More Than Words

Today is Sunday and it was an incredibly uplifting day. My Minister spoke eloquently on a topic we all need to pay more attention to. He spoke of love for one another and tolerance. People are different. We should accept that and learn to live in harmony. God intends for His people to be the most loving and acceptable group in the human race. We have a lot of work to do in this area, but through the power of prayer, I have learned, anything is possible.


Many years ago my maternal grandmother, Bertie Mae Cochran taught me that you shouldn’t pursue anything in life that you haven’t prayed about. She told me that God knows what is in our hearts and minds. She said he already knew what I wanted to be when I grew up, but he still wanted me to ask for it. She was incredibly right. There are so many blessings I have received in my life because after trying to accomplish them on my own, I finally turned to God and asked for His help. Once I submitted to His will, it would come to pass.

I used to always talk to Bertie Mae about my dreams. I would read short stories to her that I had penned and get her reaction. She always loved to hear my thoughts. She told me when I was alone in my room at night, to read them in prayer to the Lord.

As adults, we lose our way so often. Especially in a world where it’s common to put your faith in man over your faith in God, you are bound to be disappointed. Philippians says “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” It doesn’t say I can do all things through the President of my company, the leader of my social organization, or a member of my family. Another factor we seem to forget is that no one wants us to succeed more than God. Our spouses or companions, parents, siblings, best friends, etc., they may support us to the best of their ability, but that ability does not even come close to the desire the Father has for our well being. He wants to see the manifestation of all his children’s dreams as long as they are in our best interest and we don’t lose site that all glory belongs to Him.

William Arthur Ward said, “God wants us to be victors, not victims; to grow, not grovel; to soar, not sink; to overcome, not to be overwhelmed.” Trust in Him daily and pray diligently and we will find our victory.

Over the past several years I have found myself in seriously unhealthy situations. Some life threatening illnesses, self-destructing depression, and attacks from the devil and his adversaries to challenge my Christianity. I looked back on one of the last conversations I ever had with Bertie Mae. She told me once that when I write, it sounds like “more than just words.” She said it was inspiration on paper. She told me that I should write my prayers down and then when I realize God is answering them, I can go back and see his miraculous hand in my life daily. It took me several years and lots of turmoil to finally put the advice of the woman who served as my best friend and soul mate for 31 years into action.

Last year when some might think I was at rock bottom, I started a new journal of prayers. I penned entries each day pouring out my heart in private to God, through the power of prayer in Jesus name. I keep a prayer journal in my desk in my office. I keep a journal next to my bed at home. Almost one year to the day I began the “prayer journals,” I find myself the most happy, blessed and content I have ever been in my life. The work God has performed in my life has been amazing. I am in awe. My expectations were greatly exceeded. I am more excited about the future than I have ever been. I give all glory and honor to His name as it should be. I Chronicles 16:29 says “Give to the Lord the glory due His name….”

I have learned that a prayer must be sincere. For me, writing it down used the talent he gave me to make sure every communication with him was heartfelt and unselfish. Each person finds their own level of comfort when communicating to the Father. It’s important to embrace the blessing of prayer through Jesus Christ. It’s an amazing gift. When we reach from within and lean on Him, what comes from our lips, from our mind, from our heart, from our pen, from our blog; well, it’s more than just words.