MO4MO

This is a Motivation for Monday Black History Month Special.  I am reflecting on this quote:

 

 “Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations”

  Mae Jemison

Vision is important

I write a lot about the importance of vision on this blog.  Vision requires imagination.  You shouldn't allow other people’s lack of imagination affect your journey to purpose in a negative way.  You were placed on this earth for a reason.  There is a conversation of purpose going on in your mind that no one else hears.  But you may have to go through some things to get to where you need to be.  Don’t be afraid of your journey to purpose.  Grab a vision and hold on to it.  The word of God says, without a vision the people perish.  Don't let people still nor steal your vision. Keep moving.

 

Sometimes there will be trials in your journey.  You just have to learn from the hard stuff.  There is an overall importance to see that all suffering happens for a reason.  Suffering builds character and a perspective towards truth. To relay this message we have to remember the story of Joseph.

 

Remember, in the old testament,  Joseph was especially loved by his father.  Joseph was held in high regards by his father while his older brothers hated him.   His brothers despised him and his gifts so much that they conspired against him.  They sold him into slavery. The brothers told their father that Joseph was eaten by a wild beast while in the field.  However, Joseph ended up alive and well in the land of Egypt.

 

The Lord was always with Joseph during his time in Egypt. However it always seemed like when things were finally going right, they turned to go so horribly wrong.  Joseph was unfairly sold into slavery, falsely accused when he was only trying to do the right thing.  He was thrown into jail and forgotten by friends.  Joseph went through a lot of troubles, rejection, and non-recognition.  Eventually, Joseph, being led by the Lord, was able to use his gift of dream interpretation to help save a lot of people from death.  He was rewarded with honor, prestige, and position by Pharaoh, King of Egypt.

 

When it came time for him and his brothers to reunite, many years later, Joseph did give them a hard time, but it was all in love.  To make a long story short, they all forgave each other and agreed to live together in the land of Egypt in unity. (Read full story in Genesis chapters 37, 39-50).  Joseph told his brothers this:

 

“Don’t be afraid.  Am I in the place of God.  You intended to harm me BUT GOD intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

Genesis 50:19-21

 

We can learn a lot from Joseph.  From the very beginning Joseph knew who he was.  He had a vision for his life because God gave him that vision.  He knew that he was special and well loved by his father.  The problem came from his immaturity of understanding other people’s reactions to his special nature.  But it all turned out for good.  Joseph suffered, but it built his character and prepared him for a high position.

 

 The motivation that we should take out of this is:  

 

Honey, use your imagination.

Get past the emotions that are tied to other people’s opinions.  

Other people’s opinions about who you are supposed to be doesn’t matter.  

Start Living your life on purpose!

 

 I will be making the connection of Joseph’s story with the journey of African American people in this country.  Like Joseph, Black people are special with talents and abilities to serve the Lord’s purpose.  Now, this said doesn’t mean that other people aren’t special in their own way.  Each of Joseph’s brothers were special and very important to the story.  They each formed a tribe that were foundations to the expansion of God’s people.  I would say they were very important.  However, the brother’s jealousy of Joseph is what set him on his journey to become who he needed to become.  So, like Joseph told his brothers, the black people who were once under the yoke of slavery from America’s system must proclaim to his oppressors:

 

“Don’t be afraid.  Am I in the place of God.  You intended to harm me BUT GOD intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

Genesis 50:19-21

 

On a personal and individual level:

You, yes, you, were chosen and placed in your position to save many lives!

 

WHY NOT YOU?

It is time for some of us to adopt the mindset of kings and queens, of rulers, and of governors.  We have abilities to solve problems that others can’t solve. Let your imagination live despite other people’s thoughts towards you.  Do not be limited by racism, oppression, microaggressions, gossip, or stereotypes.  Read the word of God to find out who you really are.

 

You Joseph, are a governor of a great territory.  The King has put you in charge.

 

I pray that this is motivation for your soul to keep moving through the tough times.  Keep believing in the promises of God.  Keep using your imagination.  Stop being limited by other's limited imaginations.  Trust the plans that God has for you.  You can read all about them in the bible.  No judgment here friends.  Nobody is perfect.  This is why we all need Jesus. Amen.

 

 

This blog is dedicated to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the coming of his Kingdom.  Therefore all content is God centered and adheres to the word of God.  My Goal is to motivate you to find your purpose.

 

In order to continue healthy conversations about racism we will need friends in places of authority to help out.  Check out this article about Dr. King’s Dream for a country of unity in

“The Silence of Our Friends.”

 

 

It's a Poetry Power Special for Black History Month. Check it out.