Even the magicians of Egypt and all the wise men could not interpret the dream

for pharaoh. Only God could and  God put the treasure in Joseph to accomplish that. Nobody has the treasure God has put inside of you and can use it like you. Only you can use the treasure to change the world.

So, you don't need to compare yourself to anyone. 


Seek God and let Him reveal what He has put inside of you. God has appointed just you for a particular calling. For a particular purpose. Nobody can be you , you are unique and designed specially to suit this purpose. They can go to wise men and scientist and all sorts but no one can do it like you can. But how is anyone going to know if you don’t step out?

If you say "I am shy?"  "Or I haven’t got the resources," or "I will wait till next year." You're waiting too late because, someone, somewhere is waiting to hear the words God has put in your mouth to step back from suicide.

                  Someone is waiting to hear your testimony to stop the abortion.
                   Someone is waiting to hear your song so they know all hope is not lost.
                   Someone is waiting to read your book so they can step out of the sick bed.

As a result of Joseph stepping out and using the treasure God has placed in him, he saved a whole nation from famine. If Joseph did not use what God had placed in him, a whole nation would have been severely devastated.

In Joseph's story its very clear that the treasure God has put in you is not just about you. Its about saving a lost nation, its about glorifying God. The treasure is not from you so give glory to who it belongs to ; GOD.

When Pharaoh asked Joseph to the interpret the dream . Joseph said "It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace. Joseph made it very clear that he could not interpret Pharaoh’s dream without God.

God is the one standing behind you and will direct you to release that dream, that idea, not you. So why are you afraid? Its not going to be in your own strength.

But you don't have to wait to be rich to use that treasure. Or own the biggest house. Your age , level of education, whether you have children or not, should not stop you. Just step out. Joseph was not a king before he interpreted pharaoh's dream, he was coming from prison. He was a prisoner. God will do the rest if you step out. God's treasure is not measured by your circumstance. It is measured by the ability of God. And am sure you already know nothing is impossible for God.

Even the surrounding nations came to Egypt for food. The treasure God put inside Joseph was to deliver not just people from Egypt from famine, but even outside of Egypt. The treasure God has put inside you may be singing, writing, speaking, directing, drawing, sowing, designing ,dreaming, interpreting dreams,prophesying. Even if the list here does not link to you God still has something very specific for you.

Your treasure will take you to places you haven't seen. You treasure will be a blessing to you and others. You may not see how now. But Joseph didn’t see how either. He just stepped out. Joseph's dream came to pass as a result of  using the treasure placed in Him. He became head over pharaoh’s house and all the people were ruled according to His word. He became wealthy and successful.

The treasure God has put inside you will lead you to your purpose. May God give us the strength to step out and accomplish His purpose for our lives.

About the Author: Amanda Ofori is a 23-year-old young lady from London, England. She graduated college with a degree in Diagnostic Radiography a year and a half ago. Amanda currently works in Ashford and St Peter's Hospital as a Diagnostc Radiographer. She says she's only come this far because of God's favour. She loves singing and enjoys being part of her church's youth choir. Amanda also enjoys writing, speaking and  encouraging others and spreading the word of God.

The only explanation I've concluded

about women who give their bodies to undeserving men time after time, is a lack in knowing the value of their virtue. In my opinion it is that, and the possible neglect of being properly admonished as a child.

It's human nature to waste things we have no appreciation of. Hence the reason why we teach our children from toddlers responsibility. Pick up after yourself. Don't destroy your property or somebody else's. Say please and thank you. But what about the area of self respect? Do we stress to our little girls and boys the importance of their purity? Do we emphasize its importance and rehearse often to them why? Do they understand why they shouldn't waste water, more than they understand why they shouldn't waste themselves?

I know for me growing up in my household, the extent of a chastity conversation was, "Don't do it because YOU WILL get pregnant, and I'm not taking care of no mo' babies!" This was well understood. However, there was no value placed anywhere before, after or in between those warnings. Only the consequences. I think it should also be stated here that our parents and guardians did the best they could for us. A lot, if not all of what was taught to my generation, was passed down from the previous ones before. However, we were robbed of some vital jewels and pearls of wisdom. I think this had everything to do with the fact that certain conversations were off limits!

In certain cultures, sex is not discussed in detail. It is simply skimmed over and abbreviated. It's usually attached to threats of pregnancy, disease and homelessness. Ok well that takes care of the fear part, but what about the beauty of waiting? It has also been proven that it takes more than the fear of God to lead someone in the right direction. It takes love. Teach me to love myself and I will do whatever you ask of me. Why? Because now I trust you. You have my best interest at heart, and I can believe in whatever you tell me.

One definition of virtue is--- the good result that comes from something. Are we teaching our children the good results that comes from staying pure and chaste in their body, soul and mind? Or are we calling down fire and brimstone from heaven, hoping this will keep them away from normal human curiosity? If we as adults, Christian or not, know the consequences of not waiting to partake in sexual activity before marriage, we should work hard to rescue our kids from those same consequences. But not through the doom and gloom of fear. But by emphasizing the worth of a chaste woman and man. Yeah so what, nobody did it for us, we had to fend for ourselves! But if you could go back wouldn't you have wanted someone who cared enough to say something? I know I would've. I wish I'd had the perfect balance of admonition and why I should wait. Unfortunately like so many, I didn't get that until many mistakes later. But thanks be to God, the cycle can stop with me! If one day I'm blessed to become a mother, my children WILL get, "the talk", and they will know and understand early on, the value of them holding onto their purity.

This is all to say, don't be so quick to judge them who waste their virtue. It's obvious they weren't taught its value and therefore they're wasting themselves without any care of  the consequences. There's many deficiencies there, but with the help of Jesus it can be cured if desired. Teach them the value of self. Start with self-worth and end by telling them God has a purpose for their bodies that's greater than sex.

About the Author: Virtue is written by Shan Mahogany. She is also the author of "Emphasis on Love: A Compilation of Poems."

The following guest post has been contributed to "Memoirs of a Virtuous Woman" by an anonymous writer that hopes you're encouraged by her words of incredible strength from a painful past. She reminds you that God is always waiting on you to find your way back to the cross, no matter how far lost you have walked away from the narrow path. He's waiting. He's listening. He's watching. And his unchanging hand will always welcome you back.



Hey ladies! First, I would like to thank God for allowing me out of my past and giving me the opportunity to minister and speak life into you! I'm here to tell you; no matter the circumstance, you are not your past, there is always a Road to Redemption. By His stripes we are all healed and He died for our transgressions. We have been reassured that our past is forgotten and our iniquities forgiven. Trust me, the news gets better! Not only will He forget your past; He will set it up in a way that others will not remember. Once you have repented and began your Road to Redemption, he will recreate you, make you anew, give you a new life. Isaiah 43:25 reminds us two truths:

                                              1.) He will blot out or erase our sins. 

                                              2.) He will no longer remember them. 

It is stated, "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. " I'm here to tell you the life God has destined for you can not and will not be held back because of your past. Although you may get discouraged and life may get you down, there is power in the name of Jesus and there is strength in His word. I want you to know, NO MATTER what you have done, you can go to Him in prayer.

Which leads you to my story...

I grew up in the church and very connected to God. When I was sixteen I lost my virginity and most of my self esteem and self respect went with it. As time progressed my 'body count' had risen to about four in a matter of months; in the teens over two years; and now close to twenty. Beginning my freshman year of college I wanted to reinvent myself from the promiscuous spirit that I had developed. Little did I know, habit was oh so hard to break. I made myself feel better though by making sure that I only slept with a man if I were in a relationship with him ... well, that's after I had slept with two guys who were in relationships themselves. I remember I would 'talk' to a guy for a week then think it's ok to be with him. All because I felt like I was not being 'as promiscuous'.

Soon enough, I had fallen into a party lifestyle and I had been placed on academic probation. I was really living 'the life': you know, sex, drugs, and alcohol. I would still go to church every now and then; you know, to keep the lines of communication open; between me and God, so he didn't forget about me. Soon enough I had met my match. He was charming, sweet, hard working, a praying man!

But he didn't mind me smoking, drinking, partying, or our premarital sex. I trusted him, and fell for him. I fell pretty hard! FLAT ON MY FACE that is!

I had trusted him so much that we had stopped using condoms and never thought to use protection during oral sex. From that relationship, I contracted Chlamydia, Herpes, HPV, a broken spirit, a broken heart, a spirit of depression, a spirit of suicide, and a heart not willing to open up.

One night, I had taken sleeping pills, liquid sleeping medicine, about two or three shots of vodka, and slipped in the tub. I was ready for whatever would happen. It didn't work and over the course of about a month of battling to stay with him, praying to get through it, and about two more suicide attempts, I won. So, I began to heal, or so I thought. I went out with my girls and found me a man ... to sleep with

Why did I think the same way I got in this mess was the same way I'd get out?

Anyway, me and my girls went back to his place with him and his boys. They brought us alcohol and weed. We smoked and drank and was all feeling good! Me and the guy went into the back room and started to ... well, you know. Certainly I felt instant conviction. I told him to stop and he wouldn't. I was crying and asking him over and over to stop. I convinced myself that if I hadn't been drinking and out looking for trouble that would've never happened. Yes, that may be true, however, he also should have stopped. Since that night I have forgiven him. Simply because holding onto hurt much more than letting go.

One night after I thought I had healed (without the REAL help of God by the way), I found myself broken, yet again. Lonely. Scared. I wanted to smoke, I needed to get high. I didn't have any weed and couldn't find any on campus to buy. At that point, as I lay in my bed, I looked over and saw my Bible. I picked it up and started reading. It was then I realized when I had nothing I still had God. It was also then I realized I should never allow myself to be in a place where I say well, if I have nothing else, God I have you.

Since then, I have grown in ministry and I am definitely still growing in His name. You see sister, He will deliver you from your darkest places, because you have a calling on your life and you must fulfill your calling.

Romans 8:28-31 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" 

My sister! How glorious is it that we are reassured that our destiny is set in stone, that no one can erase our name and replace it with their own, my sister! How marvelous is this word that it comforts us at our darkest hours? He never said the weapons wouldn't form, He only said he wouldn't let them prosper my sister. My journey has not been perfect; however, my purpose is! I am blessed to go through what I have gone through. I'm stronger, more resilient, more loving, understanding, and kind. It's brought me back to My Father!

I am here to let you know today that it's going to be all right. Your breakthrough is coming, you have to hold on and wait until the morning to see it. You must understand your destiny is greater than your downfall! Speak life over yourself, cry it out in the shower, STAY in your word, have faith, and be be encouraged.

~Anonymously, GRlorious Redemption

Real.Virtuous. Just a plain "good" girl.

Photo Credit:
 Contributing Photographer
Karial Ret 

We've all heard it. Young women claiming to be real with little to no knowledge of an actual real woman. The idea only sounds good to some women and they aren't willing to work hard to exhibit those characteristics, which leave them to become the epitome of Delilah. First of all who is Delilah?

She's the woman mentioned in the book of Judges who Samson falls in love with. Now before you acknowledge your sweet sentiments, Delilah was the reason for Samson's downfall as she she allowed the Philistines to learn the secret of his strength. Now, you're asking who is Ruth? Ruth is the only woman in the bible, mentioned to be virtuous. She was faithful, hardworking, steadfast, and many of you know her as the wife of Boaz.

 Recently, someone shared with me an article titled, "Really Negative Women of Proverbs." Some of you might say, what negative women of Proverbs. Because you've only paid attention to the verses of pertaining to Proverbs 31. In other words, you've paid attention to the good and dismissed the bad, like many Christians who look for sugar coated messages and dismiss the messages of God's wrath. But sadly, there are too many Delilah's of the the world disguised as Ruth's of the kingdom.

So who are these women?

First of all, the foolish woman. 

"Folly is an unruly woman;she is simple and knows nothing."~Prov. 9:13 

This woman surrounds herself with gossip. She's selfish and refuses to listen to the wisdom of others that may lift her better heights. This woman has to have the last word and she blames her shortcomings on others. She's constantly, caught up in the things of this world rather than striving to strengthen her knowledge of the God's word. 

Secondly, the promiscuous woman."My son, give me your heart and let your eyes keep to my ways, for a prostitute is a deep pit and a wayward wife is a narrow well. Like a bandit, she lies in wait and she multiplies the unfaithful among men." Proverbs 23:26-28 Another scripture that I'm reminded of pertaining to the promiscuous woman is from Ecclesiastes:"I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a trap and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God will escape her, but the sinner she will ensnare."~Ecclesiastes 7:26

Many of us see this via social media everyday. Half-dressed women, not knowing any better, fishing for "likes." Or maybe they do know better but they insist these photos are cute. But in reality they're only being lusted after. Its not cute ladies.

Next, the quarrelsome woman."Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife." Proverbs 25:24

One of the many things my dad taught me was the importance of my words to others. Who wants to be around a woman filled with bitterness and anger? No one. Ladies if you desire marriage one day, know that your future home should be a home of peace for your family. The world tears us down each day. Home is the last place anyone wants wrath to reside.

So, how can these women, grow into the women of Proverbs 31 and Titus 2? First she must seek God first in all things. She should speak faithfully to others. She should know true beauty. Remember physical features fade but a gentle and quiet spirit remains forever. Also, stay humble instead of prideful. Above all, she serves God wholeheartedly, instead of living to please others.