Serving. Such a "churchy" word isn't it? Something you do maybe once or twice a year, most likely

because you feel like you have to. Or maybe it is required. Either way, when looked at it in this light, it carries a pretty negative connotation. It's not inviting, it's not exciting, nor does it carry love. It's more of a duty than a desire.

 "You have been called to live in freedom, but don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love." ~ Galations 5:13

The next verse is where the famous "Love your neighbor has yourself" comes from. Serve one another in LOVE. What a thought to chew on. When I serve, sure I probably could say that I love whatever IT is that i'm doing. For me it is serving with the kiddos in children's ministry. But when we serve are we serving IN love, or in obligation? Are we serving because its what naturally flows out of our hearts, or are we just checking another item off of our Sunday "To-Do" list?

This past weekend I traveled the 5 hour trip home to where I grew up. My parents still live in the same house and we still have the same neighbors. As I sat writing one morning, looking out the window, I experienced beauty. Utterly amazing, natural beauty. What I saw was a small neighborhood of people gather together to serve one another. I looked out the window and saw them mowing, raking, and cleaning up eachothers' yards. Some where on ladders up in the gutters, some were loading leaves up to be taken away, I even saw a little boy with rake in hand. Now this, I said to myself, is true serving. They didn't plan it, didn't need to make a Facebook event, didn't need to use any bribes to round up any willing souls; they simply saw a need and chose love. This is what serving looks like. It shouldn't be another mark in our schedules, it should flow out of us naturally. True serving is done in love, and love is an uncontrollable emotion that overflows out of us onto those around us. It doesn't take much effort, and doesn't put a damper in our schedules.

I read the book "Love Does" by Bob Goff and he pretty much took my perspective of living a christian lifestyle, crumpled it up and flushed it down the toilet. One of my favorite quotes is when he says something along the lines of- "Perhaps the reason our autocorrect so often changes the word "love" to "live" is to give us a gentle reminder to live love, not just type it". LIVE LOVE. I like that. I don't want to just talk about love, I don't just want to learn about Jesus and simply read His word, I want to live it out. I want to walk it. breathe it. have it overflow out of me uncontrollably. I want to look for ways to add love to my schedule instead of whitespace. (If you're anything like me and your schedule has everything but whitespace, you'll know exactly what I mean).

Now, I don't mean start saying "Yes" to every single need that places its ugly self in front of you. That will surely be enough to wear you out. It's ok to say "no" sometimes, we need rest for our souls too. But what I do mean is to stop "serving" out of duty and start serving out of desire. If you're not serving out of desire maybe it's time you step back and get on your knees and spend some time with your Papa. Because most likely, if you're serving out of duty, your prayer life has been suffering. Jesus doesn't want serving to be a burden. He came to take our burdens. Jesus served out of complete humbleness and compassion, and I don't know about you but my only real goal in life is to become more and more like Him. He wants to change your perspective of serving into something holy and beautiful. Serving that comes out of our heart in this way will never be a burden.

About the Author: Rebeccah Ahlrich is a 23-year-old college graduate from Minnesota where she is now a full time nanny and also involved in part time ministry in Africa during the summer. Rebeccah is growing a love for writing that she would like to share and encourages others with on her journey with Christ.

There are times in life where we pass through valleys and it seems like God isn't present. During those times, the enemy will have us believe that God has deserted us and will not come to save us. Well, it is a lie. Unfortunately, as humans, we have a tendency to feel abandoned when our lives turn into tornadoes and the path before us lacks transparency. We also have a tendency to base the outcome of a situation based on what we currently see instead of we know to be true. According to the Word, we know that God "gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:57 NIV). 

We also know that we can do “all things through Christ who strengthens us” (Philippians 4:13 NIV). It is the truth, the foundation of what we believe as disciples of Christ. That is a truth that must be so engrained in our spirits that we won't even flicker when the lights go off in our lives.

I remember when I was in the midst of a wilderness and havoc was running all through my life on every level: spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally. I couldn't catch a break. I would cry out to the Lord every night, sometimes screaming at Him, "Where are you?", "Why aren't my angels watching over me?", and "Do something Lord." I was torn, confused, and broken. Destitution plagued my life and I was nearly destroyed mentally. But through it all, I still kept attending church. I still kept believing that He would deliver me. I still kept moving.  And I still kept tithing.

What I didn't understand was while the enemy was having a field day in my mind causing me to lose my hope, peace, and joy, God was right there all along. He was the one that gave me strength to get up every morning. HE was the one that gave me the power to hold my tongue when my then job was spinning out of control with an irresponsible boss. He was the one who prompted me to get up every Sunday and go to church. He was THE ONE! He didn't desert me; he stood by me and within me the entire time. He was delivering me the entire time from the hand of the enemy even though I thought He wasn't going to deliver me. He was the ONE! And my dear, if He stood by me though the enemy was running havoc in my life, He will surely stand by YOU. In fact, He is standing by you right now. Forget what it looks like; I know it may be hard to take your emotions out of it, but try. God promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us in Deuteronomy 31:8.  And that is a foundational truth you must understand and believe in your heart, mind, and soul. Though the enemy may attempt to trick you as he did with me, it's important to know that truth so when he throws a trick at you, you can immediately throw that scripture right back at him. Believe it. Accept it.  You can't change that fact; it's certified gold in His faithfulness. So take courage into your heart. As the Lord told Joshua, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. " (Joshua 1:9 NIV).  No matter what it looks like or how you feel, He is there. Stand firm on the truth.

About the Author: A St. Louis native, Jerrica Patton is a model, musician, and inspirational speaker.  Though hearing impaired from birth, she has managed to set out to see her dreams come true despite her hearing loss such as walking in New York Fashion Week for several seasons. Jerrica is determined to live out her God-given purpose in inspiring others, particularly young girls and women to live authentically in who God-created them to be and to pursue their dreams in spite of any challenges they may have. Her life motto that she lives by is:  if a door doesn't open, find another one.

Society will have you really confused if you let it.

If you’re always smiling, then you’re too nice.
But let the day come when you’re not smiling, and then there must be something wrong with you. You must have a chip on your shoulder.

If you cut your hair, you must be going crazy!                                                            
If you wear extensions then you must not be comfortable with your own hair.

If you speak up for yourself, then you’re too strong, too outspoken. If you say nothing then you’re too passive. If you express something about yourself that you don’t like then you have low self-esteem. But if you like yourself then you’re conceited.

If your praise to God is loud then you’re doing too much.
If your praise is quiet, then you’re not praising hard enough.

If you start a business, you’re risking too much.
If you work a 9-5, you’re a slave and have no dreams. Nobody stops to think that you may really enjoy your job.

You’re either too much of something for somebody or not enough for someone else.
How do you handle it? 

How do you keep from going crazy from everyone trying to fix you, telling you what you should and shouldn’t be, do or have? Stop feeding into it!!! Know that you are enough for God. He can handle everything about us. Be happy! Be yourself. If you’re eccentric, then be it! An introvert, be it! An extrovert, be it! God knew all about your personality before you were born. I’m not saying be the things that cause you or others harm and are displeasing to God. You like to dance, but have two left feet? Dance anyway! Do the best you can! Those who laugh are just holding up the wall, scared to live their life. You like being a home- body and a bookworm? Enjoy it!

We are accepted in the beloved. (Ephesians 1:6) If we will just be, we’ll soon come into contact with those who accept and celebrate who we are. Until we have those amazing connections, let’s celebrate who God made us to be. Let’s give Him the praise and thanks for how He knitted us together in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13); for how He summoned us by name and we are His (Isaiah 43:1) No more looking to the left or the right to see who’s watching; searching for approval from others who will snatch it all back the moment you do something that doesn’t please them.

What did God put in YOUR heart? What vision did God give YOU and for HIS glory? Go be it! Go do it! Without apology. Afterall, we’re God’s workmanship! Not men.

Ephesians 2:10 – For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. 

About the Author: Roshaunda Hayes is from Santa Monica, California. A mother of two children

ages 20 and 17 who enjoys reading and writing.  She is currently a full-time insurance professional and a part-time Life Coach. Roshaunda is an aspiring author who wants to help people love themselves God's way. In a world where people are taught to hate themselves, she believes her purpose in life is to help women, young and seasoned, to accept themselves as Christ already has.

Have you been full of excuses? Stressed? Exhausted? Well, me too. I haven’t written a blog in the past few months for the above reasons. Then, I take a second to realize what if God treated me how I treat

him. I sure don’t want the answer.

In so many ways, I have been convicted on the lack of time I have given God lately. I have given my time and energy to my worries and insecurities. I will share those.

I have been worried about work. I want to always give my best to my newest job. I pride myself on being fair, professional, etc. However, numerous hours, difficult personalities, decisions riding on my shoulders, I am constantly stressed with little rest. In this situation, I have to die to myself to realize that God brought me here and gave me this one opportunity amongst the hundreds I applied to. God will not leave me; this season is only to make me stronger. I need to realize its not about me, I need to continue to be an example of God’s kingdom and strive to put my best foot forward daily.

I have been feeling insecure about my weight. In the world of Instagram models and celebrities with “Jessica Rabbit” bodies, I see that I’m not there, yet. In fact at one point this year, I was teetering in the other direction. Eating healthy takes good decisions that when stressed you can’t always make. I have to die to my flesh and realize God brought me into the world in a healthy body that is my temple to maintain healthy. I cannot allow worries to keep me from the promise of a long, happy, healthy life.

I want a relationship with a man; I desire to be someone’s helpmeet. I’ve been single many years now. I sometimes question am I not good enough? What is the wait for? So, with my free will and loneliness, I walk into situations that aren’t God sent. I run into players, cheaters, men who are the exact opposite of the man of God I want. Then, I realize, I’m not ready. I have not become full in my relationship with God alone. Our relationship with God should be so unwavering that no matter when God that mate our eyes are always focused on him.

I listened to a sermon from Heather Lindsey on YouTube called “Overcoming Negative Thinking." It reminded me that all of the above stressors are just in my head from the things I listen to and read. Whether it is friends, blogs, TV shows, videos, all I have allowed to penetrate my way of thinking. I have to have control of those thoughts and realize God made me just the way I am, God provided the job I have, the food I eat, the heart I have for others, the desire for love and submission, etc. Guarding my life and heart from this not of God is my daily struggle.

If you feel any of the above, we are in the same boat. I want to remind each of you that God will love us even at times we don’t love ourselves. Tonight, I attended a youth event at Potters House of Denver. A young gentleman spoke on the topic of “Stop Running”. This put the fire under me to spend more time with God and share my journey and insecurities with others but mainly how God is so consistent. God’s love and grace for us will never end even in our sin. Does he want us to do better? 

Of course, but you are never far from his presence. Just like you make time for work, your favorite TV show, the club, your relationship, a vacation, etc. Set aside time for God alone. He will bless you and bring so much peace to your life. Die to yourself and choose God.

I leave you with a scripture and a song to meditate on…

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” ~John 10:27-28 

Tasha Cobb's: Grace

About the Author: Xavier Johnson is a graduate of North Carolina A&T SU (AGGIE PRIDE!!!) She is a new resident of Colorado, working as an engineer but can't forget that she is a Georgia girl at heart. Xavier is a firm believer in Jesus Christ. She is  really working on truly being a follower. There is a difference. Daily, she looks to die to her flesh and pick up God's mindset for her life. Xavier is also starting a new blog called, "Devoted Diva," in which she is promoting being BOLD for Christ. All of the entries there and those submitted to Memoirs will be a reflection of her journey towards a stronger walk with Christ. She truly hopes that someone is touched, changed and welcomes God in their hearts to stay after reading any of her personal revelations. Love Always, God Bless!

I started a lengthy process the other day.  I began organizing my closet.  It went as expected: I found articles of clothing I forgot I even had-some with tags, I found some clothing that was too small, I found some I am sure I will never wear again, and lastly I found some that were donated but were not for me to begin with.  What the last three points all have in common is this: they never would have been considered or removed if I had not initiated the task.  Like my closet, I noticed some things in my life as of late that were in need of some dire and thorough consideration.

This “reorganization” process mirrors what any person seeking growth experiences.  Take for instance the clothing I forgot I had.  There are some Christians who may be aware that God loves them and wants his best for them but have forgotten the power they have by the authority in the Name of Jesus.  In my experience I forgot that there are some issues that I don’t have to deal with- all I have to do is take authority over them in Jesus’ name and move forward. Just like the clothes with the tags on them, we don’t always know what we already have.

As a freshman I came to NC Central a size 3, 115 pounds.  Ten years later I’m about four sizes larger, x lbs heavier.  I’ll be frank: there’s nothing I can do with a size 3 other than look at it and flashback.  Therefore, imagine my surprise when I noticed a size 4 skirt in my closet.  I literally laughed.  That should have been either disposed of or given away several years ago but somehow it managed to make it into my closet after moving from dorm to dorm and apartment to apartment.  Consider the parallel: there are some things in our lives that should not still be here, and I dare add “some people.”  We have outgrown some ways of doing things, we have outgrown some people but for some reason we look up and these persons and things are still in our lives.  They are not beneficial in anyway, just taking up space from some article that actually belongs there.  Depending on the context of our experiences it may or may not be fun to flashback to those people or things but there is nothing else we can do with those articles but “flashback.” Very much like clothes, some things and people are seasonal.  They are not appropriate for where we are or may be headed.  A tank top is not adequate in the winter, and a sweater is a hindrance in the summer.

Another fact about me as a NCCU freshman is this: I was a party girl.  If the club was open I was there; it didn’t matter the time, the club location, or the theme.  I take that back, the only time I did not club was on New Year’s Eve.  That was only because my religious self would not allow me to be in a club when I knew that God kept me safe for a whole year (how foolish).  So, in my closet I found a few halter tops and cat suits.  Now, how in the world they managed to make it this long is beyond me.  I’m sure that I will never, ever need them again so why was I holding on to them?  Unlike the clothes I mentioned in the previous paragraph, these clothes weren’t even good for flashing back.  They served absolutely no purpose in my closet.  They were only a reminder of who I was and will never be again.  Kind of like old CD’s, old photos, or old habits.  Case and point.

Lastly, and my personal favorite:  the clothes that I should have never taken.  The clothes were never for me.  These clothes were given to me by others who believed it was a nice gesture, or that they would look nice on me, some I honestly believe, just wanted to get the clothing out of their own closets (No pun intended).  I did not have to accept them. Even more importantly, I did not have to keep them.  This idea is probably one of the most liberating to me.  There is an old adage: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”  I personally like the remix of it: “when life gives you lemons, throw them back.”   There may have been times that you have been handed situations beyond your control, situations you would not have picked for yourself, specifically things you did not deserve.  Whatever the case, you don’t have to keep those things in your closet.  Have an open conversation with God and let him have those things.  Will to forgive others and move on. 

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,..(Hebrews 12:1)” Do not continue to hold on to things that are not for you, things that hinder your progress or growth.  Check your closet.  Assess where you are spiritually and decide what needs to be moved out, replaced, or trashed.

About the Author: Marisha Mathis is a spoken word poet, blogger and writer; just like every one

else, a product of grace with a story to tell.   After several years and transitions she has looked within herself to find who she truly is. So far, its she’s been established to be a plain Jane that has a passion for God, art, and helping others.  As a result, God has given her the gift of writing to use all three to sow hope, healing, and encouragement. You can read  more from Marisha at www.loveverbage.tumblr.com