No Is Not An Option!

For the past few weeks I have noticed on the local and national news, story after story and number after number shocking disparities in women lives. These messages have been clear and consistent that some women have become discouraged and frustrated. They are giving up on looking for jobs. They are giving up on their marriages. They are giving up on church. They have even given up on life.

What I’ve discovered so far is that there are a lot of broken women. Women who are broken physically, mentally and financially. They can’t see past where they are and have lost hope on what’s ahead. They have lost the zeal of experiencing what we’ve heard so often called “The American” dream. I mean from the best neighborhoods to worst across America, everyone is experiencing the turbulence of troubled times causing us to say no I just give up. I quit.


I believe positioning yourself for purpose is predicated on your next decision. In the book of Ruth, we can see an example of this type of determination through two devoted friends Ruth and Naomi. I am encouraged through Ruth because here we have a young woman who was a princess. She is the great grand-daughter of King Eglon of Moab. She was married to Mahlon who later died and now she is a young widow. She is faced with a situation that is hopeless. She has no husband, no money and no means to take care of herself.

I don’t know if you are aware of this. But in those days widows had no standing in the community and were totally dependent upon the good will of their families and friends for survival. It was the duty of the Priests to look after widows and orphans, but there was no such provision in Moab; because there was famine in the land.

But something happens to change her destiny through the wisdom of her mother-in-law Naomi. In chapter 1 verses 6-7 says, One day she got herself together, she and her two daughters-in-law, to leave the country of Moab and set out for home; she had heard that God had been pleased to visit his people and give them food. And so she started out from the place she had been living, she and her two daughters-in-law with her, on the road back to the land of Judah. (Message Bible)


Sisters, feeling sorry for ourselves or continuing to wallow in our pity parties is not going to help us. Naomi’s action is what I call Decisive Faith – Faith that says, “I have to make the decision and get myself together”. She received a word God was blessing the people and decided it is time to take a step of faith towards her destiny.

This is the problem we face as women, when we have things that block our perspective on what is going on. We can be so close to God, but yet so far away. We can avoid the consequences of poor decisions by taking God’s word seriously. You may think you have been rejected, excluded, cutoff, and shutout, but, I want to encourage you that God wants to put a word down in your spirit that will enable you to get up and make a decision to begin moving toward your deliverance.

After examining her situation, Ruth refuses to take “no” as her final answer decides to leave her current state and go. She decided to go with Naomi to Bethlehem. Ruth did not allow herself to be paralyzed by her lack of a husband. She understood God’s promised provision and was willing to position herself for purpose. She understood it would take act of obedience, diligence and was able to receive the blessings of God.

Ruth was able to discern when her season was up. In chapter 1 verse 16 But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God”. She realized she was in a difficult place because there was a famine. Sisters, shift your focus. Quit looking at your situation and start anticipating your blessings. Don’t be so preoccupied with your current situation that you don’t see beyond it. For example, if you’re having problems with your job, look beyond it. If you are having difficulties in a relationship, get past it.



Or are you like Orpah? Who was so preoccupied with her situation she could not discern the blessings ahead. Orpah made a decision to turn and go back. Orpah was a woman full of unbelief and empty of wisdom. She made a mistake on making a now decision on a then experience. She was limiting her future to her past. She had more faith in her lack than she had in the promise. Sisters when you do that, you are limiting on what you could be based upon what you have been. Just like our sister Orpah, you become preoccupied with problems and situations, when you should be looking at opportunities.


Instead of focusing on negative, develop an attitude of expectancy. To say you were born this way and you will never change -- negative. To say this is how I am and it is what it is -- negative. To say, I don’t have enough education – negative. To say I am too fat – negative. To say I will never get married – negative. Your current situation isn’t the destination, but a chance to alter the course to get there. You have to take a stand and be bold enough to say like Ruth, “no is not an option”, I’m going all the way. I am moving forward!

Peace and blessings to you,
Cynthia A. Patterson
www.dove-ministries.org
"Author of the forthcoming book, It Had to Happen - Understanding that everything you go through in life is for God's Purpose."

Are You Running On Empty?

You know how it feels. At the beginning of this year you were on fire and claiming the blessings of the Lord. You felt like this year was going to be your year! Now your life seems to be going in a gazillion different directions. Truthfully, behind that smile, you’re feeling drained and defeated. Even the fire of your relationship with God, that once burned so brightly, now seems to be barely flickering.

In looking at Psalm 6, we find David. Physically, he is wasting away. He’s been running from enemies too long, and he’s exhausted. Spiritually, he’s dismayed and thinking God has forgotten him. Emotionally, he’s depressed and feeling ready to give up. David is running on empty and he is transparent to God. David says, in verses 2-3, 6:

2 Have compassion on me, Lord, for I am weak. Heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony. 3 I am sick at heart. How long, O Lord, until you restore me? 6 I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears.

I believe there are some of us who can identify with David and I want each of you to know that you have to shift your focus from your feelings to the facts. David turned his attention to the facts to bring himself out of his depression and run down state. In verses 8-9 David tells the enemy of his mind:

8 Go away, all you who do evil, for the Lord has heard my weeping. 9 The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord will answer my prayer.

King David got his focus back. It wasn’t about his feelings. It was about the God who was going to take care of him. David may have felt like God had forgotten about him, but the fact is, God knew his case. He may have felt God wasn’t listening to him, but the fact is, the God of his heart heard his cry. So what about you? Are you focused on your feelings or are you focused on the facts?

I’m reminded of a time I too was running on empty. I came to realize it one morning in an “Aha” moment of my life. I woke up late this particular morning. It seemed as if everything that could go wrong, did. I got my hair wet in the shower and couldn’t find my keys to only realize they were in my jacket pocket. To make matters worse I get in the car and was nearly out of gas.

While attempting to pump the gas, I noticed the nozzle did not fit in my tank. In my rush, I was attempting to use diesel fuel in my unleaded tank. God spoke to me through this situation.

Many times we are so busy that we lose sight and focus on the wrong things. We start trying to use other things to refuel ourselves and it doesn’t fit into the plans that God has for us. God says it is time to Re-ignite the Flame! Therefore, when our passion for God wanes and the flame that once burned brightly begins to flicker, Jesus is the one who can and will ignite it.

How can we put ourselves back into the position where He can re-ignite the flames in our hearts? 1) We must pray, 2) We must read the word, and 3) We must believe. Staying in the will of God can constantly infuse His energy in us. God is the only one who can refuel you. God will continue to instill in your passion for Himself, a purpose in life, and a zeal for living so that you can never again feel you’re running on empty…Peace be with you!

It Had to Happen -- Part 2

In Mark Chapter 5, we are introduced to a woman with no name. We don’t know how old she is but old enough to be a wife but not elderly. She is known for having an issue of blood. In other scriptures, she is also referred to as the hemorrhaging woman. Whether she has an issue of blood, or is hemorrhaging, she is definitely a woman with an infirmity. She is definitely a woman in need of peace to made whole.

This week God has led me to encourage everyone to pursue the Peace of God. Therefore, we will look at Isaiah 26:3-4 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock.

In looking at this text, it lets us know that Peace is a result of trusting God. It reveals to us The author of peace is God. Yet at times we tend look to other things besides God to get it. Generally, the idea is “Would you please help me change others so I can have peace? Would you please help me change my situation so I can have peace? But, our scripture says in verse 3, You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Therefore, If there is a lack of peace in our lives, this verse reveals as evident there is a lack of relationship with God. In order to find out where this lack is we must realize what has happened and identify the following things:
1) What I cannot control
2) What I can control
3) What am I motivated by

Meaning, we cannot control people or the outcome of situations and circumstances. But, we can control our own thoughts, desires, words and actions.
How would we do this? By evaluating and taking responsibility in our actions on how we respond to people and the outcome of our situations. For example, if you are confronted by individuals, faced with a situation or circumstance that may try to sap your peace today. Verse 4 assures us to Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock. This word Rock in Hebrew means maw-ooz a fortified place, defense, strength. Therefore the very next time you are faced with challenges, I want you, stop and ask yourself these questions:

Can I control how this person thinks? Can I control the outcome of this situation? Is my current thought, desire, words or actions line up with God? And as result will my response be motivated by my love for God above my selfish desires? Or Am I motivated by my selfish desires above my love for God?

You choose, because John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]~~Amplified Version.

Remember everything you went through...It Had to Happen!

It Had To Happen - Intro Part 1

Sisters, we are living in a society, where so many of us are searching, so many of us are exploring for the answers to this thing we call life. We are in a society where many us are in search to finding out our purpose. We are changing our degree plans. We are changing our careers. We are changing our hairstyles. We are changing our styles to latest trends. We have become serial daters. One month we’re with this guy and another month with that one. And some are of us are even changing to an alternative life-style. And you know why?

As women we seek affirmation and praise. We want someone to approve of us. We hunger for protection and assurance. We strive for love and security. God has designed us to grow from babies to little girls. From little girls to young ladies. And now God wants you to blossom into a woman who is whole. Because many of us don’t realize that it is the trick of the devil to keep your purpose veiled because he knows that true purpose is engendered in God, and a woman who finds her true purpose, she will become dangerous to the devil.

We heard and quoted many scriptures. Like weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning…What the devil meant for evil, God meant it for good…And all things work together for good of them who love God and are called according to His purpose. We really want to believe that. We really want to believe our pain is passing. We really want to believe that one day our joy will be perma-nent. But wherever you are today, you’ve been asking God – Why?

Why is it you keep having sleepless nights? Why is it you’re still dealing with this escapable hurt? Why is it you keep missing the mark of being a submissive wife and love your husband? Why is it your child keeps disrespecting you? Why is it your in and out these dysfunctional relationships?

Why is it you’re constantly feeling disappointed? Why is it everyone is coming to you for the answers to their issues and you can’t even figure out your own? Why is it every night we lie in our beds when darkness comes against our mind telling us we’re nothing? If we would have done this that would not have happened. If we would have been a better this, they would not have done that. When things are so tough right now you can’t even share with your girlfriends, because you are the one who “supposed to” have it together.

The truth of the matter, we have been walking around masking and closing the door to our own mind of what we are really feeling. And everything we dream for has been shattered into pieces and we don’t have the will or desire to stoop down and pickup the pieces and put them together again. Because we are emotionally drained. Physically tired and we are in a comatose state; just going through the motions in life aimlessly.

For the next few weeks we will take this journey together and discover the answer to these questions. It is my prayer that each of you be opened to experience a life changing experience that you have been desperately trying to find. Together we will explore some issues that have influenced our emotional behavior both positively and negatively.

These blogs are for healing, restoring, and focusing on our relationship with God. We will explore the life of a woman in Mark Chapter 5 who suffered a great issue for twelve years. For twelve years it seems as if life was hopeless for her. But through a determination and perseverance she was able to receive the help she needed. It is my prayer that you will receive practical insight through the word of God on His healing power. Just like this woman in Mark Chapter 5, God is no respector a person; He will do the same for you, if you allow Him too.

Please note my sisters this blog is meant for those who are ready to read it. It’s a voluntary, personal choice for women who say, “I’m feeling you”, I know someone who needs this; or how can I help someone?” Now if this is forwarded to you by someone, continue reading it, they are sowing a seed into your life. Afterwards, pass it on to someone else and sow a seed into their lives. Paul says in the Kings James Version of 1 Corinthians 3:6, my work was to plant seed in your hearts, and another to water it, but it was God, not we, who made the garden grow in your hearts. Remember "It Had To Happen".