Teacher Davis - A Life Worth Repeating

May the life I live, speak for me.

Proverbs 31:Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax. And willingly works with her hands. She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar. She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household. And a portion for her maidservants. She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard. She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms. She perceives that her merchandise is good. And her lamp does not go out by night. She stretches out her hands to the distaff.... Now this is the part I really love. She opens her mouth with wisdom. And her tongue is the law kindness. She watches over the ways of her household...Many children have done well...

Mother. Annie Mae Davis, so affectionately called Teacher Davis by many. We celebrated the life of this beautiful vessel of God this past Thursday June 27, 2019. A life above reproach, a woman of integrity, grace, poise and humility. A Godly woman who touched the lives of so many. From her sweet potato pies, to her care packets. To her encouragement to follow the lead of God, to the guidance one what it means to be and look like a lady. A wife, a mother, a preacher's wife, a first lady, a Bishop's wife, a grandmother, an educator, a woman of influence. She changed the lives of many. Impacted the lives of her friends and family near and far. There was no time to be sad about the passing of this true soldier in the army of the Lord. Standing strong as a help meet and one who didn't look at service as a hardship but as a gift to those who awaited the arrival of her sweet spirit.

After I left the celebration I began thinking about my own life. As you know,  our eulogy is preached while we're still here on earth. I said to myself.."Lisa, that's how you want your celebration to be." Then I asked myself this question...what will people say about me.. Will they miss me, will they speak well of me? Will they speak about my beautiful smile that I shared with the world all the time? Will they speak of the encouraging words I spoke..will they remember that I was a woman of God who loved the word and others? Will they remember me as a loving mother, wife, sister and friend? Will they remember my hugs and kisses that I give so freely? Will they remember that I was there for them when it looked like they were alone? Will my anointing be one that others will want? I pray that my legacy will be as strong as that of Teacher Annie Mae Davis, who was loved by all and missed by more.

We always say life is short after a love one passes suddenly... but do we really think about the life and legacy that we're living today before man... That's not a real question.. just something to think about. So, how do we live a life that's worth repeating. Let me say it the way Teacher Davis would say it to all those who crossed her path.

1. Put God First !
2. Love the way God loves!
3. Give the way God gives!
4. Serve the way God serves!
5. Take no count for tomorrow..today is all we have
6. Leave a smile on every ones face you meet
7. AND remember, what you do today, will be the words that's spoken over your life tomorrow.... when ever your tomorrow comes.

Be blessed and remember to "Live a Life that's worth repeating"  Thank you for your life Teacher Annie Mae Davis. Rest in the peace and in joy of the Lord.

Be blessed

Ms. Lisa
And remember " To Find Peace Within"

To Co-exist Peacefully- Sacrifice or Compromise

This week I started reading "A New Earth Create a Better Life" by author Eckhart Tolle. One of Oprah Winfrey's well known guest and Super Soul Sunday contributors. In the beginning of the book he speaks about the importance of co-existing and how the ability to compromise is the best way to do such.

I've often thought about the ability to compromise and how different it is from sacrificing. Eckhart Tolle says that when we understand our mental position we are able to tolerate people's beliefs and perspectives. I agree with that statement hold heartedly. However, at what point does sacrificing and compromising for peaceful coexistence become too much to do? What is the difference between a compromise and a sacrifice. In my opinion when a compromise is made it's a win/win situation for everyone. I may not get my way this time but I can live with the decision that was made, knowing the next time, I'll be able to get my way. Do we buy a sports car or a mini van, after all we have 5 kids. Sounds like we're getting a mini van. Then when ALL the kids are out of the house, we'll get the sports car. Sounds like a good compromise.

Now, a sacrifice is when something is given up that is needed with the hopes of one day reaping from the sacrifice that was made. Often times, we make more sacrifices than compromises and get very little in return.

As a mother and wife, there have been many days I've sacrificed going to bed on time to prepare a meal that didn't get eaten. There was no personal gain for me sacrificing that time. I still got to bed late and the sacrifice wasn't appreciated. I've sacrificed doing things for myself to help my husband take care of ministry obligations. Sacrifices like this that occur often, could possibly make co-existing challenging.

I remember complaining to our Father one day while working in the yard. I was going innnnn... talking about everything I do for my family and what I don't get back from them. I asked Him, when will it ever be about Lisa. He spoke clearly to me saying; "Continue to serve your family, and I'll take care of you.' He has done just that. I still make sacrifices even when I don't understand. And my Father has always come through for me.

God tells us that if we give our tithe back to Him, He will rebuke the devourer for our sake. It's because of the sacrifices we're protected from the devices the enemy has planned for us. I've learned to look at sacrifices the same way. What I sacrifice will come back to me in greater ways through my Father God. I do believe it's important to communicate to those who we believe are using us and disrespecting our sacrifices. So, how do we deal with those individuals?

My suggestion is to first:

1. Make sure your feelings are valid.
2. Make your concerns known.
3. Decide how much you're willing to sacrifice.
4. Put a limit on those sacrifices.
5. Don't sacrifice that which will cause you discomfort, resentment or harm.

What's my message today. Learning  to co-exist peacefully does require sacrifices and compromises. Just be sure your compromises do not turn into sacrifices. Because that action will turn to resentment in the end. Next, know that our Father sees every sacrifice and what you sacrifice secretly our Father will reward you openly. Ask me, I know because He's done it for me!

Remember to Find Peace Within,

Be blessed,
Ms. Lisa