MEETTA TALKS!-REMEMBERING

MY FRIEND FROM MY YOUTH,

Ms. MICHAUGN WATKINS

She called me tonight! Just now at 11:30 pm from the South! ...

Have not heard from her in years!

Was so worried.

Her voice was so joyful...So was my heart.

THE POWER OF CHRIST!

I AM REMINDED THAT THIS IS HOLY WEEK.

No more said.

Meetta

B.I.B.L.E.- PROOF GOD EXISTS!

Need proof God exists?

Because he loves you so much, he will show you he does, in his word and through experiencing him in your life!

"Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." (Psalm 34:8)

Let me ask you something, Do you think Christians or Christ followers are the only ones God will hold accountable for knowing him (or not) and doing his will (or not)?...

TICK TOCK, TICK TOCK! TICK TOCK.

OK times up!

Non - Christians ARE accountable too because God created us all and is sovereign!

He has made himself known to all of us! I will begin to show you how according to scripture.

But for your own knowledge, begin reading Romans chapter 1 in the Holy Bible.

The answer is explained in

Romans chapter 1 verses 19 & 20, to start.

I use the Life Application Study bible, N.I.V.

Tyndale Publishers, Inc.

SCRIPTURE

(V.19) Since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."

FOOTNOTES:

(V.19) Does anyone have an excuses for not believing in God?

The bible answers with an emphatic no! God has revealed what he is like in and through his creation. Every person, therefore, either accepts or rejects God. Don't be fooled.

When the day comes for God to judge your response to him, no excuses will be accepted.

Begin today to give your devotions and worship to him.

(V.20) What kind of God does nature reveal?

Nature shows us a God of might, intelligence, and intricate detail; a God of order and beauty;

a God who controls powerful forces. That is the 'general' revelation .

Through 'special' revelation (the Bible and the coming of Jesus), we learn about God's love and forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life. God has graciously given us both sources that we might fully believe in him.

(More on V. 20) God reveals his divine nature and personal qualities through creation, even though creation's testimony has been distorted by the fall. Adams sin resulted in a divine curse upon the whole natural order

(Genesis 3:17-19); thorns and thistles were an immediate result, and natural disasters have been common from Adam's day to ours.

In Romans 8:19-21, Paul says that nature itself is eagerly awaiting its own redemption from the effects of sin

(see Revelation 22:3).

SCRIPTURE

Genesis 3:17-17

To Adam he said, Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree which I commanded you, 'You must not eat of it, "Cursed is the ground because of you;

through painful toil you will eat of it

all the days of your life.

(V. 18) It will produce thorns and thistles for you,

and you will eat the plants of the field.

(V.19) By the sweat of your brow

you will eat your food

until you return to the ground,

since from it you were taken;

for dust you are and to dust you will return."

FOOTNOTES

Genesis

(V. 17-19) Adam and Eve's disobedience and fall from God's gracious presence affected all creation, including the environment. Years ago people thought of nothing of polluting streams with chemical wastes and garbage. This seemed so insignificant, so small. Now we know that just two or three parts per million of certain chemicals can damage human health. Sin in our lives is similar to pollution in streams. Even small amounts are deadly.

SCRIPTURE

Revelation

(V.22:3) No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.

FOOTNOTES

Revelation

(V. 22:3) "No longer will there be any curse" means that nothing accursed will be in God's presence. This fulfills Zechariah's prophecy (See Zechariah 14:11) .

I'm Finished.

FOR NOW!

MEETTA TALKS!- A GREATER PURPOSE

Hello!

Thank you for coming on my life's journey with me, once again. This column is where I share some of my life experiences and some of the wisdom that accompanies it. Sometimes,

"the book of your life", is the only "book" that some people take the greatest lessons from!

So today, we are going to talk a little about "A GREATER PURPOSE."

Yep! The things is, sometimes what you think is happening, is really not the thing that you should be focusing on! It's not the greatest subject of the matter. Sometimes, even the thing that seems SO IMPORTANT to you, still turns out to be important, but not as much as the other thing! The other thing, proving to be the greater purpose, sometimes sits dead center for you to see. Sometimes, it is discovered as you reflect back on it later!

Let me make sense of this for you!

I haven't been feeling well for a while now. I got especially sick today.

Don't worry, I'm going to be OK.

Whatever happens, I trust in God and the Lord Jesus, The Christ. I went to the hospital for Breathing troubles. I thought I was going to go in there, get cared for and eventually, I'd get to go home and keep living my life! Something happened though, something I had not planned on, but was open to!

Though my breathing troubles has been one of the scariest things that have happened to me, it also proved to be one of the BEST THINGS that happened to me today. NO! I didn't meet the man of my dreams at the hospital (smile), BUT I did get to talk about the loves of my life! I did get to share them with someone, in the same manner of joy in which some of you enjoy sharing the pictures of your children or your car (if you are a car buff.)

Many of you know by now, that I am a Christian, a Christ follower tried and true! Believers in God, are to glorify God in this earth, sharing the gospel "or Good news" of Jesus Christ, but in love, not in judgement! It is our job to minister, to preach, to teach, but in love and by example of our own lives! There in lies the center of this article. Sharing the Good news of Christ, which is what I got to do today! It's not like this is new to me, I have been following Christ in understanding, (as an adult) since I fully committed my life to him in 1997. I think is a joy whenever I get to share him with anyone! In my sharing of him, for me, it never grows old.

I always marvel at the times I get to do it. A believer in Christ should always think it a privilege to have the opportunity to share the knowledge of God with others, particularly those who may be even know of him, but not yet 'TRULY KNOWING HIM."

I've often said, I have "experienced God". Which is what believers in Christ have often done. I trust in the spirit and power of God, etc. The thing is, God and Jesus are the loves of my life and I got to share them with two beautiful, precious creations of God today, right there in that hospital! I was grateful that even in my time of distress, Jesus could trust me to speak about the goodness of God, his grace and mercy. I got to tell these two women, how God loves them, no matter what they were going through and what choices they were making, but that he is concerned about the choices they are making by being lesbians. God is perfect and pure, and he does not want us to be aways from him. Because he is perfect and pure, he has set standards by which his creation are to live, be you a Christ follower or not. But especially, if you proclaim Christ as your Lord and Savior!

It would have been the same if I was talking to any other sinner, as "we have ALL sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." But God knows my heart for women and children. He knows the pain he brought me out of, like child abuse. He knew

I could be trusted to "love on them" without judgement. It is not God's will "that any shall be lost." So, who will God send to teach the masses? Those that believe in him, those that felt his love, those that are wise and knowledgeable in him. Those who have accepted, experience and proclaim him!

"The greater purpose" for me going to that particular hospital at that particular time, hearing that particular conversation! One of them was a patient, coming in after me and then later accompanied by her "girlfriend."

Though I was ill and needed medical care, that hospital was not my first choice. But Everything happens for a reason. To everything, there is a purpose! As "a child of God." through him,

I truly understand purpose. God is purposeful in everything he did and continues to do! There is no coincidence or accident in him! You can believe in those two things, but I don't and will never! If you read God's word with an open mind and heart, you too will come to understand that there is purpose, cause and affect. Example; Momma and Daddy had unprotected sex

(or not protected enough) and you came along! Momma and Daddy called you a mistake.

That's wrong! Though you may not have been planned or expected by them, you were not a mistake nor were you an accident! According to the Holy Bible, God knows all! He knew you before you were formed, while you were yet spirit and not yet flesh. YOU WERE THE AFFECT OF THEIR UNPROTECTED SEX, the cause! If they didn't have unprotected sex or if enough proper protection was used, you wouldn't have been produced! Bottom line! Don't have time to go into this further now, that's another article.

Anyway, the greater purpose (these two women) was right in the next cubicle. And though the curtain was pulled, I could hear their conversation. Not that I wanted to, I just wanted to feel better and heal, you know! But, as time went on, so did their conversation. I discovered that they were lovers, one was a patient, but her mate, her girlfriend was there with her. Used to be, if I saw someone in the wrong, (lesbians or homosexuals kissing in front of me, even), I'd just frown and say a silent prayer, something like, "God help them, for they know not what they do and please send someone to tell them "the truth".

The thing is, though I was praying that, I personally would never make the effort to talk to them myself! Shame on me! Shame on me for keeping my knowledge of God to myself. Shame on me, as a representative of Christ as a Christian, to stand there and let them continue their ill behavior right in front of me! Shame on me for not trusting in Christ enough for the words to say. Shame on me for being (a noodle back Christian) in those moments! Shame on me for not loving on Gods creation enough to introduce them to Gods truth! See! We all fall short!

But today, I got to share with these two the truth of Christ, Meaning, the truth of what God is saying about, their lifestyle etc.. That he is also concerned not just about that, but about their whole lives! That he wants them to know him because he loves them SOOO MUCH! Lately, in my ever growing desire to please God with my life, my heart continues to get bigger. My spine is no longer made of noodle, when it comes to approaching certain people. I do have an answer fro my joy. As I am VERY grateful for what all he has brought me and my son through,

(If yall only knew!) I no longer want to be silent to anybody about God's greatness!

In the case of these two women, God knows that I have a heart for people. I have a heart for the broken, the arrogant sinner or saint. I have heart for the confused, the prideful and the hurt. I have a heart specifically for children of abuse and for women. Many times, I have said to God in my prayers, " I wish my arms were bigger and wide enough to hold them ALL." Sometimes I weep. But other times, my sadness seems so deep that I can't shed tears! I know many of you go through that too, considering the world we live in! OH MY!

So, as a survivor of being an abused child and even an abused woman, who has come to know the power God, I was moved (with trembling knees and an open heart) to go over and humbly present myself to these women. Present myself in a fashion that would allow me to speak

"the truth" of who God is, and who they are to him. They really were warm and welcomed me in. I went in to them in love, and humility. I didn't go in there talking at or over them. I didn't go in there talking "hellfire and brimstone." I didn't just say to them that they were wrong, I explained how they were wrong in this particular area of their lives, according to scripture. I even gave them where they could look it up for themselves. I always tell people, "Don't take my word for it, look it up. Know for yourselves what God is saying." Even if you have doubt about their even being a God of Heaven and Earth, the Great "I am", if you dare to ask him to prove himself, to make known or clear to you who is, he will! He don't have to!

You have only to look at nature around you and he reveals himself in it!

But, both of the precious women were really listening and had things to say as well! One was really asking questions. So I knew she was struggling with something in this area. I wanted more time to love on them, but what was said, was needed. Hey! God is great and it was all good! I was just glad they didn't beat me up. I'm laughing! *But BJ, my dear friend, you know I'm really serious (laughing again). I can hear you now saying, "I can't believe she said that!"

On the serious side, "Wrong living" such as Lesbianism, homosexuality, thievery, murder, gossip, slander, fornication, (sex outside of marriage), adultery (cheating on a wife or a husband) greatly concerns god so much that he did say much about it in the bible. Yes! He detest wrong sexual actions by heterosexuals! Sexual sin does not just cover what the bible calls "un-natural relations" involving women with women or men with men, what we refer to as same-sex relations, but he condemns ALL sexual immorality. It also includes, rape, incest, child molestation, having sex with animals (which people do! I've heard some stories! WOO WEE!) Lord have mercy and help them change. HELP US ALL CHANGE to be what we are to become, in your eyes Lord!

God talks about all types of sexual immorality or sexual sin. He talks about ALL sin like thievery and murder even in the top ten commandments! But you do know, its even more commandments and decrees than that! Read the bible, seek guidance when you do to get a better understanding. Don't just take my word for it!

I've written

a series of articles on "SEXUAL IMMORALITY" or "SEXUAL SIN"

along with biblical scripture to back it up, on my blog.

Just check my archive section to find them.

They are under different column headings,

but just look for the words Sexual Immorality

for the 5 part series and check in the articles for the month of march.

Love ya, Meetta

TRUE BELIEVER-JUDGING PEOPLE

Hey my Seasoned, Christian Brothers and Sisters!

To all others who may be reading this column, no offense.

My B.I.B.L.E. column,

Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth;

...is for new Christians, and those who are seeking. But this column "TRUE BELIEVER" is for those who have sincerely, already "received' God and who know what being "saved" means, already have knowledge of God, his wisdom and have experienced God in their lives for some time. They are living a life in Christ according to his will and word and yet striving to do better! They understand and can explain the difference between knowing of God and knowing God! They understand relationship with Christ and God the Father.

"True Believers" are not ones who just say, "I believe there is a God". "I pray", but they can't tell you who they pray too

(in whose name they should pray) or even how they should Pray! They are ones who know the Trinity is the God the Father, God the Son (Jesus) and The Holy Spirit

(the Comforter).

True Believers know the purpose of each and what role they play in a Believers life!

True Believers are not ones who say, "Yes! I'm saved", but yet have NO IDEA of what salvation or "being saved" really is! "True Believers", know down in their souls and are not afraid to admit, that they need God and not just for things they need or want, but to be complete! They understand that God has his own agenda and they need to learn how make his agenda, greater than their own!

The true Believer understands that there are consequences to actions that go against Gods direction. They already understand that there is a standard of living that God ordains or calls us to strive to live up too! And NO! True Believers are not perfect by our standards.

Yes! Believers in Christ still make mistakes, but the difference is, they are not unfamiliar with the word "repentance". They know that even though they make a mistake, they are to repent, "turn away from" their wrong action, AND turn to God, getting closer with him through Jesus, the Christ!

True believers seriously try to match their lives up to what God has decreed in his word, which we believe to be "the Holy Bible."

Thanks for bearing with me regular T.B. readers as I explain this. I try to keep you and the new readers informed as to what's going on in my columns. Everyone of my columns and articles have a purpose!

Now that I got that out of the way, lets' talk a little bit about today's' subject, JUDGEMENT.

(verse 1) "You therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgement on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you pass judgement do the same things.

(v.2) Now we know that God's judgement against those who do such things is based on truth. (v.3) So when you , a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgement? (v.4) Or do you show contempt for the richness of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?

(v.5) But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. (v.6) God "will give to each person according to what he has done." (v.7) To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.

(v.8) But for those who are self-seeking and who reject truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.

(v.9) There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile (a non-Jew); (v.10) but glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (v.11) For God does not show favoritism.

From ROMANS 2: 1-11

Romans chapter 2, verses 1 through 11

Life Application Study Bible, N.I.V. ( New International Version)

Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Wheaton, Illinois

Be back with the footnotes, to break this down later.

Meetta

SOCIAL SCENE-"'IS IT THE WAY?"

READER,

Social Scene is about what concerns society as a whole. Considering what has taken place in what continues to plague our society, sometimes there is a place for ANGER! When it is acceptable. I'm not speaking of the "sin", (wrong actions attached to the anger), but of the natural emotion of it!

Reader, there are times throughout my blog where I share my poetry. I always wait until I think it appropriate to share certain pieces due to their relevancy. When I do share my poetry with you, I always put it under the heading of "Inspiration Station." Considering the subject of abuse and my freedom , as I've written much about those lately. I find this poem quite appropriate, VERY APPROPRIATE for me to share with you at this time.

It is a tough read, just as I have been known to be "a tough read", at times myself!

So, take heart Dear Reader! Take heart.

"INSPIRATION STATION"

Is It The Way? (rewritten)

Poem by Meetta Martin

From my book,"You Can't Say That!;

"Poetry to Strengthen, Heal and Encourage (2002)"

Society has not proven kind

to tortured females in your life time, nor in mine!

After all, many rapes and molestations have

continued to occur for centuries past.

When bad things happened to the girls, to the women

we never hear all of the crying out against it!

When we do, it doesn't last for long and eventually

the cries for justice die.

Dying, until another crime of abuse comes out!

There are stories that affect every culture

that depicted females to be lowly and deserving of ill treatment.

In all periods of time, women and girls were often taught that they did something wrong, somehow and in some way, to deserve the crimes

done against them!

Because of the brainwashing and destruction of a creation

SO PRECIOUS TO GOD,

that they even told themselves, out loud or in their minds

that they must have deserved the heinous crimes!

But fortunately,

amongst those that did not understand their worth,

other females were born.

Others who came to understand their place

within the thoughts and arms

of the Great "I Am", Creator of Heaven and the earth!

So with great strength, though I be female,

I recognize myself as one of the latter.

And with great strength on behalf of the others,

TO CHILD MOLESTERS AND OTHER DESTROYERS OF WOMEN,

I pose this question.

Tell me...

IS IT THE WAY,

our little skirts twirl as we play in the yard?

IS IT THE WAY...

our Grannies and mothers plat braid and oil our thick dark hair,

shining brightly in the sun?

IS IT THE WAY,

our naivete shows through our bright, young smiles

that cause the "manhood even in young boys, to rise?

IS IT THE WAY,

your sister, niece, daughter, a stranger girls, young developing body

changes right before your eyes,

that causes you to become so "hot and bothered."

Recognize, that it is your own self-indulgent wickedness, not her innocence!

IS IT THE WAY,

she gives you the natural adoration and respect

that young girls often give to their brother, uncle, father, or neighbor,

that turns you on?

Recognize, that it is your own self-indulgent wickedness, not her innocence!

IS IT THE WAY,

the "natural way",

the other males give us attention

as we develop into rare beauties

that cause your minds to TWIST AND SNAP

FROM JEALOUSY AND ENVY?

Your minds, twisting and snapping

as YOU ABUSE,

VIOLATE, MIS-USE AND CONFUSE,

not just one, but 2, 3 of God's most precious creations...

the female!

FEMALES!...

The ones he gave the power to birth kings and nations!

The ones he gave the power to teach and nurture!

The ones he gave power to birth YOU!

With your minds twisting and snapping,

is how you chose to repay the female!

How you chose to repay her for the life,

YOU'VE been given!

This is Meetta,

I'm out!

Goooood night!

ON HER SOAP BOX-WHY?

WHY IS IT THAT MORE COMPASSION

IS GIVEN TO ABUSE PERPETRATORS,

including sex abusers, physical abusers,

than to the their victims?

CAN YOU TELL ME WHY?

I mean, can you tell me why with a legitimate answer?

Often times, the move to get the perpetrator help with counseling or rehabilitation is much, much greater of concern over helping the victims of the abusers withcounseling and compassion. In fact, there is much more criticism for victims. The blame often times is put on them as well. But tell me, in the case of child molestation, what could a 5 year old, 7 year old, etc. do to entice someone sexually?

As a victim of abuse, even taking bout it as a mature adult now, the response I've gotten over the years concerns me. There has been plenty of people in my life that have encouraged me and stood with me, about my situation, but the response for those who committed these acts is what really concerns me! There have been family members, family friends etc, who have expressed "pity" for them. It's one thing to be concerned and caring, and maybe pity is OK too,but don't use the pity to excuse them! That 's the part that gets me!!

"Oh! But you don't don't know what kind of life they had.

What? What about the life or lives of the victims they heaped the mess of their lives on? What about us too!

Did we deserve that?

Did we deserve to be brutalized and suffer, some victims even dying from the injuries caused by their abusers...DID THEY DESERVE THEIR FATE?

Do others deserve to tragically suffer because another person is hurting?

I've heard people say, I've been told on several occasions throughout the course of my life when it came to the subject of my abuse that, I should just "forget it and let them off the hook, fortheir sake!" For their sake! Are you kidding me!

Why do I have to do that for their sake? How could anybody say that to me?

Those people saying that weren't there when I had to fight my own brothers off of me at night or when my mother was not there or paying attention!

They were not there when I woke up in my mothers bed, where I thought I would be safe, only to find my mother up and my brother Dede, laying in the bed behind me, holding me around my waist scooping me with his pants down, with his penis in my butt crevice ( I was about 7).

What about when I was in first grade and my brother (Donnie) came into my room, woke me up room, stood over me, took his pants down and climbed on top of me and made me open my mouth and stuck his penis in it, almost gagging me. I went to school stunned, with my stomach hurting, and just dis-shoveled from all the way down to my spirit, down to my very soul and all the way back up again, into my physical self. I was a kid and I was his sister.

The taste of his penis stayed in my mouth for many months. No matter how many times I brushed my teeth or what I ate or drank. It haunted my dreams alot longer. I shook and hid every time I saw him walking through the house or anywhere!

Even as I got older, he made me nauseous just looking at him or hearing his voice.

I couldn't figure out why GOD just didn't kill him dead or any of them for that matter!

They threatened to kill me dead if I told! God was bigger than them, I thought!

I was a kid, but I fought to stay wake at night, would cry to have to go to bed. In first grade, second grade etc. I was falling asleep in class, at the lunch table. I was peeing on myself from the trauma. I peed in the bed until I was about 14 years old! TRAUMA I TELL YOU ! TRAUMA!

"Drop it some family members said", of my abuse. Have pity on people like my brother Donnie? Used to be I'd rather walk off a cliff and die first!

I'm 42 now and that thing has haunted me up until a few months back. It didn't stay in my mind all of these years, but from time to time, it would come up in my dreams and I'd wake up in sweat and tears, I would be so traumatized some times that even once I awoke, often fear would terrorize me! I couldn't get the light on or pray to Jesus fast enough! Sometimes my nightmares would scare my son so much, that he would run into my room, standing over me shaking me, calling my name trying wake me because he said I scared him by screaming, or groaning or ghostly or crying out in my sleep.

See people, the affects of abuse can last and last.

Get that stuff out of you!

I'm not supposed to hate or take revenge (which I have not nor plan to, on either issue)

But don't ask me to take pity on them. I'll pray for them, give them food if they're hungry or drink when they are thirsty, but don't ask me to ...have pity on them beyond that, my abusers be they my own mother or brothers. You could ask me alot of things and I'd do it, but don't ask me that!

That's the way I used to be! That's the way, I was for a lot of years!

Unforgiving and wanted them to suffer!

I wanted justice to and beyond the fullest extent.

But, somewhere in my life, God changed me! Oh! He didn't change me into weakness. No! on the contrary.! God made me stronger. Stronger, even more so than my perpetrators.

See, I can face my hurtful past and tell it to the world, but they have not.

None of them have confessed nor told the truth to the family. None of them have come to me to apologize for every act of crime they committed against me! I am no longer a victim, but a victor. They, my perpetrators are the victims of their own sin and pain!

They still hurt and suffer with their sicknesses and addictions, wrestling with their demons, while I am yet free. Like I said, God made me stronger even than even them!

He reshaped me and put such strength in me that I have and can forgive, (meaning I can release them of their offenses. That does not mean that I cannot talk about it and teach, inform and encourage others because of it. I can still and will do those things because those things are what are to come of it! Making good out of bad!. Encouraging other s to survive and stay strong! I believe that is a major intention of Gods plan for my survival!

People, I don't know what to say about our society!

And I usually have much to say, you know this much about me

(if you have thoroughly read my blog).

Although I write alot of words, useful words, believing my writing to be a gift,

still I am often remarkably silent when I think on the world's pain.

Though I get angry, want to scream, want to exact justice,

want to...hug and up lift, love on the broken...

Frustrated that I can't do this like my heart wants.

Frustrated that my arms ar not big or wide enough!

Frustrated cause I can't see the contribution I'm making!

So, I give over to the Lord God almighty and

put my thoughts and heart in his hands.

So, I write! I write truth. I write to empower.

It doesn't always seem like much to me, but I

take comfort in it, hoping somewhere, some of you will to, take comfort in

some words I write!

I write, though not often of my own strength.

Bye, Meetta

COMMUNITY CORNER-P.S.A. #2, ABUSE

This is

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT #2.

ABUSE VICTIMS AND PERPETRATORS...

There is a road to healing!

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO YOU...TELL IT!

Come out in the open!

Stop with the secrets!

Get it ALL OUT in the open!

The secrets have power over you

because you won't reveal them! You won't face them!

SO stop GIVING THEM POWER AND SPEAK UP!

Get it out, Get it ALL OUT!

That is the only way that true healing can really start to happen!

Seek a safe haven!

Be wise in who you tell!

EVERY BODY WON'T HAVE COMPASSION for you!

But KEEP TRYING to get help, and seek a safe place.

Many people are afraid and that's why abuse is so rampant.

Another reason is because of its ACCEPTANCE!

Many people have been so hurt and traumatized by abuse.

Because of that, for many, it has become an acceptable part of life.

They are not moved to compassion when they hear

about others who have been hurt!

I've heard people say, people comment on the subject

who its never happened to!

Still some other say, "Well it did happen to me and!

but they talk about it like it's just something that happens!"

Others have said,

"It's over, So shut up about it already!"

Because of silence, lack of compassion, and acceptance of abuse, IS WHY

it continues to spiral out of control!

In MANY cases,

IT MAY JUST BE IN YOUR BEST INTEREST TO TELL

someone other than your family!

For example, tell your favorite teacher, the school counselor, school nurse,

school social worker, the principal,

(if you are a child or any young aged person)

Tell your best friends parent or a coach,

Community Center staff, Boy Scout or Girl Scout leader!

Go tell your Boys and Girls club staff!

Call 911 or dial "0" for the operator!

Tell the preacher or someone who works at a church!

Go to a church, even one you are not a member of and TELL somebody!

KEEP TALKING AND TELLING!

KEEP TALKING AND TELLING until SOMEBODY LISTENS and

does something positive to help you!

Tell someone outside of the family if you have to!

"Cause sometimes,

(like in my case,) the abuser may be the brother or mother,

or another close relative!

I WAS threatened WITH DEATH!!!!

How do you think that affected me?

Even after the direct act of abuse, the affects of abuse still can continue.

But THANK GOD FOR Grace, Mercy and Miracles!

Thank God for a way of escape!

I Thank God that there are still people in this earth...

who ARE NOT afraid to get involved!

Strangers, people outside of my family, came to my rescue!

Usually,

you think if somebody is harming you, you can go to your family, but

when your family are the ones hurting you ...

who do you turn to for protection?

FIND SOMEONE!

Don't be silent.

My name is Meetta Martin and I am an abuse survivor.

YOU CAN BE ONE TOO!

SAY, WHAT YOU NEED TO SAY!

TRUE BELIEVER-WHAT KIND OF CHRISTIAN...?

Hey People,

My "True Believer" is a column for those who have already received Christ and are firmly established in God's word. These folks are already living a life in him. And according to God's decrees through the Gospel, "The Good News" of Jesus Christ, they have some understanding, but are thirsty for more, moving to higher levels in him. They already KNOW what Salvation or "being saved", really means. They have that established.

In this column, I also talk about how to "maintain" a strong relationship with God, as opposed to WHY you should have one and how to achieve a life in Christ. Those things I talk about in my B.I.B.L.E. column in that. Because that one is for "new converts", "newbies", or "babes" in Christ and for those who are unsure, but are seeking. So, shall we start, my rooted and already grounded brothers and sisters in Christ?

WHAT KIND OF CHRISTIAN ARE YOU?

Honestly, are you living a life that is pleasing to God according to Holy scripture?

Honestly, are you living the life of a "true Believer" where others can watch your life and use you as a prime example to what kind of Christian they should strive to become?

Are you really being honest? Remember now, no ones in the room with you, except God, the Creator of Heaven and earth, Jesus, the son of God and the Holy spirit. Oh, the angels are there too, they "record every word we say." So don't feel pressured to tell the truth! (smirk)

Many of us "True Believers" are still in dire need of establishing and maintaining a "true" relationship with Christ. Though many of us are really sincere in our desire to have a relationship with Christ, sometimes our views outside of God's, get in the way. When really our vies should be in agreement with God's! When things are not working out the way we want them to, for example, we don't want to "wait on the Lord" to instruct and guide us. We may start to take matters in our own hands. We do this without realizing the full ramifications of our "getting ahead" or going outside of God.

Another example is when we don't agree with scripture. We'll do everything else scripture says, we'll pay out tithes and give our offerings faithfully, we won't steal, kill, (with our hands or with our tongues), but when it comes to our sex life, we want to for go what God is saying!

In that area of our lives, we are directly forgoing Gods command to satisfy self. We are no longer concerned about satisfying God. We again, do our own thing, but we still want the blessings and approval of God! Somehow, in some ways, we start to think that our way is right! We start to pursue that way of thinking with actions to back it up. Now our lives are out of control and our relationship with Christ is in turmoil.

When we start to ignore or push aside God's commands for us, that is when we should realize we're in trouble! That is when we no longer value or respect God as we should. Needles to say, that is also when we start to get into serious trouble with God and our lives begin to reflect it. This can take us on a downward spiral into a place in our lives, where we find that only God can pull us out!

Though the journey can often get tense, living a devoted life in Christ, we must still press toward the mark. "The race is not given to the swift, but to those that endure". Remember, God is a rewarder! In the end, he has promised to reward his devoted in the ultimate way, with eternal life. But while we are yet here, God can and will shew his blessings for those that are faithful and obedient. Those that keep God ahead in their lives above everything else have nothing to lose, but everything to gain!

Whatever the case may be, know that it is not to late to change and get back on track with God.

Yes! God wants us to keep maturing in him and going from "faith to faith, ". He also knows that we still have a lot to learn, but in Christ, you never, ever stop learning! For now though, "God only expects you to live up to what you already know and live out what you have already learned!" Yet you are still held accountable and no excuses accepted! But just do your best with the knowledge you have and God will strengthen you to maintain your ground in him! Though life gets tough and disappointments are inevitable, but through it all HE won't let you fail, so don't choose to! "Don't vear to the left nor to the right", keep your eyes on Christ. Keep on "pressing toward the Goal."

SCRIPTURE;

For this post, I use a Life Application Study Bible, N.I.V.

(New International Version).

Tyndale House Publications, Inc.

Wheaton, illinois

Philippians 3: 15-21 &

Philippians 4:1

(v.15) All of us who are mature (in Christ) should take such a view of things. And if on some point think differently, that too God will make clear to you. (v.16) Only let us live up to what we have already attained. (v.17) Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. (v.18)For as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

(v.19) Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. (v. 20) But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, (v. 21) who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies, so that they will be like his glorious body.

Philippians

(4:1) Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!

FOOTNOTES;

Philippians 3, verses 15-21 &

Philippians 4:1

(v.15 &16) Sometimes trying to live a perfect Christian life can be so difficult that it leaves us drained and discouraged. We may feel so far from perfect that we can never please God with our lives. Paul used perfect (Phillipians 3:12) to mean mature and complete, not flawless in every detail. Those who are mature should press on in the Holy spirits Power, knowing that Christ will reveal and fill in any discrepancy between what we are and what we should be. Christ's provision is no excuse for lagging devotion, but it provides relief and assurance for those who feel driven.

(v.16) Christian maturity involves acting on the guidance that you have already received. We can always make excuses that we still have so much to learn. The instruction for us, is to live up to what we already know and live out what we have already learned. We do not have to be sidetracked by and unending search for truth.

(v.17) Paul challenged the Phillipians to pursue Christlikeness by following Paul's own pattern or example. This did not mean of course, that they should copy everything he did; he had just stated that he was not perfect (Philippians 3:12). But as he focused on his life on being like Christ, so should they. The Gospels may not yet have been in circulation, so Paul could not tell them to read the Bible to see what Christ was like. Therefore he urged them to imitate him. That Paul could tell people to follow his example, is a testimony to his character.

Can you do the same?

What kind of follower would a new Christian become if he or she imitated you?

(vs.17-21) Paul criticized not only the Judaizers, but also the self-indulgent Christians, people who claim to be Christians, but don't live up to Christ's model of Servanthood and self-sacrifice. These people satisfy their own desires before even thinking about the needs of others. Freedom in Christ does not mean freedom to be selfish. It means taking every opportunity to serve to become the best person you can be.

(v.19) Paul gets tough with people who live to appease their appetites, who believe so strongly in their greatness that they become slaves to pride. What horrible people these must be--so concerned with earthly trivia that during worship their minds wander; so consumed with work that worship is inconvenient; so busy planning the next party that there is no time for prayer. Paul says they are headed for destruction because all they can think about is this life here on earth.

But then we must ask ourselves: Is too much of our time spent on efforts that will not endure in eternity, seeking earthly pleasures, or satisfying our physical desires? We must set our minds on knowing Christ, not on the pursuits of this world.

(v.20) Citizens of a Roman colony were expected to promote the interests of Rome and maintain the dignity of the city. In the same way, citizens of heaven ought to promote heaven's interests on earth and lead lives worthy of heavenly citizenship. Too many Christians have failed to transfers their citizenship to heaven. They still seek earthly pleasures and treasures instead of heavenly ones. Paul told the Philippians to remember that they are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. Have you transferred your citizenship? How are you promoting heaven's interests?

(v.21) The phrase "lowly bodies" does not imply any negative attitude toward the human body. However, the bodies we will receive when we are raised from the dead will be glorious, like Christ's resurrected body! Those who struggle with pain, physical limitations, or disabilities can have wonderful hope in the resurrection. For more detailed discussion of our new bodies, see 1 Corinthians 15:35 ff and 2 Corinthians 5:1-10.

(v. 4:1) How do we "stand firm in the Lord"? This refers to what Paul has just taught in Romans 3:20, 21. The way to stand firm is to keep our eyes on Christ, to remember that this world is not our home, and to focus on the fact that Christ will bring everything under his control. Standing firm means steadfastly resisting the negative influences of temptation, false teaching, or persecutions. It requires perseverance when we are challenged or opposed. Don't lose heart or give up. God promises to give us strength of character. With the Holy Spirit's help and with the help of fellow believers, you can stay true to the Lord.

See ya,

Meetta