Every Little Step I Take

Danielle N Hall's avatarDanielle's Place

by Danielle N. Hall

5/2/16

(Photo inspired by Nesha Danae)

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I woke up this morning with these lyrics playing in my head: “Every little step I take, you will be there. Every little step I make we’ll be together.” All day long, I kept hearing them!

In recent days, so much has been happening so fast and, while I feel like I’ve prepared for this moment, I still have a little hesitation when it comes to walking in open doors that have been placed before me. I don’t want to make the wrong decision, but I also don’t want to neglect opportunities that God is presenting because of fear of the unknown.

I have a sneaking suspicion that I’m not alone in feeling this way. I’m convinced that a moment you’ve been both waiting for and preparing for has arrived and, because it seems surreal, you may be a bit…

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Wait Well

One of the hardest things to do in life is wait…

“The common man prays, ‘I want a cookie right now!’ And God responds, ‘If you’d listen to what I say, tomorrow it will bring you 100 cookies.”–Criss Jami


Romans 8:25 (AMP) But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait eagerly for it with patience and composure. 

May God grant you the grace to wait well for your 100 cookies!

Out of the Woods

by Danielle N. Hall

5/14/2016

There are those nervy few who find it exhilarating to play with fire. If I can be honest, I felt that way at one point in life…living on the edge and being impulsive to the point of fault. If you dared me to do something, I’d oblige. Fortunately, as I grew older I also grew wiser. Most importantly, being a mother has heightened my need to protect and be protected.

My children are precious to me and the thought of the presence of any danger to them puts me on warrior mode. Yet, before God allowed me to birth them, I lived life a bit on the wild side. I had spontaneous thoughts and spontaneous actions to follow. Every time I reflect on my “then”, I thank God for grace! If we are honest with ourselves, we can say we’ve done some unwise things. This is where I’ll insert the praise break starter “BUT GOD…!!!” 

When you mature, you recognize that life is about more than fun. I’m certainly not suggesting that you can’t enjoy life…it’s a gift and who wants a gift they can’t enjoy??? What I am saying is when fun is your focal point, you can miss out on some of the greatest things life really has to offer and you can find yourself being caught up in unnecessary peril. I speak from a place of experience.

I vividly recall an incident from my adolescent years. I was at a bus stop and decided that I didn’t feel like catching a bus that day and I wanted a ride. One showed up and without reservation I hopped in the car. I then found myself in an abandoned apartment building with a man who had a briefcase with God knows what in it. We went upstairs to one of the units. There was a dresser and a bed in the unit. I checked out my surroundings and I spotted an ink pen on the dresser. I remember thinking the following: “If this man touches me, I’m gonna use this pen in his eye to defend myself.” Here I was, in an abandoned apartment, with a very strange stranger, and was contemplating how I was going to defend myself: how frightening! That was one time I can say that I truly feared for my life. Fortunately, I got away unharmed and untouched.

This account is a prime example of spontaneous thoughts followed by spontaneous actions that turned out to be unwise. Now before casting judgment, to understand one’s choices, you must consider his/her experiences. Refer to one of my previous posts entitled “Dirty Little Secrets and The Little White Lie.”  https://daniellenhall.com/2016/04/26/dirty-little-secrets-the-little-white-lie/

The beauty in this is that I’m out of the woods and I’m still here today to share the story with you so that you may think before you act. What may seem like it’s harmless, or is just fun, can be more detrimental than perceived. Again, I’m older and wiser and I’m a mother. With any position there is an accompanying level of responsibility. In my position as mother, I understand the importance of considering consequences before acting. I endeavor to stay out of the woods. The same is true with my position as a Christian. I’m not professing to be perfect…I do falter at times, but I try hard to practice what I teach/preach. I believe our examples are impactful messages. 

Here’s a final thought:

Proverbs 9:11-12 (VOICE)

Lady Wisdom: “Through me your days will be lengthened, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, wisdom is its own reward. If you mock what you don’t understand, you alone will suffer the consequences.”

Remember Me 


by Danielle N. Hall

5/12/2016

(In honor of the lives of the angels of Eastern Senior High School’s Class of ’95)

  • When you think of me, please remember the laughs
  • And how we would always cut up in class
  • When you think of me, please remember my smile
  • Even though you hadn’t seen it in a while
  • When you think of me, please remember my voice
  • That was developed under the leadership of Ms. Joyce
  • Garrett, that is, which could’ve gone without saying
  • I’ll miss her teaching, her leadership, and her playing
  • Oh, and don’t sleep on the skills of Mr. Anthony Boyd
  • We had to put in that work, but those times were thoroughly enjoyed
  • A force to be reckoned with…eagerly awaited to be heard and seen
  • DC’s best high school band: “The Blue & White Marching Machine”
  • When you think of me, please remember our times at “The Pride of Capitol Hill”
  • Where we had our own Joe Clark, you know, Mr. Neal
  • He didn’t carry a bat, but his presence commanded respect
  • And we had enough sense to not go down those center steps
  • Oh, but I was so glad when that day finally came
  • On June 9, 1995, a stamp was placed by name
  • We pursued the next level and went our own separate ways
  • However, I had held on to those good ol’ days
  • Some faces I hadn’t ever seen again because we were miles apart
  • But please rest assured that you both remained and had a special place in my heart
  • Though I have transitioned to yet another place
  • Please remember our time together and don’t forget my face
  • I had no idea of how short my life would be
  • I ask you to do me a favor: PLEASE REMEMBER ME

In loving memory of…

Keys Akers

Aisha Blunt

Jennifer Bumbray

Wendy Cromartie

Sherri Dockery

Shawna Hart

Kenneth Hodges

Yolanda Holt

Iona Johnson

Anthony Payne

John Peebles, Jr.

Liana Philpot

LeVar Pierce

Anthony Price

Harold Sutton

Sharron Willis

Every Little Step I Take

by Danielle N. Hall

5/2/16

(Photo inspired by Nesha Danae)

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I woke up this morning with these lyrics playing in my head: “Every little step I take, you will be there. Every little step I make we’ll be together.” All day long, I kept hearing them!

In recent days, so much has been happening so fast and, while I feel like I’ve prepared for this moment, I still have a little hesitation when it comes to walking in open doors that have been placed before me. I don’t want to make the wrong decision, but I also don’t want to neglect opportunities that God is presenting because of fear of the unknown.

I have a sneaking suspicion that I’m not alone in feeling this way. I’m convinced that a moment you’ve been both waiting for and preparing for has arrived and, because it seems surreal, you may be a bit hesitant. Having said that, I believe the lyrics that were playing in my head were a subconscious encouragement to myself. I thought it only fair to use it as an opportunity to also encourage you.

Upon reflecting on those lyrics and pondering things that are before me, I was reminded of this: “The steps of a good and righteous man are directed and established by the Lord, and He delights in his way and blesses his path.” -Psalm 37:23 (AMP). David declares that “You enlarge the path beneath me and make my steps secure, so that my feet will not slip.”-Psalm 18:36 (AMP). When I consider His Word and His track record, I can attest to the fact that my path has been blessed and He has provided a sure and secure way for me. Not only is this true, but I can also say with great confidence that every little step that I have taken, He has been there.

When we are in a state of hesitation, we can encourage ourselves with this confession: “The Lord God is my strength my source of courage, my invincible army; He has made my feet steady and sure like hinds’ feet and makes me walk forward with spiritual confidence on my high places of challenge and responsibility.”-Habakkuk 3:19 (AMP)

Be it in boots, heels, tennis shoes, sandals, or loafers…if it’s time to walk in the open door, be bold and take that step: being comforted by knowing that every little step we take, He will be there!

 

Dirty Little Secrets & The Little White Lie

by Danielle N. Hall

4/26/16

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I can’t believe what “he” did to me
It’s truly a crying shame
Who is this “he” you might be asking
Well, there are too many to name

“He” touched me when I was little
In places that were meant for my spouse
I was nervous AND I was afraid
Yet I remained as quiet as a mouse

“He” asked me “Are you ready?”
Inside, I had screamed “NO!”
I wanted to run, but was paralyzed by fear
And I could not manage to go

“He” didn’t have a knife
Nor did “he” hold a gun to my head
“He” stood there ready to conquer
But used manipulation instead

“He” whispered in my minor ears
And said “If it’s all night, it’s all right!”
The next day we entered a secluded place that was void of both safety and light

“He” kissed me and then “he” asked
“Do you want me to put it in?”
I was very confused, yet I refused
However, the next day “he” tried again

Now, this time I didn’t refuse
And decided “Ok. We’ll try.”
Once again I’d been manipulated
But now by another guy

When it was over, I thought to myself
“Ok. I made it through.”
Later I thought: “What in the world have I done? What did I get myself into?”

I actually thought “he” loved me
How silly was I and what was I thinking?
I was in too deep, and in a deep sleep…
Was intoxicated, yet I wasn’t drinking

Exposed to so much before it was time, but convinced I had things under control
To myself I had lied. I was broken inside, but on the outside I appeared to be whole.

My smile is now real and there’s a difference in how I feel.
What I’ve shared is a piece of my “THEN”
My history had me bound and holding my head down, but NOW I’ve gotten my smile again

That monster called “he”, may have stolen something from me…something that wasn’t for the taking
But God’s restored the years and dried those inner tears
Inside my heart is no longer breaking

I’m daily renewed with a new point of view
I’m still here to tell my story
Those bad things that happened will work for my good and, somehow, God will get the glory

I could be bitter, I could be depressed
As a matter of fact that was the old me
I’ve gotten my joy back and a new hold on life
I thank God I’m totally free!!!

The secret is out…no more shame or doubt. From now on I vow to be bold.
I will hold my head high…in spite of the fact…
This is one of the hardest true stories I’ve ever told.

What’s the Difference?

by Danielle N. Hall

4/26/16

Ever noticed how a group of people can see the same thing, yet see something different…each person has a different perspective?

Let’s look at this pic below:

 

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This is labeled as a “red, delicious apple”. If you’re in the snacking mood with a sweet tooth, what you might see is a delightful piece of potential satisfaction. If you’ve not eaten the whole day and this apple was presented to you, you may see hunger relief. However, while I won’t argue that the apple is red, I do have a differing thought about it being delicious or delightful…I see something less inviting and the need for Benadryl. This is because I’ve recently developed an allergy to apples. So after having an allergic reaction to apples, I’m less inclined to want to eat them. Seeing them is a deterrent.

This was a simple example of the point I’d like to make and that is simply this: our experience is what shapes the difference in our perspectives.

Same apple + different experiences = different perspectives

Try to not be hasty to judge because someone sees things differently than you. People have varying backgrounds and life experiences. What may be appealing to you, may be repulsive to another. Be sensitive to others thoughts, feelings, and needs and, if they are different, it’s ok to embrace them.

I’ll leave you with these thoughts to ponder:

“Some people see the glass half full. Others see it half empty.
I see a glass that’s twice as big as it needs to be.”
― George Carlin

“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.”
― Audre Lorde

If Only for One Night

by Danielle N. Hall

4/20/16

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Some of you may be familiar with the following lyrics:

“Let me hold you tight…if only for one night

Let me keep you near, to ease away your fear

It would be so nice…if only for one night”

These lyrics, so smoothly sung by the late and great “Luther”, were presented as an offer that could hardly be refused. While the lyrics are comforting, the truth is, I don’t have access to Luther nor was he even talking to me…lol

I’m convinced that most everyone has someone, or something, that they have a yearning for. Night after night, for years, I tossed and turned and turned and tossed…missing and wanting this one thing: REST.

I had grown accustomed to only getting a combination of a very few hours of broken sleep daily. I was a functioning insomniac!!!  In an effort to be transparent, I have to acknowledge that suppressed memories, worry, stress, being consumed with others’ issues, a bit of fear, and burnout had caused to me to have many nights void of rest. Over time, it began affecting my health in many ways…some symptoms were lightheadedness, intermittent blurred vision, memory challenges, weight gain, fatigue, headaches, and irritability. I would still function, but my mind and body screamed: “IF ONLY FOR ONE NIGHT!!!”

Then it finally happened…I made a decision to release that which was keeping me from getting what my mind and body craved. Make no mistake about this…deciding is just the beginning of the process.  We then have to actually do the work. I found a few new comforting lines:

“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8

I began to rehearse these words and then they finally took root and THEN my “one night” became numerous nights. What I’ve come to learn is that we often suffer for an unnecessary lengthy period of time because we have a tendency to depend on finite things, but God in all of His infinite wisdom has provided what we need in His word.

What’s been keeping you up at night? Is it stressing about finances, worrying about a loved one, fear of what’s gonna happen, or holding on to memories of traumatic experiences? I encourage you to “let Him hold you tight…if only for one night. Let Him keep you near to ease away your fear. It would be so nice…if only for one night.” I’ve learned to rest in His arms and on His word. Here are some that may help you:

Psalm 94:19 (AMP) When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your comforts delight me.

Isaiah 26:3-4 (AMP) You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast that is, committed and focused on You—[in both inclination and character], because he trusts and takes refuge in You with hope and confident expectation. Trust confidently in the Lord forever He is your fortress, your shield, your banner, for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages].

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and My burden is light.

REST…and may your one night become many!

 

What Lies Beneath

by Danielle N. Hall

4/17/16

Most of us have heard the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover”, yet many of us are guilty of doing just that. We’ve become so preoccupied with the package that we overlook the value of the contents.

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When someone walks in a dark room, chances are they desire light: not a lamp embellished with all the bells and whistles. What good is the lamp without the bulb?

Be careful to not dismiss what’s inside by being so distracted by the external. I’ve been guilty of doing this concerning fruit: I’ve discounted many bananas because of a brown spot…of any size. I also would not eat chicken drumsticks because of the veins and other stuff they have going on. However, in recent days, I’ve tried to be a little less finicky and a bit more open-minded. It was a conscious decision that I made based on considering a bigger picture. If I’m hungry am I going to deny myself either of the aforementioned because of how it looks? The answer is definitely NO.

PAUSE AND THINK
Have you ever dismissed someone or something just because of the outside appearance? Have you ever qualified someone or something just because of the external appearance? Be honest with yourselves. I know I’ve been guilty a time or several, but I’m older and wiser and I have matured enough to value what lies beneath the surface.

Those with a superficial mindset miss out on some of the greatest jewels in life. As I’ve matured, I’ve been more concerned with the substance of people, rather than the surface. I’ve known a few people who had it all together on the outside, but were lacking substance…or instead they may have been full of dung. What good is being donned in an Italian silk suit, yet being heartless? What good is it to be “beat to the gawds” in MAC makeup, yet be a mess inside?

When Samuel was sent to anoint the next King of Israel, Jesse only presented the sons who he thought were worthy…based on the external. However, God had someone else in mind: David, the young shepherd boy. God knew He could trust him because of what he had on the inside: faith in Him.

In the eyes of his own father, David was the least likely to be chosen and wasn’t even considered. In the eyes of our Heavenly Father, David was just the one He wanted and he was therefore chosen.

Proverbs 3:13-16 (VOICE) reads: “How fortunate are those who discover Lady Wisdom and those who understand her ways! For her worth is greater than the most expensive prize you could win. Her profit is greater than the finest thing you could buy. No gem is more precious than she is—your most extravagant desire doesn’t come close to her. She holds the secret of a long life in one hand and riches and fame in her other hand.”

From this passage we understand that more valuable than the most precious stone is wisdom. Wisdom is intangible, yet worth much. Let’s be mindful to not write off the one who possesses the very wisdom, or any other valuable asset, essential to our growth and success. It what’s inside that truly matters…it’s what lies beneath.

The Silent Killer

by Danielle N. Hall

4/15/16

With all of the senseless acts of crime on a rise, we may have experienced a heightened state of awareness and an elevated caution level. I’ve certainly had to have more discussions than usual with my children about precautionary measures that they must take. However, there is a much greater threat that is killing many by the day: UNFORGIVENESS.

I’d like to shine a light on this dangerous, silent killer. The impact of unforgiveness is often underestimated or overlooked. We engage in many endeavors to try to “get healthy”: from the trips to the gym (the place where you workout and take selfies) to the trips to the grocery store to get the gluten free and antioxidant rich products. The outside is looking great, and maybe there is a bit of joy derived from the effects of the new habits. By no means am I suggesting that these are not fruitful endeavors, but we ought to also be just as careful to tend to our core. All the physical exercise in the world will not reduce the effects of unforgiveness on our health.

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On exactly 2 years ago, I made the above post to Facebook. These are examples of what we can experience as a result of forgiveness. Consider that the opposite is highly probable: UNFORGIVENESS can add excessive weight, can put strain on your heart, and can be immobilizing.

PAUSE…take a moment to do a self evaluation to determine if there is someone who you’ve harbored negative feelings about in your heart. Sometimes, the person in the mirror is who we fail to forgive. Other times, it can be someone who has done the unimaginable to us or our loved ones. I have experienced ALL of the above and, for years, I had suppressed memories of varying events as a coping mechanism. Suppressing thoughts is just like collecting garbage: after gathering enough, there will be a stench. Our attitudes will begin to stink and what we really need to do is rid ourselves of the trash; we need to properly dispose of the toxic waste.

Hazardous waste is known to contain  cancer-causing agents and other harmful substances. Have you ever felt physically ill, but you do all that you can to eat right and exercise and you can’t quite put your finger on what may be the cause of your nausea, headache, or pain. I’ve noticed that when I’m stressed, I experience pain usually in my right jaw, or in the right side of my neck and back. I’ve also experienced chest pain and headaches. Additionally, I’d be overly fatigued.

I’m sure I’m not alone in having experienced these symptoms that can very well be attributed to the toxicity of unforgiveness. After having identified and then released some of those toxins, I feel less weighted down and less sluggish. I even feel that I can breathe easier. Even my thought processing has become more clear because there is less clutter to tend with.

Most of us have had an unfair or unfortunate life experience that has left us feeling bitter, angry, helpless, hopeless or alone…the truth is, however, even though we can’t undo what has been done, we can decide to not hold on to the effects. Holding on keeps us bound and slowly kills us internally. Forgiveness is a matter of choice and it is up to us to decide that we want to live and be well.

I’ll leave you with these thoughts:

“In the shadow of my hurt, forgiveness feels like a decision to reward my enemy. But in the shadow of the cross, forgiveness is merely a gift from one undeserving soul to another.”–Andy Stanley

Proverbs 4:23 (AMP)

Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.