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Author: Kaleathia Murphy

More than what we seem: becoming something spectacular

We are so much more than our jobs or the challenges we face. Our true essence goes beyond the roles we play or the circumstances we find ourselves in. Like the water hyacinth, an aquatic plant that thrives on the surface of water, we too have the potential to grow and bloom beautifully, even in unexpected places.

The water hyacinth is known for its rapid growth, often doubling in size within just two weeks. Its vibrant purple or blue flowers float gracefully on the water’s surface, a testament to its resilience and beauty. But this growth can also become invasive, blocking sunlight and depleting oxygen, causing harm to the very environment that sustains it.

This serves as a reminder that while growth is natural and necessary, it’s important to be mindful of how we grow and where we direct our energy. I believe something is happening in the atmosphere, a shift that I can’t quite see but deeply feel. It’s as if something wonderful is in the making, something that will transform me into the person I’m destined to be. I have faith that this journey will lead to something spectacular, and I’m excited for what’s to come.

So, as you navigate your own growth, remember to embrace it with wisdom and purpose. Trust in the process, even when you can’t see the full picture. Great things are on the horizon, and you are on the path to becoming something truly extraordinary.

Unwavering Strength: How My Husband Inspires Me Every Day

My husband is my real-life motivator. Every day, he gets up early and works as unto the Lord. How he keeps going, even through adversity, amazes me. He has vision in only one eye, and even that isn’t at its best right now. He recently had surgery to help improve it, but the healing process is slow and challenging. Despite the frustration, I still see him doing life with determination, working diligently and with great excellence.

He’s also my accountability partner. Everyone needs someone who will tell them the hard truths, and I trust him completely because I know he loves me. He wouldn’t say anything to intentionally hurt me; his words come from a place of love and compassion. I know that when he speaks, it’s to help me become a better person.

Marrying someone smarter than me might just be the best mistake I’ve ever made.

Where’s the fire?

I’ve been following Jesus for a long time, journeying through seasons of trials and victories. The beautiful thing about seasons is that they can change in an instant. Yet, through every shift and every challenge, my fire for Christ hasn’t been snuffed out. It’s almost impossible for it to be because Christ is the fire. This fire is within me, and wherever I go, it goes with me.

So, how does one get this fire? It’s not complicated. It’s given to those who believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins. That simple act of faith ignites a flame that can never be extinguished. It’s a gift—once given, it’s never taken away.

No matter what life throws at me, this fire remains. It’s a constant source of strength, guiding me through every season. And for that, I am forever grateful.

Everyone needs a Judas

I once heard a sermon titled “Everyone Needs a Judas.” At first, the idea seemed controversial. Why would anyone need a betrayer in their life? But as I grew in my faith and gained more life experience, the truth behind this message became clear. We all do, in fact, need a Judas to reach our purpose.

Adversity plays a crucial role in shaping us into who we are meant to be. Sometimes, it arrives in the form of betrayal, loss, or uncertainty—much like Jesus’ experience with Judas. Judas was not just any disciple; he was someone close to Jesus, trusted and beloved, who ultimately committed the ultimate betrayal. Yet, this wasn’t just a moment of treachery; it was a necessary step in the journey Jesus had to take. Without Judas, the path to the crucifixion—and ultimately, the fulfillment of Jesus’ purpose—wouldn’t have been the same.

Adversity often feels harsh and unfair. It strikes when we lack resources, when relationships falter, or when we face overwhelming uncertainty. In these moments, we might wonder how we will ever overcome, how we can possibly move forward when everything seems to be falling apart. But just as Jesus needed Judas to fulfill His destiny, we too need our own “Judas moments”—those seemingly insurmountable obstacles—to push us toward our true calling.

When it feels like you won’t make it through, remember that adversity is not the end. It’s a vital part of the journey that builds resilience, deepens faith, and clarifies our purpose. Like Jesus, we must face our own betrayals and hardships, not as setbacks, but as the very challenges that mold us into who we are meant to be.

“A Journey of Faith and Dependence”

I’ve been called out about something that I thought that I hid well. I didn’t make California my home in my heart. I haven’t fully unpacked, or organized like I usually do when I move into a new place. I haven’t made a list of home decor that I want to make our place a home. Somehow, I kept the most important new move actions on ice.

Let me be honest, the move has been great. But there have been great challenges. Full transparency, I did question whether I was supposed to be in California. Surprisingly, yes! Here, I’m learning God in a new way. I’m totally dependent here. It’s no distractions, just me and God.

I have given birth in California. I have given birth to humility. I’ve learned how to ask for help. I learned how to take what is given to me. I learned how to be vulnerable. Most importantly, I learned how to be okay being in lack.

I must admit it doesn’t add up. It doesn’t make sense. But that’s so God. Only God can do something that will get your attention, to solely focus on Him. Only God tells you to do something totally opposite of what you planned for your life — and only God can create ways to make you become what He wanted you to be.

Moving to California was not just about changing locations; it was about transforming my heart. I am discovering that God sometimes calls us to unfamiliar places to strip away our comforts, so we learn to depend solely on Him. In the midst of uncertainty, I find myself more grounded in faith than ever before. Each day, I am reminded that God’s plans are higher than mine, and His ways are perfect, even when they don’t align with my expectations. And so, I embrace this journey with open arms, trusting that I am exactly where I am meant to be—learning, growing, and becoming the person God has destined me to be.

 

I want to grow up spiritually

I woke up this morning with burdens brewing up inside of me. I’m having to constantly battle with all the hurts and offenses  that I try to forgive. It saddens me when someone drops off what someone has said about me. What grieves me  is that they want a response from me.

Experience has taught me that trying to prove how right I am doesn’t matter. I’ve learned to simply digest it and let whomever believe what they want. I don’t have time to refute every bit of gossip. I do understand that people have the right to say whatever they want about me. I can’t control that but I have full control over my mouth. What doesn’t it matter if I choose not say nothing? I’ve wasted many years talking to people who didn’t take heed to wisdom that I supplied.

Now, I let my words be few or none at all. I hurt when I know someone has spoken ill about me. Sometimes I even cry. Yet, my sadness brings about a birth of clarity. People will be people and I have the right to forgive and move on. This isn’t an overnight process. It takes time to see it spiritually once someone has hurt you. Being lead by the spirit, makes me see things how they are. My flesh can’t trick me into seeing something that doesn’t exist.

I simply understand that offenses will come in life,but I must use spiritually defenses to help me grow. I can choose to use my flesh or my spirit.

Maturity lets me know that God is with me and I’m not bearing whatever I go through alone.  I do hurt when I lose people who once were my friends, but I do understand purpose. With purpose some people aren’t suppose to be in life but for a season. 

How do I stay encouraged?

When life deals you lemons, make lemonade. Yes, I know it sounds corny. I’ve had  many lemons. Now  I’m quite fond of lemonade. It was a time I didn’t think positive. It was a time when I didn’t stay encouraged. To be transparent, it was a time I just wallowed in self pity and doubt. I believed that I was a magnet for doom and gloom. I built a world of discouragement.  And in that world I couldn’t see pass the wall. So here’s the million dollAr question, how do i stay encouraged?  And is staying encouraged, possible? Of course, but you have to dig deep to keep the momentum.

The key to how I stay encouraged is placing situations into 2 categories. A God-thing or a Shay-thing. I asked myself is this something I can handle or God. In most cases, it’s a God-thing. I try not to waste precious time figuring out things I just don’t understand. Besides I learned worrying don’t change anything.

Another key to how I stay encouraged and motivated is encouraging others. No matter what,I give the most positive outcome. Despite how it looks. It may be a fact but it doesn’t has to be a truth.

I once believed that I wouldn’t be able to finish college because of a reading test I failed 4x. Yes, 4x. The first 2x I took it, I felt that I should just come up with a back up plan. A plan to replace my college dream. But instead I took a class that helped me better prepare for the test. I did an exceptional job in the class so when it came time to take the test, my confidence was on high. Yet, I didn’t pass the test and I wasn’t distraught. I was quite in encouraged. I made a deal with myself that as long as I stay positive and know that I will eventually pass it. The fact was I failed the test more times than average and it was mostly likely that I wouldn’t pass. Those were the facts but my truth was I was going to pass the test and I wouldn’t give up no matter the outcome. I eventually passed the test and completed college with honors. All the statistics, and facts were not favorable to me but I know facts are not truths. That’s why I don’t hesitate to tell someone to believe different no matter what’s against them.

Small steps

It only takes a few small steps in the right direction not leaps. Yet, I believed I accomplished more when I felt I did more. That’s simply a falsehood. Small, consistent steps brings healthy stable habits. In addition, it produces a contentment and patience.

Oh, how I wish some would just slow down to see how little produces much. It spreads far and wide too. Each day I start with reading a scripture or two. I meditate on that scripture. I pray and then for the rest of the day; I try to think on what I read and meditated on. It has taken me years to practice daily devotional and more years to meditate and a few more on application.

My  small steps yielded me a life of freedom and joy. So, now it’s your turn to start with your small steps. The time is now.

Parents should be given grace

As I get older, I find myself becoming more empathetic toward my parents. I’m beginning to see them as simply human beings—people navigating life the best they can. They didn’t come into this world knowing how to be parents, grandparents, or even elderly individuals. They’re learning, just as we all are, and they deserve a lot of grace for that journey.

Forgiving our parents and seeing them as people is powerful. They aren’t superheroes, nor are they flawless; they are simply human beings, just like us. I came across a beautiful tribute that an adult daughter wrote about her mom. She shared that she tries to remember her mother is not just “Mom” but a woman with her own dreams, a woman who wants to be loved and to experience all that life has to offer. That perspective struck a chord with me. As a mother myself, I realize that I, too, am just a woman trying to figure things out. I don’t have all the answers, and I’m still learning along the way.

This realization has deepened my appreciation for my parents. They may not have done everything perfectly, but neither do I. We are all doing the best we can, with what we know at any given moment. Embracing this view helps me offer more patience, forgiveness, and understanding toward my parents—and perhaps even toward myself.

Embracing Change: One Step Closer to Infinity and Beyond

As I reflect on the upcoming weekend, a sense of anticipation fills the air. It’s the calm before the storm, the last moments of an era marked by constant pain in my right hip. In just a few days, I’ll be undergoing surgery, stepping into the unknown with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

I find solace in a philosophy that has been my guiding light since elementary school—a philosophy grounded in the belief that a try is a 50/50 chance of success. Back then, I understood the power of attempting the unknown, of facing challenges head-on even when the path seemed uncertain. It wasn’t about innate intelligence; it was about embracing the numbers game of life.

My husband and I recently delved into our memories of those formative years. I shared with him my mantra of taking on assignments, not because I knew how to tackle them, but because trying was better than not doing at all. It became a catalyst for my academic success, a mindset that echoed through the corridors of time.

Now, as I stand on the brink of a medical procedure, I recall a conversation with my doctor about the potential risks of hip replacement—my leg might be an inch longer, there’s a risk of infection, and other uncertainties. Yet, I boldly declared my preference for these new problems over the relentless pain that has gripped me. It’s a choice to step into the unknown, to face the possibility of challenges with the optimism that they bring.

Life, much like my upcoming surgery, is riddled with unknowns. And perhaps, there’s a bit of a Buzz Lightyear moment in all of us—a declaration to go “to infinity and beyond.” It’s an acknowledgment that the journey ahead holds unqualified chances for success, and the key lies in taking that one measly step forward.

Is it crazy to believe in the power of trying, of stepping into the unknown with enthusiasm? Perhaps. But maybe, just maybe, it’s the kind of craziness that propels us beyond our limits and into a realm of unexplored possibilities. As Buzz Lightyear aptly put it, it’s about embracing the infinite potential that lies beyond our comfort zones.

So, as I approach the threshold of change, I invite you to join me in this venture. Let’s be our own cheerleaders, reminding ourselves that trying is not just a chance at success but a testament to our resilience and courage. To infinity and beyond—because in the face of the unknown, taking that one small step forward might be the catalyst for a life transformed.