Monday, August 10, 2018, I received a stirring in my spirit that was quite prophetic in nature. It also paralleled the storm, Hurricane Florence, that flowed through parts of North and South Carolina. Ms. Flo has made a tremendous historical mark in the Carolinas. With plenty of time on my hands at the moment, I figured I would complete this blog post.
Many are aware that we are in the midst of the 2018 hurricane season, which will carry on through to the end of November. What I want to bring to your attention is that there are going to be natural storms in this season, but you will also face some spiritual storms. It will feel like a storm based on the series of events and situations that will be encountered in your life. Although these storms arise, I feel that it’s when we go through our test, we become stronger for our rest. As I say in my book, Love After Cancer, “Embrace the brokenness. The moments you have grown to hate—learn to love them. It is what makes you fierce and unstoppable.” We build strength through our tests that carries us to a higher level—a new dimension.
Most recently there was a story that went viral about a man named Geoffrey Owens. When you get a chance, look it up. What I want to shed light on is that Geoffrey Owens was found bagging groceries at a Trader Joe’s grocery store. Some people look at that as honest work, while others look down on it because they feel that since he’s a celebrity actor, he should be doing acting work and making lots of money. Now, it’s evident that there are a lot of people who really do not know and understand the performing arts world and its industry. It’s a hit or miss kind of thing that leaves artists out of work for weeks, months or even years at a time.
Geoffrey wanted to earn his next gig. However, because of a viral photo that some looked at as job shaming, elevated him to be given gigs. The spread of this photo turned out to be for his good. Not only did Tyler Perry, a well known executive producer, offer him a job to work on one of his top rated shows, he has received other job offers as well as national coverage. Talk about being instantly placed in the minds of producers and casting directors. Now, that’s grace and favor!
When I first saw this story on TV, my immediate thought was, “It is when you feel like you are at your worst, that God is working in the background on your next best.” This man had no idea that the exposure of his current situation, that seemed so bad to many, was going to elevate him and work out for his good—for his next elevation. This story is a prime example of why it’s so important for us to find rest in the midst of the storm. I want to encourage you today to hold on, keep moving forward and watch how your current situation will turn out to be the motivator for your next elevation. From what I’ve seen, Geoffrey found joy, peace, rest and was being blessed in the midst of his storm. Times may be hard, but I challenge you today to be encouraged and find contentment where you are. The key behind contentment is like a phrase I like to say, “be content, but don’t be complacent.” Keep pushing forward with your eyes on the prize. Find joy in your situation, for it is joy that the world did not give and the world cannot take away. Joy is what God gives—an internal inferno—a mighty fire that cannot be blown out.
Let your light shine,
La Luz