Faith Over Fear

After graduating from Clark Atlanta University, with a degree in Communications, my first job was working for CNN (Cable News Network) in Atlanta, Georgia.  The most exciting job I've ever had! Hearing about news all over the world every single day. For me, it was the ultimate way to begin my media career. I loved it. I still consider myself to be a "News Junkie" today.

Unfortunately, for some family members, hearing the daily news is the absolute last thing they want to do.  Wars, Crime, Celebrity Gossip. Most days it's just too much for them to take in. And I understand. Many of us may struggle to stay positive by hearing stories that appear to be hopeless.

How do you balance your life, hold onto your faith and not let the negative news of the day get you down? 

Isaiah 41:10 says, Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Think about what our ancestors had to endure; looking at their lives during slaving, Jim Crow, fighting for Civil Rights. If they hadn't held onto hope, we wouldn't be here today.  The news may change, but our trust in God should not. Let's hold on to our Faith over fear.

The Next Chapter

Recently, I started reading this amazing book entitled ROAR Into the Second Half of Your Life (Before It's Too Late). It's written by Michael Clinton.  The word ROAR is actually an acronym for R - Reimagine yourself; O - Own who you are; A - Act on what's next; R - Reassess your relationships. What makes the book so refreshing is it's target audience is people 40 years and older.  Most books I've seen with a theme of "planning for the future" rarely include people of  that age. We're categorized as getting ready for retirement, not reimaging ourselves.

 ROAR doesn't just focus on your next job, but what you want to do to fulfill your true purpose in life.  Playing with the grandchildren is great and having that weekly yoga class is fun. But, why should the year of your birth dictate when opportunities have come to an end? You can still move to a new city, find love or learn a new language.

I believe your story isn't over. No matter your age, it's never too late  to write the next chapter of your life.  In fact, it could be the best one yet!

Better Than It Appears

Have you ever had an eye floater? It's like having spots in your vision. When you try to look at that floater directly, it seems to get further away from your view.

Life can be like that too. You can see that new job, loving relationship or rewarding opportunity in the corner of your eye, but when you turn your head to get a better look, it goes out of focus.

Romans 15:13 says, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope.

Keep reaching for that goal, that dream no matter what it may look like. Stay positive and stay strong. Because your vision may be better than it appears.

A New Name

There are two well-known brothers in my community whose last name is Wise. And that name fits them perfectly. One is a Pastor of a large church; the other is a talented Musician and College Professor. Their children and grandchildren are just as gifted. That Wise name really represents who they are. That made me think: What does my name say about me?

Genesis 17:5 says, God told him, I am changing your name. It is no longer Abram (Exalted Father) but Abraham (Father of Nations) for that is what you will be. I have declared it.

Maybe you don't need a new car or a new wardrobe to define who you are. Maybe you need a New Name!

 

True Success

When I was in College, Success was measured by a powerful job. After Having Children, Success meant they were happy. Now through this Covid 19 pandemic Success means at the end of the day my family and friends are safe and healthy. Maybe being a bit more mature, I’ve changed my point of view to what is really important in life.

Ephesians 3:17 says, Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.

This pandemic has caused many of us to reassess what is important. Is success the things we possess in life or is it life itself? When you have a life with God, that is true success.

I Survived!

Have you ever experienced a "Why God" moment? It may be a medical challenge; a financial struggle; a relationship that is on the decline. In those moments, it may be hard to think about the future. But now that it's over and you've made it through that situation, it feels like nothing short of a miracle!

Singer Gloria Gaynor's Grammy winning song "I Survived" is not a gospel song, but it could be the anthem someone needs to hear to make it to the next level in their life.

Matthew 24:13 says, But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

As the world experiences the Covid 19 crisis, Praise God now, knowing you WILL say "I Survived"!

Watch Your Words

Hi Moms:
When I was a little girl, I had a friend we called Negative Nelly.  That wasn't her given name, but because she was always so negative, she had earned it.  It could have been raining donuts with sprinkles, diamonds or designer handbags, this girl would find a way to bring you down. Do you have anyone in your life like that or are you the groups Negative Nelly?
Have faith and know it's never too late to change your pessimistic ways. Let's start today.
If you are in a conversation with friends and you feel a negative word is about to pop out, do this simple exercise:  close your mouth. At first, you may have to physically put your hands on your mouth to hold in those negative words. Work your way up to where you'll only need a finger over your mouth to keep  the word  in. Eventually, you'll have the pure will  power to hold them in. And after a while, you'll begin to contribute positive words to the conversation.  What will your friends and family members think?  Give it a try, because no one likes a Negative Nelly.

A Message from N. Michelle Sutton  - The Mentor 4 Moms

Building Our Village One Mom at a Time!

All Teachers Make an Impact

Hi Moms:
My children have been blessed with some amazing teachers.  I hope you've had some positive experiences too.  But the most important teacher is your child's first teacher. And their first teacher is you!  How Moms handle family challenges;  how we deal with conflict and success; how we advocate and stand up for our child.  We make a permanent impact in the lives of our children everyday.  Think how your Mom affected your life.
A Scripture says, "Set an example of good works yourself, with integrity and dignity in your teaching".
Be a good example for your children with your words and your actions, because you are their First Teacher.

A Message from N. Michelle Sutton - The Mentor 4 Moms

Building Our Village One Mom at at Time!

Direction vs Dictating

Hi Moms:
It's hard to believe I have a  High School Senior. The time between Pre-School and High School went by so fast! And although I'll always offer her advice, I must learn she is entering adulthood, I can't force or dictate what decisions she must make throughout her life.
As parents, we are always our child's Advocate. We may hold their hand as they cross the street at the age of 4, but if we are still holding their hand at 34, Houston, we have a problem!
It's hard letting go. However, you know you've been a successful parent when you've planted the seeds and you've done your best to "Train up" your child so later you'll see them grow into outstanding adults.
Pray, keep the faith and know you have prepared them for their next level.

A Message from N. Michelle Sutton - The Mentor 4 Moms

Building Our Village One Mom at a Time!

Happy MLK Day!

Hi Moms:
As we honor Rev. Dr. Martin  Luther King, Jr. today, let's not only remember him for his incredible speech. Find books to share with our children, so they'll know more about the life of his amazing man. And as we discuss his dream today, let's design our dream for a lifetime! #MLKDay

A Message from N. Michelle Sutton - The Mentor 4 Moms

Building Our Village One Mom at a Time!

For Auld Langs Syne?

Hi Moms:
As we begin a Blessed New Year, for many of us, it's time for a fresh start:  Starting that diet (again), learning a new skill, beginning a new career.  As we make new plans, let's also think about the old things we've left behind, like old relationships from year's gone by. Every year I promise to reconnect with my childhood friends and reminisce about the  "good old days".  There have been times when I've finally found an old phone number, reached out to that friend, and sadly discovered it's too late, and that friend has passed away. So I encourage you in 2016 to seek those friends, playmates, even family members who you haven't spoken too in a long time, for Auld Langs Syne.

                                                 N. Michelle Sutton, The Mentor 4 Moms

                                               Building Our Village One Mom at a Time!

Slow Down

Hi Moms:
Some days, motherhood can be a complete blur! You don't even remember what you did the entire day and now it's bed time. But enjoy these days.  The time between pre-school and high school goes by way too fast. So slow down. Family time is special time.

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Stand Tall

Hi Moms:

I’ve noticed even in 2014, the definition of being a woman still has some blurred lines. It isn’t being meek and submissive to abuse and it’s not sexting nude pictures to your boyfriend.  Being a woman means showing confidence; self respect. It means letting people know what you stand for and what you won’t stand for.  Let’s show a positive example for our girls to follow.

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

The Little Things

Hi Moms:

September is National Self Improvement Month. A great time to make some great changes. Maybe we can improve our focus by not taking things for granted. I'm grateful I woke up this morning, because a lot of people didn't.  What makes you grateful?

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Faith not Facts

Hi Moms:
I've been told:
Never give up on what you really want to do.  The person with big dreams is more powerful than the one with all the facts!

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Money isn't everything

Hi Moms:

A wise Mom once told me:

When starting out, don't worry about not having enough money.  Limited funds are a blessing.  Nothing encourages creative thinking in quite the same way.

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Good Words - Good News

Hi Moms:
I've been told, "Never deprive someone of hope.  It might be all they have."

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Children See - Children Do

Hi Moms:

Our children are great observers.  And as a Mom, you know they will follow our actions; sometimes even closer than they follow our words. When we tell our children not to tell a lie, but then ask them to tell a caller on the phone we aren't home, what's a child to think?  We are our children's first teacher. What are you teaching your children?

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Take a Deep Breath

Hi Moms:

Let's be honest. Life can cause us to lose our temper! Bumper to bumper traffic, Bosses, Bullies! Everything isn't perfect and real people have real emotions. So when those emotions happen - take a walk, count to 100 or eat some chocolate. And when the issues are more serious, talk to your Pastor, see a Counselor or talk to a close friend. Find a way back to your peaceful place.

Building our Village One Mom @ a Time

What's in your view?

Hi Moms:
A Mom told me:   "Always have something beautiful in sight, even if it's just a daisy in a jelly glass".
Surround yourself in beauty today!
                            Building our Village one Mom @ a Time!