Leadership – Life Lessons

Don’t Count People Out, When God Counted You In

When you make a lifestyle change and decide to start eating clean, you refrain from putting bad food into your body. As you get closer to God, you realize some things and people just don’t suit you anymore. Thus, you begin to detoxify your circle and weed out all negative energy. It’s practically normal and necessary. However, don’t become a person who’s too holy to hold hands with a sinner, now that you’re delivered.

When walking in step with the Lord, you should discover your role in ministry. I don’t mean joining a church ministry. Ministry is simply your gift or contribution of service. Some people are prayer warriors. Some people send out daily prayers or spiritual messages. Some people bring people together in fellowship. Some people are good listeners or give good advice. Some people know how to point you to the right scripture or even quote one to fit your situation. Depending on your role in ministry, the person you’re counting out might need you.

Usually when sinners see that you’ve grown closer to God, for it should show in your walk and talk, they’ll either walk with you or away from you. If they choose to walk in your faith, let them – don’t leave them. But if they choose to walk away, let them and understand that it may be best. At least that person was responsible and respectful enough to help you keep your covenant with God, by not being a bad influence. Don’t take it personal when it’s purposeful.

“Your walk with God should bring healing and love. Your obedience to Him will secure your place above.”

-Bianca A. McCormicks-Johnson ✍🏽

I’m G.O.O.D. – Volume One

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I’m Still G.O.O.D. – Volume Two

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Allow Yourself To Be Yourself

What exactly is an exceptional human being? Is it one who’s perfect or does everything right? Or is it one with the perfect public demeanor but an evil spirit? Society puts too many expectations on us to be perfect. Truth is, none of us is.

Think about the grading scale for starters. You’re not an exceptional student unless you make straight A’s. You’re not a scholar unless you go to college. You’re not the exceptional college student unless you graduate with honors!

Then there’s Black, White, and Brown. Even though black fortifies all colors, you’re not an exceptional negro unless you can entertain. Then once you become famous, you get stripped of your voice, choices, and natural being. Your contract compromises your loyalty. Your dating partner perpetuates the stereotype that comes with status. You might become exceptional, but your realness becomes rare.

So where does the typical, every day working-class citizen fit on the spectrum of exceptional? No where because you’re rare. You don’t try to meet anyone else’s standards and requirements because you set your own. You don’t care about appealing to the public’s eyes because you’re a private person. You don’t care about anyone else’s perception because it might change your direction. And you don’t let society shape your opinion about things because you have your own mind.

Can you be rare and exceptional?

Absolutely! But it’s by default not pressure. What I mean is that your natural knack for something can earn you credit. It doesn’t always have to be competitive. The quiet, reserved kid often gains popularity for gaining a title he didn’t have to fight for. However, he gets crowned exceptional for being highly intelligent. In my opinion, an exceptional person is one who wins a race without trying hard.

Why I choose to be rare over exceptional?

Because I answer to no one. If I don’t agree with a societal norm, no one can tell me I can’t. I don’t conform to the norm. If I make a mistake because I’m not having a good day, no one can reduce my credibility. I’ve already taken ownership and apologized for it. If I change my mind about something, no one can call me inconsiderate because I have a strong track record for honoring requests.

I get to be myself in public because nothing about the real me is private. I don’t care that some people think I’m mean because I must be careful of who I’m nice to. I actually like not being approachable because it can send the wrong message to people with evil intentions.

Quit letting society define who you are. You don’t need to be liked by everyone. People will chew you up and spit you out the moment you fail to keep up your facade. If you had to compete to get where you are, then you’ll have to fight to stay there.

“Every one of us is exceptional in God’s eyes, but only the rare ones keep his commandments.”

-Bianca McCormick-Johnson ✍🏽

Block Evil Before You Become The Next Victim

Why is it okay for people we love to hurt others, as long as we are not the victims? Did you know it could be just a matter of time before they hurt you?

Some stuff really isn’t our business and should not become our problem, but that does not make it okay either. For instance, if your friend is cheating on her husband, you shouldn’t get involved. But you can encourage your friend to seek other ways of dealing with her marital problems before the situation turns out bad.

Nevertheless, if your friend openly admits to being a scammer and you say nothing about it, then you’re a part of the problem. As long as she’s not scamming you (yet), that does not make her behavior okay. You should tell your friend she is wrong and needs to stop immediately. Go a step further and disassociate yourself with her if she doesn’t stop. Otherwise, when she does it to you, you cannot say she didn’t show you who she was.

A relationship is only healthy when positive energy flows in both directions. Associating with a person who has negative energy or evil intentions is no different from listening to bad music. Whether you realize it or not, you are being negatively influenced, and no relationship is worth the risk.

If you happen to hit a rough patch, you just might think about how your friend got away with her last scam and consider it. You may not act on it, if you’re strong-willed and have morals. However, the thought probably would not have crossed your mind had you not been entertaining your scamming friend.

Evil is not limited to friendships. Some people are sleeping with the enemy; hopefully, not you. That influence is more dangerous than the friendship. It’s easier to pick up on bad habits of one you sleep with every day. More so, you are likely to become the next victim. Leave that relationship before it’s too late. If you’re married to that person, you should seek spiritual intervention.

Good always wins. It may not seem like it in some instances, but you will gain peace of mind and sleep better at night. And that’s what counts.

“You’re only as good as the company you keep. Be the change you want to see in your circle.”

-Bianca A. McCormick-Johnson ✍🏽