The Center

DNA contains the biological map creating each individual, setting one apart from another.  All the information remains tightly bound in the tiny portion of a cell called the nucleus.  The tightly bound package is called a chromosome.  Together, chromosomes provide the makeup which enables a species to develop, survive and reproduce (MUCH LATER IN LIFE). 

I believe something went haywire when all the chromosomes began gathering in each cell, mapping out my makeup.  A dominant gene rampaged and overtook each nucleus.  Taking each chromosome hostage, this gene began instilling irrational thinking, construing the fight or flight mechanism and eventually shutting off the fight switch.  Remaining in flight in any and every situation from the get go dug a hole deeper and deeper to hide out.

The gene has a name: FEAR!  Since I can remember, fear wedged its way into each chapter of life.  A few situations topping the list: darkness, spiders and tornadoes.  The dark blinds, allowing ‘things’ or ‘people’ to sneak up without invitation.  Spiders are just hideous little creatures serving no purpose as far as I am concerned.  And, tornadoes rampage the Earth in unpredictable patterns. 

Let’s talk about tornadoes.  These storms create legitimately real fear among many.  I remember mom gathering us in the hallway bathroom as the sirens blared and dad chose to watch the storm.  Dad remained adventurous, while I held onto a pillow for dear life (like a soft pillow would really blunt the impact of the ceiling).  Mom also supplied a Bible as we curled in the bathtub and near the toilet.  Seeing the Bible actually increased my fear as a child due to the fact that prayers usually meant something bad was about to happen.  I remember prayers only lifted to plead for safety in tough/dangerous situations. 

The sirens blaring indicated the need to seek shelter.  Forewarning allowed preparation for impending storms.  The plan included finding the center most portion of your home where no windows exist or the basement located underground and wait the storm out.  Mom created a bag prepared with food/water/necessities in case we ever had to remain in our safe haven for extended periods of time.  We were ready!

Are you ready?  Not for the storms occurring in nature, but the storms occurring spiritually.  These storms outweigh any that Mother Nature can construe.  You know the storms: bad report from the doctor, words spoken in anger, divorce, death of loved ones, overwhelming stress, addiction, etc.  In this world we will have storms BUT, take heart, God calms the worst of them. . .

God gathers all tools required for survival.  He stands waiting, arms open wide.  His angel armies provide a protective barrier from fiery darts.  His Word clears away the storm, keeping focus on purpose and meaning. 

Sometimes in life, storms come full force without warning.  No siren blares.  No time exists to run for shelter.  We must be ready at all times.  Preparation is key. 

What does the center of your ‘home’ look like?  Is there still a vacancy deep down, leaving you helpless in the storm?  Build your toolbox today!  Fill the vacancy with God.  Find comfort in Him, peace in His Word and guidance through the Holy Spirit.  No storm can withstand His power.  Pray without ceasing!  Don’t wait until the storm is full force to seek God through prayer.  Pray daily harder than the devil can work. 

With Love     

Sheree Craig    Live life. . .One Day at a Time

The Root

The birds chirping, longer evenings, sun shining, fresh air and wardrobe change all indicate newness.  A new season approaches.  New flowers begin to bloom.  New sports rev up for the season.  New outlook from those hibernating in cold months.  The list can continue. . .

With the new comes on tedious chore I actually LOVE to complete (yes, I have issues).  As the flowers bloom, providing beauty to the eye, weeds come alongside working diligently to choke and steal all nutrients required for floral beauty.  I step in and battle this endless chore.  It relieves any stress/emotion brewing inside as I pull with all might at each weed.  I enjoy finishing, looking back and admiring such clean flower beds. 

Like I said. . .issues!

Think about this chore.  Recall the time when reaching to pull that hideous weed that suffocates the most beautiful flower in your garden.  When pulled, the dull, boring, colorless top comes up easily. . .yet, below the ground the root remains.  The very lifeline to support such a useless weed still waits and steals nutrients from the garden. 

The root must be extracted in order to remove all chances of the same weed returning.  I know, not rocket science, but stick with me.  Think about pulling the weed, leaving some of the root visible.  You can see it, touch it and know full well it must come out!  But, with each touch, fingers slip and no grip can be established.  Working to rid of the suffocating portion, emotions develop and frustration sets in. 

You could grab a shovel and show that root who’s boss.  You could grab the spray and give the root a bit of its own medicine, suffocating the existence of it.  But, what pride would come from simply using such tools to eliminate this root.  Pulling it out of the ground, viewing all the holds it had underneath and pitching it in the garbage brings a sense of victory and power.

Do you have a root planted deep in your life?  Is it time to dig out the very thing suffocating your life?  Are you working diligently; yet, slipping further away with each effort?

Frustration sets in as my eye sees the root established at the core extending deeper still causing struggle to digest life.  Without proper nutrients, life situations overwhelm and processing such seems impossible.  The root steals nutrients, kills joy and destroys me.  Day by day I work to pull it up and pitch it for good; but, day by day pride weakens the grip, leaving the root embedded.

Proper tools must come on the scene and overpower.  The strength deadens as Grace covers the surface.  Suffocation vanishes as Love sinks down deep.  The vacancy of such a root fills as Freedom pours out.  It is then, true beauty shines, peace felt and purpose fulfilled. 

Sound good?  Sound possible?  It is, my dear friend!  Let us tend to our garden!  Be certain to get to the root, stand up to it and show the root Who is in control.  Shine your beauty today.     

With Love     

Sheree Craig    Live life. . .One Day at a Time