I say, yes, Lord yes, to your will and to your way. I say yes, lord yes, I will trust you and obey. When your spirit speaks to me, with my whole heart, I will agree, and my answer will be yes, Lord, Yes. 

 

“Yes”, became my answer in May of 2003, TIRED of emptying myself for empty gain, I would not appreciate what that really meant until recently.

It took from my youth to the summer of 2003 at the age of 25, to realize how tired I really was, I told God in my heart, “I am tired of this; I am ready to be yours.” In that moment, my life completely changed.

 

Taking a stroll around my favorite place to meet with my Daddy, our Daddy, in heaven for a conversation, and after speaking to him about my decision to believe in him and that my “yes” was firm and planted, I heard these words, “Now, I can show you who you are in me.”

 

Since my “yes” in 2003, I discovered over time that this new way was about surrender, vulnerability and acceptance. My life became all about growing in the knowledge of Christ (explained in 2 Peter 3:18). Growing in a relationship with Christ (as explained in Revelation 3:20), and becoming an example for all to take note and be compelled to follow my above criticism (As explained in Ephesians 5:1 be imitators of God). 

 

This became my reality. God had set me up real good in life, connecting me with people who shaped me and helped me through some of the toughest times in my life.

 

I grew up with a grandmother as a Pastor; I was never short of bible teachings or an example for Christian living.  My grandma was, I mean, is old school, apostolic to the core, baptism in “Jesus name” only, and do not dare ready yourself for church and forget to put them pantyhose on. “Baby, don’t you think your outfit would look even better with some panty hose…yes, grandma, anything for you.”

 

My grandma, at 90, still serves in this capacity with strong prayer, strong devotion, strong faith, like never before. She is our families published letter of God’s love.

 

Truth is how can ANYONE know God unless someone tells him or her or shows him or her who he is? 2 Corinthians 3:1-6— tells us that our human lives publish the great story of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

I am like a letter, a walking story, seen, and observed by all men. Anyone should be able to read me like a letter, clearly written. Others should see my transformation from light to darkness, bad to good habits just by looking at my life through action and deed.

 

Yes, I could pattern my life after my grandmother, but she could not be there at every part of my story. Neither did God assign her to that role in my life. I had to find God for myself, and build a personal relationship that included time spent in prayer, reading God’s word and connecting with other believers. 

 

Three lessons I learned since giving God my “Yes.”  Lessons that helped me deepen my relationship with him and others, and lessons that I hope helps with deepening others relationship Him.

 

Lesson # 1. Matthew 7:13-14—Narrow is the gate, there are no shortcuts. I looked for many quick fix schemes in my life, following the larger crowd. The way to God required my full attention and commitment to his vision of love, redemption, and unity of the world.

 

Lesson #2.  Grow in your connection with Christ. A relationship with God, with Jesus Christ, is a firsthand experience and makes you ready for a relationship with others. Grace is God’s gift to us and it provided me the ability and willingness to do the will of God.   My grandmother’s connection with Christ was not going to keep me. Believe me, when you experience Jesus firsthand you gain such a joy, and you will not want to keep it to yourself.

 

Lesson#3.  II Timothy 2:15, I Corinthians 14:15 & 26, Proverbs 22:17, Colossians 3:16——Knowledge is power, but applied knowledge with understanding and others in mind is transformative for everyone.  God told me one day, you know me, my word but you do not understand me. I purposed then, to be prepared when I gather in a community or with another person with something, a song, a lesson, a story, a prayer, some insight to build someone another up. Many of my friends will attest and some may even say I talk too much. I do. When it is about God. I do.

 

God’s grace is sufficient. I have experienced struggles with bulimia, sexual abuse, forgiveness, abandonment, death of a parent, and more, BUT GOD! I am strong and ready to provide guidance and shape others to build strong spiritual disciplines in their life. There is nothing like being transformed by the power of God’s word. It is all I know, it is what works, and it is all I need.