Sometimes we hinder our own individual growth by not sharing with others who can offer guidance & support. I'm not talking about those who are just interested in knowing the latest gossip surrounding your life but of those who have been placed in your life for a reason.

This can be a friend or family member. The beauty of such relationships is that you are free to express your deepest fears and/or concerns without feeling you are going to be judged!

Part of the growth process includes allowing you to be free to say what's on your mind, knowing you are going to get support, encouragement, guidance at the right time.

Don't be afraid to utilise such relationships as it helps you to become a better person, thus encouraging positive growth! Being afraid of such things only prevents growth & stops you from missing out on moving forward. You just have to overcome that initial fear…so go ahead and take that first step.

Remember even when there appears to be no hope or encouragement from others, refuse to quit! We are reminded in [url=http://www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible?passage=2sam 10:12&search=&version=NLT&language=english&optional.x=13&optional.y=8]2 sam 10:12[/url] that we must remain strong and that God will deliver us…in time!

If you quit, you will lose out on the blessings in store for you. Never give up when you know you are right! Believe that everything will work together for good if you persevere! Rise up against the odds and keep on going!

Don’t let anyone discourage you, intimidate you, are lead you away from your goals. All those before us faced defeat and adversity too and came through victorious!

Why Did You Make Me Black Lord …
Lord … Why did you make me black?
Why did you make someone
the world would hold back?

Black is the color of dirty clothes,
of grimy hands and feet…
Black is the color of darkness,
of tired beaten streets…

Why did you give me thick lips,
A broad nose and kinky hair?
Why did you create someone
who receives the hated stare?

Black is the color of the bruised eye
When someone gets hurt…
Black is the color of darkness,
black is the color of dirt.

Why is my bone structure so thick,
my hips and cheeks so high?
Why are my eyes brown,
And not the color of the sky?

Why do people think I’m useless?
How come I feel so used?
Why do people see my skin
And think I should be abused?

Lord, I just don’t understand…
What is it about my skin?
Why is it some people want to hate me
And not know the person within?

Black is what people are “Labelled”
when others want to keep them away…
Black is the color of shadows cast…
Black is the end of the day.

Lord you know my own people mistreat me,
And you know this just ain’t right…
They don’t like my hair; they don’t like my
skin, as they say I’m too dark or too light!

Lord, don’t you think
it’s time to make a change?
Why don’t you redo creation
and make everyone the same?

God’s Reply…

Why did I make you black? Why did I make you black?

I made you in the color of coal
from which beautiful diamonds are formed…
I made you in the color of oil,
the black gold which keeps people warm.

Your color is the same as the rich dark soil
that grows the food you need…
Your color is the same as the black stallion and panther,
Oh what majestic creatures indeed!

All colors of the heavenly rainbow
can be found throughout every nation…
When all these colors are blended,
you become my greatest creation!

Your hair is the texture of lamb’s wool,
such a beautiful creature is he…
I am the shepherd who watches them,
I will ALWAYS watch over thee!

You are the color of the midnight sky;
I put star glitter in your eyes…
There’s a beautiful smile hidden behind your pain…
That’s why your cheeks are so high!

You are the color of dark clouds
from the hurricanes I create in September…
I made your lips so full and thick,
so when you kiss…they will remember!

Your stature is strong,
your bone structure thick to withstand the
burden of time…
The reflection you see in the mirror,
that image that looks back, that is MINE!

So get off your knees,
look in the mirror and tell me what you see?
I didn’t make you in the image of darkness…
I made you in the image of ME!

One thing to bear in mind is that God thinks differently to how we think.

By faith and by studying his word, you will begin to learn about how he thinks. In particular, the Old Testament gives an insight to how God thinks and does things. If he takes you through the long route, it is for a reason!

Consider this, the long way could be used as preparation for you; during this time, you may face obstacles, disappointments, setbacks etc but during that time, he is guiding you through making you stronger, wiser and getting you ready for action. The other consideration is that he is leading you through unseen circumstances that you are unable to deal with yet.

Once at your destination, you will then see your true purpose. You have also been prepared to fulfill your purpose!

I am pleased and proud to be a part of this new forum called ‘Black Soul’. This forum welcomes positive and encouraging discussions with a spritual flava to educate, uplift and encourage spritual growth.

Please support the forum by posting to it regularly. Posts can be sent to me direct by using the email address listed below. Enjoy the flava!
e-mail: zema@blackmag.org