First steps in faith

September 16, 2011

First steps in faith

Women of Faith

By Taletha Odom/Guest Writer The Picayune Item Picayune Item Fri Sep 16, 2011, 10:17 AM CDT

PICAYUNE — Martin Luther King, Jr. once said “Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.”

As history portrays, Martin Luther King, Jr. was a man of great faith. Faith so strong, that he risked his life for his beliefs and died in faith, that one day all men would be equal. His faith is greatly admirable in the world today, but what about those who struggle in having faith, or choose not to have faith at all.

Being a young woman of faith, I understand the difficulties of having faith and living for it. The world is so vast and has so much good and bad in it, and sometimes the bad over throws the good. I have a first-hand understanding of the difficulties faced in the world, where it comes down to either having faith or giving in. There are so many struggles in the lives of people today; many losing everything they worked for. A result of this is a loss of their faith.

I am one who faces struggles in school, at home, and with others, and it’s difficult to turn to God and have faith, especially if you feel like God has put you on hold. I have learned God never puts anyone on hold; he is always there in times of need or in support. God puts obstacles in front of you as a test to see if you keep your faith in him like he will keep his faith in you.

It seems more and more people crumble in faith, because they feel God won’t answer their prayers. It’s not about God giving you what you want; it’s about wanting what God has in store for you and having faith to wait for God to answer your prayers. No matter if it takes five minutes, five months or five years, you will wait on his timing.

Some find it hard to keep faith when they feel they are constantly getting knocked down. There are times I feel so alone in the world and have no one to turn to for help. There are times I feel like I am the world’s only target. I feel as if after one tragedy there is bound to be more. It’s frustrating and there are times when I step away from my faith just to realize that stepping away, only leads me to take ten steps back instead of forward.

I have stepped away from my faith more than once and every time I do, everything seems to go wrong. That’s when I stop to realize all the wonderful opportunities God has given me and all the prayers he has answered and doors he has opened for me. It’s difficult not always knowing what life will throw at you next and it’s hard having faith that there is a greater force out there who promises to be there to catch you when you fall. No one knows what tomorrow holds — whatever will be, will be — all we really can have is faith that God has a plan for you and me.

Next time things get complicated, don’t relinquish your faith; embrace it and think of all the wonderful things God has in store for you.

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Women of Faith

It’s great to be involved with ‘Upwards’ basketball
By Gwen Williams/AKA MS Chocolate/Guest Columnist

I’m not a sports person, but every year I look forward to sharing with the children involved in the Upward Basketball program. First through sixth graders come together to experience their first sports encounter playing basketball. Boys and girls play together with the hope of building character and values for life. Excitement floods the gym as parents, grandparents, and aunts gather with various electronic gadgets waiting to film their children. The program is also a means of reaching parents with children who are unchurched.

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Through life, no matter where we are, we face times that leave us with just a handful of understanding and a trunk full of confusion. Circumstances leave us standing in the road, not sure which way to turn.
It seems like everyone around you has something to offer in abundance and yet all you believe you have is not worthy of offering. In our minds, all we see is the lack but God sees the abundance around the corner of surrender.

February 1, 2013
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By Gwen Williams AKA MS Chocolate/Guest Columnist
Today I was in the mood to bake something different. A friend sent a recipe for fig cake, so my creative mind went right to work. I gathered all the ingredients and soon the aroma from the oven filled my home. The sound of the bell on the stove signaled my sweet masterpiece was ready. While waiting for the cake to cool, I took a bite of the sample cake I made earlier. I decided this was the best cake ever!

July 27, 2012 1 Photo
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By Grace G. Booth/Guest Columnist
Two disciples traveled the road to Emmaus so caught up in their disappointment and grief they didn’t recognize the Risen Savior walking along beside them. Jesus spoke and asked them about their conversation. Still, they knew Him not. The disciples began their commentary of how the One they thought would deliver Israel had come and done wondrous things but had been taken by the chief priests, condemned to death and crucified. Their hope had died along with Christ on the cross.

April 6, 2012
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December 16, 2011
Tammy Schaubhut
Tammy Schaubhut will speak at Resurrection Life on Tuesday, November 1st at 6 p.m.
Schaubhut is an author, speaker, wife and mother. She has published numerous articles in Life Signs magazine and was a guest colouminist in the Picayune Item. She speaks from the heart through deep life experiences and trials. Her message will touch any woman who is facing challenges in their marriages.

October 28, 2011
Calling before comfort
By Tracy Traylor/Laurel Leader Call
When our phone rings, we stop and answer it. When God calls, we are to quickly answer and be eager to serve Him, but that is not always how the story goes. We have become so addicted to comfort. In fact, we can get so caught up in our comfort that we fail to even notice that He is calling.

October 21, 2011
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