andreal, others want what you have

c. michelle bryant

Faith.What exactly is faith? It means something different to everyone. Webster describes faith as confidence or trust ina person or thing; belief that is not based on proof. Elton Trueblood isquoted as stating that faith is notbelief without proof, but trust without reservations. The Bible describesfaith as “the substance of things hopedfor, the evidence of things not seen – (Hebrews 11:1).” Yet politicalcandidates, among others, have professed to be men and women of faith, allclaiming that they can make a difference, make the world a better place, makeAmerica a better country. (As I am sure we have all done at some point oranother sitting in our living rooms). I have heard you can tell the characterof a person by how they treat those who can do nothing for them, by what theyfind amusing and by what they see in others.

This parallel of faith and action brings to my mind the simple concept of “do unto others,’ “treat others as you want to be treated,” and so forth. But should we really do that? What if you like to be the center of attention, someone else may not. What if you like to be in charge others might prefer to follow. Point is, we are all unique in our own way. Yet we can still be genuine and real and be an example of someone others envy. Are you living what you believe? Walking the walk or just talking the talk? We often want mercy for ourselves but justice for others.  To me, what this concept represents is that I will show what I believe by the way I live my life, the choices I select and the decisions that I make. My actions will reflect my character.

Every day we all wake up with a brand-new start and hope for the best. But I think, we know that we are imperfect beings doing the best we can with what we have. So, as you listen to the media (tainted and biased as you think it may be), and you watch news and hear all the promises and lies and hopes and hoaxes think about character, think about faith. Think about Charles Kinglsey who said, “I do not want merely to possess a faith; I want a faith that possesses me.” I believe he was saying, I do not want to just believe that I am a good man of character I want others to know I am a good man of character because it shows in my life, because of who I am. He was saying; “I want to show my faith by what I do, by who I am, by the choices I choose to live by and the decisions I make each day of my life.”  I recently shared with a young woman who felt like everywhere she turned people were questioning her intention and motives and were spreading gossip about her. I suggested she be so genuine and so real that even if someone were to talk smack about her, others would know her well enough to know, “that’s not her.” and realize the source was coming from deceit.

Girl, it’s time to focus on the sparkle. On what lights you up and makes people want what you have. I encourage you, as you watch and listen, as media bombards you with unrealistic beauty standards and family values seem a thing of the past, that as you influence others, as you choose this day to be different that you walk with head held confidently ,as you trust others, that you do so by paying close attention to what people really say and do and examine if their actions reveal their character. As well, be a woman of faith, character, and conviction. Shine on!

© c. michelle bryant

Michelle Bryant is an entrepreneur, nationally acclaimed award-winning artist, inspirational speaker, self-published author of four books available at most online retailers, a multi-award winning, published photographer whose work is nationally used for worldwide marketing campaigns and featured on various items including but not limited to apparel. She shines her light and speaks from her heart in an encouraging and transparent manner and offers a message of hope, healing, and victory to any who encounters her or her works. You can check out her multitude of works at: www.divinelyfocused.com.