BLACK HISTORY MONTH featuring: Hazel I Jackson

BEVALUED

Hazel I Jackson , a native of South Carolina, earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary English education from South Carolina State College and a master’s of education degree from Temple University.  She did post-graduate work at Delaware University.    Prior to moving to Lancaster in 1952, she taught four years in the public schools of South Carolina. 

In 1961, Lancaster Sertoma Club began a mission to help African-Americans who had been deprived of job opportunities to get into their qualified fields.  Every time she applied for a teaching postiion, she had to supply a picture along with the application, so school boards knew she was African-American.   She was rejected 12 times–“not because of her credentials.”  But, she didn’t let that stop her.  It just inspired her to work harder to get a foot in the door as a subsitute teacher.  Eventually, she was hired as an English teacher  for seventh and eighth…

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No Weapon Formed Against You Shall Prosper

Isaiah 54:17 (King James Version)

  ¹⁷No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD

This is a very popular scripture to the body of Christ.  It is very often quoted by believers as one of the promises of God.  Usually, the focus is on the word “weapon” but we often overlook the word “formed.” 

It is not difficult to understand what a weapon is supposed to do.  They are meant to inflict injury, destroy and kill.  We sometimes forget that we are in a “spiritual warfare.”  And there will be weapons used in battle to fight against us.  Such weapons as:  depression, sickness, debt, cancer, unemployment, racism, jealousy, division, low self-esteem and abuse…..these are all weapons designed to kill, steal and destroy us. 

When these things occur in our lives, we sometimes want to blame God.  He never said we wouldn’t have battles to fight or weapons thrown at us. He didn’t say that the weapons would not injure us.  But, He did promise that they would not prosper.  

Rev. Dr. Laura Foster from (Greater Quinn AME Church of Detroit, Michigan) pointed out that the word “formed”  in this passage of scripture is often overlooked by many believers.   Indeed, there are weapons that are going to form…they just won’t prosper.  This is the heritage that belongs to the servants of the Lord.  If you are a born-again believer, this is a promise that belongs to you.  BELIEVE IT AND RECEIVE IT.  2 Corinthins 10:4, tells us the we have weapons too, but they are not carnal….they are mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds,  for we wrestle not with flesh and blood but with principalities and powers of darkness. 

 God has promised us the victory in every situation, against every weapon that is formed against us.  He has declared us victors not victims.  CHAMPIONS! THAT’S WHAT WE ARE!!

 

PRAYER FOCUS:  Father, you have already given us the victory over every weapon that forms against us.  Thank you for our heritage.  Allow us to trust you no matter what weapons we are facing today.  IN JESUS’ NAME, AMEN. 

YOU ARE VALUABLE TO GOD

   Proverbs 31:10 (AMP)

 ¹⁰A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman–who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls.

 

It’s taken me awhile to post in reference to the “Chris Brown and Rihanna” incident. Domestic Violence is not going away anytime soon.  In fact, it’s probably going to get worse before it gets better. I say this with all humility and deep regret.  I truly want to believe that someday things will get better, that men will get the help they need and we can put this demon to rest. It’s the same old story.  Man becomes angry; man beats woman; man begs for forgiveness; woman goes back to man; man becomes angry, again; man kills woman; the end of woman.  Pathetic. 

 But, unfortunately, I have to face the truth.   It is no secret that what negatively effects men will result in violence against women.  The country is in a state of economic upset.  When men are scared, disappointed, angry, embarrassed, rejected, and in pain; it ultimately leads to violence against women and children…”the weaker vessel.”  What will it take in this country for us to wake up and stop the madness?

 

Since we are unable to change any man, our only recourse is to change the way we allow ourselves to be treated by a man. It’s a given– as long as men are protected and escape consequences of their actions; things will stay the same. We may as well face it.  Ladies, we have to change the way WE allow ourselves to be treated.  When a man doesn’t see the VALUE in me; he is not worth my time or thought.  Every time a man abuses a woman; he DEVALUES her.  To him you are no better than the gum on the bottom of his shoe.  In fact, they often use their shoes to stomp all over you.  You must “know your worth.”

 

Firstly: according to Genesis 1:27-28, we were created in the image of God.  What could be more valuable than that?  Secondly:  Psalms 139:14 states, we are fearfully and wonderfully made. God took special care in creating us.  We are more valuable than rubies (Proverbs 31:10) He instructed the man to provide and protect everything that He created.  Especially, the woman that was made to complete him.  She was designed to fulfill a specific purpose. 

 

Daughter of God, know that you are valuable beyond any price that could ever be offered.  The only way we are ever going to achieve Domestic Peace is to stop allowing ourselves to be victims of Domestic Violence.  Pay attention to the warning signs and get out as fast as you can.  Of course, there are exceptions to the rule, however, in most cases; there are early signs of behavior indicating possible violent tendencies. There is a list of warning signs posted on this site.   Title: Why do abusers succeed?  BE CAREFUL. 

 

PRAYER FOCUS:      Heavenly Father.  I lift up every woman living with violence to You right now.  Protect her from physical abuse.  Give her the courage to walk away from any one that doesn’t value her as You do.  IN JESUS’ NAME, AMEN.