The Gift of Being Different!

As a kid I was always the odd ball.  The youngest of three (the cutest), full of energy but different. My brother and sister were the absolute greatest things ever in my life because they were popular. I mean they were "Michele's Kids" that meant something to me growing up. My sister was the pretty popular girl who could sing, dance and was always chosen to go with some jock to prom or a military ball. My brother was the singing Casanova. He was in all the talent shows, Boy Scouts and was friends with EVERYBODY! There was no one I knew that didn't know my brother. Then there was me, spitting image of my mother, chunky, cute smile but last to be picked.  I remember hiding a  lot because I thought that I was not smart enough, too fat and not as pretty as my other siblings.  As I got older I began to see myself through God's eyes and realized that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. This video is a testament of my growth. I hope that you come away inspired and knowing without a shadow of a doubt that you are a GIFT! All faith, no fear, KEEP GOING!

Where's the Spoon? Aha Aha!

I love movies and I'm guilty of watching them all the way through till the last credit rolls. One of my favorite movies is Coming to America. And one of my favorite scenes is at the end where the Jewish guy played by Eddie Murphy tells a joke called "Where's the Spoon"? There was a simple question asked by the customer for the waiter to taste the soup. In suspense the waiter kept asking is the soup too hot, too cold what is it? He finally says I'll taste the soup but "Where's the spoon"? Then the Jewish guy waves his finger in the air as if a light bulb came on and says Aha, Aha! I laugh until I cry because the joke isn't funny.  But it made me think about those moments when the light bulb in your head comes on to ask the right question to get the answer you've been looking for from God.

This past year has been a challenge in more ways than I can explain. Being in a trial or a crisis is not a good feeling to say the least but it’s a part of the life we were blessed with. As the church would say “a faith that’s not tested is a faith that can’t be trusted”. But the question still remains why must we go through? Some say it’s to humble us, to see who we really are. Others say it’s to mature us or we are going through to help someone else. I’ve experienced each of these revelations but this time around I could not see what I was supposed to learn. As I prayed and stayed faithful through the process I began to get weary. Losing possessions, business slowing down and financial challenges I began to ask WHY ME LORD? I know everyone has had a “Why ME Lord”moment in their life, if not keep living.

I got to the point where I felt completely empty and not like myself. With my praying, always believing, bulldog faith having, put a smile on your face self. I, Jessica Shanelle Macks could not see myself anymore. It wasn’t until I felt like I lost everything and had nothing to offer when I learned what this whole trial was about. You see once I felt like I had nothing to offer that’s when I discovered that jewel of a gift I’ve always had inside of me. My friends and family would see it but I couldn’t see it until now. You see the less possessions and tangible value I had the more I realized my precious value inside of me. I saw me through the eyes of God. Something as simple as tasting the soup but not having the spoon helps you to see that the smallest thing matters. That's how God sees you! It may not be valuable to you or anyone else but it means the world to Him.  This week why don't you just taste the soup, but first get a spoon! Aha....... Aha!!! LOL

Better Days Ahead!

This morning I woke up with a renewed spirit. I know that it sounds cliche'ish but it's the truth! We all have moments where we do not feel like ourselves and we wonder how in the world did we get to this place. Yesterday as I was preparing to go to worship I whispered to God and said " Dad, I just don't feel like my old self anymore". Right there in those moments when you feel empty and are down to nothing God sends a word to rejuvenate your spirit. This morning I felt like a brand new/old person. I feel like myself again. Today be encouraged because better days are ahead.

Better Days!

What's Next Jess?

It's been a few weeks since I've stepped out on faith and chased a dream of mine. Being back home in New York was the best feeling ever. With all the support from my JSW Media Group team, friends and family, words can not explain how much I appreciate you all. Being in that moment and time while facing some adversities really opened my eyes to how much I am loved and supported. The question that has been asked repeatedly after my New York trip is, what's next Jess? To be honest with you I have no idea what's next. Is that answer ok? I say that because for a minute it wasn't ok with me. I've always been the one who had a plan, knew what to do and had a back up plan when the others failed. But today I have to put all my trust in the one who created this life of mine. So it's ok not to know what's next or all of the details of God's plan for your life, just trust Him. So the answer to your question is I don't know but I am expecting something GREAT!