WE ARE PRICELESS...LIKE THE PEARL

While on a recent trip, my husband and I got up early for a walk along the beach to watch the sun rise. Our early morning excursion allowed us to take in the soothing sounds of the waves and the constant chatter of the seagulls. Between getting lost in the view and our conversation, I noticed what appeared to be a shell planted in the sand. The closer I got, the more I realized that this shell was not like the typical shells I usually find on my shell-finding expeditions. I believed that what I discovered may have been an oyster!  I bent down to examine it more closely and found that it was completely intact and it sparkled when hit by the rays of the sun.  I was completely convinced that this shell may have very well been the former home of a pearl!! 

I gingerly wrapped up my find in a napkin and took it back to the hotel to do a little research on it.  As I perused through a number of sites on oysters and shells, I came to the conclusion that what I had in my possession was not an oyster, but another type of mollusk;  like a mussel or a clam. I did however, find out that pearls can develop in other types of mollusks too.  This information fueled my desire to know more about the creation of a pearl.  Of course, I knew the basics of how a pearl was formed, but my research led me to some interesting parallels between human beings and pearls, take note....

The birth of man/woman AND the birth of the pearl are both truly miraculous events.

what captured my attention was that the pearl begins as a parasite or an irritant, inside the oyster's body and the oyster defends itself by secreting a smooth and hard crystal-like substance, called "nacre" to protect itself. The longer the intruder is lodged within the oyster's body, the more "nacre" it will release.  This fluid-like substance will completely encase the invader, layer after layer after layer which eventually leads to the creation of what we know as this precious gem....a pearl!

I also learned in my reading, that the "nacre" which is made up of crystals of calcium carbonate, not only help to soothe the irritation caused by the trespasser, they perfectly align, so that light passes through and creates a reflection that produces a rainbow of color and light.

 Now you may read this and wonder how this...albeit amazing process, lead me to visualizing a connection between man/woman AND the pearl. 

Well, let's begin at the top...

While the oyster lives in the habitat that was created for it to live in, a parasite, invader, or intruder enters and begins to irritate its body. It is able to penetrate it so deeply, that it's difficult to shake. WE (man/woman) also experience parasites, invaders and intruders, they come in the form of difficult people, circumstances, situations and emotions (unforgiveness, hate, fear, anger, jealousy, discouragement) and lack of hope.  These things don't travel alone, they enter with the assistance of the master intruder himself...satan! And if we aren't careful, he will attach himself so deeply, that it will be difficult to  shake him off and see the light of day. The oyster has a way of defending itself from the intruder, when it secretes the "nacre" which covers and protects it from irritation.

 WE have protection from the intruder too...it comes through our faith, from constant prayer and from The Word of God! All of these tools, protect and shield us like the "nacre" that surrounds the pearl and form the Armor of God around us which helps US to sparkle and allows our light to shine, while casting a reflection of God's love for others.  Our armor also gives us the strength to stand against the invaders, intruders and the things that irritate us and help to mold and polish us into the precious, priceless "gems" that God designed and intended.❤

On the 1st Anniversary of Michael Brown’s death I reflected today on the events that transpired one year ago, giving thought to the anguish, fear, anger and chaos that erupted from the aftermath this tragic event.  Not long after the turmoil began, I needed to sort through and deal with my own emotions of being a mother and giving thought to  the grief that Michael’s mother must have been dealing with after losing her son.  No matter what the circumstance OR the reason…her son was now gone.  I also thought about the large number of other mothers, who were also grieving over the loss of their children and the tears that have been shed. I saw Michael’s death as a telescope, zeroing in on and highlighting a number of  issues that were long overdue to be addressed.  The willingness to communicate and the desire to understand the fears, needs and emotions of our brothers and sisters of other races is vital and must be a part of the healing process for the community.  Some progress has been made, but we still have a long journey ahead of us.  I continue to pray for healing over our community AND our nation! I wrote the piece below, last year as a means of bringing healing to my own thoughts, fears and concerns about the state that our community was in.  I was blessed to be asked to share it at several community events last year and was asked why I never shared it on my blog, so here it is…..

A MOTHER'S CRY

The blood has been shed and so have the tears

Creating expressions of mistrust, anger, hatred and fear

Many answers are needed to the questions of why

a mother is left heartbroken...to grieve and to cry.

Violence and looting erupted...guns and gas masks applied

it cannot be forgotten that a mother's son died.

It's now time to bring healing for the whole world to see

How great loss can bring change to the community.

Many offer their judgements not understanding the cause

that things aren't always equal for us,when it comes to the law.

Why does it seem no one's listening, that they've turned a deaf ear

to the sobering cries of our mothers...year after year.

Large numbers of people desire to believe all is well

while those in the midst of the struggle view this as pure hell.

Is anyone willing to stand up for change

or is it easier to see those living in turmoil as strange

Please don't be fooled my friends for there are still issues with race

the problem is closing the gap and meeting face to face.

You hear many speak out about their discontent 

of the actions of some who may misrepresent.

Remember we were created in love and love knows no bounds

whether black, white, red or yellow, God's grace and mercy surrounds.

We must turn away from the falsehoods  that satan attempts to breed

we should ALL stand up in one accord to help those that are in need.

We must trust the word of God and keep our heads held to the sky

while we pray for the changes needed to help cease a mother's cry!

Copyright © 2014 Debora Grandison. All rights reserved.

                                              THE BEAUTY OF THE LORD SHINES THROUGH 

Beauty is a quality that every woman does possess

It comes from inner joy, from peace and spiritual happiness.

Beauty isn't just an outward look or just about one's face

It develops from her walk with God and from dignity and grace.

God takes the burdens, trials and ashes and cleans up every part

so that her beauty will shine through anything that's weighing on her heart.

Beauty is her laugh, her smile and her ability to love

God gives her strength and power when she seeks His will above.

Beauty is the ray of light that shines deep within her soul

and guides her from the enemy, when he attempts to take control.

God desires every woman to recognize that she is loved and is adored

A beautiful woman walks in faith when she loves and serves The Lord.

DEBORA SPEAKS FROM THE HEART   ❤

                          THERE'S JOY IN HOPE
   
 Hope is a dream, a desire, a goal
it fuels our passions and restores our soul.

Hope builds expectation that all will be well
that we can finish the race and we can excel.

Hope is a wish that when we need a change
we will step out on faith and see things rearrange.

Hope fills us with drive, courage and ambition
so that our dreams are attained and will come to fruition.

Love is a choice and there's a choice to have hope
setting our minds on both choices allows us to cope.

We were created for good and good things we will be
when we focus on hope, we will have victory!

                         THE PEACE WITHIN YOU

Peace is never far away from you, you must learn to recognize its face

You can find it deep inside yourself or seek it in its special place.

Sometimes it's difficult to find, through all the chaos in our lives

but it is vital that you search for it, because you need it to survive.

Peace comes in many packages and there is no cost for it...it's free

every one of us wants more of it, peace brings calm and harmony.

If you're searching for a little peace and feel it's not within your reach

begin to weave it through your thoughts and proclaim it in your speech.

Please note: the storms of life will lessen and the joy of living will increase

when we see past our circumstances and we strive for inner peace.

                                             
                                         THE CROSS

The Cross is a symbol of sacrifice...when God gave His only Son

it represents the battle over sin...the victory's already been won!

When Christ carried the cross to Calvary...it was placed high upon a hill

There was a hush throughout the crowd that day and everything stood still!

Then Christ was placed upon the cross and bound onto its base

nails were driven into His hands and feet, blood and sweat rolled down His face.

The agony and pain that Christ endured was unbearable and great

it was then a soldier pierced His side in attempt to seal His fate.

As Christ hung from the cross that day, for all to view and see

a swift darkness covered all the earth for those acts on Calvary.

When Jesus spoke His parting words and drew His final breath

His followers amongst the crowd were saddened by His death.

His body was taken from the Cross and wrapped in a linen shroud

His Mother Mary helped remove the nails, as well as the thorn-filled crown.

Jesus was placed in the tomb that day, a stone was set in place

On the third day, when He arose, it changed the human race!

God loves us so, He gave His Son, that day on Calvary

and Christ died for us, He gave His life so that WE would ALL be free!
EASTER~2015

                         

As we prepare to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ, we each may find a variety of ways to reflect on how much God loves us and that He gave His Son, so that we would have eternal life! This week will be filled with praise, worship, fasting and prayer....these words were given to me to share through poetry, are a reflection of what Resurrection Day means to me!!
Love and Blessings to you!♥

                                       
                              Please RISE To The Occasion

There are times along life's journey, when you may stumble... you may fall

please RISE to the occasion, God gives us strength to stand up tall.

When the road ahead seems trying and storms may hover up above

Please RISE to the occasion to embrace God's unfailing love.

When the enemy tries to press you and attempts to change your attitude

RISING up to the occasion will change what's meant for harm to good.

When the devil seeks to rob you of the joys and gifts God brings

Please RISE to the occasion and praise our Savior and our King!

The world is filled with hate and unforgiveness; we are challenged each and every day

Please RISE to the occasion...study The Word of God and pray.

We were created with a purpose...to draw others close to Christ

and because He loves us all...He paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Whatever trials you've faced along this journey and despite how close the call

Please RISE to the occasion, because Christ ROSE again and gave it ALL.

Copyright © 2015 Debora Grandison. All rights reserved.