe they are bringing you the truth and in love.

Loving God and yourself are crucial because it helps you to love others from an adequate, good place, and with joy.

Loving yourself is commanded. It is imperative that you love yourself and through God’s truth and love. Learning to love yourself shows that you are learning to see yourself through God’s eyes, that you are learning to receive God’s love, that you are finally realizing your worth. Learning to love yourself moves you to set boundaries, do things more with the right motives, be unafraid to face yourself, love people properly, to not seek validation from man more than God, realize who you are in the Father, and carry yourself with dignity.

Your calling is to fulfill the royal law of love as given to us in this Scripture: “You must love and value your neighbor as you love and value yourself!” For keeping this law is the noble way to live.
James (Jacob) 2:8 TPT
https://bible.com/bible/1849/jas.2.8.TPT

Think of how Jesus carried Himself, how He knew Himself, how he loved the Father and others, how He set boundaries and held to His standards.

God has given me grace to speak a warning about pride. I would ask each of you to be emptied of self-promotion and not create a false image of your importance. Instead, honestly assess your worth by using your God-given faith as the standard of measurement, and then you will see your true value with an appropriate self-esteem.
Romans 12:3 TPT
https://bible.com/bible/1849/rom.12.3.TPT

So, go right ahead and learn to love yourself. Begin that healing journey.  Don’t think only of yourself as 1 Corinthians 10:24 says. Dont think too high of yourselves but don’t think low of yourselves either. Ask God to see yourself through His eyes, His perspective. Don’t forget yourself. Practice self-care. Give attention to yourself mentally, emotionally, physically, etc. Protect yourself and what God has placed within you. Be grateful and give yourself mercy. Allow God to show you how much He loves you and adores you.

Learning to love yourself is courageous. It is bold. It is freedom. And it helps you to provide love to others in a way that is authentic, meaningful and whole.

John 13:34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

I exhort you this week to ask God to help you to learn to love yourself and Him. And to receive His love for yourself. And to express it to others. May you feel safe, loved, and remember that the joy of the Lord is your strength. In Jesus’ name, amen.

As I went researching some things, I came across an article that was so good! Check it out.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/self-love-toxic-behavior_l_6216753ae4b0ef74d729b591

08.27.22
by

20 Things I Am Learning In This Season of Healing

I have been on this journey of healing for some years now. But this particular season, here are some of the things I am learning or have learned.

1. There are a lot of perspectives, opinions and views. Learn to chew the meat and spit out the bones.

2. Be honest with yourself. Be honest with where you are in life, what you need and what you want. (Talking and listening to God about such is crucial and use wisdom when sharing with others.)

3. Sometimes our hearts can deceive us or open up a door that we didn’t mean to and knew we shouldn’t open. However, we can still learn a lesson within that moment of our hearts deceiving us.

4. Healing isn’t always pretty or comfortable for us.

5. God will definitely get your attention. And the enemy will definitely try to also, and often succeed in doing so. Be vigilant.

6. You can be growing and healing yet still feel stagnant and not whole.

7. What you thought you wanted was not really what you wanted. And what you need is what you never knew you needed.

8. Insecurities can tell on you even when you think they are hiding or quiet.

9. Maintaining calmness and managing your emotions is not a sign of weakness. Neither is expressing your hurt and pain a sign of weakness.

10. People will underestimate you. You are resilient and persevering and discerning. Thank God for that!

11. Be alert. You are being watched. Be wise in your actions and speech.

12. Sometimes, you isolate yourself. Sometimes it is a good thing, sometimes not. But there are times God will separate you or call you to an “alone” season and when He does, don’t fight it. Draw closer to God.

13. You are not perfect and that is okay. You are human. God loves you: spirit, soul and body.

14. Don’t let what other people think consume you. Hold God’s view and word above others!

15. Embrace your limitations and your realities. Real talk. All the while knowing that God can do the impossible.

16. You should have set boundaries like yesterday.

17. Silence is necessary at times.

18. Gaslighting is real and yes, you can even gaslight yourself.

19. Fear and anxiety will let you get in the car but stop you from taking off.

20. You must allow God (and possibly a therapist) to help you get to the root cause of some of your issues and traumas as well as pull down the things that are holding up your strongholds.

What have you been learning in your current season of healing? Put them down in the comments below.