For this first post of 2012, I thought of doing a year in review but what the heck, who needs another year in review or me blabbing about my spectacular accomplishments? Instead, I elected to share a significant experience which I hope will be of help to some.
She's my second mom. Eleven years ago, I immigrated in this country. I had come to go to school which I completed with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. This achievement would not have taken place, has it not been for her and her family. A little background: Our families had been in each other lives for some years since back home in Cameroon. We lived in the same city, same neighborhood, same street.
So when my parents decided to send me overseas, they were the rightful choice. From day one, she was on me and with me. I needed to change school, there we were going up down between my new school and immigration. I needed to buy a car, my very first car, there we were at the city auction, she picked my first car: 600.00 it cost, good'ol days. I needed a new SSN, there we were between school and the SSN office. I needed a place where I could braid hair to make some money, she landed me her living room. First day of school, there she was, first ride to school. Now, all this for FREE. A side note: Americans like a the word "FREE" although nothing is ever free. But in my case, it truly was. A roof over my head: free, a meal at noon and a meal in the evening: free. Although, later on while staying with her and family, I had learned that there had been some discontentment from the beginning about my presence, this went for about 18 months til the time to part our ways came. And what did I do? I left her a goodbye, good luck note. The kind that says, thanks for everything although at times you were a biyotch. You get the picture. Foolish me took everything for granted. I had this presumptuous idea that nobody can't change or alter the perfect plans that God had/has for me. Even though I still believe it to be true, it is also of the utmost importance to acknowledge and honor those that God has put on your path for success. My mentor, Dr Mike Murdock always says, if you fail in your life it will be because of someone you chose to dishonor. If you succeed in your life, it will be because of someone you chose to honor. Needless to say this first act of dishonor and foolishness did not wait to birth its fruits some years later down the road.
Year 2003: One of my good friend immigrates here in the U.S. I helped her with the school paperwork, pretty much with everything that I mentioned above. I'm of those who believe that you should spread your blessings around. I welcomed her with the same amenities for a year, free food, free roof ...etc. It took her four years to finally show her true colors. What followed is a gruesome story that will be featured in a different post. It was nothing short of a perfect transcript straight from a soap opera. Needless to say, we're no longer on speaking terms since 2008 and I doubt we'll ever be.
So back to year 2011, as I was reaching some milestones, I realized it was important to learn from the past. Most people in general, think they've learned from their mistakes but in actually take no step to prevent themselves to repeat them. And there are actions that unquestionably bring about curse on us or put us in danger of the fire of hell*, and one of them is dishonor. Jesus Himself tells us that "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift" . Whenever you see a statement that starts with "Therefore", you must find out why is there for (Bill Johnson). So before he gets to the "Therefore", He says "And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell."
So many of us Christians constantly live in the danger of the fire of hell without even knowing it, or knowing and choosing to believe that grace "covers" it all. Although The Master has clearly established ways how to escape it. Moreover, Jesus was teaching this to his disciples not unbelievers! (May he who has ears, let him hear!). In the light of that awakening, I took my courage to call my second mom, whom I had been estranged for about nine years, and ask for her forgiveness, which she gracefully granted me. I took upon myself to honor her anyhow I can for I strongly believe that Honor qualifies you to enter any future God has designed for you (Dr Mike Murdock).
*[Matt5:22-23]
Tresorly Yours,
Tresor De Beaute
