Happy Labor Day

For many, this day is a celebration of the worker. A national holiday that gives federal workers the day off, and is marked by shopping, cookouts, and sports. I generally spend the day inside with the kids or out on my bike if the weather allows.  But this year's moment of celebration has some bitterness for me.  To sum it up in a name: Harvey.  While I recognize devastation happens everywhere, almost all the time, I'm reflective over Houston because of my time there. I have friends who live in Houston, and looking over pictures after the storm, I remember traveling on some of those same streets that are now submerged under water.  My son went to school there. It was where my journey of self discovery began. Houston was where I was sent to start a new life as Sharonda Anderson. A new name in a new place.  

When my son and I arrived in Houston, we only owned what I could carry in a handbag.  I was terrified. We were literally starting over from scratch, again.  But in the process, I met some of the nicest people who began to soften my heart through the pain I was trying to overcome.  I rented a room in home located on Fondren Road. My son and I shared a bedroom furnished only with 2 twin beds.  The family renting the room was kind and willing to help me get back on my feet, which was a blessing from God.  Eventually I found my own apartment and began to regain my independence.  The kindness of others was an important part of my healing and instrumental to me starting over. Their labor of giving, my labor of not surrendering both working hand in hand for my survival, emotionally and physically.  

When catastrophe happens, it's not a time to discuss who did what to cause it, it's a time to help regardless.  I was ashamed that I needed help. I was ashamed that I didn't have money saved or had not planned better.  I was ashamed of the decisions I had made that led to those series of consequences. So I didn't want anyone to know how bad it was. The shame was rendering me helpless. I had to get to work!  I had to allow myself to be helped as well as I had to help myself. There was no time to be lazy, no time to wallow in self pity, and definitely no time for blame games. I had to learn to put my trust in the Lord, leave it there and then ACT like I believed it would all work out for my good.   

The Lord redeems your life from destruction. He crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies.   - Psalm 103:4

While laboring for the acceptance and attention of others will always result in emptiness, laboring for the things of God will never be in vain.  We are no different from others who may be experiencing the lowest of lows in their lives so it is our responsibility to encourage and uplift them in a time of need.  Pray for our world.  Pray for one another.  Pray over your life as well.  Sow love; sow forgiveness; sow restoration with the understanding that what is sown today, will be reaped tomorrow.  Labor over what is good and acceptable to God, which includes the words you say, the things you do and the way you act toward others.  For we were all once headed for destruction, yet God said "nevertheless" and we were spared.  Love you. ❤

~Sharonda