From Pain to Promise

Most people have faced some type of challenges in life; Whether it's losing someone, suffering with a chronic illness, a divorce, or growing up without a parent. Others have faced failures like not passing a test or not getting a job. This has left our country in a state of emotional bondage. All we see on television is violence and killing. Most of what is posted and shared on social media provokes negative emotions. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), over 40 million adults are suffering from mental health issues related to anxiety. 7.7 million Americans suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and most people suffering from PTSD are suffering because of sexual abuse. It's disheartening to find out that the leading cause of disability for men and women between the ages of 15 to 44 is major depressive disorder, also reported by ADAA.

Many people are still grieving and hurting over a situation. I want to encourage you to push past your pain to receive your promise. Push past that issue, loss, regret, abuse, or addiction to find your hope and purpose. Stop allowing the negative situations from your past to dictate your peace today. It will not be easy, but you deserve to be happy. You deserve to experience joy. Like I tell my players, “you get out of life what you put in”. Fill your mind with positive thoughts. Allow your heart to feel positive emotions. Just think about this, if you traveled the world planting millions and millions of apple seeds no matter the climate or the geographical area, an orange tree will never grow. It would not be possible. Stop spending so much time on the negative or with negative people if you would like a positive, happy life. It’s TIME to shift from pain to PROMISE. You are strong enough! You are smart enough! You are beautiful enough! No matter what you have experienced in your past, know that God controls the future. Rely on Him and trust in His word. Stand firm on the promises of God. Psalms 29 verse 11 reminds us that the Lord gives strength to His people and the Lord blesses His people with peace. Smile today knowing that God is shifting you past your pain to your PROMISE!

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