Bruised, But Still Able to be Used

by Danielle N. Hall

10/21/2016

“Bruised, But Still Able To Be Used”Originally written on 10/6/2016 for My Sister’s Corner –Worth Series

If you’re anything like me, when you see a banana with one of those unsightly, brown spots, you probably count it as trash. I must admit, this is a faulty way of thinking. Just because a banana is bruised doesn’t mean that it is of no worth: as a matter of fact, bruised bananas are useful for many recipes! 


Like those brown spotted bananas, we too are useful. Even Christ was BRUISED for our iniquities. As followers of Christ, we can expect to go through some bruising, but it’s for the greater good. God creates some of the best glory stories out of those who have been bruised. Psalm 51:17 reads “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” You see, God does NOT determine our worth by our outer appearance, He looks at our hearts. I don’t care how beat your face is, how fly your ‘fit is, or if the color of the bottoms of your shoes is red…the focus of God’s attention is what’s inside. 

According to Proverbs 31:10 (AMP) “An excellent woman (one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous), who is he who can find her? Her value is more precious than jewels and her worth is far above rubies or pearls.” The value of a virtuous woman exceeds the value of those external ornaments. Verse 30 of the same book and chapter declares that “charm and grace are deceptive, and superficial beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord (reverently worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect), she shall be praised.” A woman with a worshipful heart is praiseworthy in the sight of God. Those that worship Him must do so in spirit and in truth and a worshipper knows that true worship requires obedience and involves sacrifice. Again, consider Christ: His laying down His life and being bruised for us was the ultimate act of obedience and sacrifice and He did so because He felt that we were worth it.
Ponder the following lyrics to the well known song by Anthony Brown entitled “Worth”:
“You thought I was WORTH saving

So you came and changed my life

You thought I was WORTH keeping

So you cleaned me up inside

You thought I was to die for

So you sacrificed your life

So I could be free

So I could be whole

So I could tell everyone I know”

What a gesture for us…because He thought we were worth it, He became bruised and He was wounded. Those wounds and bruises surely didn’t decrease His worth: they serve as a valuable reminder of just how much He loves us. He died that we may become vessels of honor to carry His glory. 

David, a man who is known to be characterized as “a man after God’s own heart”, was chosen as King Saul’s successor: not because of his strength or appearance, but because God knew His heart and that David would not hesitate to glorify Him. He knew that David wasn’t vain, didn’t have selfish motives, and wouldn’t take God’s credit. In essence, he had just the heart that God wanted and He saw fit to make him king and allowed Jesus to be birthed through the lineage of him. That’s the kind of God we serve! So, in spite of your appearance, know that God already thought that you were to die for! You are worth it and with the proper posture of the heart, you can be not just His vessel, but His vessel of honor…to carry His glory. As aforementioned, the bruised become some of God’s greatest glory stories!

With love,

Danielle 

Sore Thumb

by Danielle N. Hall 

10/10/2016

Being different has been historically viewed as a negative. Whether it is a birth feature, a behavioral difference, or a matter of a choice of style…people tend to critically view these things and shun them. I submit to you that we were each uniquely designed to stand out with respect to individual purpose, yet be on one accord in heart. 

At the tender age of 2, I must have grasped ahold of this notion of being born to stand out. I had even found another way to spell “out”. Despite hearing my grandmother say: “O-U-T, OUT!” I’d discovered a way to spell it that had a different ring to it: “O-T-T, OUT!”. Soon I discovered that I was in error 😊. However, as time progressed, I found myself participating in spelling bees with children who were older than I. This was largely in part because I was afforded the privilege of taking classes with others who were in a higher grade until I reached the 2nd semester of my 3rd grade year; at that point, I was skipped to the next grade. While everyone was not as welcoming of this privilege, I’m truly grateful.

Here’s something important to note: though we are uniquely designed to stand out with respect to purpose, it does require others to help you achieve that purpose. Consider this: if you pioneer an organization for the cause of meeting a specific need, in order for the purpose of that organization to be fulfilled you will (at minimum) need the people who you endeavor to help. Be careful to not confuse being outstanding with being independent. The following scripture may better convey the point I’m attempting to make:

“How would a giant eye be able to hear? And if the entire body were an ear, how would an ear be able to smell? This is where God comes in. God has meticulously put this body together; He placed each part in the exact place to perform the exact function He wanted. If all members were a single part, where would the body be? So now, many members function within the one body.” 1 Corinthians 12:17-19 (VOICE)

As a member of the body of Christ, I may be an eye. I say this because it’s been my experience to see something that may otherwise be insignificant and I get an encouraging message from it. This particular writing is an example of one such experience. Below is a picture that I took to capture the moment that would later develop into this writing.


While in my vehicle, after having finished a delicious portion of spicy kale, I looked for a bag to dispose of the trash. I typically keep one in the car, but on that particular day I didn’t have one. In an effort to try to make the trash more contained, I attempted to bend the fork I was using so that it would fit in the container. I was unpleasantly surprised at how strong this fork was; I was trying to get this container sealed and was encountering all types of resistance from the fork. I bent it and turned it in so many directions…to no avail. At that moment it occurred to me: the fork wasn’t designed to fit in that container and that’s why it was standing out! Immediately, I said to myself: “Self, you have to take a picture of this and share about being designed to stand out.” I had no idea what I’d write or when I’d write it, but I got up early this morning and began to type and this message is the result. 

My friends and I often joke about how I see common things and get a message out of it, but it’s a perfect example of having unique, individual purpose. Embrace the gifts that God has given you and don’t be afraid to be like the proverbial “sore thumb”. I leave you with this final thought:

“Now you collectively are Christ’s body, and individually you are members of it each with his own special purpose and function…And if one member suffers, all the parts share the suffering; if one member is honored, all rejoice with it.” 1 Corinthians 12:27, 26 

Strength In Unity

by Danielle N. Hall

9/24/2016

When I walked out to leave for work yesterday, I observed that my rear driver’s side tire had gone flat. Mind you, I already have one plugged tire and had recently replaced the rear passenger tire with a used one. At any rate, I enlisted the help of a uniformed passerby who was kind enough to apply my spare tire and who refused to accept the money I tried to offer. He mentioned that I needed to replace all 4 tires and get an alignment to avoid future uneven wearing. I’d just recently received the same recommendation when I went to have an oil change. Not that I was trying to delay, but the way my bank account is set up…

Fast forward to the evening. I went to a tire business after work to inquire about the cost of 4 new tires. It was significantly less than what had been quoted to me at the place where I received the oil change. This was pretty much a no brainer. I decided to go ahead and get the issue resolved there. I went inside as the work was being done and in about 5 minutes, the manager said: “You’re ready.” I was perplexed. I said you mean you mean it’s finished and then he affirmed. CLEARLY, this was the result of teamwork. 

“Strength In Unity”


As with most of my daily experiences and observations, I get a lesson or encouragement. Yesterday’s experience was a reminder of the strength in, and power of, unity: we can achieve so much when we work together. I’m still in awe of how quick the work was completed and am encouraged to be an even better team player. 

Here’s a final thought for your consideration:
“Beyond all these things put on and wrap yourselves in unselfish love, which is the perfect bond of unity [for everything is bound together in agreement when each one seeks the best for others.]” Colossians 3:14 (VOICE)

The Unusual Suspect 

by Danielle N. Hall

8/18/2016

Last night, I had one of those “box of chocolates” experiences: I had no idea what I was gonna get. I was sooooooo excited about the scheduled dinner meeting I had and the new activities that would result from it. I EVEN arrived 30 minutes early…I’d take credit for that, but honestly traffic was on my side. I relaxed in my vehicle as I awaited my guest. My guest arrived and we proceeded to have our planned dinner and discussion…what a fruitful fellowship!!! It soon became apparent that closing time was upon us. As we were leaving, we became aware of the heavy rain storm outside and we got ourselves together and got in our respective vehicles and left.

Just a few moments after departure, I realize that my vehicle was moving pretty slow, but I thought it was because of excessive water on the street from the storm. I continued to drive slowly until I reached a nearby gas station. When I got there I saw that my rear, passenger side tire was flat. A few calls, some time, and $65 later I was back on the road.
By now, I’m exhausted and want to lay my head down. However, because I hadn’t eaten much at dinner, I was still wanting food. I grabbed something quick and headed home with hopes of enjoying it and relaxing. What happened next was faaaaaar from relaxing. I parked, grabbed my things, and headed to my door. While attempting to turn my key in the door, I kept getting resistance and the door handle was like it was being held down from the inside. Also, I heard one of the wooden trays that’s right by the door fall. After several futile attempts, I must admit that I began to panic and think the worst…I thought someone uninvited was in my home! I hastened back to my car and went to a nearby parking lot where police are typically present. Unfortunately, no one was there. Additionally, I repeatedly tried to reach my children on the house phone and their cell phones…all to no avail. I called the Mr. and then the police. The Mr. and the authorities arrived and got the keys to enter the house. They checked the perimeter first and after banging on the door they entered with the key. With guns drawn they walked through only to find that my teenagers were apparently fast asleep and the suspect holding the door handle down was THIS GUY:

Though I was relieved to know my babies were ok, my adrenaline was on extended release mode. 

As if the above wasn’t enough excitement, when I finally got settled down, there was this sudden noise at my bedroom window. The time at this point was around 2am and I really did not have the energy to be dealing with any more suspense type situations. It didn’t take long to decipher what was going on. Evidently, we didn’t get the memo about the scheduled power wash for our bedroom window 😒 The pop-up sprinkler thought that our window was a great target. 

Somehow, after all of these interruptions and disturbances, I managed to close my eyes and get a little bit of rest. I’m grateful that my babies are fine, my tire is now repaired, and my bedroom window is clean…

#icantmakethisstuffup

Wait Watchers

by Danielle N. Hall

8/14/2016

“For every manifestation or success there was a waiting time.” -Ikechukwu Joseph, Unlocking Closed Doors

One of the most challenging experiences we can have is the season called “WAIT”. If we are honest with ourselves, our longsuffering is probably one of those fruits that needs a little more time to ripen. You see, longsuffering is not the ability to wait: it’s how we act while we wait. We often like to look for an identifiable example of what to do. I’ll encourage you to consider an example of what not to do. The children of Israel had an extended staycation in the wilderness because they murmured often. When we observe their experience we see evidence of discouragement, disdain, and disbelief. Surely that’s not a model we want to follow while we are transitioning from our place of bondage to our promised land. We want to watch how we wait. Here are a few things to consider while transitioning:

KEEP THE FAITH

We learn from Hebrews 11:1 that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The Message translation reads this way: “The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see.” Even and especially when we are in the season of WAIT, we ought to hold fast to our faith in God because it is the firm foundation of what shall manifest.

KEEP THE FIRE

If you look into the eyes of one with hope, you see passion and if you’re that close to them, you feel the energy of their heart. Think of your heart as a fireplace and each promise of God as a log to add to the flame in your heart. We know that God is not a man that He should lie and His Word will not return unto Him void. It is tried and true and is the perfect fuel to keep the fire burning!

KEEP THE FOCUS

I just heard the following stated by Dr. Derek Grier: “Anything in your life you can experience, God remains larger.” While we are watching our WAIT, we should keep our minds fixed on the Sovereign God. As a matter of fact, a song by one of my favorite recording artists has that very title. Its chorus is as follows: “You are the Sovereign God: bigger than ALL my problems and every situation. There is nothing too hard for the Sovereign God.” These words are simple, yet profoundly true. I encourage you to listen to the full song by clicking on the following link: http://youtu.be/-3o_IZGtLHA


Dr. Grier also said: “You can’t let the path blind you from your future.” What a tasty nugget! The truth is that the process doesn’t look like the promise, but if we keep the faith and keep our fire burning and keep the proper focus, we will surely experience the milk and honey that awaits…WATCH YOUR WAIT!

Are You Ready For THAT?!

by Danielle N. Hall

8/3/2016

Many of you have probably heard “Write the vision and make it plain”. There is more to it than that, though…in the King James Version of the Holy Bible, it reads as follows: Habakkuk 2:2-3 “And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” 

Here we see that there is a specific set of instructions: write the vision, make it plain, and wait for it. Let’s consider these instructions, but first let’s consider this: in order to write the vision you first have to receive the vision. God speaks to us in many ways, but being in proper position to hear from Him clearly is important. When we receive a vision from God, to keep it before us we ought to write it. In modern times the way we’ve seen visions “written” is on a vision board. Typically, you’ll find that the vision is both written and made plain when depicted on display boards. 

**Side Note: a few months ago someone mentioned making a vision binder and separating the sections with dividers. That idea is a more compact and portable option and I think I’ll try it soon.  

Pictured below is a photo of my vision board from last year, but I just recently decided to put it back up in my office in my direct view. This is because I want it to serve as a constant reminder of what God showed me and what I believe will manifest.


Four years ago today, I made the following post on Facebook.


Here’s the thing, once you’ve written the vision and made it plain, you ought to ask yourself this: “Am I ready for THAT?” The THAT being referenced here is THE HEAVENLY APPOINTED TIME. The Bible says though it tarry, or takes a while to manifest, wait for it because it will SURELY come. I must admit, that when I created the above pictured board in the beginning of 2015 I thought I was ready for THAT, but some of what was shown to me didn’t happen last year. However, as I review the plainly written vision on my board and I consider the events of this year, it is evident that THAT is happening now and I wasn’t as ready as I thought. Doors have been opening, divine connections have been made, and prayers have been getting answered but it’s all happening so fast. It is a blessing. The one thing that I did differently this year is I made a conscious decision to invest in becoming a greater me so I could better serve others. I believe that is what accelerated the manifestation. The vision that God gives you is for His glory and we are just the vessels to carry out His divine plan. Every song that will be sung, every book that will be written, every relationship that will develop, and EVEN the blogposts of Danielle’s Place were predestined to happen at an appointed time and are ALL designed to bring Him glory. As YOU prepare for THAT, I encourage you to approach the wait with faith and with a servant’s heart…it will surely come!