“Beloved, your life matters to me.”

Appreciation – such a life-giving disposition. I would fly a thousand miles and back again for anyone who could so appreciate a hug. Validation – what a life-affirming response. I will be more intentional about letting loved ones know how much they matter to me.

Husband… do you love me?

I didn’t understand love because I had no understanding of God. As I have grown to know God, my understanding of love has increased. My increased understanding of love has led me to a better expectation of my husband’s character and behavior towards me. God has also developed my discernment, which greatly improves my ability to see the difference between what is truly Christ-like and what is only a mask of Christ-likeness.

Are you trustworthy?

Rebuilding trust is a process that begins with a word and is followed by action – doing what you said you would do….. I want all the breaches of trust to heal in my relationships, I do, but I can only do my part. I can only live up to my word. I can’t live up to the other party’s word, silent expectations, or defend myself against their unfair judgments.

PWICU Blog Radio Interview w/Tabitha Vinson

LaShawnda discusses her influences for, the impact and the benefits of Love & Forgiveness. Listen to the interview with Tabitha Vinson from Prophetic Worship INTENSIVE Christ Unit™  Listen to internet radio with PWICU RADIO on Blog Talk Radio

Are you a Man or Mouse?

First, I must acquire a partner. I am under no misconceptions that there can only be one. Despite popular opinion and practice, I don’t feel the need, nor do I buy into the hype, that I need to sample men. There’s no need to test flavors, acquire substitutes or play house, try out options or explore different models. I won’t be used for any of that. You’re either ready for the full purchase or you can keep on moving.

Healed to the best of your understanding.

When my dad died, I realized that I had been subconsciously waiting for him to want a relationship with me. With my hope turned on low, I still hoped he would one day reach out to me in response to all my pass efforts… but he refused to send word to me, to request my presence, to offer reconciliation. That saddened me, but I realized he preferred to go to his grave before reconciling our relationship. Building a relationship was of no interest to him. And I’m okay with his preference. Understanding that about him put my interactions with men in a whole new light. My intolerance, my harshness. My hope, my repeated efforts. My exhaustion and frustration. My desire to build a relationship and lack of understanding of how to go about it. My ineffective communication and my inability to get what I want – a husband and family of my own.

Show Me the Love

Occasionally, I have to remind people that I am a work in progress, just like them. Though I continue to strive, I have not reached the mark (Philippians 3:12-14), just like you. When I first read God’s instruction to Hosea, I was taken aback. I felt sorry for him. Goodness, to be explicitly instructed to take an adulterous spouse back! That couldn’t be me!

Becoming Whole and Holy

Too often the Christian journey is understood simply in terms of becoming like God. While this is an essential component, if we only emphasize this aspect of it, we are likely to develop a spirituality that deemphasizes our humanity. The goal of the Christian spiritual journey is not to become less human and more divine; it is to become more fully human.