Romans 5: 3-4 You’re not taking your job to heaven. You’re not taking some gold watch or achievement award to heaven. You’re taking YOU, so you want to build character because God is more interested in what you become rather than what you do. Look again at today’s verse because some people have a misunderstanding about temptation. They think that, once they become a Christian, they should be beyond temptation. It’s important to realize you will never outgrow temptation. In fact, the closer you are to God, the more you become an enemy of Satan, and the more he will try to tempt you. The good news is that God gives you greater strength to resist it. When you are tempted at work - to be unkind, to get angry, to be prideful or greedy - remember that every temptation is not only an opportunity to do good but, it’s also an opportunity to grow in character. For example, when you encounter an annoying co-worker, the temptation may be for you to get upset with that person. But the Bible says to bless those who curse you and pray for those who offend you. So instead of getting mad, use it as an opportunity to praise God. First, Satan will get annoyed that you’re praising God. The more you praise God, the less Satan will use that as a temptation in your life. Second, you’ll find yourself naturally growing in godly character as you apply God’s Word to your life.
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
You Won’t Take Your Job to Heaven
Who would’ve thought that during a bachelorette party in Vegas I would make a decision that would change my life. I received an email from my friend in the middle of the night, asking me to come to Niamey, Niger to help with a new TV and radio station that desperately needed direction. My friend, Valencia King, made a life changing decision, also, when she decided to go to Niger on a mission trip where she would be teaching for a year at the Sahel Academy. I have been in full support of her endeavors; but never thought I’d be joining her on this adventure!
The email was lengthy; but before finishing it, I quickly responded- “Of course I’ll come.” Once I went back and read the email in it’s entirety, I was shocked at what a marvelous opportunity this would be. Her pastor here, Pastor Yacouba, has been working vigorously to do his part in developing his country. He’s built clinics, churches, dug wells, began agriculture programs and most recently acquired licensing for a television and radio station. His goal is to reach the youth through music and entertainment.
So fast forward a few months later … I have saved money, raised money, gotten all my shots and started my malaria medicine. My to-do list has suddenly been filled with preparations for traveling to the second poorest country in the world. I knew this was meant to be because I was able to align everything perfectly with my job and I kept getting more and more confirmation that I was making the right decision.
I arrive in Niamey after a 17-hour layover in Morocco. That was an experience in itself. Morocco is beautiful and I plan to return as soon as I can. Meeting Pastor Yacouba has been a blessing, in itself. He has welcomed me into his family. I eat lunch at his house daily and his kids remind me of my nieces and nephews- we have already become so close. We’ve traveled to his clinic and the villages where he is working.
By day 2, I was on a donkey cart trudging through the water to reach the Sarando village. I can’t express how life changing this has been. Of course, I appreciate my plush American life more, but seeing the joy in the children’s eyes who barely have anything, watching villages come together and help each other, witnessing the hard work that everyone deals with daily and being surrounded by people who are passionate about developing this country has been life changing.
The radio station has become very huge in just a week. The signal reaches up to an hour away. Cab drivers & their passengers are listening, schools, villages etc.. People who have been listening have stopped by looking for jobs. There is a 20% literacy rate here. Some people do not understand their bodies nor are they aware of the diseases that plague their country. We are creating PSA’s in the local languages, in addition to the music that’s being played. I always realized the impact of media and am so excited that I get to use my skills to bring about change! We are starting to shoot original content for the television station and I have networked with other organizations that produce media for developing countries that I should be able to use here. Hopefully, we will have most of this media soon and will begin to air 24 hours a day. Everyone is thrilled about what has been done so far and it’s just week one.
It’s difficult for me to express everything that has happened in words because a lot of what has happened is a feeling … a feeling I have not felt before. I can barely sleep because my mind is racing with questions, thoughts and ideas. Feeling something other than the “grind” of NYC is amazing. I have to admit it is uncomfortable. I had no idea I was capable of this many emotions at one time. The problems I thought I had in my life before are non-existent. I know I will return to the states with a renewed outlook on life and new perspective on my life’s purpose.
All in all, I closed my eyes, followed the voice in my heart and stepped out on faith. It was hard for me to share what I was doing because I knew a lot of people would be confused or shocked by my decision. Contrary to that thought, the support I received has been tremendous. So, I will use my voice and talk about my journey more often. My faith allowed me to do something I never thought I would do … My faith in this universe, the world, my people, myself and my God. What I am trying to say is, “Follow your heart.” Do things you want to do regardless of what others might say. Show love everyday to everyone. Believe in something. At the end of the day, we’re all just passing by in this world. Our world will continue to evolve with or without us. Make an impact and if its not in the cards for you to change the world, then at the very least, BE HAPPY! As cliché as it may sound, you really do only live once- so LIVE!
Peace.
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway. If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway. What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.
I got a call from VA she went back
The line was fluctuated but it just now went flat
See her body went down and her soul went up
She sent angels around me so evil could not touch
Letter from my nephew…. #tear
-Kimmie
Thanks a lot for thinking about me and my graduation. You travelled all the way from New York just to see me walk across the stage for approximately 10 seconds, but it means a lot to me and I can’t wait until I move to New York. Although I may not have my career decisions set yet, I know that you’ll support anything that I do, and that’s what makes you such a great aunt. Btw, I can honestly say that you have been the most supportive and I can’t wait to make you proud.
Thanks Again!
